About Fleetwood Dance Companies
There are 6 companies at the Fleetwood Dance Center that include Showcase (which is considered pre-company), Apprentice II, Apprentice I, Junior, Intermediate, and Senior. These companies range in age from 8 to 18 (or grades 3 through 12). Joining company often leads to close relationships between the members; often the dancers dance together from the time they start company through high school. These dancers learn to work together as a team, understanding the hard work and discipline that is necessary in this type of atmosphere. Company members participate in the annual production of the Nutcracker, recital, and every other year go to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. They also take part in community programs like FOCUS (Families of Children Under Stress).
Although joining company is a lot of fun, there is a greater time committment and added responsibility for the members. Company dancers spend a great deal more time in the studio, with at least 2 days a week. The youngest group spends 5 hours at the studio and up to 10 hours in the studio for the oldest. Each company takes at least two ballet classes per week in order to improve their technique. Members also take classes in various disciplines such as jazz, hip hop and lyrical. Dancers must audition for company annually in May in order to be members. Company members are not the only ones that are committing to more time, but parents are also often asked to participate in some capacity. There is an annual fee, and the member is also responsible for selling advertising space in the Nutcracker program and particapting in other fundraisers for the studio as well. If you have any other questions about company please contact the studio at 770-442-5229.