Company XCel, Apprentice Company, Junior Company

For children and teens interested in a serious pursuit of advanced dance study, we offer training and performance opportunities that create technical dancers who are multi-talented and proficient in many styles of dance. In addition to advanced senior division classes, dancers on the pre-professional track have opportunities such as pointe and variations, master classes and choreography with guest artists. Dancers may be invited to audition for one of our Advanced Companies, Junior Company, Apprentice Company, or Company XCel, which are programs designed to mentor young artists by providing performance opportunities that will help prepare them for the collegiate or professional world.

For dancers on this track, ballet technique is the foundation of their training, requirements must be met to advance levels, and students should expect to stay in the same ballet level for approximately two years or more, especially if time is taken off in the summer. Advancement to the next level is based on teaching artist recommendation, and based more on skill level than strictly by age. Company dancers must be at an intermediate level and meet several requirements in addition to technique class requirements, including:

• Maintaining an 80% attendance for all classes and rehearsals
• Behaving as a role model in class, rehearsals, in the halls, and at all Dance Barns events
• Participating in performances and supporting the program in other ways such as helping out backstage
• Maintaining a positive, hardworking, and team-focused attitude
• Being a part of Companies requires a lot of responsibility

Being a part of the Companies carries responsibilities, but also has many rewards and benefits! In addition to extra performance opportunities, Company dancers get to work with guest artists and choreographers, have master class opportunities, receive guidance on their training, summer study, and college or career paths. In addition, NDI New Mexico supports Company dancers by fundraising and creating opportunities for dancers earning scholarship funds to support advanced summer training around the country.