Hothouse
Conservatory
A pre-professional dance training program for young adult and 16+ dancers. Members of the concert company train in a range of contemporary dance aesthetics with local and homegrown artists, performing throughout the year.
Ages 16–24 · Year-long commitment · Tuition-based, audition required
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Hothouse Conservatory's pre-professional concert company is for dancers ages 16–24 with prior training in contemporary, ballet, modern, or jazz. Members deepen their technique, composition, and improvisation skills while supplementing their existing school, studio, or team training — with real pre-professional opportunities along the way, including guest performances, assistant instruction, choreography, and learning roles alongside professional artists.
CONSERVATORY HIGHLIGHTS
Perform in multiple shows throughout the year
Learn dance composition, perform student works
Collaborate in the production and direction of shows
2026-2027 SEASON
CONCERT
SEPTEMBER 2026 - FEBRUARY 2026
Learn repertory from teaching artists to be performed in a run of full-length concerts.
TUITION: $960, paid as monthly installments
SHOWCASE
FEBRUARY 2027 - MAY 2027
Participate as a performer, or propose your own work to be set on your peers and performed as part of a formal showing.
TUITION: $480, paid as monthly installments
FESTIVAL
JUNE 2027 - AUGUST 2027
Learn repertory to be performed alongside professional companies at Hothouse’s annual Fall Forward Festival.
TUITION: $480, paid as monthly installments
REHEARSAL
SUNDAYS, 3:30-5:30p
Hothouse in NE Minneapolis
TRAINING
Dancers are required to take weekly class before rehearsal.
Dancers are also eligible to take contemporary and ballet classes at Hothouse.
STAFF & TEACHING ARTISTS
Hothouse Co-director Rachel Doran serves as Coordinator of the Conservatory’s concert program.
2026-27 Teaching Artists include—
Mary Mailand
Sarah McCullough
Lindsey White
and more TBA
“I was greeted with a welcoming atmosphere the minute I walked into the studio and I always feel supported by each person I’ve met here. It has given me a place to feel at home with my artistry and to grow.”
—LIV
"The highlight of my year! Not only do you get phenomenal training but you also get to be surrounded by the most kindhearted and fun people who are passionate about the art of dance. It has truly allowed me to grow and flourish as both an artist and individual."
—ALEXIS
AUDITIONS
Hothouse will hold an in-person audition for the 2026-27 company on Tuesday, September 6:30-8:15p. There is no cost to attend.
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All applicants send one email, subject line "Dancer's Name / Conservatory Audition," with:
Resume (PDF) — contact info, dance education, other relevant experience, headshot
1-page letter of interest (PDF) — how you heard about us, why you want to join
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Tuesday, September 1, 6:30–8:15p, free. Register in advance through Hothouse’s class schedule.
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Submit by 11:59p, September 1. Add a YouTube link (no attachments):
1–2 min intro: name, age, where you live/train/go to school, how you heard about us, what your sample shows
3–5 min dance sample: contemporary, ballet, jazz, or modern — performance footage, reel, or a piece prepared for this audition