By Staff
Encore Dance Company will be auditioning dancers in grades 1-12 for a two-year commitment this Saturday, Sept. 17, at 9 a.m. at the Encore Performing Arts dance studio at Lincoln Community Center, 405 E. Division St.
Artistic Director Amy Rose said Encore rehearses primarily on Saturdays, with occasional Sunday afternoons.
Dancers should expect to spend about eight hours a week in the studio.
To be eligible, dancers must take one ballet class a week at the studio of their choice, as well as attend weekly "company classes" at Encore Performing Arts.
Encore Dance Company traveled to Las Vegas in late June for national competition.
This production included the entire company. It was invited to perform in a special showcase performance at the close of competition.
Samantha Mathews, Leana Allen and Julia Kendrix attended master classes, where they were able to study with some of the nation's top teachers and choreographers.
They each learned a dance and performed it in the national showcase performance along with "Dancin' Fool."
The company earned numerous gold and high gold awards, as well as other special awards.
In addition to the senior company, Encore offers a junior company designed for dancers who are not interested in or ready for the full commitment of the senior company.
Encore strives to serve every dancer who wants to participate, no matter their financial status.
The non-profit organization finances the company through fundraisers, donations and grants.
Encore alumni can be founding working across the United States as lawyers, news anchors, studio owners, performers, dietitians and teachers.
Encore has a 100-percent high school graduation rate, with most continuing their education at four-year universities.
Rose is a good example. After eight years in the troupe, she earned her bachelor's degree in performing arts at Oklahoma City University.
She performed in the United States and abroad. Her professional performing career led her to Branson, Mo., where she performed in "Music for All Time" at the Grand Palace Theatre.
Rose has taught at several dance studios, as well as at Southwestern Michigan College.
She has choreographed musicals, pageants such as Miss Dowagiac, recitals and competition numbers. This will be her fifth season with the company.
www.encoredancedowagiac.com