Commercial Dance Conservatory

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

Students don’t just take classes.

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

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

Apply for Fall 2026

Applications are now open for priority consideration. Space is limited.

A female dancer is performing on stage, wearing loose, cream-colored pants and a black top. She is in a dynamic pose, with her right arm extended upward and her left arm extended outward, and her head tilted back. The background is plain and the lighting highlights her form.

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.

A dance performance with multiple dancers on stage, lit with pink and purple lights.
A dance performance with multiple dancers on stage, lit with pink and purple lights.

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 | Modern | Contemporary | Jazz | Musical Theatre | Hip Hop | Tap/Rhythm | Rehearsal

MEET OUR
COMMERCIAL DANCE
ARTISTIC TEAM

A smiling middle-aged man with short blonde hair, wearing a light blue collared shirt against a gray background.

Jim Kolb

Jim Kolb, M.A., is a renowned choreographer and educator, former OCSA Conservatory Director, with 30+ years shaping dancers and teaching nationally and internationally.