Walltown Dance Company is our pre-professional performance ensemble for dedicated young dancers ready to train at the highest level. With original choreography, dynamic repertory, and a commitment to excellence, the Company blends artistry, discipline, and community engagement. Members perform throughout the year, compete regionally, and bring powerful stories to the stage—representing the heart of Walltown wherever they dance.
2025-2026 Dance Company Members
Welcome to the Company!
​You’re not just a dancer—you’re part of something bold, committed, and extraordinary. As a member of Walltown Dance Company, you’re stepping into powerful choreography, rising to high expectations, and representing your community with pride. This is your space to train hard, perform harder, and grow into the artist you’re meant to be.
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Company Roster

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Apprentice Roster

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Auditions
WHERE / WHEN
WHERE:
ALL Auditions are held at:
Walltown Childrens' Theatre
1225 Berkeley St. Durham, NC 27705
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WHEN:
June 14, 2025 - 9am - 2pm - Pre-Summer Audition
July 26, 2025 - 9am - 2pm - Post-Summer Audition
AUDITION FEE - $15
Walltown charges a small audition fee to help cover the real costs of running a fair and thoughtful selection process. This includes compensating guest judges and instructors for their time and expertise, as well as supporting our administrative staff who coordinate auditions, process materials, and communicate with families.
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We strive to make our programs accessible while valuing the time and care it takes to review each audition with integrity and attention.
If the audition fee presents a barrier, please contact us—we’re happy to discuss options.
AUDITION ATTIRE
Gals: Black leotard with skin tone tights and split-sole ballet shoes
Bring tap or jazz shoes if you would like to audition for those styles
Hair should be pulled back neatly
Guys: White short sleeved t-shirt (tucked in) with black shorts/tights/pants & black split-sole ballet shoes.
ALL: No large jewelry permitted
AUDITION PREP & REQUIREMENTS
The First Company audition will be held on June 14.  Students who score high enough for placement into the WDC are not required to attend the second audition on July 26.

All Company members (and aspiring members) are required to attend the boot camp.  If you are unable to attend the camp, you must attend either of the two-week Summer Dance sessions.  All four classes are required - attendance Monday - Thursday for the two-week session.

June 14 auditioners who do not score high enough for WDC placement, are required to take at least one of the 2-week sessions and/or the boot camp, and can re-audition on July 26.

Ballet Basics on Saturdays is a supplemental offering and not a part of the two-week session classes.  Some dancers needing additional training may be advised to take advantage of this supplemental training, however it is not a requirement (unless Company Directors deem it so for individual students’ development plans)
Company History / Overview
Walltown Dance Company is a dynamic pre-professional repertory ensemble featuring original choreography rooted in genres like Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Modern Dance. Founded in 2005, the company provides serious young dancers with high-caliber training, unique performance opportunities, and a clear understanding of the dedication and discipline required for a career in dance.
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The company was established by WCT Founding Artistic Director Cynthia Penn Halal, a former Alvin Ailey dancer and longtime faculty member at UNC School of the Arts. After retiring from UNCSA, Cynthia devoted herself fully to building Walltown’s dance program. The company is now directed by Grace Underwood, a UNC Charlotte graduate with extensive performance and competition experience.
In addition to choreography by our in-house team, Walltown regularly commissions original works from guest artists, expanding our dancers’ exposure to diverse choreographic voices and styles.

Commitment to Craft & Community
Walltown Dance Company is more than a training ground—it's a space where artistry and service go hand in hand. Company members are expected not only to grow as performers, but to share their love of dance through community service and outreach. Whether on stage, at a festival, or in a neighborhood event, WCT dancers shine both in their talent and in their generosity.

We proudly partner with like-minded organizations and participate in local events throughout the year. Our dancers show up for their community—individually and collectively—bringing the joy of movement to every space they enter.

Competition as Growth
Dance competitions offer our students a chance to grow technically, receive professional feedback, and experience the thrill of live adjudication. These events foster motivation, build resilience, and connect young dancers with a broader network of peers and professionals.

Walltown Dance Company participates in regional and national competitions as part of our training program. We also believe in access: through coordinated fundraising, we support group entries and ensure all dancers can participate. In addition to ensemble pieces, dancers may elect to compete in solos, duets, trios, or small groups.
Performances/Training Opportunities
Instruction / Classes
Upon acceptance into the Walltown Dance Company, members are given an individualized roster of classes which our instructors feel best matches their current skillset with focused training in other classes we feel will enhance their dance and/or performance skills.  Although company members can (and are encouraged to) take additional arts classes, the prescribed classes are mandatory for company membership.  There are rehearsal times set aside for each company group, and additional rehearsals for competition prep.  Company members should be committed to attending classes 3-4 days weekly.
Rehearsals & Meetings
Additional Rehearsals
AA Cultural Festival, Anika James, & CenterFest Pieces
​Tuesday Aug 13, 5-7pm 
Wednesday Aug 14, 5-7pm 
Saturday Aug 17, 2-5pm 
Monday Aug 19, 5-7pm
Wednesday Aug 21, 5-7pm 
Saturday Aug 24, 10-2
Meetings & Misc
Aug 20, 2024 - Parent Student Orientation 7pm-8pm
Performances and Competitions​

Performances and Competitions

Competitions
April 25-27, 2025 ~ Starquest, Durham Convention Center, Durham NC
May 16-18, 2025 ~ Inferno, Wakefield High School, Raleigh NC

​Walltown Performances
May 27-30, 2025 ~ Showcase Tech Rehearsals 
May 30-31, 2025 ~ Spring Showcase 
Jun 1, 2025  ~ Spring Showcase 

​Community Events / Service Projects / Fundraisers
Aug 31, 2024  ~ African American Cultural Fest, Raleigh NC (2PM)
Sep 22, 2024 ~ Durham Arts Council Center Fest  (10AM)
Sep 28, 2024 ~ Anika James Celebration (6:30PM)
​Nov 21, 2024 ~ Durham Tower Lighting 
​Dec 14, 2024 ~ Durham Christmas Parade
Feb 15, 2025, 2025 ~ Black History Month Talent Showcase 
Jun 29, 2025 ~ ​Parents's Night Out (5-9pm)

WT Fundraisers
TBD
Workshops & Trainings

Workshops & Trainings

WT seeks out local and national training opportunities for our dancers  It is important that they be exposed to different teachers and choreographers to gain a broader sense of their skill level in comparison to their peers outside of Walltown.

​ALL members participate in at least one national training, and Walltown brings renowned choreographers into the school each October for an annual "Day of Dance". Additionally, each summer our dancers participate in a 1-week dance Boot Camp in preparation for their auditions and have optional 2-week "LevelUp" sessions and Saturday ballet classes to ensure they stay in top condition leading back into our regular session of instruction/training.
Upcoming Training
Oct 6, 2024 ~ WT Day of Dance 2024
Nov 1-3, 2024 - SHOWSTOPPER Dance Convention
Myrtle Beach SC - we will post more details specific to our group here when confirmed.
- Current link is for general convention website & Hotel
Photos/Videos
We locked in? 
Ain’t no switching up!



2024 Senior Video



2025 Senior Video
Performance Troupe for
​WCT PLAY Program
~~~​
​ Peer Leadership 
through the 
Arts for Youth 
~~~​
The PLAYers is a joint partnership/collaboration with the Anika James Foundation, ​and supported by local artists.
Walltown PLAYers immerse in a creative curriculum exploring the Creative Process, Playwriting/Journaling,  Acting, Monologue Writing and Presentation, and Leadership/Service.  WCT artistic staff develop the PLAYers’ journal notes into artistic, expressive performance pieces based on common threads/issues identified, and incorporating the various disciplines practiced by the students (music, singing, dance, acting). With these pieces, PLAYers engage with, present to, and perform for the broader WCT student population and their parents, other groups of youth, and/or the general public. After presentations, PLAYers engage the audiences in conversations on the topic(s) presented, gaining valuable feedback and insights. This feeds a perpetual cycle of reflection and growth within the PLAYers. With consistent encouragement, practice, and exposure opportunities, our PLAYers master the art of expressing themselves dynamically through various creative outlets. 
2025-2026 PLAYers
Auditions / Placement
'24 '25 WTown PLAYers meet
​1st and 3rd Sundays
from 2:30PM - 5:00PM
​2024 Interviews scheduled August 17
To recommend your youth for the WT PLAYers,
​please respond with a two paragraph recommendation answering the following:
-how will your youth be good for the PLAYers
-how will the PLAYers be good for your youth.
Please direct your recommendations and/or any questions to Cara Williams at [email protected].
Expectations / Contracts
Important Dates:
June 8, 2024 ~ Community Event (Race Unity Day)
August 17, 2024 ~ PLAYers Interviews
September 13-15, 2024 ~ WT PLAYer’s Annual Retreat (Triangle Inst.) 
April TBD, 2025 ~ Theater Performance Field Trip
Projects / Media
Step into the world of our musical theatre troupe, where passion meets talent and dedication fuels dreams. Our group is a tight-knit ensemble of performers who gather regularly to hone their craft in our 3 program areas: singing, acting, and dancing.

​From vocal exercises to character studies and intricate choreography sessions, we immerse ourselves in every aspect of musical theatre. Together, we strive to perfect our skills, support each other's growth, and create captivating performances that resonate with audiences. Join us as we harmonize, emote, and glide across the stage, bringing the magic of musical theatre to life with every step and note.
2025-2026 MT Troupe Members
Audition Placement Info
AUDITIONS - TBD

​Session Meetings Fridays
4:45-5:45pm (Group2)
6:30-7:30pm (Group 1)
Expectations / Contracts
Performances/Training Opportunities

VISIT US
1225 Berkeley St.
Durham Nc 27705

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CONTACT US:
[email protected]
919-286-4545
     FALL/SPRING OFFICE HOURS:
Monday-Friday : 3pm - 6:30pm
Saturday: 10am - 2pm

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS:
Monday-Friday : 9am - 3:30pm
Saturday: 10am - 1pm​​

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