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, the Ensemble has performed in the Richmond Dance Festival's Next Generation Showcase, at the Shenandoah Collaborative Teen Arts Festival in Harrisonburg, VA, 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 Richmond First Fridays Art Walk, 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, the Ensemble has performed in the Richmond Dance Festival's Next Generation Showcase, at the Shenandoah Collaborative Teen Arts Festival in Harrisonburg, VA, 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 Richmond First Fridays Art Walk, 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.
