Aerial Dance Youth Student Company
The Youth Student Company (YSC) is Aerial Cirque Over Denver’s most comprehensive training and performance program for young aerial dancers. Open to students ages 9–17 in Level 2 and above, YSC offers a structured, year-long path to artistic growth, technical development, and stage experience.
Members train together, create original works, and perform in full-scale theatrical productions while building confidence, discipline, and teamwork. This program goes beyond choreography—it cultivates young artists who are ready to collaborate, take creative risks, and bring their aerial practice to the stage.
UPCOMING Performance SEASON
Why Join the Youth Student Company?
YSC gives committed young aerialists the chance to take their training to the next level in a supportive, structured, and artistically rich environment. Students refine their technique, learn how to collaborate with a cast, and experience the entire journey of creating and performing in a theatrical production. Student will take a technique class, attend the once weekly YSC rehearsal & can attend an optional weekly open gym (time in studio 2-3x/week).
Beyond the stage, the Youth Student Company builds confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community. Company members inspire younger students, represent ACOD at performances, and discover what’s possible through dedication and teamwork.
Want to learn more? Join us for our next info session (info below if presently scheduled)!
Who Can Join the Company
The YSC is designed for aerial students ages 9–17 at Level 2 or higher who are ready for more than just a weekly technique classes. It’s the right fit for students who want to commit to a full year of training, enjoy working as part of a team, and are excited to take the stage in polished, theatrical productions.
To qualify for Company, all students (current & incoming) will participate in an audition process. These auditions are designed first and foremost for placement—helping coaches match students to appropriate roles, groupings, and choreography. If the number of applicants is greater than available spots, auditions may also be used to determine company membership.
We encourage every eligible student to audition. Even when space is limited, the process itself is a positive learning experience that builds confidence, gives students feedback, and helps them understand what company life is like.
Program Structure
The Youth Student Company is a full-year commitment. Company season begins in February and runs through the following January and culminates in the Flagship Cleo Theater Production. The year-long Season includes a Spring term (Feb-May), a required summer intensive, & a Fall term (Aug-Jan following year). Each stage builds on the last, creating a consistent pathway for growth and performance.
Spring Term: Exploration & Exhibition (February–May)
The Spring Term centers on technique, story-building, and collaborative choreography. Students work with coaches and peers to begin developing original acts for the flagship January stage production. Roles and casts are set during this term, with emphasis on character work, transitions, and ensemble cohesion. Students also prepare solos or small ensembles for the Exhibition in April/May.
Summer Intensive: 1 full week in June, juLY OR auGUST
The Summer Intensive is a consolidated week of high level learning across apparatuses. Guest coaches are brought in to share skills and experiences students don’t get during the spring & fall terms. Student select 1 (or more, if they wish) weeks to participate, leaving summer travel flexibility.
Fall Term: Flagship Production (August–January)
The Fall Term centers on refinement of the Flagship Production at Cleo Parker Robinson, which is held usually the final weekend of January.
To support their progress, all YSC members are also required to take at least one weekly technique class during both the spring & fall terms, in addition to company rehearsals. We also offer a complimentary (not required) open gym, meaning students are in the studio 2-3 times per week during spring & fall seasons. Summer students are not required to take a weekly technique class, but are required to participate in the 1 week summer intensive.
Creative & Instructional Model
The Youth Student Company is guided by a lead coach/director and an assistant coach who shape the artistic vision and set the structure for rehearsals. Within that framework, students are active collaborators: they co-create acts through guided prompts, build ensemble trust, and contribute their own creative ideas.
Opportunities for solo or duet work are available to students who demonstrate consistent attendance, initiative, and readiness—giving motivated dancers a chance to take on additional creative responsibility as they grow.
Participation Expectations
Consistency is critical to the success of both the individual student and the company as a whole. YPC members are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals, as each week builds directly on the last and supports ensemble cohesion.
- Students who miss more than three rehearsals may receive a reduced role in current productions to ensure the integrity and safety of the show.
- Dress and tech rehearsals are mandatory. Absence from either may result in removal from the performance.
- A pattern of inconsistent attendance—including repeated late arrivals—may affect eligibility to rejoin the company the following year.
In the case of unavoidable absences, families are encouraged to schedule a private lesson (at additional cost) so students can stay current with choreography and staging. Known conflicts should be communicated as early as possible to support smooth planning and rehearsal management.
These standards are in place to ensure every student benefits from a high-quality artistic experience and that the company as a whole can thrive in a dependable, supportive rehearsal environment.
Summer Intensive
The Summer Intensive will be a required part of the Youth Student Company year.
Two intensive weeks are offered each summer in June and July, and every company member must attend one full week (with the option to attend both). Final dates are shared with families in advance so schedules can be planned around this commitment.
Each intensive runs Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, with a shorter Friday half-day for review and video recording. The week balances technical training and creative work.
Sample Daily Schedule
| 9:00–9:15 AM | Welcome, warm-up, morning check-in |
| 9:15–10:15 AM | Conditioning (strength, flexibility, mobility) |
| 10:15–11:45 AM | Technical Workshop I (primary apparatus focus) |
| 11:45 AM–12:15 PM | Lunch break |
| 12:15–1:45 PM | Technical Workshop II (secondary apparatus or skill reinforcement) |
| 1:45–3:00 PM | Creative Lab & Act Development |
On Friday (9:00 AM–12:00 PM), students finish with a rehearsal and receive an in-studio video of their work-in-progress, which helps with casting and tracking growth. Two coaches are present at all times, with guest coaches brought in for specific workshops.
Attendance is required for all Youth Student Company members. Missing both weeks requires prior approval and may affect casting. Students may also choose to attend both weeks for added training and community-building.
How to Join
Joining the Youth Student Company is a clear, step-by-step process:
Audition in November
All interested students (ages 9–17, Level 2+) attend an audition for placement and role assignment.
Confirm Your Spot
Families commit to the full year after audition results to hold their place in the company.
Register for Summer Intensive
Each student must register for one of the week-long intensives.
This process helps ensure every student is set up for success and the company starts the year with a strong, connected team.
