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. 


Swan lake - BALLET

Bring your family to a breathtaking performance of Swan Lake, specially crafted for audiences of all ages! Watch the timeless story of love, magic, and beautiful swans come alive on stage in a vibrant production perfect for children and adults alike.

The Zeeland Youth Dance Company and its more senior division, the Zeeland Dance Company, are the auditioned ensembles of the Zeeland Recreation Dance Program. In addition to taking rec classes, ZYDC/ZDC dancers in grades 5-12 rehearse once a week in order to prepare for additional performances throughout the year. Dancers performed Peter Pan in 23-24, Cinderella in 24-25, and Wizard of Oz in 25-26. The 26-27 performance of Swan Lake will be ZYDC’s 16th full-length ballet production!

RECITAL

Dancers enrolled in the Fall, Winter, and Spring trimesters are invited to perform in our optional June recital. Separate registration and recital fees apply. Additional details will be shared later.

  • Dance Open House (3-18 Yr Olds Parents): 
    • An opportunity for parents to connect with your dancers instructors and ask questions about the Spring Recital, additional classes your child may be interested in, or ways your child can best reach their dance goals! 
    • Dance Fundamentals Parents: Tue, Nov 17 | 4:30-6:00 PM
    • General Dance Program Parents: Tue, Nov 17 | 5:30-6:30 PM
  • Important Dates:
    • Register Here (Follow the link in the Codes column) 
    • Registration Deadline: Sat, Jan 9
    • Studio Rehearsal Week: May 24-26
    • Blocking Dates: June 14 & 15
    • Dress Rehearsal Dates: June 16 & 17
    • Performance Dates: June 18 & 19

  • coming soon


Photo Credit - Andrew Weller

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.