COMPANIES

CLARKE DANCE GROUP & JENNIFER PICART-BRANNER BALLET COMPANY

At Northwest School of Dance, we provide mulitple opportunities for dancers to grow and experience dance. Our additional programs include Clarke Dance Group competition dance team and Jennifer Picart-Branner Ballet company.

CLARKE DANCE GROUP COMPETITION TEAM

CDG

JBP

The Clarke Dance Group is the elite dance competition team for Northwest School of Dance. This group of dancers is chosen through an audition process and represents NSD at dance competitions and conventions throughout the state. In addition, they will have more performance opportunities at local events throughout the year. Clarke Dance Group is intended for those who wish to pursue dance more seriously and competitively. Dancers will be required to strive for and maintain a higher level of technical skill and a diverse training which may include Lyrical/Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop and Tap. The team is best suited for ages 7 through 19 years old. Dancers will learn to explore the artistry of dance, thereby becoming better artists themselves. They will be challenged with new styles and choreography. At the end of the season, dancers will walk away with a new sense of personal growth as a student, performer and individual.

Several team members have been recognized at conventions and competitions with special awards, such as "Top Dancer", "Elite Performer", and "Dancer of the Year", for their outstanding performance and showmanship and received scholarships for National events and programming as well. As a result of their participation in Clarke Dance Group, some members have traveled to New York, Las Vegas and California to take part in special dance intensives and conventions, and have also gone on to pursue dance professionally at the college level and beyond. Clarke Dance Group continues to represent their studio well receiving overall high score awards, judges choice awards and cash prizes.

If you have a dancer who is interested in building a career as a dancer, the competition world can give them several tools to better prepare them. CDG dancers will grow as performers, build self-confidence and learn about dedication & commitment. They will be pushing for personal growth, while also learning to work as a team unit. If you have an interest in pursuing competition dance or would like more information about CDG, please call the studio directly.

JPB Ballet Company at Northwest School of Dance

JPB Ballet Company at Northwest School of Dance

Where Passion Meets Excellence

The JPB Ballet Company is the premier youth ballet company at Northwest School of Dance, designed for dancers who are committed to advancing their technical skills and preparing for future professional opportunities. Membership is by invitation only, reserved for dancers who demonstrate a strong work ethic, and a serious dedication to the art form.

The company is divided into Junior and Senior levels, with dancers given the opportunity to perform in local events throughout the year. Beyond these performances, many JPB dancers also participate in prestigious local and national competitions, further honing their craft and showcasing their talent.

JPB Petite Program: Ages 9-11

JPB Petite Program: Ages 9-11

For younger dancers with a passion for ballet, the JPB Petite Program offers a focused and supportive environment for dancers aged 9-11. These young dancers are trained to develop a strong technical foundation and discipline, preparing them for future growth and potential membership in the JPB Ballet Company. The program is designed to cultivate both artistic expression and the solid ballet technique needed for advanced training.

Several JPB dancers have gone on to pursue training at world-renowned institutions, including:

American Ballet Theatre (NYC)
Joffrey Ballet School (NYC & San Francisco)
Bolshoi Ballet Academy (Russia)
Ballet West (Utah)
Nutmeg Conservatory (Connecticut)
Pittsburgh Ballet
Colorado Ballet
Cary Ballet Conservatory (North Carolina)
Whitman College
International Schools such as the Finnish National Ballet School, Palucca School (Germany), Paris Opera School (France), and Royal Ballet School (London), John Cranko(Germany).

Competitive Excellence

JPB Ballet Company dancers consistently excel in prestigious ballet competitions both nationally and internationally. Notable achievements include:

Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP): A select group of JPB dancers have competed in YAGP, the world’s largest and most prestigious ballet scholarship competition, and have placed among the top competitors.
ADC IBC (American Dance Competition International Ballet Competition): Our dancers have earned high honors at the ADC IBC, competing alongside top talent from around the globe.
World Ballet Arts Competition: This premier competition has provided a platform for JPB dancers to showcase their exceptional talent and gain international recognition.

Each year, JPB dancers are invited to perform at the Boost Me Up Dance Festival in Seattle, where they showcase dances from various choreographers. In the past, they’ve featured several pieces by Sam Picart, who was spotlighted on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Success Beyond the Stage

As our dancers continue to evolve in their careers, many have been accepted into prestigious colleges such as Cornish College of the Arts (Seattle), AMDA (California and New York), and Utah Valley University. Others have secured contracts with professional companies, including Ballet West, Grand Rapids Ballet, Estonia Ballet, Olympic Ballet Theatre, and Ashani Dances in Seattle.

Building Future Artists

At Northwest School of Dance, we take immense pride in the accomplishments of our dancers. Whether they pursue a future in professional dance or further their education at a dance college, JPB Ballet Company serves as an excellent foundation for those serious about their craft.

If you have a young dancer with aspirations in ballet, JPB Ballet Company provides the training, opportunities, and mentorship they need to take their passion to the next level.