TRAINEE PROGRAM
Saint Louis Dance Theatre’s Trainee Program provides aspiring young adult dancers affordable, high-quality training and performance opportunities in order to facilitate a smooth transition between dance education and a professional career in dance. The Trainee Program runs concurrently with the company’s season for a total of 33 weeks, spanning from the end of August through the end of May.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
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Arts administration workshops to learn about the operations of a nonprofit dance organization.
Workshops with outside organizations, such as The Actors Fund of New York, Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts (VLAA), and Athletico Physical Therapy.
Consulting opportunities in the development of resumes, branding, and digital audition materials.
Professional photoshoot, including headshots and full-body dance photos for personal use.
Work-study opportunities to gain hands-on experience.
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Daily classes taught by artists from The Big Muddy Dance Company and guest teachers from across the St. Louis area, all with professional performance experience. Primary class genres include ballet, contemporary, modern, and jazz.
Train alongside company dancers in class, and have the opportunity to understudy company rehearsals (subject to director approval).
Master classes with company guest artists
Dedicated rehearsals to prepare original and company repertoire, as well as supplementary master classes and workshops.
Composition guidance for those interested in choreography opportunities.
Mentorship opportunities with faculty and alumni of The Big Muddy, as well as outside organizations in St. Louis and across the country.
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Opportunity to be integrated into company main stage productions throughout the season.
Perform in various community festivals and events across the St. Louis area.
Opportunity to perform with other arts organizations through collaborative projects.
Perform in the company’s Senior Embrace outreach performances throughout the season.
Three trainee-specific repertory concerts throughout the season.
24/25 (Em)Brave Season
The 24-25 STLDT Trainee Program is proud to present our (Em)Brave Season. This season we strive to amplify artistic voices through original repertoire created by an esteemed roster of local and national choreographers. Experience the magic of live performance as we commit to:
(Em)Brace our community through personal connection and multidisciplinary collaboration
(Em)Body our artistic values united by the strength of individuality
(Em)Power the future through our continued investment in education
We are excited to introduce four guest artists as part of the (Em)Brave Season—Jorrell Lawyer-Jefferson, Hui Chas Poos, Carly Vanderheyden, and Avree Walker, with original works by Kirven Douthit-Boyd and Brandon Fink. We will round out our season with the return of Joshua Peugh’s spellbinding full evening work, My Dear Watson.
Join us in celebrating a triumphant return to our company’s roots as the STLDT Trainees inspire innovation supported by their passion for performance.
TUITION
Upon acceptance to the program for the 2024-2025 Season, a non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to hold your place. This deposit will be credited towards the total tuition fee of $4,500, and the remaining tuition balance can be paid in total or with a scheduled monthly payment plan of $400/month. Work-study applications will become available upon acceptance to the program.
Tuition includes but is not limited to: 5 classes and rehearsals per week for 33 weeks, costuming and production expenses for 3 repertory concerts, community and outreach performance opportunities, guest artist residencies, individual coaching and professional development, physical therapy services, and career resources.
AUDITION
Interested dancers are encouraged to showcase versatility and advanced skills across a variety of dance genres, as well as the desire to develop a professional career in dance. Admittance into the program is by audition only. Please contact Saint Louis Dance Theatre Trainee Program Director Brandon Fink with any questions or to make arrangements for an audition.
CONGRATS TO FORMER TRAINEES
After participating in our Trainee Program, dancers have gone on to the following companies and careers:
DANCE COMPANIES:
Saint Louis Dance Theatre | St. Louis, MO
Ashleyliane Dance Company | St. Louis, MO
Ballet 314 | St. Louis, MO
Ballet Ariel | Denver, CO
Ballet Legato | Lakewood, OH
Leverage Dance Theater | St. Louis, MO
Modern American Dance Company | St. Louis, MO
National Broadway Tour of American in Paris | USA
Nosilla Dance Project | Boulder, CO
Resilience Dance Company | St. Louis, MO
Whirlwind Dance | Columbus, OH
CAREERS:
Arts Administration
Choreography
Dance Education
Dance Performance
Emergency Medical Services
Nutrition and Dietetics
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Pilates Instruction
Photography
Poetry and Writing
Videography
