Performance Workshops
BAX’s progression of dance, theater and tumbling classes culminate in a series of truly exceptional programs for our most motivated students (ages 9-18). These programs offer young artists opportunities to deepen their practice as performers, creators and collaborators in their chosen discipline and, uniquely, develop and direct original work for performance. BAX’s focus on technical and improvisational skill, creative risk-taking, and performance helps create intelligent, flexible, deeply creative young artists who often continue their study at the college or professional level. These programs require a full-year commitment and each culminates in a showcase of student-directed composition and performance work.
Each Performance Workshop ensemble has multiple levels so that students are working closely with collaborators of similar ages and levels of experience. Students can anticipate spending multiple years at each level to ensure consistency of their artistic education as well as the important experience of being in the role of mentor and mentee within each ensemble. BAX programming pays special attention to community, social/emotional, and leadership development in addition to providing exceptional arts education.
Scholarships Available!
2023/2024 Performance Workshop Season
Level ages may vary from year-to-year depending on returning cohorts and incoming students. For the 2023/2024 season we anticipate the following ensemble breakdowns, with exact details to be confirmed in July 2023:
Performance Workshop Level I
Ages 9-12; Grades 4th-7th
This introductory workshop is designed for students who are eager to begin their Performance Workshop experience at BAX. This ensemble will deepen their technical skills in dance and tumbling, explore the building blocks of choreography and ensemble-work, and gain valuable pre-professional experience through performance and collaboration. Performance Workshop Level I is scheduled to take place on Thursday afternoons.
Dance Performance Workshop
Level II – Ages 12+; Grades 6th and Up
Level III – Ages 15+; Grades 11th and Up
DPW develops a ‘total artist’ encompassing the roles of dancer, performer, collaborator, creator, and observer. DPW encourages young artists to work both independently and in collaboration with peers, while honing and deepening skills in technique, performance, improvisation, partnering, and developing original choreography. DPW takes place on Tuesday afternoons, with supplementary technique classes and workshops offered at additional times throughout the week and season.
AcroBAX II
Ages 12+; Grades 8th and Up
Drawing on contemporary circus traditions and theatrical techniques, AcroBAX is BAX’s most advanced tumbling class, combining modern dance, partner acrobatics, performance, and choreography skills. AcroBAXers work closely as an ensemble, developing and performing original group pieces inspired by different annual themes. AcroBAX takes place on Thursday afternoons.
Interested in joining a Performance Workshop for the 2023/2024 season?
Curious and age appropriate students (ages 9-18, 4th to 12th graders) with previous dance, tumbling, and/or performance experience are welcome to participate in Open Classes to learn more about the program. Please note that while trial classes are open to all based on age, registration for these year-long classes is by invitation only. Student eligibility is based on space availability, previous performance experience, and maturity to commit to a full-year program and work collaboratively with peers.
To RSVP for an Open Class and to express your interest in the 2023/2024 Performance Workshop season, fill out the form below.
2023/2024 Performance Workshop Directors & Guest ArtistsArtists
Performance Workshop Level I Director
Diana Crum (she/her)
Dance Performance Workshop (DPW) Level II Director
Anna Vomacka
Dance Performance Workshop (DPW) Level III Director
Johnnie Cruise Mercer (he/him)
AcroBAX II Director
Diane Tomasi
Performance Workshop Advisor
Donna Costello (she/her)
Performance Workshop Technique & Choreography Guest Artist
Enya-Kalia Jordan (she/her)
This video features DPW levels I, II, III from spring 2020 and is conceived and directed by DPW directors Donna Costello, Skye Montante, and Helen Tocci. Edited by David Sierra.