Upstream Dance Theater
The vehicle that takes the ethos of GAFA outside the walls of the studio is our performing company, Upstream Dance Theater. There are four divisions of our Company which encapsulates performing and ministering opportunities in the surrounding Wilmington area and beyond. The students in our grade school age company range from 8-18 and starting in 2024 we are offering trainee positions in our Pre-Professional division of Upstream Dance Theater for dancers 18 and older who have completed high school.
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Upstream is available to perform or minister at request. Please email gafastudios@gmail.com for inquiry.
01
Apprentice
These are our youngest and most novice company members. These students are invited to audition for company when showing aptitude, heart, and dedication. They are required to take Jazz and Ballet in addition to their apprentice company class. These dancers start at age 8.
02
Junior
Our Junior company members are required to take our three core techniques: Ballet, Jazz, Modern. In addition to these classes they have company class once a week and once a month Saturday rehearsals. These students begin to travel to outside conventions to expand their dance vocabulary and professional growth. These dancers are typically 11-14 with three to four years experience and are deeply committed to the core values of GAFA.
03
Senior
Senior company members are deeply dedicated to the vision and success of GAFA Studios, and consider themselves an equal part of the heartbeat of GAFA. These students also take our three core classes; Modern, Jazz, Ballet, as well as partake in Saturday Rehearsals like the other companies but also lead our Big Sister program. Senior Company dancers who are upper classmen in high school are responsible for mentoring dancers younger than them in and out of the classroom per our internal slogan "To serve, not to be served." These dancers also have expanded traveling and performance opportunities.
04
Pre-Professional Trainees: Upstream Dance Company
Our Pre-Pro division of Company is our newest and most exciting branch. These dancers have graduated high school and are seeking richer and more concentrated training to prepare them for an professional level of dancing or to have a gap year before college at an elite level. These dancers have the most opportunity to perform and help lead our productions as main characters. These dancers are also given classes in pedagogy , choreographic practices, Anatomy and Kinesiology, and are teaching at GAFA as well.
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