‘YTP COMPANY TOUCHPOINTS’ … A unique, new part of our Youth Training Program (YTP) where students get to broaden their dance education with planned interactions, throughout the year, with DJD’s professional dance company!

Where did the idea come from?
Early in the season, I had reached out to our company director, Kim Cooper for advice on which dance pieces would be best to share with our Youth Training Program from the company’s newly released video performance, Suspending Disbelief. Those early conversations with Kim and what later turned into the creation of ‘Company Touchpoints’ were inspired by my overall desire to have our students become more aware of DJD’s renowned resident company. Also, being reflective upon my own training at The Royal Ballet School, I recognize that some of my most influential moments were within the interactions with the RBS company as a direct result of us sharing the same space. I know first hand how unique, wonderful and truly inspirational it is to have a school and a company under one roof; a gift that I knew could be tapped into more, right here, at DJD! I brought the idea forth to School Principal, Joanne Baker and she fully supported it. So far, YTP has had four Company Touchpoints. It is exciting to add such unique exposures and experiences to our YTP program- certainly an element that sets this program apart from other dance programs!