Student Companies & Placements

Ballet Eclectica

Classical & Contemporary Ballet 

Ballet Eclectica pulls from the best of classical and contemporary ballet to build a repertoire fit for our most talented ballet students. Members are selected based on their ability to demonstrate clean classical technique and strong pointe work. Students have the rewarding experience of working in a wide variety of both classical and contemporary styles due to COCA’s commitment to arranging annual residencies with multiple visiting artists. These select guest choreographers are notable dance practitioners and offer their expertise providing our students with a learning experience that mirrors the nature of a professional dance company setting. 

Ballet Eclectica is a member of RDA/MidStates, one of five Regional Associations of RDA in the Central United States. RDA/MidStates recognizes, appraises, and promotes the work of members and encourages the growth of high-quality dance education, performance, and administration in our area and around the country.

Artistic Director: Antonio Douthit-Boyd
Rehearsal Assistant: Ashley Hamann
Ballet Eclectica Second Company Rehearsal Assistants: Carrie Fernandez & Carly Vanderheyden

COCAdance

Modern & Contemporary Dance

COCAdance is an advanced student dance company comprised of COCA’s most versatile young artists. Members of COCAdance are selected based upon their technical proficiency across genres and an eagerness to engage in the creative process. Students have the rewarding experience of working in a wide variety of styles due to COCA’s commitment to arranging annual residencies with multiple visiting artists. These select guest choreographers are notable dance practitioners and offer their expertise providing our students with a learning experience that mirrors the nature of a professional dance company setting. 

Artistic Director: Kirven Douthit-Boyd
Rehearsal Assistants: Gabby Billy, Sam Gaitsch, & Mariko Kumanomido

First, Apprentice, & Jr. Apprentice Companies

Annual Company Dues: $520

• Requirements: First and Apprentice Company members are required to take a minimum of 8 classes per week, including a technique class prior to each rehearsal (Ballet for Ballet Eclectica, Ballet or Modern for COCAdance). Students will also participate in two company rehearsals each week (4.5 hours). Jr. Apprentice Company members (Ballet Eclectica only) are required to take a minimum of 7 classes per week, including technique class prior to rehearsal (Ballet), and participate in two rehearsals each week (4.5 hours). Each company is a full school year (September–May) commitment, and an 85% minimum attendance rate is required to participate and perform.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have the opportunity to participate in at least one concert dance performance each year and one featured narrative dance performance every other year. Additional exciting performances with collaborative partners are also often curated throughout the year.
• Residencies: Students will have the opportunity to work with at least two professional guest choreographers, both local and world renowned, over the course of the year.
• Master Classes: Students have regular access to enriching master classes and workshops with leading industry talent to help enhance their training and development.
• Support Services: Company members have full access to free support services as needed, such as tutoring, transportation, dancewear, meals, physical therapy, and help with college applications and career pathway guidance.
• Scholarships and Recognition: Through curated events such as Regional Summer Intensive Auditions, Regional Dance America, and National Honor Society for Dance Arts, students have opportunities for scholarships and national recognition. Other past experiences also include the Juilliard Dance Experience.
• Access to Experiences: Throughout the year, students have unique access (including free and discounted tickets) to exciting performances and opportunities happening in the broader arts community with our partner organizations.

Second Companies

Annual Company Dues: $310

• Requirements: Second Company members are required to take a minimum of 6 classes per week, including technique class prior to rehearsal (Ballet for Ballet Eclectica, Ballet or Modern for COCAdance), and participate in two rehearsals each week (4.5 hours). Each company is a full school year (September–May) commitment, and an 85% minimum attendance rate is required to participate and perform.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have the opportunity to participate in at least one concert dance performance each year and one featured narrative dance performance every other year. Additional exciting performances with collaborative partners are also often curated throughout the year.
• Support Services: Company members have full access to free support services as needed, such as tutoring, transportation, dancewear, meals, physical therapy, and help with college applications and career pathway guidance.
• Scholarships and Recognition: Through curated events such as Regional Summer Intensive Auditions, Regional Dance America, and National Honor Society for Dance Arts, students have opportunities for scholarships and national recognition. Other past experiences also include the Juilliard Dance Experience.
• Access to Experiences: Throughout the year, students have unique access (including free and discounted tickets) exciting performances, master classes, and opportunities happening in the broader arts community with our partner organizations.

Dance Junior & Senior

Dance Junior and Senior is tailored to individual interests with a specific focus on training and is a pre-cursor to formally joining a Pre-Professional Division Company. These students have access to all Pre-Professional Division resources, benefits, and support as they navigate their artistic pathway and training. Dance Junior and Senior students are required to take a minimum of 4 classes per week, but there are no required rehearsals or performances.