Youth Dance Ensemble
YDE is a group of dedicated dance students from Ann Arbor Dance Classics who are interested in pursuing a more intensive study of dance and performance oppotunities than traditional dance classes allow. YDE dancers are accepted by audition only, and dancers must take a minimum of two ballet technique classes and one jazz technique class weekly, in addition to weekly YDE rehearsal on Saturday. Those who participate in the Tap Company must also participate in weekly tap technique class and rehearsal. YDE dancers perform annually at the holidays, in a spring benefit concert, and in the AADC recital. YDE dancers may alsos be invited to perform in competition groups who enjoy two additional competitive performances each spring.
Auditions and Requirements
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Admission by audition only.
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All YDE members are required to take two ballet technique classes and one jazz technique class per week.
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YDE members rehearse on Saturdays between 10 am and 3 pm. Maximum two absences per semester permitted.
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Dancers choosing to participate in the Tap Company must also take weekly tap technique class and additional tap rehearsals.
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YDE members must attend one Summer Dance Intensive camp at AADC.
The Nutcracker
All YDE members participate in the annual performance of “The Nutcracker” or an alternative fall production. Participation in this ballet is also open to non-company members; audition required.
Spring Benefit Concert
All YDE members participate in an annual benefit concert. This concert provides the company with the opportunity to perform selected works intended to expose dancers to a broad array of dance styles, techniques, and to the works of different choreographers.
We value this performance as an opportunity to give back to the community which support us. Recent benefit concerts have donated proceeds to local organizations such as the Ozone House and the Interfaith Hospitality Network and to national organizations such as the Arms Wide Open Foundation.
Competition Option
YDE members may be invited to participate in competition groups at their respective technical levels. Competition is offered in jazz, lyrical, and tap. Solos, duets, and trios are also available to those who are interested and may also include ballet and pointe technique. Competition dancers are also required to take a conditioning class.
