Core Program Youth Ensemble

Peridance Contemporary Dance Company
KnJ Theater
Theater Rentals
Upcoming Performances
Adult Open Class Program
Daily Schedule
Workshops
Video on Demand
Rates & COVID-19 Policies
Faculty
New Students
Gift Certificates
Groups
The School at Peridance
About
Faculty
Summer Classes & Camps
Training Programs
Certificate Program
MOPTOP Universal
Independent Study Program
(3-month, 6-month, and 12-month)
Alumni
Audition Tour
International Students
F-1 Visa Programs
Intensives
PCDC Summer Intensive
Global Summer Dance
36 Chambaz of Stylz
Performance Project
Resources
About
Scholarships
Rentals
Artist Residency
COVID-19
Contact Us

The Peridance Junior and Senior Youth Ensembles are not-for-profit outreach youth dance companies for dancers ages 14 to 18 years old. The dance training that Ensemble members receive are the highest levels of the Core Program. 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! Peridance Junior and Senior Youth Ensembles have 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. Collaborations with organizations include: University Settlement, Services at the Beacon, and Turn 2 Foundation.




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. It is now separated into two companies: the Junior Youth Ensemble and Senior Youth Ensemble. The Ensemble dancers, aged 14-18 years old, are trained extensively as the highest levels of The School at Peridance's Core Program and enjoy multiple performance opportunities, representing both Peridance 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 classes and rehearsals. The training that Ensemble students receive are the highest levels of the Core Program, which is the pre professional dance training program of The School at Peridance (more info here).

The devoted faculty provides a positive and healthy training environment. Faculty includes Diego Funes, Graciela Kozak, Nikki Holck, Billy Blanken, and Tyler Gilstrap.

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, Gregory Dolbashian, Edgar Zendejas, Analia Gonzalez, Deborah Damast, and Tyler Gilstrap.

Under the direction of Diego Funes, 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.

Alumni

Lev Ratnofsky graduated 2012 - Harvard University
Dani Sacco graduated 2012 - University of the Arts as a Dance Major
Tsarina Merrin graduated in 2012 - Bates University
Anna Sednova graduated in 2011 - Iowa State University as a Dance Major
Youjing Streeter graduated in 2011 - Skidmore College
Emily Geisler graduated in 2010 - Montclair State University as a Dance Major
Gisselle Vazquez graduated in 2010 - Hofstra University as a Dance Major
Emma Hoite graduated in 2010 - Tulane College
Helene Lee graduated in 2010 - University of Buffalo
Jackson Budinger graduated in 2009 - SUNY Purchase Conservatory as a Dance Major
Elizabeth Gallagher graduated in 2009 - Marymount Manhattan College as a Dance Major
Rachel Caron Delas graduated in 2009 - Barnard College as a Dance Minor
Cherie Caro graduated in 2008 - Marymount Manhattan College as a Dance Major
Nancy Stedfeld graduated in 2008 - Marymount College as Dance Minor
Ashley Lehrer graduated in 2007 - NYU Tisch School of the Arts as a Drama Major
Corrina Kirby graduated in 2007 - Binghamton University
Emma Thomas graduated in 2007 - Bard University
Annie Perretta graduated 2006 - Wesleyan College as a Dance Major
Phoebe Pickering graduated in 2006 - Tufts University as a Dance Major
Sasha Okshteyn graduated in 2005 - George Washington University
Nora Madsen graduated in 2005 - University of California, Santa Cruz
Jaclyn London graduated in 2004 - Northwestern as a Dance Major

Contact

For more information and to audition please contact the Youth Ensemble Director Diego Funes at
212-505-0886 or diego@peridance.com.


Peridance Partners

| 126 East 13th Street New York, NY 10003 U.S.A. | Tel: 212-505-0886 | Fax 212-674-2239 |
Due to a high volume of calls, email is the preferred method of communication at this time. Visit our contact page to find the email that best assists your needs.
Copyright 2023 Peridance Center | NYC Dance Center. All Rights Reserved



ABOUT | CONTACT US | JOB OPPORTUNITIES | TESTIMONIALS | FAQ | PRIVACY POLICY | MAILING LIST