Dance at CAS
2025/2026 Dance Season
Group auditions for the 2025/2026 Dance Company are closed, but auditions may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. To learn more or discuss your options, contact Heather Dennen, Director of Dance, at hdennen@bw.edu or (216) 372-8062.
Please check back for updated information regarding next year's company or sign up for our mailing list to be notified when group auditions re-open.
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The Community Arts School Dance Company
The BW CAS Dance Company is a comprehensive, dynamic dance program for serious dancers looking to build their technical skill set. We provide students the highest quality education in multiple dance genres to create the most well-rounded dancer possible. Dance Company works as a bridge to the dance industry, preparing dedicated students to reach their fullest potential and have the training and knowledge needed to pursue dance at the collegiate and/or professional level should they desire. Participants can expect small class settings, personalized critiques, and focused instruction.
The BW CAS Dance Company works as a team, training cohesively and building lifelong friendships in a non-competitive environment. Personalized curriculum tracks allow company members to focus on their individual goals and aspirations. Training on and beyond the dance floor allows students to participate in workshops, auditions, and meaningful performance opportunities, all designed to prepare dancers for their future. With the support of an exemplary faculty, company dancers receive the well-rounded, exemplary training required of marketable dancers.
Contact Heather Dennen, Director of Dance, at hdennen@bw.edu or (216) 372-8062 to learn more or with any questions.
The Dance Company curriculum is specifically designed to be well rounded and comprehensive. The curriculum mirrors the ever-evolving scope of the dance world and empowers our dancers to be relevant, knowledgeable, and employable in the current dance landscape.
We train dancers on and beyond the dance floor. Company dancers set personal goals and are assisted in taking the steps needed to achieve these goals. In addition to the highest level of technique classes also include instruction in anatomy and kinesiology, goal setting, audition prep, choreography composition, injury prevention, cross conditioning, and recovery to ensure dancers have the knowledge they need to keep them dancing for many years to come.
Expert faculty guide the Dance Company students using their own blend of professional, yet relatable, experience. Dance Company faculty focus on the dancer as a whole artist and place emphasis on the mindset, confidence, work ethic, and joy of each individual dancer.
Each Dance Company member receives their own individual schedule, which will include a combination of classes in the following genres.
• Acro
• Ballet
• Contemporary
• Jazz
• Musical Theatre Dance
• Modern
• Commercial Dance
• Hip Hop
• Ballroom
• Jumps/Leaps/Turms
• Stretch and Strength
In addition to these weekly classes, Dance Company will have specialty workshops scheduled throughout the year. Each workshop will have a specific focus designed to help our students grow in their knowledge of dance technique, audition preparation, vocals, acting, health and wellness, and more!
As part of the Baldwin Wallace Community Arts School Dance Company, each student will receive a half-hour meeting with a dance faculty adviser to help set goals, construct a personalized training plan, and address any questions or concerns regarding growth and goals.
Team bonding events designed to build relationships and friendships within the company will be scheduled throughout the season. The dance Company makes a specific effort to create a team-oriented culture, and we have a lot of fun along the way!
The Baldwin Wallace Community Arts School is committed to providing Dance Company with meaningful performance opportunities throughout the season. All performances are specifically designed to encourage dancers to push the boundaries of their artistry, have first-hand experience in a professional performance environment, and give the dancers unique opportunities with a wide variety of performance knowledge. Dance Company is a different dance experience, with each performance opportunity containing unique content and an innovative venue or challenge.
Performance rehearsals will be in addition to the dancer’s weekly class schedule. The days and times of these additional rehearsals will be communicated prior to the first rehearsal for that performance to allow families to plan accordingly.
2025/2026 Dance Company Performances
Spellbound, October 11 – October 12, 2025
• The magic of every day is often overlooked. It is easy to get caught up in the mundane and miss the fantastical elements we encounter daily. In this black box show, Dance Company will explore the moments within a year that make life magical, how to hold on to that magic, and how to share that magic with the world.
Empowerment, Disney Performing Arts, February 5-8, 2026
- • Dancers participating in the optional Dance Company Disney Performing Arts trip will perform on stage in Walt Disney World. Our show, Empowerment, will explore the characters and themes throughout Disney movies that empower us to chase our dreams, stand up for what is right, and celebrate joy!
Musical Theatre Review, March 14 – 15, 2026
• This musical theatre review will allow dancers the opportunity to sing and have lines while keeping an emphasis on pushing the boundaries of dance. Performing sections of dance-heavy musicals, dancers will explore the demands of being a dancer in a Broadway show!
Unity, May 16, 2026
- 2026 CAS Dance Recital,
Additional performance opportunities will be available for select Dance Company Dancers throughout the season. Details on these additional opportunities will be communicated as soon as possible. Performance eligibility is at the sole discretion of the Dance Company director.
The BW CAS Dance Company is for any student focused on advancing and honing their technical skillset with a strong commitment to their personal dance education. Dance Company is designed to benefit students pursuing professional dance careers, but it is not limited to students who want to dance professionally. Dance and dedication to a training company provide many benefits outside of dance technique, including work ethic, increased confidence, time management, teamwork, sportsmanship, and much more. Dance Company is also rewarding and fun!
AGES:
Any student ages 7 - 18 may audition for the BW CAS Dance Company. Upon acceptance, each student will receive an individual track designed to provide the best opportunity for development and growth.
NOTE: Company selection and placement will be at the sole discretion of the dance company director.
Do you have a dancer between the ages of 6 - 10 with limited experience who is interested in exploring multiple dance genres and performances in a fun way with less commitment? See the BW CAS Petite Dance Company, which provides young dancers with an exciting stepping stone into the company track without the full time and financial requirements of being a Dance Company member.
CAS Dance Company is divided into skill-appropriate tracks. Individual students will be placed into classes that are best suited for their personal goals and their individual skill level within each genre. Each genre and class will be evaluated separately to create the best-tailored experience for each dancer. While all Dance Company classes are specifically for Dance Company, students may not take every class with the same company dancers. This customization allows dancers to work at the most beneficial level to their current needs and skill set.
Dancers can expect to take between six (6) and twelve (12) hours of weekly technique classes. Class volume will be decided on track placement. Placement is at the sole discretion of the Director of Dance – CAS. All dancers will receive their own personalized schedule after audition placement. Students will have technique classes 3 – 4 days a week, depending on their schedule.
Please note that rehearsals for all shows will be in addition to this base of technique classes.
In addition to the dancer’s weekly assigned tracks, Dance Company Dancers can add on Tap and Anatomy of a Dancer classes. These classes are in addition to the Dance Company schedule and cannot be used as a substitution for any assigned classes.
Tap:
Weekly 45-minute tap class. The dancer’s current tap level determines class day and time. Dance Company dancers can add this class to their schedule for the reduced rate of $250.00.
Anatomy of a Dancer:
Monthly 90-minute class (7 classes total) focused on human anatomy and the “why” behind technique. The class will be divided into two halves. Part one will be a human anatomy exploration of the muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments that allow us to dance. Part two will be an active exploration of how to use and engage the anatomy just learned. Dancers will develop a deepened understanding of how their bodies work, how to take care of their bodies, and how to deepen their technique through this new knowledge. Company dancers can add this class to their schedule for $200.00
Certain Dance Company members will be invited to participate in the CAS Dance Pre-Professional program. This skill-based program is for the most elite dancers. Dancers on this track take additional classes just for pre-pro students, have additional workshops based on professional careers, and will have an additional pre-pro performance opportunity.
Dancers do not have to audition separately for the pre-professional track. Dancers will be notified in their placement if they have been accepted into this track.
CAS Dance Company dancers will be eligible to participate in travel opportunities during the 2025/2026 season. Participation in these travel events is highly encouraged but not mandatory. Decisions not to participate in travel opportunities will have no effect on Dance Company placement.
DISNEY PERFORMING ARTS: To infinity and beyond! Dance Company dancers are returning to Walt Disney World February 5 – 8, 2026! Here, dancers will perform a show in Walt Disney World, take two Disney cast member-led workshops exposing our dancers to behind-the-scenes knowledge, audition prep, the rehearsal process, and Disney dance technique, and get three exclusive add-ons! Plus, plenty of fun bonding in the parks! This trip isn’t just fun for dancers, it is fun for the entire family! There are too many magical details to include here! Please see the Disney Performing Arts packet for complete info!
All Dance Company families are encouraged to attend an informal meeting on September 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss all travel options.
*Please note that all travel opportunities and fees associated with travel are in addition to the Dance Company season tuition.
INCLUDES:
- All dance classes, choreography, and rehearsal instruction
- Workshops scheduled throughout the year
- Meeting with a faculty advisor
- Exclusive Dance Company performance opportunities
- Team bonding activities
|
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3+ |
|
|
Monthly Payment (Aug-May) |
$215.00 |
$250.00 |
$275.00 |
|
Full Season Cost |
$2,150.00 |
$2,500.00 |
$2,750.00 |
*Tuition can be paid in full up front or can be paid on a variety of customizable payment plans. There is no additional cost for a payment plan.
*All CAS students pay an annual registration fee of $25.00.
*All CAS dance students pay an annual recital fee of $95.00.
The BW Community Arts School remains committed to allowing families to apply for and receive financial aid. Financial aid applications will be available in late summer. Financial aid awards do not affect a student’s placement or acceptance into the Dance Company.
Dance Company Auditions will occur on July 30th and July 31st, 2025, from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
All auditioning dancers will be assigned a 20-minute audition time slot between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Exact audition times will be assigned randomly and distributed one week before the audition date.
To register for auditions, please visit bw.edu/casdance. There is a $25.00 non-refundable audition fee for all who register.
Dancers auditioning for Dance Company placement must:
- Come to auditions with hair slicked back from face and should wear form fitting, appropriate, dance attire.
- Learn a short combination provided by CAS (see website for links).
- Prepare a 60-second solo in their favorite dance style to present at auditions.
- Provide their music for this solo and bring it on an MP3-compatible device.
- Be prepared to answer questions about themselves, their dance training, and future plans.
- Be prepared to demonstrate dance technique in various genres.
Dancers can choose between either of the following audition combos. Dancers only need to learn and execute one combo. Dancers should choose the combo that shows their abilities and artistry in the best way. We want to see YOU, your personality, and your best skills! Remember, we are not looking for perfection! We are looking for potential and true artistic interpretation.
Option 1:
Option 2:
