YOUTH DANCE ENSEMBLE

YOUTH DANCE ENSEMBLE

The Youth Dance Ensemble (YDE) is Delaware Dance Company’s performing ensemble for advanced beginner and intermediate dancers who are ready to deepen their training through performance. Rooted in DDC’s belief that performing is essential to a dancer’s growth, YDE provides opportunities to cultivate both technique and artistry while building confidence and responsibility as part of a supportive ensemble community.

Through performance experiences throughout the year, dancers develop a strong sense of belonging and collaboration. Younger dancers benefit from learning alongside older peers, while more experienced members grow as leaders and mentors. YDE members also work with multiple teachers and choreographers in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and musical theatre dance—experiences that are invaluable in developing skill, artistry, and confidence.

YOUTH DANCE ENSEMBLE PROGRAM OVERVIEW

  • YDE is open to dancers entering Ballet Levels 2X, 3, and 3X who demonstrate readiness for additional responsibility and performance opportunities.

    YDE dancers:

    • Are enrolled in the required ballet curriculum

    • Must also enroll in a jazz or modern class

    • Demonstrate focus, reliability, and enthusiasm for ensemble work

  • What are the benefits of being a member of the Youth Dance Ensemble? The experience of performing helps to cultivate technique as well as artistry and is necessary for the growth of any serious dancer. Aside from the exciting performance experiences, dancers have a chance to feel they are part of a family of dancers. The experience gives younger dancers a chance to interact with older dancers and older dancers an opportunity to share their experience with new or younger members of the Youth Dance Ensemble. YDE members also have the unique opportunity to work with multiple teachers and choreographers in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and musical theatre dance. These experiences are invaluable for developing their skills and confidence.

  • Youth Dance Ensemble members perform at a variety of events throughout the year, including dance festivals, community events, and DDC performances.

    Past performance opportunities have included:

    • DDC Open House Performance (August)

    • Newark Community Days (September)

    • Maryland Dance Festival (October)

    • Delaware Dance Festival (February)

    • DDC’s Gala Performances (March)

    • Spring Dance Celebration (April)

    • Cystic Fibrosis Walk (May)

    • DDC End of Year Concert (June)

    These experiences help dancers build confidence, stage presence, and teamwork.

  • DANCER EXPECTATIONS

    Members of the Youth Dance Ensemble make a full-year commitment. Dancers sign a participation agreement and are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals, performances, and events.

    As representatives of Delaware Dance Company, YDE dancers are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism, responsibility, and respect in the studio and at all performances and community events.

    PARENT EXPECTATIONS

    Families play an important role in supporting the Youth Dance Ensemble. Parents of YDE dancers are members of the YDE Parent Guild and are asked to assist with a small number of events each year (typically 3–4 per season).

    Parent support may include:

    • Assisting with the YDE Showcase performance

    • Supporting fundraising efforts

    • Helping with YDE-sponsored Nutcracker food tables

    • Providing backstage or event support as needed

    Parents who wish to become more involved are welcome to participate on the YDE Parent Guild Board.

    SUMMER INTENSIVE

    Each summer, Delaware Dance Company offers a YDE Intensive Workshop, designed specifically for Youth Dance Ensemble members. During the intensive, dancers begin learning choreography for the upcoming performance season.

    While attendance is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended. Dancers who do not attend the summer intensive may not be included in choreography learned during that time and may instead be placed in works created later in the dance year.

  • FEES & AUDITIONS

    • Auditions: Typically held in early June

    • Annual YDE Dues: $150 (may be paid in installments)

    • Training Requirement: All members must enroll in a Jazz or Modern class in addition to their required Ballet curriculum.