TECHNIQUES DANCE STUDIO COMPETITION TEAM REQUIREMENTS

Download the Competition Team and Audition Form

Welcome to what we hope will be another very exciting year! We had an AMAZING competition season and our goal is to improve on what we have done. Being a part of the Techniques Company has become very popular over the years. There are many dancers wanting to join, so it is imperative that these selected dancers are the top students in the studio and are dedicated as our teachers are! Please read the following carefully to see if this is something that both you and your child want to be part of:

Requirements:

1. At least one year of study in ballet, tap and jazz

2. Excellent attendance record in previous classes

3. Dancer must audition for a spot in the company (including present members)

Your child will be asked to audition with their age group (unless another time has been discussed with one of us)

During auditions, dancers will be judged on technique, flexibility, stage presence and the ability to learn a combination quickly. Technique will include ballet positioning of the feet and arms, jazz runs, leaps, turns & kicks. Flexibility will include splits, heel stretches & needles. The judges will include Miss Maria, Miss Michele, Miss Melissa & Miss April. The decisions of the judges are final. The results will be mailed to you the following day. If you are chosen, a rehearsal time and company group name will be included. If you are not chosen, please do not be discouraged. Please try again. You just may not be ready.

If you are chosen as a company member, certain things will be expected of the dancer as well as the family:

1. Dancers are required to take ballet, tap and jazz. Lyrical is not required but encouraged. Pointe and hip hop are not required.

2. Weekly company rehearsals are mandatory. Only 3 excused absences (phone call must be made) will be allowed. After that there is possibility of dismissal from the company.

3. Each company member will be allowed 5 excused absences (phone call must be made) in each of their primary classes (ballet, jazz, and tap). If more than 5 are missed, there may be a possibility of dismissal from the company.

4. All company members must be available to attend all competitions and be present for awards. We will have a list of competitions in September. We plan to attend a National Championship next summer if the dates and location work out.

5. If you have a conflict with any of the dates, you may be asked to withdraw from the company. Dances are choreographed based on the amount of dancers in the group & their special abilities. Asking the other dancers & the choreographer to alter the dance is unfair.

6. There will be special weekend rehearsals called.

7. There is an additional cost of $30.00 per month for company rehearsal time. Not including select company rehearsal.

8. There are additional costs for competition fees, workshops, costumes & sweatsuits. These fees are expected to be paid on time. No exceptions.

9. Please do not ask Miss Maria or Miss Michele if you or your child can do a solo or a duet. There is a certain readiness for this type of performing, so we will approach you if we think you or your child is ready.

10. Inappropriate conduct toward any fellow dancers or dancers from another studio will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal from the company.

11. To keep all dancers abilities & commitment balanced, there will be a review of each dancers progress in each of their classes & rehearsals at the end of October. This includes attendance, technique & class participation & showmanship.

12. If you are not ready to make this a top priority to other activities (cheering, kickline, sports, etc.), then this may not be for you.

Please understand that these rules are here to benefit all. It is not fair for a child who attends class every week and shows dedication to get the same recognition as the child that missed 10 classes. It did happen and these rules are here to prevent this from happening again. We understand that there are illnesses (this cannot be avoided) and other outside activities but we are looking for special children who really want to dance, make it a priority and are ready for the responsibility of being in our performing companies. We have come a long way this year and we cannot take a step backwards after such a great year. Being part of our company is not just about doing multiple dances in the recital. This commitment requires dedication & sacrifice. This letter may sound like we are discouraging potential company members, but we are simply trying to give a realistic prospective as to what is expected from the dancer and you the parents. We have a great time and the dancers get great fulfillment and learn tremendous camaraderie, sportsmanship, dedication and respect from this experience.