What is ProTrack at Wildwood Dance and Arts

Wildwood Dance and Arts has a pre-professional dance company, Danse Arts Company, that tours local venues such as; Malls, Fairs,Parades, Sports Events, Private Functions and local theaters, and now includes two major productions throughout the season. Danse Arts Company, nonprofit organization, offers students an opportunity to perform in public venues in a nurturing environment that not only offers a place to grow as a dancer/performer and build self-esteem, but focuses on professional training first and foremost! The student’s competition is themselves. We are building a supportive team of well rounded dancers. They will be learning and performing different styles of dance throughout their stay in the company. Our ProTrack courses are designed to enhance the students performing experience. ProTrack (short for professional track) students are expected to behave professionally, in class and performing. It’s a lot of hard work, but Tons of Fun!

Wildwood Dance and Arts started in 2004. From just a handful of performers three years ago, we have expanded our Production Company (25-30 dancers) to three levels; ProTrack I, ProTrack II, and ProTrack III. Students are required to audition for courses. This audition consists of the students learning a short ballet and jazz routine and performing them back to a panel of professional dancers/performers. They are also required to perform a 1.5 minute solo routine that they bring in, either choreographed by the student or a piece previously performed elsewhere. After successfully completing the audition, the students are placed by the accumulated scores and recommendations by panelists into one of the three courses. Prospective students having a minimum age of 8yrs are considered for ProTrack I and do not need to perform a solo routine for the audition. Those 10 years of age + may be considered for ProTrack II or III. After satisfying the minimum requirements (see other link) all students are welcome to take elective courses in addition. Our ProTrack III students also have the opportunity to perform solo/duet/trio dances for our annual recital in addition to their normal class recital pieces. They must be prepared to practice ballet, jazz, modern, theatrical, and themed dances. We will also explore choreography, tap, pointe, and hip hop when suited. All ProTrack students have the opportunity to perform in the Opening/Closing Dance, each production class has their own piece as well, for our Annual Recital. Company students are also required to perform in our Annual Winter Extravaganza and the June Production (tickets sold to the public). There are other performance requirements throughout the year as well. (see Proposed Annual Performance Schedule) The Danse Arts Company dancers are also required to attend the Week-long Summer Intensive Camp in June 16-20, 2008.

 Within the first 2 months (2004) our students performed a Halloween Hip Hop routine in the Chesterfield Mall for Family Fun Day, sponsored by West News Magazine and Radio Disney. On January7th, 2005 our ProTrack II students (then known as the Wildwood Dance Troupe) performed and led as the main entertainment for a local Girl Scout Luau at Pond Elementary for 80guests. (pictured in West County Journal) They performed several hula dances, led games such as “ Hilo says”, Limbo, and Hula Hoop Halo, and taught the guests one of the hula dances performed. Wildwood Dance Company now consists of 27dancers in all. They performed 4 more charitable events between Feb-March 2005, averaging 150 guests at each event. (Luaus, Mexican Fiesta -350 guests, and SockHop) The Company performed in the Creve Ceour Parade in May 2005, Art in thePark in June 2005, and Wildwood Days in September 2005 (which boasted 8,000attendees). We have continued performing for Girls Scout events with a Western Theme in Feb. 2006 at Ellisville Elementary, and a Mexican Fiesta in May 2006 for Pond Elementary both averaging 90-150 guests. The students also had the opportunity to perform at the SAVVIS Center for St. Louis Steamers, Feb. 20,2006! Over the last year, 2006-2007, our dancers have continued to perform for the Family Fun Day in Chesterfield Mall, World Thinking Day at Babler Elementary for the Girl Scouts, annual performances with Wildwood Days and Ballwin Days/Parade, put on our First Annual Winter Extravaganza in collaboration with the West County YMCA-Chesterfield Community Theatre, performing at local basketball games for halftime shows and cheer, and putting together “Diaries of a Dancer” (a story told by the art of dance!). Students traveled to Chicago to participate in the West Coast Dance Explosion Convention/Workshop, and participating in our second year at Dance Olympus Workshop -studying ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, and modern dance. We are always looking for more talent, and those that love to perform! I am very proud of what our students have accomplished thus far, and cannot wait to share the years ahead! Come Join Us! Check our Audition Dates and Requirements.

Dress Code for Class: Leotard and “convertible” tights- color is students choice, required to bring at minimum ballet shoes. Or dance shirts (not loose) and jazz pants etc.. Suggested additional attire: Jazz pants, Dance sneakers for Hip Hop, Jazz shoes, and tap if needed. No loose t-shirts.