DancEtc Company Members Information
Competitive Program
DancEtc offers a variety of National and Regional Competitive Dance Groups for all ages. Students participating in this program undergo a rigorous training and rehearsal regimen that culminates in performance opportunities between January and May with a grand national competition in June or July. August auditions determine which DancEtc students will appear in the programʼs regional and national competitive dance groups. Staff and/or professional choreographers create unique dance pieces for the groups which travel to dance conventions and competitions throughout the country performing in tap, jazz, lyrical, ballet, and hip-hop categories. Students in the competitive dance program take a pre-determined number of ballet and jazz technique classes each week in addition to turns, jumps, & tricks. They may also be eligible for additional classes to help maintain their performance skills edge.
Students wishing to have a solo, duet, or trio will let the instructor know at auditions. Instructors will place dancers into the routines for the year. Company Members are held to high standards and require a full commitment.
2010/2011 Members
Congrats to our 2011/2012 Company Members:
Brittany
Olivia
Tessa
Hailey
Lelia
Angelina
Director of Company:
Mr. Matt
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Please be aware that the more group numbers a dancer and their family select, the commitment level and costs rise as well. Rehearsal times, costume fees, and competition entry fees all rise proportionally with the quantity of dance numbers. This decision is up to you, and is an IMPORTANT decision and commitment of both your time and money. Please make sure you give it careful consideration.
See the Tuition page for more details about costs.
Do only members of a single Group (Jr., Teen, etc) dance in each number?
No. Although some of the time a Group number is made up of dancers within a Company, there are times Mr. Matt decides to place certain dancers together to tap into (no pun intended!) a dancer’s particular strengths or abilities and to compete with the strongest Group for an age category.
When do the Competition Group Numbers rehearse?
Groups are rehearsed during the week and are scheduled well in advance. We try to schedule all Groups for a Company (Sr., Mini, etc) around the same time on a single day.
As we get closer to competition times, weekend classes will be arranged and Group rehearsals will be scheduled. You will know this schedule well in advance.
Can I do a solo, duet or trio?
Yes, and this is your time to shine! Solos, duets and trios are optional and are available to any company member. If you elect to do a solo, duet or trio, you will meet with the Instructor at the beginning of the season and decide on the style of dance and the music. For duets or trios, the Instructor will group dancers based upon the individual dancers' strengths and skills. Every effort will be made to honor pairing requests; Mr. Matt must approve all groupings.
Once everything is agreed upon, you will schedule private choreography sessions. Choreography will be set by a DancEtc choreographer, or a choreographer approved by the Director. You will be charged a flat fee for choreography. The fee includes as many privates as needed to complete and “set” the choreography. Once your choreography has been completed, you can continue scheduling privates to rehearse and “clean” your number. The teacher’s hourly rates will apply to these sessions, and must be paid for through the DancEtc Office when the private is scheduled.
You are responsible for scheduling and signing up for your privates and you do this through the Office.
Costumes for solos, duets, and trios are the responsibility of the dancer. All costumes must be approved by the Directors. Frequently, prior year DancEtc costumes are available for purchase from others in the Company, and may be altered or modified for your needs.
Check the tuition page for solo/duo/trio costs.
Can I speak candidly with a Company parent so i can decide if Company's right for my child?
Yes, in fact, we strongly encourage you to talk with Company members and their families. Our strongest supporters are our dancers’ families, and they can tell you about their experiences. Please contact us and we can refer you to a Company family who would be happy to talk with you.
I really want to be in Company, but I may not be able to attend the Nationals in the summer. Is this Okay?
Yes, but please let us know about it well in advance, as we must re-set numbers to accommodate the missing dancer. You will know the location and dates of the Nationals competition at the beginning of the season, which gives plenty of time to plan and make arrangements to attend. Please make every effort to attend, as we want all our dancers to be able to experience the excitement of a National competition. But we understand that there may be reasons that a dancer may not be able to attend.
Your National Entry Fees for group numbers will be paid out of your Escrow Account and are non-refundable, regardless of your attending Nationals or not.
All other expenses, including travel, lodging, meals, etc. are the responsibility of the dancer’s family.
How much does everything cost?
Costs vary based upon how many group numbers a dancer participates in.
Please see the Tuition Cost page for pricing details.
What is an Escrow Account?
At the beginning of the season, you will receive a statement showing your financial obligations for monthly tuition, Competition Group entry fees, Company tuition. The grand total for the entire season is calculated and split up into 9 monthly payments. Your Escrow Account is an easy way to distribute the wallet-impact of competition fees over the entire season!
Please see the Tuition Costs page for more information about how the Escrow Account can help you manage your budget.
Is there a booster club or other type of fund-raising resource to help with expenses?
We did not have one last year. If you are interested in starting one please let us know.
Are there any other performing opportunities that aren't competitions?
All company dancers participate in the studio's end-of-year recital in May.
Also, we occasionally have opportunities to perform at local festivals and events supporting our community.
