Benefits of The Professional Division (PD)

Year Long Curriculums: Students no longer have to worry about “starting over” in a new semester because new students have joined the class. The Professional classes are year long curriculums and do not allow late enrollment. That means students can constantly grow throughout the year without having to take a step back at the start of the new semester.

Student Network: While we expect respect and discipline from ALL students at LHG, The students in PD are guaranteed to have a classroom filled with students who hold themselves to high levels of dedication, respect and bravery. Therefore PD students can be confident when attending classes that they will be surrounded by a supportive and open minded group of classmates and that they will not be hindered by other classmates not showing up each week. Through this environment students gain a strong sense of community and build a network through which they can collaborate and thrive as teammates and individuals.

Positive Body & Mindset: Students in the PD are required to take a PD Classes each summer. These summer classes teach students how to be kind and supportive of themselves. They teach students how to positively take corrections, how to maintain a growth mindset and how to listen to their bodies. We take a full body and mind approach in this division. We not only teach students performing arts technique but we also teach students how to care for themselves both physically and mentally.

Teacher Assistant Opportunities: Students in the Professional Division who are 10+years have the opportunity to assist teachers in the younger Elementary Division classes. Students who become Teacher Assistants(TA’s) learn how to develop safe and efficient warm ups, execute curriculums and how to manage a classroom. These opportunities also help build students resumes for future school and job applications!

Backstage Opportunities: Students in PD who are 10+years also have the opportunity to assist backstage and on set during productions in more “behind the scenes” positions. They will learn how to perform various elements of running a live show, from front of house to backstage as well as how to help on film sets and assist during rehearsals. These opportunities also help build students resumes for future school and job applications!

Writers Room: Select students who take story writing beyond level 3 have the opportunity to be invited into our Student Writers Room. Students learn how a writers room functions, how to be part of a creative team and get to help develop the pieces performed by our acting classes.

Professional Opportunities: The teachers and staff at LHG Creative have a large network of professional performing artists. If LHG Creative, a teacher or a professional friend is working on a project that is in need of a child dancer/actor, the Professional Division is where we will seek them from. Because students in PD are held to professional standards, we are able to confidently send them into these projects knowing they will have the professional demeanor and vulnerability in their artistry to get the job done well.

Class Requirements:

SUMMER, FALL & SPRING Semesters are required. The classes required are based on the students level. All Professional Division Students take class year round. (Summer classes are held in person, on zoom and via video so students can take class from anywhere during their summer vacation)

Pro 1 - 2 Classes per Week (Ballet & Modern)

Pro 2 - 4 Classes Per week (Ballet x 2, Horton, Rehearsal)

Pro 3 - 4 classes per week (Ballet x 2, Horton, Graham, Rehearsal)

Pro 4 - Minimum 6 classes per week (Ballet x3 (Prepointe), Horton, Graham, Jazz, Rehearsal hour)

Pro 5 - TBD When students come of level.

At around level 5 or 6 students will begin to focus on styles of dance they wish to pursue, Ie. Modern/Jazz (heading to Broadway or a professional modern dance company) path or Ballet path (heading to a professional ballet company). Students will have the option of doing both paths.

Summer Preparation Class:

Once accepted into the division, students take mandatory summer classes each year. This class prepares students both mentally and physically for the upcoming school year.

Mental Prep: We work on mental and emotional techniques that keep students thriving confidently throughout the year by helping them positively take corrections, learning to visualize their goals and helping them discover the best method of working that’s most productive to them personally all while being in a

Physical Prep: Our physical preparation (both Acting and Dance) revisits our technique in new ways with exercises that help strengthen students foundation and helps them understand their craft in a much deeper way.