Since 2018 Leverage, has been offering young dancers the opportunity to apprentice with us.  We produce unique dance theater performances for unconventional spaces that create experiences, for both dancers and audience members, that are unlike any other.

We are currently looking for young performers to participate in our October 2024 production of Nightmares & Dreamscapes.

This is an opportunity for young artists to train with professional dancers, experience being part of a professional dance company, and meet dancers from other studios around St. Louis. It is also an opportunity for youth to develop a character and a role for themselves and to hone their stage presence and "performance" skills. 

Historically, our apprentices have played supporting roles in the show, but this year, we are looking to cast youth into more substantial roles. Previous apprentices and their parents have raved about the value of this experience and opportunity for growth. Some parents have said that it really helped prepare their child for high school and college experiences, not just as  dancers, but as students entering a larger, more diverse environment.

Performance dates to be determined based on participants' availability

Nov 1 & 2

Tech and dress rehearsal weekends before performances
Sat Oct 19 & 26,  10am-8pm 
Sun Oct 20 & 27,  1pm - 6pm 

Rehearsals
Time/Dates will be determined based on participant availability. We hope to pair up dancers and Leverage artists around mutual availability. Our goal is to rehearse 2 times per week in August and during the beginning of the school year so that the end of Sept and Oct can drop down to weekly rehearsals as students' semesters get underway.  If interested, please complete the survey below regarding your child's availability:

Audition
Once we have gathered all participants' availability. The next step will be to engage your child in a performance workshop. This event will also serve as a casting audition for youth apprentices. The workshop will include exercises on character development, stage presence and performance quality. Participants are invited to attend the workshop even if they are not auditioning at this time or to confirm their interest in participating.

2019 apprentices talk about their experience.

Start Date:
August 10th, 2024

Performance Location: 
2715 Cherokee Street

Rehearsal Locations:
Kirkwood Dance Center
Taylor's Dance Academy
119 Watson Plaza (Sports Medicine & Training Center) - when possible
3636 Texas Ave, (Intersect Arts Center) 
2715 Cherokee Street -  (performance venue) closer to performances we will rehearse on site.

Historically many of our youth performers have carpooled to the city venue to minimize the time commitment for families. In some cases youth have carpooled with our professional dancers. Youth are supervised arriving and leaving venues and are never allowed to exit buildings alone in the evenings. 

We look forward to getting to know you and to working with your child. Please do not hesitate to send me any questions or concerns that you may have. 

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