Growing up, like countless aspiring dancers, my screen time was dominated by YouTube videos showcasing incredible talents honing their skills against the iconic red walls of Millennium Dance Complex (MDC) in Los Angeles. This studio wasn’t just a building; it was a beacon, a legendary space where dance dreams were forged. Visiting LA for the first time in 2015, I felt the profound significance of these studios, a sacred ground for dancers worldwide. Life took its turns, and in early 2019, I found myself working as a work-study at Millennium Dance Complex. It quickly became more than just a job; it became my home.
What Exactly is Millennium Dance Complex?
To the casual observer, Millennium Dance Complex might seem like “just a dance studio” located on Ventura Boulevard. However, this perception couldn’t be further from the truth. MDC is a global phenomenon, a thriving hub of dance education and industry connection. Especially during peak seasons like summer, classes are consistently sold out, buzzing with energy and ambition.
Inside the Los Angeles flagship location, two primary studios host daily classes, accommodating up to 111 students in the larger space and 75 in the smaller. Beyond classes, four additional studios of varying sizes are available for rent, catering to rehearsals and private sessions.
Since 2011, Millennium Dance Complex has expanded its reach as a franchise, establishing studios across the globe. From Toronto to Beijing, Germany to Tokyo, Shanghai to Brazil, and various locations within the U.S., the Millennium name resonates worldwide. Yet, the Los Angeles studio remains the original, the “O.G.”, holding a special place in dance history.
Dancers in a class at Millennium Dance Complex Los Angeles
The Magic of First-Timers at Millennium Dance Complex
My absolute favorite aspect of working at Millennium Dance Complex is witnessing the reactions of dancers experiencing the studio for the very first time. They arrive from every corner of the globe, often slightly intimidated yet overwhelmingly excited. The walls adorned with photos of dance legends – Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, and countless others – who have graced these very studios, leave them speechless.
Some dancers are so moved they literally cry. While some might dismiss this as dramatic, their raw emotion serves as a constant reminder of the incredible privilege it is to be part of this space. Guiding these newcomers, explaining the class system, and showing them around – routines that are commonplace for LA dancers – fills me with renewed appreciation. Despite language barriers, a smile and gestures transcend words, creating a welcoming atmosphere for every dancer who walks through the doors.
A Week in the Life: Work-Study Duties at Millennium
The work-study program at Millennium Dance Complex involves one shift per week, either a morning shift (9 AM – 4 PM) or an evening shift (4 PM – 11 PM). Each shift is staffed by a manager, a register, and two runners.
The Manager: Oversees studio operations from the office, managing emails, student programs, and ensuring the smooth running of the entire complex. They are the go-to person for any significant issues.
The Register: Stationed at the front desk, responsible for all financial transactions, class payments, and studio rentals.
The Runner: As the name suggests, runners are dynamic and multi-tasking, handling a variety of essential tasks:
Work-study runner counting dancers in a Millennium Dance Complex studio
Daily Tasks as a Millennium Dance Complex Work-Study
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Class Check-in and Payment: Ensuring all dancers sign in and pay for their classes at the front desk.
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Class Counts: At the start of each class, runners count the number of dancers (up to 111!) to verify against the sign-in sheet. Discrepancies are addressed, sometimes requiring stopping the class to identify and resolve unpaid entries – an admittedly awkward but necessary procedure.
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Roll Calls (If Necessary): In rare cases of non-payment after initial announcements, a roll call is conducted. This involves calling out names from the class list to identify those who haven’t paid, unfortunately taking valuable class time.
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Time Management with Signs: Maintaining class schedules is crucial. Runners use large cardboard signs to signal the 10-minute and 5-minute marks before class ends. This visual cue is essential for keeping classes on time, as dancers deeply immersed in their training can easily lose track of time.
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Teacher and Choreographer Assistance: Supporting teachers by managing guest lists (teachers can bring up to 5 guests per class), providing water, communicating schedule updates, and assisting with sound equipment as needed.
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Studio Cleanliness: Maintaining bathroom cleanliness is a standard responsibility.
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Waste Disposal: Regularly taking out trash to keep the studio environment tidy.
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Opening and Closing Procedures: Managing studio setup and shutdown, including turning on/off lights, sound systems, air conditioning, and placing parking signs to prevent towing – essential for the dancers.
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Merchandise Sales: Handling sales of Millennium Dance Complex merchandise, including hoodies, hats, t-shirts, and more. Dancers love to represent their studio!
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Studio Rentals Management: Carefully managing studio rental bookings to avoid double-booking and ensure smooth scheduling for choreographers and rehearsals.
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Answering Phone Inquiries: Responding to a wide range of phone inquiries, from basic questions about schedules to more unusual requests – no question is too surprising!
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Schedule Management & Substitutions: Coordinating with teachers and choreographers to confirm their schedules and finding suitable substitute teachers when needed, often requiring contacting numerous instructors to find availability.
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Masterclass Assistance: Supporting special masterclasses taught by renowned choreographers like Yanis Marshall, Tricia Miranda, Kyle Hanagami, or Brian Friedman. This includes sign-in, stamping, and managing queues, which can extend outside the studio during busy periods.
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Various Ad-hoc Tasks: Handling a multitude of smaller tasks that arise throughout the shift.
Millennium Dance Complex work-study program participants
The Rewarding Perks of Being a Work-Study
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Unlimited Dance Classes: The most significant perk is access to unlimited regular classes (excluding masterclasses). This removes financial barriers to consistent training, a crucial benefit for aspiring professional dancers.
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Networking Opportunities: Daily interaction with a vast network of dancers, teachers, and choreographers, creating invaluable connections within the dance industry.
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Industry Insight: Gaining behind-the-scenes knowledge of how a major dance studio operates, providing a unique perspective on the dance business.
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Training Community: Building friendships with fellow work-studies who are equally passionate about dance, creating a supportive training environment and camaraderie.
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A Dance Family: Becoming part of the Millennium Dance Complex family, a close-knit community of like-minded individuals pursuing their dance dreams. This sense of family is a common and cherished aspect of work-study programs at studios like Movement Lifestyle as well.
Why Work-Study is Ideal for International Dancers
For international dancers in Los Angeles, particularly those on O-1B artist visas, the work-study program is especially beneficial. These visas restrict holders from taking regular employment outside of their artistic field. As a work-study program compensates with free classes rather than monetary payment, it aligns with visa regulations, providing a legal and essential pathway to afford dance training. Without this opportunity, many international dancers would struggle to sustain their training in LA due to the high cost of living and classes.
Essential Qualities for a Millennium Dance Complex Work-Study
The work-study role is ideal for individuals genuinely passionate about dance training, as the primary compensation is class access. Beyond passion, key requirements include efficiency, the ability to thrive under pressure, and a friendly, welcoming demeanor. Creating a positive and inviting atmosphere is paramount – Millennium Dance Complex is a haven for dancers, not just a business.
The environment can be fast-paced and demanding, especially during shift changes with hundreds of dancers transitioning between studios, phones ringing, and various issues arising simultaneously. Success in this role requires quick thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain composed and helpful amidst the hustle and bustle.
Joining the Millennium Dance Complex Work-Study Team
Referrals are often the most effective way to get your foot in the door. Taking classes regularly at Millennium Dance Complex and becoming a familiar face demonstrates your commitment and passion. Inquiring at the front desk about work-study openings is a direct approach. Hiring is often based on timing, as positions become available when current work-studies move on. Personal connections, like being recommended by a current staff member, can also be advantageous, as was my experience.
Interested dancers can find more information and application details on the Millennium Dance Complex website work-study program page.
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