PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION

Ensembles, Ballet Companies, and Production Groups

Performing Ensembles and Companies exist for those dancers who wish to make dance a major part of their extracurricular life. It is the perfect outlet for artistic and physical expression and teaches the value of making a commitment, teamwork, and collaboration. 

As a member of our Performing Ensembles or Ballet Companies, dancers get the opportunity to perform in The Nutcracker and/or the Holiday Concerto (our special, multi-genre showcase performing after the Friday and Saturday evening Nutcracker shows)

Performing Ensembles

The traditional Performing Ensembles (which focus on training well-rounded dancers in multiple dance styles including jazz, tap and contemporary and ballet) begin with the Daisy Ensemble, which is for dancers in first or second grade and/or have completed a year of Young Dancer.  

After Daisy comes Rose, Poppy, Violet, Calla, Lilac, Iris, Junior Ensemble, and Senior Ensemble. All Ensembles perform in the Concerto and the June Showcases. Often, dancers spend more than one year in an ensemble.

Daisy, Rose, Poppy, Violet, and the Senior Ensembles also perform in The Nutcracker.

Production Ensembles

We have four Production Ensembles that present large-group, theatrical productions in the Concerto and the June Showcases. Here, the art of theatrical production is taught as well as dance. We have produced wonderful pieces like Cats, West Side Story, Wicked, Aladdin,  a tribute to Stevie Wonder, The Greatest Showman, tribute to Billy Joel and many others.

Production Ensembles are open only to dancers that also participate in our Performing Ensembles. Dancers are required to have a minimum technique of level four to participate (rising Violets). 

All Production Ensembles perform in all Nutcracker Concertos and all June Showcases.

Ballet Companies

CAPA’s Ballet Companies begin with the Aurora Company, which is for dancers at minimum ballet technique level 3.  After Aurora comes Coppelia, Sylphide, Kirov, Paquita, Kitri, Junior Ballet Company, and Senior Ballet Company. Advancing to the next company is dependent on the dancer’s progress and growth during the year and isn’t automatic.

All Ballet Companies perform in both the Nutcracker and the June Showcases. A student is only eligible for a solo or featured role in The Nutcracker if they are in a Ballet Company and participate in our Audition process.

If your student wishes to become a member of our Performing Ensembles and/or Ballet Companies, please contact us at capa@capadance.net.  

Membership in these groups requires a serious commitment. Students are expected to take class year-round to keep up their strength, technique, and flexibility. As such, our Performing Ensembles and Ballet Companies require that students take summer classes. 

Ensembles and companies are like a club sport, and when you join in the fall, you agree to stay with the team through the entire school year. Mid-year drops are NOT allowed unless due to injury or documented medical condition, and any student who drops ensemble or company mid-year unfortunately must drop participation in all ensembles/companies, and while the dancer will be welcome in as many technique classes as they wish, they will no longer be eligible for membership in ensemble or company. 

 * Notes: A year break may be taken from ensemble or company as long as it is for the whole school year, and the dancer will be eligible to rejoin the following year. The student may or may not be placed in an ensemble or company of peers depending on dance skills upon rejoining.

Ensemble Placement

After Fall placements have been assigned, you may be dropped from a group if you have not completed your Summer requirements satisfactorily. Attendance during the past dance year may affect your placement.  You must be willing to accept CAPA’s decisions regarding placement. There are so many variables, but we take the best interest of each dancer AND the group into consideration at placement time.

Ensemble Contract

The ENSEMBLE CONTRACT must be signed by the student and a parent. Please read it carefully, plan all dates in advance, and adhere to the standards set in the contract.  Click Here to download the current Ensemble contract.  All Ensemble members and parent/guardian must sign this annual contract to be eligible.

CAPA’s Attendance Policy for Performing Ensembles, Ballet Companies, and Production 

Ensembles, ballet companies and our production groups are teams, and just like team participation in any sport, attendance at practices is required.  Membership is both a privilege and a serious commitment. Excessive absences, even when excused, negatively affect the whole group and the work they are creating, and it is up to the discretion of the teachers or directors to keep a dancer out of a section or an entire dance as the result of these absences.

• Fall Semester (August – December): Two vacation/unexcused absences per required class are allowed.  

• Winter/Spring Semester (January – June): Three vacation/unexcused absences per required class are allowed.

 Visit our attendance policy page for more information in excused and unexcused absences.

Ensemble/Company Fee

An annual fee is charged to participate in a performing ensemble, production ensemble or ballet company. This fee is normally charged in October of each year. The fee enables CAPA to maintain the extensive inventory of Nutcracker Costumes and props and also pays for additional teacher time that goes into preparation of the Nutcracker and June Shows that aren’t included in normal tuition.

The 2024-2025 fee is as follows:

For one child with one ensemble/company: $215.  One child with two or more ensembles/companies: $265.

Second and subsequent children in a family with one ensemble/company: add $165; with two or more ensembles/companies: $215 for each additional child.

Show Participation

For membership, participation in the Nutcracker/Concerto and June Showcases is mandatory. Dates are released well in advance, and it is your responsibility to plan your calendar accordingly. Nutcracker is usually the very last week of school before holiday vacation, including that weekend. 

The June Showcases are almost always the week following the last week of school and high school graduation.

Additionally, you get a free Nutcracker video or Concerto video for each child participating in an ensemble/company. (Flash Drives are are available, but at the sale cost).

Parent Volunteers

CAPA is a family, and we require parent participation to make our efforts successful. Parents who cannot volunteer for jobs during/around both show weeks will be provided an “opt-out” for an additional fee. Parents typically volunteer up to 8hrs per show per dancer. Many of our parents are very skilled in different areas: costuming, theater tech, photography, acting / voice-work (narration & adult roles such as DR & MRS Stahlbaum), etc. We want to hear from you if you would like to share your talents with us!

CAPA requires all families (at least 1 parent or family representative) to attend our annual Ensemble meeting, usually in October.