WESTSIDEDANCEPROJECTis a pre-professional contemporary dance training program founded by Jessie Riley. The program is housed at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy in Laguna Hills, California and aims to provide a comprehensive foundation for young dancers interested in both commercial and concert dance industries.
COMPANY MISSION STATEMENT
Westside Dance Project is a dance program & performance training company that aims to cultivate versatile, intelligent and bold young movement artists. The company grounds its movement education practices in values of respect, compassion, and collaboration. Aiming to create an institution built on process, Westside will help students understand the importance of patience and allow them the experience of respecting longevity in their art form. In this fast-paced world, we invite dancers to slow down and connect with their joy and curiosity, allowing them the space they need to make discoveries in their own time.
CURRICULUM
Westside’s curriculum is designed to expose the WDP company dancers to age-appropriate training in a concert dance environment. Our contemporary training program works in conjunction with the ballet-focused curriculum at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy. Through collaborating with choreographers and master teachers, our students will gain an understanding of an internal rhythm that is required of a professional working artist. Through this professional exposure and dynamic focus on contemporary and ballet, we believe our company dancers will have the tool set to embark on a healthy, successful career in the arts.
SEASON DATES
August 25th, 2026 - May 31st, 2027
WDP Training
WDP Company Ages 11+
Weekly Program Rehearsal/Training:
Mondays 7:30-9:00pm company class
Tuesdays 7:30-9:00pm rehearsal
Wednesdays 7:30-9:00pm company class
Thursdays 7:30-9:00pm rehearsal
Mandatory enrollment in DKCBA Ballet Academy (See DKCBA schedule)
Weekly private training with directors Cory&Troy (additional fee for privates)
PROGRAM FEES, GROUP CHOREOGRAPHY, IN-HOUSE WORKSHOPS
Please email us at westsidedanceproject@gmail.com for more information.
COMPANY SHOWCASE
Company Showcase will be mid February. This will entail our dances created for competition, as well as two longer length pieces set by working choreographers and/or dancers. This will give the WDP company a glimpse into professional length pieces and how to perform on stage up to 20 minutes. Please stay tuned!
CONVENTIONS/COMPETITION
As a full company WDP will attend 2 regional conventions (subject to change). WDP does not attend Nationals as a full company. Dancers are permitted to attend “extra” conventions/competitions provided it DOES NOT conflict with a WDP or DKCBA scheduled event, including, classes, rehearsals, performance(s) or master classes.
PARENT Q&A
WDP will hold Parent Q&A’s to meet the Directors, Cory & Troy, immediately after our summer open classes.
If you have questions, feel free to email us at westsidedanceproject@gmail.com