Shows and Programs
Annual Ballet Productions
Performance is an essential part of the Agape experience. Each year, students have the opportunity to participate in two full-scale ballet productions with Santa Cruz Dance Theater, giving dancers the chance to apply their training, develop artistry, and experience the discipline and excitement of performing on stage.
Every December, Agape students perform in The Nutcracker, a beloved holiday tradition that brings together dancers of all ages in a full-length ballet production.
Our second annual ballet production takes place in the spring and provides students with another opportunity to develop their performance skills, explore new choreography, and experience the collaborative process of creating a major stage production.
Petite Program
Ages 2-6
The Petite Program is where many dancers begin their lifelong relationship with ballet. Our goal is to help young students fall in love with dance while building a strong foundation for future training.
Through imaginative movement, musicality, and age-appropriate exercises, students are introduced to the basics of ballet technique, classroom etiquette, coordination, and the joy of performing. Dancers learn how to work together, listen, focus, and express themselves while developing confidence and a love for movement.
The Petite Program creates a positive first experience with ballet and prepares students for the next stage of their dance education.
Graded Program
Ages 7-19
Agape’s Graded Program is a pre-professional ballet training program designed for students who want to develop serious technical skill, artistry, and discipline.
Our curriculum combines a strong foundation in the Vaganova method with influences from Cecchetti method, Bournonville technique, and Character Dance traditions from Royal Academy of Dance.
Developed by Dir. Conrad Useldinger, our curriculum provides students with progressive training in ballet technique, pointe work, variations, partnering, musicality, and artistry. Each level builds intentionally on the last, preparing dancers with the skills and knowledge needed for advanced study and future opportunities in dance.
Students are evaluated annually to assess their progress, celebrate their growth, and determine the appropriate placement for the following year. These evaluations ensure that each dancer continues progressing through the program with the support and training needed to reach their individual goals.
While Agape welcomes dancers with a wide range of goals, our training environment is built with a pre-professional mindset - encouraging commitment, curiosity, and excellence in every student.
Studio Company
Students in Agape’s Graded Program have the opportunity to participate in Santa Cruz Dance Theater’s Studio Company.
Studio Company provides dedicated dancers with additional opportunities to rehearse, perform, and grow as artists through a professional performing organization. Through this partnership, Agape students gain experience performing in major productions, community events, and other performance opportunities while continuing their training at Agape.
As a member organization of Regional Dance America, Studio Company students have the opportunity to attend the RDA Pacific Festival each year, where they take classes with renowned teachers, rehearse and perform alongside dancers from other pre-professional organizations, and experience the collaborative community of a national dance network.
Studio Company is divided into three levels:
Petite Elite
Petite Elite is designed for talented young dancers who demonstrate strong ballet fundamentals and a passion for continued growth. This program is available to select students in the Petite Program as well as students beginning Level 1 of Agape’s Graded Program.
Participation in Petite Elite is by invitation only and provides students with additional training and performance opportunities as they prepare for the next stages of their ballet education.
Conservatory
Conservatory is designed for dedicated dancers beginning around age 10 who are ready for additional performance experience and a deeper commitment to their training.
Students in Levels 2 and 3 of Agape’s Graded Program can participate in Conservatory, where they continue developing technique, artistry, musicality, and ensemble skills through rehearsals and performances.
Company
Company is Studio Company’s highest level of student performance training and is designed for dancers beginning around age 12 who are ready for a greater commitment to their craft.
Students in Level 4 and above of Agape’s Graded Program can participate in Company. Company members receive advanced training, perform in major productions, and have opportunities to participate in regional and community performances. The program emphasizes professionalism, teamwork, artistry, and the dedication required of serious dancers.