Zeeland Youth Dance Company (ZYDC)
what is zydc?
The Zeeland Youth Dance Company is an auditioned ensemble for 5th -12th graders that provide opportunities for experienced dancers to learn and perform choreography throughout the community. ZYDC members show a strong love of dance, and a passion for sharing dance with others. ZYDC produces several performances annually amd also performs in various community events such as parades and the Grand Rapids Art Festival. To become a part of ZYDC, dancers go through an audition process to become a part of the company, and rehearse weekly in addition to participating in required technique classes.
- 2018-19 Company Packet
CINDERELLA performance INFORMATION
ZYDC AUDITIONS
To become a part of ZYDC, dancers go through an audition process to become a part of the company, and rehearse weekly in addition to participating in required technique classes.
- Register online for ZYDC or call at (616) 748-3230.
- ZYDC Audition Form 18-19
- 5th-8th Graders: Wed, June 19, 2019 | 5-7pm | | @ Zeeland Recreation
- 9th-12th Graders: Wed, June 19, 2019 | 7-9pm | @ Zeeland Recreation
- Audition Fees: Registration for auditions opens on April 15, 2019 | $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)
ZYDC DANCE CAMP (required of all members)
Small group rehearsals begin the week of August 20th, 2019. Times and cost will be announced along with the acceptance letter into ZYDC after auditions.
- Date: August 13-17
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.
2017-18 PHOTOS
Photo Credit: Andrew Weller