The Dance Place

Here's some information about auditions tomorrow, MON. 6/16 at The Dance Place:3:30-4:15 Entering grades 4-6 ~ Joppa Jr. (Jr. 2 if needed.)4:30-5:15 Entering grades 7-8 ~ Joppa 25:30-6:15 Entering grades 9-12 ~ Joppa T2/Teen Answers to some questions:1.) Anyone can audition. Kids with ballet experience do better than those without, but a strong talent for picking up choreography bodes well. Some who audition, and don't make it, are encouraged to take another year of ballet, then audition the next year. Most times, those kids make it. Dancers should not take it personally if they are not accepted, though we know that's hard. We have to limit the number of dancers in the company, so some years we only have a few slots available.2.) The audition is a short warmup, then a dance combination similar to what choreography would be like. It is fun and easy-going. Auditions are stressful, but the company directors and instructors are there to support and guide them, not make them feel judged. They should feel free to ask questions. Wear comfortable dance attire and hair away from the face, not dangly jewelry.3.) Joppa commitment is every Thursday during the school year. Joppa Junior meets 4:00-6:00, Joppa 2 3:30-6:00, Joppa T2/Teen 6:00-8:30. This is in addition to at least one ballet class a week, which is mandatory. Dancers who don't make up missed classes cannot perform. Joppa members are placed in ballet classes with their group.4.) There is a Joppa holiday performance scheduled at the Firehouse Center this December 5th, 6th, 7th: two shows on Sunday, March 29th, 2026, plus some travel opportunities. Joppa T2 and Teen will be going to Portugal with Performing Arts Educators July 22nd-29th 2026. The Juniors do a special performance in October as part of Newburyport Arts Collective's Halloween Festival.