PERFORMING COMPANY

The Performing Company is designed for dancers enrolled in Ballet Level 4 and above within DDC’s Pre-Professional Division.

Company dancers are students who:

• Demonstrate strong technical foundations and artistic potential

• Are ready for an increased level of responsibility and commitment

• Value consistency, focus, and professionalism

• Are interested in performance as a meaningful part of their training

Dancers who have achieved Ballet Level 4 are invited to audition for the Performing Company.

Delaware Dance Company believes that performing cultivates excellence in both technique and artistry and is an essential component of a serious dancer’s development.

Beyond performance opportunities, Company membership offers dancers:

• A strong sense of community and belonging

• Opportunities for mentorship across age levels

• Experience working collaboratively in an ensemble

• Increased confidence, stage presence, and professionalism

Younger dancers benefit from learning alongside experienced peers, while older dancers grow as leaders and role models within the Company.

Performing Company members participate in a structured training program designed to support long-term artistic growth. Dancers have the opportunity to work with DDC faculty as well as guest choreographers and master teachers in ballet, modern, jazz, and theatre dance.

Company dancers perform in a wide range of settings, including:

• Major DDC productions such as The Nutcracker

• Spring dance concerts and gala performances

• Community and cultural events

• Regional festivals and workshops

These experiences are designed to prepare dancers for collegiate programs, professional opportunities, and lifelong engagement with the art of dance.

COMMITMENT & EXPECTATIONS

Membership in the Delaware Dance Company Performing Company is a serious, year-long commitment for both dancers and families. Company dancers are expected to prioritize training, rehearsals, and performances for the full school year and performance season.

REHEARSALS AND SCHEDULING
Classes, rehearsals, and performances are considered a priority. Known conflicts must be submitted in advance, and a limited number of rehearsal conflicts are permitted during the performance season. Rehearsals are typically held on Wednesday evenings following Company Class and Saturday afternoons, with occasional Sunday rehearsals as needed. Schedules and updates are shared via email and WhatsApp.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
As representatives of Delaware Dance Company, Performing Company members are expected to conduct themselves professionally in class, rehearsal, and at all performances and events.

COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY
To support a strong sense of connection and shared responsibility, Company members complete a minimum number of service hours to DDC each season.

Because of the intensity of the program, families are encouraged to carefully consider the time, training, and performance commitments before auditioning. Dancers who are unable to commit fully to scheduled performances and events should not audition for the Performing Company.

Detailed training requirements, summer expectations, performance calendars, fees, and policies are outlined in the Performing Company Handbook.

Company Dancers are expected to enroll and attend a specific curriculum of classes based on their assigned level for the entire school year.  Quality in our performances depends on consistent and focused training. This includes ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, PBT, and Company Class. The Artistic Director must clear any special exemptions.

SCHOOL YEAR TRAINING REQUIREMENT (Sep-June)

Trainee/Ballet 4

• 3 Ballet/Pointe classes

• 1 Modern Class

• 1 Jazz Class

• 1 PBT Class

Apprentice/Ballet 4x

• 3 Ballet/Pointe classes

• 1 Modern Class

• 1 Jazz Class

• 1 PBT Class

Junior/Ballet 5 & up

• 3 Ballet/Pointe classes

• 1 Modern Class

• 1 Jazz Class

• 1 PBT Class

Senior/Ballet 5 & up

• 3 Ballet/Pointe classes

• 1 Modern Class

• 1 Jazz Class

• 1 PBT Class

*Company Class counts as 1 Ballet Class Requirement and Company members are expected to attend Wednesday evening Company Class consistently.

SUMMER TRAINING REQUIREMENTS (July-Aug)

Company members should plan for minimum summer training as shown in the options below:

1. One week of a DDC Summer Intensive + two Ballet Summer Evening Session classes for 6 weeks + DDC Company Intensive

2. Two weeks of a DDC Summer Intensive + DDC Company Intensive

Dancers who attend an approved Summer Program at a different company are only required to attend the Company Intensive

FEES & AUDITIONS

Members of the Performing Company contribute dues and festival fees that support Company performances, productions, and special events. Company dancers are exempt from audition and performance fees for productions. A signed Company Agreement (dancer + parent/guardian) is due by the first week of classes.

RDA DeposIt

• $100 — Due July 31, 2025

Company Dues
Paid in two installments:

• Seniors/Juniors: $200 (Sept 30, 2025) + $200 (March 30, 2026)

• Trainees/Apprentices: $150 (Sept 30, 2025) + $150 (March 30, 2026)

RDA Festival Fees

• Estimated total: $1,250 (minus $100 deposit)

• 5 payments of $230

• Due October–February (on the 30th of each month)

All fees will be posted to your Jackrabbit account.