About the Commercial Dance Conservatory

The Commercial Dance Conservatory offers students in grades 7 through 12 pre-professional training in a wide variety of dance forms and styles. This conservatory is the only program of its kind specially designed to develop well-rounded dancers with the technical skills, discipline, and commitment necessary for a professional career in the dance industry, whether it be in music videos, on stage, on television, or in film, as well as admittance into prestigious university and college dance programs. Master classes featuring distinguished guest artists, university faculty, and leaders in the professional industry are scheduled throughout the school year, which provides students the unique opportunity to establish a working relationship with various internationally renowned choreographers. Intended for serious, mature dancers with a passion for their artistry, the Commercial Dance Conservatory also offers exciting performance opportunities, where students have the chance to demonstrate the artistic skills and talents they have gained throughout their time in the conservatory.

Student Experience

Commercial Dance Conservatory students receive technical instruction in jazz, ballet, tap, modern, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, and musical theater dance from a core faculty of professional artists. Students also receive classes in choreography, dance history, and injury prevention/rehabilitation, as well as instruction on how to prepare for the business requirements related to obtaining professional work. Performance opportunities include three main stage concerts each year, featuring original choreography by esteemed Commercial Dance Conservatory faculty and master guest artists. Students also have the opportunity to present their original choreography in a year-end student expressions concert.

  • “Master classes have helped provide more clarity about my career path as a dancer. Those kinds of opportunities led to valuable relationships in the industry beyond the conservatory.”
    Julia Rudge – Class of 2016
  • “Commercial Dance reminded me that hard work is part of anything you want to achieve in life. It also taught me that life is not a perpetual state of competition, but a realm of family and love."
    Michael Montgomery – Class of 2006

Preparing Students for the Future

The Commercial Dance Conservatory prepares its students to follow either a professional or collegiate path. Upon graduating, students possess the experience and discipline required to perform in music videos, on stage, on television, and in film, as well as the skillsets needed to successfully enter renowned college and university dance programs. The Commercial Dance Conservatory encourages students to develop themselves as dancers and artists, providing them with techniques to use in their future roles as performers, choreographers, directors, producers, and educators, or in any career/major they choose to pursue.

Click here for more information on our scope and sequence and curriculum. 

FAQ

Is there a dress code?

Yes. Students are required to wear black, grey, or white dance attire that does not prohibit movement.

Are there any additional performance opportunities available for Commercial Dance Conservatory students?

A: Yes! In addition to the annual conservatory-wide concerts, dancers in grades 9 through 12 have the opportunity to audition for Dot Comm, a non-competitive community outreach performance group, providing Commercial Dance students with the chance to perform solos, duets, and group routines for charities and benefits in and around Orange County, as well as a yearly performance at Disneyland Park.