Axis Connect empowers emerging and professional dancers to forge their own paths as fearless and connected artists while fostering strong and supportive communities. We strive to bridge critical gaps in the dance ecosystem, connecting diverse sectors such as theater, television, film, and Broadway, and linking networks of artists across disciplines and geographies. Through our program, we accelerate the transition from training to professional life by providing participants with essential experience, skills, connections, and exposure for career success, while inspiring them to envision broad career possibilities. Importantly, we instill in attendees a sense of responsibility as artists to engage meaningfully with our rapidly evolving world.

Axis curates a slate of guest artists including choreographers, teachers, agents, and other industry leaders who conduct transformative workshops, classes, Q&A sessions, creative process, networking, and performance opportunities. Each session is thoughtfully designed to adapt to the profession's evolving demands and opportunities, ensuring dancers are well-equipped for success in a fast changing industry. 

We encourage cross-disciplinary exploration, and have built into our curriculum classes in acting, clowning, vocal arts, stunts, dance filmmaking, personal branding, financial management, injury prevention, resume building, and talkbacks with industry leaders in both the concert and commercial dance worlds. 

Acceptance into the program is by audition only. Since its founding in 2016, Axis Connect has welcomed over 250 dance artists into the program.

Who is AXIS CONNECT for?

Renegades, boundary pushers, savvy artists, and dancers with curious spirits. Axis Connect is designed for both early career dancers looking to bridge the gap between school and professional life, and professional dancers, eager to rediscover themselves and reconnect with industry leaders. 

Since its inaugural year in 2016, Axis Connect has created a community of over 250 dancers, choreographers, directors, agents, managers, producers and teachers, providing a safe place for emerging artists to find a strong sense of self amidst fellow creatives. Many of Axis Connect's dancers have secured professional contracts as a direct result of the program.

Acceptance into the program is by audition only.

Scholarship application forms will be available.

Led by founders Charissa and Cherice Barton, the mission of Axis Connect is to encourage emerging and professional dancers to carve their own paths as fearless, connected artists. We bridge the gap between the theater, television, film, and Broadway worlds, and connect dance communities across the US. We provide guidance to accelerate the transition between institutions and the professional dance industry by providing the experience, skills, connections and exposure necessary for career success.                                                                          

Photo credit: Nicole Rivelli