The youngest of our four performing companies, the Mini Troupe, is an auditioned group of dancers whose technical ability has exceeded the level of the regular class regimen in the areas of ballet, tap, and jazz. The Mini Troupe, as with the other companies, is designed for students who are committed to furthering their dance education on a competitive level. Students, who are at the height of 4’10 and under, who feel that they are ready for such a commitment, may participate in audition classes and auditions.

Basic technical abilities required for Mini Troupe auditions:

• Students who have taken classes with Augusta West should be ready to audition upon completion of Advanced Beginner II level

• (Again, if you are coming to us from another location, we welcome you and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.)

 Tap

• Grade 4 Tap- Barre (shuffles in different patterns; flaps with heel work; maxi fords; irishes; progressions in shuffle ballchange turns; riffs)

• Center floor- timing and rhythm; running flaps; traveling flap ballchanges; maxi ford turns; buffalos; time steps; tap steps with more advanced arm work

Jazz

• Good sense of flexibility and rhythm

• Center floor-Lindy’s; jazz squares; pas de bourrée; single pirouette; grand battement; high energy level; more advanced arm work

• Leaps (See Ballet requirements)

 Ballet

• 5 Ballet Positions

• Basic Ballet Barre- (plié; tendu; degagé; rond de jambe; developpé; grand battement)

• Center floor- simple adagio; petite allegro; chainé turns; single pirouette; balance; saute de chat