Company of Dance Arts

'''About Company of Dance Arts (CODA) Company of Dance Arts (CODA), based in New Jersey, is a distinguished pre-professional dance company with a rich history of fostering young talent. Founded in 1985 by Jennifer James Church, RAD RTS AISTD, CODA made its first appearance with a performance at the Citicorp Building in New York City. The company has since been dedicated to exposing pre-professional dancers to the professional dance world's demands and rigors. Under the artistic direction of former CODA dancer Shayne Mishoe and her husband Nicholas Mishoe since December 2010, the company has continued to uphold its mission of providing young dancers with high-caliber performance opportunities. These opportunities are designed to meet professional standards in artistic development, performance values, and production quality. CODA's productions feature dancers chosen through open auditions, ranging from ages 6 to 18, with the average age of corps de ballet dancers being 14. The training regimen for these dancers is intensive, with corps dancers spending approximately 12 to 22 hours per week in the studio, in addition to rehearsal time. The company's repertoire boasts a variety of productions, including works by renowned choreographers such as Peter Anastos, Frank Ohman, Yvonne Lamb Scudiery, and Daniel Catanach. CODA's productions have been staged at various regional venues, including the Count Basie Theatre, Two River Theater, and Monmouth University's Guggenheim Theater. CODA's administration is handled by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees, which oversees various aspects of each production. With an operating budget of approximately $160,000, the company generates revenue through ticket sales, grants, and fundraising efforts. Over the years, CODA has been instrumental in shaping the futures of many young dancers, with alumni going on to study and perform with prestigious institutions such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, and The Juilliard School, to name a few. The Company of Dance Arts remains a beacon of pre-professional dance in New Jersey, continuing its mission to develop the next generation of dancers and contribute to the cultural landscape of the region.'''