Miami Valley Dance Company

For over 30 years, the Miami Valley Dance Company (MVDC) has been a significant cornerstone of the performing arts scene in Dayton, Ohio, and the wider Miami Valley region. As a non-profit, pre-professional training program and performing ensemble, MVDC is dedicated to nurturing talented and committed young dancers, providing them with unparalleled opportunities to hone their artistic endeavors through dance. This esteemed organization offers more than just dance classes; it provides a comprehensive pathway for aspiring dancers to gain professional-level experience right here in our Ohio community.

MVDC welcomes dancers from across the Miami Valley to audition annually, opening its doors to passionate individuals aged 8 and older. Through countless hours of rigorous training with professional choreographers and master classes, these dancers perfect their skills, preparing them for a variety of performance settings. From local schools and shopping malls to holiday festivals and senior citizen centers, MVDC dancers bring the joy and artistry of dance to diverse audiences. Their commitment culminates in two major productions each year: the beloved "The Nutcracker" in December and a dazzling Spring Gala in March. With a history of international tours and recognition for their impactful work, the Miami Valley Dance Company stands as a testament to dedication and artistic excellence in our local community.

• Pre-Professional Training Program: MVDC operates as a year-round training program, offering extensive hours of instruction to develop highly skilled and disciplined dancers. This rigorous training prepares students for advanced dance studies and potential professional careers.

• Performing Ensemble: Dancers selected for the company are part of a performing ensemble, which means they regularly participate in public performances and events.

• Diverse Dance Styles (Past Offerings): While the core focus is often classical, the company has offered a variety of dance styles in the past, including:

  • Ballet: A foundational and essential component of pre-professional training, emphasizing classical technique, grace, and strength.

  • Pointe: Advanced ballet technique performed on the tips of the toes, requiring significant strength and training.

  • Jazz: Energetic and expressive, covering various styles of jazz dance.

  • Street Dance: Incorporating contemporary urban dance styles.

  • African: Exploring traditional and contemporary African dance forms.

  • Modern: A broad genre of dance focusing on expressive movement, often a rebellion against classical ballet.

• Audition-Based Entry: Dancers typically join the company through yearly auditions, open to those aged 8 and up. This competitive entry ensures a high standard of dedication and talent within the ensemble.

• Training with Professional Choreographers and Dancers: MVDC provides students with the invaluable opportunity to train and work with experienced professionals in the dance industry, including guest choreographers and master class instructors.

• Major Annual Productions: The company highlights its year with two significant productions:

  • "The Nutcracker": A classic holiday ballet production presented annually in December.

  • Spring Gala: A major performance event held in March, showcasing the company's diverse repertoire.

• Community Performances: Beyond major productions, MVDC dancers perform at various local venues, including schools, shopping malls, holiday festivals, and senior citizen centers, engaging with the wider community.

• International Touring Opportunities: The company has a history of international tours, providing unique global performance experiences for its dancers.

• Girl Scout Experience: MVDC offers a "Girl Scout Experience," providing an immersive program for Girl Scouts to learn about dance and the performing arts, including backstage access to costumes, makeup, props, and a mini warm-up class on stage.

• Established Legacy (Over 30 Years): The Miami Valley Dance Company boasts a history of over 30 years as a pre-professional training program. This long-standing presence signifies a deep commitment to dance education and a proven track record of nurturing talent within the Ohio community.

• Pre-Professional Focus: A primary highlight is its identity as a pre-professional company. This means it offers a rigorous, high-level training environment aimed at preparing serious dance students for advanced studies or professional careers, a unique opportunity in the region.

• Non-Profit Organization: As a non-profit, MVDC's focus is on artistic and educational enrichment rather than commercial gain. This often translates to a greater emphasis on quality training and community benefit.

• Exceptional Performance Opportunities: With two major annual productions ("The Nutcracker" and Spring Gala) and numerous community performances, dancers gain invaluable stage experience and exposure. The history of international tours further elevates these performance opportunities.

• Professional Mentorship: Dancers receive training from professional choreographers and master class instructors, providing them with exposure to high-caliber artistic direction and diverse dance perspectives.

• Community Engagement: MVDC actively engages with the wider Miami Valley community through performances at various local venues, making dance accessible to diverse audiences and enriching the local cultural landscape.

• Funding and Recognition: The company has received significant funding through Culture Works, indicating a recognized impact and value within the Dayton arts community. Their status as a pre-professional company that has toured internationally also highlights their artistic credibility.

• Inclusivity in Auditions: While pre-professional, the company "welcomes dancers from all over the Miami Valley to audition on a yearly basis," providing an accessible pathway for talented youth in the region to pursue serious dance training.

• Address: 5819 Kentshire Dr, Dayton, OH 45440, USA

• Phone: (937) 435-0503

The comprehensive training programs, guided by professional choreographers and instructors, equip young dancers with advanced technical skills and artistic maturity. What truly sets MVDC apart for locals are the unparalleled performance opportunities it offers. From the cherished annual productions of "The Nutcracker" and the Spring Gala to numerous community outreach performances, students gain invaluable stage experience and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the Miami Valley. The distinction of having toured internationally further broadens the horizons and prestige available to local dancers.

Moreover, the company's commitment to accessibility, as evidenced by its open auditions for dancers aged 8 and up from across the Miami Valley, ensures that local talent has a clear pathway to advanced training. Even unique programs like the "Girl Scout Experience" highlight its dedication to community engagement and fostering a love for the performing arts from a young age. For Ohio families with children passionate about dance, the Miami Valley Dance Company is not just a studio; it's a dedicated institution that provides a transformative pre-professional journey, invaluable performance exposure, and a supportive community, all right here in the heart of Dayton.

Miami Valley Dance Company

5819 Kentshire Dr, Dayton, OH 45440, USA