Sullivan Youth Ensemble

The Sullivan Youth Ensemble is one of the two youth performance companies in residence at Sullivan Dance Centre. The Charlotte City Ballet focuses on classical Ballet and classical choreography for the concert stage, the Youth Ensemble focuses on Contemporary Jazz, Concert Dance, Modern, Lyrical, Tap and Hip Hop for the competitive arena.

The program is designed to be pre-professional and preparatory for university dance programs.  Former members have gone on to professional careers in theatre and concert dance as well as scholarship recipients to universities and conservatories.

2007 Achievements

Jazz Dance World Congress, Chicago 2007

The Youth Ensemble performed “Escape” as a finalist in the Leo’s Choreographic Competitive Event at the Harris Theatre for Music and Dance at Millennium Park in Chicago. The choreography was adjudicated and selected for performance out of entries from all over the world.

2008 Achievements

Dance Troupe, Inc.

Overall Entertainment Award All Groups: Mary Poppins-Sullivan Youth Ensemble

Overall Entertainment Award Solos/Duo-Trios: Mr. Smooth-Sean Coyle

Overall Secondary Solos: This Woman’s Work-Laura Queen

Third Overall Solos: This Woman’s Work-Laura Queen

Fifth Overall Groups: Escape-Ensemble Jazz

Dance Off Challenge Nominees: Katy Knowles for Torment,  Sean Coyle for Mr. Smooth

 

American Dance Awards

Young Choreographer Award: Morning Star Allen for “No One”—Ensemble Special Small Group

Junior Male Dancer of the Year: Sean Coyle

Overall Production/Extended: Mary Poppins-Sullivan Youth Ensemble, $150.00 CASH PRIZE

Fifth Overall Groups: Escape-Ensemble Jazz

Ultimate Gold Medals to: Mary Poppins & Escape

 

Sullivan Youth Ensemble is divided into four levels of performance:

Mini Dancers- Ages 7-9 – Jazz only—beginning/intermediate level of performance

Petite Dancers- Ages 10-12- Jazz, Lyrical, & Modern- advanced level of performance for the 10-12 age group

Troupe Dancers- Ages 13-15- Jazz & Lyrical-intermediate level of performance for dancer’s ager 13-15

Ensemble Dancers-Ages 13-18- Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Modern, Tap, and Hip Hop-advanced pre-professional level of performance

Dancers are evaluated throughout the dance season and assessed in the following areas to determine membership in the Youth Ensemble of Sullivan Dance Centre:

• - Talent and potential
• - Attendance to class and commitment to the program
• - Stage presence and confidence
• - Classroom attitude and participation
• - Time management skills
• - Dancers that are transferring to the studio can be evaluated for membership during the regular class schedule.

Our philosophy is simple.  The Youth Ensemble provides a pre-professional experience for young dancers.  The focus is on classical training in a conservatory environment.  We hope to inspire and foster a love for the art of dance through quality training, healthy competitive experiences, team spirit and mentality, discipline, and character development.