MOPTOP UNIVERSAL PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM
3 or 6-Months | Ages 18+
The MOPTOP Universal Professional Program brings together some of the leaders in the street and club dance scene in New York to offer new Street and Club Dance Open Class programming and the 3-month / 6-month MOPTOP Universal Professional Program.
The MOPTOP Universal Professional Program at Peridance Center offers a condensed and comprehensive learning experience in street dance. The program covers history, terminology, vocabulary, performance, and technique, providing students with the tools to pursue a career as a professional dancer. This program is open to dancers of all levels aged 18 and above by audition only. Students learn from leading figures in the New York street and club dance scene, and the program concludes with a performance at Peridance Center's KnJ Theater.
The purpose of this program is to:
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Help students achieve an advanced level of technique and performance skills in street and club dance styles
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Provide a platform for students to work with the leaders of the global street dance scene
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Prepare students to work with as professional dancers
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Develop students' professional attitudes and the discipline necessary to succeed in the field
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Curriculum will include:
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21 hours of weekly learning for 3 or 6 months
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Vocabulary Sessions
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History and Culture
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Musicology
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Choreography and Routines
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Technique and Transition
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Performance Opportunities
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Evaluations and Feedback
The 6-month program culminates in a performance on stage at the KnJ Theater at Peridance Center.
AUDITION FEE
As an audition-only program, the MOPTOP Universal Professional Program requires that all students attend a live or virtual audition, pay a $30 non-refundable audition fee, and be accepted into the program, before proceeding with the application and enrollment process.
REGISTRATION FEE
All new domestic students enrolling in the MOPTOP Universal Professional Program for the first time are subject to a one-time, non-refundable $75 registration fee and a non-refundable $300 tuition deposit when submitting the Domestic Student Registration Form.
All new international students enrolling in the MOPTOP Universal Professional Program for the first time are subject to a one-time*, non-refundable $375 registration fee when submitting the International Student Registration Form (this fee is a fee paid to Peridance only, is separate from the student's tuition, and is not associated in any way with the fees required to apply for an F-1 visa).
*Please note that international students with a gap in study may be subject to paying the registration fee again (please refer to the section on continuing students and the extension fee).
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
REGISTRATION FEE NON-REFUNDABLE
$375
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TUITION DEPOSIT NON-REFUNDABLE
N/A
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TOTAL
$375
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
REGISTRATION FEE NON-REFUNDABLE
$75
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TUITION DEPOSIT NON-REFUNDABLE
$300
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TOTAL
$375
TUITION
3-MONTH PROGRAM
$3,850
6-MONTH PROGRAM
$7,525
SCHOLARSHIPS
All MOPTOP Universal applicants are automatically considered for scholarships as part of the audition process. There are no additional scholarship forms that need to be submitted in order for a MOPTOP Universal applicant to be considered for such aid.
If a student is offered a scholarship, they will be notified along with their audition result.
REFUND POLICY
International Student Tuition Refund Policy
Refunds on tuition will only be issued in the event that a student has been denied an F-1 visa at their local U.S. Embassy or Consulate, has been denied entry into the country by U.S. Customs & Border Protection prior to their program start date, or has had their change of status request denied by USCIS. In such instances, Peridance must receive official documentation of the visa application denial, refused entry, or change of status denial before a refund will be issued. Absolutely no refund will be issued for any other reason than the ones listed above once the student has paid their tuition balance.* If a refund is due, it will be issued for the tuition amount paid minus a 10% administrative processing fee and any additional fees depending on the method of refund.** For students who have been admitted with reduced or waived application fees, the amount of the registration fee will be deducted from the amount of the tuition already paid before a refund is issued.
*Students who decide not to attend their program after paying their partial, or full, tuition balance, will not be owed a refund (unless otherwise warranted by the refund policy), however, a Peridance credit equivalent to the tuition amount paid may be kept on file in the student's name in such cases. Similarly, students who wish to change their program length after Peridance has already issued the student an I-20 will not be owed a refund for any surplus tuition paid, however a Peridance credit equivalent to the surplus tuition paid may be kept on file in the student's name. In all cases, any credit issued by the school to the student may either be used towards a future Peridance program, or to take drop-in classes at the studio, for a period of up to two years from the date of issuance.
**Refunds issued by wire transfer will incur a $50 wire transfer fee charge. Refunds issued by card will incur a 5% charge. There is no additional fee for issuing refunds by check. Refunds by check may either be mailed or picked up in-person at the studio.
Domestic Student Tuition Refund Policy
Absolutely no refund will be issued once the student has paid their tuition balance. Rare exceptions to this policy may be made at the discretion of Peridance Management in cases of extreme personal tragedy, or in the event that the student is suffering from a documented injury or illness that a medical professional (MD or DO) has determined makes them unfit to participate in their intended program. In all such cases, Peridance must receive a full, written explanation and supporting evidence (for medical cases only), before a determination will be made. Absolutely no refund will be issued for any other reason than the ones listed above and no refunds will be issued for any reason once the student has begun their program of study.* If a refund is due, it will be issued for the tuition amount paid minus a 10% administrative processing fee and any additional fees depending on the method of refund.** For students who have been admitted with reduced or waived application fees, the amount of the registration fee will be deducted from the amount of the tuition already paid before a refund is issued.
*Students who decide not to attend their program after paying their partial, or full, tuition balance, will not be owed a refund (unless otherwise warranted by the refund policy), however, a Peridance credit equivalent to the tuition amount paid may be kept on file in the student's name. Similarly, students who wish to change their program length after submitting their Domestic Student Enrollment Form will not be owed a refund for any surplus tuition paid, however a Peridance credit equivalent to the surplus tuition paid may be kept on file in the student's name. In all cases, any credit issued by the school to the student may either be used towards a future Peridance program, or to take drop-in classes at the studio, for a period of up to two years from the date of issuance.
**Refunds issued by wire transfer will incur a $50 wire transfer fee charge. Refunds issued by card will incur a 5% charge. There is no additional fee for issuing refunds by check. Refunds by check may either be mailed or picked up in-person at the studio.
DIRECTORS
BUDDHA STRETCH
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York with three sisters and one younger brother, Stretch was influenced by his dad Emilio Austin, Sr. His Dad danced as a youth and provided Stretch with discipline, inspiration, support and motivation and remained by his side to guide him throughout his career. This foundation carries Stretch, a father himself, throughout his personal and professional career today. Stretch heavily impacted the dance world by bridging the gap between what was termed, Ol! Skool and New Skool.
His dance style, known as Freestyle Hip-Hop, draws from all aspects of Hip-Hop culture, music and dance. These moves during the early days of music videos helped to launch the popularity of dance in this medium, as well as live shows. Stretch's first audition was for The Dance Theater of Harlem; however, he left after seeing dancers in leotards and tights. His first video was with Eric B & Rakim, Eric B for President. He met the members of his first dance crew Mop Top at a music video audition they booked for Diana Ross, Working Overtime. They began to hang out at New York’s night spot, The Tunnel, and later formed their crew. He later formed a crew called Elite Force which appeared in documentaries, music videos, live shows and in countless projects overseas. His first choreography job was for Joeski Love (Pee Wee Dance), and he went on to work with the likes of Rosie Perez; Will Smith in the Men In Black and Miami videos; Michael Jackson’s Remember The Time video (his most memorable experience) and more. He was nominated for two MTV Awards for "Best Choreography!” for the Will Smith videos Men In Black, Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It, and Miami. Recent credits include choreography for Virgin recording artist Thalia (on Good Morning America), Aida, Tony Award Winner, Heather Headley, Hot ‘97 Air Personality, Angie Martinez and rapper Rah Diggah. In 1989, Stretch was the first Hip-Hop dancer to teach Hip-Hop in a mainstream dance studio – New York’s Broadway Dance Center. Stretch is no stranger to music. An MC and writer himself, he recorded an underground hit called It Don’t Matter by Ten Thieves and continues to make music today. His versatility is also displayed by his participation as a dancer and contributing choreographer for the Dance Theater crew Full Circle, and Co-Artistic Director of the Dance Theatre Company MiddleGround. His trendsetting style keeps him in demand as a choreographer, dancer, teacher and performer. His passion for dance is exhibited every time you experience his work. Stretch believes “music is the universal language; dance is its interpreter.”
CALEAF
As a Brooklyn native, Caleaf Sellers (aka Big Leaf) began developing his craft at an early age. His passion for dance and love for music has kept him in the business for 30 years. Caleaf is one of the original pioneers to come out of New York's dance movement in the late 80's. He is a member of the famed Moptop Unit and a founding member of New York City’s Dance Fusion NYC Crew. Caleaf mixes Hip-Hop and House to create his own unique dance style. As an emcee/producer, Caleaf has created music for the Break of Dawn Label with the Ten Thieves, Moptop in Japan and on Harlem Recordings with DJ Kango. He is currently signed with Catch the Ghost Records and has released 1 album and 2 EPs on this label. As a DJ, he plays parties nationally and internationally. Caleaf currently tours the world teaching the art of House dancing. His goal is to share the culture of the dance through performances and by teaching movement foundation, technique and history from an originator point of view. He is committed to keeping the culture alive for future generations of dancers. He has appeared in the films New Jack City, Strictly Business and Boomerang and has appeared in Renny Harris’ Broadway musical, New York Hip Hop Legends. His television appearances with music artists include Mariah Carey’s Showtime special, the Arsenio Hall Show, Jay Leno, Top of the Pops London and Showtime at the Apollo with Cece Peniston and on the Joan Rivers Show with Crystal Waters. He has appeared in music videos for Diana Ross, Doug E. Fresh, Will Smith, Mariah Carey, Crystal Waters, Pet Shop Boys and Public Enemy. He has choreographed the tours of Crystal Waters, Cece Peniston and Heavy D. He is the founder of the Supreme Foundation dance workshops and clothing line and a co-founder of 36ChambazOfStylz.
SEKOU HERU
Sekou Heru, aka Tony Williams, has been involved in the performing arts since he was very young. His first love was B- boying. In high school, he attended Mercer County School of the Arts and studied modern dance. In 1993, Sekou started studying Capoeira Angola with Mestre Joa Grande at the Capoeira Academy in NYC. He went on to fuse his breaking and modern dance styles with hip hop and house dance. Sekou has worked with Gwen Guthrey, toured with Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, and can be seen in videos with Aretha Franklin, MC Lyte, Clubland, Pet Shop Boys, Foxy Brown, and Jay Z. Sekou was a featured dancer in the movie Marcy X with Damon Wayans, can be seen in the dance scenes on Spike Lee’s The 25th Hour, and seen in Brown Sugar starring Taye Diggs and Sanna Lathan. He has toured in Germany with German rapper Tony Cottura, and has traveled several times to Japan for the annual premier Dance Delight event as a guest judge and featured dancer with the group Dance Fusion, of which he is a founding member. He was a part of the opening act for Cece Peniston’s Japan tour, and also opened for Cool C's Let me clear my throat in his Japan performance. He was featured in Japan’s "woofin" magazine as one of NYC’s top dancers. Sekou toured the USA with Fred Ho and The Afro Asian Ensemble in the Martial Art stage show Voice of the Dragon.
In 2005 Sekou choreographed the Dance Dance video for Fall Out Boy that went #1 in the country and won a Best Video Award at the MTV VMAs.
CEBO
Cebo has been dancing since before he could speak. Winning his first dance competition at 5 years old. He has since gone on to win some of the world’s largest dance battles such as Juste Debout, and House Dance International. He has also choreographed for King Street Records recording artist Kimara Lovelace. He has collaborated with all of the top street dancers in the world today.
In 2003, he set out to open a studio in Japan based on teaching the fundamentals of street dance. Next Generation New York Studios is now in its eighth year of operation with well over one thousand students making it one of the largest street dance schools in the Chugoku region of Japan. In 2013 he started his own dance company GenX The Company based in Okayama, Japan. In the summer of 2013 he returned to New York to join the two communities of street dancers through music, feeling, and dance.
KIM HOLMES
Kim Holmes has emerged as one of the premiere and influential luminaries of the urban dance movement. With unparalleled vibrancy, sensuality, and versatility, Ms. Holmes has been coined as the “Josephine Baker of Hip-Hop”. Pulling from her formal training in African, ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary as well as house and hip-hop, Ms. Holmes has sought to redefine the face of the hip hop/urban dance movement.
Over her professional dance career of 20 years, Ms. Holmes’s evolving intrigue in hip-hop, house and contemporary has lead her to tour and work with performers, choreographers and artists such as: Beyoncé, Missy Elliott, Elite Force, Brian “Footwork” Green. Robin Dunn, Opus Dance Theatre and many others (See full list below).
Ms. Holmes’s rise within the entertainment and dance world, combined with her unique, stand out, lively performances has made her a sought after teacher for master classes in reputable institutions across the country and around the world: Alvin Ailey Arts and Education Foundation, Broadway Dance Center, Peridance, Hunter college, NYU and The Opus Dance Theatre Outreach Program to name a few and a role in Tyler Perry’s “For Colored Girls”.
Dancer, choreographer, teacher, producer, and director, Kim Holmes never ceases to amaze audiences worldwide as she accepts the challenge of conquering different facets of entertainment to continue to contribute and uphold the legacy of urban dance.
Dance is a world of movement which allows us to express all emotions and gives us a sense of ability to release, heal and be free spirits.
-Kim Holmes, personal and professional dance philosophy
CHRYBABY COZIE
From Harlem, NY, Chrybaby Cozie is one of the founding fathers of the Hip-Hop freestyle genre called Lite Feet. Being raised in Harlem in the late 80’s was a source of great influence for Chrybaby, as it was his foundation for dance, music and the source of inspiration to uplift the youth and communities around him today.
Chrybaby has been teaching Litefeet and Hip-Hop and has been cultivating and keeping the Litefeet culture alive for ten years with the NYC youth. Through the culture he has created a Hip-Hop dance organization called The Bwreckfast Club E.A.T (Earning All Together) in 2005. The Bwreckfast Club is a platform for youth to build upon their passion, talent, and to be given an opportunity to promote themselves in a positive light. After the creation of The Bwreckfast Club Chrybaby created The Lite Feet Nation; a community connected by individuals who were there from the conception of the dance genre, to the youth who keep it alive today.
His extensive knowledge and connection to Hip-Hop and Litefeet has led him to working with artists and at events such as Chris Brown (Kiss Kiss), Ron Browz (Pop Champagne) ft. Jim Jones and Jules Santana, ASAP Ferg (Dope Walk), Swag Kidz (5000), Kiesza (Give It To The Moment), The Bad Boy Reunion Tour, Halo Awards (Hosted by Nick Cannon), ABC's The View, The Apollo Theater (Breakin’ Convention), Hot 97’s Summer Jam.
Chrybaby’s passion is to empower the youth with knowledge and dance, and continue to spread the culture of Lite Feet and Hip-Hop. His dedication and love for the culture has changed his life and inspired many others around him.
“Leveling up is my way of life. Level Up Amongst The Greatest.”
How to join the MOPTOP Universal Professional Program:
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STEP 1: Register HERE for an in-person audition or to submit a video audition.
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STEP 2: Audition results will be emailed to you.
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STEP 3: If accepted, a program coordinator will follow up with enrollment information.
Program Prerequisites
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Ages 18+
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Must be available for the full duration of the program.
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Participants will be asked to demonstrate basic rhythm/musicality, ability to retain choreography, improvisation with technique and vocabulary, and a basic knowledge of the culture.
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Live & Video Auditions
Auditions for 2024/2025 are still open!
Program Registration Deadline
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International Students: May 31, 2024
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Program Registration Deadline Domestic Students: September 1, 2024
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International Students
Once accepted into the MOPTOP Professional Program, International Students must apply to receive an F-1 Visa from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
To learn more about the application process required for all International Students, please see the International Students Program Information page and follow the procedures under "How to Apply".
Applications should be submitted no less than 3 months prior to the desired start date.
All application materials must be submitted in English.