Shows and Programs

Annual Performances

At Agape, every student gets to participate in two Santa Cruz Dance Theater shows every year. In the winter, we put on Santa Cruz’s most spectacular Nutcracker, continuing a holiday tradition that has touched millions around the world. Along with letting the kids enjoy performing on stage and helping them to build confidence, it gives everyone a chance to enjoy Tchaikovsky’s timeless and jaw-dropping musical score. Our students also love the Nutcracker because they can see their progress year after year, looking forward every year to the next part they can master.

In the summer, we put on a different performance every year. Sometimes we are creating original ballets such as Appalachian Spring (2023) and Alice in Wonderland (2024), and sometimes we’re staging other classic ballets like Swan Lake and Don Quixote.

Word of the Month

Each month, our teachers sit down with students to talk about our word of the month to foster character development–past words have included: Patience, Courage, Compassion, Gratitude and many more.

Performing Groups

Through our performing groups, Company, Conservatory, and Petite Elite, our most dedicated dancers get to perform in festivals throughout the year, learning original repertory we create to highlight them at every level.

Composers’ Forum

The Composers’ Forum is a leadership program for hand-selected dancers to train with Conrad to be the next generation of choreographers. Along with learning the foundations of choreography and composition, students learn the essential skills of leadership and how to inspire their fellow students.