Performance Groups

RKDC Performance Groups provide dedicated dancers with the opportunity to develop strong performance skills, artistry, teamwork, and technical growth in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Similar to a dance team, our program focuses on training and performance rather than competition. We offer four groups separated by age and skill level, designed for dancers with prior experience who are ready for a greater level of commitment and challenge. A minimum one-year commitment is required, though many dancers continue for multiple years. All Company members are required to purchase designated warm-ups, including a jacket, shirt, pants, and additional team apparel.

Additional criteria for consideration may apply for all groups. Director/Instructor evaluation or audition is required to join. Please contact Education Director Brianna Barron for more information at brianna@rkdc.org.

Mini Company, 6-8yrs

Dancers learn to work together as a “team” while preparing for upcoming performances.

Skills/Requirements:

At least 1-2 years of consistent dance experience in ballet, jazz, contemporary dance.
Knowledge of and proper demonstration of foundation ballet & dance skills: (plié, tendu, arabesque, leaps/ turns, balance, coordination, barre & class etiquette, etc.)
Learn and retain choreography quickly.
A genuine interest and commitment to learning dance and trying new styles of dance.
Display good listening skills.
History of excellent attendance.
Must commit to performing in ALL RKDC shows and at least one other performance during the year (South Bay Festival of the Arts for example)
Must consistently enroll in an RKDC ballet class as a co-requisite.

Jr. Company, 9yrs +

RKDC’s Jr. level performance group focuses on enhancing technique, performance skills and artistry by studying techniques from ballet, lyrical, contemporary, modern dance and choreography. Jr. Company dancers receive numerous opportunities to perform and choreograph in large and small groups such as solos, duets and trios. This group is not for beginning level dancers.

Skills/Requirements:

At least 2-3 years of consistent training in ballet, jazz, and/or contemporary.
Excellent Attendance
Demonstrate respectful conduct and good class etiquette.
Enrolled in their assigned ballet class level with RKDC (please contact brianna@rkdc.org for placement) + at least 1 other class (jazz, contemporary, hip hop, etc) for a total of 3 classes.

Proficient in beginner, advanced beginner, and some beginning intermediate concepts such as but not limited to:

Footwork: triplets, pas de bourrée, jazz square, chassé, six-step (no direction change), Jazz walks, pivot, ball/change.
Floorwork: back rolls, bottom rolls, and beginner level inversions: single leg, two-handed cartwheel, scoot.
Turns: Pirouette/Preparation (ballet & jazz – clean single, double preferred), Chainê, Piqué, soutenou.
Legs/Leaps: Battement (around-the-world), front Jeté, Penché, 6’oclock, fan kick.
Codified Movements: Knowledge of ballet terms and feet/arm positions 1-6.
Choreography: Consistent choreography retention and ability to learn movement with some review. Familiarity with improvisation skills.
Control/Athleticism/Strength: Some flexibility is desired. Must be able to demonstrate movements that quickly change levels (from standing to floor).

Sr. Company, 11yrs +

RKDC’s Senior level performance group studies ballet, contemporary, jazz, choreography, and performance for intermediate/advanced level dancers. Members focuses on enhancing technique, performance skills and artistry by developing choreography. Dancers receive numerous opportunities to perform and choreograph in large and small groups such as solos, duets and trios.

Skills/Requirements:

At least 3-4 years of consistent technique training in ballet, jazz, contemporary
Maintain Good Attendance
Demonstrate respectful conduct and good class etiquette.
Enrolled in their assigned ballet class level with RKDC (please contact brianna@rkdc.org for placement).
Proficient in Intermediate – Advanced skills such as but not limited to:
- Artistry/Choreography:
  - Excellent choreography retention and ability to learn challenging movement quickly
  - Excellent performance quality including the ability to demonstrate artistry and storytelling in movement
- Footwork: proficiency in advanced footwork such as but not limited to:
  - Six-step with direction changes
  - Triplets with direction and level changes
  - Pas de bourrée with direction changes
  - Other dance movements with quick direction and spot changes
- Floorwork: Proficient in floor movements such as but not limited to:
  - Back rolls
  - Shoulder stands
  - Roll Ups/Backbends
  - Inversions (one & two handed)
  - Cartwheels
- Proficiency in Jazz technique/Intermediate + advanced level turns & jumps including:
  - Second Turns
  - Double or Triple Pirouette
  - Leaps (front, side, turning)
- Control/Athleticism/Strength:
  - Demonstrate an ability to successfully participate in partner & group movements such as lifts.
  - Demonstrate upper body strength to successfully execute intermediate – advanced floorwork and partner work.
  - Demonstrate intermediate – advanced flexibility.

Hip Hop Krew, 8yrs +

RKDC’s Hip Hop performance group. Students learn various styles of hip hop dance as they develop improvisation skills and individual style. Additional performance opportunities available.

Skills/Requirements

Students interested in joining RKDC Hip Hop Krew must receive approval from the director and be evaluated by their current instructor. Skills required include: