The video above showcases the ZDT company experience through the eyes of our artistic directors and six trainees.
(September 2024)

About the Summer Trainee Program

About the Summer Trainee Program

In just five years, alumni of the Zeitgeist Dance Theatre Company Experience have earned a reputation among directors and faculty for their exceptional maturity, adaptability, readiness and professionalism. We’re proud to see them thriving — making their mark at leading universities and professional companies across the Globe. Here’s a glimpse of just a few.

• Ballet BC
• Visceral Dance Chicago
• Smuin Contemporary Ballet
• Martha Graham Dance Company
• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
• Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO)
• Institute of the Arts Barcelona
• Purchase College, SUNY Conservatory of Dance
• The Juilliard School
• Point Park University
• University of Southern California Kaufman School
• Joffrey Concert Group NYC
• Montclair State University
• Boston Conservatory
• Chapman University
• California Institute of the Arts
• Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University
• LINES Ballet BFA at Dominican University of California
• The Ailey School / Fordham University

Our Commitment to Recruiting a Diverse Group of Trainees
and Creating a Community of Belonging

Bringing together students from diverse cultures, countries, and backgrounds creates the richest possible environment for learning and cultivates an artistic setting for the most innovative and powerful dance-making. ZDT makes every effort to bring together young artists representing the world in which we live, taking into account gender, age, ethnicity and race, internationalism, geographic origins such as urbanism and ruralism; socioeconomic background; sexual orientation and gender identity; religious beliefs; and political points of view.

Equally important, our staff fosters a community that lives out an active commitment to respecting our differences and each dancer’s authenticity and individuality. We nurture an atmosphere that binds us together as human beings through recognizing our shared intrinsic value, where every dancer feels dignity, respect, and a sense of belonging from other members of the community.

Auditioning for Summer 2026

Auditions for next season will open November 15. The deadline to submit your audition materials is February 16, 2026.

The ZDT Trainee Company will consist of up to 40 dancers ages 17-24. 

Eligibility to Audition:

• Must be at least age 17 (at the time of the program’s start in July) or for college students through the final year in a BFA/BA Dance Program at the time of auditioning.
• Dancers up to age 24 who have graduated from high school who are not in college but are actively training may audition.
• Pursuing a professional dance performance career
• International dancers are strongly encouraged to audition along with dancers from the United States.
• Must be available from July 11 - August 2.
• Demonstrated maturity and respect for others to thrive in an intense environment where dancers will live and work together 24/7.

Audition Requirements:

• Video Section #1: A video introduction showing a brief close-up shot of your face, from the shoulders up. Clearly state your full name; preferred pronouns; current city; state, region, or province; country of residence; your age and level in HS or College, and your home studio/school/conservatory/college or university that provides your current primary training and education. At most 30 seconds in length.
• Video Section #2: An improv video at most 1 minute in length. It must have been filmed no earlier than September 1, 2025. The improv should clearly demonstrate the clarity of your unique artistic voice.
• Video Section #3: A classical technique video no more than 2 minutes in length, demonstrating a center tendu exercise, an adagio, and a petite allegro or small jump combination.
• All three video sections must be edited into one video and uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo so that you can share the link with your submission. NOTE: The clothing you are wearing for videos should be form-fitting enough to see your lines, clearly.

Next Steps After the Screening of Your Audition Submission:

Following the review process by our ZDT Team, those selected as the top candidates for our Trainee positions will be invited for an interview and be required to submit a recommendation form and letter from a teacher or director who knows them well.

For more information, please email auditions@zeitgeistdancetheatre.com.

Summer 2026 Program Details

July 11 - August 2, 2026
Santa Fe, NM

What Should I Expect?

• A daily schedule that will include company classes every morning.
  
• Learning new choreographic rep in the afternoon/evening.
  
• Discussions on career and professional dance topics.
  
• Mentor relationships with the artistic, educational, and residential directors.
  
• Performing world-premiere works at the New Century Dance Project (NCDP) Festival.
  
• Classes and workshops with choreographers and teaching artists through full participation in the NCDP choreography and performance intensive from Monday through Sunday of the third week.
  
• Acquisition of skills and experience, and photographic/video footage for college admission and/or professional company auditions.
  
• Learning the pace, structure, and flow of professional company life through an extended immersive experience.
  An intensive 24/7 living/learning environment requiring a commitment to getting along with people who are different than yourself.

Eligibility

Advanced dancers ages 17-24. At least five years of classical ballet training, modern, and contemporary, with cross-training in other styles preferred. A strong interest in pursuing a professional performance career is required. Curiosity and interest in applying and integrating diverse styles of dance and other art forms desired. Desire to make an impact through the arts on communities and the world at large.