SHOWTEAM STRUCTURE
Dancers (depending on the age and technical level, and number of routines assigned, are required to take between 3-8 hours of classes per week. These classes consist of jazz technique, ballet, and routine classes. Once the new 2011-2012 show team is decided, the class times and weekly hour requirements are determined for each individual dancer.
*Students are placed into specific ballet and technique classes according to technical level.
*All levels will be determined based on the overall dance style and technical ability. It is our goal as
Instructors to challenge each dancer to their highest ability while working toward success during the
competition season.
*Showteam dancers will be placed into competition routines based on technical level, age and
performance skills. Dancers from different ballet and jazz levels will often be combined for routines.
Showteam dancers will compete in a production routine combining levels 3-5. Most showteam dancers in level 2-5 will also compete in two small group routines.
Showteam dancers in level 1 will compete in one or two small group routines.
* We will once again be doing a character routine this year. This routine will be taught on a Friday or Saturday in the month of November, to levels 3-5. There will be then an audition held and dancers chosen for that routine. The class for this routine will be on Wednesday evenings.
*Showteam is a competition dance team. It is our goal to achieve only the highest results at competition, while continuing to improve each dancer’s technique and skills throughout the year. We aim to teach each individual person discipline, responsibility, and how to be a team player. Prospective competition results will be considered when forming routines. As a staff we have goals of standing next to those studios that are considered some of the top in the country when the awards are announced and the results are in!
INDIVIDUAL PLACEMENT AT AUDITIONS
The Dance Factory director and instructors want what is best for the team as a whole, as well as each individual dancer. This is a competition team thus, the potential results for the upcoming competition season will be taken into consideration at auditions. When placing dancers on the team, we take into consideration the ability, dance style, and potential growth and success for each dancer as an individual. We trust that our dancers and parents will work hard to continually improve the level of this competition team. Please trust that our decisions are made with the good of the team, as well as each individual in mind.
REGISTRATION FEE
The annual showteam member registration fee of $35.
The $35 registration fee is due on or before September 1st, 2011 and should be made payable to The Dance Factory.
SHOWTEAM DANCEWEAR
The required showteam dancewear consists of the following:
Ballet: Black leotard, pink tights and pink ballet shoes, hair in a bun.
Jazz technique or extra classes: Neat clean dance attire and jazz shoes, with hair back from face.
Thursdays/production class: NEW neon pink shorts, sport bra and gray zipper top, jazz shoes, hair
pulled back.
COSTUMES
Plan on around $80-100 per costume. Each routine requires a costume. Our first costume will be purchased in October. All other costumes will be paid for through the supply fee to be paid in full by March.
TEAM SWEATS
We will be ordering team sweats this year as our warm up/travel suit. They are black sweat pants, and a hoodie with rhinestones and our studio name printed on them. Each team member in levels 1-5 are required to purchase the jacket, with the option to purchase the pants. Parents can also purchase the sweats and jackets.. We are waiting to get a sample finished before a final cost can be determined.
MONTHLY TUITION
The showteam monthly tuition payment is in accordance with the tuition payment schedule designated at The Dance Factory. Please see the studio policy sheet for general studio policies. Tuition must be current and paid up to date for Showteam dancers to participate in performances and competitions, or receive costumes.
3 classes /hours per week $93
3.5-4 hours per week $115
4.5-5 hours per week $130
5.5-6 classes per week $145
Additional classes after $145 tuition is met are only $15 per month.
Unlimited classes $190 per month.
Tuition is deducted from a checking or savings account, or a visa or mastercard on the 1st of each month.
HOLIDAYS
Holidays will be observed in accordance with the studio policies, and the Davis county school schedule, unless otherwise indicated.
COMMITMENT
The Showteam experience can only be positive when all teammates are “on the same page.” All dancers must give a full 100% for the success of the team, as well the individual. The Showteam commitment is 10 months (September 2011-June 2012).
Because we are holding your spot on the team and in weekly classes, Showteam dancers are required to pay full monthly tuition for ten months despite vacation times, or lack of attendance. Some exceptions are made for severe injuries or illnesses with a doctor’s note or notification from parent immediately.
Ten (10) tuition payments are required by automatic payment.
ATTENDANCE POLICIES
We realize that dance is an extra-curricular activity and school work comes first. In an effort to help our students budget their time wisely and to avoid any opportunity for excessive absences in their Showteam classes, we are implementing an absence policy for our competition teams.
Showteam members are allowed to miss class when a parent calls to excuse their absence. The reason must be stated, and must be a reason that is acceptable for missing class, ie; sickness, family, school obligation, etc.
Showteam dancers who miss classes without being excused or without an acceptable excuse, are required to make up the missed classes within two weeks.
If dancers miss too many classes, they fall behind in technique and choreography. Dancers will then be placed on probation and may not be allowed to perform or compete. They may be given the opportunity to try out again for the routine to be placed back in for the next performance at the discretion of Alisha.
Dancers must attend all classes (2) weeks prior to any competition or performance. If dancers miss a class (ballet, technique, or routine) and it was not an approved absence from Alisha, they will not be allowed to perform or compete.
TECHNICAL ABILITY
It is the responsibility of each Showteam member to maintain sharp technical skills in ballet and jazz through dedication in class, and practicing at home. If a Showteam dancer is not exemplifying the skills needed, they may be asked to attend additional technique classes or private lessons.
If a dancer is below performance level before a performance or competition, this student will again be asked to take private lessons or may not have the opportunity to perform/compete. It is up to discretion of the director to make these decisions on an individual basis when needed. It is important to uphold the high standards upon which the Showteam was built.
On the other hand, evaluations will be done throughout the year to ensure dancers are in the correct level. If a dancer exceeds the level of their current class, they will be moved up to the next level.
All dancers making the Showteam for the first time this year, may be asked to attend an extra jazz or ballet class for a period of time so that their technical level and dance style is equivalent to others within their level or routine.
SUPPLIES AND FEES
We use an automatic monthly payment system to pay for: 3 competition costumes, competition entry fees for 2-3 routines, team t shirt, performance fees, two pair of tights, practice outfits. It is convenient for the parents as almost all extra costs outside of tuition are paid for on a monthly basis. The payment is deducted from a checking or savings account, or visa or mc on the 20th of each month in the amount of $90 for levels 2-5, and $80 for level 1 from September through May. If you are only in the production routine, payments of $90 will be deducted from September through March. Shoes, sweats, extra tights, and extra costs for additional competition routines must be paid for separately.
FUND RAISERS
We will offer 3-4 fund raisers throughout the year to help offset the costs of competition. Our first fund raiser will be sent home the end of September.
TRAVEL
We have usually traveled to Las Vegas for a National competition in June each year. This year, we have decided not to travel for competition.
MAKE UP KIT
Every dancer (family) must have a NEW make up kit. This make up is used for all performances and competitions throughout the year, and helps our Showteam to maintain a professional appearance. Cost is $45 for the kit.
SOLOS/ DUOS/ TRIOS
This opportunity is available to any team dancer who wishes to compete in a solo, duo or trio routine. This is completely optional and determined on an individual basis, by the dancer, parents and instructors.
Who: A dancer who is doing well in school, home and team classes, and can handle an extra challenge.
When: Most soloists begin learning routines after One Wild Night, starting in November. They meet each
week with an instructor to learn and perfect their routine.
Music: This is up to you! You do not want to use songs from the radio, or extremely popular songs.
Choreography: Each dancer chooses an instructor/choreographer to create a routine for them and teach
and work with them through the season. Cost is approximately $150.
Lessons: Soloists then meet with their instructor usually once each week to prepare for competition. Cost
is approximately $35 per lesson. The number of private lessons you schedule is up to you and
your instructor.
Costume: You have the option of ordering your costume through a catalog, purchasing a used costume,
or having a costume custom made. Terri Campbell is fantastic! Her number is 801-755-2931, or
Angie Lamoreaux of Sew Classy at 801-774-5827. It is best to have a picture or idea of what you
want. Costumes prices can range from $40-$150.
Entry fees: There is an entry fee associated with each competition you enter. Prices range from $60-$80.
Benefits: Dancers learn and progress very quickly through the private lessons involved with learning a
solo, duo or trio routine.
PARENT AND DANCER CONDUCT
We are all here working toward a common goal: To become better individual dancers while also becoming a stronger team. It is important that we maintain a positive atmosphere with supportive individuals who believe in the program and the goals of The Dance Factory, and the studio director. With that said, we as a staff are trying to provide a more professional atmosphere within the studio so as to be more efficient and effective with our time in class. (This is one of our staff goals)! As instructors, we value our teaching time with specific dancers each week and hope that you can respect this.
Please help your dancer to arrive to class on time and prepared with the correct dance attire.
Please refrain from interrupting teachers during class time to talk about your dancer, schedule private lessons, or “sit in” on the class. We would be happy to meet with you to discuss these things once classes are finished for the day, or schedule a quick meeting before classes begin. All in all, we want you to receive the full class that you are paying for and use our time most effectively.
PARENTAL SUPPORT
It is imperative that we have parents who are supportive and understanding of their student and the Showteam program. Parental support is the backbone of the showteam experience!
Hanging files for each student at The Dance Factory are provided in the front office of the studio. It is important for parents and/or dancers to check their files daily in order to receive important newsletters, information regarding upcoming events and other information. We will also email information to parents.
Please make sure the office has your current phone numbers and email to stay informed.
We will do all we can to keep parents informed in a timely manner. Please make sure you are “in the know” with competition information (times to arrive, performance schedule, how costumes should be worn, etc), payment deadlines, costume fitting times, and practice schedule.
Competition etiquette is very important at our studio. We feel that every dancer and team attending the competition has worked extremely hard to get there, and they each deserve our respect. Judges are the experts and we are paying for their opinion, whether we agree with it or not, the results are final, and we should not argue or question the decisions made. Of course we want to win, but teaching our kids to work hard individually and as a team, set goals, and be proud of themselves as well as others, is more important!
With an open line of communication, everyone feels more at ease. Thank you for your efforts and support!
STUDIO CONTACT INFORMATION: EMAIL: dancefactory@comcast.net, PHONE: 801-298-0395.
Office hours are: Mondays 4:15-7:15pm
Tuesdays 4:15-9:00pm
Wednesdays 4:15-7:15pm
Thursdays 4:15-9:00pm
FAMILY BBQ AND SWIM PARTY
Our first team event will be a get to know you family swim party and bbq! It will be held on Monday September 12th from 6:30-8:30pm at the Buchanan residence, located at 1243 Millbridge Lane in West Bountiful. Cost is $3 per person to cover the main dish and drink. Please read below for a potluck item to bring.
Jazz routine A (level 1 dancers) Chips
Jazz routine B Fruit or vegetables
Jazz routine C Salad or side dish
Jazz routine D Dessert
Hip Hop Salad or side dish
Production routine Salad or side dish
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
August 30th 7:00pm parents meeting. Turn in forms, pay ½ down and for BBQ.
September 3rd SYTYCD workshop in Layton. Go to: www.utahdancechampionships.com
September 3rd Pre register for Ballet West Nutcracker by today online.
September 9th Auditions for ages 9-13 for Odyssey’s Thriller
September 10th Auditions for ages 14 and up for Thriller
September 10th Auditions for Ballet West Nutcracker
September 6th Fall classes begin!
September 10th Register for Dance with the Judges workshop by today.
September 12th Family BBQ 6:30-8:30pm.
September 13th Audition for jazz routines during class time.
September 24th Dance with the Judges workshop in Logan.
October 6th Deposit due for team pictures
October 15th Team pictures
October 28th One Wild Night. The Dance Factory fall show.
November 3rd Dancelink workshop with Tadd! More information to come.
November 24th-28th Thanksgiving break
December 20th-Jan. 2nd Christmas break
February Project Smile concert at the Rose Wagner Theater
March 16-17 Hollywood Vibe convention/competition
April-May Local competitions
June 15th A Night to Remember year end concert
