Why Dance Company Is More Than Performance

Our Dance Company experience gives students the opportunity to train at a higher level, perform with confidence, and work closely with our professional faculty. But beyond choreography and costumes, Dance Company dancers develop something even more valuable: responsibility and leadership.

Dance Company students are immersed in:

• Consistent technique training
• Advanced choreography and musicality
• Teamwork and accountability
• Studio etiquette and professionalism

These qualities prepare dancers not only for the stage—but for leadership opportunities within our studio.

The Guiding Stars Teacher Apprenticeship Program

The Guiding Stars Teacher Apprenticeship Program is an invitation-only leadership pathway for dancers ages 7–16who demonstrate commitment, kindness, and a passion for helping others.

Guiding Stars work alongside our faculty to assist in classrooms by:

• Supporting class setup and clean up
• Helping younger dancers with vocabulary and curriculum
• Reinforcing proper technique and class etiquette
• Encouraging new and young students
• Assisting with choreography and formations

More importantly, they learn how to teach—how to communicate clearly, lead with empathy, and model excellence.

A Natural Progression for Dance Company Dancers

Dance Company dancers are uniquely prepared to become Guiding Stars.

Because they already understand:

• Studio expectations and structure
• Dance vocabulary and technique
• The importance of teamwork and responsibility

they are often the first students considered for this leadership role.

In this way, Dance Company opens the doorway to becoming a Guiding Star—transforming dancers into mentors and leaders within our community.

Leadership with Purpose: The Guiding Stars Scholarship

Guiding Stars earn a monthly leadership scholarship that covers their Dance Company choreography classes, valued at $99 per month. This scholarship honors their time, dedication, and service while reinforcing the idea that leadership is earned through commitment and care.

This experience teaches students the value of:

• Service
• Responsibility
• Professionalism
• Giving back to their dance community

Growing Confidence Beyond the Dance Floor

Families often tell us the Guiding Stars experience changes their child in powerful ways.

Students gain:

• Confidence speaking to others
• Strong communication skills
• Patience and empathy
• Pride in mentoring younger dancers
• Real-world leadership experience

These are skills that extend far beyond dance—into school, future careers, and life.

A Pathway to a First Job

For students who remain in the program through high school, Guiding Stars becomes a bridge to opportunity.
During their senior year, eligible students may apply for a paid teaching position with American Dance Studios—often becoming their first professional job.

Few extracurricular activities offer a pathway this clear:
student → leader → employee.

More Than a Studio. A Community That Grows Leaders.

At American Dance Studios Rising Star Institute, we don’t just train dancers—we develop people.

Dance Company dancers who step into the Guiding Stars program discover that their love for dance can become a way to lead, serve, and inspire. It’s a journey that builds confidence, character, and lifelong skills—and it begins with belonging to something greater than yourself.

• Dance Company is where performance grows.
• Guiding Stars is where leadership begins.

Ready to Learn More?

If your dancer is interested in Dance Company or the Guiding Stars Teacher Apprenticeship Program, we invite you to speak with our team and explore the opportunities available at American Dance Studios Rising Star Institute.

Because every great teacher starts as a passionate student—and every star shines brighter when they help others rise.