Embody Dance Company offers a structured performance program designed for dancers who are committed, motivated, and ready to grow. We are not a traditional dance studio — we are a company connected to Embody Dance Collective, created to provide additional performance and competition opportunities beyond regular weekly classes.

Our goal is to complement and enhance the technical training dancers receive at Embody Dance Collective by offering focused choreography, company rehearsals, and meaningful stage experience. Dancers are placed in groups based on age, experience level, and how they best fit within the company's structure. Each dancer is carefully evaluated to ensure they are in an environment that both challenges and supports them. Our focus is on the growth of our dancers rather than awards or winning competitions.

Each age group has required weekly Company rehearsals and a set of required technique classes through Embody Dance Collective. Exact schedules are shared at the start of each season.

Please note, these are the minimum requirements. Dancers are always encouraged to train as much as the can within their available time commitments.

2026- 2027 Season Training Requirements are determined by a dancer's age group:

• Ages 6–7: 1 ballet, 1 jazz, 1 conditioning

• Ages 8–10: Choose one of the following options:

  • Option A: 1 ballet, 1 jazz, 1 conditioning, 1 specialty class (includes contemporary)

  • Option B: 2 ballet, 1 jazz or contemporary, 1 conditioning

• Ages 11 and up: Choose one of the following options:

  • Option A: 2 ballet, 1 modern, 1 jazz, 1 contemporary, 2 conditioning, 1 specialty class

  • Option B: 3 ballet, 1 contemporary, 1 jazz or modern, 2 conditioning, 1 specialty class

Specialty classes include: tap, hip-hop, pointe, pre-pointe, acro and modern.

Important: Dancers may only be cast in pieces that match the styles they are actively enrolled in. For example, a dancer must be taking tap in order to compete in a tap piece. This applies to all styles — group dances, solos, duos, and trios.

Pointe & ballet casting note: Being cleared for pointe does not automatically qualify a dancer for casting in pointe group pieces or variations, and taking the minimum required ballet classes does not automatically qualify a dancer for ballet group pieces or variations. Both pointe and ballet casting require a higher number of ballet hours than the minimum requirement. The director will determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

Summer Training Requirements Minimums

Your registration form will require dancers to write how much they trained (or will train) over the summer prior to casting. A failure to meet requirements will affect casting for the year.

Requirements by a dancer's age group for 6 weeks of the summer:

• Ages 6–7: 1 ballet, 1 jazz, 1 conditioning or specialty class

• Ages 8–10: 2 ballet, 2 conditioning, jazz, contemporary

• Ages 11 and up: 3 ballet, 3 conditioning, jazz, contemporary, 2 specialty classes*

Specialty classes include tap, hip-hop, pointe, pre-pointe, acro, and modern.

Dancers who participated in outside activities such as summer intensives, National dance convention competitions, master classes, private lessons, etc. can list them under the summer training requirements.

If hours cannot be met through classes, they must be made up through private lessons and approved by JacLyn before auditions.

Group Dances

Group dance rehearsals are 45-60 minutes per week. Group rehearsals run during breaks in the Embody Dance Collective schedule during the week (Monday–Saturdays).

Staging rehearsals for group dances start in August.

Solos, Duos. Trios

Solo, duo, and trio rehearsals are scheduled around each dancer's school schedule. Weekday rehearsals begin no earlier than 3:00 PMand end no later than 9:30 PM. Rehearsals may also be scheduled on Fridays or Sundays.

Solos receive one hour of rehearsal each month. Additional practice time can be done through private lessons.

Duos/Trios receive two hours of rehearsal each month. Additional practice time can be done through private lessons.

Sunday Commitment

Sundays are typically used for extra rehearsals when a group dance needs additional work or for private lesson availability.

Embody has a mix of required and optional events for company members each season. Our competition schedule is catered toward what each dancer needs most in their journey — whether that's more stage time, exposure to adjudicator feedback, or the experience of competing in pre-professional settings.

Each season, we offer:

• 4 convention-style competitions

• 2 ballet-specific competitions (optional — see below)

• 2 traditional regional competitions

• 1 national competition (optional — see below)

Which competitions are required will depend on the dancer's current stage of development and the director's recommendation. Participation is determined on a piece-by-piece basis to ensure each dancer is challenged appropriately without being over-committed.

Ballet competitions are optional and are only applicable to dancers who have a ballet variation, are cast in a group ballet piece or contemporary ballet piece. Dancers without ballet repertoire will not attend these events.

The Embody competition season runs from January through April 2027. The season kicks off with a mandatory full-company Dress Rehearsal in January 2027 (exact date TBD), which ensures every piece is stage-ready and gives dancers a chance to run their material in full costume before the first competition.

A tentative schedule will be provided at the start of the season, and dates will be confirmed as soon as they are released by organizers. Dancers are expected to be available for the full weekend of any competition they are cast in, including possible Thursday or Friday performances.

Each dancer's schedule is personalized based on their development and casting. Some events are required; others are optional. Dancers will receive a tailored calendar early in the season.

Tuition, Fees & Costumes

Participation in Embody Dance Company includes a range of financial commitments. We strive to keep costs transparent and structured while providing a high-quality experience for dancers and families.

Fee Breakdown

Monthly Membership Fee — A recurring monthly fee charged to each dancer. This covers administrative work, company communication, and director time outside of rehearsals (e.g., casting, scheduling, and planning).

Per-Dance Fee — Each group piece a dancer is cast in includes a rehearsal fee only — there is no choreography fee for group dances. Solos, duos, and trios incur an additional choreography fee, which reflects the individualized nature of the work and the extra time involved.

Costume Fees — Each group piece will have a separate costume fee. This includes ordering, fittings, and basic alterations. Costume pricing varies by design and vendor.

Embody Jacket — All dancers are required to purchase the official Embody team jacket, worn at competitions and company events. Cost: $150

Optional Apparel — We are currently developing additional optional apparel items for company dancers. Details on available items and pricing are still being finalized and are subject to change. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

Dress Rehearsal Fee — A one-time fee is charged for the mandatory January Dress Rehearsal, which ensures all pieces are stage-ready before competition season begins.

Competition Entry Fees — Embody registers dancers for all competitions and invoices families at cost (no markup). A $50 teacher fee per dancer is added for each competition to support staff time on site. Competition invoices are issued in four installments throughout the season. All competition fees must be paid in full by the January Dress Rehearsal in order for dancers to continue performing for the rest of the season. Competition fees range based on event. Estimated fees follow per competition:

Solos: $90-130

Duos/ Trios: $60-90

Groups: $50-70 per dance piece

Professional Company Photos — A group photo session is held each fall. The cost is split evenly among all company dancers, and payment is required even if a dancer is unable to attend. Pricing will be announced once details are confirmed. If a dancer misses the photo session, they can make up their individual photos at a later date. However, there will be no refund for the group shots.

Travel & Lodging — Families are responsible for all personal expenses related to competitions, including transportation, hotel, and food.

You can register via the Google Form links at the bottom of this page.

Dancers will not be able to audition without this link filled out. The form asks important questions such as dancer's goals, amount of participation, preferred styles, etc.

Once a dancer auditions and makes the team, a link with more information will be sent with pricing, schedules, and other important information. This form will be due before Casting Days.

This year there are two audition options — Company Audition Days or a private audition. Select the proper Google Form and you will receive details on next steps.

Registration must be completed before attending. All dancers should plan to arrive 30 minutes early to stretch and warm-up.

Company Audition Days are divided by age group.

What should my dancer wear to auditions?

• Black leotard, pink tights, and black leggings (girls)

• Black T-Shirt and Black Bottoms (boys)

• Ballet shoes, pointe shoes (if applicable), jazz shoes, and contemporary dance socks (or barefoot)

• Hair in a bun

• Minimal jewelry

What should I bring to auditions?

• Water bottle

• Pins for audition number

Group Casting Weekend — Saturday, August 8th & Sunday, August 9th
Casting for group pieces, duos, and trios takes place the weekend following the August 7th audition. Dancers will be called to attend sometime between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Families should keep this full weekend available. Inability to attend casting days WILL affect casting for the year.

Because dancers may be cast in different combinations for different pieces, this structure promotes adaptability, collaboration, and the ability to work with a wide range of peers throughout the season.

Dancers may not begin Embody Dance Company activities prior to formal audition and contract signing.

Dancers who audition and commit before August 8th will be able to begin solo choreography over the summer, may begin duos or trios over the summer, and will be considered for a small group piece that is not available to dancers who audition at a later date.

We will be hosting a parent Q & A before August 7th. Stay tuned for details!