Young Artists Academy

The Young Artists Academy (YAA) represents NAOD’s highest level of training and artistic development for dancers seeking a more focused and intentional dance education.

Within the YAA, dancers follow a structured training curriculum designed to develop strong technical foundations, artistry, and discipline. The program includes two pathways that allow dancers to pursue advanced technical training or participate in the full performance ensemble experience.

Both pathways require audition and faculty placement.

YAA Training Program

The YAA Training Program is designed for dancers seeking advanced technical training within the Young Artists Academy curriculum without the full performance and competition commitment of the ensemble.

Dancers in this program:

• Train in advanced technique classes within the YAA curriculum
• Perform in NAOD productions including the Holiday Production and Spring Concert
• Participate in seasonal rehearsals for the Holiday Production
• May attend in-studio workshops with guest artists throughout the season

This pathway is ideal for dancers who want serious technical training and artistic development while maintaining a more flexible performance schedule.

Weekly Training Requirements
The class requirements below represent the minimum training expectations for dancers in the Young Artists Academy. Many students choose to take additional elective classes to further strengthen their technique, versatility, and artistry.

Elective classes play an important role in a dancer’s development and are strongly encouraged for all YAA students. Most electives are required for dancers who are members of the YAA Ensemble, as they support the advanced training needed for performance and competition opportunities.

Pre-Academy Training (Ages 6-8)
3 Class Requirement: Ballet, Tap, Jazz

Elective Options: Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro

Premier Training (Ages 8-12)

4 Class Requirement: 2 Ballet, Tap, Jazz

Elective Options: Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro

Stellar / Elite Level (Ages 12+)
5 Class Requirement: 2 Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Horton

Elective Options: Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, Tap, Ballet/Pointe (by instructor approval)

Summer Requirement

All YAA dancers must attend the NAOD Elevate Summer Intensive, which takes place in early June. Outside intensives are encouraged for dancers ages 10+ but may not conflict with NAOD requirements.

Audition Required

Placement in the YAA Training Program is determined through audition and faculty evaluation.

YAA Ensemble

The YAA Ensemble is NAOD’s pre-professional performance company, designed for dancers committed to the highest level of training and performance opportunities.

Ensemble dancers serve as ambassadors of Norma’s Academy of Dance both on stage and in the community.

Ensemble dancers:

• Train multiple days per week in advanced technique classes and rehearsals
• Participate in 2–3 competitions and 1–3 conventions each season
• Perform in NAOD productions including the Holiday Production, Spring Concert, and Ensemble Showcase
• Work with guest artists and choreographers through in-studio workshops and intensives
• Participate in community outreach performances throughout the season

Weekly Training Requirements (YAA Ensemble)

YAA Ensemble dancers complete the Young Artists Academy Training Program requirements for their level, along with additional elective classes that support advanced training and performance preparation.

Pre-Academy Level (Ages 6-8)

5 classes required: YAA Training Requirements + 2 required electives:  Hip Hop + Lyrical
Optional Elective: Acro

Premier Level (Ages 8–12)

6 classes required: YAA Training Requirements + 2 required electives:  Hip Hop + Contemporary
Optional Elective: Acro

Stellar / Elite Level (Ages 12+) 

8 classes required: YAA Training Requirements + 3 required electives:  additional Ballet/Pointe (dancers must be approved for Pointe), Contemporary, Hip Hop
Optional Elective: Acro

Training Structure

Because Ensemble dancers participate in competitions, conventions, and additional performances, these electives become an essential part of their weekly training schedule. Training across multiple styles helps dancers develop the versatility, strength, and artistry needed for advanced performance opportunities.

Additional Ensemble Requirements

• Weekly ensemble rehearsals
• Participation in Choreography Bootcamp (early August)
• Attendance at the NAOD Elevate Summer Intensive (early June)
• Participation in 2–3 competitions and 1–3 conventions each season

Audition Required

The YAA Ensemble requires an audition. Dancers must also be members of the Young Artists Academy Training Program.

Supporting Long-Term Growth

The Young Artists Academy is designed to support dancers who demonstrate a strong work ethic and a commitment to artistic growth.

Through consistent training, faculty mentorship, and a supportive studio community, dancers develop not only stronger technique, but also the confidence, discipline, and resilience that define the NAOD experience.

As dancers progress through the program, they gain opportunities to train with respected artists, attend nationally recognized summer programs, and pursue collegiate and professional pathways in dance.

Summer Intensives Our Dancers Have Attended

Young Artists Academy dancers have continued their training at respected summer programs and conservatories, including:

• Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Academy
• CLI Conservatory
• Debbie Allen Dance Academy
• Gus Giordano Dance School
• Interlochen Arts Academy
• Joffrey Ballet School – Jazz & Contemporary
• Steps on Broadway Academy
• The Ailey School
• The Black Artists Dance Collective
• The Dance Artist (TDA) Prep
• The Dance Theatre of Harlem School
• The School of American Ballet

College Dance Programs

Graduates of the Young Artists Academy have continued their dance education at programs including:

• Florida State University
• Marymount Manhattan College
• Troy University
• University of Alabama

Because at Norma’s Academy of Dance, we believe that dance lessons are life lessons.