Zeeland Youth Dance Company

what is zydc? 

The Zeeland Youth Dance Company is an auditioned ensemble that provides opportunities for experienced dancers in 5th-12th grades to learn and perform choreography throughout the community. ZYDC members show a strong love of dance, and a passion for sharing dance with others. 


uplifted

3 Yr Olds-6th Gr

This performance will highlight our Zeeland Youth Dance Company members + participants from our “Kid’s Dance Day” program for 5 yr olds-6th graders that takes place earlier on the same day. All proceeds will go towards our K.L.A.S.S. program, which provides free Zeeland Rec programs to children in financial need. 

  • Tickets: PURCHASE HERE ($5)
  • Date: Sat, March 21
  • Time: 6:00 PM
  • Location: Lokers Auditorium

spring RECITAL

More information coming soon!

  • Recital Information
  • Tickets: Will go on sale in May
  • Studio Rehearsals: May 11-13 (times TBD)
  • Blocking: June 8-9 (times TBD)
  • Rehearsals: June 10-11 (times TBD)
  • Performances: June 12-13 (times TBD)


Coming Soon!


zeeland youth dance company auditions

5th-12th Gr

The Zeeland Youth Dance Company (ZYDC) is a selective performance ensemble that offers skilled dancers the chance to learn and present choreography throughout the community. ZYDC members demonstrate a deep love of dance and a commitment to sharing their art with others. Dancers entering grades 5–12 in the 2026–27 school year are eligible to audition. Participants must be available for weekly rehearsals and attend at least two technique classes per week during the school year. While experience in ballet is encouraged, dancers of all backgrounds are welcome, and jazz experience is helpful but not required. Audition forms can be found on the ZYDC Company webpage.

  • Register Here
  • Audition Form
  • Audition Fee: $25
  • Jazz/Tap Auditions (6th-12th Gr): Wed, May 13 | 7:00-8:30 PM
  • Zeeland Dance Company Auditions: Thur, May 14 | 3:30-6:30 PM
  • Zeeland Youth Dance Company Auditions: Thur, May 14 | 6:30-8:45 PM
  • Location: Zeeland Recreation - Shoreline Studio
  • Registration: Will open after more details are finalized
  • Company Camp: July 6-9 | Times TBD | Shoreline Studio
  • Company Showcase: July 10 | 12:00-1:00 PM | Lokers Auditorium
  • Company Family Potluck: July 10 | Following Showcase

dance intensive

4th-12th Gr

Join us for a two-week dance intensive camp featuring a variety of styles, including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Improvisation, and more! On Thursday, July 31, participants will perform in a parent showcase at the Shoreline Studio. In the past, we’ve allowed dancers to attend just one week of the intensive due to scheduling conflicts. We will continue this option only if the participant completes Week 1. Enrollment in Week 2 without attending Week 1 is not permitted.

  • Register Here
  • Two Weeks - Full Day Cost - 5th-12th Gr: $185r/$200nr
  • Two Weeks - Half Day Cost - 4th Gr (AM or PM): $95r/$110nr
  • Week 1 Only - Full Day Cost - 5th-12th Gr: $95r/$110nr 
  • Week 2  Only - Full Day Cost - 5th-12th Gr: $95r/$110nr (For experienced dancer by instructor permission) 
  • Instructors: Cydney Sheneman & Tiffany Terpstra
  • Dates: July 20-23 & July 27-30
  • 8:00-9:30 AM: Pointe (For those approved to take Pointe by Instructors)
  • 8:00-9:30 AM: Ballet
  • 9:30-10:30 AM: Jazz
  • 10:30-11:00 AM: Elective 
  • 11:00-11:30 AM: Lunch
  • 11:30 AM-12:15 PM: Tap
  • 12:15-1:15 PM: Improv Choreography
  • 1:15-2:30 PM: Modern/Contemporary
  • Parent Showcase: Thur, July 30 | Lokers Auditorium
  • Location: Zeeland Rec - Shoreline Studio

Meet Our company directors

Dance Instructors

Rachel Plaggemars

Rachel earned her BA in dance performance and choreography with an emphasis in education from Hope College. While at Hope, she performed extensively, the highlight being two seasons touring with Strike Time Dance Company, an ensemble aimed at educating K-5th grade students about the art of dance. She has enjoyed expanding an offering of high quality pre-school and introductory courses into a comprehensive program that includes advanced beginning and intermediate classes. Ms. Plaggemars emphasizes on ballet training as a foundation for well-rounded dancers and has loved watching her students grow technically and artistically through the program.

Cydney Sheneman

Cydney graduated from Hope College with her BA in dance and religion education. While at Hope, Cydney was involved in the Sacred Dance Ministry, Sigma Omicron, and a winner of the Florence Cavanaugh award. She has choreographed for, and performed in various student dance concerts at Hope, and has also presented choreography at Hope’s Veritas Forum. Cydney is involved in the Zeeland High School Dance Program. Over the years, she has enjoyed watching her students grow in technique, stage presence, and artistry. Cydney enjoys helping students to not only learn a variety of dance genres and styles, but to also create their own works of movement art.


Photo Credit - Andrew Weller