Sean Daly Ballet Master Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Sean began dancing at the age of 13 at a local ballet studio and went on to receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a concentration in Ballet from Point Park University in 2016 and a Master of Education in Organizational Leadership and Communication from Belmont University in 2020. Some of his most notable roles from his time at Point Park include “Mercutio” from Romeo and Juliet and “Albrecht” from Giselle. He was also able to perform work by Peter Merz, Susan Stowe, Ori Flomin, Nicholas Petrov and work with faculty like Kwang suk Choi, Dana Arey, Ernest Tolentino and Kiesha Lalama. In 2014-2015, he represented Point Park University and was a finalist at the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP). In 2016, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee to dance with Nashville Ballet. Throughout his time with the company he was able to perform soloist and principal roles like the “Chinese Soloist” in Nashville’s Nutcracker, “Prince Siegfried” from Swan Lake and the “Winter Soloist” in Paul Vasterling’s adaptation of Vivaldi’s "Four Seasons", which were featured in the Future Artists Showcase. Sean has been incredibly honored and excited to take on and continue the role of Ballet Master with Revolution Dance Company. Since joining RDC, his students have danced repertoire from ballets like Giselle, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Coppélia, Sleeping Beauty and more. He has also created a competitive ballet team where they are able to compete and perform original contemporary ballet choreography. His competitive students have also placed in the Top 12 at YAGP in both Classical and Contemporary categories. In 2021, Sean created and choreographed a new production of The Nutcracker for Revolution Dance students as well as other children in the community.
Ballet Program Overview The Revolution Dance Company (RDC) Ballet Program strives to provide excellence in ballet training while instilling confidence and an appreciation for the art of ballet. Students are divided into six levels beginning at the age of five. Classes are structured to be developmentally appropriate for every child’s age and personal growth. All students level three and above are required to take at least two ballet classes per week and will be leveled based on their technical skill and age. Depending on the student’s schedule and availability, more classes are encouraged as well as private lessons. Our Ballet Program offers a competitive and performance company to fit the strengths of each of our dancers. All dancers will are required to take ballet technique classes if they are enrolled in RDC Company.
RDC Ballet Company The RDC Ballet Company will train closely with our Ballet Master, Sean Daly, rehearsing variations (solos), duets/trios as well as small and large group ensemble pieces to compete in all regularly scheduled RDC competitions in addition to the prestigious ballet competition, Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP). Dancers will also be able to compete their lyrical or contemporary solos at YAGP if they will be competing a ballet variation. Dancers must be at least 9 years of age to compete and must perform en pointe if they are competing a classical variation over the age of 11. Ballet Company dancers will rehearse weekly in a separate company class along with two technique classes per week. Dancers must attend Ballet Camp and Audition Camp prior to joining Ballet Company. Pointe work is also strongly encouraged. . Company dancers will not be required to wear a black leotard and pink tights during their company rehearsals. However, a colored leotard and some form of tights/shorts is preferred. Hair must be in a bun.
Ballet Levels We level each student based on their age and technical ability. There are many factors that go into what level a student may need to take. For our competitive dancers, Tiny Tots will begin in their own technique class, tiny Tot Ballet, Minis will move to Level 3, Juniors-Level 4, Pre-Teens-Level 5 and Teens/Seniors-Level 6.
International Ballet Competitions We will be competing with various international ballet competitions such as the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), the American Dance Competition International Ballet Competition (ADC IBC) and the Universal Ballet Competition (UBC). You must be 9 years of age or older to compete. Dancers 12 and over must perform en pointe if they plan to perform a classical ballet variation. However, it is possible to enter as a contemporary soloist only. Dancers 9-11 must perform on flat but are able to perform a ballet variation flat or a contemporary solo. Duets/Trios and Small/Large ensembles are also a possibility.
Pointe Requirements Dancers must have the approval of RDC Owner, Andi Kehoe-Trendel, and RDC Ballet Master, Sean Daly, to register for pointe classes. Dancers should be over the age of 11 to begin pointe-work and must receive written approval of a doctor to begin class. It is imperative that we ensure the safety of all of our dancers. If their bones are not done growing or have extreme weakness in the foot or ankle, pointe could damage their dance career. All students must be accompanied by Mr. Sean to purchase their first pair of pointe shoes and any time the student wishes to switch brands. It is also extremely important that each dancer stretches and strengthens their feet in preparation for pointe as well as throughout their time en pointe. Purple belts are required to take pointe.
Dress Code Dress Code for the Ballet Program is a
black leotard
pink/skin-toned footed tights
pink/skin-toned ballet shoes (tights and shoes must match)
hair must be in a bun
black ballet skirts are required for dress code, colored skirts are allowed/encouraged but not required
Photography courtesy of Jennifer Zmuda Photography, Rainbow National Dance Competition and the Youth America Grand Prix.