Steps to Stage Performance Program
Program Vision
Celebrating 25 years of training thousands of Triangle dancers, North Carolina Dance Institute is embarking on a new performance program with “Steps to Stage” – where technique meets passion and preparation meets performance. Over the course of 40 weeks, dancers ages six to 18 years old will have focused instruction aimed at cultivating technical excellence and discovering the passion of performance.
Steps To Stage is open to dancers by audition only, ensuring that each student is placed in a cohort that best challenges them to grow. Through rigorous training, students will develop their technical skill set in various dance styles – including ballet, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre and more – to lay the foundation for strong technique and artistic expression. Led by Artistic Director Victoria Moore and Executive Director Kirstie Spadie, dancers will enhance their technical proficiency, nurture their creativity for choreography and further their discovery of their unique voice as artists. Students will refine their stage presence and performance quality, building their confidence as they prepare for an end-of-year, on-stage showcase.
The Steps To Stage program equips dancers with the tools they need to not only become well-rounded artists but connected to the expressive power of dance. Throughout the 40-week program, we hope to create dancers who excel in technique and hone their passion for performance – uplifting our dancers to confidently step onto the stage.
Important Details
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Audition Dates: In order to be considered for our Steps to Stage performance program, dancers must attend one of the following four audition dates: Saturday, June 21, Saturday, July 12, Saturday, August 2, Saturday, August 9. Each audition kicks off promptly at 1 p.m. Dancers can secure their spot at one of our four audition dates here.
Arrival: We recommend dancers arrive 15 minutes prior to the audition start time to check in at the front desk and begin stretching.
Here's a breakdown of what dancers can expect during the hour-long audition.
Warm-up: Kirstie and Victoria will walk dancers through a five-minute warm up exercise.
Across the floor: Dancers will be asked to demonstrate a few, short exercises to demonstrate technical proficiency.
Choreography: Dancers will learn a brief jazz combination and will be broken up into small groups to perform the choreography
Audition Attire: We ask that dancers wear leggings or jazz pants and a form-fitting tank top or t-shirt. Hair should be worn up and off the face. Dancers are invited to wear jazz shoes or black socks -- whatever they're most comfortable in.
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Dancers accepted into Steps to Stage will be placed in a dedicated choreography class, where they’ll not only train in jazz and contemporary dance styles but learn and refine their end-of-year performance material. Cohorts are divided by age into three levels: Divisions 1, 2 and 3, with two choreography class options per division.
Enrollment in one choreography class is required to participate in the full 40-week program. Each class will learn 2–4 full-length pieces, depending on the division. Dancers may choose to take both classes in their division (if schedules allow), offering the opportunity to perform in up to six to eight pieces in the year-end showcase.
Placement into each division is determined through an audition process, and dancers must attend one of four scheduled placement auditions to be considered (details above).
In addition to the choreography class component, all Step to Stage dancers are required to take at least one ballet class per week to ensure ongoing technical development and support their performance readiness. Dancers are also highly encouraged to enroll in supplementary classes in other dance styles – such as jazz, tap, hip-hop or contemporary – based on their interests and training goals. Placement for all technique classes will be determined by the Directors to ensure appropriate level alignment and continued growth.
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NC Dance Institute Steps To Stage AUDITION #1: Saturday, June 21 @ 1pm
NC Dance Institute Steps To Stage AUDITION #2: Saturday, July 12 @ 1pm
NC Dance Institute Steps To Stage AUDITION #3: Saturday, August 2 @ 1pm
NC Dance Institute Steps To Stage AUDITION #4: Saturday, August 9 @ 1pm
PROGRAM KICK OFF: Week of August 18
UNCSA 2026 Festival of Dance: Friday, February 27 - Sunday, March 1, 2026
The UNCSA Festival of Dance is an annual event offering masterclasses, workshops and performances for students across the state. This year, NCDI will extend invitations to participate in the festival exclusively to dancers enrolled in the Step to Stage program.
COSTUME PARADE: April 2025 (Exact date TBA)
GROUP PICTURES: April/May 2025 (Exact date TBA)
DRESS REHEARSALS: Sunday, May 3 and Sunday, May 17 from 3-7 p.m. @ NCDI
TECHNICAL REHEARSAL: May 29, 2026 from 5-9 p.m. @ Wakefield High School
PERFORMANCES: May 30, 2026
Show #1 @ 3 p.m. / Show #2 @ 6 p.m.
Location: Wakefield High School
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Enrollment in Step to Stage represents a full-year commitment to the program, reflecting the dedication and discipline expected of all participating dancers. Withdrawals will not be permitted after January 1, 2026, except in the case of medical emergencies or injury, which must be supported by a physician’s note. In such instances, tuition credits may be applied toward future enrollment; however, please note that the administrative fee is non-refundable.
Consistent attendance is essential for both individual growth and the success of the ensemble. While we understand that certain circumstances—such as planned family vacations or the passing of a loved one—may require time away, dancers are allowed a limited number of eight (8) absences. In all cases, advance notice must be submitted to Artistic Director Victoria Moore for approval at victoria@ncdanceinstitute.com. We appreciate your commitment to excellence and to honoring the integrity of the program through responsible communication and planning.
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The Steps to Stage program requires a one-time, non-refundable administrative fee of $250 (covering theatre facilities, technical design expenses, etc.). This fee is payable via cash or check.
Dancers receive two (2) free tickets, available for redemption at any of the end-of-year performance dates
As noted under “Admission Requirements,” dancers are required to be enrolled in one (1) of their respective division’s choreography class offerings as well as at least one ballet class during the 40-week dance year. Tuition for these classes is a separate expense. If a family has two or more dancers enrolled in our 40-week dance year class offerings, family discounts are available.
Upon registering for classes, NCDI charges an annual registration fee of $35.
Division 1
For beginners taking their first steps into dance and performance with enthusiasm and energy.
Division 2
For intermediate dancers pushing their technique and performance to new heights with confidence.
Division 3
For advanced dancers looking to refine their artistry and blend their technical arsenal with performance quality.
Step to Stage Directors
“We are thrilled to launch Steps to Stage as an exciting new extension of North Carolina Dance Institute’s class offerings — an initiative designed to elevate the training experience and deepen the connection between technique and performance.
Steps to Stage is more than just a program; it’s a pathway for passionate dancers to explore the transformative power of performance. Through focused training, creative exploration and more, dancers will grow not only in skill but as profound artists.
At NCDI, we are deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of performers through a well-rounded dance education — one that balances strong technical foundation with opportunities for creative expression, artistic growth and real-world performance experience.
The stage is waiting. Join us!”
-Artistic Director Victoria Moore and Executive Director Kirstie Spadie
