Auditions are: Wednesday, June 4th (6-8pm) & Thursday, June 5th (6-8pm)

​Audition Information
There are two audition times in order to space the number of dancers out for each class. Dancers only need to attend one of the audition times. The audition will be taught by VDS staff and judged by outside dance instructors. The audition will include ballet Barre & Center, Modern Combo, pointe (optional- only for those who have taken more than 2 full years of pointe). Dancers should participate in the full audition even if they have not had formal training in modern. Audition concludes at 7:30pm if you are NOT doing the pointe portion.

What do I need for the audition?
Dancers should arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the audition time to check in and warm themselves up. Dancers need ballet shoes and have footed tights that can be rolled up to ankle or calf-length for the modern component of the audition. Traditional attire (black leotard and pink tights) is recommended. Hair must be pulled back and off the face, bun preferred. 
 
What does the audition determine?
This audition is used to determine the 2025-2026 Ensemble & Apprentice Members as well as featured parts, solos, extra performances, Nutcracker Short & Suite dances, etc.
 
What if I have a pre-scheduled conflict and cannot attend one of the audition dates, but am still interested?
This will be handled on a case by case basis. Please fill out the audition form and select “interested, but not available either date.” 

What is required of me & my parents if I make the Ensemble or the Apprentice group?
Additional information on what is expected as a member of these groups can be found by scrolling to the bottom of the Performing Groups page on our website. If you have additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask!
 
Ensemble & Apprentice FAQ
If selected, what are the requirements?
Dancers are asked to attend the Premier or Junior Premier Dance Workshop (based on emailed recommendations) in the summer, take dance classes each week, participate in the annual Ensemble & Apprentice fundraiser, and be an active dancer at the Village Dance Studio. Attendance is very important for all Ensemble & Apprentice members. Specific requirements can be found on our website on the bottom half of Performing Groups page HERE. 

All Ensemble members are required to take a minimum of three VDS classes (two of which must be ballet) each week during the regular school year. More classes are encouraged. All Apprentice members are required to take a minimum of two VDS classes (one of which must be ballet). We want our members to be well-rounded dancers who can keep up in ballet technique as well as having a diverse dance background. Above all else, we expect our Ensemble & Apprentice members to be respectful, have a positive attitude, give their best effort each day, and represent VDS as role models to those around them.

When do these groups rehearse?
The rehearsal schedule varies depending on what shows are coming up. Some of the choreography may be taught in class, but putting the dances together will be outside of regular class time. Dancers are asked to reserve Saturdays from 1:30-2:30pm for possible rehearsals, especially leading up to Nutcracker. We will NOT rehearse every Saturday, but may have rehearsal a few times each month in Oct-Dec depending on your group Nutcracker dance. Other times will be worked out with students and choreographers as needed.

Is everyone in every show?
Not necessarily. Being a member of the VDS Ensemble or Apprentice means that you may be asked to be in additional shows and performances, but not everyone will be asked to be in every show and you do not have to be in every show if your schedule does not allow. Ensemble & Apprentice members are given extra performing opportunities they may chose to accept or decline.
 
Fees?
There is a yearly fee of $150 to be a member of the VDS Ensemble & $100 if selected as a VDS Apprentice. This fee helps cover some of the additional costs, such as additional rehearsals/teacher time, rental costumes, performance fees, and more. In addition, there is a parents council food fee of $50 per family in apprentice/ensemble to supplement the food provided for long rehearsal days and shows throughout the year. 
 
Assistants
Ensemble & Apprentice members are given priority to become assistants for younger classes. Assistant schedules/selections are based on a first-come, first-serve system in order of age/experience. Ensemble members receive class selection priority. Assistants earn $50, $100, or $150 depending on how many years of assisting experience they have. This “payment” can be applied to costume fees on recital years &

NUTCRACKER SUPPLEMENT OPTION: As many may notice, the Nutcracker has a variety of styles, special features, solos, and more. We cannot cover every intricate detail needed for the Nutcracker during the audition. Returning members (those who have been in the Apprentice or Ensemble for at least 1 year OR anyone currently in Ballet VII or higher) to send in a short video, if they would like, to show us a skill or style that wasn't featured during the audition or they feel they can show more. Suggestions include tap dancing, tumbling/acrobatics, jazz, hip hop, fouette turns, pointe work, theatrical expressions, and more. By sending in a video you are NOT guaranteed to get a part in that style, but rather are showing us where your interests or skills may lie that we may not have known or seen at the audition. All videos must be uploaded to the google folder HERE provided by June 10th.​