UNCSA Preparatory Dance Program celebrates 50 years with expansion to include high school students
The School of Dance at UNCSA will soon be celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Preparatory Dance Program. Founded in 1975, the program is now expanding to include the Preparatory Dance Advanced Training Program, which provides high school students with a comprehensive and rigorous training experience in order to prepare them for diverse careers and collegiate studies in dance.
“Previously, the program provided instruction only through the eighth grade, focusing primarily on ballet, character and a small bit of contemporary forms,” said Endalyn T. Outlaw, dean of the School of Dance. “The expansion into high school instruction, along with the inclusion of new stylistic areas, aligns perfectly with UNCSA’s overarching mission to prepare dancers for 21st-century conservatory arts education and eventual careers in an ever-evolving dance landscape.”
“I am tremendously honored to work with the Preparatory Dance community to celebrate its 50th anniversary and all of the former directors, parents, students and teachers who have poured their efforts into the program over the years,” said High School Dance alumna Monica Stephenson, director of Preparatory Dance. “I cannot think of a better way to honor the past but to press forward with high quality training.”
Monica Stephenson, director of Preparatory Dance
Required auditions for interested students who will be entering the ninth through 12th grades of high school will begin next month. All prospective students are expected to successfully execute intermediate level work through Level 5 of the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum or its equivalent, and have an intermediate to advanced understanding of contemporary technique. Coursework includes ballet technique, contemporary technique, jazz technique, composition and improvisation, repertory, and college and career readiness seminars. Electives include ballet technique and pointe technique, which is by invitation only.
Additionally, the program is designed to be flexible with a requirement of four days per week, allowing students the opportunity to meet the demands of high school academics and other non-dance activities. Students will also have the option to register for additional classes according to their individual goals and schedules as part of this after-school program.
The first date of auditions is Saturday, May 18, for ballet and pointe technique (elective) and contemporary technique, with another opportunity on Saturday, August 3. Registration information can be found online.
Advanced Preparatory Dance students / Photo: Andrew Bowen
The program focuses on five main objectives including:
- Comprehensive Technique Training: The curriculum offers a well-rounded approach to dance training in both classical ballet and contemporary techniques.
- Performance Opportunities: Students will take part in rehearsals for pieces that are created by faculty and guest artists, including the Preparatory Dance Program Spring Performance; a group piece presented at the UNCSA Festival of Dance held annually during early March; a group piece presented at Youth America Grand Prix Regional Semifinals during the beginning of the year; and multiple community outreach events across the Triad region.
- College and Career Readiness: Monthly seminars, which include workshops for audition preparation and resume building with the goal of equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in the broad context of the dance industry and assistance with transitioning into collegiate study, are provided.
- Mentorship and Guidance: The Advanced Training Program faculty consists of experienced dance professionals who will provide personalized mentorship meetings each semester and individualized feedback that are tailored to support each student's unique journey and aspirations.
- Artistic Exploration: In addition to technical training, students will have the opportunity to engage in creative exploration and choreographic experimentation during improvisation and composition classes in order to develop their individual artistic voices and broaden their understanding of dance as an art form.
“The Advanced Training Program provides students with an opportunity to broaden their definition of success by preparing for teaching, choreography and collegiate study,” Stephenson continued. “Having multiple paths to continue dance is reflective of the strong participation and commitment level of our students.”
“There couldn't be a more fitting time to pilot such an important program than during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Preparatory Dance Program's existence,” Outlaw concluded.
Preparatory Dance students / Photo: Jonathan Greene
About the Preparatory Dance Program
Founded in 1975, the Preparatory Dance Program was the brainchild of founding Dean of Dance Robert Lindgren and his wife, Sonja Tyven. The program’s mission was to seek out gifted young children in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County public school system and offer them after-school dance classes to create access to high quality training and to build a bridge to the School of Dance High School program.
Dayna Fox led the Preparatory Dance Program from 1989–2014, while Preparatory Dance and UNCSA High School alumnus Matthew Donnell led the program from 2014–18. Susan Brooker led the program from 2018–23.
For almost 50 years, the Preparatory Dance Program has grown immensely and has continued on the path of honing the talents of hundreds of children. Many students who began their training in the program have been accepted into UNCSA’s High School program and have become members of major dance companies across the country and around the world. Others have utilized their skills to teach, mentor, parent and pursue a variety of professional careers.
Alumni include Sierra Armstrong, Isaac Stappas and Kelley Potter of American Ballet Theatre; Jerome Johnson and Claire Kretzschmar of the New York City Ballet; Dylan Clinard of Atlanta Ballet; Daniel Cooper of Boston Ballet; Jackson Calhoun of Richmond Ballet; Samantha Griffin of Cincinnati Ballet; Lauren Alzamora of Ballet Hispanico; Matthew Donnell of Kansas City Ballet; and more.
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February 25, 2026