Program Overview

CityDance’s Pre-Conservatory Program (Pre-Con) provides dancers ages 10–12 with a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate curriculum tailored for young artists passionate about pursuing dance at a high level.

Enrollment is by audition only, either through an in-class evaluation or scheduled group audition.
Learn more about the audition process here or contact us at inquiries@citydance.net for more information.

Program Description

CityDance’s Pre-Conservatory Program is divided into two levels:

  • Pre-Conservatory IV (Ages 10–11) – offered at our Maryland locations
  • Pre-Conservatory V (Ages 10–12) – offered at both our Maryland and Falls Church locations

These levels serve as a foundation before potential advancement into the Pre-Professional Conservatory Program.

Each cohort follows a rigorous yet age-appropriate weekly schedule, with optional supplemental classes available. Most students spend one year at each level, though we support individual progression—whether that means spending more time in a level or advancing sooner.

Dancers receive training across:

  • Classical Ballet
  • Contemporary and Modern
  • Commercial Dance (e.g., Jazz, Hip Hop)
  • Culturally Specific Forms (e.g., Character, Sri Lankan dance)

Classes are designed to build technical strength, artistry, and performance readiness. Students develop skills through repertory learning and creative exploration, supported by world-class faculty and guest artists. Each child is encouraged to grow in a nurturing environment designed to help them realize their full potential.

Pre-Conservatory IV & V Saturday Workshop Series

As part of their training, all Pre-Conservatory students participate in Saturday workshops featuring a rotating roster of exceptional guest instructors. Workshops focus on diverse dance styles in four-week blocks (e.g., Sri Lankan, Hip Hop, African dance).

For six weeks before each major performance, this time block shifts to main stage rehearsals.

Performance Opportunities

New this year:
All Pre-Conservatory students will perform in two fully produced stage productions each season:

  • The Nutcracker (Winter)
  • Spring Concert (Spring)

Rehearsals for these performances are built into the weekly schedule. Additional dress and technical rehearsals may be required but will not significantly increase time commitments.

Weekly Class Schedules

Pre-Con IV Weekly Schedule (Maryland Only)

Monday (Strathmore Square)

  • 4:45–6:15 PM: Ballet IV
  • 6:15–6:45 PM: Pre/Pointe IV
  • 6:45–8:00 PM: Modern IV

Wednesday (Rockville)

  • 4:45–6:15 PM: Ballet IV
  • 6:15–6:45 PM: Pre/Pointe IV
  • 6:45–8:00 PM: Character IV

Thursday (Strathmore Square)

  • 4:45–6:15 PM: Ballet IV
  • 6:15–6:45 PM: Pre/Pointe IV
  • 6:45–8:00 PM: Jazz IV

Friday (Strathmore Square)

  • 4:45–6:15 PM: Ballet IV
  • 6:15–6:45 PM: Pre/Pointe IV
  • 6:45–8:00 PM: Ballet Repertory IV

Saturday (Strathmore Square)

  • 10:00–11:30 AM: Ballet IV
  • 11:30 AM–12:00 PM: Pre/Pointe IV
  • 12:00–2:00 PM: Ballet Repertory IV
  • 2:00–3:30 PM: Pre-Con IV Workshop
    (Switches to Main Stage Rehearsals 6 weeks before performance)

Pre-Con V Weekly Schedule (Maryland)

Monday (Strathmore Square)

  • 4:45–6:15 PM: Ballet V
  • 6:15–6:45 PM: Pointe V
  • 6:45–8:00 PM: Modern V

Tuesday (Strathmore Square)

  • 4:45–6:15 PM: Ballet V
  • 6:15–6:45 PM: Pointe V
  • 6:45–8:00 PM: Ballet Repertory V

Thursday (Rockville)

  • 4:45–6:15 PM: Ballet V
  • 6:15–6:45 PM: Pointe V
  • 6:45–8:00 PM: Jazz V

Friday (Strathmore Square)

  • 4:45–6:15 PM: Ballet V
  • 6:15–6:45 PM: Pointe V
  • 6:45–7:45 PM: Character V
  • 7:45–8:30 PM: Ballet Repertory V

Saturday

  • 11:30 AM–1:00 PM: Ballet V (Strathmore)
  • 1:00–1:30 PM: Pointe V (Strathmore)
  • 2:00–4:00 PM: Ballet Repertory V (Strathmore Square)
  • 4:00–5:30 PM: Pre-Con V Workshop (Strathmore Square)
    (Switches to Main Stage Rehearsals 6 weeks before the show)

Pre-Con V Weekly Schedule (Falls Church)

Monday (Falls Church)

  • 4:30–6:00 PM: Ballet V
  • 6:00–6:30 PM: Pointe V
  • 6:30–7:30 PM: Ballet Repertory V

Tuesday (Falls Church)

  • 4:30–6:00 PM: Ballet V
  • 6:00–6:30 PM: Pointe V
  • 6:30–7:30 PM: Contemporary/Jazz V
  • 7:30–8:30 PM: Character V

Thursday (Falls Church)

  • 4:30–6:00 PM: Ballet V
  • 6:00–6:30 PM: Pointe V
  • 6:30–7:30 PM: Contemporary/Modern V
  • 7:30–8:00 PM: Conditioning/Repertory V

Friday (Falls Church)

  • 4:30–6:00 PM: Ballet V
  • 6:00–6:30 PM: Pointe V
  • 6:30–7:30 PM: Ballet Repertory V
  • 7:30–8:00 PM: Conditioning (C & V Levels)

Saturday (Maryland Locations)

  • 11:30 AM–1:00 PM: Ballet V (Strathmore)
  • 1:00–1:30 PM: Pointe V (Strathmore)
  • 2:00–4:00 PM: Ballet Repertory V (Strathmore Square)
  • 4:00–5:30 PM: Pre-Con V Workshop (Strathmore Square)
    (Switches to Main Stage Rehearsals 6 weeks before the show)

NEW: Additional Classes for Boys

Maryland

  • Tuesdays 4:30–6:00 PM – Men’s/ Boys’ Con & Pre-Con (Strathmore)
  • Saturdays 10:30–11:30 AM – Men’s/ Boys’ Con & Pre-Con (Strathmore)

Falls Church

  • Fridays 4:30–6:30 PM – Men’s/ Boys’ Con & Pre-Con (Falls Church)
Inquire

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