"Auditioning for Young Dancers Initiative was one of the best decisions I ever made. Thanks to the director, Megan Scheppelman, I have been given so many opportunities to perform and begin building a network of noteworthy contacts that I can look to for mentorship and inspiration. Dancing with the professionals of Jodie Randolph Dance every week always helped to push me to my next level. One of my favorite aspects of YDI is that all members are able to experiment in so much more than dance. There are opportunities to teach, choreograph, network, volunteer, travel, run shows, build friendships, and of course perform. Every member of the company is truly held to a certain level of integrity, and I believe I would not be the person I am today without the training I received from YDI."
- Joey Mattar, Wayne State University, Dance Major
"As a former member of Young Dancers Initiative I am able to say it truly changed my perspective on dance and how I look at life in such a positive and inspiring way. YDI contributed in shaping me into the person I am today. During my season it opened my eyes to a whole new world of dance that I never had experienced before. It gave me the opportunity to express my creativity and my own thoughts in ways I didn't think were possible. Not only did YDI support my growth as a dancer, it also gave me the chance to learn responsibility, teamwork, and commitment."
- Lexi Brown, Former Apprentice with Jodie Randolph Dance
"Being a a member of YDI has helped me transition into my college dance career. Young Dancers Initiative taught me how to work and hold myself as a professional dancer in rehearsals, performances, workshops and at dance festivals. From resume building to learning how to teach a dance class, YDI has helped me capture all of the skills I need to make a career out of my dancing. I have also made connections that have helped me receive jobs and internships in my field. YDI taught me how to respond to emails professionally and in a timely manner, as well as how to warm up properly to insure that my career is lengthy and healthy! I give credit to YDI and the directors of the company for their constant encouragement and love that has pushed me to my fullest artistic potential".
- Emma Seidel, Wayne State University
"As a past member of YDI, I can say that this company has changed me as a dancer and as a person. Young Dancers Initiative has taught me responsibility, dedication, and how to utilize my creativity in new and refreshing ways. Coming strictly from a competition studio, joining YDI was easily the best decision I could have made regarding my dance career. It opened my eyes to what professional dancing is really like and allowed me to get a glimpse into the world of dance beyond the studio. It prepared me for the journey into college dance and for this, I am forever thankful."
- Sara Burman, Dance Major at Wayne State University
"Being a member of Young Dancers Initiative was one of the best decisions I have made in my dance career. I learned so many things that I didn’t know about dance and myself during my season. YDI pushed me to break through my comfort zone when it came to many things, especially creating and exploring my own choreography. I admire the directors ability to be able to mold young aspiring dancers into pre-professionals while making the experience enjoyable and gratifying. YDI is an amazing gateway for any young dancer thinking about pursuing dance as a career."
- Marisa Petrarca, Eastern Michigan University Dance Team
- Joey Mattar, Wayne State University, Dance Major
"As a former member of Young Dancers Initiative I am able to say it truly changed my perspective on dance and how I look at life in such a positive and inspiring way. YDI contributed in shaping me into the person I am today. During my season it opened my eyes to a whole new world of dance that I never had experienced before. It gave me the opportunity to express my creativity and my own thoughts in ways I didn't think were possible. Not only did YDI support my growth as a dancer, it also gave me the chance to learn responsibility, teamwork, and commitment."
- Lexi Brown, Former Apprentice with Jodie Randolph Dance
"Being a a member of YDI has helped me transition into my college dance career. Young Dancers Initiative taught me how to work and hold myself as a professional dancer in rehearsals, performances, workshops and at dance festivals. From resume building to learning how to teach a dance class, YDI has helped me capture all of the skills I need to make a career out of my dancing. I have also made connections that have helped me receive jobs and internships in my field. YDI taught me how to respond to emails professionally and in a timely manner, as well as how to warm up properly to insure that my career is lengthy and healthy! I give credit to YDI and the directors of the company for their constant encouragement and love that has pushed me to my fullest artistic potential".
- Emma Seidel, Wayne State University
"As a past member of YDI, I can say that this company has changed me as a dancer and as a person. Young Dancers Initiative has taught me responsibility, dedication, and how to utilize my creativity in new and refreshing ways. Coming strictly from a competition studio, joining YDI was easily the best decision I could have made regarding my dance career. It opened my eyes to what professional dancing is really like and allowed me to get a glimpse into the world of dance beyond the studio. It prepared me for the journey into college dance and for this, I am forever thankful."
- Sara Burman, Dance Major at Wayne State University
"Being a member of Young Dancers Initiative was one of the best decisions I have made in my dance career. I learned so many things that I didn’t know about dance and myself during my season. YDI pushed me to break through my comfort zone when it came to many things, especially creating and exploring my own choreography. I admire the directors ability to be able to mold young aspiring dancers into pre-professionals while making the experience enjoyable and gratifying. YDI is an amazing gateway for any young dancer thinking about pursuing dance as a career."
- Marisa Petrarca, Eastern Michigan University Dance Team
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2013-2014 Members
Madison Letwinksi, Davenport University Dance Team Lauren Smith, Western Michigan University Dance Major Emily Thorp, Michigan State University Dance Team Isabella Vincent, Oakland University Dance Major |
2016-2017 Members
Catherine Denny Joey Mattar, Wayne State University Dance Major Sarah Repovz, Michigan State University Dance Team Lauren Smith, Western Michigan University Dance Major |
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2014-2015 Members
Lexi Brown, JRD Apprentice Emma Seidel, Point Park University Dance Major Lauren Smith, Western Michigan University Dance Major Emily Thorp, Michigan State University Dance Team Liselle Tungol, Pace University Dance Major Isabella Vincent, Oakland University Dance Major 2015-2016 Members
Sara Burman, Wayne State University Dance Major Leslie Mahan, Joffrey NYC Sarah Morgan, University of Michigan Dance Major Marisa Petrarca, Eastern Michigan University Dance Team Sarah Repovz, Michigan State University Dance Team Emma Seidel, Point Park University Dance Major Lauren Smith, Western Michigan University Dance Major |
2017-2018 Members
Faith Fosdick Megan Glynn Molly Johnson, Michigan State University Dance Team Joey Mattar, Wayne State University Dance Major Kaitlyn Stout Maxine Tewsley, Loyola University Dance Major 2018-2019 Members
Jordyn Bergeron Samantha Brown Jenna Ference-Salo Dorka Fetter Hannah Schmidt |