Frequently Asked Questions
What experience does the typical DanceWorks Boston dancer have?
The organization is designed for advanced & technically trained dancers – those who have danced as part of a team or company, or grew up dancing in a studio. The choreography is advanced and will be broken down when learning routines, however we will not stop to teach someone the basics of a double pirouette (for example). All of our dancers were involved in professional or college dance teams, student dance organizations, hip-hop crews, competition teams, dance companies, and typically grew up taking dance classes. Some dancers have training in various styles, although several specialize in one or two (ie: hip-hop or contemporary). Many of our dancers are attending college in the area, studying for their Masters Degree, or working in/around the city of Boston. Some dancers live in the city, while others live in surrounding suburbs.
How can I choreograph?
At the beginning of each new season we hold Choreographer Auditions. Each choreographer will choose a song(s), style, and vision for their piece and audition 6-10 eight counts of choreography. For more information please visit our Choreographer Auditions page. We are always interested in new talent so if you have experience choreographing or want to try for the first time, please email danceworksboston@gmail.com for more information.
Do you have to audition?
Yes & No. Currently the rehearsal section is broken down into 3 sections: AUDITION REQUIRED; ADVANCED TECHNICAL TRAINING REQUIRED; and OPEN DANCES. These sections are explained in detail on our Auditions page.
While not every dance requires an audition, DanceWorks Boston is designed for advanced and technically trained dancers. All dancers should plan on attending auditions. If you cannot attend Dancer Auditions but still wish to be considered for the company, please notify the Director in advance.
How do you register for dances?
All dancers should download and complete a Dancer Registration Form. This form along with a non-refundable $50 registration fee should be mailed in advance of auditions. Dancers will attend the Choreographer Showcase & Dancer Auditions where they will formally register for dances. Dancers will watch the Choreographer Showcase and then select which dances they would like to audition and register for. After auditions, dancers will complete a Dancer Audition Pref Form to rank their dance preferences. Audition Results will be released within a week after auditions. Results are based on Dancer/Choreographer Pref Forms as well as a lottery system for open dances.
Is there a maximum number of dances you can do each season?
There is a 4 dance max/dancer and a 5 dance max/choreographer each season. Dancers cannot be cast in more than the max, however they can be cast in fewer than the max. Most dancers are cast in 2 or 3 pieces each season. Each dancer can dictate how many pieces they would like to be in - it's completely up to you and your schedule!
Where do you rehearse and how often?
Rehearsals for DanceWorks Boston are held at Fitcorp fitness centers in Boston located at 125 Summer Street, 1 Beacon Street, 197 Clarendon Street, and 800 Boylston Street (Prudential Center). All rehearsals take place Sunday-Thursday evenings between 6:00-9:00pm. Each dance rehearses for one hour/week & dancers only attend a rehearsal if they are registered for that piece. Dancers are allowed to miss up to 2 rehearsals per dance due to sickness or scheduling conflicts.
What styles do you perform?
The DanceWorks Boston Project is known for a variety of dance styles including: hip-hop, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, broadway and more! Each year, the show changes slightly depending on the direction the choreographers take their pieces. I highly suggest viewing our Videos page to get a better idea of our styles and choreography.
When is the registration deadline?
The Spring deadline is February 1st.
The Fall deadline is August 15th.
When do rehearsals start and end each season?
Rehearsals for the Spring season run from January-June.
Rehearsals for the Fall season run from August-December.
How much does it cost?
Each dancer pays a $50 Registration Fee due at the time of registration. The tuition rates vary: $450/year or $250/Spring or Fall season. Please refer to the Rates & Registration page for more information.
How can I join?
Please attend one of our DWB Workshops or Choreographer Showcase to learn more about the organization and sign-up! You may also email Director Lisa Mara at danceworksboston@gmail.com for more information.