Zeeland Youth Dance Company (ZYDC)

what is zydc? 

The Zeeland Youth Dance Company is an auditioned ensemble that provides opportunities for experienced dancers in grades 5-12 to learn and perform choreography throughout the community. ZYDC members show a strong love of dance, and a passion for sharing dance with others. Enroll based on 2019-20 grade level. 

upcoming performances

Important Upcoming Dates and Details

Grand Rapids Arts Fest

• Date: Sun, June 9th
• Location: Calder Stage
• Performance Time: 12:45 - 1:15pm

Legacy

• Date: June 13th, 14th, 15th
• Location: DeWitt Auditorium
• Performance Time: June 13 and 14: 7pm   June 15: 10am

2018-19 Company Packet

• Cover Letter
• Dancer & Parent Contract
• Tuition Statement
• ZPS Volunteer System Instructions
• Company Calendar (Tentative)

2019-20 Company Packet

• ZYDC Audition Form

ZYDC AUDITIONS

Students must be entering grades 5-12 to audition, available to rehearse on a weekly basis, and be able to attend a technique class at least once a week throughout the school year. All dancers with experience in ballet are welcome. Some experience with jazz is useful but not required. Audition Fee: $15.00 (on or before June 8)  $20.00 (June 10-June 18)  $25.00 (June 19) Date: Wednesday, June 19  Location: Zeeland Recreation, Studio A
 

• ZYDC Audition Form will be available on Feb 11
• Registration for auditions opens on April 15 
• 5th-8th Graders: Wed, June 19 | 5-7pm 
• 9th-12th Graders: Wed, June 19 | 7-9pm 
• Audition Fees: $15 if you register on or before June 9 | $20 if you register between June 10-18 | $25 if you register on audition day (June 19)
• Location: Zeeland Recreation, Studio A

ZYDC DANCE CAMP (required of all members)

ZYDC Camp will be held August 12-16. Small group rehearsals begin the week of August 19. Times and cost will be announced with the acceptance letter. Camp registration begins June 24.

Meet Our 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 is now in her 15th year of teaching at Zeeland Recreation. 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 has been teaching at Zeeland Recreation for eight years, and 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.

Sarah Milburn

Sarah graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Entrepreneurship and Dance, where she learned about and danced with a lyrical, contemporary and modern influence. This is Sarah’s 6th year at Zeeland Recreation, and has a deep desire to share her knowledge and love for dance with those who have a passion to pursue the art form.

Sam Lamer

Sam graduated from Oakland University with a BFA in dance performance and education along with a Secondary Education Certification in Spanish. While at OU, Sam performed with both the full department company, Oakland Dance Theatre, and the elite touring ensemble, Oakland Repertory Dance Company. In 2015 and again in 2017 she was given the opportunity to study dance performance and education abroad in Berlin, Germany. Sam is excited to share with students everything she has learned from her initial training in Zeeland to her experiences at Oakland and abroad.