We are a Division 2 & 3
Pre-Professional
Competitive Company
All competitive teams compete in either Division 2 or Division 3, at all competitions.
Avant Garde Theatre of Dance is the only Division 3 Competitive Dance Company in Ellis County!
#1 Dance School In Ellis County
Tiny Dancers
Ages 3 - 6
Tiny Dancers compete in the Division 2 Level.
Compete at four Regional Competitions in Ballet and Jazz!
Apprentices
Ages 7 - 12
Apprentices compete in the Division 2 Level.
Compete at four Regional Competitions in Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary.
Scholars
Ages 13 - 18
Scholars compete in the Division 3 Level.
Compete at four Regional Competitions in Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary.
Important Links
Protégé Demo Team
What is the Protégé Program?
The Protégés are Avant Garde’s Elite Dancers. They’re engaged in a dynamic learning program that accelerates their curriculum and propels them toward potential careers in the world of dance. They embody fierce dedication and passion, transforming into confident dancers whose skills impress the community, peers, and their loved ones. This is where the shyness disappears and the confidence becomes exposed!
Why Join The Protégé Program?
Master Various Genres of Dance
Perform Locally Monthly
Perform in 2 Annual Shows
Compete in Solos, Duos, or Trios!
Learn to become a Leader
Discover Your True Purpose
Miss Avant Garde
Erica Metcalfe was born in Conroe, Texas, and moved to Ennis, Texas, in July 2017. She is the youngest of three children. At just 14 years old, she will be starting her sophomore year this fall. Erica began homeschooling in 2022 and has since excelled in various academics and extracurricular activities. This will be Erica’s second year participating as a member of the homeschool co-op ECCHO, where she was part of the Yearbook Club and Horseback Riding Club. Last year, Erica was a member of a Short Film Club that produced its own film with the entire class.
Erica started dancing and gymnastics at the very young age of three. She has always loved to be on stage and in the spotlight. After moving to Ennis, she tried her hand at cheer, but dance is where she shined the most. When Avant Garde Theatre and Dance opened in January 2021, she was one of the first young ladies to sign up. After proving herself in the recreational classes, she was quickly moved up to the Apprentice Competitive Team that fall. At the age of 12, she was asked to join the Advanced Choreo Team in 2022. This was a great honor and challenge as she was the youngest in this group. During that competitive season, she performed three group dances, a contemporary solo, a duo, and a jazz solo.
Dreams Really Can Come True!
Where We've Competed
Our Instructors
I signed my 4 year old granddaughter up In June for a summer dance camp this past summer to see if she would enjoy it & if dance was for her. At first she was VERY skeptical & was nervous & scared, but the dance instructors & staff made her feel very welcome & comfortable. After that week we signed her up for ballet, jazz & acro dance classes & she loves every bit of it. Sarah & Chris have a great dance Studio & staff to accompany them. We love Avant Garde & look forward to many years of dance!!
Ennis is blessed to have such a wonderful Dance studio. The entire staff is always eager to answer any questions needed in a very quick manner. I greatly appreciate their punctuality with their classes as well as their communication with parents. My daughter has grown so much in her love for dance as well as blossomed in her dance skills. She is currently on the competition team dancing five days a week and is excited to be apart of a wonderful group of girls. Ms. Sarah is an amazing instructor/owner with so much knowledge and love for her students. Ms. Sarah and her husband, Chris bring so much encouragement to the students at Avant Garde. They have a passion and love for this school. If you are considering dance for your child, please consider Avant Garde. You will not be disappointed!
We are beyond blessed to have such an amazing Dance studio here in Ennis. There are many things and people that make this dance studio the best. The staff is what makes this studio so amazingly great. They are always there to answer any questions or concerns that you have. They communicate with all the parents and students to make sure we are all on the same page for classes and shows. They have helped my child grow in many ways…. They have taught her discipline and strength as well as learning the art of dance, patience and punctuality. My child has a love for dance and and the staff that is there. Sarah and Chris as well as all of the staff have helped her continue her dream of becoming a beautiful ballerina.. Mrs. Sarah is truly one of a kind. She has so much love and care for her students and wants nothing but the best for them and wants them to succeed in whatever they are learning/doing. They strive every day to encourage her students and show them that with patience hard work, determination and love that they can succeed at their dreams . Read More
My daughter signed up just barely over 1 year ago for dance, she quickly fell in love with not only dance but her teachers and her new “Dance Family” which is what you get when you join Avant Garde. She is now part of the Tiny Dancers Competition Team. We really love that they focus on each child and focus on technique. I love when things are taught the proper way and that is exactly what you get at this dance studio! Mrs. Sarah and Mr. Chris as well as the rest of the staff and instructors are very professional with the students and love each one like family! There are so many options for classes in all age groups as well! You will not be disappointed at this studio!
