FSPA Launches New Dance Company

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA)

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) introduces the FSPA Dance Company this fall, providing expanded options for students in many disciplines with opportunities to travel to NYC and Walt Disney World for classes and performances. 

Building upon FSPA’s dance training in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop and more, the Dance Company will provide students with the chance to develop their craft and performance experience. There’s flexibility for dancers to choose how they'd like to be involved – across which disciplines and with what time commitment.

The ensemble will present a Dance Company Concert at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin in June, along with several showcase performances throughout the school year. The company will perform works of longer length and technical challenge, giving dancers more of a pre-college experience. Requiring greater endurance to sustain longer repertory performances and the ability to comprehend and retain lengthier choreography, dancers will develop the skills needed by today’s dance majors and professionals. 

The process will take dancers beyond simply learning steps and provide a greater emphasis on artistry. Bringing many pieces of original choreography to the stage, dancers will be encouraged to contribute to the creative process to help communicate the choreographer’s vision. Company members will work with FSPA dance faculty as well as guest teachers to present pre-professional pieces in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and musical theater genres. Dancers will have the opportunity to delve deeper to explore new types of dance and to pursue a broader range within a particular discipline. 

With travel opportunities to Walt Disney World, New York City and a New England dance convention, Dance Company members may choose just one option or all three. The January NYC weekend provides a full-on dance experience within the Big Apple’s vibrant dance world and scene. Students will have the opportunity to see a dance show and take classes at the city’s top schools, such as Broadway Dance Center, American Ballet Theatre and The Ailey School of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. 

In the fall, a local dance convention in the Greater Boston or Providence areas presents the chance for Dance Company members to take a full day’s worth of classes by choreographers and dancers specializing in different genres. Drawing dancers from all over the country, it’s a chance to glean fresh perspectives and experiences from new teachers and talents. 

Rounding out the year, FSPA’s annual spring trip to Walt Disney World is full of fun and camaraderie, with time to explore the parks, take master classes with Disney performers and choreographers, and present two shows on Disney stages. 

With three tiers of participation and tuition, FSPA Dance Company is open by audition to FSPA students in grades 8-12. Auditions will be held on Saturday, September 19 from 3:30-5:00 at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. 

Please note that auditions for eighth graders will begin at 2:00, which is also the audition time for Next Step, FSPA’s junior dance company for students in grades 5-8. For more information about dance at FSPA, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.FSPAonline.com.