Halestone's Company

Halestone’s Senior Company focuses on developing choreographic tools and critical thinking concepts through dance studies. Students learn composition, feedback techniques, advanced improvisation practices, pedagogical methods, entrepreneurial skills, and be part of producing and performing in various productions throughout the season. Senior Company members are expected to perform at various community and Halestone performances.

Senior Company is open to ages 14 years and up, dancers who have studied at Halestone for at least one year and others by permission/ invitation of the instructor. Dancers must be taking regular technique classes to support their learning in company. There is no audition to participate in Company, however students are expected to take the Advanced Seminar class and 2 additional technique classes, as well as the Senior Company class. 

Students wishing to perform in Company are expected to enroll in all three technique classes, although in some cases exceptions may be granted. Students who do not wish to be in company are still welcome to register for Advanced Seminar. Contact director@halestone.com for clarifications and exceptions.

Junior Company allows young dancers the opportunity to experience company membership at an age appropriate level. Students are introduced to the choreographic process, feedback techniques, and improvisational practices. Junior Company is open to dancers who have studied at Halestone for at least one year and others by permission/invitation of the instructor. Junior Company Members are required to take MDF and one additional technique class. There is no audition for Junior Company. Contact director@halestone.com for clarifications and exceptions.

Adult Ensemble is open to all interested dancers 18 years of age and older. No prior dance experience is necessary. Dancers must simply have an interest in exploring the creative process through movement and be willing to try new things. AE meets weekly for evening class to discover authentic individual and collective movement technique. There are also opportunities for performance several times a year.  Members of Adult Ensemble who do not wish to perform are free to  opt out of any scheduled performance.

Halestone is excited to offer an Apprenticeship Program for Senior Company Members interested in developing their teaching skills through a structured, mentor-based experience that fosters leadership, responsibility, and a deeper understanding of dance education.

​

This Apprenticeship is a valuable professional development opportunity for students considering future work in dance, education, or related fields. It may also offer academic credit through an Independent Study at Rockbridge County High School — pending approval.

​

Halestone’s Apprentices are expected to meet with Halestone’s Artistic Coordinator throughout the season to set goals, reflect on their progress, and receive personalized guidance. Apprentices will be responsible for conducting independent research on dance pedagogy, classroom management, and age-appropriate instruction, and are expected to apply that knowledge directly through active, hands-on engagement in classes. This includes assisting instructors, preparing teaching materials, and leading warm-ups, exercises, or short choreographic sequences under supervision.

​

Participation in the Apprenticeship Program requires a high level of commitment. Apprentices must meet regularly with their mentor, maintain consistent attendance in assigned classes, demonstrate initiative, and uphold a professional attitude. This program is designed to cultivate emerging teaching artists who are prepared, reflective, and capable of contributing meaningfully to Halestone’s educational mission.

Please contact director@halestone.com before Fall classes begin if your dancer is interested in the Apprenticeship Program.

Halestone has a deep history of Intergenerational Dance and is excited to offer an additional Intergenerational Dance opportunity that invites members of our Adult Company to collaborate with Halestone’s Senior Company in a dynamic, connected “company” environment. This initiative fosters artistic exchange across generations and strengthens the sense of community and shared purpose within our studio.

​

Adult Company members who choose to participate will have the option to attend select Senior Company classes and rehearsals throughout the season. These shared sessions offer a space for mutual learning, inspiration, and ensemble-building through movement. Participants will engage in technique, improvisation, and repertory work alongside high school dancers, contributing their own perspectives and experience to the creative process.

​

This is an optional extension of Adult Company involvement, ideal for dancers interested in a more rigorous, collaborative, and process-driven approach to dance. Participants should be open to exploration, feedback, and performance opportunities.

​

Whether you're a seasoned mover or returning to dance after time away, Intergenerational Dance offers a meaningful way to grow artistically and connect with dancers of all ages through shared movement, intention, and creativity.