The Dogwood Dance Apprentices & Youth Ensemble
Developed by dance educators in the Dogwood Dance Project Professional Company, these groups of auditioned student dancers have the unique opportunity to get behind the scenes of a small modern dance company. They're included in regular company rehearsals, allowing them to be a part of new work from concept to performance, and giving them insight into what it takes to produce independent modern dance--from scheduling, to fundraising, costuming and marketing. Apprentices also understudy company roles and help in the choreography and creation of a joint Apprentice/Company piece. These young dancers get the chance to meet students from other Virginia studios, take class from new teachers, and perform pre-professionally across the Commonwealth.
After auditions in August, the Apprentices & Youth Ensemble work hard throughout the summer and fall to be featured in the company's Season Performance at Dogtown Dance Theatre in Richmond. In addition, during the 12-13 and 13-14 Seasons, the Ensemble also performed at the McGuffey Art Center as a part of Charlottesville's First Fridays Dance Series, at the Virginia Dance Festival benefiting the Children's Hospital Foundation, and in outreach performances at the Petersburg Home for Ladies and the Greene County Arts Festival.
The Apprentice & Youth Ensemble experience is free for selected students, but does require significant rehearsal time and some travel. Attendance--especially during the summer and fall rehearsal period--is important. Participation in fundraising initiatives to the best of the students' efforts is also required.
After auditions in August, the Apprentices & Youth Ensemble work hard throughout the summer and fall to be featured in the company's Season Performance at Dogtown Dance Theatre in Richmond. In addition, during the 12-13 and 13-14 Seasons, the Ensemble also performed at the McGuffey Art Center as a part of Charlottesville's First Fridays Dance Series, at the Virginia Dance Festival benefiting the Children's Hospital Foundation, and in outreach performances at the Petersburg Home for Ladies and the Greene County Arts Festival.
The Apprentice & Youth Ensemble experience is free for selected students, but does require significant rehearsal time and some travel. Attendance--especially during the summer and fall rehearsal period--is important. Participation in fundraising initiatives to the best of the students' efforts is also required.
Interested in the Youth Ensemble/Apprentice experience?
AUDITIONS FOR THE 18-19 SEASON HAVE ALREADY TAKEN PLACE. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE 19-20 SEASON!
Company Requirements: male and female, 18+ with reliable transportation and Sunday afternoon rehearsal availability.
Youth Ensemble Dancers Requirements: male and female, high school age with an interest in learning more about being in an independent company and Sunday afternoon rehearsal availability.
Auditions consist of a technical modern warm-up, across the floor work and a combination for performance.
Dancers unable to attend auditions in person are welcome to send in a video audition for judge's and company review. Audition videos should include ballet barre and modern center highlights (5 minutes max), and a piece of modern choreography featuring floor work, turning and leaping/jumping (1:30 max). Video auditions must be submit to a company member or received via email (YouTube link) or mail by June the 28th!
Interested dancers should download, print and fill out the forms linked below (please scan and send the forms with your video if you are submitting a video audition).
AUDITIONS FOR THE 18-19 SEASON HAVE ALREADY TAKEN PLACE. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE 19-20 SEASON!
Company Requirements: male and female, 18+ with reliable transportation and Sunday afternoon rehearsal availability.
Youth Ensemble Dancers Requirements: male and female, high school age with an interest in learning more about being in an independent company and Sunday afternoon rehearsal availability.
Auditions consist of a technical modern warm-up, across the floor work and a combination for performance.
Dancers unable to attend auditions in person are welcome to send in a video audition for judge's and company review. Audition videos should include ballet barre and modern center highlights (5 minutes max), and a piece of modern choreography featuring floor work, turning and leaping/jumping (1:30 max). Video auditions must be submit to a company member or received via email (YouTube link) or mail by June the 28th!
Interested dancers should download, print and fill out the forms linked below (please scan and send the forms with your video if you are submitting a video audition).
PLEASE BRING THE FOLLOWING COMPLETED PAPERWORK WITH YOU TO AUDITION!
Those interested in company positions ONLY need the Info/Application and Calendar forms.
Those interested in the Youth Ensemble, please bring all forms!
Teacher Recommendation Form - this form should be completed by a teacher (dance teacher or academic teacher) who can speak to your level of commitment and ability to work as a part of a team!
Info/Application Form
Liability Waiver - must be signed by you and your parent (if you're under 18!)
Also, please print and use this calendar to indicate any commitments you have from July-January. We will use this to try and make a rehearsal schedule which works for everyone as much as possible!
This form is not needed for a complete audition packet, but please look over the Dogwood Dance Project Youth Ensemble and Apprentice Contract--should you be accepted for the 16-17 Season you will be required to sign a similar contract for participation!
Those interested in company positions ONLY need the Info/Application and Calendar forms.
Those interested in the Youth Ensemble, please bring all forms!
Teacher Recommendation Form - this form should be completed by a teacher (dance teacher or academic teacher) who can speak to your level of commitment and ability to work as a part of a team!
Info/Application Form
Liability Waiver - must be signed by you and your parent (if you're under 18!)
Also, please print and use this calendar to indicate any commitments you have from July-January. We will use this to try and make a rehearsal schedule which works for everyone as much as possible!
This form is not needed for a complete audition packet, but please look over the Dogwood Dance Project Youth Ensemble and Apprentice Contract--should you be accepted for the 16-17 Season you will be required to sign a similar contract for participation!
We will try to provide a comprehensive schedule (which we'll stick to as closely as possible!) in your acceptance email, and Youth members do not rehearse every single Sunday until closer to concert time. That said--attendance is of utmost importance and casting and recasting will be dependent on reliability and punctuality.
Should you be accepted, tech and dress rehearsals are absolutely mandatory.
*PLEASE ALSO NOTE:
SPRING TBA Virginia Dance Symposium
SPRING TBA Virginia Dance Festival
Should you be accepted, tech and dress rehearsals are absolutely mandatory.
*PLEASE ALSO NOTE:
SPRING TBA Virginia Dance Symposium
SPRING TBA Virginia Dance Festival
If you are auditioning, please be prepared to rehearse Sunday afternoons July- January to prepare for Dogwood's January Season Performance!
