Peridance Youth Ensemble

A pre-professional training program for dancers ages 15 to 17 years old and a not-for-profit outreach youth dance company. In addition to the extensive, well-rounded curriculum of classes, Ensemble dancers have the opportunity to work closely with renowned choreographers and to participate in performances in New York City! Additionally, these dancers serve as a beacon of Peridance's artistic and educational youth activities, performing, mentoring and teaching workshops to at-risk kids.

Mission

Peridance Youth Ensemble has two major goals:
1. To provide dance training of the highest caliber to young dancers, preparing them for a professional career in dance.
2. To make the art of dance accessible to at-risk youth, through free performances, interactive workshops and seminars.

About

Peridance Youth Ensemble was founded in 2000 as a natural extension of the professional non-profit Peridance Contemporary Dance Company. The talented Ensemble dancers, ages 15-17, are trained extensively within The School at Peridance's Pre-Professional Training Program and enjoy multiple performance opportunities, representing both Peridance Capezio Center and the main Company in their outreach activities.

Training and performing with Peridance Youth Ensemble and later with Peridance's Certificate Program prepares young dancers who are pursuing a professional career in dance to join Peridance Contemporary Dance Company or, alternatively, an academic route such as a university degree program.

Training

Peridance Youth Ensemble's dancers are accepted by audition only. This highly individualized training program offers a well-rounded curriculum comprised of weekly technique and composition classes.

The devoted faculty provides a positive and healthy training environment. Faculty includes Founder and Artistic Director Igal Perry, former Paris Opera principal master teacher Karin Averty, Contemporary choreographer Kristin Sudeikis, and Peridance's Reagan Wood and Marlena Wolfe.

Performing

In addition to an extensive, well-rounded curriculum, dancers learn choreography from emerging and established artists, which they later perform in different venues around the city. Choreographers to date include Martha Graham (set on the Company by Marnie Thomas), Robert Battle, Igal Perry, Sean Curran, Kate Skartepowska, Kristin Sudeikis, Diego Funes, Hernando Cortez, and Gregory Dolbashian.

Under the direction of Shelley Grantham, Ensemble dancers are offered the opportunity to explore time, space, and energy, developing their own unique artistic voice and creating original choreography. This choreography is later showcased in their Annual Spring Choreography Showcase and in outside venues such as the 92nd Street Y's "High at Noon Series" and WOW Cafe.

Outreach

For the past 12 years, Peridance Youth Ensemble has positively influenced hundreds of children from various organizations by extending their knowledge and love for dance through performances and interactive workshops, inspiring participants and enhancing their sense of community. The ensemble has worked with organizations include the University Settlement, Services at the Beacon and Turn 2 Foundation.

Contact

For more information and to audition please contact the Ensemble Director Shelley Grantham at
212-505-0886 or shelley@peridance.com. To learn more about Peridance Youth Ensemble please click here.

2012-2013 Performance Calendar

Saturday, Nov 17th - PCDC & Ensemble Fundraiser Friday, Dec 14th-16th - The Nutcracker
Saturday, Jan 19th - New York Moves: Downtown @ Salvatore Capezio Theater
Sunday, Feb 17th - DRA, Stars of Tomorrow @ SUNY Purchase Main Stage
Sunday, Mar 3rd - Kids Cafe @ Kumble Theater, LIU in Brooklyn
Sunday, Mar 24th - EFSD, Emergency Funds for Student Dancers Annual Performance @ Salvatore Capezio Theater
Sunday, Apr 7th - BDC, AIM Invitational @ The CitiGroup Theater and Alvin Ailey
Saturday, Apr 13th & 14th - Spring Choreography Showcase @ Salvatore Capezio Theater
Sunday, April 28th - Paul Taylor Youth Ensemble Showcase @ Paul Taylor Studios
Sunday, May 5th - School at Peridance Creative Concert @ Salvatore Capezio Theater
Sunday, May 19th - School at Peridance Spring Concert @ Salvatore Capezio Theater
Saturday, May 25th - Dancing through the Stages @ University Settlement
Saturday, June 8th-9th - School at Peridance Annual Concert @ NYU Skirball Center for Performing Arts
Saturday, June 8th - Peridance 30th Anniversary GALA @ NYU Skirball Center for Performing Arts