Dancers

Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre is comprised of three different Companies: Senior, Junior and Petite.

Senior Company

The Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre Senior Company is comprised of pre-professional students, ages 13 to 18. They are recognized for their talent as well as their commitment to their training and enthusiasum for the art of ballet. These dedicated young artists participate in an average of 15 hours of weekly rehearsal in addition to their rigorous training schedules. They are from the Santa Cruz County communities of Aptos, Bonny Doon, Capitola, Davenport, Live Oak, Rio Del Mar, Santa Cruz, Seascape, Scotts Valley and Soquel.

2011-2012 Senior Company Dancers

Junior Company

The Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre Junior Company is made up of students who are at a high intermediate level of technique, and are en pointe. Ages range from 11 to 15 years. These young aspiring dancers learn and perform their own unique repertoire during the season. Some are chosen to learn pieces that the Senior Company dancers will perform, and a select few are chosen to dance alongside Senior Company dancers in some repertoire.

2011-2012 Junior Company Dancers

The Junior Company experience includes valuable time in rehearsals with advanced level Senior Company members, where the Junior dancers learn the ropes of concentration and extreme work ethic in rehearsal and performance situations. Junior Company dancers are those who are building the experience and technique for a career in the field of professional ballet or dance. They are required to maintain an excellent attendance record and show academic prowess as well. Dancers who complete one or more seasons in the Junior Company are well-prepared for the challenges Senior Company membership brings with it, having an active role in the annual Regional Dance America Adjudication and Festival being some of the highlights.

Petite Company

The Petite Company are dancers from the ages of 7 to 14 who are interested in increasing their performance skills and gaining more performance experience throughout the season. Dancers attend rehearsals on weekends with award-winning choreographer Robert Kelley, who makes pieces especially for their talents. The Petite Company is an excellent way to become familiar with the rehearsal and performance process that Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre offers. Situations and requirements are professional in nature, rehearsals are directed by our Artistic Directors and performance experiences are of the highest caliber. A $195 participation fee for each dancer is required upon acceptance.

(Photos by Jim Schwartz)