Aerial Dance Youth Student Company
The Youth Student Company (YPC) 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, YPC 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 SEASON
Why Join the Youth Student Company?
YPC 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.
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.
Who Can Join the Company
The Youth Student Company is designed for aerial students ages 9–17 at Level 2 or higher who are ready for more than just weekly classes. It’s the right fit for young people 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.
Beginning with the 2026–2027 season, all students 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 running from August through May. Each stage builds on the last, creating a consistent pathway for growth and performance.
The Summer Intensive (Required) sets the foundation for the year. Students spend a focused week building strength, technique, and ensemble connection while beginning the creative work that will carry into the fall. (See below for full details.)
An Optional Summer Term is also offered in June to July. These weekly classes provide additional skill building, early show concepting, and creative play for students who want extra training time ahead of the fall.
Fall Term: Creation & Productions (August–January)
The Fall Term centers on technique, story-building, and collaborative choreography. Students work with coaches and peers to develop 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.
Spring Term: Exploration & Showcase (February–May)
The Spring Term emphasizes stage presence, refinement, and performance maturity. Students revisit their technique, polish existing material, and prepare small ensemble or duet acts for the May Youth Showcase.
To support their progress, all YPC members are also required to take at least one weekly technique class during both the fall and spring terms, in addition to company rehearsals.
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
Starting in 2026, the Summer Intensive will be a required part of the Youth Student Company year. This week is designed to give students a strong start—time to connect as a group, build strength and technique, and begin exploring creative ideas before the fall season begins.
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. The intensive is also when staff evaluate skills, set casts, and identify student leaders for the year ahead.
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 May
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 (August–May) by late spring to hold their place in the company.
Register for Summer Intensive (June or July)
Each student must register for one of the two week-long intensives before the season begins.
This process helps ensure every student is set up for success and the company starts the year with a strong, connected team.
