CINCINNATI'S ONLY ACADEMY FOR MODERN DANCE
Mutual Dance Theatre’s new Modern Dance Academy is intended to nurture, support, and challenge young dancers who want to grow as movers.
We are working to change dance studio culture: we want to throw out elitism and abuse that traditionally runs rampant in the field of dance, we want to empower young people to find the artist in them, and we want dancers’ families to enjoy a welcoming and safe community.
For serious dancers, committed to being the best they can be. Levels are based on audition (July 26, 2025). The only program in Cincinnati specializing in Modern Dance.
Mutual Dance Theatre and Arts Centers’ Academy for Modern Dance for young people who are simply ready for more serious environments, more advanced expectations, and taking multiple classes that are designed to work together as a whole.
We don’t tolerate body-shaming. We don’t tolerate racism. We don’t tolerate abuse, including verbal abuse. We value individualism. We value collaboration. We work to empower, not break down.
If this sounds like a community you want to be a part of, we invite you to grow with us!!!
MORE SERIOUS STUDY FOR YOUTH WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT DANCE
AUDITION INFORMATION
DATE:
SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2025
TIMES:
5th Grade & Under: 3:00-4:00pm
6th Grade & Up: 4:30-5:30pm
RECOMMENDED ACADEMY AGES:
7 – 18 years old
LOCATION:
Mutual Dance Theatre & Arts Centers HARTWELL
8222 Monon Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45216
DRESS CODE: Please wear dancewear (leotard, footless tights, leggings, bike shorts, etc) or athletic clothing that allows for full body movement. Please make sure to bring ballet shoes, but also have the ability to dance barefoot!
WHAT IS THE AUDITION LIKE?: We aim for a stress-free environment. We will greet and get to know everyone! Think of it more as a dance class with our director watching than a big scary thing. The audition will consist of Ballet and Modern Dance.
CAN’T MAKE BE THERE? Send us an email to set up a make-up audition. claire@mutualarts.org
By clicking this button, you will be asked to make an account before registering! If you are a new dance family, you will need to make an account. For or returning families- this is the account you have been using all year!
Financial aid is available: low-income families are HIGHLY encouraged to apply. Please click each tab below to better understand each level.
ACADEMY LEVELS
CLASSES AND COMMITMENT
We highlight the commitments and expectations for each level in separate “tabs” below. Please click on each level. These expectations may be adjusted based on the group of youth who audition.
*subject to change*
PLACEMENT CRITERIA FOR LEVEL I
Students who are placed into Level I should ALREADY be able to demonstrate the following. It will be very normal, and should be expected, that a child starting in Level I may stay in Level I for more than a year. Children who do not meet the criteria at the time of the audition are highly encouraged to study in the recreational program until they are ready to meet the following.
- Able to pay attention for not only a whole 1-hr class, but multiple classes in a row.
- Listens well and is able to follow verbal directions.
- Self-disciplined and does not cause distractions to other dancers.
- Demonstrates a desire to dance, enjoys class, participates without having to be asked to, does not ask for frequent breaks, stays on-task.
- Dancers in Level I are usually ages 7-11
COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR LEVEL I
- Modern – twice per week
- Ballet – twice per week
- Full Company Practice – once per month
- TOTAL: 3.5 hrs per week + monthly full company practice
- Registration fee: $60 (includes a leotard/tights for feminine presenting dancers and shirt/leggings for masculine presenting dancers)
- Tuition: $200/month (reflects a discount of would-be individual class prices)
- Tuition includes recital costumes for all classes, may require some additional pieces from home, does NOT include shoes.
2025-2026 ACADEMY LEVEL I CLASS SCHEDULE
Tuesday
4:30-5:15p Level I Modern
5:15-6:00p Level I Ballet
Thursday
4:30-5:30p Level I Modern
5:30-6:30p Level I Ballet
ALL LEVELS ACADEMY COMPANY PRACTICE WILL MEET ONE SATURDAY PER MONTH WITH STUDIO DIRECTOR, CLAIRE. During this time, dancers will work on team warm up, stretch/strength, leaps/turns, and full company opening number choreography for the recital. See below for dates/times:
Selected Saturdays
September 27, 2025 from 11:00a-1:30p
October 25, 2025 from 11:00a-1:30p
November 15, 2025 from 11:00a-1:30p
December 20, 2025 from 11:00a-1:30p
January 31, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
February 28, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
March 21, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
April 25, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
May 23, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
*May 30, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
*extra practice for the recital
PLACEMENT CRITERIA FOR LEVEL II
A dancer placed into Level II should ALREADY demonstrate the following at the time of the audition. There is a significant difference between Level I and Level II, as well as Level II and Level III. It should be expected and normal for a student to stay in Level II for multiple years.
- All of Level I requirements, plus…
- Demonstrates knowledge of parallel vs. turned out, both stationary and moving through space.
- Demonstrates knowledge and usage of pointed feet vs. flexed feet, both stationary and moving through space.
- Demonstrates correct placement of a pointed foot in retiré (at the knee).
- Correctly uses right vs. left sides.
- Demonstrates and identifies correctly chaîné and pirouette turns.
- Able to use specific arm placements and movements while legs and torso are doing other movements.
- Able to move to counts of the music.
- Demonstrates spatial awareness and ability to change formations without instructor assistance.
- Dancers in Level II are usually ages 9-13
COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR LEVEL II
- Modern – twice per week
- Ballet – twice per week
- Jazz – once per week
- Full Company Practice – once per month
- TOTAL: 4.25 hrs per week + monthly full company practice
- Registration fee: $60 (includes a leotard/tights for feminine presenting dancers and shirt/leggings for masculine presenting dancers)
- Tuition: $250/month (reflects a discount of would-be individual class prices)
- Tuition includes recital costumes for all classes, may require some additional pieces from home, does NOT include shoes.
- 2025-2026 ACADEMY LEVEL II CLASS SCHEDULE
Tuesday
4:30-5:15p Level II Ballet
5:15-6:00p Level II Modern
~15 minute break~
6:15-7:00p Level II Jazz
Thursday
4:30-5:30p Level II Ballet
5:30-6:30p Level II Modern
ALL LEVELS ACADEMY COMPANY PRACTICE WILL MEET ONE SATURDAY PER MONTH WITH STUDIO DIRECTOR, CLAIRE. During this time, dancers will work on team warm up, stretch/strength, leaps/turns, and full company opening number choreography for the recital. See below for dates/times:
Selected Saturdays
September 27, 2025 from 11:00a-1:30p
October 25, 2025 from 11:00a-1:30p
November 15, 2025 from 11:00a-1:30p
December 20, 2025 from 11:00a-1:30p
January 31, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
February 28, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
March 21, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
April 25, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
May 23, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
*May 30, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
*extra practice for the recital
PLACEMENT CRITERIA FOR LEVEL III
Dancers who are placed into Level III should ALREADY demonstrate the following at the time of the audition. There is a significant difference between Level II and Level III. Advancement from II into III is not automatic.
- Criteria from Levels I and II, plus…
- Strong awareness of body and line, including alignment and facings of the body.
- Shows enthusiasm and performance qualities while dancing in class, without an audience.
- Learns quickly through both aural and visual means.
- Able to retain and memorize longer phrases of movement.
- Able to dance on counts throughout entire phrases.
- Demonstrates and appropriately uses different qualities of movement, including weightedness, lightness, sharpness, accents (impact, impulse, and swing), quick movement, sustained movement, direct, indirect, and others.
- Demonstrates skill in various types of turns.
- Demonstrates flexibility and strength, both stationary and in movement, including in leg extensions and in the back.
- Demonstrates strength and stability en demi-pointe/relevé.
- Dancers is Level III are usually ages 12-15
COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR LEVEL III
Levels III and IV take class together.
- Modern – twice per week
- Ballet – twice per week
- Jazz – once per week
- Full Company Practice – once per month
- TOTAL: 5 hrs per week + monthly full company practice
- Registration fee: $60 (includes a leotard/tights for feminine presenting dancers and shirt/leggings for masculine presenting dancers)
- Tuition: $280/month (reflects a discount of would-be individual class prices)
- Tuition includes recital costumes for all classes, may require some additional pieces from home, does NOT include shoes.
- LEVEL III STUDENTS ARE PERMITTED TO PERFORM A SOLO CHOREOGRAPHED BY AN ACADEMY CHOREOGRAPHER IN THE YEAR-END RECITAL
2025-2026 ACADEMY LEVEL III/IV CLASS SCHEDULE
Tuesday
6:00-7:00p Level III/IV Ballet
7:00-8:00p Level III/IV Modern
8:00-9:00p Level III/IV Jazz
Thursday
6:30-7:30p Level III/IV Ballet
7:30-8:30p Level III/IV Modern
ALL LEVELS ACADEMY COMPANY PRACTICE WILL MEET ONE SATURDAY PER MONTH WITH STUDIO DIRECTOR, CLAIRE. During this time, dancers will work on team warm up, stretch/strength, leaps/turns, and full company opening number choreography for the recital. See below for dates/times:
Selected Saturdays
September 27, 2025 from 11:00a-1:30p
October 25, 2025 from 11:00a-1:30p
November 15, 2025 from 11:00a-1:30p
December 20, 2025 from 11:00a-1:30p
January 31, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
February 28, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
March 21, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
April 25, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
May 23, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
*May 30, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
*extra practice for the recital
PLACEMENT CRITERIA FOR LEVEL IV
Dancers who are placed into Level IV should ALREADY demonstrate the following at the time of the audition. The difference between Level IV and its prior level is the most nuanced. While Level III is mostly technique/skill-based, Level IV leans more toward masterful artistry. It is expected that not all students will reach Level IV before graduating high school.
- Criteria from Levels I, II, and III, plus…
- Shows exceptional strengths in all levels of mobilities and contexts of challenges: floor work, standing movements, gestures, across the floor, in challenging combinations/choreography, and in new movement forms/styles.
- Exceptionally organized and connected body, able to differentiate a Modern Dance body organization from a Ballet one.
- Is able to phrase movement very well — that is, to use flow, accents, and pauses appropriately and with artistry.
- Differentiates and appropriately uses bound-flow vs. released movement.
- Applies feedback without consistent direction or in-depth explanations.
- Demonstrates an ability to “think in movement” — that is, to embody movement ideas in the body fairly quickly with understanding for the teacher/choreographer’s intent without having to stop and think.
- Is comfortable working without mirrors, having a strong kinesthetic awareness/sense.
- Takes risks in movement.
- Is never bored and always finds opportunities to be challenged.
- Seeks opportunities to help others without superiority; is kind and embodies good sportsmanship.
- Dancers in Level IV are usually ages 14-18
COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR LEVEL IV
Levels III and IV take class together.
- Modern – twice per week
- Ballet – twice per week
- Jazz – once per week
- Full Company Practice – once per month
- TOTAL: 5 hrs per week + monthly full company practice
- Registration fee: $60 (includes a leotard/tights for feminine presenting dancers and shirt/leggings for masculine presenting dancers)
- Tuition: $280/month (reflects a discount of would-be individual class prices)
- Tuition includes recital costumes for all classes, may require some additional pieces from home, does NOT include shoes.
- LEVEL IV STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PERFORM AT SELF-CHOREOGRAPHED SOLO IN THE RECITAL (WITH TEACHER MENTOR!)
2025-2026 ACADEMY LEVEL III/IV CLASS SCHEDULE
Tuesday
6:00-7:00p Level III/IV Ballet
7:00-8:00p Level III/IV Modern
8:00-9:00p Level III/IV Jazz
Thursday
6:30-7:30p Level III/IV Ballet
7:30-8:30p Level III/IV Modern
ALL LEVELS ACADEMY COMPANY PRACTICE WILL MEET ONE SATURDAY PER MONTH WITH STUDIO DIRECTOR, CLAIRE. During this time, dancers will work on team warm up, stretch/strength, leaps/turns, and full company opening number choreography for the recital. See below for dates/times:
Selected Saturdays
September 27, 2025 from 11:00a-1:30p
October 25, 2025 from 11:00a-1:30p
November 15, 2025 from 11:00a-1:30p
December 20, 2025 from 11:00a-1:30p
January 31, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
February 28, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
March 21, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
April 25, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
May 23, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
*May 30, 2026 from 11:00a-1:30p
*extra practice for the recital
DRESS CODE
Our kids/teen full-year class dates will start on
September 15, 2025
Final class date is
May 30, 2026
Recital dress rehearsals will be on
June 4-5, 2026
Recital date is
June 6, 2026
October 31, 2025 - Trick or Treat
November 23 - 29 2025 - Fall Break
December 2, 2025 - NO RECREATIONAL CLASSES
December 4, 2025 - NO ACADEMY CLASSES
December 21, 2025 - January 3, 2026 - Winter Break
January 19, 2026 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
March 22 - 28, 2026 - Spring Break
September 15, 2025 - Classes Start!
October 24 - 30, 2025 - Costume Dress Up Week
November 17 - 22, 2025 - Bring a Friend Week
December 14 - 20, 2025 - Family Watch Week
January 31, 2026 - Last day to register for any class
April-May, 2026 ALL CLASSES MANDATORY to prep for recital
June 4-5, 2026 - Recital Dress Rehearsal
June 6, 2026 - Dance Recital
DRESS REHEARSALS
More info coming soon!
CLASSES IN RECITAL 1
More info coming soon!
CLASSES IN RECITAL 2
More info coming soon!
CLASSES IN RECITAL 3
More info coming soon!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Dancers must be at least 7 years old to audition for the Academy program! We accept students through 18 years old as well.
- Yes, there is an audition for this program! Please scroll up to read about the dates and times!
- We DO have a dress code for academy classes. Dancers MUST come to class with dance attire and hair pulled back. For specifics, see below:
- WARMS UPS
- BALLET ATTIRE
- MODERN ATTIRE
- JAZZ ATTIRE
- NOT APPROVED CLASS ITEMS
- CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL CLASS ATTIRE DRESS CODE.
- Questions? Email claire@mutualarts.org
- Yes, some classes do require shoes:
- Ballet – Ballet shoes (pink for feminine presenting dancers and black for masculine presenting dancers)
- Jazz – Black jazz shoes
- Modern – barefoot
- Please have shoes by the second week of class! Guardians, please provide.
- Financial aid is available! Please email hello@mutualarts.org to apply
- We are also a qualified education service provider of the Ohio ACE program
- If finances are the reason you are unable to sign up for class, please reach out to us! We would love to make dance classes happen for you.
- Tuition INCLUDES recital costume and tights.
- Tuition pays for the teacher’s and assistant’s time.
- Tuition compensates for admin and office duties.
- Tuition goes toward occupancy costs to keep the building open and running.
- Tuition helps fund the theatre rental for the recital.
- Tuition allows for us to hire a videographer for the recital.
- Additional (not included in tuition) recital costs include: tickets and optional memorabilia purchases.
- The cost of costumes, tights, and many other items has gone up SIGNIFICANTLY this year, which is reflected in our tuition.
- If you need to drop a class, you must email hello@mutualarts.org with a written notice of your final class date.
- Once a class if dropped, you will not be charged tuition.
- Please note that if we have already ordered recital costumes and you need to drop a class, you will be responsible for paying the remaining balance of your costume.
- We do have two small lobby areas with limited seating.
- Parents may be a distraction to children in the class, so we ask that you wait in a lobby area or in your car.
- If your child is too young to enter and exit on their own, please absolutely feel free to come to the lobby to wait for them!
- Please arrive on time for class! We ask that you arrive no more than 5-10 minute before your class begins.
- Please make sure your dancer uses the restroom BEFORE class starts!
- If your child has anything we need to know about, please reach out!! We want to make sure everyone has a successful year of classes.
- Please bring a water bottle with you! We have fountains for refills.
- Please make sure your dancer’s hair is secured away from their face – ponytails, braids, buns, etc are welcome. Dancer’s can not wear their hair down to class!
Looking for new dancewear and/or dance shoes? We highly recommend our friends at Northern Kentucky Dancwear!
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Northern Kentucky Dancewear3974 Alexandria PikeCold Spring, Kentucky 41076
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To sign up or learn more, click the link below.