ZDP TRAINING COMPANY

Dance with Purpose - Train with Excellence

Introducing Zion Dance Project's Pre-Professional Training Company, where aspiring dancers embark on a transformative journey towards their sacred vocation. Our mission is to provide a nurturing and challenging environment for dancers to develop their skills, creativity, and artistry. With a team of experienced instructors and a curriculum designed to cultivate technical excellence and artistic expression, we are dedicated to helping dancers reach their full potential. Join us and be a part of our vibrant dance community.

ZION DANCE PROJECT | TRAINING PROGRAM

Under the expert guidance of Directors Vincent and Abigail Hardy, Zion Dance Project stands as a pioneering force in Christian contemporary dance, both nationally and globally.

As part of our 9-month company experience, young dancers are immersed in an environment that nurtures curiosity in Kingdom expression and fosters excellence. Our program offers a unique blend of ministry experience and professional development. Zion Dance Project Company members serve the Training Company as instructors and mentors in technique and choreography.

Throughout the program, trainees collaborate with a diverse array of contemporary choreographers, each bringing their own spiritual movement philosophies and techniques to the table. This collaborative approach not only enhances technical proficiency but also encourages spiritual intelligence and biblical thinking.

CURRICULUM

Our holistic training framework revolves around five core focus areas:

I. Ministry: Embracing the spiritual essence of dance and its ministry potential.

II. Technique: Delving into contemporary and classical techniques to deepen movement understanding.

III. Conditioning: Prioritizing personal and physical development, injury prevention, and overall well-being.

IV. Choreography: Nurturing creative expression and leadership skills through structured improvisation and choreographic exploration.

V. Performance: Elevating performance quality through rigorous rehearsals, feedback sessions, and exploration of stage and screen dynamics.

ACADEMIC YEAR

2025-2026

Fall Semester 2025

September 2 - December 20

Spring Semester 2025

January 5 - May 16

Dancers attend classes and rehearsals Monday–Thursday from 9AM-2PM
Average 20 hours per week

Class Schedule

9am--11am

Dance Training (contemporary, modern, ballet).

Daily classes led by guest instructors and Zion Dance Project Main Company members from diverse backgrounds. Classes provide opportunities for trainees to expand their skills, explore new styles, and learn from industry professionals.

12pm-2pm

Choreographic Repertory and Artistic/Spiritual Development

Topics may include improvisation, partnering techniques, stage presence, and . Classes provide opportunities for trainees to expand their skills, explore new styles, and learn from industry professionals.

WEEKLY

Prayer Set + Lecture

Prayer Set provides space and time for dancers to train in spiritual disciplines of prayer, singing, movement, and scripture. Dancers will learn how to worship together as an expression of the body of Christ in the local church context. Lecture topics will cover topics like theology of worship and biblical discipleship.

Curriculum Overview

MINISTRY

Key Learning Objectives:

Understand the spiritual significance of dance and its potential for ministry.
Develop personal faith and spiritual expression through movement.
Learn how to use dance as a tool for worship, storytelling, and community outreach.

Milestones:

Deepening understanding of biblical principles related to dance and worship.
Participating in ministry projects and outreach events within the local community.

TECHNIQUE

Key Learning Objectives:

Master foundational techniques in contemporary and classical dance.
Enhance strength, flexibility, alignment, and control.
Develop a versatile movement vocabulary to support artistic expression.

Milestones:

Progressing through structured technical exercises and combinations.
Achieving proficiency in fundamental movement principles and terminology.

CONDITIONING

Key Learning Objectives:

Prioritize physical health, injury prevention, and self-care practices.
Build strength, stamina, and resilience for sustained dance practice.
Cultivate mindfulness and body awareness to support holistic well-being.

Milestones:

Participating in regular conditioning sessions tailored to dancers' needs.
Implementing injury prevention strategies and self-care routines.

CHOREOGRAPHY

Key Learning Objectives:

Develop creative and leadership skills in choreographic exploration.
Experiment with different choreographic processes and approaches.
Collaborate with peers and mentors to bring artistic visions to life.

Milestones:

Creating original choreographic works individually and in groups.
Receiving feedback and guidance from faculty and guest choreographers.

PERFORMANCE

Key Learning Objectives:

Refine performance quality, artistry, and stage presence.
Adapt to various performance environments and audience dynamics.
Gain experience in stagecraft, lighting, costuming, and production elements.

Milestones:

Participating in rehearsals for studio showings and mainstage productions.
Receiving feedback from faculty and peers to enhance performance skills.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Apply Here

Below is the contact information for inquiries and applications, along with details about the application process, deadlines, audition requirements, and additional materials needed for submission:

Contact Information:

Email: ziondanceproject.info@gmail.com

Registration + Tuition Fees

Company Fees for the 2025-2026 season include your $250 Registration Fee that secures your position in the Training Company, and the $5,250 Company Fees that cover all classes, rehearsals, costume fees and more, alongside the ZDP Fall Retreat and your Season 9 Training Company Merch Item.

Full Company Fees are due by August 15, 2025, BUT there is an Early Bird Discount available! If ALL fees are paid by July 15th, 2025, you will be discounted $250, and your total will be $5,000!

*All payments are made directly to Zion Dance Project through an online portal. Tuition does not cover living expenses while in Dallas, nor gas to retreats or performance locations.

1 / Submit Online Application Form

Prospective applicants should fill out the online application form available on our website. This form will collect basic information about the applicant, including their contact details, dance background, and reasons for applying to the program.

2 / Submit Supporting Materials

Along with the application form, applicants are required to submit the following supporting materials:
Dance Resume: Provide a dance resume detailing your dance training, performance experience, and relevant achievements.
Headshot/Photo: Attach a recent headshot so we can put a face to your name
Video of Intent: Record a brief video of intent expressing why you are interested in joining Zion Dance Project's Pre-Professional Training Company and outlining their career goals and aspirations in dance.

3 / Notification of Acceptance

After the application has been reviewed, selected applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the program via email.

Deadlines:

- Application Deadline: June 1, 2025

- Audition Dates: In Person Audition will be taking place Sunday, March 9th. Check it out at ziondanceproject.org/auditions

Audition Requirements:

Age Requirement: Applicants must be 17 years old or older.
Dance Experience: Prior training in a variety of dance styles including ballet, modern and contemporary
Attire: Wear appropriate dance attire that allows for freedom of movement and showcases technique and alignment. This is important for video submissions as well.