Canyon Concert Ballet’s Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the questions we are frequently asked by dancers and their families. If you cannot find an answer to your question here, please look in the section of our website that the question pertains to, as many questions are answered in the general overview pages. You are also welcome to contact us for additional information.
What is the School Admission Process?
We add students to our dance school year-round. Our regular school year is broken into two semesters during Mid-August thru early June, and we also offer a 10 week summer session. Younger students may enter the dance school at anytime, even in the middle of a session. Older students may need to start at the beginning of a session or semester. Please contact us for additional information.
When are Company Auditions?
Company auditions take place in May each year. Auditions are open to everyone, so please don’t hesitate to try out even if you’re new to Canyon Concert Ballet! If selected to join our company, you must meet class requirements at Canyon Concert Ballet and will need to register for classes if you have not already done so.
May I just dance in the Summer?
Summer Sessions are open to everyone, so feel free to participate only in summer! For younger dancers or children new to dance, a summer session may be just the right way to try out dance before committing to a longer class. Year-round students generally stay in the same level through the summer that they were end the prior school year. If you are new to CCB and not sure what to register for over the summer, please contact us.
How old do I have to be to dance at Canyon Concert Ballet?
We offer classes for tiny dancers as young as 18 months. Some require parent participation, others are for young dancers on their own. Classes for young children and toddlers are specially designed for their abilities and attention level and are guaranteed to be fun and foster a love of dance.
Am I too old to dance at Canyon Concert Ballet?
We offer classes for students of all ages and abilities! Our adult classes are suitable for anyone ages 18 to seniors. Canyon Concert Ballet is the only studio in the region to offer truly advanced 90 minute classes in ballet for adults. If you have not danced in a while, try our Adult Open Level classes to determine your best placement.
Do you have classes for boys?
At Canyon Concert Ballet, all classes are co-educational. Boys are encouraged to try any dance style that interests them. Scholarships are available for boys enrolled in the Ballet program beginning at age 7.
How will I know which class level to register for?
If you have questions about which classes are most appropriate, please contact our office and we can help you determine which class is best for you.
How many classes should I take each week?
Class commitments vary by age, level, and by student interest. Beginning dancers generally take one to two classes each week. Some of our most dedicated dancers take eight or more classes weekly.
How much does it cost to be in The Nutcracker?
Dancers selected to participate in The Nutcracker pay a $150 participation fee which covers costume cleaning and maintenance, and administration costs. If costume or class fees are a challenge for you, please let us know! We often have fundraising opportunities available to help student cover their costume/class fees.
How much do Showcase costumes cost?
We strive to keep costume fees affordable. Costumes for our student showcase are usually about $65 per class. Participation in our Spring Student Showcase is entirely optional – you are welcome to take classes and choose not to participate in the showcase. If costume or class fees are a challenge for you, please let us know! We often have fundraising opportunities available to help student cover their costume/class fees.
What other dance styles does CCB offer besides ballet?
Canyon Concert Ballet offers professional dance training in many disciplines, including modern, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, tap, and musical theatre.
When do students begin pointe classes?
We are exceptionally cautious with our young dancers and will not invite them to take pre-pointe strengthening and/or pointe classes until we feel they are ready. Generally, dancers are en pointe at CCB in Level 5.
What should I expect on my first day?
On your first day, please visit our office manager, Sue Northburg, in our main office. She will provide you with paperwork to fill out and take some information from you, including your age and number of years of previous training. From there, she will provide you with your week’s assessment schedule of appropriate classes based on your age and training.
How is my class level determined?
During your first week the teachers will provide feedback to our School Director, Analia Weber. Analia will then chat with parents and student to determine a schedule and level that is right for you. Please note: Placement for dancers in levels 5 and up is a week-long process. For these levels, teachers need to see the student several times, including pointe technique, for accurate placement. They will then provide their feedback to Analia who will work with parents and student to create a schedule in all genres that is appropriate.
How long are students typically in each level?
Generally speaking, our curriculum for levels Ballet 3 and up, and for all levels of other genres (jazz, contemporary, modern) are considered 2-3 year curricular levels. This means, students should expect to stay at each level from ballet 3 and up and for all genre classes for a minimum of 2 years. The vocabulary and expectations for these levels is rich and students who are working hard will not be bored, but will continue to progress. Students not meeting technical benchmarks may be required to stay in a level more than 2 years. Likewise, exceptional students may progress more quickly but never significantly beyond their age group.
When do assessments occur and can I be moved up a level mid-year?
Assessments are handed out at the end of each semester (Winter and Spring). Students can be invited to move up at any point during the year if an instructor feels it would be beneficial for the student to do so.
What are my performing opportunities?
CCB offers multiple performing opportunities. In addition to the opportunities to perform in the Company’s annual The Nutcracker and bi-annual large story ballets, CCB’s students perform in the yearly Showcase. Youth Ensemble performs at 3 competitions annually and a variety of local small performances as well.
What is Youth Ensemble?
The Youth Ensemble at CCB is designed for the dedicated dancer ages 7+ who desire performance opportunities in other styles that go beyond the annual Spring Concert and our holiday performance of The Nutcracker. Dancers may choose to compete in as many as 3 competitions in a variety of genres incorporating modern, contemporary, jazz and musical theater among others. Besides the dance competitions and conventions the dancer will perform at community events throughout the year including the annual Friends of the Symphony Musical Zoo event in February and outreach events at schools and senior centers. Our dancers exhibit gracious professionalism at all times and we are strongly committed to age-appropriate music, costuming, and choreography.
What other competition opportunities are available to me?
Currently CCB is planning to gather a small team to compete for the first time at the annual Denver Ballet Guild in March. Details TBA.
When are auditions for the Youth Ensemble and Company Productions?
Auditions for the CCB Company and CCB2 happen in May of each year. Nutcracker auditions fall in late August or early September, while auditions for the Spring Concert usually occur in January. Please note, the Spring Concert is a company production and auditions are open to students on an as needed basis. Youth Ensemble auditions are in May as well.
What is CCB2 and how can I be a part of it?
CCB2 is a training company for young, highly skilled dancers generally ages 15-18, who are showing a dedication to their training. CCB dancers ages 15-18 who have completed one year of level 6 interested in being considered for CCB2, PLUS all non-CCB dancers ages 15-18 with a minimum of 5 years of training and 2 years of pointe are eligible to audition. CCB2 dancers are eligible for all company roles if they are technically and artistically ready and meet all eligibility requirements. CCB’s commitment to these dancers to is to provide a clear training pathway and top-notched performing opportunities that will enable them to find a career in dance, if that is their choice. Dancers are admitted through the audition process or at the invitation of the Artistic Director.
Learn more about CCB2 on our special FAQ page for this program.
