Detroit Metropolitan Dance Youth Company
Detroit Metropolitan Dance’s Pre-Professional Company for Young Dancers
Inspiring the Next Generation of Artists
The Detroit Metropolitan Dance Youth Company (DMDYC) is the official pre-professional training program of Detroit Metropolitan Dance, designed for passionate young dancers seeking to elevate their artistry, technical skill, confidence, and performance experience in a professional, inspiring, and inclusive environment.
DMDYC offers dancers ages 8–18 the opportunity to train, rehearse, and perform at a high level under the guidance of Detroit Metropolitan Dance’s esteemed artistic staff, faculty, professional company artists, and guest choreographers. Through focused training in ballet, contemporary, jazz, strength and conditioning, improvisation, and performance practice, DMDYC prepares young artists for future success in collegiate dance programs, professional companies, summer intensives, auditions, and lifelong engagement in the arts.
Rooted in excellence, creativity, discipline, and belonging, DMDYC nurtures both the disciplined dancer and the creative artist. Dancers are encouraged to grow technically, artistically, personally, and collaboratively while becoming part of a supportive community that values individuality, respect, leadership, and inclusion.
Mission Statement
The DMD Youth Company is a pre-professional program at the School of DMD providing an enhanced experience for students interested in preparing for a dance career or simply to take their training to the next level. Grounded in the fundamentals of the DMD pedagogy, DMDYC offers expanded opportunities for students to train more rigorously, engage with guest artists, learn from visiting choreographers, and perform more frequently.
About the DMD Youth Company
The Detroit Metropolitan Dance Youth Company (DMDYC) was founded in 2016 under the direction of former DMD Assistant Artistic Director, Molly McMullen, with strong support and guidance from the Detroit Metropolitan Dance professional company and artistic leadership. Current DMD Artistic Director, Stephanie Pizzo, builds a cohesive artistic bridge between the professional company and our youth. The mission of DMDYC is to provide aspiring students with the highest caliber of dance education with a unique training environment in preparation for professional careers in dance and for those who simply want to engage in a high level training experience regardless of career ambitions. Training under the DMD movement philosophy helps develop these young dancers into sharp, strong technicians and well rounded artists and people. DMDYC proudly boasts alumni who have attended high ranking national dance programs at both the professional and collegiate levels.
DMDYC often shares the stage performing a work of their own within Detroit Metropolitan Dance professional performances. With this opportunity, the pre-professional company gains exposure to some of Detroit’s largest dance audiences on some of the most prominent local stages. DMDYC annually commissions two guest choreographers to set their work on the company. Past choreographers include Stephanie Pizzo, Laurie Eisenhower, Seyong Kim, Judy Milner, Teresa Mueller, Alex Hlavaty, and Lillie Hamilton.
The company is divided into five level-based companies ranging in ages from 8-18: Training, Junior, Apprentice, 2nd Company, and 1st Company. Each company is led by its own director, most of which are current professional company dancers with DMD. DMDYC annually produces the classic ballet “The Nutcracker” which originally premiered in December of 2021. The company also produces its own annual concert, Dance Mosaics.
Since 2016, DMDYC has received top 12 placements at YAGP Regionals and has been selected to compete in the YAGP NYC finals. The company was accepted into Regional Dance America MidStates in 2018 which gives the dancers an annual opportunity to take master classes, audition for scholarships and college programs and stay connected to pre-professional peers across the country. Through RDA, the company has received several choreographic awards including The National Choreography Recognition award and the Monticello Emerging Choreographer Award and Scholarship. Recent performances have included Michigan Youth Arts Festival, Detroit Pistons pre-show, Ark Initiative, and many more.
Why Join DMDYC?
DMDYC provides young dancers with a meaningful bridge between student training and the professional dance world. Members gain access to advanced training, mentorship, performance opportunities, guest artist experiences, and a community of peers who are committed to growth, artistry, and excellence.
As part of Detroit Metropolitan Dance, DMDYC dancers are connected to one of Michigan’s leading contemporary dance organizations and benefit from the company’s legacy of artistic excellence, nationally and internationally recognized choreographers, professional performance opportunities, and deep commitment to community engagement.
DMDYC proudly boasts alumni who have attended high ranking dance programs at both the professional and collegiate levels.
Boston Conservatory
Joffrey Ballet School Year Round Trainee and BFA Programs
Barnard University
NYU Tisch
North Carolina School of the Arts
George Mason University
University of Michigan
Western Michigan University
Hope College
Oakland University
Wayne State University
Webster University
Wright State University
Sarah Lawrence College
Juilliard
Point Park University
Indiana University
Professional Trainee and Job Credits:
Joffrey School
Miami City Ballet
Ballet Met
Sarasota Contemporary Dance
Saint Louis Dance Theatre
Chicago Repertory Ballet
DMD Youth Company Structure
The Training Company hosts our youngest DMDYC dancers starting at age 8 or by teacher recommendation. With a focus on developing and nurturing the creative potential in young children, the dancers have the opportunity to perform in three or more main-stage productions throughout the season.
The Junior Company continues the exploration of creative movement and focuses on the development of performance discipline and dance technique. Junior Company dancers have the opportunity to perform in three or more main-stage productions throughout the season.
The Apprentice Company continues to develop the young dancers' performance and technical skills while also stressing ensemble work and a higher level of technical proficiency. Apprentice dancers are the first tier of the pre-professional division of DMDYC and have the opportunity to perform in three or more main-stage productions throughout the season.
The 2nd Company continues the growth and development of the dance performer by expanding choreographic experiences and time spent in the studio. Master classes and guest choreographer residencies are offered to the 2nd Company dancers who perform in several productions throughout the year including the annual Dance Mosaics concert. The 2nd company proudly participates in Regional Dance America annually.
The 1st Company, the highest level DMDYC company, focuses on expanding the dancers’ choreographic experiences with guest artists and the exploration of their own unique movement vocabulary as well. The dancers also have several opportunities to perform throughout the year including the annual Dance Mosaics concert. Master classes and guest choreographer residencies are offered throughout the season. The 1st company proudly participates in Regional Dance America annually.
Goals of DMDYC
Early Professional Exposure
Introduce young dancers to the structure, discipline, expectations, and creative process of a professional dance environment.
Technical Development
Provide age-appropriate and level-appropriate training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, strength, conditioning, and performance techniques.
Artistic Growth
Nurture creativity, musicality, individuality, and expression through choreography, improvisation, rehearsal, and performance.
Performance Experience
Offer multiple opportunities to perform on stage, including original works by guest choreographers, Detroit Metropolitan Dance artists, and faculty.
Pathway to a Future in Dance
Guide dancers toward advanced training, summer intensives, collegiate dance programs, professional opportunities, and audition preparation through mentoring and portfolio development.
Community and Leadership
Foster confidence, accountability, collaboration, leadership, and a strong sense of belonging within an inclusive and artistically driven environment.
Benefits of Becoming a DMDYC Member
Mentorship from Professionals
Dancers receive coaching and guidance from Detroit Metropolitan Dance artists, directors, faculty, and guest choreographers.
Confidence and Discipline
Through structured rehearsals, goal-setting, feedback, and performance preparation, dancers develop life skills that extend far beyond the studio.
Community and Belonging
Dancers become part of a supportive peer group where commitment, respect, encouragement, and inclusion are central to the company culture.
Exclusive Opportunities
Members may have access to master classes, intensives, guest artist residencies, choreographic showcases, festivals, competitions, and additional performance opportunities not available to the general public.
Professional and Collegiate Preparation
DMDYC helps dancers build the foundation needed for auditions, summer intensives, collegiate dance programs, professional training environments, and future careers in dance.
Artistic Excellence in an Inclusive Environment
DMDYC believes rigorous pre-professional training should challenge dancers while honoring their individuality, creativity, and well-being. Our goal is to help each dancer feel seen, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.
Program Requirements
To be considered for DMDYC, dancers must:
Be between the ages of 8–18 by September 1 of the program year.
Have at least one year of prior dance training or be enrolled in a Level 1 class at Detroit Metropolitan Dance.
Complete an audition through a live audition or approved video submission.
Commit to year-round participation, including weekly classes and weekend rehearsals.
Participate in all scheduled performances, rehearsals, events, and company activities.
Demonstrate discipline, commitment, professionalism, and a willingness to grow artistically.
Attend suggested intensives, workshops, and additional training opportunities when applicable.
Be available for rehearsals, performances, festivals, competitions, outreach events, and special projects as scheduled.
Recommended:
Enrollment in additional ballet and contemporary classes outside of required DMDYC hours.
Attendance at summer intensives to strengthen technique, artistry, versatility, and performance readiness
Performance and Training Opportunities
DMDYC dancers may participate in:
Annual concerts and seasonal showcases.
Original choreography by guest artists, faculty, and Detroit Metropolitan Dance company artists.
Community engagement and outreach events.
Summer intensives and CREATE choreography workshops.
Collaborative works with Detroit Metropolitan Dance.
Master classes and workshops with professional artists.
Festival, competition, and adjudication opportunities.
Portfolio-building and audition preparation experiences.
Ballet Focus Program
The DMDYC Ballet Focus Program is designed for dedicated dancers who wish to strengthen their classical ballet training while continuing to develop as versatile, well-rounded artists.
Through additional ballet technique, small-group coaching, pointe development, individualized corrections, and focused rehearsal opportunities, Ballet Focus dancers receive targeted training to support their technical growth, discipline, artistry, and performance readiness.
This program is ideal for students interested in deepening their ballet foundation, advancing their pointe work, and preparing for more advanced performance, training, collegiate, and professional opportunities.
Ballet Focus Program Highlights
Personalized Training
Ballet Focus dancers participate in additional weekly classes focused on ballet technique, pointe work, alignment, strength, musicality, and individualized corrections.
Competition and Festival Pathways
Dancers may be considered for group repertoire, solo variations, and ballet-based performance opportunities presented at events such as RDA, UBC, and other adjudicated settings.
Pre-Professional Portfolio Building
Through the BridgEDD program, dancers may receive support with audition preparation, ballet-specific headshots, résumés, and video reels.
Exclusive Master Classes
Ballet Focus dancers may have access to specialized workshops with professional ballet artists, guest teachers, and industry professionals.
Focused Training Pathways
Ballet Focus allows dancers to align their training with their individual artistic goals while continuing to build versatility across contemporary, jazz, and other dance forms.
Parent Information FAQ
What is DMDYC?
DMDYC is the pre-professional youth training and performance program of Detroit Metropolitan Dance. The program offers dancers ages 8–18 rigorous training in ballet, contemporary, jazz, and performance, along with mentorship, guest artist opportunities, and a pathway to collegiate and professional dance experiences.
Who should join DMDYC?
DMDYC is ideal for dancers who are passionate, committed, and ready to take their training to the next level. The program is designed for students who may be considering a future in dance, as well as those who want advanced preparation for summer intensives, auditions, collegiate dance programs, and professional training environments.
What is the time commitment?
DMDYC requires a season-long commitment. Dancers participate in weekly 2-5 technique classes, weekend rehearsals, scheduled performances, intensives, workshops, and special projects and festivals (travel needed).
Additional rehearsal time may be scheduled closer to performance dates.
Are there auditions?
Yes. Dancers must audition to be accepted into DMDYC. Auditions are typically held each spring. Video submissions may be accepted in special cases by request.
What kind of training do dancers receive?
Dancers receive training in ballet, contemporary, jazz, strength and conditioning, improvisation, choreography, performance coaching, rehearsal etiquette, and audition preparation.
Who teaches DMDYC dancers?
DMDYC is led by the artistic staff, faculty, and professional artists of Detroit Metropolitan Dance. Guest artists and choreographers may also set works, lead master classes, and provide workshops throughout the season.
How many performances are there each season?
Dancers perform in 2-3 mainstage concerts, seasonal showcases, and may participate in additional community, outreach, festival, competition, or special event opportunities throughout the season.
Is financial aid or scholarship support available?
Scholarship support may be available based on merit and/or need. Families may apply through a formal application process each season.
What are the expectations for parents and guardians?
Parents and guardians are expected to support their dancer’s attendance, punctuality, communication, and commitment to the program. Families should stay informed through email, schedules, parent meetings, and the company calendar. Parents may also be asked to support performances, fundraising, or special events through volunteer opportunities.
Ready to Elevate Your Dance Journey?
Auditions for Detroit Metropolitan Dance Youth Company are held each spring.
Join a community of dedicated young artists, professional mentors, and inspiring educators committed to excellence, creativity, inclusion, and the future of dance.
Follow the DMD Youth Company on Instagram
@detroitmetdanceyouth
Questions about the DMD Youth Company?
Contact DMDYC Artistic Director, Stephanie Pizzo, at pizzo@eisenhowerdance.org.