Performance Opportunities

In performance a dancers’ creativity, sense of teamwork and collaborative spirit merge to create a memorable artistic experience.

Dance is a universal language that transcends communication barriers to touch audiences of diverse backgrounds. The Steffi Nossen School of Dance emphasizes the art, joy and discipline of dance. Rather than focus on glittery costumes and spectacle, our faculty and choreographers nurture the technical and artistic development of each student, helping them to reach their potential and flourish in an ensemble setting. Dancers are exposed to a complete performing experience that includes participation in all aspects of bringing a new piece to life, from the creation of choreography to costuming and staging. Performances feature live music to enhance the collaborative environment and inspire dancers’ creativity and musicality.

SNSD offers performing ensembles in a variety of dance styles and ability levels. Auditions are required for the school’s Master Class program and pre-professional Steffi Nossen Dance Company and are by teacher invitation only. All other performing groups are open to any student meeting the ensemble’s criteria for age and experience.

THE MASTER CLASS PROGRAM: The Master Class program offers our more serious students the unique opportunity to work and perform with dancers from communities throughout Westchester in an artistic, professional atmosphere. Our most advanced technical study/choreographic course, Master Class students are immersed in the entire creative process and are taught by a professional choreographer/teacher under the direction of our Artistic Director. Professional costume and lighting designers round out the performance experience. Students enjoy the special opportunity to perform at our Community and Benefit Concerts held at the Performing Arts Center, SUNY Purchase in March.

DANCE THEATER GROUP: Work with one of a roster of exciting new choreographers in a difference dance. An opportunity to perform in our Community and Benefit Concerts. Experience the professional big stage at the Performing Arts Center, SUNY Purchase. Rehearsels begin January 8, 2013 and are held on Tuesdays from 6:30PM - 8:00PM.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE: The Jazz Ensemble is open to students in grades 6-12 who are currently enrolled in any Core Curriculum or Technique class. Rehearsals begin April 2, 2013 and are held on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:00 PM. Jazz Ensemble members will have the opportunity to perform in the Children’s Show in May. No audition required.

TAP ENSEMBLE: Available to students in 6th grade and above, Tap Ensemble rehearses in the spring semester during the Open Tap class (Wednesdays from 5:30 – 6:30 PM). Tap Ensemble participants will have the opportunity to perform in the Children’s Show in May. No audition required.

HIP HOP ENSEMBLE: Available to students in 2nd grade and above, Hip Hop Ensemble rehearses in the spring semester during the regular hip hop classes class (Fridays from 4pm – 8 PM). Hip Hop Ensemble participants will have the opportunity to perform in the Children’s Show in May. No audition required.

STEFFI NOSSEN DANCE COMPANY: The Steffi Nossen Dance Company is the school’s premiere ensemble for pre-professional dancers. Company members are selected from our most technically advanced and talented dancers in the Master Class program through ongoing review and audition. Each year, two new works are commissioned and created for the Company by professional choreographers. Dancers rehearse extensively with them and perform throughout the metropolitan area over the course of the year, often sharing the stage with professional dancers. The Company will be featured in the Choreography Showcase (November), Community and Benefit Concerts (March) and Children’s Show (May), as well as other engagements. Past choreographers and guest teachers have included Norman Walker, Mark Morris, Patrick Corbin and Sidra Bell, Adam Barruch, Karen Gayle, Tiffany Rea Fisher, and Annmaria Mazzini.

How does a dancer become part of the Master Class program?

Master Class dancers are selected from the Core Curriculum and Technique classes in an ongoing review process by our faculty as well as the Artistic and School Directors. Dancers in third grade and up are evaluated In terms of their technical and artistic abilities, performance qualities, classroom demeanor, attendance and general level of commitment.

Dancers are usually identified in January and invited to view the Annual Benefit performance in the spring as well as a Master Class rehearsal in the studio. We believe that experiencing both the class and the performance gives dancers and their families the necessary tools to evaluate the program and decide if they are interested in making a more serious commitment to dance. If so, they may participate in the fall auditions. A dancer may also be identified as a candidate after the Children’s Show or during summer dance programs and offered the same audition opportunity. The Company will be featured in the Choreography Showcase (November), Community and Benefit Concerts (March) and Children's Show (May), as well as other engagements. Past choreographers and guest teachers have included Norman Walker, Mark Morris, Patrick Corbin and Sidra Bell. Please contact the Kathleen Fitzgerald, School Director with any questions about the process.