Pre-Professional and Academy Program
Ages 10-18 by Audition
The Steps Youth Pre-Professional program’s diverse curriculum provides outstanding and challenging training for successful and adaptable 21st-century dancers in a welcoming and nurturing environment. Graduates of our program flourish in the professional dance world and are among the top picks for elite college dance programs, conservatories, and dance companies, as well as commercial and Broadway work.
Dancers in our Pre-Professional Program work with world-renowned faculty in an atmosphere that promotes artistic excellence, strong technique and a sense of community. As students advance through the program they are encouraged to find their unique artistic voices as they gain the building blocks for success, whether choosing a career in dance or in another field.
Our Academy Program was received with great enthusiasm in its inaugural year. Entering its third year this program will enable dancers ages 13 and up from performing arts high schools and middle schools to access high-level classes within Steps Youth Programs, in conjunction with their academic school schedules.
CLASSES OFFERED
Ballet, Pointe, Theater Dance, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern, Pilates, Stretch & Strengthening, and Tap. Students must comply with course requirements specific to each level. View the full schedule here.
AUDITIONS & PLACEMENT
Students are placed via audition in one of six levels, based on age and ability. Each level has its own set curriculum requirements.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM (ages 10-18, by audition)
Level 1:
Ages 10-12
In Level 1, preparation for pointe work begins for girls and boys explore more advanced allegro work. Emphasis is placed on correct alignment of the feet and ankles, as well as strength in the legs and core. Endurance is gradually built up by longer classes in ballet, and longer, more complex combinations with floor work in Contemporary.
Level 2:
Ages 11-13
In Level 2, girls begin pointe work and all students are in classes for nine hours per week. A Theater dance class is added to expand the students’ ra nge of styles.
Level 3:
Ages 12-14
In Level 3, Jazz and Horton-based Modern are added to the students’ curriculum, in addition to their ballet and tap classes. Studen ts attend twelve hours of classes per week and are included in more performance opportunities within the program.
Level 4-6:
Ages 13-18
In Levels 4, 5 and 6 students enter the advanced levels of training, and study the full curriculum of styles. They continue to build their vocabulary of movement in preparation for high school, college, conservatory and performing auditions.
ACADEMY PROGRAM (Ages 13-18 with a minimum of four years of dance training, by audition)
For advanced dancers looking for access to our high-level dance classes, but who can’t commit to our complete Pre-Professional schedule, we are now offering the Academy program. Dancers choose a minimum of 5 classes (maximum of 7) from within the Pre-Professional curriculum at their determined level. The Academy is recommended for students enrolled in performing arts high schools and middle schools, but all are welcome by audition. Academy students do not participate in end of semester performance opportunities.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Performance opportunities such as the Holiday and Spring Showcases, and community concerts throughout the city enhance each student’s experience in the Pre-Professional Program. Throughout the year casting directors, talent agents, and photographers contact Steps Youth Programs when they are in need of young dancers for film, theater, commercials and print.
