Steppin' Out Dance Co. (SODC) is DeForest Dance Academy's
Award-Winning Competitive Performance Company under the direction of Donna Johnson, and assisted by award winning choreographers Carly Brandl and Ashley DeForest-Goletz.
Steppin’ Out Dance Company was established in 1989. SODC members range from ages 5 – 18 years old and compete on a regional and national level in Hip Hop, Tap, Jazz and Lyrical. The Steppin’ Out Dance Company has entertained audiences across the country for over 25 years.
SODC Alumni have continued onto prestigious dance careers and performance opportunities like The Chicago Human Rhythm Project, The School at Jacobs Pillow, and many Collegiate Dance BFA/BA Programs & Dance Teams including:
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Oklahoma University
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Butler University
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Ball State
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University of Wisconsin
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University of Kentucky
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Georgia Tech, and more!
Company members are selected by annual auditions, held each June.
Please contact Daryl Barnes at Daryl@deforestdance.com for more information regarding the Steppin’ Out Dance Company auditions.
OUR COMPANY
SODC is comprised of two divisions at two different locations:
Elmhurst Team and Glen Ellyn Troupe
Both Divisions each contain companies for three disciplines: Jazz, Tap, and Hip Hop
SODC TEAM- ELMHURST
TEAM is our Elite Competitive division. Best for fully committed dance students. Classes are primarily held at DeForest Dance Academy in Elmhurst, IL
TEAM Dancer commitment overview:
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Extensive Company Membership Requirements. Multiple days & hours of dance required per week. Commitment varies by level.
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4 required Regional Competitions (1 may require overnight travel)
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1 required National Competition (requires travel and lodging)
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In-house Intensive
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Convention attendance optional if approved
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Guaranteed to participate & compete in ONE Group dance per discipline.
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One Production number per discipline (for select dancers only; at choreographer’s discretion)
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Numerous extra group dances may be available to Team participants.
SODC TROUPE- GLEN ELLYN
TROUPE is our Intermediate/Advanced competitive division. Classes are held primarily at DeForest Dance Academy in Glen Ellyn, IL
TROUPE Dancer commitment overview:
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Less Time and Financial Commitment than Team (minimum 1 day required for tap & hip hop, 2 days minimum for Jazz)
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Guaranteed to participate in ONE Group dance per discipline.
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3 required Regional Competitions (No mandatory overnight Travel for competitions)
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In-house Intensive
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Convention attendance optional if approved
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Extra dances and Lines/Production may be offered (select dancers only; at choreographer’s discretion)
SODC Competition Disciplines:
JAZZ
Includes ballet & jazz technique training.
Lyrical, Contemporary & Musical Theater offered to select dancers
Dancers will Compete least 1 jazz dance.
Required: minimum 3- 4 hr commitment per week depending on level. Includes training in Ballet & Jazz Technique.
Lyrical, Contemporary, and Musical Theater dances may be offered to select dancers
TAP
Dancers will Compete least 1- 2 Tap dances depending on level.
Required: minimum 1 - 2 hr commitment per week depending on level
Dances by guest choreographers may be offered to select Advanced dancers
HIP HOP
Dancers will Compete least 1- 2 hip hop dances depending on level.
Required: minimum 1 - 2 hr commitment per week depending on level
Dances by guest choreographers may be offered to select Advanced dancers