Armour Dance Theatre (ADT), a well-respected, 70-year-old dance institution and one of the 18 ACPASS accredited institutions in the country, has revised its mission and vision to fully capture the wide scope of programming it offers. Regardless, if you are training at the nationally recognized South Miami Academy or through the philanthropic free after-school or summer camp Community Programs, the goal is the same, to provide exceptional dance training to ensure every child reaches their full potential.

Historical Photos from The Armour Dance Theatre Archive.

What is the new mission and vision?

Mission: Armour Dance Theatre uses the power of exceptional dance training to ensure every student reaches their full potential.

Vision: Arts education builds crucial life skills and has the power to transform a child’s future. Armour Dance Theatre will continue its legacy of making dance accessible to all children in our community regardless of income, race, ethnicity, gender identity, ability, or body type.

How do we accomplish this mission and vision?

Armour Dance Theatre embodies its mission and vision — through two distinct programs, the South Miami Academy and Pointes of Impact programs.

Armour Dance Theatre’s Ballet and Contemporary South Miami Academy Students.

What is the South Miami Academy?

The South Miami Academy is Miami’s oldest dance conservatory with a rich and prestigious 70-year history. Through nationally recognized and elite training, the South Miami Academy has produced numerous professional dancers who have had careers at companies such as Martha Graham Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, and Dance Theatre of Harlem, to name a few.  Although the South Miami Academy began with just ballet classes, it has since expanded its class offering to include tap, musical theater, hip hop, contemporary, and Flamenco.

Students at Armour Dance Theatre’s Free After School Community Program.

What are the Pointes of Impact Programs?

As a leading dance institution, Armour Dance Theatre felt it was its responsibility to ensure the power of dance is accessible and provides a pathway to success for all youth in our community. This vision is brought to life through the obstacle-eliminating Pointes of Impact Programming, which encompasses numerous philanthropic programs, including after-school and summer camp Community Programs, Next Steps,  Summer in NYC, and Beyond the Classroom.

Why a new mission and vision? 

This revision of the new mission and vision hopes to illustrate more clearly to the public the breadth of Armour Dance Theatre’s work and its dedication to paying it forward so that every child in our community can choreograph a brighter future.

To learn more about training at our South Miami Academy, please click here, or to learn more about how you can support our Pointes of Impact, click here.

To support Armour Dance Theatre’s Pointes of Impact Programming, use the button below.

It’s the start of the new year and that doesn’t just mean new year’s resolutions and getting a fresh start. It also means it’s audition season. 😬  Auditions for dance intensives, magnet schools, and college programs can be nerve-wracking and even overwhelming. But don’t worry! We have been preparing our students for successful auditions for decades and we are here to help! Here are 10 tips to help you be audition-ready.

1. BE IN TIP-TOP DANCING SHAPE

Before auditioning make sure you are in your best physical and mental shape. Make sure you are putting in the maximum hours of training every week. A big part of auditions is performing! When you’re putting your hours in at the studio, make sure to practice memorizing combinations and details quickly and perform every variation and combo full out.

2. COPIES OF PHOTOS & RESUMES AVAILABLE

Every audition has different requirements. Make sure you complete all of their required forms. Bring the types of photos they are asking for, a resume, and make sure to check the fee requirement and how they accept payment.

3. COME WELL-GROOMED IN AN OUTFIT THAT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD

Again, make sure to check the requirements for each audition. For ballet auditions, come in a black leotard, pink or skin tone tights, pink or skin tone shoes, hair in a slick clean bun, no jewelry, and don’t forget your point shoes! For modern auditions, it is very similar but wear footless or convertible tights and hair can be in a ponytail.

4. ARRIVE EARLY & CALM YOUR NERVES

Arrive at your audition early and find a spot to warm up so you are ready to perform when the audition class begins. Running in place will help calm your nerves and will keep you from feeling heavy in your legs and feet during the audition.

5. AUDITION NUMBERS

When you check in at the registration table you will be given a number. Make sure when you pin it to your leotard or shirt it is secure and visible. Wear something that makes you stand out from the rest of the auditioners like a red ribbon in your hair.

6. WHAT TO REMEMBER WHEN THE AUDITION BEGINS

When your nerves take over and the audition begins here are some things to keep at the top of your mind. 1. Perform the exercise fully. Treat this audition class like a performance. 2. Listen and watch carefully! The teachers are checking to make sure you can pick up choreography quickly and that you catch details. For example, know the counts, tempo, arms, head, and expressiveness. 3. Never look down. Keep your head up. 4. Begin and finish combinations in position and hold. 5. Know your group order and the formation that the instructor asks each group to be in. 6. Apply all corrections that the instructor gives to the class and to you personally. 7. If you make mistake don’t make a face or stop just keep going! The chances are unless you fall down no one will notice. 8. DON’T HIDE IN THE BACK! It is imperative that you are seen.  

7. DANCE CLASS ETTIQUETTE

Instructors are not just looking at your dance skills and technique. They are looking at how you conduct yourself in a classroom. Show them you have incredible dance room etiquette by not talking during class, paying attention to your body language. Don’t lean against the barres and walls. Don’t sit on the floor. Silence your phone, and do not check it during class!

8. WHAT TO DO AT THE END OF THE AUDITION

When the audition ends don’t just gather your things and leave. To thank the instructor applaud as a group. If you would like to thank the instructor personally, approach them and curtsey or bow your head.

The best thing you can do is believe in yourself.  You have prepared for this so walk in with confidence, perform your heart out, stay positive, and enjoy the audition!

If you are looking for training for audition season we have professional faculty that have trained students with incredible success for magnet dance programs, summer intensives, college dance audition programs, and more. To learn more about the training we offer use the button below.