GROUNDWORK

The Groundwork program is for intermediate / advanced dancers 11 and up, interested in building the foundation of their modern and contemporary technique. This unique environment allows each participant to encounter dance in a fun, creative, and noncompetitive environment that encourages personal growth. The program will run from September to December.

Groundwork is a great precursor for those that are interested in auditioning for the Company once they are eligible. 

Registration

Pricing

Early-bird registration (ends July 31): $130
​General Registration: $150

Program Perks

Access to an exclusive YDI Open Rehearsal
Access to YDI + JRD intensives
50% off tickets to YDI’s December concert
A free YDI t-shirt

Registration for the Groundwork program is now closed, but we'd love to have you drop-in to class ($15)! Sign-up below!

Sign-up

Please note that no refunds will be given if you are unable to attend the class you registered for.
If you are unable to attend please email us at info@youngdancersinitiative.org and we will credit your account with us. The credit may be applied toward your next class with us! 

Faculty 

ANN ARBOR
Intermediate Contemporary
Ages 11+
Sunday's | 3 PM - 4:30 PM​

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STUDIO LOCATION
​3777 Plaza Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48108

KALAMAZOO 
Intermediate Contemporary
Ages 11+
Saturday's | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM


STUDIO LOCATION
​359 S Kalamazoo Mall # 204, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

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​"The groundwork program was my introduction to YDI. It was a great way to get a feel for the style of the company. I loved learning modern dance from a variety of teachers and seeing the style from different perspectives. Without the groundwork program, I wouldn't be where I am as a dancer. If you are looking to grow in contemporary training, I HIGHLY recommend trying Groundwork!"

​  - Ashlyn Payer (current YDI member, 2 year Groundwork participant)
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​​​Questions may be directed to info info@youngdancersinitiative.org​​

ANN ARBOR

Isabella Varon is a Michigan native and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Marymount Manhattan College. She has most recently been featured at the Detroit Dance City Festival as a guest company member with Artlab J. Isabella began her dance training at the age of 2 at Juliart Dance Studio in Troy, Michigan.  Her training includes ballet, pointe, contemporary, modern, lyrical, jazz, and tap.  Additionally, during her training at Juliart, Isabella spent 9 years dancing at the competitive level obtaining numerous awards and scholarships.

During her classical studies at Marymount, under the direction of Katie Langan, Isabella performed several new choreographic works and repertoire by artists Kyle Abraham, Adam Barruch, Michael Thomas, Breton Tyner-Bryan, John Heginbotham, and Nancy Lushington.  Her additional summer training includes Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s professional intensive, American Ballet Theatre, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and SpringboardX.  
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Currently, Isabella resides in Detroit, Michigan, and is the assistant artistic director of Young Dancers Initiative and frequently guest-instructs across various programs.  

Mallory Marshall is a performer, educator and choreographer based in the Metro Detroit area. She was a student of The Dance Shoppe, where she trained in all subjects of dance for 16 years. Outside of The Dance Shoppe, Mallory had the experience of training in some of the country's most popular dance hubs — including Los Angeles, CA; New York City; and Chicago, IL. In 2016, she became a faculty member at The Dance Shoppe. She also teaches at Noretta Dunworth School of Dance, and various other intensives and masterclasses as well. One of her most humbling teaching experiences was at the Dance Masters of America National Convention in 2019, as the reigning Miss Dance of America. Mallory’s passion for teaching and choreography goes as far back as her early years of childhood, and she is proud to now be pursuing both at a professional level. She attends Wayne State University in Detroit as a Dance Major, where she continues to broaden her education and appreciation for the art of dance.

JG was born, raised, and attended college in Kalamazoo, Michigan. At Western Michigan University they studied many things, including Laban and Bartenieff, Release Technique, Ballet, Contemporary Jazz, and Hip Hop.  In 2019 they received their Bachelor of Arts in dance with a minor in Communications from WMU. They have been teaching for 4 years, beginning in Plainwell and then in Ann Arbor. Their priorities include setting a collective intention to be mindful of the sensations of movement and to cultivate a supportive group atmosphere. 

KALAMAZOO

Kaitlyn Pollock attended Western Michigan University and graduated with a BFA in Dance in 2013. Throughout her university experience, she had many opportunities to work with professional artists and perform professional works such as Gerald Arpino's "Viva Vivaldi", KT Nelson "Light and Landless" (2013), Lauren Edson "Foreground" (2012), David Parsons "The Envelope" (2011), Gerald Arpino's "Birthday Variations", Harrison McEldowney "Dance Sport" (2010), Autumn Eckman Premiere of "Yes, and..” (2010), Ron DeJesus (2009) Premiere of "Khamsin". Following graduation she moved to New York City and performed professionally with Shawn Bible Dance Company, artistic director Shawn T Bible, BOM DIGGS, artistic director Bonnie O’Rourke, Smashworks Dance Collective and DoubleTakeDance Co. She also performed in various freelance dance projects throughout NYC. KP recently moved back to Kalamazoo, MI and is excited to lead Young Dancers Initiative!