THE JUNIOR TRAINING PROGRAM (cont)

About

The Junior Training Program (JTP) is designed for the next generation of dancers seeking additional training to complement their current studio or program commitments. JTP is not a dance studio or competition team — it’s a nurturing space for continuous growth. Our structure is meant to supplement each dancer’s existing training, not replace it.

At Koin & Co, we believe dancers should pursue as many opportunities as possible while honoring the importance of consistency at their home studios. JTP supports dancers eager to expand their skillsets without asking them to choose between training communities.

Program Structure

The JTP season runs September through May and is divided into two semesters (Fall & Spring).
Training is held once a week, on Sundays at Pearl Studios in Midtown Manhattan.

• Class size: Limited to 30 or fewer dancers per season.

• Class schedule: Each Sunday features a rotating roster of teachers and genres to develop true versatility.

• Training focus: Dancers are expected to be open, driven, and ready for long training days modeled after a working professional’s schedule.

Today’s industry demands well-rounded dancers — not just in one specialty, but across dance, acting, singing, and special skills. JTP is designed for artists who are serious about growth, not for those seeking social environments or constant praise.
We are proud to offer one of NYC’s only training programs solely focused on real preparation for professional success.

Resident Educators

Each semester, dancers work closely with two resident educators:

• Technical Resident (focused on core technique)

• Diversity Resident (focused on style range and adaptability)

Resident responsibilities include:

• Teaching two-hour classes twice per month

• Mentoring dancers professionally

• Casting, creating, and setting choreography on the dancers

Past Resident Faculty Includes:
Andrew Mulet, Emily Greenwell, Judith McCarty, Matt Deloch, Carlos Neto, Emily Bufferd, SKooJ, Justin Schaffner, Juan Rodriguez, Terry Tsu, Shannon Atkins, James Alonzo, Julia Kane, Waverly Fredericks, Daniel Gold, Glenn Giron, and more!

Mock Audition Series

Throughout the season, JTP dancers participate in our exclusive Mock Audition Series (MAS), where major NYC talent agencies lead simulated auditions. The MAS helps dancers put their training into action and build real-world audition skills. Through these sessions, many dancers have earned agency meetings and representation.

Agency Success Stories:

• Bloc Talent Agency: Kiana Rodriguez, Nina Soto, Marina Krumins-Beens, Robbie Sioch, Hope Irish, Anaih Melenciano

• CESD Talent Agency: Julia Russo, Celeste Maniero, Jessica Santa, Kayla Capato, Adriana Ciociano, Mia Ciociano, Nicollete Ciociano

• Clear Talent Agency: Hayatt Kiki

• MSA Talent Agency: Giada Leigh, Daneya Celestin, Madison Arce, Avivah Hernandez

• Go 2 Talent Agency: Sarah Chalarca

Resume/CV Building

A strong resume is every dancer’s key to success. It's often the first impression you make at an audition and needs to professionally and accurately represent your brand.

As Koin & Co Founder & Director Ali Koinoglou often says, “You wouldn’t buy a vacuum without reading about the features first.” Similarly, your resume must clearly show your strengths. Many artists new to the industry aren't always taught how to properly format their materials — which is why JTP dancers receive "how-to" seminars and consistent feedback to support the development of their professional resumes.

Reel Creation

Much like a resume, a dancer’s reel is an essential marketing tool. Contrary to popular belief, a reel is not just a random series of clips or a highlight montage — it's a carefully crafted piece showcasing your brand and versatility as a working artist.

The Junior Training Program offers hands-on reel seminars, filming opportunities, and virtual support to help dancers create outstanding, submission-ready reels that genuinely represent who they are as professionals.

Photo Shoots

Twice each season, Koin & Co hosts professional photo shoots exclusively for JTP dancers:

• September: The Welcome Shoot

• March: March Madness

These shoots provide dancers with the high-quality media necessary to maintain their professional image and social media presence. Shoots are age-appropriate, fun, and creatively themed, ensuring dancers walk away with:

• A new headshot

• A minimum of two dance action shots suitable for professional submissions

Seminars

Throughout the season, JTP dancers participate in specialized seminars covering topics like:

• Social Media Branding

• Networking

• Career Development

Seminars feature a variety of industry professionals who share insights, experiences, and practical advice to help dancers navigate the early stages of their careers. These sessions are offered during lunch breaks and are packed with real-world knowledge and inspiration.

Full Program Piece

Each season, the Junior Training Program sets a Full Program Piece (FPP) on all dancers — a piece that is adaptable for various optional, non-competitive professional performances throughout the year.

Participation in additional performance opportunities is always optional and comes with no penalty for dancers who are unavailable. The FPP changes styles each year to expose dancers to new genres and challenge their adaptability. Past styles have included contemporary, street jazz, lyrical, and Latin fusion.

Past FPP Choreographers Include:
Hayden J Frederick, Miles Keeney, Michelle Barber, Ashlé Dawson, Josh Assor, DeShawn DePrince, David Thomas, Cat Cogliandro, and Emily Greenwell.

Mandatory Dates

To respect and support dancers' home studio commitments, the Junior Training Program has only four mandatory dates.

• The Welcome Shoot
  Hosted and photographed by Sandy Shelton
  📅 Season Ten Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025 (full day)

• Full Program Piece Rehearsals
  📅 Season Ten Dates: Saturday, December 27 & Sunday, December 28, 2025 (full days)

• Tech Rehearsal at the Theater
  📅 Season Ten Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 (3-9pm)

• Spring Showcase
  📅 Season Ten Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026 (full day)

Spring Showcase

The Junior Training Program season culminates in an incredible Spring Showcase, celebrating the growth, artistry, and professionalism dancers have developed throughout the year.

In keeping with true industry timelines, the showcase is produced in a condensed rehearsal window, mirroring the real-world experience of professional dancers. Every JTP dancer is cast in a minimum of three pieces, with opportunities to perform in additional works based on year-round integrity and commitment.

The showcase features a wide range of styles, ensuring dancers are seen as versatile and dynamic performers. It is split into two performances:

• Industry Showcase: A private performance for invited agents and industry professionals.

• Family & Friends Showcase: A celebration open to family, friends, and the broader Koin & Co community.

Traditionally, a cast party is hosted following the second performance at a nearby venue or within the theater building.

Our Mission

JTP Director Ali Koinoglou created the Junior Training Program from a place of personal experience. As a young dancer newly arriving in New York City, Ali found herself unprepared for the true demands of a professional dance career. Driven by a passion to change that for the next generation, she built a program that expands young dancers' knowledge, skills, and professionalism — all while honoring their existing studio and program commitments. Dancers are selected not solely based on talent, but equally on their character, work ethic, and professionalism.

At Koin & Co, our mission is clear:

"We strive to invite dancers with kind hearts and open minds into the Junior Training Program, developing not only exceptional artists but all-around extraordinary humans."

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