Audition Information
Apprentice Auditions*
*Note for returning Ensemble & Apprentice dancers – we are changing the format of the audition. You will be learning combinations in all the styles listed instead of a class format as we’ve done in the past. |
New Information for the 2026-2027 Season!
We are revamping our program for this upcoming year and offering varying pathways to suit each dancer. As always, our performance company is thoughtfully designed to support dancers at every stage of their journey while fostering artistry, growth, and a love for performance. Performance Companies Overview Apprentice Our Apprentice branch is perfect for intermediate level dancers beginning their performance experience. This program focuses on building strong foundational technique while introducing performance expectations in a supportive and manageable way. There is a yearly fee of $100 to be a member of the VDS Apprentices. This fee will cover:
Ensemble As dancers grow in technique & performance quality, they may move into our Ensemble program. Being a member of the VDS Ensemble means that you may have the opportunity to be in additional shows and performances. We have reorganized this option and now have two pathways’ dancers can choose between depending on their level of interest and commitment. There is a yearly fee of $150 to be a member of the VDS Ensemble. This fee will cover:
(NEW!) Specialized Pathway Designed for dancers who want performance opportunities with a lighter weekly commitment. Dancers choose the styles they’d like to participate in and must be enrolled in two styles, taking one class per week for each selected style. Specialized dancers are eligible for one role in The Nutcracker and may be included in the Recital Finale depending on the style of that dance.
Our highest level of commitment, the Spotlight Pathway, is for dancers ready to fully immerse themselves in training and performance. These dancers are eligible for multiple roles in The Nutcracker, including solos, and will have the opportunity to perform in the Recital Finale.
Community & Opportunities All Ensemble dancers—both Specialized and Spotlight—are part of one unified community. Throughout the year, dancers will have opportunities to connect through social events and participate in masterclasses with guest instructors. Ensemble parents are expected to attend the MANDATORY Ensemble Parents Meeting (date TBD). They are also asked to attend at least half of the Parents Council meetings held once/month during the regular school year. Additional expectations include: helping with the annual fundraiser, $50/family snack fund for rehearsal & show day meals, helping organize costumes, setup & tear down of performance sets, etc. We hope that veteran parents are able to help as a chairman of a committee, chaperone the Ensemble trip, plan a group outing or two, and more. Just like other sports, teams, or groups that your child is involved with, the VDS Ensemble counts on the support of parents to be a successful and meaningful experience for your dancer. See the 2025-2026 Ensemble & Apprentice handbook for examples of expectations from this current season. |
Check out the Pointe Shoe Scholarship Application HERE
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Village Dance Studio Ensemble
The Village Dance Studio Ensemble is a group of selected advanced dancers that have additional performing and dance training opportunities. 2025-2026 Ensemble
Mia Alessandrini Alonna Alt Alyssa Bagley Curtis Bagley Hayley Birrer Leah Christian Cate Cody McKinzie Duerden Sam Duff Leah Engebretsen Beatrice Gist Clara Gist Lucy Gist Emily Hansen Ella Heincker Grace Isakson Anna Lin Callie Miller Carisa Miller Abby Mott Makenzie Munz Jordan Nelson Elle Nguyen Megan Oelofse Sofia Ozuyener Serafina Ranjbar Claire Rasband Alina Rentsch Ian Rentsch Marin Rose Audrey Schnitzler Lorelei Stumpf Mackenzie West |
Village Dance Studio Apprentice
The Village Dance Studio Apprentices are a group of selected intermediate dancers that have additional performing opportunities & dance development. 2025-2026 Apprentices
Claire Ambrose Norah Easler Leah Ellegood Anna Fisher Hannah Gormong Charlotte Hervey Isla Lehman Sophie Lin Natalie Mason Samantha Poirier Rachel Ranjbar Jovie Rothrock Maddie Satkamp Cate Schroering Katelyn Szymanski Esther Walsh Lilah Welling |
2025-2026 Company Information
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Additional Information about being a member of the VDS Ensemble:
Ensemble members are strongly encouraged to attend the Premier Dance Workshop in the summer, take two VDS ballet classes and one additional class each week, participate in the annual Ensemble fundraiser, and be an active dancer at the Village Dance Studio. Attendance is very important for all Ensemble members. The VDS Ensemble rehearsal schedule varies depending on what shows are coming up. Some of the choreography may be taught in class, but actually putting the dances together will be outside of regular class time. Being a member of the VDS Ensemble 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 members are given performing opportunities, but if your schedule doesn’t allow you to rehearse a certain dance, then you may not be able to be in that performance. There is a yearly fee of $150 to be a member of the VDS Ensemble. This fee will cover:
All members are required to take two VDS Ballet classes/week during the regular school year as well as other dance style classes. We want our members to be well-rounded dancers who can keep up in ballet technique as well as having a diverse dance background. Consistent attendance in classes is required. Ensemble members must call when they must miss or write it on the calendar near the lockers. Above all else, we expect our Ensemble members to be respectful, have a positive attitude, give their best effort each day, and represent VDS as role models to those around them. VDS Ensemble parents are expected to attend the MANDATORY Ensemble Parents Meeting- Thursday June 26th. They are also asked to attend at least half of the Parents Council meetings held once/month during the regular school year. Additional expectations include: helping with the annual fundraiser, providing snacks/meals on long rehearsal days, helping organize costumes, setup & tear down of performance sets, etc. We hope that veteran parents are able to help as a chairman of a committee, chaperone the Ensemble trip, plan a group outing or two, and more. Just like other sports, teams, or groups that your child is involved with, the VDS Ensemble counts on the support of parents to be a successful and meaningful experience for your dancer. |
Additional Information about being a member of the VDS Apprentices:
Apprentice members are strongly encouraged to attend the Jr. Premier Dance Workshop in the summer, take one VDS ballet class each week during the school year plus at least 1 additional class (jazz, modern, ballet, etc), assist with the Ensemble & Apprentices fundraiser, and be an active dancer at the Village Dance Studio. Attendance is very important for all Apprentice members. The VDS Apprentice rehearsal schedule varies depending on what shows are coming up. Teachers will notify Apprentice Members when there are performing opportunities and rehearsals. Apprentices are given the opportunity to perform, but are not required if their schedule does not allow. Being a member of the VDS Apprentices means that you may be asked to be in additional shows and performances. Apprentices will be given additional performing opportunities, but not in every show the Ensemble Members are in. There is a yearly fee of $100 to be a member of the VDS Apprentices. This fee will cover:
VDS Apprentice parents are expected to attend the MANDATORY Apprentice Parents Meeting- Thursday June 26th. They are also asked to attend at least 4 of the Parents Council meetings held once/month during the regular school year. Additional expectations include: helping with the annual fundraiser, providing snacks/meals on long rehearsal days, helping organize costumes, chaperone outings, and more. Just like other sports, teams, or groups that your child is involved with, the VDS Apprentices count on the support of parents to be a successful and meaningful experience for your dancer. |
