Winter/Spring Highlights

Winter/Spring in the School of Dance!

Our Winter/Spring 2027 Classes & Events Catalog is here! We’re looking forward to another exciting semester of dance, with classes for all ages, upcoming auditions, performances, and opportunities to get involved in our School of Dance community.

Member Enrollment Opens: December 1
Open Enrollment Begins: December 8
Winter/Spring Classes Begin: January 19

Browse the Winter/Spring Catalog

January 8-9 | The Children of Lír

Lawrence Arts Center Irish dancers present: The Children of Lír, an Irish dance story. Back by popular demand, this original stage drama uses Irish myths and folklore, music, and poetry to tell the tale of the Children of Lir. The Arts Center’s Irish dancers, led by instructor Annie Stark, will leave you breathless. Presented and in collaboration with the Lawrence Public Library.

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January 16 | Auditions for The Last Unicorn

The Last Unicorn will bring the beloved fantasy novel by Peter S. Beagle to life through multiple dance forms. When a unicorn discovers that she may be the last of her kind, she leaves her enchanted forest in search of others. She embarks on a winding journey with unlikely companions and transformative experiences along the way. Join us for a dance performance that will lead you into a world of magic, danger, love, and wonder.

Dancers ages six (first grade) through adults of all ages are invited to audition for The Last Unicorn, an multi-genre dance production directed and choreographed by Paige Patterson with choreography from additional School of Dance Faculty.

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March 8 | ART FOR ALL: St. Patrick’s Day Céilí Party

In Irish, the word “céilí” (KAY-LEE) means party!

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Lawrence Arts Center Irish Dancers! Enjoy an Irish Step Dance performance followed by an opportunity to participate in traditional Irish group dances led by Annie Stark. This event is presented in partnership with the Lawrence Public Library and is FREE for all ages!

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March 12-13 | The School of Dance presents The Last Unicorn

Step into an enchanted world with the School of Dance’s spring production, The Last Unicorn! Based on Peter S. Beagle’s beloved fantasy novel, this multi-genre production follows a unicorn who sets out to discover whether she truly is the last of her kind. Along the way, she encounters unlikely companions and experiences that change her journey forever. Featuring local and regional dancers, The Last Unicorn is a magical performance for audiences of all ages!

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March 26 | Carmine Balletto Scholarship Auditions

The Carmine Balletto Scholarship supports dedicated School of Dance ballet students who have demonstrated excellence and commitment to their training. Established in 1997, this scholarship encourages the continued study of ballet and a lifelong devotion to dance. Recipients receive tuition for four ballet and pointe classes per week, along with production and participation fees during the Fall and Winter/Spring semesters.

Students currently enrolled in Ballet IV–VII at the Lawrence Arts Center are eligible to audition. Auditions are FREE, but advance registration is required.

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March 26 | Lawrence Dance Intensive Scholarship Auditions

Looking ahead to summer? Join us for the 2027 Lawrence Dance Intensive Scholarship Auditions! Since 2016, the Lawrence Dance Intensive has connected regional dancers with distinguished instructors and guest artists to further their skills and artistry. This summer, LDI returns with ballet and contemporary training opportunities for dancers ages 10–21.

Scholarship auditions are open to intermediate and advanced dancers ages 11–21 with at least two years of dance experience. Partial merit scholarships are available for students enrolled in the Senior Intensive. Auditions are FREE, but online registration is required by Thursday, March 25. Dancers interested in both the Carmine Balletto and LDI scholarships must register for each separately.

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April 17-18 | Lawrence Ballet Theatre presents Cinderella

Join Lawrence Ballet Theatre for a beloved fairy tale brought to life through ballet! From beautiful dancing to a little bit of magic, Cinderella is a performance the whole family can enjoy. Don’t miss Lawrence Ballet Theatre’s spring production!

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May 21-22 | School of Dance End-of-Year Showcases

Celebrate another year of dance with our annual End-of-Year Showcases! This School of Dance tradition brings students to the Mainstage to share their hard work, growth, and accomplishments from throughout the year. Featuring class-based performances and senior solos, these showcases are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our dancers and the School of Dance community.

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