Caroline Calouche & Co. (CC&Co.), founded by Caroline in 2006, is the only professional dance and circus arts company in Charlotte and the Southeastern region. Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center (CC&DC) is the training arm of the professional company. As a resident company of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, CC&Co. is a peer organization to the Charlotte Ballet, Charlotte Symphony, and Opera Carolina. CC&Co. is the first woman-led organization to acquire this status. Caroline achieved this honor through years of developing a reputation for high-quality artistry and industry safety.
Clara’s Trip began in 2012 and it includes 12 - 14 professional artists, ~ 20 student performers, a full production team, and over a $100,000 budget. Caroline Calouche, Artistic Director, believes in casting a diverse group of established and emerging artists to reflect the Charlotte community. The cast changes each year, bringing different skills and strengths to the show. Caroline tailors the choreography accordingly, keeping the show fresh, and making everyone shine.
Caroline’s rehearsal process is a combination of studio learning and personal practice. She wants you to have a life outside the studio. You will not have rehearsals every Saturday and Sunday for 8 hours like other Nutcrackers. But she does expect performers to remember choreography and improve the choreography the next time they perform it in rehearsal. She expects full attention and participation in rehearsals. Students who need help with choreography should do Open Practice with someone who knows it, or ask for a private lesson from a rehearsal director.
Clara’s Trip is a serious professional endeavor. This is NOT a recital or a school performance.