Luminary requires an audition to join, and all ages (19+), bodies, and dance backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Prospective dancers apply to audition via a form asking about their goals and experience, and then are assigned a time slot for an in-person audition. Video auditions are available by request, but we do prefer to see you in person.

The audition consists of a welcome chat, warm-up, across the floor tech and freestyle exercises, learning a short combination, and then performing the combo in small groups.

Luminary dancers train 3 hours per week, every week, for 36 weeks. This training includes intensive Heels technique training, learning show choreography (3-4 pieces per term), and guest workshops in styles beyond Heels.

For almost a decade, we’ve seen revolutionary progression for every Luminary dancer - so if you’re looking to blast through personal plateaus and massively up-level as a dancer, Luminary is it.

Luminary dancers learn 3-4 pieces per Progress show, mostly in in Heels style but with the occasional piece in Contemporary or Hip Hop styles. The pace of learning choreography is rapid, and requires additional practicing outside class time (assisted by weekly breakdown and class run videos) Dancers also have the opportunity to learn and perform Alumni-set choreography, which is featured in the Luminary Showcase and sometimes guest performances.

Luminary includes two private lessons (1 hour each) with the Director. These privates help the Director go deep on your personal challenges, goals, and growth. The Director offers personalized exercises and prompts to help guide your progression. They’re also an opportunity to receive support with building dancer choreography for the Showcase.

Luminary dancers have the opportunity to perform in up to 2 casts (4 shows) per Progress show. For Vancouver, this is two casts in their own city. For Victoria, this is one cast in their own city, and the option to travel to Vancouver to perform in another case there.

Luminary pieces are always standout - their group cohesion and commitment to embodied storytelling make for memorable fan favourites.

A significant focus of Luminary is artistic development. Luminary dancers are guided through our solo act development curriculum, which teaches them how to choreograph through creative brainstorming, improvisation, and choreographic structure and intention. They perform solos for each other, to receive feedback from Directors and peers, before taking them to stage in their showcase.

Luminary dancers receive their own dedicated shoot in preparation for their showcase. This is beyond a standard dance portrait shoot - it’s a whole concept built around the show theme they’ve developed. They receive 2 final photos, and the option to purchase additional shots if they like. These are licensed for limited commercial use, and can be used as headshots for audition submissions and be posted on social media.

From concept to curtain call - Luminary dancers work with our production team to develop their showcases. These feature most of the group choreography they learned all year, plus dancer-set solos and alumni-set group pieces. Their work is woven together into a meaningful arch, and performed to friends and family in a premium performance venue.

Each year, our team designs a custom Luminary merchandise item inspired by their showcase and year together. While we typically recommend hoodies, dancers have a hand in what item they receive, and in the past have also chosen hoodies, sweatpants, t-shirts, fanny packs, and bike shorts. We work with local designers and printers, and provide inclusive size options, as much as possible.

Luminary dancers have the opportunity to tour their group pieces as guest performances in their opposing city’s showcase. This is a bonding experience for their own cohort, as well as a chance to deeply connect with their Luminary peers across the water. While it’s not required (since travel/accommodations are not included in Luminary fees), it’s highly encouraged. Dancers may opt to fundraise to support their goal of touring cross-location.

Once your final performance is wrapped, you’ll come together for one final closing class. You’ll reflect on your year together, set goals for the future, and celebrate everything you’ve achieved.

Once you graduate your first year of Luminary, you’re welcome to return as an Alumni. While the curriculum remains generally the same year over year, Alumni receive special perks like a discounted rate and the opportunity to set group pieces for the Luminary showcase.