Nebraska Dance Programs
Competition & Performance Opportunities
Dancers who aspire to perform more than one time at the Nebraska Dance Concert should explore our different ND program offerings. We offer a variety of programs and commitment levels for dancers to enjoy and work towards their goals. The programs listed below all perform in our Annual Winter Showcase, Benefit Concert, and Dance Concert. In addition depending on the program, they also participate in conventions and competitions.
Crew
K-12th grade
Crew is a non-competitive performance program that offers dancers the opportunity to explore their love for dance, work as a team, and gain additional performance experience. Instructional focus is on individual development in quality of movement, coordination, musicality, and on group execution. This program can also be an avenue for dancers to determine if pursuing additional dance opportunities will be part of their dance journey.
Director – Melissa Yahnke [email protected]
No Audition Required
Team
5th-12th grade
This program introduces dancers to performance and competition on a local/regional stage by training fundamentals in jazz technique and choreography. Team is a great opportunity for dancers who love performing on stage and are looking to try out competition dance.
Director – Tayler Schnitker [email protected]
Audition Required
Jumpstart
4-6 years
This program introduces our littlest dancers (4-6yrs) to performance and competition on a local stage by training in jazz, ballet, and tap. Jumpstart will expose these dancers to the process of learning and rehearsing a dance for the competition stage in an effort to inspire, motivate, and spark the young dancer’s passion for dance and for excellence!
Director – Emme English [email protected]
Audition Required
Core
6 years-4th grade
Core will train dancers (6yrs-4th grade) to compete at a local and regional level by building on fundamentals in multiple dance forms. Core will provide an opportunity for dancers at a variety of ages and experience to train at the commitment level they desire for where they are in their current journey as a competitive dancer. Core will emphasize discipline, work ethic, focus and fun, in an effort to build the foundation of training to set them up for growth and future dance goals.
Director – Brooke Buda [email protected]
- Director – Olivia Wakefield [email protected]
Audition Required
Troupe
5th-12 grade
Troupe trains dancers (5th-12th grade) at a high level in multiple disciplines, preparing for both local and regional competitions. Troupe dancers will be challenged within a concentrated two-day-a-week program, emphasizing technique, peer camaraderie and execution. The mission of Troupe is to see dancers grow in their passion for dance and excellence.
Director – Olivia Wakefield [email protected]
Audition Required
Company
5th-12th grade
Company will intensely train dancers (5th-12th grade) to compete at a local, regional, and national level through instruction in multiple disciplines. This program will focus on technique, style, execution, and peer camaraderie. Company dancers will be challenged to their highest potential through curriculum and choreography tailored to their specific level and strength, setting a standard of excellence at Nebraska Dance.
Director – Brooke Buda [email protected]
Audition Required
Tap Program
8th-12th grade
Offered to Troupe and Company Dancers
The Tap Program is for 8th-12th graders who are interested in enhancing one’s dedication and discipline towards tap dancing while instilling a love for the history of this American art form.
- Director – Jill Vescio [email protected]
Audition Required
Squad
2nd-8th grade
Offered to Crew, Core, Team, Troupe, and Company Dancers
Squad is designed to offer an opportunity for dancers to gain competitive pom and hip hop experience. Dancers who think they may want to audition for a high school dance team will learn pom and/or hip hop technique and work on team skills to help them prepare. Weekly rehearsals will emphasize precision, execution, athleticism, and performance through upbeat, themed pom and/or hip hop choreography. Squad competes on a local and regional level, and is an option to be added as an additional program opportunity for students already on Crew, Core, Team, Troupe or Company.
- Director – Mo Klug [email protected]
Audition Required
Solo Program
Offered to Jumpstart, Core, Troupe, and Company Dancers
The solo program is designed for dancers who are meeting and exceeding the expectations of their current program and looking for a further challenge to add to their training. This program is for dancers who are prepared mentally, emotionally, and physically to handle dancing as a soloist on stage. Dancers should be at an advanced level for their age and program to consider doing a solo.
Director – Cassidy Sarver [email protected]
Audition Required
