Training for the Dancer—and the Career—of Tomorrow

The Dance Company curriculum is intentionally comprehensive, challenging, and responsive to the ever-evolving dance world.

Today’s dancers must be more than technically proficient in one style. They must be versatile, adaptable, informed, expressive, healthy, collaborative, and prepared to step confidently into a wide range of artistic and professional environments. Our curriculum is designed to help dancers develop all of these qualities.

Dance Company students receive exceptional technical instruction across multiple genres while also learning how to care for their bodies, prepare for auditions, set meaningful goals, create choreography, navigate professional expectations, and develop their individual artistic voices.

We train dancers both on and beyond the dance floor.

Individualized, Multidisciplinary Training

Every Dance Company member receives a personalized weekly schedule based on age, experience, technical level, individual goals, and developmental needs.

Schedules may include classes in the following genres and areas of study:

• Acro
• Ballet
• Ballroom
• Commercial Dance
• Contemporary
• Hip Hop
• Jazz
• Jumps, Leaps, and Turns
• Modern
• Musical Theatre Dance
• Pointe
• Stretch and Strength
• Tap

Each genre is evaluated independently. A dancer may be placed at one level in ballet and another level in jazz, contemporary, tap, or another discipline. This allows us to create the most productive and appropriately challenging schedule for each student rather than placing dancers into one general level across every area of study.

In addition to high-level technique classes, Dance Company training may include:

• Anatomy and kinesiology
• Injury prevention
• Cross-training and conditioning
• Flexibility, recovery, and dancer wellness
• Goal setting and personal accountability
• Audition preparation
• Résumé and career preparation
• Choreographic composition
• Musicality and performance quality
• Professional etiquette
• Confidence and mindset development
• College and career exploration

Our goal is not simply to help students dance well today. We want them to understand how to train intelligently, remain healthy, advocate for themselves, and continue growing throughout their entire dance journey.

Expert Faculty Who Invest in Every Dancer

Dance Company students are guided by an exemplary faculty whose professional careers, advanced education, industry experience, certifications, and teaching expertise bring depth and relevance to every class.

Our faculty members hold dancers to high standards while remaining encouraging, approachable, and deeply invested in each student’s success. They understand that developing an exceptional dancer means nurturing the entire artist.

Alongside technique and artistry, faculty place intentional emphasis on:

• Confidence
• Work ethic
• Personal responsibility
• Resilience
• Curiosity
• Professionalism
• Collaboration
• Joy

Dancers can expect thoughtful corrections, personalized critiques, focused instruction, and teachers who know their strengths, understand their goals, and encourage them to keep reaching higher.

Faculty Advising

Every Dance Company student will receive an individual 20-minute meeting with a CAS Dance faculty adviser.

This meeting gives dancers an opportunity to:

• Discuss short-term and long-term goals
• Reflect on their strengths and areas for growth
• Better understand their personalized training plan
• Ask questions about classes, auditions, college, or professional opportunities
• Identify meaningful next steps in their development

We want every dancer to understand not only what they are working toward, but also why their training plan has been designed specifically for them.

Company Culture and Team Building

Dance Company students are celebrated as unique individuals, but they grow as a community.

Throughout the season, dancers will participate in team-building experiences designed to strengthen relationships across ages, class levels, and training tracks. These activities help create the supportive, collaborative culture that makes CAS Dance Company so special.

Our dancers work hard together, cheer for one another, learn from one another, and create friendships that extend far beyond the studio.

And yes, we have a lot of fun along the way!

Performances with Purpose

Performance is an essential part of a dancer’s education.

The Baldwin Wallace Community Arts School is committed to providing Dance Company students with meaningful, innovative, and professionally minded performance opportunities throughout the season.

Each Dance Company production is created to offer dancers something new. Performances may introduce different styles of choreography, theatrical elements, storytelling methods, venues, creative responsibilities, or professional expectations.

Through these experiences, dancers learn how to:

• Apply their technical training in performance
• Communicate ideas and emotions through movement
• Work within an ensemble
• Adapt to different choreographers and creative processes
• Develop stage presence and performance confidence
• Navigate rehearsals, spacing, technical rehearsals, and production weeks
• Respond professionally to feedback and artistic direction
• Take greater ownership of their artistry

Dance Company is not built around repeating the same performance experience each season. Every production presents a new artistic challenge and a new opportunity to grow.

Rehearsal Commitment

Performance rehearsals are held in addition to each dancer’s weekly technique schedule.

Rehearsal days and times will be communicated before the first rehearsal for each production so families can plan accordingly. Dance Company students are expected to approach rehearsals with the same commitment, preparation, attendance, and professionalism they bring to their weekly classes.

Additional rehearsals may be added as productions approach. Detailed schedules and expectations will be shared with participating families.

2026–2027 DANCE COMPANY PERFORMANCES

HOME

Dance Company Production
October 10, 2026

Home will be the first official introduction of the CAS Dance Company in our new forever home.

This joyful and energetic shareformance will welcome our community into the new CAS Dance studios while celebrating the artists and values that fill them. The performance will feature multiple dance genres, opportunities for student choreographers, and work that shares who we are, what we believe, and what makes CAS Dance “dance, plus so much more.”

This performance is more than the opening of a new space. It is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our dancers, families, faculty, and community.

CANCELLED

Dance Company Production
February 26–28, 2027

Cancelled is a powerful narrative dance journey inspired by the stories found within books.

Through movement, music, and storytelling, this original production explores what happens when some of the lessons our world needs most begin to disappear. As messages of acceptance, hope, love, empathy, and understanding are increasingly challenged, Cancelled asks dancers and audiences to consider which stories are too important to lose.

This fully produced Dance Company performance will challenge dancers to develop their artistry, embody complex ideas, collaborate across genres, and participate in a meaningful theatrical experience.

EXPRESSIONS

2027 CAS DANCE RECITAL
May 15, 2027

The annual CAS Dance recital is a joyful celebration of our entire studio community, bringing together Dance Company and personal enrichment students for one exciting performance.

The recital gives dancers the opportunity to share their growth, hard work, and love of dance with family and friends. Information about the season’s theme, choreography, rehearsal expectations, and performance opportunities will be shared at the beginning of the year.

DANCE COMPANY SHOWCASE

May 16, 2027

The Dance Company Showcase is an exclusive Dance Company performance that celebrates the full season of training and artistry.

Dancers will have opportunities to revisit selected works from throughout the year, perform new material, participate in student choreography, and explore solo, duet, and trio performance opportunities.

This showcase gives our dancers the chance to take greater artistic ownership, demonstrate their individual growth, and close the season by celebrating everything they have accomplished together.

Additional Opportunities

Additional performance opportunities will be available to selected Pre-Professional dancers throughout the season. Information about these opportunities will be shared as details are confirmed.

Participation and performance eligibility are determined at the discretion of the Director of Dance. Decisions may be based on readiness, attendance, preparation, professionalism, technical ability, casting needs, and the specific requirements of each opportunity.

Who Is Dance Company For?

The BW CAS Dance Company is designed for students who are serious about advancing their training and ready to make dance an important part of their weekly lives.

Company dancers do not need to have identical goals. Some may dream of pursuing dance in college, performing professionally, teaching, choreographing, or working elsewhere in the dance industry. Others may simply love dance deeply and want the challenge, community, and personal growth that come with high-level training.

What all Dance Company students must share is a strong commitment to learning.

Dancers should be ready to:

• Attend multiple classes each week
• Receive and apply detailed corrections
• Work independently outside of class when needed
• Arrive prepared and ready to learn
• Participate fully in rehearsals and performances
• Support their teammates
• Take responsibility for their progress
• Approach challenges with focus, resilience, and curiosity
• Maintain a positive and professional attitude

Dance Company is demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Dancers gain far more than technical ability. They develop confidence, discipline, time-management skills, teamwork, perseverance, artistry, responsibility, and meaningful friendships.

Most importantly, they become part of a community that believes in both who they are and who they are becoming.

Ages

Students ages 7–18 may audition for the BW CAS Dance Company.

Following auditions, accepted dancers will receive an individualized placement and training track designed to support their current abilities, developmental needs, and future goals.

Company acceptance, class placement, casting, and participation decisions are made at the sole discretion of the Director of Dance.

---

Do you have a dancer between the ages of 6 - 12 with limited experience who is interested in exploring multiple dance genres and performances in a fun way with less commitment? See the Junior Prep-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.

The Right Challenge for Every Dancer

No two dancers grow in exactly the same way.

CAS Dance Company is divided into skill-appropriate training tracks, but placement is never based on a one-size-fits-all model. Each dancer is evaluated individually in every genre so we can build a schedule that best supports their current abilities and future goals.

A dancer’s ballet placement may be different from their jazz, modern, tap, contemporary, or acro placement. This is intentional.

Rather than requiring every dancer to move through all genres at the same pace, our personalized system allows students to train at the most beneficial level in each area. This helps dancers strengthen foundational skills, address specific needs, and remain appropriately challenged throughout the season.

Although all Company classes are created specifically for Dance Company students, dancers may not attend every class with the same group of peers. Class combinations will vary based on level, genre, age, and educational goals.

Weekly Training Commitment

Dance Company students can expect to participate in approximately 6–12 hours of technique classes each week.

The total number of hours will depend on each dancer’s placement and personalized training track. Most dancers will attend technique classes three or four days each week.

Every accepted dancer will receive an individual schedule following auditions and placement.

Weekly technique hours do not include rehearsals for Dance Company productions, showcases, recital pieces, travel performances, or other special opportunities. Rehearsals will be scheduled in addition to the dancer’s regular weekly classes.

All class and track placements are made at the sole discretion of the Director of Dance.

Optional Educational Add-Ons

In addition to their required Dance Company schedule, dancers may choose to participate in the following specialty classes.

These classes are optional additions and may not replace any assigned technique class, rehearsal, or training requirement.

MUSCLES AND MOVIES

Six monthly 90-minute classes
Additional fee: $200

Fitness takes center stage in this energetic and creative conditioning class!

Powered by iconic dance movie soundtracks, Muscles and Movies combines strength training, flexibility, cardiovascular conditioning, and personalized dancer fitness. Each class will use a different dance film as inspiration for a full-body workout designed to keep dancers strong, motivated, and stage-ready.

Dancers will not only leave class feeling stronger; they will also learn how to build safe and effective at-home routines that support their individual training goals.

You may even discover a new favorite dance movie along the way!

INTRO TO TEACHING

Six monthly 90-minute classes
Additional fee: $200

What really goes into teaching an exceptional dance class?

Intro to Teaching gives dancers a behind-the-scenes look at dance education through the study of basic pedagogy, anatomy, classroom structure, lesson planning, technical progressions, and communication.

Students will practice breaking down movement, identifying important technical details, and considering how material can be introduced safely and clearly to dancers of different ages and experience levels.

By learning how to explain and teach technique, dancers often deepen their understanding of their own training. This course is ideal for students who are curious about teaching, assisting, choreography, or simply becoming more thoughtful and informed dancers.

 

 

The Highest Level of CAS Dance Training

Selected Dance Company students will be invited to participate in the CAS Dance Pre-Professional Program.

This skill-based track is designed for our most advanced dancers: students who demonstrate exceptional technical readiness, strong artistry, consistent work ethic, maturity, professionalism, and a desire to prepare seriously for collegiate or professional dance opportunities.

The Pre-Professional Program builds upon the full Dance Company experience with additional training and opportunities created specifically for dancers preparing to enter the next stage of the dance world.

Pre-Professional dancers may receive:

• Additional weekly classes
• Exclusive Pre-Professional training sessions
• Advanced technical and artistic challenges
• College and career preparation
• Audition coaching
• Industry-focused workshops
• Opportunities to work with guest artists
• Additional performance opportunities
• Greater leadership and choreographic responsibilities
• Guidance related to dance programs, résumés, reels, and future pathways

The expectations of Pre-Professional dancers are intentionally high. Students on this track are expected to demonstrate consistency, focus, preparedness, accountability, and leadership in every class and rehearsal.

They should be ready to train with purpose, respond thoughtfully to detailed feedback, work independently, and serve as positive examples within the Dance Company community.

Specialty Workshops

Throughout the season, Dance Company and Pre-Professional dancers will participate in specialty workshops created to expand their knowledge of the many skills required in today’s dance industry.

Workshop topics may include:

• Advanced dance technique
• Audition preparation
• College dance programs
• Professional dance careers
• Acting and character development
• Vocal performance
• Commercial dance
• Choreography
• Health and wellness
• Injury prevention and recovery
• Résumé, headshot, and portfolio preparation
• Professional expectations and etiquette

Specific workshop topics and guest instructors will be announced throughout the year.

Placement

Dancers do not audition separately for the Pre-Professional Program.

All dancers will be considered during the regular Dance Company audition and placement process. Students who are accepted into the Pre-Professional track will be notified as part of their official placement.

Pre-Professional placement is determined at the sole discretion of the Director of Dance and may be reassessed based on a dancer’s attendance, work ethic, technical progress, professionalism, readiness, and ability to meet the expectations of the program.

Pre-Professional Fee

A $200 Pre-Professional fee will be added to the dancer’s base Dance Company tuition.

This fee supports exclusive classes, specialty workshops, and additional Pre-Professional performance opportunities.

Taking Our Training Beyond the Studio

Dance Company students will be eligible to participate in travel opportunities during the 2026–2027 season.

Travel experiences allow dancers to apply their training in new environments, work with outside professionals, learn more about the dance industry, perform for new audiences, and create unforgettable memories with their teammates.

Participation is highly encouraged but is not mandatory. Choosing not to participate in a travel opportunity will not affect a dancer’s Company acceptance or regular class placement.

WE ARE GOING ON A CRUISE!

Where in the world is the CAS Dance Company?

We are heading into international waters!

This one-of-a-kind educational and performance experience will give participating dancers the opportunity to:

• Perform a CAS Dance production aboard a cruise ship
• Take workshops with cruise ship performers
• Learn about professional cruise auditions
• Participate in a question-and-answer session about ship life
• Explore how cruise contracts and performance careers differ from other areas of the dance industry
• Build friendships and celebrate their hard work in a tropical setting

Cruise ship auditions and contracts come with their own unique expectations. Through direct interaction with working professionals, dancers will gain valuable insight into this exciting career pathway.

The CAS Dance performance will take place after the ship officially reaches international waters, which means participating dancers will be able to say they have performed internationally!

It is education, performance, travel, team bonding, and a whole lot of fun wrapped into one incredible experience.

Travel Information Meeting

All Dance Company families are encouraged to attend an informal meeting to discuss the cruise and additional travel opportunities.

Meeting Date: September 16, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.

More detailed information regarding dates, itineraries, eligibility, supervision, family participation, and estimated costs will be shared as it becomes available.

All travel opportunities and travel-related expenses are separate from Dance Company 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

	5 or less hours/wk	6-7 hrs/wk	8+ hrs/wk
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.

It's Time for You to Shine!

Dance Company auditions will take place:

August 5 and 6, 2026
5:00–9:00 p.m.

Each dancer will be assigned an individual 15-minute audition appointment between 4:30 and 9:00 p.m.

Appointments will be assigned randomly and distributed one week before the audition.

A nonrefundable $30 audition fee is required at the time of registration.

What to Expect

Our audition process is designed to give faculty the opportunity to learn about each dancer as both a technician and an individual.

During the audition, dancers will be asked to demonstrate movement from several genres, perform prepared material, discuss their training experiences and goals, and respond to corrections or new information.

We understand that auditions can feel exciting and a little nerve-racking. Our faculty works to create an encouraging environment where dancers can show us who they are, what they know, and how they learn.

We are not only looking at what a dancer can do today. We are also considering potential, work ethic, focus, musicality, artistry, adaptability, and readiness for the commitment of Company training.

Audition Requirements

Dancers auditioning for Dance Company must:

• Arrive with hair secured neatly away from the face
• Wear form-fitting, appropriate dance attire that allows faculty to clearly observe alignment and technique
• Learn the short audition combination provided by CAS Dance 
• Prepare a 60-second solo in the dance style of their choice
• Provide music for the solo on an MP3-compatible device
• Be prepared to discuss their dance training, interests, goals, and future plans
• Be prepared to demonstrate technical skills in multiple dance genres
• Approach the audition with focus, openness, and a willingness to learn
• Show us your unique artistry and what makes YOU the dancer Dance Company is looking for! We want authentic, brave dancers who are ready to be their best selves!

Placement

Following auditions, faculty will carefully consider each dancer’s technical ability, experience, musicality, artistry, potential, maturity, work ethic, and readiness for the program.

Accepted students will receive:

• Their Dance Company acceptance
• Individual class placements
• A personalized weekly training schedule
• Notification of Pre-Professional placement, when applicable
• Additional enrollment and season information

Company selection, placement, and scheduling decisions are made at the sole discretion of the Director of Dance.

Dancers can choose between two 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.

Contemporary Combo Breakdown

Contemporary Combo with Music

Jazz Combo Breakdown

Jazz Combo with Music