Conservatory Contemporary Dance Track

Overview

Building Strong, Versatile Dancers

CityDance Conservatory’s Pre-Professional Contemporary Program offers intensive training in modern, jazz, and ballet alongside hip-hop, tap, and contemporary techniques, developing strong, technical, and artistically expressive dancers prepared for collegiate and professional careers. 

Students follow individualized training schedules tailored to their needs, strengths, and artistic trajectory, supported by a well-rounded and holistic approach to dance education. They participate in weekly masterclasses as well as extended residencies with guest artists.

Performance opportunities include annual winter and spring concerts featuring professional repertoire as well as new works by guest and in-house choreographers, and collaborate to present a fully produced student choreography showcase. They also engage with the broader dance field through conventions and professional performance experiences throughout the year.

Rooted in strong technical training that supports artistic development, the program builds versatile, confident, creative, and performance-ready dancers prepared to thrive in today’s evolving dance landscape.

Offered at our North Bethesda Location.

Competitions

Contemporary Dance Track students may be invited to participate in select competitions, including New York City Dance Alliance (NYCDA).

We believe competitions are an enriching extension of a dancer’s training—supporting growth, confidence, and performance experience—while consistent weekly training remains the foundation.

This year, we were honored to be recognized at NYCDA with First Place Overall Group and individual Outstanding Artist Award along with many other additional distinctions.

ON the stage

Performance Opportunities

Conservatory training includes year-round performance opportunities locally and nationally. Contemporary Track students perform repertory from professional dance companies, set by current company artists, as well as new commissions by guest artists and CityDance’s Choreographer-in-Residence, Robert J. Priore.

2025 – 2026 Performances include:

• Student Choreography Concerts (Strathmore)
• Conservatory Winter Concert (Strathmore)
• Conservatory Annual Concert (The Klein Theatre)
• Summer Intensive Showcases (Strathmore)

CONNECTIONS WITH THE PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY

Guest Artists & Companies

Weekly masterclasses and seasonal residencies connect Contemporary Track dancers directly with world-renowned guest artists and professional companies.

Within the past year, the Contemporary Track has been lucky to work with:

• Grace Buckley
• Baye & Asa
• Trisha Brown Dance Company
• Koresh Dance Company
• Kareem Goodwin
• Hubbard Street Dance
• Orange Groove Dance

BOYS PROGRAM

Boys / Male-Identifying

CityDance is committed to supporting boys and male-identifying dancers with focused training, mentorship, and a strong peer community. Specialized coaching ensures technical development aligned with classical and contemporary pathways.

Student Support services

College & Career Prep

CityDance Conservatory provides tailored guidance to help rising and graduating seniors launch their dance careers and prepare for college programs.

• Professional readiness advising and career planning
• College application guidance for dance programs
• Résumé and headshot/photo support
• Senior solo choreography & coaching
• Internship opportunities in production, marketing, and administration

RECKOGNIZED EXCELLENCE

Awards & Accolades

CityDance Conservatory Dancers have received outstanding awards and accolades over the past several years at New York City Dance Alliance (NYCDA).

• 2026 NYCDA Outstanding Artist
• 2026 NYCDA 1st Place Overall Group
• 2026 NYCDA Senior Critics Choice Award
• 2026 NYCDA Junior Critics Choice Award

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Success Beyond CityDance

CityDance Conservatory takes pride in preparing dancers not only for their next step — but for sustainable, long-term success in the field. Conservatory dancers step into the next stage of their careers and life as accomplished young artists.

SUMMER

Summer Intensives

CityDance Summer Intensives offer a residency-style program for dancers (ages 9–19) seeking rigorous training and inspiring repertory experiences. Students will train under the guidance of renowned guest artists, professional companies, and our esteemed in-house faculty.