Corps de Ballet, by definition, is "a group of dancers who are not principal dancers or soloists. They are a permanent part of the ballet company and work as one unit, often with synchronized movements and corresponding positioning on the stage.” We feel this is the perfect definition of what we hope to achieve with our ballet program - promotion of team spirit, while still offering the highest standards for the dancers’ ballet training. In collaboration with the Corps de Ballet faculty, students will develop their own artistry and further their technical training.

The TDC Corps de Ballet program offers weekly technique classes, by level, during the dance year. These Corps de Ballet (CDB) classes will be collaborative in nature and taught by a team of TDC staff. Students are placed in a CDB class level based on summer evaluation. These classes will be in addition to the dancers’ regular weekly ballet classes.

For our younger dancers, we are excited to offer the Pre-Corps de Ballet program, with classes on Friday afternoons. This will be a technique-based class in addition to their regular weekly ballet class. Students are placed in a Pre-Corps class level based on summer evaluation. Students must have 1 full year of either pre-ballet or Elementary A ballet prior to acceptance into the program. These preparatory level classes provide an expanded introduction to the vocabulary of ballet and move at a quicker pace than a regular ballet class.

CDB and Pre-Corps students have the opportunity to audition for TDC’s annual Nutcracker performance. Pre-Corps dancers will be allowed to audition for the Nutcracker in their 1^st year of Pre-Corps, but with the understanding that roles are limited and there is no guarantee of getting cast in that 1^st year. CDB students who show exemplary technique and performance may be extended an invitation to participate in the TDC Corps de Ballet Ensemble (Ensemble). Ensemble students perform variations and choreography and compete at ballet competitions for scholarships, intensive invitations and placement in ballet schools and companies.

The TDC Corps de Ballet program has been honored to host onsite auditions for the following summer programs: The Joffrey Ballet School, The School of the Nashville Ballet and The Alabama Ballet.

Only students who wish to excel in ballet and exhibit a higher level of self-discipline should consider participating in the Corps de Ballet and Pre-Corps de Ballet program.