Our passionate and experienced faculty seek to inspire a sense of excitement in all our curious dancers. Whether you are looking for fun and engaging classes to support the cognitive development of a toddler, recreational classes for a child who wants to “do it all”, a versatile curriculum for the dance obsessed k-12 dancer, or a sense of community and energizing movement for an adult, you will find the perfect class for all ages and stages.
It's a Spectacular Year!
It's a Spectacular Year!
Auditions September 14th
Ages 13+ Noon-1:30
Ages 7-12 1:30-3:30
You MUST register to audition!
The Citadel Spectacular is a dazzling holiday production featuring all your favorite tunes, classic dance scenes, and Santa & his elves!
Roles include three dance groups, Santa’s elves, and a chorus line.
Students may audition for Dance, Music, and/or Acting roles.
PERFORMANCE DATE DECEMBER 14TH Mendel Center Mainstage
$75 Participation Fee
Young Dancers Program Ages 18 Months-6 Years
Creating a strong relationship between Dance & Music right from the start.
Level 2-6
We believe in a versatile dance education for all our dancers. We offer Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Pointe, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, and Acro Dance.
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Level II Class Times Ages 7-9
Monday
Acro Dance 2 4:30-5:00
Core 2 Ballet & Jazz 5:00-6:00 (Weekly rotation)
Musical Theatre for Kids 6:00-6:45Wednesday
Acro Dance 2 Ages 7-9 5:00-5:30
Core Ballet/Modern/Jazz 5:30-6:30 ( Weekly rotation)Thursday
Hip Hop for Kids 4:30-5:00
Core 2 Ballet & Modern (Weekly Rotation) 5:00-6:00
Musical Theatre for Kids 6:00-6:45Level III Class Times Ages 10-12
Tuesday
Pointe 3 4:30-5:00
Core Ballet & Modern 6:00-7:00 (Weekly Rotation)
Tap 3 7:00-7:45Wednesday
Acro Dance 3 5:30-6:00
Hip Hop for Tweens 6:00-6:45
Musical Theatre for Tweens 6:45-7:30Thursday
Core 3 Ballet & Jazz 6:00-7:00 (Weekly Rotation)
Acro Dance 7:00-7:45
Pre-Pointe 7:45-8:152024/25 Tuition (34 Weeks)
*Tuition includes all school and concert fees! No additional fees will be due for concert/costumes.
Core Classes
Once a week $720
Twice a week $1230
Three times a week $1672Add
Acro Dance $340
Hip Hop $405
Musical Theatre $405
Pre-Pointe or Pointe $340Classes $590 each if you are not enrolled in a Core class.
The Citadel Spectacular $75
Tuition Payment Schedule
One third due September 1st
One third due January 6th
One third due April 7th
OR
Enroll in ACH autopay to make monthly payments. -
Level IV Class Times Ages 13-15
Monday
Pointe 4 6:00-6:45
Musical Theatre for Teens 6:45-7:30
Hip Hop for Teens 7:30-8:15Tuesday
Modern 4 4:30-5:45
Tap 4 7:00-7:45Wednesday
Jazz 4 4:30-5:30
Ballet 4 5:30-7:00
Acro Dance 7:00-7:45
Contemporary 7:45-8:30
Level 5 Class TimesMonday
Ballet & Pointe 6:45-8:15Tuesday
Musical Theatre for Teens Ages 14+ 6:00-7:00
Contemporary 7:00-8:30
Stretch 8:30-9:00Wednesday
Acro Dance 7:00-7:45
Core 5 Modern/Jazz 7:45-9:00Thursday
Hip Hop for Teens Ages 15+ 5:15-6:00
Tap 6:00-7:00
Core 5 Modern/Jazz 7:00-8:15Stretch 8:30-9:00
Level VI Class Times
Monday
Ballet 4:30-6:00
Acro Dance 7:30-8:15Tuesday
Musical Theatre for Teens Ages 14+ 6:00-7:00
Contemporary 7:00-8:30
Stretch 8:30-9:00Thursday
Modern 6 4:00-5:15
Hip Hop for Teens Ages 15+ 5:15-6:00
Tap 6:00-7:00
Jazz 7:00-8:302024/25 Tuition (34 Weeks)
*Tuition includes all school and concert fees! No additional fees will be due for concert/costumes.
One Class $720
Second Class +$585
Third Class + $585
Fourth Class + $515
Fifth Class + $515
Sixth Class +$483
Seventh Class +$408
Eighth Class +$408
Stretch Class $340
The Citadel Spectacular $75Tuition Payment Schedule
One third due September 1st
One third due January 6th
One third due April 7th
OR
Enroll in ACH autopay to make monthly payments. -
Acro Dance: Develops the strength, flexibility, and balance to combine classical technique with precision acrobatics
Ballet: Classical training essential to all dancers as it provides correct alignment, fluid use of the body, strength and flexibility, a general understanding of the body’s functions as it pertains to dance, and the specific terminology used in all forms of dance. *Students must bring a theraband
Contemporary: Emphasis is placed on versatility of movement between classical ballet and modern technique
Dancing for Actors: Focuses on the importance of body language in character development. Actors will work on developing strength and coordination as they explore uses of the body in communicating with an audience.
Floor Barre: A strength building class that also teaches dancers which muscle groups are responsible for each kind of movement. *Students must bring a theraband
Hip Hop: Genre of dance originating as a social dance form directly correlating to hip hop music. Includes popping, locking, breaking and krump
Homeschool Dance Explorations:
This class is designed to introduce students to Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Musical Theatre in 4 week segments throughout the term. Open to ages 6-9 and 10-12Horton: This modern technique emphasizes a whole body, anatomical approach to dance that includes flexibility, strength, coordination and body and spatial awareness to enable unrestricted, dramatic freedom of expression.
Improvisation: A tool used to develop a broader range of movement vocabulary and allow the dancer to explore in order to become a better communicator. *Students should bring a notebook
Jazz: Focus on rhythmical patterns of the body as it relates to jazz music while training the body to stretch, isolate, and apply ballet technique to different styles of movement. *Students should bring a yoga mat
Musical Theatre: Dancers learn how to sing, act and dance at the same time.
Pointe: Advanced form of ballet performed on the toes with the use of a specific type of shoe. STUDENTS MUST HAVE PRIOR CONSENT FROM THE TEACHER
Tap: Rhythmical use of the feet that explores the partnership of music and dance. *Students should bring a notebook
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“Look like a dancer, feel like a dancer, dance like a dancer.”
Girls: Solid color leotard or unitard, skin toned tights, or black for modern and jazz.
Boys: Solid color fitted t-shirt, black tights, shorts, or dance pants.
Ballet Shoes- Ballet and Contemporary
Jazz Shoes- Jazz
Tap Shoes-Tap
Bare Feet- Modern, Creative Movement, Foundations of Dance
Hip Hop Sneakers-Hip Hop
Dancers may wear warm up attire at the teachers discretion in the winter months and for Hip Hop classes. Dancers should remember that the body warms up from the inside out, and warm up clothing only helps the body BEFORE the work begins.
**** Dress code is strictly enforced- students attending class without the required clothing will be asked to observe class.***
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Dancers must sign in and out upon entering and leaving the studio.
Food is NOT PERMITTED in the dressing rooms or studios.
Water bottles are recommended for all classes, but no soda, juice, or coffee is allowed in the studios.
Do not wear street shoes in the studio.
Observation weeks are held in November and March for parents to watch class. Outside of those times, we ask that parents and guests wait in the lobby.
Classes must have a minimum of 5 students to run. Any class not meeting this requirement may be cancelled.
Refunds will not be given should you choose to drop a class. A drop fee of $60 will be assessed to all students who drop a class after October 1st.
Annual fees and costume payments are nonrefundable.
Students will not be allowed to perform and/or take home costumes if they have a balance on their account.
If a dancer is more than 10 minutes late to class, they must have permission from the instructor to participate; the teacher may ask them to observe class for the safety of the dancer.
Young dancers and Level I students should line up in the lobby. Their teacher will then escort them to the studio.
Weather related closings will be posted on the website. No refunds will be given in the event of a weather related closing, but students may attend another class to make up the missed class with the permission of the teacher.
Adult Classes
Year round opportunities for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level adults. We offer fun classes to benefit your mind and body, and create social connections. Do something creative for yourself this season!
Musical Theatre Program
A program dedicated to triple threat training for all ages. In 2024, the Citadel implemented a performance program for our musical theatre students! Classes are available all year round. Spring classes are required for all wishing to audition for the summer musicals.
2024/25 Calendar
August
August 6th-27th Company Intensives
August 16th Berrien County Youth Fair Performance 3:00
September
September 9th Classes Begin
September 7th Fly Me to the Moon- Citadel Annual Fundraiser, Lake Michigan College
September 14th “The Citadel Spectacular” auditions: Ages 13 and up Noon-1:30, Ages 7-12 1:30-3:30
October
October 7th-10th Bring Your Friend to Dance
October 11th Mason Jar give back dinner night
October 26th Companies Fall Chicago Trip
October 31st Halloween at the Citadel Trick-or-Treat
November
November 2nd Dance, Music & Dessert 5:00 and 7:00
November 27th-30th Closed for Thanksgiving
December
December 2nd-5th Observation Week
December 11-14 “The Citadel Spectacular” Mendel Center
December 21st SMSO Holiday Concert Mendel Center
December 16th-19th Jingle Jams
December 23-January 5th Closed for the Holidays
January
January 6th Classes Resume
January 13th-16th Bring Your Friend to Dance
February
February 10th-13th Bring Your Dad to Dance
February 23rd Acorn Theatre Tentative Date
March
March 7th & 8th Principal Company Ailey Day
March 14th/15th Auditions Citadel Musical Productions
March 22nd Noon Dance Showing
March 24th-27th Observation Week
April
March 31-April 6th Spring Break
April 19th Gala Concert 5:00 Hanson Theatre
April 21st Principal Company Auditions 2025/26
April 22nd Junior and Corps Company Auditions 2025/26
May
May 5th-8th Bring Your Mom to Dance
May 28-31 Spring Concert of Dance Hanson Theatre
June
June 2nd-27th Musical Production Oak Room at the Citadel
June 16-21 Young Dancers, Musicians, & Artists Camp
July
July 8-20 Kids Musical Production TBA SOON!
July 29-31 Young Dancers, Musicians, & Artists Camp
Citadel Dance Companies
It is the goal of the Citadel to provide the opportunity for its intensive dancers to further their training toward a life in dance in a supportive, professional, and challenging environment. Dancers in The Citadel Dance Companies are passionate, dedicated, and committed to dance. Some may be moving toward a professional career, while others are purely driven by their passion for dance and strive to graduate from our program.
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Designed for advanced dancers, the principal company will work with guest artists, travel to master classes, performances, and conventions, and have an opportunity to showcase their own choreography. Each member will have a faculty advisor from the time they are accepted into the company, until they graduate from the program. Should the dancer be interested, the advisor will assist them with college prep, and help them navigate the audition process.
Dancers may begin auditioning the spring before entering high school.
Required classes
All Intensives & the following
Monday Evening
Ballet 4:00-5:30Thursday Evening
Modern 4:00-5:15
Tap 6:00-7:00
Jazz 7:00-8:30Rehearsals
Monday Evenings 6:00-7:30
The following Saturday mornings 9:30-11:30
September 14, 28
October 5, 19
January 11, 18, 25
February 8, 15, 22
March 15
April 12 -
Designed for intermediate dancers, the corps company will work with guest artists, travel to performances, and participate in all performances. Faculty members will work with dancers on goal setting to help them plan a path to achieving those goals.
The Corps Company is open to dancers ages 12-15
Exceptions may be made based on ability.
Required classes
All Intensives
Ballet Wednesday 5:30-7:00
Modern Tuesday 4:30-5:45
Jazz Wednesday 4:30-5:30
Tap Tuesday 7:00-7:45Rehearsals will be held on Tuesday evening from 5:45-7:00
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Designed for the beginners, this company will work with guest artists and participate in all performances. Much emphasis will be placed on team building. Dancers can expect to build strong friendships, be creatively engaged, and have FUN!
The Junior Company is open to dancers ages 8-11
Exceptions may be made based on ability.
Required classes
Company Intensives, Core 3 twice per week, and Tap
Rehearsals will be held Tuesday evenings from 5:00 to 6:00.
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August 19-21 Principal Company Rep Week 9:00-2:00
August 27 Principal Company Rehearsal 5:00-7:00
August 27th and 29th Junior and Corps Company Rehearsals 4:30-6:30
September 5th Principal Company 5:00-7:00
September 7th Fly Me to the Moon Call Time 2 pm in the Grand Upton Ballroom
September 14th “The Citadel Spectacular” Auditions Ages 7-12 1:30-3:00 Ages 13 and up 12:00-1:30
October 26th Fall Chicago Trip
November 2nd Dance, Music & Dessert Call Time Noon Performances 5:00 and 7:00
December 11-14 The Citadel Spectacular Mendel Mainstage
December 21st SMSO Holiday Concert Principal Company
January Guest Artist TBA
February 23rd Informance Acorn Theatre **Tentative Date
March 7th/8th Ailey Day Principal
March 22nd Noon Dance Showing
Gala Performance April 19- Call time 8:00am. Performance 5:00pm
Community Performances and Informances will be added as dates become available. We are looking to book 2 per term.
Parent Meetings: August 5th 6:00-7:00
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Attire:
Please have the following in working order at all time. Black jazz shoes, skin toned ballet shoes, black tap shoes, black character shoes, black tights, skin toned tights, nude leotard, solid black leotard, current company apparel.
Policies
All members must show respect for each other, company directors, and guest artists at all times.
All members should have a positive attitude, high level of energy, and willingess to learn at EVERY rehearsal/performance.
BE ON TIME: Coming in late will NOT be tolerated. Example: If rehearsal begins at 9:00, that means you should be in the studio, warmed up and ready to begin dancing at 9:00.
All members of the Principal company MUST have Facebook messenger to be included on the group chat, AND you must check it daily. All members of the Corps and Junior companies should have a parent with Facebook messenger to be included on the group chats and are strongly encouraged to check it daily. Dancers must have access to this feed for information and rehearsal videos.
In the studio, all dancers are assigned a mailbox for take home information. There is also a company bulletin board where rehearsal schedules are posted. Dancers must check these areas every time they come into the studio.
REHEARSAL ABSENCE REQUEST FORM
Being a member of any one of the companies is a responsibility not unlike having a job. You must request time off. Please fill out the rehearsal absence request form AT LEAST 2 weeks in advance. If you do not follow this policy, you will no longer have a role in the work you missed. Dancers may be dismissed from their company if this policy is not observed.
Hierarchy of Importance
Family
Academics
Company Rehearsals
Everything else.
