Dear Families of Current and Prospective HDC Pre-Professional Students,

We are excited to share the following information regarding summer training at HDC, the Academy Program, ODP2’s new College Counseling Partnership, and ODP2 26/27 Season Audition dates. 

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Open Dance Project’s 6-Week Pre-Pro Summer Intensive

June 22 – July 31st
Presented by Hunter Dance Center
Early Bird Pricing Registration Deadline – March 22nd

Dancers in Ballet 3 and above should be training at an intensive level for as much of the summer as possible. This is a unique time of year when they can lean into their passion and love of dance without worrying about homework or other school year responsibilities. This focused training helps them build strength, endurance, performance presence and diverse technical skills through classes that go above and beyond what we are able to offer in our Academy Program during the school year. This training is especially important for dancers who are interested in preparing for High School or College Dance Programs. 

We LOVE it when ODP2 dancers have the ability to go to out of town intensives like Ailey, Bates,  American Dance Festival, Joffrey, or High School intensives offered by College Dance Programs they are interested in attending — but these intensives are expensive and not always logistically possible. We are now offering a 6-week summer intensive designed to make sure our ODP2 and current and prospective HDC Academy dancers have access to the kind of intensive summer training they need at their level right here at home. The intensive is designed to serve:

• Current HDC Academy Dancers
• Prospective HDC Academy Dancers
• ODP2 Dancers
• Pre-Professional Dancers from the larger Houston and HISD dance community

Details and registration info for ODP’s 6-Week Pre-Pro Summer Intensive can be found ON THE HDC WEBSITE and even more details can be found in the SUMMER INTENSIVE HANDBOOK here..

This intensive will serve as the primary summer training track for advanced dancers here at HDC, replacing both the evening pre-pro classes in the summer session and the 2-week Summer Dance Theater Intensive. 

Open Dance Project’s 6-Week Pre-Pro Summer Intensive will be taught by ODP company members and guest artists (Pssst! We have a wonderful former dancer from the Graham company coming to teach!) and will provide classes that our dancers don’t get to take during the school year because of limits on time and studio space, such as classical and contemporary partnering, Graham technique, hip hop, tap, commercial jazz, improvisation, Munz Barre, Progressing Ballet Technique, pointe and variations. A full list of all the classes offered can be found in the Overview & Handbook “More Info” link. 

Dancers who are able to take advantage of the intensive will make major strides forward in technical ability and their understanding of the greater world of dance beyond the doors of Hunter Dance Center, including a new College Counseling Partnership with professional college counselor Ashley Thorndike who focuses specifically on counseling dancers through the college application and discernment process. 

We highly encourage dancers to do as much of the summer intensive as possible to ensure they are getting the level of training needed going into the upcoming season, but we understand some have other summer commitments. If your dancer is unable to attend all six weeks, weekly enrollment is an option for Weeks 1 – 4. Weeks 5 & 6 are focused on rehearsal and development of ALICE, performed at MATCH on July 31st. You must enroll in both Weeks 5 & 6 to participate in the performance.

We are so proud of our dancers’ progress throughout the year and want to do everything we can to continue to maximize their growth and development as aspiring pre-professional dance artists over these summer months. 

Please note: This 6-Week Intensive replaces our old two-week ODP2 Intensive. If you have any individual questions, please reach out to the HDC front desk. If they are unable to answer your questions, they can schedule a direct call with me (Annie) to discuss your summer plans.  

**A limited number of merit and need-based scholarships are available for the Summer Intensive.** Scholarship preference will be given to dancers enrolled for the full intensive. Dancers who are applying for a scholarship will submit a video audition. More info here.

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Photo by Lynn Lane

ODP2 Auditions for the 2026-2027 Season

Saturday July 25, 2026, 12:15pm-2:30pm

Studio 4 at Hunter Dance Center

Please Note: Due to requests from families, the audition date has been moved to the Saturday between Weeks 5 and 6 of the Summer Intensive. Auditions are for both returning and prospective ODP2 dancers.

Dancers who participate in ODP’s 6-Week Summer Intensive and/or have had at least one year of Ballet Level 4 are invited to audition for ODP2 – Open Dance Project’s pre-professional youth ensemble. ODP2 dancers rehearse throughout the year in weekly ODP2 Rep Classes and perform with Open Dance Project as featured dancers in our January 22 – 31, 2027 production of The Not So Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm and create and perform their own pieces which are fully produced for ODP2’s Young Choreographers’ Project on June 6, 2027. Other performing opportunities arise throughout the season in partnership with other presenting organizations. These dates are made available to families as soon as they are available to us.

The audition includes: a condensed Ballet Technique barre and centre; a Contemporary/Modern Combination and Traveling Phrase; Ensemble Composition exercises; and Creative Drama exercises where the dancers will experiment with the kind of text based work we use in ODP. We encourage dancers ages 12+ with at least a year of Ballet 3 under their belts to audition with the understanding that many dancers audition multiple times before they are invited to join ODP2. Readiness for the ODP2 experience is demonstrated through performance presence, ballet and modern technique, ability to learn and remember combinations quickly, and ability to contribute towards a supportive, positive ensemble environment. Advanced aerialists are also an important part of ODP2. Although we do not include aerial skills in the audition time, we evaluate their readiness directly in their technique classes and recital performances.

ODP2 is an exciting and rigorous experience that is a major time commitment and is challenging to do alongside other extracurriculars. Dancers in ODP2 must be available for weekly rehearsals throughout the 26/27 Season, must have no conflicts or potential conflicts with tech and dress rehearsals and performances, and must sign a participation contract along with their guardians agreeing to prioritize ODP2 when a conflict with another extracurricular arises. ODP2 dancers are required to take a minimum of two ballet and two contemporary/modern classes a week – although most ODP2 dancers are training in the Academy Program, which includes 4 ballet and 2 modern classes a week with elective classes in addition to their 1-3 ODP2 Rep Classes a week. We love our time working with the highly motivated dancers in ODP2 and highly recommend it for dancers and families who are looking for a professional performing environment for their pre-professional concert dancer and are ready for the focus and dedication that entails. 

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Exciting New Partnership: College Counseling Specifically for HDC Dancers

As a dancer, mom of two high school students in the arts, and former university faculty member, I know the college application process for dancers is twice as complex as the standard experience. To ensure our dancers have the best possible support as they navigate this journey,HDC is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Dance & College Counseling.

Who is Dance & College Counseling?

Founded by Dr. Ashley Thorndike—a dancer, educator, and licensed counselor—this firm specializes exclusively in the needs of students pursuing dance in higher education. Their team consists of professional artists and experts who deeply understand that a “best” school is not a one-size-fits-all label; it’s about finding the “best fit” for your specific artistic and academic goals. Ashley is also a dear friend of HDC Director Annie Arnoult from Graduate School at The Ohio State University. 

How They Can Support Our Dancers

Generic college counseling often misses the nuances of the performing arts. This partnership provides our dancers with access to a team that offers:

• Audition & Application Strategy: Guidance on navigating BFA vs. BA programs, managing audition deadlines, and interpreting complex pre-screen requirements.
• A “Whole-Person” Approach: Beyond just “getting in,” they focus on your overall well-being. They help dancers think strategically about double majors, minors, and long-term career stability—whether you want to be on stage, in the studio, or applying your dance background to other fields like physical therapy or law.
• Technique Evaluations & Personalized Lists: They provide annual technique evaluations and help build a balanced college list that includes programs you may not have heard of, but that perfectly align with your personality and talent.
• The “Middle-Man” Support: They act as a dedicated advisor and project manager, helping to bridge the gap between parents and students during what can be a high-pressure season of life.

Why We Are Excited

At HDC, we are committed to your growth as artists inside the studio. With Dance & College Counseling, we are extending that support to your future beyond our walls. This relationship ensures that your “lesson plan for life” is built on expert research and a deep love for the field of dance.

We want our dancers to head into the college process feeling empowered, not overwhelmed. Dr. Thorndike will be coming to town to visit HDC this May to offer some info sessions for our students. This support will be offered free of charge as part of your learning here at HDC. Dancers and families who are interested in doing one-on-one counseling with Dr. Thorndike will have that option, but this is in no way required, and these group sessions/workshops will be very helpful to us all (including  our faculty and staff). We believe this collaboration will give you the clarity and confidence needed to turn your years of training into a fulfilling collegiate and professional career.

We will keep you updated on upcoming info sessions and resources. In the meantime, you can learn more about their approach at www.danceandcollegecounseling.com.

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Academy Level 6 dancer receives feedback from HDC Ballet Teacher and Open Dance Project Company Member Lindsey McGill

What is The Academy Program at HDC?

A Scholarship Program for Pre-Professional Students who have demonstrated dedication and commitment through at least one year of excellent attendance, effort, and support of fellow ensemble members in HDC Levels 4 and Above. 

The Academy Program is a scholarship program for our most committed pre-professional students focused on our core techniques of Ballet and Modern. The program is by invitation only to Level 4, 5, 6 dancers who have demonstrated their commitment to pre-professional study through a minimum of one year of excellent attendance, participation, attitude, and effort in Level 4 Ballet and Modern classes. The Academy Program requires 4 Ballet classes and 2 Modern classes a week with additional elective classes in Aerial Dance, Repertory, Acro, Hip Hop, Jazz, Pointe & Variations, and Musical Theater. Academy Dancers strive for excellence, not perfection, as outlined in the Academy Scholarship Program Agreement.

The Academy Program is a pre-professional contemporary dance training scholarship program designed for young people ages 13 and older who want to prepare for a professional life in concert dance. Participation in this ballet and modern centered program is by invitation only and is specifically recommended for dancers who are interested in auditioning for college dance programs with the intention of dancing professionally after college graduation. Hunter Dance Center believes strongly that a college education is an important growing and learning experience for a contemporary dancer and tailors this program to prepare promising young dancers for the rigorous audition process and training regimen of the best college dance programs in the United States.

If you are a current HDC student and interested in what it takes to become an Academy Scholarship dancer in the future, please take a look at The Academy Scholarship Agreement here.

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Modern/Contemporary 4 dancers being taught by Joshua de Alba.

What should my dancer be doing to be “on track” to pursue dance at the college and professional level?

Many of you have written lately asking about how your dancer can best prepare for advancement in their dance training even before The Academy Program. We’ve prepared the following to help you see what lies ahead.

Hunter Dance Center has three tracks: The Academy Program (Pre-Professional); The Teen Program (Open Level/Recreational); and our Adult Drop-In Program (Beginning – Professional). The Academy Program described above is a concert dance “college prep program” for dancers aspiring to a career in dance. As a contemporary dance center that houses the only contemporary dance company in Houston that offers full time employment for dancers, we firmly recommend students who are interested in a contemporary concert dance career go to college, rather than dance professionally right out of high school. College is not only an important continuation of their physical training and artistry building, but also where dancers make lifelong connections in the field that lead to future employment and where they learn the life and business skills needed to support themselves. 

HDC’s Pre-Professional Track Includes the Following Classes:

Note Days/Times Subject to Change Based on Teacher Availability

Ballet 2 (1 to 2 years at this level):

• Tues & Thurs 4:30-5:30pm
• Modern/Contemporary 2 (1-2x/week)

Ballet 3 (1st year):

• Tues, Thurs, & Friday  4:30-5:45pm
• Modern/Contemporary 3 (1-2x/week)

Ballet 3 (2nd year):

• Tues, Thurs, & Friday 4:30-5:45pm
• Modern/Contemporary 3 (1-2x/week)
• Audition for ODP2 (the pre-professional performing ensemble)
• ODP Pre-Pro Summer Intensive (June-July)

Ballet 4: (1st year)

• Mon, Wed & Thurs Ballet 5:30-7pm
• Saturday Ballet 4 11-12:15pm and Modern/Contemporary 4 12:30-1:45pm
• *Audition for ODP2 (pre-professional performing ensemble)
• + ODP Pre-Pro Summer Intensive 

Ballet 4: (2nd year, Academy Program)

• Mon, Wed & Thurs Ballet 5:30-7pm
• Monday Beginning Pointe 7-8pm
• Tues Academy Modern 5:45-7pm
• Saturday Ballet 4 11-12:15pm and Modern/Contemporary 4 12:30-1:45pm
• Conditioning through Drop-In Program – Mat & Floor Barre, PBT, Aerial Conditioning and Pilates Reformer 
• *Academy Dancers required to audition for ODP2
• + ODP Pre-Pro Summer Intensive 

Ballet 5 and 6: (3-4 years, Academy Program)

• Mon, Wed & Thurs Ballet 5:30-7pm
• Tues Academy Modern 5:45-7pm
• Wed Pointe & Variations 7-8pm
• Thurs Pointe & Variations 7-8pm
• Sat Academy Ballet 11-12:30pm, Academy Modern/Contemporary 12:45pm-2pm
• Conditioning through Drop-In Program – Mat & Floor Barre, PBT, Aerial Conditioning and Pilates Reformer 
• *Academy Dancers required to audition for ODP2
• + ODP Pre-Pro Summer Intensive 
• ++ Junior & Senior Year: Professional College Counseling