StepUp Intensive. The junior ballet of the Cité Chorégraphique

The art of style

"StepUp Intensive: Professional preparation for young artists".

The StepUp Intensive programme is aimed at young artists aged 18 to 28 who aspire to become dance professionals. Designed as an introduction to company life, the programme offers an intensive and caring learning environment.
Each day begins with a class, followed by rehearsals or workshops led by experienced professionals, allowing students to hone different techniques and explore new artistic approaches. StepUp Intensive offers young dancers a valuable opportunity to perfect their technique, with time dedicated to preparing for auditions.

How the StepUp Intensive programme works

The StepUp programme offers complete immersion in the world of dance over a 31-week period, excluding school holidays, starting on 16 September 2024 and ending on 13 June 2025. Participants meet five days a week, from Monday to Friday, for intensive sessions of 6 hours a day, offering them an immersive and enriching experience. On Wednesdays, the duration is slightly reduced to 3 hours and 30 minutes, allowing participants to benefit from a balance between rigorous training and the recovery time needed to maximise their learning and performance. Throughout the programme, students are supervised by dance professionals who are part of an international network, providing them with high-quality teaching and personalised support to help them progress and reach their full artistic potential.

Repertoire
choreographic

Each period will unfold as follows:
After 15 days of rehearsals during which the choreographers themselves or their répétiteurs will perform a piece from their repertoire, the coherence and evolution of the choreography will be entrusted to the ballet master. The ballet master will ensure that the initial artistic vision is preserved and that the performance gradually improves over the course of the season. The pieces worked on will be performed.

workshops
& masterclasses

The programme of workshops and masterclasses involves the presence of speakers for a period of between 2 and 7 days, during which they will share their artistic universe and expertise with the participants. These intensive sessions allow participants to explore and enrich their knowledge and skills through direct interaction with professionals in the field.

Other renowned speakers will be on hand throughout the season to enrich participants' experience even further.
La Cité Chorégraphique & the StepUp Intensive programme

Driven by a burning passion and a desire to hone their skills for a demanding but rewarding career.

StepUp Intensive programme is €5,000

From 16 September 2024 to 13 June 2025, i.e. 31 weeks excluding school holidays. The daily schedule is 6H00 of creations, workshops, masterclasses and other complementary disciplines such as Aïkido, Pilates, Feldenkrais…

Membership fees are €100

Membership fees are set to support the organisation financially, covering administrative costs, offering services and benefits to members, and contributing to the development and growth of the organisation.

Professional dancers follow a rigorous and dedicated timetable, including:

1. Physical training: muscle-strengthening exercises, stretching and specific techniques.

2. Rehearsals: work on precision of movement, artistic expression and synchronisation with the music.

3. Artistic work: conveying emotions and stories through movement, working on character interpretation.

4. Body care: regular massage sessions, physiotherapy and rest to prevent injuries.

5. Professional development: participation in courses, workshops and further training.

Their aim is to create quality performances while progressing in their art.

The importance of company ballet training for contemporary choreography lies in its ability to provide a solid foundation of technique, balance, control and coordination. This type of training allows dancers to gain a deeper understanding of movement, giving them the freedom to explore and innovate in contemporary dance. By mastering the fundamental principles of ballet, dancers can approach the technical and artistic challenges posed by contemporary choreography with confidence and fluidity, while maintaining an elegant and precise aesthetic. In this way, training in company ballet forms an essential foundation on which contemporary dancers can build their practice and their artistic expression, enabling them to adapt and develop in a constantly changing choreographic landscape.

We’re looking for young dancers who already have solid technical training in contemporary and/or classical dance, as well as developed body awareness. In addition, we are looking for candidates who are capable of executing choreography with finesse, and who demonstrate an open mind and a sincere desire to immerse themselves in the work of a variety of artists. Sharp powers of observation are also required.

The StepUp Intensive programme is committed to working with internationally renowned teachers and choreographers, selected for their expertise, innovation and commitment to artistic excellence. These high-level professionals bring a diversity of styles, approaches and experiences, offering participants a unique opportunity for learning and development. Their presence enriches the programme by providing privileged access to in-depth knowledge and varied perspectives, while inspiring young dancers to push their limits and explore new forms of expression. Thanks to these high-quality collaborations, the StepUp Intensive programme guarantees an enriching and formative experience for future contemporary dance professionals.

To audition and take part in the StepUp Intensive programme, simply click on the application above. For dancers living abroad only, an online audition option is available via StepUp Intensive application for dancers living abroad by videoconference.

The programme lasts 31 weeks, excluding school holidays.

Start date: 16 September 2024

End date: 13 June 2025

Daily timetable: 6H00 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 3H30 on Wednesday.

Our aim is to provide you with all the tools you need to become a professional in just one year on the StepUp Intensive programme. However, you are of course free to decide voluntarily to re-register for a second season if you wish.

La Cité Chorégraphique, like the StepUp programme, is not a professional company. The dancers are students at La Cité Chorégraphique and do not receive a salary.