Free Elements Dance Competition Team Guidelines 2016

Free Elements Dance – Competition Team Guidelines 2016

General Outline

• Dancers must be at least 7 years of age by audition date. Teams will be divided into Junior and Senior (*if numbers allow). *If we do not have enough dancers to make two teams, one team will be formed. • To be eligible dancers must be registered in both Ballet and Jazz programs within the studio. • If you make the team, your additional class outline (on top of existing Ballet and Jazz lessons) will include Stretch and Strength, Stage, Contemporary Ballet, and a Jr/Sr Combined open class. This will provide a total of 7 hours a week. • Additional classes including Pointe*, Hip Hop, and tap are separate from the Competition Team and are not mandatory, but recommended (with exception of Pointe, this class is by teacher recommendation only). Lesson Fees

These rates do not include choreography fees

Rates include GST

$155 per month – 7 classes a week $170 per month – 8 classes a week $180 per month – 9 classes a week $185 per month – 10 classes a week

Family Discount 2nd Dancer – 10% off classes

*Pay for full year – receive %10 off total

• A full year commitment to classes, rehearsals, and competitions (Prince George, Terrace, Prince Rupert dates are listed below). *Exceptions will be made for dancers travelling to Europe during Spring Break. • Dancers will partake in as many dance opportunities as possible. They will attend ADAPT workshops in Prince Rupert (November), and all workshops held at the studio and in town.

To those who are selected, this program will provide additional classes, on top of their regular jazz and ballet training. The studio will still operate the same as always, with Int.2- up group numbers participating in PNMF. Solos/duos lists will still be assigned to dancers within the competition team, and outside of competition team. It is called a "Competition Team" because the dancers will receive additional training, and attend competitions to perform multiple numbers. Attending competitions isn’t about winning, it’s always about the feedback you receive from experts in the field.

What to expect

Not only do dancers gain self-confidence by dancing in front of a large audience; it instills a sense of discipline and motivation that will carry throughout the rest of their life.

• Dancers will always be respectful of all other dancers on their team and in the studio, and other dance studios. Remember, you are representing the entire team when away at competitions. • Dancers will train hard and laugh hard! We want you to enjoy dancing, and at the same time to work hard within your group. You get back what you put in, and your biggest competition will always be with yourself. Treat every single class as an opportunity to grow and improve. • Dancers will represent their team and community with the utmost professionalism at all times.

To become a member, a dancer must possess a positive attitude, great dedication, organization and an exceptional understanding of dance technique. This is measured by a dancer's performance throughout the previous dance season and the audition. Being invited to join the team is an outstanding privilege, as not every dancer at the studio will have this same opportunity. Dancers chosen must remain humble.

If you do not make the team this year, make it an opportunity to learn and grow. This will provide great feedback that you can bring forth into your dance year. It will help you grow and potentially succeed in your next audition.

Attendance

Attendance is a very important aspect of being a member of the Competition Team. When a dancer is absent, they are missing important lessons and they are holding up the choreography/cleaning progress. This is a team that will only be successful if everyone acts and thinks like a team. Most importantly, continuously being absent will not further a dancer's technique. We need and expect 100% dedication. A dancer on the competition team should only be away from class if they are severely ill. Dancers that are "under the weather" should be viewing class.

Because attendance is so critical to the success of the team, our members are allowed four absences throughout the entire dance season unless a doctor's note is provided. Parents must notify the teacher in advancer if their child will be absent from any classes. Dancers are NOT permitted to miss any classes the week prior to a competition. Should a dancer continuously miss classes, they will be excused from the team.

Group Choreography

Group Choreography will take place Aug. 13- 21, Aug 30, 31, Sept.1-8. Dancers must be available for this time. Individual choreography will take place July 3-17th. Dancers planning on out of town summer workshops, please let us know dates ASAP and we will plan around it.

Junior Competition dancers will have two-three groups minimum with their competition team. They will also still have their one group dance from regular jazz class. This piece will not travel.

Senior Competition dancers will have two- three minimum with their competition team. They will also have three group numbers from regular jazz/ballet class.

Solos/Duets/Trio/Small Special Group

Dancers may be selected to perform in an additional solo/duet/trio/special group. This is given at the discretion of the studio. These dances are a privilege that must be respected as the highest honour. Dancers must maintain a positive attitude at all times to continue their special dance. If parents feel their child is in too many groups, please speak to the studio prior to any choreography commencing.

 These special dances are a separate flat rate, payable upon commencement of choreography classes. Payable to Free Elements Dance.  Dancers are required to use their own time to rehearse their special dances as studio and staff time is limited.

In House Additional Choreography Fees – Payable to Free Elements Dance

Solos - $180 Duos - $100 per dancer Small Groups - $100 per dancer Costumes

Parents are required to make a costume deposit of $150 per dancer at the start of the dance season. Please make out to Free Elements Dance Studio. Please provide an outline in the memo where you are allocating these fees.

Additional Choreography Fees – Outside Choreographer

We will have a special guest teacher choreograph a group dance(s). Additional choreography fees will be divided between the dancers. This amount will be updated once competition teams have been formed and we can finalize a number.

Class Schedule (Additional Sunday choreography hours will be added)

Sundays 1130am-1230pm Junior Contemp/Ballet Class

1-2 pm – Senior Contemp/Ballet Class

Monday 7-8 pm – Junior Stage 8-9 pm – Senior Stage

Thursday

7-8pm – Sr/Jr Combined Stage

Competition Dates

PG – March 11-17 Tentative Terrace – April 19-May 6th (Dance dates TBA) BC Annual Rupert – May 8 – 13th Tentative

I have read this document in full, I understand and agree to all guidelines set forth by Free Elements Dance and what is expected from ______if they become a member of the 2016-2017 Free Elements Competition Team.

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Parent (guardian) Signature Date (dd/mm/yyyy)