Since 2010 Starr Foster Dance has been dedicated to offering young dancers opportunities with the company. In a quest to enrich the world with more art, Starrene Foster feels that exposing young dancers who wish to have a professional career in dance (either as a performer, choreographer, director, or even in the field of dance administration) that it is important to offer a space where young dancers can immerse themselves in a professional and safe experience. Each one or two students, either junior or senior in high school, are selected to engage with the company in class and rehearsals. The student is selected based on their ability to illustrate a high level of talent, a strong work ethic, and professionalism in the field of dance.
We welcome Lena Cohen as our 24/25 mentee. Lena is currently a senior at Open High School in Richmond, Virginia and has been training at Marianne Kelley’s School of Dance for the last nine years. There she has performed in various productions and with their competition team Compass. She has had the opportunity to attend summer intensives at University of North Carolina School of the Arts and the Richmond Ballet, and in the summer of 2025 she will be attending the Bates Dance Festival Young Dancers Intensive. Outside of dance she enjoys crocheting and spending time outside. Lena is looking forward to learning more about the professional dance world during her time with SFD.
Lena is a beautiful dancer and incredibly kind human that brings warmth and joy in the studio. We are thrilled to have Lena with us this season and look forward to sharing the stage with her for Spitting Image in April 2025.
Photo by Doug Hayes
Congratulations Charlotte Bray
(mentee 2022/2023) for your acceptance into University of Richmond
Lydia Ross (left) Sarah Miele (right) 2018 mentee
For all inquiries, please complete the form below with your guardian. We are currently taking applications for 2025/2026.
