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.
COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR LEVEL I
Subject to change!
- Modern – 1 hr – twice a week
- Ballet – 1hr – twice a week
- Total: 4 hrs per week
- Tuition: $200/month (reflects a discount of would-be individual class prices) + $40 registration fee.
- Tuition includes costumes for all classes, may require some additional pieces from home, does NOT include shoes.
2024-2025 ACADEMY LEVEL I CLASS SCHEDULE
Tuesday
4:30-5:30p Level I Modern
5:30-6:30p Level Ballet
Thursday
4:30-5:30p Level I Modern
5:30-6:30p Level Ballet
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.
COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR LEVEL II
Subject to change!
- Modern – 1 hr – twice a week
- Ballet – 1 hr – twice a week
- Jazz – 45 min – once a week
- Total: 4.75 hrs per week
- Tuition: $250/month (reflects a discount of would-be individual class prices) + $40 registration fee.
- Tuition includes costumes for all classes, may require some additional pieces from home, does NOT include shoes.
2024-2025 LEVEL II ACADEMY SCHEDULE
Tuesday
4:30-5:30p Level II Modern
5:30-6:30p Level II Ballet
6:30-7:15p Level II Jazz
Thursday
4:30-5:30p Level II Modern
5:30-6:30p Level II Ballet
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.
COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR LEVEL III
Subject to change!
Levels III and IV take class together.
- Modern – 1 hr – twice a week
- Ballet – 1 hr – twice a week
- Jazz – 45 min – twice a week
- Total: 5.5 hrs per week
- Tuition: $280/month (reflects a discount of would-be individual class prices) + $40 registration fee.
- Tuition includes 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.
2024-2025 LEVEL III/IV CLASS SCHEDULE
Tuesday
6:30-7:30p Level III/IV Ballet
7:30-8:30p Level III/IV Modern
8:30-9:15p Level III/IV Jazz
Thursday
6:30-7:30p Level III/IV Ballet
7:30-8:30p Level III/IV Modern
8:30-9:15p Level III/IV Jazz
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 (with African organizational patterns) 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.
COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR LEVEL IV
Subject to change!
Levels III and IV take class together.
- Modern – 1 hr – twice a week
- Ballet – 1 hr – twice a week
- Jazz – 45 min – twice a week
- Total: 5.5 hrs per week
- Tuition: $280/month (reflects a discount of would-be individual class prices) + $40 registration fee.
- Tuition includes costumes for all classes, may require some additional pieces from home, does NOT include shoes.
- LEVEL IV STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PERFORM A SELF-CHOREOGRAPHED SOLO IN THE YEAR-END RECITAL
2024-2025 LEVEL III/IV CLASS SCHEDULE
Tuesday
6:30-7:30p Level III/IV Ballet
7:30-8:30p Level III/IV Modern
8:30-9:15p Level III/IV Jazz
Thursday
6:30-7:30p Level III/IV Ballet
7:30-8:30p Level III/IV Modern
8:30-9:15p Level III/IV Jazz
Our kids/teen full-year class dates will start on
September 9, 2024
Final class date is
May 31, 2025
Recital date is
June 7, 2025
October 31, 2024 - Trick or Treat
November 24 - 30, 2024 - Fall Break
December 22, 2024 - January 4, 2025 - Winter Break
January 20, 2025 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
March 23 - 29, 2025 - Spring Break
September 9, 2024 - Classes Start!
October 24 - 30, 2024 - Costume Dress Up Week
November 18 - 23, 2024 - Bring a Friend Week
December 16 - 21, 2024 - Family Watch Week
January 31, 2025 - Last day to register for any class
April-May, 2025 ALL CLASSES MANDATORY to prep for recital
June 5-6, 2025 - Recital Dress Rehearsals TBA
June 7, 2025 - Dance Recital
DRESS REHEARSALS
More info coming soon!
CLASSES IN RECITAL 1
Hartwell Recreational Classes
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Monday K-1st Combo with Ms. Abby / Coach Sarah
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Monday 2nd-3rd Combo with Ms. Kira / Ms. Celeste
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Monday 4th-5th Combo with Ms. Kira / Ms. Abby
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Tuesday 2nd-3rd Modern with Ms. Evelyn
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Tuesday 4th-5th Modern with Ms. Evelyn
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Wednesday 2nd-5th Hip Hop with Ms. Ari / Mr. Marcellus
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Wednesday PreK-1st Ballet/Creative Movement with Ms. Evelyn / Ms. Celeste / Ms. Donna
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Wednesday PreK-1st Hip Hop with Ms Evelyn / Ms. Donna
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Saturday PreK-1st Ballet/Creative Movement with Ms. Keera / Ms. Hazel / Ms. Donna
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NEW! Sunday Grown Up & Me Recital Dance – Recital 1 with Ms. Claire (more info in the portal!)
Hartwell Academy Classes
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Tuesday/Thursday Level III Ballet with Ms. Genáe
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Tuesday/Thursday Level III Modern with Mr. Marcellus
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Tuesday/Thursday Level III Jazz with Mr. Marcellus
Clifton Afterschool Classes
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Tuesday PreK-K Ballet/Creative Movement with Ms. Jackie
CLASSES IN RECITAL 2
Hartwell Recreational Classes
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Tuesday K-2nd Tap with Ms. Jillian
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Wednesday 6th-12th Modern with Ms. Ari
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Wednesday 6th-12th Hip Hop with Ms. Ari
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Thursday 3rd-5th Tap with Ms. Jillian
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Saturday PreK Ballet/Creative Movement with Ms. Keera / Ms. Donna
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Saturday K-1st Combo with Ms. Hazel
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Saturday PreK-1st Hip Hop with Ms. Keera
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NEW! Sunday Grown Up & Me Recital Dance – Recital 2 with Ms. Claire (more info in the portal!)
Hartwell Academy Classes
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Tuesday/Thursday Level I Modern with Ms. Celeste
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Tuesday/Thursday Level I Ballet with Ms. Jillian
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Tuesday/Thursday Level II Ballet with Ms. Jillian
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Tuesday/Thursday Level II Modern with Ms. Genáe
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Tuesday/Thursday Level II Jazz with Ms. Evelyn
Clifton After School Classes
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Tuesday K-1st Ballet/Creative Movement with Ms. Jackie
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Tuesday 2nd-3rd Modern with Coach Sarah / Ms. Jackie
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Tuesday 4th-5th Modern with Coach Sarah / Ms. Jackie
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Thursday 2nd-4th Ballet with Ms. Abby / Ms. Donna
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Thursday K-1st Ballet/Creative Movement with Ms. Abby / Ms. Donna
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 ask that all dancers attending academy level classes wear tight fitted clothes to classes – leotards, tank tops, leggings, bike shorts, tights, etc.
- 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!
Let them know you’re from Mutual Arts Centers to save 15% for the 23-24 season!
Northern Kentucky Dancewear3974 Alexandria PikeCold Spring, Kentucky 41076
The Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) educational savings account program provides funds for students and families to use on various enrichment and educational activities, including tutoring, day camps, music lessons, study skills services and field trips.
To sign up or learn more, click the link below.