To any professional dancer, the idea of a “Company Class” is common knowledge! It is more than understood that any other person would find it confusing, though. In what other job outside of the arts or athletics do you need a ‘warm-up’ for your day? I’m here today to breakdown the concept of a Company Class and all of the questions you may have about it, as well.

WHAT? Company class is a vital part of our day as dancers. In order for our body, muscles, and minds to be prepared for the rehearsal ahead, we must take a 75-minute warm-up class before our rehearsal. It ranges from ballet, to modern, or contemporary in style! You might think this is tiring prior to a full day of movement. It definitely is, but without this opportunity to warm-up and focus on our technique, us dancers don’t feel ready for the high-level choreography we are required to execute.

WHO? All company members, guest artists, associate artists, and emerging artists must take our warm-up class. Warm-up is taught by master teachers like Jessica Miller Tomlinson, Sarah Schaefer, Ethan Kirschbaum, and Kim Davis. On occasion, we work with guest teachers like Laura Wade pictured above! This year we’ve also had the privilege of taking class from Craig Black, Patti Eylar, and Meredith Dincolo.

WHEN? Company Class occurs from 9:15am-10:30am daily. It is followed by a 10-minute break before we begin rehearsal.

WHERE? Wherever we rehearse – which is typically at Hyde Park School of Dance!

WHY? There are plenty of benefits to continue our training and in warming our bodies up! By warming up, we prevent injury, gain flexibility and strength for the day again, and prep our minds for learning. By training with these master teachers each day, we continue to develop technique as dancers, work on our artistry, and maintain strength we’ve built over time. If you don’t use it, you lose it!!

Hopefully this provided you with a little more insight on the many questions of why we warm-up!