Pathways
Company
Competition training, diverse choreography, and real stage experience — built for dancers who want to step into the industry.
- Focus
- Competition
- Entry
- Annual audition
- Teams
- Prep – Company
- Leads to
- Professional work
At its core, Company is built around our competition program, where dancers train in diverse choreography, rehearse intensively, and perform to gain invaluable stage experience and feedback. This commercial-focused pathway builds technical skills needed for music videos, tours, TV, and commercial work. Beyond the stage, Soma Arts also seeks out opportunities for our dancers—whether through master teachers, networking, or auditions for commercial work—so they’re not only prepared for the industry, but already stepping into it.
Teams
Company is divided two ways: team level and age division. A team’s name combines both, like Mini Prep or Teen Core.
- PrepEntryA low-pressure first step into competition: technique, performance and stage confidence.
- ClubBeginnerFor beginners ready to commit: cleaner technique, faster pickup, steady stage time.
- CoreIntermediateGrowing strength and retention, with versatility across styles.
- TroupeAdvancedHigher intensity and more complex choreography for strong, driven dancers.
- CompanyPre-professionalOur top team, trained to commercial-industry standards.
Age divisions
Set by the team’s average age each season. Not every level and division runs every year.
What it takes
- A rehearsal class for every team you place on
- A yearly audition — placements reset each season
- Full commitment to competition dates
- Your Academy and Conservatory training kept alongside it
Required for all Company dancers
Every season opens with
A three-day intensive, Tuesday through Thursday, with master classes and professional photo shoots to start the year strong.
Questions?
Email the Company team at company@thesomaarts.com.
Q&A
What if my dancer doesn’t want to pursue a professional or commercial dance career? Can they still audition for Company?
Absolutely. While the Company program is designed to prepare dancers for commercial opportunities, its foundation is about growth, teamwork, and pushing artistic boundaries. Many dancers join simply for the challenge, versatility, and stage experience competition provides. The professional auditions and networking we provide are opportunities available to those who want them—but not requirements.
Do I have to audition every year?
Yes. Dancers audition annually to ensure they’re placed in the team and routines that best match their current skill level and goals.
Can I switch to a different team mid-season?
No. Once placements are finalized, dancers remain on their assigned team(s) for the season to maintain consistency for the group.
What happens if I can’t attend a competition?
Absences from competitions impact the entire routine, so full commitment is expected. In emergencies, dancers may be spaced out or replaced by an understudy to keep the team performance-ready.
Can I join Company partway through the year?
Generally no. If our routines are already set and in rehearsal, there may be an opportunity to join as an understudy until the next season.
Are rehearsals separate from Academy classes?
Yes. Each routine has its own weekly rehearsal of 30 to 60 minutes. Additional rehearsals may be called closer to competition dates for polishing.
What’s the difference between the five teams?
Each team—Prep, Club, Core, Troupe & Company—has different class requirements, competition schedules, and training intensity. Prep is our entry-level team, and Company is our highest, pre-professional level. Details for each team are on the Company Teams page.
Will Company take away from my Academy or Conservatory training?
No. Company is designed to complement your training. You’ll still take your required Academy and/or Conservatory classes as part of your weekly schedule.
Is VIVA required?
Yes. VIVA, our three-day intensive (Tuesday–Thursday), is required for all Company dancers. It kicks off the season with master classes and choreography for the year ahead.
Can my dancer do solos or small groups?
Yes, by audition. Before auditions, families let us know how many routines they would like, including solos and small groups.
Where are competitions held?
Competition locations and dates are announced after auditions, once teams are set.
Sign up for auditions.
Auditions are held every spring. Placements reset each season, so every dancer auditions every year.
