Professional Division
Professional Division
Dance Artists in Training
The Defy Gravity Professional Division is now in it's 17th award winning season with graduates training and performing with The Ailey School (New York), Lamon Dance, Modus Operandi, Coastal City Ballet, Laine School of the Arts (UK) and the SFU Dance Program in addition to teaching and choreographing throughout the Lower Mainland. Professional Division Dancers train in core classes of Cecchetti Ballet (including yearly exams), Jazz, Acro, Contemporary, Modern, Lyrical and Tap with additional options in Hip Hop. The Professional Division is for dancers interested in a career in the performing arts and those wishing to train with other dedicated, talented and motivated dancers and performers. Professional Division dancers improve their skills in a safe, supportive and challenging environment with instruction from the most sought after dance educators in BC. Dancers are educated in Cecchetti Ballet, PBT (functional stability/core training), Sugarfoot Therapy (alignment and coordination), nutrition, injury prevention, Conditioning to support Flexibility (Alixa Flexibility and Acrobatic Arts certified teachers) as well as dance history, technique and choreography. Cecchetti Ballet classes have an accompanist weekly. Entrance into the Professional Division is by audition. Professional Division dancers compete locally and provincially, participate in yearly Cecchetti Ballet exams, perform in our Annual Recital and extra performance opportunities such as "Friends of Lamon" Gala and “Dancing for a Cure” which supports our Canadian Cancer Society Fundraising Team among other invitations to showcase our dancers within our community.
Auditions
Auditions for 2024-2025 are being held Sunday May 26, 2024. Additional Auditions held in class Sept 9-20, 2024.
If you wish for your dancer to audition for the Competitive Program, please contact the office office@defygravitydance.ca with further questions. Audition fee is $35 plus gst per dancer and must be paid before Audition class commences.
Division Details
Pre-Professional 4 (8-10 years): 3 P4 Ballet classes, P4 Jazz class, P4 Lyrical Class, P4 Contemp and P4 Tap class required.
Professional 3 (11-13 yrs): 4 P3 Ballet classes (including pointe), P3 Jazz class, P3 Lyrical class, P3 Contemporary class and P3 Tap class.
Professional 2 (14+ yrs): 4 P2 Ballet classes (including pointe), 2 P2 Jazz/Lyrical classes, P2 Contemporary class, P2 Modern class, P2 Tap.
Professional 1 (15+ yrs): 4 P1 Ballet classes (including pointe), 2 P1 Jazz/Lyrical classes , P1 Contemporary Class, P1 Modern Class.
All Professional Division class requirements are listed above and are part of a comprehensive program designed to build strong, confident dancers who are able to balance school, family, friends and dance. The quality of our program depends on the dedication of our talented students and faculty – cohesive training in a supportive environment sets the stage for fabulously talented and inspiring dancers!
Placement in the Professional Division is by audition only. Optional opportunities are available to enrich your dancers training and experience such as participating in the Cecchetti Awards, Cecchetti Fall and Spring Workshop, Local Conventions, Acro Tech classes, exploring Self-Choreography and learning from Guest Choreographers.
Conduct
- Dancers are expected to arrive for class on time, prepared and in proper dress code.
- Dancers that must miss a class are expected to catch up on all choreography/skills missed on their own time and arrive to the next class prepared to keep up with their classmates. Dancers should notify the office of any anticipated missed classes so we can plan accordingly.
- Dancers are permitted to miss up to 3 of each class for reasons such as vacation, illness, schoolwork. These 3 classes should not be missed between January – May unless pre-approved by the Studio Director OR in case of emergency. Dancers missing more than 3 classes may be asked to leave the Competitive Program and no refunds will be issued.
- Dancers are expected to be in class if they are injured or not feeling well and should record choreography so they can practice when feeling better/recovered. Dancers should not be in class is they are contagious or vomiting (in that case, please stay home and get better soon!)
- All dancers at DG are expected to enter the studio with a positive attitude and fabulous work ethic! We love what we do and mentor our dancers through positivity!
- Parents and Dancers should be prepared to commit to the entire season of training, including workshops/conventions (October/November), Cecchetti Ballet Exams (June), extra performance opportunities, rehearsals, Local & Provincial Competitions and Recital.
- Solos & Duos will be recommended by DG Faculty via the Studio Director. Being offered a solo or duo is an honour and dancers are expected to commit to extra time to prepare for Competitions. Solo/Duo contracts and Deposits must be submitted to the studio before work on Solos/Duos can begin.
- Senior PPP dancers (P1-3) are expected to help mentor younger dancers as part of their training. This will also lead to teacher training and possible employment in the future!
Competition Dates 2024-25
The VIEW Vancouver - April 10-14, 2025
Summit Richmond - April 24-27, 2025
Evolve Burnaby - May 7-11, 2025