Commercial Dance Conservatory

Beyond the studio — This is where commercial dancers are shaped.

Why This Program

The Commercial Dance Conservatory is a pre-professional training program for serious dancers in grades 9–12—built for those ready to push further and train with purpose.

Students don’t just take classes.

They train, perform, and evolve—developing the versatility, style, and stage presence demanded of today’s commercial dancer.

Program Overview:

The Commercial Dance Conservatory at OC Music & Dance is a non-competitive training program for students in grades 9–12 at the intermediate to advanced level. It provides comprehensive training across disciplines reflective of the commercial dance industry, while also preparing students for college dance programs and professional performance opportunities.

Students train in jazz, contemporary/modern, and ballet, alongside musical theater, hip hop, improvisation, lyrical, and commercial choreography, with an optional tap component. This diverse curriculum builds versatility while strengthening each dancer’s technical foundation.

Classes emphasize musicality, style, performance quality, and choreography retention, helping students gain confidence both on stage and in audition settings. Dancers learn to adapt to various movement styles and collaborate effectively in ensemble environments.

The program also introduces industry-focused skills such as audition techniques, stage presence, and professional collaboration. Through workshops, performances, and guest artist experiences, students gain exposure to real-world performance settings and professional choreography.

Overall, the conservatory fosters technical discipline, creativity, and artistic growth in a supportive environment that encourages confidence, versatility, and a lasting appreciation for dance.

A Week in the Conservatory
Contemporary Ballet | Lyrical | Contemporary Modern | Contemporary | Jazz | Musical Theatre | Hip Hop | Tap/Rhythm | Rehearsal

Students leave this program prepared for collegiate dance programs and auditions, with performance experience and refined technique and artistry.

Application

Interested in applying to OC Music and Dance’s Commercial Dance Conservatory?
Now accepting application for Fall 2026. Apply today for priority consideration.

Application Requirements:

Demonstrate 6 counts of 8 in the following dance forms:

Jazz
Contemporary
Hip Hop or Musical Theatre
Tap (optional)
Optional: You may also include a solo of choice in any of the previous commercial dance forms

MEET OUR
MUSICAL THEATRE
CREATIVE TEAM

Jim Kolb

Read Bio

Jim Kolb, M.A., is a distinguished choreographer, director, and master educator whose career reflects decades of leadership in dance education. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Dance from California State University, Long Beach, and served for more than 30 years as Dance Chair and Director of the Commercial Dance Conservatory at the Orange County School of the Arts. In addition to long-standing faculty appointments at Glendale College and the University of Southern California, Kolb has taught master classes nationwide and internationally, earning recognition including the Outstanding Educator Award in Secondary Dance.