Academy Program
The Academy Performances
Saturday, May 12, 7pm & Sunday, May 13, 5pm
Tickets $12 advance, $14 at door, TeenTix $5 at door
Click here to buy advance tickets.
Spectrum Dance Studio Theater
800 Lake Washington Blvd, Seattle
The future is here! The School at Spectrum’s Academy Program takes on works by Donald Byrd, Eva Stone, Vincent Michael Lopez, and Marco Carrabba. The Academy is Spectrum’s pre-professional program for dancers 14-22, and adheres to the rigorous artistic standards set forth by Donald Byrd.
About the Academy Program
The Academy Program is an intensive three-year training program for students aged 14-22 years who are interested in professional careers in dance. The Program’s diverse curriculum of Ballet, Contemporary, Donald Byrd Technique, Donald Byrd’s Engaging with the Choreography course, strengthening classes, and World Dance, develops well-rounded dancers, provides a rich artistic experience, and delivers the highest level of dance training. Acceptance to The Academy Program is by audition only, and is based on artistic talent, physical ability and commitment level. Dancers interested in auditioning for the Academy should consider attending the Summer Intensive to gain an understanding of Donald Byrd technique.
Background
The Academy Program was launched in 2007. While The School at Spectrum Dance Theater has prided itself on its “dance for all” approach, it was felt that there was a segment of the student population that was not being served. The Academy Program is a response to that need. The Academy Program’s affiliation with the Company at Spectrum Dance Theater exposes students to a world-class professional contemporary dance company led by the Bessie Award winning and TONY Award nominated Donald Byrd, Spectrum’s Artistic Director since 2002. The Academy Program opens up many special opportunities for learning, mastery, and artistic development for each and every student. Upper level students in the Academy are eligible for an Apprenticeship with the Company, which allows them to experience first-hand the demands of a professional dancer. Academy apprentices also receive opportunities to perform with the Company.
Benefits
• High-quality, rigorous and diverse dance instruction.
• Opportunities to work directly with Donald Byrd and the Company at Spectrum Dance Theater.
• Invitations to attend Company rehearsals.
• Performance opportunities as part of the Academy Ensemble in the Academy Performance Series, All-School Demo, Holiday Show, and community presentations.
• Opportunities to learn skills in theater production such as costuming, lighting, and live audio.
• Discounted and/or free tickets to Spectrum Dance Theater Company performances.
Requirements
The Academy program is intended to cultivate students pursuing a professional career in dance. Students must attend 9-12 classes per week (approximately 14-18 hours/week) – Ballet (5x); Pointe (2x); Contemporary (3x); World Dance (1x), Donald Byrd’s Engaging with the Choreography (1x), and Strengthening Class (1x).
Tuition
The cost of the Academy Program is $499/7-week session, and includes participation in The Academy Ensemble. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Please contact School Director Shawn Hensley at 206-325-4161 for more information.
How to Apply
Students between the ages of 14 and 21, interested in participating in The Academy Program are required to audition for acceptance into the program. The audition consists of Ballet Technique and Contemporary choreography. Students should wear ballet attire. A black leotard, pink convertible tights, and ballet shoes for women; and white or black leotard, black leggings, and black ballet shoes for men.
Pre-registration is required. To be notified of upcoming auditions, please join the Spectrum e-mail list or check back at the Spectrum website for announcements. If students and parents cannot attend an audition, they should contact School Director Shawn Hensley at 206-325-4161 or shawn@spectrumdance.org to make alternative arrangements.
