WHAT IS COMPETITIVE DANCE?

While maintaining two of the most important elements in life... BEING RESPECTFUL and having FUN, competition class is different from the other combination classes at The Ballet Studio. Dancers not only train at the barre, but they further develope their flexibility and technique through extensive stretching and progressions across the floor. The competitive dancer is ready to take dance to the next level, which is showcasing her/his talent at Regional competitions. Our classes consist of serious dancers who have determination to learn and dedication to attend class regularly. Our staff will also keep dancers updated on area workshops for those students who are interested in attending. A calendar will be given out during the summer camp for the entire competition dance season.

OUR COMPETITION STAFF

Miss Sherri Di Stefano - Competition Director

Miss Shelly Totten - Competition Instructor/Choreographer

Miss Kyleigh Brown, Miss Cara Jorgensen and Miss Melissa De Lorenzo - Competition Assistant Instructors

Thomas Hanner - Guest Master Ballet Instructor

Erika Lamantia - Choreographer and instructor for students performing a solo, duet or trio at a competition.

3 PILLARS OF OUR COMPETITIVE PROGRAM

I. Technique: Body lines/placement, basics, control

II. Stage Presence: Expression/smile, eye contact, showmanship and confidence

III. Performance: Timing to music, transitions, precision

THREE LEVELS OF COMPETITIVE DANCE

LEVEL 1 PEE WEES

This is for the recreational dancer who takes 2 dance classes weekly (which includes competition class). She/he wants to have fun, but also experience competition. Dancers in this class are in grades 2 to 4. Students at this level have a one hour weekly class. Dancers will learn one competition dance and they will perform this dance in all 3 competitions.

LEVEL 2 JUNIORS and SENIORS

This is for the competitive dancer who takes 2 or MORE dance classes weekly. The dancer is characterized by having strength in tecnique, stage presence and dance skills. Students at this level who are in grades 5 through 7 are juniors (a one hour and 15 minute class competing in two dances including the production in all three competitions) and grades 8 through 12 are seniors (a one and a half hour class competing in two dances including the production in all three competitions)

LEVEL 1 JUNIORS and SENIORS

*All students in grades 5 to 7 who are entering their first year of the TBS competition program are considered level 1 juniors. All students in grades 8 to 12 who are entering their first year of the TBS competition program are considered level one senoirs. All level one dancers will perform one dance in all three competitions. These students will move up to level two based on the instructors' recommendations. Students in level one may learn the second routine along with the level two students for additional practice. They may also perform this second dance in the recital along with the level two competition group.

LEVEL 3 JUNIORS and SENIORS

This is for the competitive dancer who expresses the desire to attend more weekly classes (at least 4) and plans to focus primarily on dance as his/her extra-curricular activity. This dancer has also been a part of the TBS competition program for a minimum of THREE years. Our staff encourages all level three dancers to participate in POINTE CLASS each week. Students in grades 7 and 8 are small group juniors (a one hour class competing in one dance in all three competitions) and students in grades 9 through 12 are small group seniors (a one hour class competing in one dance in all three competitions). A REMINDER THAT ALL COMPETITIONS BASE THEIR SMALL GROUP NUMBERS ON 4 to 10 STUDENTS IN A GROUP.

Our large group consists of students in grades 7 to 12 (a one hour class competing in one dance in all three competitions). First year level three large group students will move into a small group based on their progression. These students will remain in the large group for at least one full year.

Students in level TWO and level THREE may perform a solo, duet, trio or small group dance in any of the competitions. Please see Miss Sherry or Miss Shelly for more information. These dances will be taught by Miss Erika on Tuesday evenings from 8:45 to 9:30 beginning in January. The cost of each 45 minute session is $36.00 for a solo dancer, $18.00 for each duet dancer, $12.00 for each trio dancer and $9.00 for each small group (4 to 10) dancer.

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AttenDANCE (it even has dance in it) Policy for ALL competition dancers...

There will be no need for extra practices if attendance is consistent.

3 missed classes are excuseable

4/5 missed classes - Students may not compete in first competition.

6/7 missed classes - Students may not compete in first and second competition.

8 or more missed classes - It's time to look for a new activity.

*DANCERS ARE TO WEAR DARK ATTIRE AND THE PROPER DANCE SHOES TO CLASS EACH WEEK. This infomation will be given out at the summer workshop.

SPRING COMPETITION INFORMATION

All regional competitions are held in the spring. Please be advised that the directors of each event schedule the ENTIRE weekend for the competition. You will find out the day/days and times you will be performing one week prior to the event. Dancers must be available at any time once the schedule is set. Each organization charges a fee per dancer (per dancer) to attend. All family members and friends may attend the competitions for no extra charge. All fees are non-refundable. The tentative spring schedule will be given out as soon as it is received. 50% of the competition fees will be due by the end of November. The balance will be due by the end of February. Please do not include the fees with your regular dance tuition. All levels will compete in THREE competitions. All levels will do ALL of their dances in all THREE competitions. Also, there will be no changes in class times for large practice groups. There will be practices in March at the Community Center. A schedule wil be given out as the dates get closer.

TUITION & SUMMER FEES . . .

FEES PERTAINING TO THE 2007/2008 DANCE SEASON

PEE WEES $36.00 per month - $72.00/Payment

LEVEL 1 $36.00 per month - $72.00/payment

LEVEL 2 $36.00 per month - $72.00/payment

LEVEL 3 $70.00 per month - $140.00/payment for Sundays. (This fee is students attending 2 hours on Sunday).

*Students attending two hours on Sunday AND Wednesdays - $95.00 per month - $190.00 per payment. (This is $22.00 off of the total payment fee for Wednesdays.) $80.00/payment for Sundays. (This fee is for students attending 1 hour on Sunday). *Students attending one hour on Sunday and Wednesday - $76.00 per month - $152.00 per payment.

Guest Teacher Workshops - $12.00 per hour class.

*PLEASE REFER TO HANDOUTS FOR ALL OF THE WORKSHOP DATES.

Summer competition workshops - $160.00 per week.

Students attending the workshop may also attend the summer dance session on Wedenesday from 6:00 to 7:00 beginning July 23 for no extra cost.

Strengthening and Conditioning - $66.00 for the session

July 23 to August 27 - 7:00 to 8:00

Summer Pointe - $35.00 for the session.

July 23 to August 27 - 8:00 to 8:30

*Information pertaining to the schedule may be found on the "schedule page" of the TBS website.

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A REMINDER TO ALL OF OUR AWESOME DANCERS...

YOUR PERFORMANCE WILL ALWAYS REFLECT THE COMMITMENT AND DESIRE THAT YOU POSESS AT EVERY PRACTICE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR BY GIVING 100% OF YOURSELF 100% OF THE TIME !!!

CHECK OUT OUR AWARDS ON THE COMPETITION UPDATE AND REMINDER PAGE!!!

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