PROGRAMS
WE OFFER
A beginner joining the school for the first time would be placed in the General School and as the student advances in training, the student is able to audition for the Performance Program. Placement in these programs is done according to age, experience, and ability. The Professional Division is a program we offer to students who are looking to prepare seriously for a future in dance and is by invitation only.
PREPARING FOR A PROFESSIONAL
FUTURE IN DANCE
The Pre-Professional Division's mission is to prepare students for a professional future in dance. It will be by invitation only and an audition for final acceptance is required. Students who are invited are those who we feel may have the physique possessing attributes that are generally considered requisite for professional accomplishments in classical ballet. The students are accepted on a trial basis throughout the year and are evaluated by technical development, talent, and artistic merit.
Students in the Pre-Professional Division have had 100% success in their college applications for a dance major degree. WSPA alumni have earned college scholarships for dance and are more than likely to be gainfully employed as dance teachers, professional dancers, and choreographers. Students pursuing a Dance Major gained acceptances in prestigious colleges and universities including Julliard School of the Arts, University of Southern California Gloria Kaufman School of Dance, University of Arizona, Pointe Park College, University of Irvine, Chapman University, Santa Clara University, Dominican University, and St. Mary’s College among others. WSPA graduates have transitioned to apprenticeships in Joffrey Studio Company, San Francisco Trainee Program, Lines Training Program, and New Dialect in Nashville, among others.
THE GENERAL SCHOOL
INTRODUCTORY/INTERMEDIATE DANCE
The General School offers a wide range of classes for children who wish to take dance for exercise, coordination, discipline and fun; and in the process students achieve an understanding and appreciation of the art form. Students meet only once or twice a week and prepare for the annual recital in June.
THE PERFORMANCE PROGRAM
ADVANCE/COMPETITION DANCE
Students audition for placement in the Performance Program. Once accepted, the student is required to attend a number of classes and rehearsals a week. Additional classes outside of their main focus may also be required to remain in the class. The focus is on intense training involving technique classes and many hours of rehearsals in preparation for competitions and performances. Excellent attendance and a high degree of commitment are necessary to remain in this program.
Students who graduate from the program have had 100% success rate in their college applications for a dance major degree. WSPA alumni have earned college scholarships for dance and are more than likely to be gainfully employed as dance teachers, professional dancers, and choreographers. Students pursuing a Dance Major gained acceptances in prestigious colleges and universities including Julliard School of the Arts, University of Southern California Gloria Kaufman School of Dance, University of Arizona, Pointe Park College, University of Irvine, Chapman University, Santa Clara University, Dominican University, and St. Mary’s College among others.
