express program
UNLEASH YOUR
INNER ARTIST
auditions open now
Register now to audition and join us this February to April for our next EXPRESS term.
Unleash your inner artist in our 8-week program for advanced dancers. Don’t miss this NEW chance to perform on stage in our annual EXPRESS show in Vancouver this April and sign up to audition now!
What we’re specifically looking for at Express auditions: strong foundation of heels technique, dynamic performance quality, rapid choreography pickup, desire to grow as a performer, ability to quickly integrate notes, experience performing onstage, thrives in a fast paced environment, team player mindset, consistent commitment, reliable attendance/availability aligned with the schedule.
JUMP AHEAD TO…
about express
EXPRESS rapidly challenges experienced dancers to develop artistry, embodied storytelling and performance quality through the expedited process of building a professional-level show.
This 8-week performance program allows seasoned dancers to go beyond learning technique, and collaborate with expert choreographers and directors to hone their craft as a performer. EXPRESS is by audition, and only experienced dancers are eligible to participate, as they must demonstrate the strong Heels dance technique required to safely perform in a show after only 8 weeks.
Dancers can audition to join the SOLOS OR the ENSEMBLE groups, which each focus on their own artistic development path.
develop legendary shows
Although we love the glitz, glitter and glamour of our PROGRESS shows - the intimate cabaret-style shows the EXPRESS program creates inspire you to dive deeper into sensuality and storytelling. Featuring a theme rather than a storyline, they provide a platform for you to explore characters, express sexuality and embrace your unique interpretation of the choreography. EXPRESS also offers the opportunity to perform solo acts - allowing you to dig into your personal style and get one-on-one feedback from industry experts.
choose your challenge
The EXPRESS program is not organized into levels, and requires an audition so directors can build cohorts. Depending on how deeply you want to dive into your artistry, we offer two options for Express class structure: ENSEMBLE and SOLOS.
ENSEMBLE courses are taught in a small group setting, where you collaborate with other artists to perform pieces of choreography together, set by choreographers and workshopped by directors.
SOLO courses are intimate play spaces where you’re guided through a series of artistic workshops that support you in creating your own solo piece, including assistance with music selection, character development, intention setting and choreographic choices. In class and through weekly assignments, you will workshop your solo with directors to transform it into a work of art! While each student completes their own solo, they work alongside a very small cohort of other artists on the same 8-week journey.
work with expert directors
Ready to ramp up your technical and performance training with legends in Vancouver and beyond? We’re bringing you expert directors and choreographers to work in an intimate setting on honing your artistry, execution and performance. Train hard in an accelerated 8-week program, learn dynamic and challenging choreography, and participate in the development of an intimate show. Although EXPRESS is deliberately intense, we foster a collaborative, supportive and fun environment free from competition.
This term, learn from Shaka Lee and Taylor Noel when you join our ENSEMBLE cohort, and Bronwynn Joy and Fiona Matthews in our SOLOS program in Vancouver. In Victoria, learn from Maria-Paz and Vanessa C. when you join the ENSEMBLE cohort, and in Squamish learn from Cierra and Nikki R. when you join the ENSEMBLE cohort.
what’s included
ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT
2 hours/week x 8 weeks of rehearsal with certified dance experts
Rapidly enhance your embodied storytelling abilities and performance quality, while learning dynamic pieces of choreography by expert Directors and choreographers.
PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCES
Perform in an epic stage production at a premiere venues
Shine onstage in a boundary-pushing, provocative, professionally produced dance theatre production. Show day includes a Director’s Rehearsal, tech run, filmed run, and show.
PRIVATE STUDENT PORTAL
Weekly breakdown videos, program updates + resources
Every week we add new resources, choreography breakdown videos, and informative updates to your private web portal.
DEDICATED 24/7 GROUP CHAT
Private WhatsApp communication with a Student Experience Lead
Gain 24/7 access to a private chat with your own classmates, where a certified Student Experience staff is there to help.
IMMORTALIZE THE EXPERIENCE
Professional photos + videos captured of the show
We capture the show with the help of professional photographers and videographers. Photos are available for free, short videos are posted on our social media, and full videos are available through our LumiTV subscription. Soloists receive a downloadable copy of their solo for personal use.
SUBSIDIZED COUNSELLING
Mental health support provided for only $25/session
We know dance can sometimes bring up emotions, especially in a fast-paced and challenging environment, so we subsidize the cost of sessions with our registered therapists.
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
Community Events + Facebook group with 1000+ members
Connect with your fellow dancers and the larger Luminesque community for support at our exclusive student-only events and through our private Facebook group.
NOTE ABOUT WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
In an effort to promote transparency and financial accessibility, we like to let students know ahead of time about other costs that may arise that are not included in the registration fees. Most of these things can be borrowed, bought second hand, or sourced.
Travel or accommodations if you’re travelling from outside of Vancouver to perform
Heels to dance in (we recommend suede bottomed heels no higher than 4” tall)
Outfits to dance in (we recommend whatever makes you feel fabulous!)
Your costume, which must be sourced in alignment with our guidelines
Stage makeup in alignment with our guidelines, and hairstyling services
Tickets to the show (encourage your friends to support you + local art!)
Free copies of the show videos (you can access these through LumiTV)
2025 express program schedule
This Spring, we are offering an ENSEMBLE and SOLOS group in Vancouver and an ENSEMBLE group in Victoria. All groups will perform in our Vancouver show on April 5.
AUDITIONS
Vancouver: January 30, 2025 @ 6-7:30PM or 7:30-9PM at Glow Studios Vancouver (1026 Davie St).
Victoria: January 23, 2025 @ 8-10PM at Studio 4 Athletics (715 Yates St).
PROGRAM TIMES
Vancouver SOLOS: Fridays 7:30-9:30PM from Feb 7-Mar 28
Vancouver ENSEMBLE: Sundays 11AM-1PM from Feb 9 - Mar 30
Victoria ENSEMBLE: Sundays 2-4PM (Studio 4) from Feb 9 - Mar 30
Squamish ENSEMBLE: Date/Time TBD, starting earliest Feb 10 - ending approx Mar 31
SHOW DATE
Sat, April 5, 2025 in VANCOUVER
PRICING
$399 for the term ($299 for current students!)
2025 express show theme
NASTY: ICONS is an unapologetic celebration of the iconic rebels and revolutions that paved the way for the badassery of today.
Building upon our last NASTY show, which reclaimed insults hurled at those who refuse to shop shining, NASTY: ICONS is an ode to the bitches, bosses, sluts, freaks, and rebels that refused to sit still and shut up - thus inspiring the revolutions that set the stage for shameless sexual expression today. Through spoken word and impactful choreography, this show reminds the world that we deserve to stand in our power, be our sexiest selves, and respectfully fuck what the Patriarchy has to say about who we’re allowed to be.
This show features group choreography and solo performances by dancers and choreographers from Vancouver and Victoria.
2024/2025 pricing
The following lists the pricing for our 8-week Express program in Vancouver & Victoria. Payment plans available by request.
ONE-TIME SIGN UP FEE: $399
OR CURRENT STUDENTS: $299