Congratulations! You have succeeded in taking your dance education to the next level…Now it’s time to get serious! Being part of the Competition team is full of responsibility, hard work, dedication, and determination. It is not just about you anymore… Your teammates are counting on you! Being a part of a team means that decisions are made based on what is best for the team, instead of what is best for an individual. If you are serious about dance and serious about putting in the time to make sure your team becomes the best they can be…Then this is the perfect place for you! Students that are a part of the Competition Team will be held to a higher standard. This handbook will help you understand what the expectations are and will serve as a reference point as the year goes on and different situations arise.
Warm ups
Special warm-ups will be designed for The Ultimate Force so that we look like a team at competitions and other events.
Classes:
Since there will not be a ballet routine taken to competition, rec and comp ballet will be combined in each level. Students must take ballet to be part of the competition team.
Beginner level: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, recreational Hip hop
Intermediate level: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip hop, Lyrical
Advanced level: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip hop, Lyrical
The Competition team will be determined by tryouts or invitation only. Special classes, such a solos, duets, and small groups will be chosen by the director. Lines and production numbers will be determined by the director and comp teachers based on number of students selected.
Most classes will be 45 minutes in length. There will be a designated warm up area. Students in the intermediate level and advanced level will be expected to come in 15 minutes early and begin to stretch on there own. During the first several weeks of class we will review stretches together. The warm up area will provide suggested, helpful stretches. These will be posted on an information board in this area. The purpose of the warm-up area is to provide a space for dancers who are familiar with the technique of stretching their body, in order to maximize efficiency and productivity during class time.
Rates:
Payments will be due on the 1st of every month. Payment options include: payment on a monthly basis or prepayment for the entire year at a reduced rate. Delinquent payments, specifically payments not received15th of the month will accrue a $5 late fee. Returned checks will result in a $30.00 fee.
45min class= $35.00 per month/per student
1 hr class= $42.00 per month/per student
Solo= $65.00 per month/student for 45 min sessions. Soloists please utilize the warm-up area.
Total Comp package:
Beginner level includes the following for $125.00 per month:
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Rec Hip Hop
Any special groups you are asked to do (line, productions, small groups).
Any rec class in your level that you would like to add on for extra practice.
*This does NOT include solos
Intermediate and Advanced Level total comp packages include the following for $150.00 per month:
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Hip Hop
Lyrical
Any special groups that you are invited to do (line, productions, small groups).
Any rec class in your level that you would like to add on for extra practice.
*This does NOT include solos
*** If after committing to a schedule, a parent or guardian loses their job or gets laid off, please contact us as we will work with you on a payment plan or reduced pricing for a limited time.
Attendance
Competition students will be held to a higher standard. By joining this team, you have made a commitment to your teammates to be at practice and to work hard. It is only fair to have a strict attendance policy in place to assure that everyone is pulling their weight equally. More than 3 absences during the year may result in removal from the competition team. If there are extenuating circumstances or a family emergency, please notify us as soon as possible. Absences during such circumstances may be excused, at our discretion. If you know that you are going to miss certain practices, please notify us ASAP so that we can try to work out other options (such as a make-up or reschedule). Intermediate and Advanced Students are expected to arrive 15 min prior to their class and stretch in the warm up room. This will allow us to do minimal stretching in class and get down to business. For the first few weeks we will stretch together, so that you know which stretches to do for your own body. Everyone is different and should learn the stretches that help them the most. Recurring absences or tardiness may result in removal from the competition team. Please contact us immediately if you know you will be absent. This is only fair to your teammates…they are depending on you!
Class Etiquette
Students are expected to be on time and prepared for class. Students in intermediate and advance levels are expected to utilize the warm-up area for up to 15 min prior to class. Hair must be in a bun or clean ponytail for ballet class. For all other class, hair must be kept off of face. No gum chewing in any classes. All persons in the studio will be expected to treat one another with respect. This includes students, parents, and staff. Water only please in the dance room please! Cell phones are not to be used during class time. They are to stay in the waiting room with your belongings.
Kindly remember to be courteous to your studio-mates and pick up your own garbage so the next class has a clean dance area just like you did.
Attire:
Students will be expected to wear age appropriate attire to class. Baggy clothes will not be allowed in ballet classes. Excessively large jewelry should be removed prior to class for the students safety.
As far as footwear goes…
We realize that everyone has their own preference when it comes to this topic.
Ballet= Ballet shoes. (prefer split sole such as sansha’s)
Tap= black tap shoes
Jazz= either paws/foot undies or jazz shoes
Lyrical= paws/foot undies
Hip hop= tennis shoes
Any color will be acceptable for practice. Designated colors/brands will be specified for competition and recital.
Costumes:
Costume deposits will be due around the end of October unless we sign up for an unusually early competition, in which case we will notify everyone ASAP. We will collect $50.00 for each costume needed. If the cost of the costume is less, you will be reimbursed otherwise, the remainder of the balance will be due when the costume arrives. You will not receive your costume(s) until your balance for tuition, costumes, and comp fees are paid. Competition costumes will take first priority, as they will need them before the Recreational program will.
Recital:
Recital will be in June. Location is TBD, depending on the size venue we will need. Info regarding recital will be sent out ASAP.
News Letter:
A news letter will be sent out on a monthly basis via email to keep everyone informed of any special events, updated info, or changes.
Inclement Weather Policy:
Please call if you have any doubt whether or not we are holding class due to inclement weather. If you provided your email address at registration, you will receive and email stating whether classes have been cancelled. If you have a snow day at school, make sure to check if we are open before class before your scheduled class time.
Competitions:
We will schedule 3-5 regional competitions throughout the year. As soon as the dates are posted we will register and give you whatever info we have available on them. We would also like to attend 1 national comp at the end of the season, info to follow.
Winnings at competition will be distributed as follows:
-Soloists may keep money or use it to credit tuition/costume/comp fee account.
-Small groups (less than 4 students) may split the money evenly between the group members. Individuals may then decide to keep the money or use it toward their account.
-Large groups winnings will go into a special fund. This fund will be used to reduce prices that individuals pay for things such as warm-ups or, used to reduce prices for competition fees. In some instances, the competition team may be able to vote on how the money should be used.
All-Star team:
This is a team that the competition students can tryout for. The team will be chosen by the director. We must have at least 8 people that make the team in order to take them to competition. The All-Star team will get 1-2 routines per year of either pom, hip-hop, or jazz. These routines will be taken to competitions such as UDA that have an All-Star team category. They may also compete at the regular dance comps with hip hop or jazz. This will be an elite team comprised of the best of the best…of all ages. This is UDA’s description of an All-Star Team:
What is an All-Star Dance Team?
An all-star team includes dancers who may be of varying ages and who may or may not attend different schools. The team usually practices at a location off campus such as the YMCA or a dance studio and is designed for performance and competition. All-Star teams are usually directed by a person who is not employed by a school and who is paid directly by the dancers or sponsoring organization (such as the YMCA). The term "all-star" does not necessarily mean that dancers must have extensive skill or training. Each all-star program sets its' own guidelines and requirements for participation.”
A note from the Director:
At EDF we will strive to do things the right way and conduct ourselves with honesty and integrity. Maintaining a great reputation, that is, not only how we conduct our business, but, also how we dance and conduct ourselves on a daily basis, is important to us. Please feel free come to me with any problems you may have. Everyone in the dance world has experienced the drama that can occur by being involved in dance studio life. Our goal is to stay as far away from this stereotype as possible! People who are not conducting themselves appropriately or involving themselves in hurtful gossip and drama will be asked to leave. We are here to gain a great knowledge of dance and have fun. Drama/fighting will NOT be tolerated. We will encourage all of our students to support each other as a team should. We will strive to avoid unhealthy competition between students and encourage healthy competition with good sportsmanship. Thank you for your efforts in working with us to reach this common goal. I am very passionate about dance but just as passionate, if not more so, about doing what is right! Looking forward to a great year!!!
Laura
Elite Dance force
Director/Choreographer
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