In residence at CCBC Essex, the CCBC Dance Company is under the Artistic Direction of Melinda Blomquist and Associate Director Kristi Schaffner. The Company provides expanded learning and performing opportunities for CCBC Dance students to grow as artists.
The Company performs in the CCBC Dance Concert each Fall and Spring semester. The company is also involved in community outreach with local schools. They provide special performances for middle and high schools, masterclasses and demonstrations.
The CCBC Dance Company hosts guest artist residencies each semester. Students work with the guest artists in the creation or restaging of work during the residency that is then shared in the CCBC Dance Concert.
The CCBC Dance Company has a guest artist residency each semester. Guest artists have included: Gallim Dance Company, Nathaniel Hunt, Ephrat Ahserie Dance, Company E, Jon Lehrer, John Zullo, Peter Pucci, Alvin Mayes, Adrienne Clancy, Nicole Martinell, Cynthia Gutierrez and Gesel Mason.
The CCBC Dance Company holds auditions the first Friday of classes each semester at 11:15 am in the Essex Campus Dance Studios. Once accepted, dancers must be concurrently enrolled in at least one contemporary, modern or ballet technique course and DANC 240 Dance Workshop, which meets on Fridays from 11:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Rehearsals for the CCBC Dance Company are typically on Mondays and/or Wednesdays from 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. in addition to the Friday class and rehearsal from 11:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Depending on the needs of a choreographer, rehearsals are also at other times as scheduled on an as needed basis each semester.
Students need to complete the registration form prior to the audition. There is no need to prepare a solo or other movement combinations prior to the audition. Come to the audition ready to dance. Contact Melinda Blomquist for a link to the audition form.
Students can create choreography that is adjudicated to be included in the Fall and Spring concerts.
The CCBC Dance Company participates in the American College Dance Association Conferences where students have the opportunity to take masterclasses with various dance artists and perform in concerts. CCBC has been selected for the Gala Concert in previous conferences.
Artistic Director
