Pathways
Institute
Hands-on experience in teaching, choreography, and mentorship — for dancers Level 5 and up, ages 14 and older.
- Focus
- Teaching & choreography
- Entry
- Level 5+
- Ages
- 14+
- Apprentices
- Paid
The Institute Apprenticeship offers hands-on experience in teaching, choreography, and mentorship—designed to develop future teachers and creative leaders.
Apprentices learn
Requirements
- be at least 14 years old (Arizona’s minimum working age — apprentices are paid).
- be in Level 5 Academy classes or above
- assist at least one class per week in their training program.
- participate in the weekly choreography & pedagogy class.
- maintain attendance in enrolled classes.
- perform their choreographed work in the Recital
What it takes
- Age 14 or older
- Level 5 Academy classes or above
- A minimum of one class assisted each week
- The weekly choreography & pedagogy class
- Your own choreographed work in the Recital
The dance intensive by Soma Arts
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 Institute team at institute@thesomaarts.com.
Q&A
How is the Apprenticeship different from my dancer’s regular classes?
Regular classes focus on developing a dancer’s own skills and artistry. The Apprenticeship shifts the focus to teaching, leadership, and creative direction—learning how to communicate choreography, guide other dancers, and build a piece from concept to stage.
Why do apprentices need to be 14 or older?
Apprentices are paid for the classes they assist, which makes the Apprenticeship a job. Arizona law sets 14 as the minimum age to work, and limits how many hours 14- and 15-year-olds can work during the school year. We schedule apprentices within those limits.
Can my dancer still participate in competitions as an apprentice?
Absolutely. Apprentices keep training in their Academy classes and any pathway they’re part of (Company or Conservatory), and can take part in all performances and competitions they qualify for.
How does my dancer apply?
The Institute application is coming soon. Applications are reviewed twice a year (December and June).
If my dancer applies and doesn’t get in, can they try again?
Yes. Institute applications are reviewed twice a year (December and June), so your dancer can reapply when applications reopen. Feedback will be provided so they know what to work on before reapplying.
What do the apprentice levels mean?
Levels 5–6 are junior choreographers: they help choreograph parts of a piece. Level 7 apprentices are senior choreographers who work on larger group sections under the direction of Level 8s and help shape their decisions. Level 8s lead the vision for each routine—music, theme, transitions and more—and direct Levels 5–7 on what they will choreograph and how they work together. Level 8s also help the teacher assess which apprentices move up, which classes they assist, and other roles within the Institute.
What kind of time commitment should we expect?
Apprentices assist a minimum of one class per week and attend a 30–60 minute choreography class weekly. Beyond that, rehearsal or creative planning time may be needed closer to performance dates. Because the Apprenticeship is a leadership role that requires consistent attendance, if your dancer’s schedule is tight, we recommend waiting until they can reliably commit.
Can apprentices choose the classes they assist?
We do our best to match apprentices with styles, age groups, or teachers that align with their strengths and interests, but final assignments are made based on program needs.
Can my dancer enter the program at a higher level if they already have teaching experience?
No. Every student apprentice enters at Level 5, even if they are already training at a higher technique level. For example, a dancer who applies while in Level 7 technique classes still starts as a Level 5 apprentice. Adults who are experienced dancers with little to no teaching experience may enter at Level 7.
Is the Institute only for dancers who want to teach professionally?
Not at all. While it’s perfect for dancers interested in teaching or choreography careers, the leadership, communication, and project management skills learned here are valuable in any field.
Apply to the Institute.
Ages 14+, Level 5 and up. Applications are reviewed every December and June.
