All students are expected to wear the class leotard assigned to that level, pink ballet tights, and canvas ballet slippers (Cinnamon Tree in Herndon sells dance clothing. Discount Dance Supply is a great online source). Ballet students levels 5 and up do not wear a ballet skirt for technique class but may wear a black skirt or a skirt that matches their leotard color for pointe class. Beginning students may wear any solid color leotard and a skirt of their choice. All students must wear their hair pulled back in a neat bun with no bangs or wisps unless their hair is too short. Although we are sensitive to modesty for our students, we are first and foremost a classical ballet school. Students will wear short tutus and tight clothing. We do consider our students’ ages and choose appropriate costuming for them.
Katy Eurich began “performing” in church services while still professionally performing. It was during this time she was drawn to the beauty and power of sacred dance. Sacred dance embodies all movement that expresses or enhances spiritual experiences divine in nature. It may be a part of a worship service, a performance or a private spiritual practice. Rooted from our Judeo-Christian beliefs, the sacred dance at CDT may be performed in churches (when invited) and in our annual spring production. We openly incorporate our beliefs during class, performance and rehearsal times.
Almost all of our students who graduate from CDT either move on to study dance in college (in some form or another) or continue to work at our school carrying on our legacy. Some students are pursuing a professional career in ballet and attend professional dance schools for their summer training. However, many of our students are dancers that desire professional training but know they will not dance professionally. They are not interested in recreational or competition studios and still desire classical training. At CDT, we are also very inviting to those who may not feel comfortable elsewhere.
We base student's class placement first on ability, rather than age. Also, students taking multiple classes weekly and/or summer dance in comparison to those who do not may advance quicker regardless of their age. Solo roles in our performances are based on how quickly students pick up material, their ability to act or express themselves on stage, and their technical ability. We also consider how much time a student spends on their dancing and will often consider a role for them in order to encourage their hard work. Students are never entitled to specific roles. We always try and make sure each student feels like they are getting a fair time on stage. We want each student to feel important, no matter what role they get.