The IDC School is a conservatory dance program where high-level training is thoughtfully integrated with academics through partnerships with Maharishi School and the Fairfield Community School District. Students in grades 6-12, receive elite, pre-professional dance training while continuing a strong, supported academic path—allowing both education and artistry to thrive side by side.

Set in a safe, small-town environment, IDC School offers the depth, structure, and expectations of major metropolitan conservatories without the distractions or pressures of a large city. Dancers train intensively under highly qualified faculty in a focused, nurturing setting where each student is known, challenged, and supported as an individual.

This integrated model allows students to move seamlessly between academics and conservatory training, creating balance, discipline, and sustainability. At IDC School, dancers receive city-level training in a community that values safety, mindfulness, and personal growth—preparing them for professional pathways while supporting their overall well-being.

  • At the Iowa Dance Collective School, our approach is centered on depth over overload—prioritizing strong technical foundations, artistic clarity, and long-term dancer health. Training is structured, progressive, and intentional, allowing students the time and space to truly absorb and apply their work. By integrating conservatory-level dance education with aligned academic pathways through Maharishi School and the Fairfield Community School District Homeschool Program, students experience a balanced daily rhythm that supports both artistic excellence and academic success. Our goal is to develop disciplined, curious, and resilient artists who are prepared for the demands of advanced training and the professional dance world.

  • Our Classes are rooted in classical ballet and modern dance techniques, forming a strong foundation for a well-rounded dance education. Ballet provides clarity, alignment, musicality, and technical precision, while modern training builds strength, versatility, expressiveness, and a deep connection to movement.

    Drawing from the Graham and Horton modern techniques, students develop a broad movement vocabulary that supports both technical growth and artistic individuality. This balanced approach prepares dancers to move confidently across styles, adapt to a wide range of choreographic demands, and develop as thoughtful, expressive artists.

    By grounding our training in these core techniques, IDC School ensures dancers build longevity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of their craft—supporting both pre-professional goals and a lifelong relationship with dance.

  • The Iowa Dance Collective School faculty is led by Tyler Malone, a graduate of Point Park University, and David Fuerstenau, a graduate of The Juilliard School, respectively—both with professional dance careers. Together, they bring conservatory-level training and lived professional experience into the studio, offering dancers rigorous instruction, mentorship, and insight rooted in top-tier collegiate and professional standards.

Auditions

Acceptance into the Iowa Dance Collective School is by audition only.
Students may audition in person or via video submission, and all applicants are reviewed through the same holistic and rigorous process.

This program is intended for dancers who:

  • Demonstrate strong commitment to technical and artistic growth

  • Flourish in a structured and intentional training environment

  • Are seeking individualized, conservatory-level instruction

  • Are prepared to balance intensive dance training with academics

  • January 16-18th - St Louis, MO

    • At RSIA (Regional Summer Intensive Audition) hosted by COCA

    March 29th - Fairfield, IA

    April 16-18th - St Louis, MO

    • At RDA (Regional Dance America MidStates) hosted by COCA

    July 6-24 - Fairfield, IA

    Private auditions available, please reach out for more info.

  • Please submit one continuous video (or clearly labeled segments within one folder) including the following:

    1. Ballet Technique

    • Barre (2–3 exercises):

      • Pliés

      • Tendus

      • Dégagés or Frappés

    • Center (as appropriate for age/level):

      • Adagio

      • Pirouettes

      • Petit or Grand Allegro

    We are looking for clarity of placement, coordination, musicality, and foundational technique.

    2. Optional: Pointe or Partnering

    (If applicable to your current level of training)

    • Pointe: brief center or diagonal work

    • Partnering/Pas de Deux: short excerpt demonstrating coordination and awareness

    3. Optional: Modern or Contemporary Technique

    • One phrase or exercise (1–2 minutes) demonstrating:

      • Use of breath and weight

      • Dynamic contrast

      • Floor work (if applicable)

      • Clear transitions and musical interpretation

    Graham-, Horton-, or contemporary-based movement is welcome.

  • What to Wear

    • Ballet: leotard and tights; ballet slippers

    • Modern/Contemporary: form-fitting attire that allows for full range of motion

    • Pointe dancers: bring pointe shoes

    • Hair neatly secured off the face

    Please avoid baggy clothing so alignment and movement quality are clearly visible.

    Filming Guidelines

    • Form-fitting attire that clearly shows alignment

    • Hair secured neatly away from the face

    • Stationary camera with full body visible

    • Well-lit space

    • No filters or heavy editing

  • Dancers are evaluated holistically, with attention to:

    • Technical foundation

    • Artistic potential

    • Focus, work ethic, and coachability

    • Readiness for a conservatory-style training environment

    Acceptance decisions may be communicated following the audition or after further faculty review. Some dancers may be invited for:

    • A follow-up class or visit

    • A virtual or in-person conversation with faculty

Scholarships Available

This fee does not include the cost for tuition to online academic programs.

This fee does not include the cost for Maharishi School which can be found here on their Tuition and Financial Aid page.

Academics

  • Maharishi School in Fairfield, Iowa — Where College Prep Meets Inner Awareness
    Consistently ranked #1 Private School in Iowa by Niche, Maharishi combines strong academics with its renowned Consciousness-Based Education, helping students develop focus, resilience, creativity, and clarity of thought. As a non-sectarian day and boarding school serving preschool through 12th grade, Maharishi fosters academic excellence across a full spectrum of subjects — from humanities and sciences to arts and technology — in small, personalized classes designed to challenge and support every student’s intellectual curiosity. Graduates consistently earn acceptance to accredited colleges and universities, supported by a curriculum that develops clear thinking, creative problem solving, and strong communication skills.

    What truly sets Maharishi School apart is its Consciousness-Based Education approach — a holistic model that empowers students to understand themselves as the foundation for understanding the world. Through the daily practice of Transcendental Meditation and mindfulness, students cultivate optimal alertness, resilience, and focus, creating an inner calm that enhances learning and life beyond the classroom. This unique blend of inner development and academic rigor helps students not only succeed in college admissions but also grow into thoughtful, compassionate, and engaged global citizens.

  • Families participating in homeschool or private instruction in the Fairfield area have the opportunity to access dual enrollment options through the Fairfield Community School District (FCSD). Under the district’s Competent Private Instruction with Dual Enrollment pathway, students can take classes through FCSD — up to 75% of their coursework — while still being homeschooled, and can participate in extracurricular activities, special education services, and dual enrollment coursework alongside their peers.

    In addition, FCSD offers structured dual enrollment/college credit opportunities as part of its advanced academic programming, allowing high school students to earn both high school and college credit, giving them a head start on post-secondary studies while still completing their K-12 graduation requirements.

  • Our students come from a variety of homeschool backgrounds, reflecting the flexibility and customization that modern education allows. Some are currently enrolled in programs such as Khan Academy, MiaPrep, and Acellus, which offer structured, standards-based coursework, self-paced learning, and strong academic accountability. These platforms allow students to tailor their academics while balancing rigorous training and other commitments, creating a well-rounded and adaptable educational experience.

Daily Schedule for IDC School Students

An Iowa Dance Collective School (IDCS) student follows a structured yet flexible schedule designed to support college-prep academics, age-appropriate training, and pre-professional development.

  • All IDCS students begin their day with morning academics through one of our academic pathways, which may include:

    • Maharishi School

    • Homeschool programs (online or parent-directed)

    • Dual enrollment or part-time coursework

    Morning academics allow students to focus deeply on learning while maintaining strong academic progress alongside intensive training.

  • Grades 6–8

    • 2:00–4:00 PM — In-studio training at IDC

    Maharishi School Students (Grades 9-10)

    • 2:00–4:00 PM — In-studio training at IDC

    High School Students (Grades 9–12)

    • 1:00–4:00 PM — In-studio training at IDC

  • Evening classes consist of a balanced cross-training technique schedule, ensuring students develop versatility, strength, and adaptability. This approach prepares young dancers for the physical, artistic, and stylistic demands of today’s professional dance industry, while supporting longevity, injury prevention, and sustainable growth.

  • All IDCS students are members of Malone Dance Theater (MDT), Iowa Dance Collective’s pre-professional company. In addition to weekday training, students participate in additional weekend rehearsals, performance preparation, and company-based artistic development. This immersive experience bridges the gap between training and the professional world, offering students consistent performance opportunities, repertory creation, and a strong sense of ensemble and accountability.

INQUIRE FOR MORE INFO

FAQ

  • The IDC School is a year-round conservatory training program designed for dedicated dancers who want to integrate high-level dance education with their academic studies. Students train in a supportive, small-town environment while receiving professional instruction rooted in classical ballet and modern techniques.

  • Dancers ages 11–18 are eligible to audition for the IDC School. Placement is determined through audition and is based on technical readiness, artistry, maturity, and overall potential rather than age alone.

    • Middle school students (grades 6–8) are day students only

    • High school students (grades 9–12) may enroll as day students or boarding students

  • Students attend academics through one of our partnered academic pathways, including Maharishi School, Fairfield Community School District, or local homeschool networks. Dance training is scheduled around the academic day, allowing students to pursue both strong academics and focused artistic development.

  • Yes. Acceptance into the IDC School is by audition only, either through an in-person audition or a submitted video audition. This ensures students are placed in an environment that best supports their current level, growth, and long-term goals.

  • IDC School training is rooted in classical ballet and modern dance, with additional contemporary and cross-training classes to support versatility, strength, and artistry. Our approach emphasizes developing well-rounded dancers prepared for the demands of today’s dance world.

  • Tuition for the IDC School covers the conservatory dance training portion of the program. Academic tuition, including Maharishi School tuition and boarding (if applicable), is separate and paid directly to the academic institution.
    Scholarships and financial support may be available for both dance training and academics. Families are encouraged to reach out directly to discuss current tuition rates, payment options, and scholarship opportunities.