OUR PROGRAM

AUDITIONING FOR COMPETITION

It is of the utmost importance that each dancer and parent read and understand the competition team requirements PRIOR to making a decision to participate on a competition team. Any dancer, age 6 and up, is eligible to audition in for competition teams. Younger students are able to participate with specific invitation from the studio owner or competition instructor. Every interested student will be required to audition in order place them on the correct team and/or determine if they are ready to be a competitive dancer. Dance teams will be divided based on technique, age, ability, attitude, maturity, motivation, commitment, and strength. Please note that neither age nor friendships will be the main determinant of placement. We will be looking for ballet and other dance techniques, knowledge of dance terminology, flexibility, musicality, performance quality, and properly executed leaps, jumps, and turns, or applicable techniques.

For Ages 7 & Under   

  • Student Must Be Recommended by Instructor & Approved by Owner
  • Must take pre-comp or Mini Comp summer intensive to audition.
  • Instructor has final say at the end of the summer for approval into the group for the year.

For Ages 8 & Up

Student must take summer intensive classes and audition for placement into our competitive groups at the end of summer.

  • All dancers must turn in their audition agreement signed by Monday,August 13th, 2018.
  • Students and families have until Wednesday, September 5th, 2018, to notify the studio that they will NOT be competing. Failure to notify of withdraw from the competition team by September 5th, 2018, will create a binding contract.
  • All dancers are required to be in studio dress code for auditions.  Being out of dress code will be noted on your audition negatively.
  • The previous year’s attendance and the work ethic demonstrated in front of the judges will also be taken into account.

What to Expect

• Arrive at 4:30 PM to warm up & see the audition order posted on the dance room doors.  

• Groups will start being called in to audition for our 3 non-TDA guest judges at 5:00 PM

• The judges may ask to see the group perform in smaller grouping before making final decisions & scoring them.

• Miss Amber will collect score sheets at the end of the night.

Competition Team Placement

• The ruling of the guest judges is final. 

• It will not be overturned by your instructors or by the studio owner.  

For Tahitian Dancers only 

Miss Kim will place dancers into groups as she sees fit.

OUR PROGRAM & BENEFITS

While studying in our Company Classes will provide a much higher level of dance training as well as the opportunity to perform at competitions and get feedback from other professionals in the industry on their craft, here’s what makes TDA different.  Our goals are to provide them with a place to call “second home” where they develop life long relationships with both piers and mentors, and to work closely with our Company kids to help them become strong, appropriately independent, responsible people in society no matter where life takes them.  Here are just a few of the things you’ll see develop in your dancer.

 

Friendships

You’ll never have a closer friend than those you make in dance class.  There’s something about going through the experiences of getting praises and criticisms together as well as changing in tight spaces, climbing on top of each other in choreography, lifting one another, and hanging out for long rehearsals that has been proven in studies to bond kids tighter than other activities.

 

Problem Solving Skills

Dancers know how to think on their feet.  It could be a costume piece falling off, a prop falling down on stage, or just plain forgetting the steps.  They have to know how to cope on the spot with so many different situations.  These skills push forward into any career they choose in the future.

 

Teamwork

We spend a great amount of time stressing the importance of the team.  We have good days and bad days as a team.  It takes the whole team to do well or not so well.  We spend time bonding as a team from our 6 year olds mixing with our 17 year olds.  We are 1 Company that works together.

 

The Ability To Accept Criticism As Well As Praise

We always praise the kids for a job well done.  But nothing gets better if they don’t know to fix it.  Our dancers learn to accept criticism as a good thing that leads to improvements and makes them stronger in the end.  A great life skill to have in any given career choice.

 

The Value of Hard Work and Dedication

Everything takes practice.  Nothing is just handed to anyone in life.  Dancers learn this in Company classes when it takes practice, rehearsals, and 100% all the time to get where they wanna go.  They’ll find they want to push themselves to get that next jump or trick which will translate to a great work ethic in everything they do.

 

Responsibility & Discipline

Our Company classes have rules and more structure than our recreational classes.  This helps the kids grow faster in their craft.  They learn to discipline themselves to these rules and think nothing of it in no time.  Along with that, we will give them responsibilities at appropriate ages that alleviate them from parents.  Dancers will be responsible to be dressed correctly, have their shoes, and even begin to prepare for a performance without mom or dad’s help as they get older.

 

Counseling And Mentoring 

Our job doesn’t stop at, “point your toes!”  Many times, we dance instructors find ourselves taking on the roll of “bar tender for teens”.  They love to talk to us about things.  And that is what we are there for in the end.  It is not unusual to take 5 to address a school problem or a boyfriend issue, or just to have a group hug because someone had a bad day.

TIME & FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS

All Dancers are required to participate in 3 competitions yearly.  Competitions take place spring/summer.  Every other year, we participate in a national competition that is mandatory as well.  Competitions are mandatory – no exceptions.

If a student is unable to perform at a competition, due to severe injury/serious illness,  there will be NO refunds offered for their competition entry fees per competition company rules.

 

Competition Fees

  • Due approximately 5 weeks prior to competition.
  • Fees go directly to the competition organization
  • Fees are approximately $50/dancer in each group; $120/soloist; $60/duet or trio member.

Annual Studio Competition Fee

  • $100 due in September yearly
  • Covers prop purchase/builds, extra rehearsals, paying instructors on comp weekends, prop trailer rentals, etc.

 

Class Requirements

  • In addition to the dancer’s competitive subjects (jazz, tap, modern, lyrical, musical theater) all Company Dancers are required to take a ballet class, a Cecchetti class, a technique class, and a Jumps/Turns/Leaps/Conditioning Class.
  • Dancers who compete in hip hop ONLY are required to take the conditioning and a performance concepts class.
  • Dancers who compete in Tahitian ONLY only are not required to take any additional classes other than their Hawaiian/Tahitian class.

 

Additional REQUIRED Performance

Those in Jazz Line/Production perform at the Piston’s Game yearly February/March.  The performance offers a fundraising opportunity that is optional, but performance is required.

 

Additional OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED Performances

  • The Christmas Extravaganza
  • Charity Events
  • Many Hawaiian/Tahitian Shows
  • Dancers should take advantage of every opportunity they can – especially when there is little or no financial commitment involved.

 

Conventions

  • Required to do 1 per year for all Jr, Int, Tn, Sr, & Elt Level dancers
  • Many are free or inexpensive and better than most high cost events.
  • Opportunity to learn something new from different instructors.

 

Attendance To Class and Competition

  • 6 excused absences per class are allowed throughout the year – including technique classes.
  • Dancers may be excluded from sections of the dance if they miss during choreography sessions too frequently.
  • Surpassing 6 absences will mean removal from the class.
  • We do not excuse surpassing 6 absences for conflicting long term school activities, however, we are happy to work with your schedule temporarily and supply alternate technique classes to allow multiple activities when possible.  Choreography classes do not have this option.
  • Excused absences include SEVERE & CONTAGIOUS ILLNESS (stay home with the flu!), significant and tragic family events ( funerals, graduations, etc.), finals week (only if needed), single night school events that have a grade riding on attendance, etc.
  • In order for an absence to be excused, A PARENT MUST CALL IT IN.
  • Dancers may be choreographed out of certain sections of a dance due to absence.  This is not a punishment for missing but rather out of necessity to continue forward progress.
  • SKIPPING CLASS while in the building is forbidden.  Students hiding out to miss certain classes while attending others during the night will be immediately benched from 1 competition performance for the year.
  • Competition attendance is ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY.
  • Excused absences would include ONLY THE FOLLOWING: religious belief prohibits attendance (this does not mean you choose to go to church instead, but your religion prohibits activities on Sundays), major life events that were planned for since the beginning of the year so we have an understudy ready – graduation, Bat mitzvah, First Communions, etc.
  • ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY NO: school trips, school plays, vacations, birthday parties, etc. on competition weekend that you intend to miss for.
  • It is mandatory for students to be in all classes the week before competition.  If a student misses the last class before a competition, he/she will NOT be allowed to compete and the entry fees will be forfeited.  Illness with a fever will be excused by parental phone call ONLY.

 

Being Late to Class Or Competition

  • Be On Time
  • Don’t be late
  • Of course we understand during bad weather or the rare traffic back ups that occur
  • Missing 1/2 the class or more is considered an absence.

THE THREE STRIKE POLICY: Competitions run ahead of schedule, and it is incredibly stressful on all students, parents, and instructors when a dancer is late for competition.  If you are late for competition 3 times, you will be removed from the team.  This is cumulative, not yearly.

BEHAVIORAL GUIDELINES

Observing Dress Code

  • Students are expected to set the example for our recreational dancers.
  • Black leotard, shorts, pink/skin tone tights pending class.  Very fitted black tanks allowed for Jr-Elite levels.
  • We do allow special TDA comp wear as an alternative for all classes except ballet & hip hop.
  • Dancers should always have proper shoes for the right class.
  • Ballet Class Dress Code is strictly Pink Tights/Black Leotard/Ballet Shoes.
  • NO T-SHIRTS ALLOWED.  NO SOCKS ALLOWED.

Competitive dancers are expected to be an example for all other students to follow by setting the standard for them to follow.  If students break dress code, the parents will be notified so they can help us keep everyone in proper attire.

 

Classroom & Event Behavior

  • Attend class ready to work.
  • Socialize before and after class only.
  • Always be respectful to their instructors.  Instructors will alert the parents if any issues persist that aren’t manageable in class.
  • Dancers should always be kind to one another as well as other dance teams at competitions.
  • Dancers should follow their competition etiquette rules handed out at all times.
  • TDA has a zero tolerance policy for any bullying or mean girl activity on the team.
  • Comp dancers should be positive representatives of our studio at all times whether in our building or in public venues.  Our staff will correct any dancer that fails to do so at all times.  Parents are expected to support this.

-Working together as a team

-Gossip is forbidden

-Displaying good sportsmanship at all times to everyone

-Keeping positive attitudes regardless of awards

-Showing team spirit by wearing TDA apparel at awards.

-ALWAYS respecting TDA staff and other adults in charge.

  • If any problem persists, the student will be removed from our competitive program.

 

Maintaining Competitive Dancer Status And The  “Everyone Gets A Trophy Syndrome”

Society today has done a disservice to the younger generations by taking away differentiation and declaring that everyone is always a winner; that everyone is equally special.  In life, we know that this is not true.  Someone is always more qualified for the job.  Not everyone can be an NBA Allstar or a Pop Superstar.  The same is true in any art, including dance.  We do not operate under, nor do we promote the “everyone gets a trophy” standard.  This does not mean that a group cannot have dancers with different strengths in it.  We frequently have groups with some who are better at jumping, others who are more flexible, and some who are better turners amongst the class.  And they all blend together beautifully.  But it also means the every group member must work hard to maintain their spot in the group.  And if they don’t, they could lose it.

If, at any time during the year, an instructor feels that a student is not keeping up with the rest of the class (whether it be falling behind in technique, failing to practice choreography, attendance, or behavioral issues), they have the authority to remove said student from that class.  All students and parents will be notified ahead of time if the dancer is not working up to par and given a fair amount of time to change their habits assuming this is the student’s desire.  Sometimes students just change their mind – especially at a young age.  And we want them to enjoy what they’re doing.  If that means doing dance at the recreational level again, we want to move them there so they still love dance.

 

Parents Responsibilities

 

Competitive dance requires a positive atmosphere from all involved. Cooperation between parents is expected at all times. Please show respect for our teaching staff, the other parents, and all of our dancers, as well as, our competitors. A positive and enthusiastic outlook extends to your child. Negative comments and feedback can be harmful to the progress and education of our students, and will not be tolerated

  • Parents must support all competitive dancers and make sure their kids support each other.  We do not condone unhealthy rivalry between our own dancers or jealousy amongst our parents.
  • All competitive parents must volunteer for 1 recital at the end of the year.  They are also expected to sit and enjoy the other recital each year. 
  • Competitive parents are also expected to set an example for other parents just as competitive dancers set the example for other dancers.  This means stepping up and volunteering other times we need help throughout the year if you’re available, being our spoke’s person if other parents are being negative about something, or simply following studio policy.
  • For our younger dancers, parents should encourage and remind dancers to practice at home regularly and extra whenever necessary.
  • Parents must learn to trust us as the dance professionals with ALL things dance just as you trust your doctor with all things medicinal.  Please do not offer dance corrections to your child or anyone else’s child.  Let the instructors handle that and be the cheerleader we need you to be for our dancers.
  • Parents agree to put in the extra time when needed by driving their students to and from extra practices, performances, and activities. 
  • Parents must keep their accounts up to date with auto pay information.
  • Parents are NEVER to contact a competition directly unless Miss Amber has given specific instructions to do so.  All necessary communication happens studio owner to competition.
  • Be kind and say positive things to ALL DANCERS FROM ALL STUDIOS at competition.  It makes a huge difference to any kid.
  • Please clean up after yourselves and teach your children to do the same both in our studio and at events.  It shows great disrespect to throw trash around and leave it there.  We don’t want to be “that studio”.
  • *No “DANCE MOMS” allowed.  Constant complaining or negativity towards the studio or it’s instructors will get your child removed from the program. 
  • If what you’re about to say isn’t nice, don’t say anything at all. We don’t build up our own kid by tearing someone else’s down
  • If there is a misunderstanding and feelings are hurt between your student and an instructor, go immediately to that instructor to talk it out.  DO NOT discuss with other parents.
  • It is not acceptable to gossip about others in or out of the studio.  Miss Amber has super ninja skills and is usually right there listening without being noticed.  She’ll find out.  Don’t do it.
  • It’s never okay to post negative comments about our studio, our dancers, or other studio’s dancers on Social Media. 
  • ACCOUNT QUESTIONS: See Portrea.  portrea@thedanceacademygc.com
  • GENERAL STUDIO QUESTIONS: Ask Miss Amber.  amber@thedanceacademygc.com
  • ALWAYS READ YOUR EMAILS THOROUGHLY BEFORE EMAILING A QUESTION BACK.

THE AGREEMENT

Everyone has a right to attend recreational classes, but those selected should consider it an honor and privilege to be in our company classes and understand that breaking of the above guidelines by either parent or student will result in removal from our competitive dance program.  

By auditioning for any Company Class, both student and parent agree that they have read thoroughly and agree to all the above polices and guidelines and will follow them to the best of their ability with the understanding that if they fail, it can result in removal from our competitive team.

The studio director may dismiss any student at any time throughout the competitive season for the student or parent failing to meet TDA standards on any guideline listed above with no questions asked.

This contract is entered into by and between (Parent/Guardian) ___________________________, (Student) ___________________________, (Financially Responsible Individual) _____________________________, and the The Dance Academy. The terms of this contract shall begin August 24th, 2018, and continue through June 16th, 2019. By signing this contract, all persons are bound by the terms of the contract

Student Signature: ____________________________________________________________

Student Signature: ____________________________________________________________

Student Signature: ____________________________________________________________

Parent Signature:______________________________________________________________