Company Levels Info
More than dance. It’s your place to thrive!
Welcome to the Thrive Company levels! Company dancers are the heart of our studio. This program is designed to grow not just skilled dancers, but confident, compassionate, resilient humans who are ready to lead, perform, and shine—both in and out of the studio.
What it means to be a Company Dancer
Our five most advanced levels at the studio (Foundations, Junior Company, Senior Prep, Apprentice and Senior Company) are collectively referred to as our Company Dancers. Being part of Thrive’s Company is about more than just taking extra classes—it’s a commitment to growth, responsibility, and community. Company dancers are leaders in our studio, working to strengthen their technique, push their artistry, and support their peers. They model what it means to show up with focus, kindness, and passion in every class and rehearsal.
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Company dancers gain access to experiences designed to elevate their training and broaden their horizons. From additional classes, workshops, and guest teacher events to performance opportunities and conventions, Company dancers are immersed in experiences that challenge them technically, artistically, and personally. These opportunities are meant to accelerate growth while deepening their love for dance.
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Company dancers understand that talent is only part of the equation. Consistent attendance, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic are the cornerstones of success. They show up ready to learn, support their classmates, and put in the effort it takes to improve week after week. Company life teaches dancers that progress happens through consistency and that the strength of the class comes from each individual’s commitment.
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Company dancers are the role models of our studio. Younger dancers look up to them to see what it means to work hard, show kindness, and love dance. By leading with positivity and setting a great example in and out of class, Company dancers help create the supportive, joyful community that makes Thrive so special.
Company Dancer Expectations
Being a part of Thrive’s Company is a two-way commitment. Together, we create an environment where dancers can thrive—growing as artists, teammates, and humans.
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Experienced, Intentional Teachers
Our faculty is dedicated to both the art and science of dance training. Company dancers learn from teachers who bring professional experience, a passion for mentorship, and a focus on developing confident, capable dancers.Safe, Progressive Training and Mentorship
We prioritize injury prevention and age-appropriate progressions, ensuring dancers develop strong foundations before moving to advanced skills. Mentorship is woven into every class, rehearsal, and performance opportunity, helping each dancer grow technically and personally.Clear Communication and Structured Planning
From rehearsal schedules to performance expectations, we aim to provide organized, transparent communication for both dancers and parents. Our structured approach allows Company families to plan ahead and ensures dancers feel supported, not overwhelmed. -
Effort > Outcome: Find Value in Every Class
We value progress over perfection. Company dancers are expected to give their best effort every time they step into the studio, knowing that growth happens through focus, curiosity, and consistency.Attendance & Punctuality
Dance is a team commitment. Regular attendance and arriving on time are essential to personal growth and class success. Missing rehearsals or classes impacts not only the dancer but the group as a whole, especially leading up to performances.Respect for Teachers, Peers, and the Studio Space
Company dancers lead with kindness and professionalism. This means listening attentively to teachers, encouraging peers, and treating the studio space and all equipment with care.
Company Dancer Roadmap + Leveling
At Thrive, Company levels are designed to help dancers grow safely, confidently, and intentionally. Once a dancer enters our Company track, progression is no longer about age and certainly not being a “good” or “bad” dancer—it’s about readiness and safety.
Safety (Technical Readiness): Dancers are placed where they can train effectively without risk of injury, focusing on the right skills at the right time.
Readiness (Personal Growth): Maturity, effort, attitude, leadership, and confidence all play an important role in leveling decisions.
Leveling conversations are individualized and private, based on teacher observations throughout the season. Moving up—or staying in a current level—is never a reflection of talent or worth. Our levels exist to provide a clear, safe path for every dancer to develop at their own pace.
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Bridges the gap between Advanced Intermediate and Company. Foundations dancers are introduced to Company culture, expectations, and the basics of multi-style training while building the strength and technique needed for higher levels.
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Establishes strong technical habits and team skills. Dancers begin performing more frequently and experience the first layer of Company responsibility.
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Prepares dancers for the demands of higher-level training. Dancers refine their technique, build stamina, and develop confidence in multiple styles while growing as leaders in the studio.
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Bridges intermediate to advanced training. Dancers participate in more advanced choreography, and model consistency and work ethic for younger dancers.
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Represents Thrive’s highest level of training and leadership. Senior Company dancers are trusted role models, versatile performers, and ambassadors of our studio both on and off the stage.
Performance + Growth Opportunities
Being a Company dancer at Thrive means gaining access to experiences that help you grow as a performer, leader, and teammate. These opportunities are designed to challenge dancers artistically, build confidence, and create lasting memories.
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Our year culminates with Thrive’s annual recital in late May/early June, where all dancers get to shine on stage. Company dancers perform in multiple pieces and shows, showcasing their growth across styles and sharing their love of dance with family and friends.
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Momentum, Thrive's Student Choreography Show is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Thrive dancers to step into the role of choreographer, collaborator, creative director—and bring their vision to life on stage. Throughout this guided mentorship experience, you’ll learn what it takes to build a piece from the ground up.
Who can dance: Junior Company and up
Who can choreograph: Senior Prep and up
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Our Holiday Performance Tour spreads joy throughout the community with festive performances at local events and venues in early December. Open to all Thrive dancers, this tour gives dancers of every level a chance to perform, connect with audiences, and celebrate the season together.
Sign ups opening soon!
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Senior Prep dancers and up are invited to attend our annual convention trip in January, where they take classes from industry professionals, experience new styles, and gain inspiration from the wider dance community. Conventions are a chance to step outside our walls, learn from new teachers, and return to Thrive energized and motivated.
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Second-year Junior Company dancers and up can apply to join our Assistant Teacher Squad. This hands-on leadership opportunity allows dancers to work alongside our faculty in younger classes, gaining mentorship experience, improving their own technique, and learning what it takes to inspire the next generation of dancers.
Ask Mrs. Taylor or Mrs. Katie if you’re interested!
Foundations Teachers
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Taylor Clements-Smith
Foundations Jazz
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Lynn Bizianes
Foundations Tap
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Sarah Goud
Foundations Ballet
Junior Company Teachers
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Joel Morin-Kensicki
Junior Company Ballet
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Denise Humphrey
Junior Company Tap
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Lauren Roy
Junior Company Jazz
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Heather Moran
Junior Company Modern
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Sarah Goud
Senior Prep/Junior Company Technique
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Emma Cantrell
Senior Prep/Junior Company Hip Hop
Senior Prep Teachers
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Sarah Goud
Senior Prep Ballet and Senior Prep/Junior Company Technique
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Lynn Bizianes
Senior Prep Tap
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Emma Cantrell
Senior Prep Jazz and Senior Prep/Junior Co Hip Hop
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Taylor Clements-Smith
Senior Prep Modern
Apprentice Teachers
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Jordan Noblett
Apprentice Ballet
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Emma Cantrell
Apprentice Tap, Senior Company/Apprentice Hip Hop
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Daniel Scofield
Apprentice Jazz
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Taylor Clements-Smith
Apprentice Modern
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Joel Morin-Kensicki
Senior Company/Apprentice Technique
Senior Company Teachers
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Kathy Sawyer Holtgrave
Senior Company Ballet
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Lynn Bizianes
Senior Company Tap
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Lauren Roy
Senior Company Jazz
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Taylor Clements-Smith
Senior Company Modern
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Joel Morin-Kensicki
Senior Company/Apprentice Technique
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Emma Cantrell
Senior Company/Apprentice Hip Hop
Pointe Teachers
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Caitlin Kowalski
Pre-Pointe
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Sarah Goud
Pointe 1
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Kathy Sawyer Holtgrave
Pointe 2
Key Policies + Reminders
To create a safe, focused, and community-centered environment, we ask all Company dancers and families to keep these reminders in mind throughout the season.
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At Thrive, we believe dance is a chance to disconnect and be fully present. Dancers will check their phones into a secure locker before class to help protect our tech-free space, reduce distractions, and foster stronger in-person connection. We want our dancers focused on training, connecting with peers, and enjoying a tech-free space.
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A consistent dress code allows teachers to see alignment and ensure safety. Company dancers are expected to:
Wear the correct class attire and shoes (click here for details)
Have hair neatly secured for class
Avoid jewelry and wear cover-ups to and from the studio
These small details teach professionalism and keep our classes running smoothly.
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We love supporting our dancers and offer complimentary items for emergencies, including:
Hair ties, bobby pins, gel, and hairspray
Personal hygiene products
Electrolyte packets, emergency snacks, and water bottles
These items are meant for the occasional forgotten item or emergency. Please help us keep these resources available by using them only as needed.
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Thrive is our shared home. We ask dancers to:
Clean up after themselves—no crumbs, spills, or trash left behind
Treat every studio, lobby, and dressing space with respect
When everyone pitches in, we keep Thrive a clean, welcoming place for all.
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If a dancer needs to observe a class, we’ll ask them to complete a Class Observation Sheet and turn it in at the front desk. This helps us track observations, minimize distractions, and protect the focus of the class
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We understand life happens! If a dancer arrives more than 10 minutes late, we’ll ask them to complete a quick 6-move warm-up before joining class. This keeps them safe and reduces the risk of injury without interrupting class flow.
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We use Band App as our central hub for communication with Company families. It keeps everything in one place—announcements, schedules, event details, and reminders—so nothing gets lost in emails or texts. Staying connected here ensures you never miss important information.
Schedules, Calendars + Important Dates
Staying organized is key to a smooth and successful Company year! We provide both printed resources and live, digital tools to help your family stay on top of rehearsals, events, and performances.
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For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we maintain a Google Calendar that automatically updates with any schedule changes. This calendar is synced directly to our Band App, so if you’re in Band, you already have the latest updates! Use the links below to follow our Google Calendars:
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Our Band App calendar is synced directly to our Google Calendar, so you never miss a thing. In Band, you can:
View all Company events in real time
RSVP to events (so we know you’ve seen it!)
Save individual events to your personal calendar for easy reminders
If you’re in Band, you’re already connected to the live calendar—you’ll always see the most current information without needing to check multiple places.
We are FOR YOU!
At Thrive, everything we do is designed with your dancer’s growth, confidence, and joy in mind. From class structure to level placements to performance opportunities, our choices are intentional—always with the long-term development of the dancer and the person at heart.
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Our faculty and staff are some of your dancer’s biggest cheerleaders, mentors, and guides. We celebrate their successes, support them through challenges, and create a space where they can safely explore their potential. When we make decisions—whether it’s class placement, choreography, or policy shifts—it’s because we believe it’s the best step for their growth and well-being.
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Dance training is a journey, not a race. Some seasons focus on building strength and technique, while others stretch artistry and leadership. Progress might not always feel linear, but each step—whether big or small—is part of developing a strong, confident, and versatile dancer.
We encourage families and dancers to embrace the journey, lean into the work, and trust that growth will come. Your dancer is exactly where they are meant to be, and we are here to guide them every step of the way.