Community Dance Ensemble
Performer Requirements
"What makes dance so special is the ability to tell a story and influence the audience. We can make people feel happy, excited, nostalgic... and that's why I love the CDE. We don't dance for our own glory or fitness, we perform to share this incredible, infectious joy of dance with others. ~ Stacia , age 15
Classes & Programs
Summer Intensive Program at
The Dance Extension
Mandatory program for CDE dancers that includes daily technique classes plus new CDE repertory. Most new repertory to be performed during the 2024-2025 season will be taught exclusively at the Intensive.
Next Summer Intensive
July 7-25, 2025 (Tentative)
(3 Weeks, Monday - Friday)
Academic Year (Sept - May)
Weekly Classes
Company members ages 7-15 must attend weekly ballet, tap and jazz classes at TDE during the 2024-2025 season. A second ballet class is highly recommended.
Company members ages 16 and older must attend weekly ballet, tap and contemporary classes at TDE during the 2024-2025 season. A second ballet class is highly recommended.
CDE Rehearsals
All CDE dancers must attend weekly CDE Rehearsals on Friday evenings, (Time TBD) during the 2024-2025 season. Cost covered by the CDE General Fund (i.e. included in membership fees).
Additional rehearsals are often scheduled on Saturdays for dancers to learn existing repertory. A separate fee may apply.
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CDE Annual Events
All CDE dancers will be expected to participate in a variety of scheduled dancing (performances) and non-dancing events (fundraisers, socials, etc.) throughout the season.
DANCEWEAR & SHOES
Dancewear
Black leotard & skin tone camisole leotard
Tights
Capezio 1916 Transition Tights
Colors: ballet pink, skin tone & black.
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Leggings and fishnets might be needed depending on choreography.
Shoes
Ballet: "Hanami" Canvas Split Sole Ballet Slipper (2037C) or Adult (2037C) or Blendz Canvas Ballet Shoes
Color: Skin Tone
Tap: Bloch Respect #S0361L, Capezio Cadence #CG19, or Block (Child) #SO301G
Color: Black
Jazz: Capezio Adult "E" Series #EJ2 or #EJ2C
Color: Caramel
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Additional styles may be needed depending on repertory & costuming. Examples: Black jazz shoes, black and/or caramel character or character tap shoes with 1.5" heel.
financial Commitment
Company Fees (approx.)
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Fees are determined annually in May.
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Initiation Fee (new performers): $25
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Membership Fee: $875
Costumes: All costumes for CDE repertory are paid by the CDE General Fund (ie. included in membership fee).
Travel Uniform: CDE provides shirt, jacket & pants paid by the General Fund (ie. included in dues & fundraising fees.). Dancers must provide plain white sneakers and white socks.
Trips & Educational Events: The CDE travels mainly throughout CT & MA, but has performed at Hershey Park, PA and Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, FL. All performances requiring travel are optional as most expenses are paid by families.
A summer trip may also be planned (Cost TBD).
Total Annual Cost (approx.)
including classes, intensive
$3,000 - $3,500/season
