Footlights Performing Arts Company (FPAC) Company Policies

Transcription

1 Footlights Performing Arts Company (FPAC) Company Policies Auditions: New prospective dancers must audition. Once placed in FPAC, we will then use teacher evaluation and placement based on age and ability level. Auditions: The audition material is given on the audition page attached to this packet. The dancer will be given the opportunity to learn the dance on their own. A help session will be offered on Saturday May 17 th. There is a $10 audition fee, which covers the judges/staff time. For Mini Company- we highly recommend dancers auditioning for Mini Company discuss readiness with their current instructors. For more extensive information on auditions, please see audition page. 2. Age Requirements: Please note: These ages are approximate and the instructors reserve the right to move a dancer into another group if they feel that it is necessary. Elite and Senior (unless a rarity) are not approximations. Directors reserve the right to add additional groups based on need. Training company: 9 and up Mini Company: 6+ (Rarely, some almost 6 s might be ready) Intermediate Company: 8+ yrs old Junior Company: 9+ yrs old Teen Company: 13+ yrs old Senior Company: Middle school and up (11 and up) Elite Company: High school (9 th grade and up) 3. Dress Code: Thursdays will require a specific company dress code with company leotard. This is the company leotard, company shorts, and pink tights. Hair is ALWAYS worn in a bun. Ballet Classes: Tights * Leotard Split Sole Ballet Shoes w/elastic * Ballet Skirt (optional) ABSOLUTELY NO tanks, t-shirts, shorts, or pants *Sports Bra Only- if necessary Jazz Classes: Leotard * Tights or Jazz pants Jazz Shoes * Tank Tops and dance shorts are ok. NO baggy shirts or baggy sweat pants Company members are expected to uphold this same dress code in classes outside of regular company classes. This includes hair in a bun in all classes except Hip Hop. 4. Spirit-wear/T-shirts: All FPAC members are required to have the following: Footlights Performing Company Jacket. Current FPAC T-shirt Company Leotard Company Shorts Optional Spirit-wear: Pants to match jacket * Footlights garment bag Footlights duffle bag * Additional Company Leotards 5. Attendance: Performing and Training Companies must take both ballet and jazz classes. (please see Company Class Schedule) This includes the extra ballet technique class required. We also highly encourage extra jazz technique classes to supplement work done in company classes. All company students must be on time to class. Repeated tardiness can affect choreography, encourage injuries (missing warm up) and may result in probation. All company students must make an effort to attend every class. If a student is to be absent, the Director should be contacted by phone within 24 hrs or an if in advance.

2 In order to be eligible to compete/perform the student must have 85% class attendance. If attendance drops below 85% in a 6 week period, instructor may place dancer on probation until attendance is brought up. Further, if the student misses more than 2 consecutive classes, the same probation may be necessary. Probation means the dancer is still on the team and comes to rehearsals, but is NOT guaranteed the right to perform or compete until probation is lifted. At any time, if the dancer misses an excessive amount of classes, consecutive or not, the directors have the right to use their discretion on whether or not the student may continue in FPAC. This can be, but is not limited to, missing repeated consecutive days, missing the same day each month, or a high number of classes. Directors discretion is may vary depending on current choreography and upcoming performances. Anything prepaid/fees are forfeited. Occasionally, if a student is absent, participation in parts of choreography may be effected. The teachers reserve the right to increase this percentage based upon the needs of each individual dancer and/or the class. Attendance policies apply for any dancer participating in a competitive level class. This includes dancers who participate in the class but do not compete. 6. Code of Conduct: Each member of FPAC is responsible of upholding the Code of Conduct at all times. Please remember that we are representing Footlights inside and outside studio time. Any inappropriate behavior not covered in the Code of Conduct, but which is clearly against the studio s vision, will also be handled by the Directors. FPAC members are expected to keep a Christ-like attitude at all times, inside and outside of the studio. If, at any time, the dancer were to conduct themselves in a way deemed inappropriate by the directors and instructors, the dancer may be placed on probation for a period of time. Probation means the dancer is still on the team and comes to rehearsals, but is NOT guaranteed the right to perform or compete until probation is lifted. This gives the dancer an opportunity to change their behavior without being removed from the team immediately. Members and members families are asked to make attempts to solve normal everyday conflict issues with other dancers without instructors intervention. If a situation continues that is not resolved by discussion with other parties, and the situation is affecting the studio or the FPAC, then directors should be approached. Matthew 18:15 All members should have respect for all peers and instructors. Members are to answer all instructors with, Yes Ma am/no Ma am, Yes Sir/No Sir, at all times. Any use of alcohol, illegal drugs, cigarette products, or chewing tobacco. Abuse of any of the above may be cause for removal from FPAC. No prepaid classes or fees are refunded in this event. 7. Fundraising: There are rare fundraisers in which participation is required, however, most are only encouraged not required. Most of the money an FPAC member raises will be put into individual accounts. This money may be used for any company related cost. (I.e.: convention fees, competition fees, costume fees, hotel at competition, food at competition) Everybody Fund: Some of the fundraising we do is deposited into the Everybody Fund. Which is often used for props and other incurred expenses. 8. Summer Classes: All members of both Performing and Training Companies are required to take summer ticket classes at Footlights Dance Studio! New Members of FPAC are required to participate in the Kick Off Your Summer Dance Intensive during the week of June 9 th in addition to the below requirements. All Company members will take: 6 ballet 6 jazz ---5 of each 6 required classes must be taken in the appropriate assigned level Dancers who are NEW to either clogging, contemporary, modern, tap or hip hop competitive teams are required to take at least 4 of the appropriate style.

3 Dancers RETURNING to any competitive group outside of the performing company are required to complete a total of four additional classes in the appropriate style or if in more than one, divided amongst multiple styles. Any variations of this must be approved by Directors. 9. Mini Camp: All members of both Performing and Training Companies are required to attend this camp held at Footlights Dance Studio. Date: August 16 th Time: 9am-3:30pm (Bring a Lunch) *** Party on Saturday (16 th - evening) Cost: $30 paid to studio with card on file, credit card, or cash/check 10. Company Social Fee: There will be a yearly fee of $25 that will be used to help offset the costs of company social functions. This includes the Kick Off Pool Party and Christmas Party, Competition, and Banquet. As well as to assist squad moms with purchasing things for their groups. This payment will be due prior to Mini Camp on Aug. 16 th and will need to be paid to Holly McGaugh with either cash or check. 11. Convention: Dance Revolution Dance Convention Participation is Required and all dancers attend all classes. Cost- $150/$160 November 7-9, Competitions: All students are required to attend at least two competitions in the spring. If a competition is missed, the dancer will be unable to compete or perform in the next upcoming performance/competition. Exceptions may include but are not limited to: Injury, Weather deemed unsafe for traveling, and Serious Illness. This year, please save the dates for the Dance Showcase USA National Competition. We will determine in March of 2015 whether we will be attending Nationals, and what dances will be attending. These dates have not been announced yet, but we have listed approximate dates on the calendar below. The exact dates will be available at the parent meeting in August. Competition Fees are generally around $40 per group. A due date will be given, and a late charge will be applied to all of those turned in after the designated date. Costume fees for these dances vary, but are sometimes slightly higher than non-company class costumes. One competition is usually out of town, where every student is required to stay in the designated hotel. Parents are not required to stay the weekend, but if the parent chooses not to stay, it is the parent s responsibility to make arrangements with another parent that is staying in the hotel to let your dancer room with them. During this weekend, all FPAC members are required to follow the weekend s itinerary provided by the Director which includes supporting each Footlights dance. There will be a competition fee (approx. $3 per dance, depending on number of students) that is to be paid with competition fees that covers the following: Props for competition dance Instructors rooms at hotel for competition Extra costs incurred for competitions, Instructor costs, etc. 14. Elite Company - Age requirement: High school level/age (note: we reserve the right to include eighth graders if we deem them ready.) Please note: HIGH SCHOOLERS WILL STILL BE INCLUDED IN SENIOR COMPANY AS ALWAYS. THIS IS AN EXTENSION OF FPAC AND DANCERS WILL BE MOVED INTO ELITE WHEN THE TEACHING STAFF FEELS THAT THEY ARE READY AND MEET THE AGE REQUIREMENT. As always, we cannot allow parents or students to question the decisions of the teaching staff. It is our desire to please all of our students, but to keep the integrity of the program, we must feel confident that this is the best place AT THAT MOMENT for your student. Elite Company will follow and maintain all other FPAC standards/policies. Elite Company may be asked to perform at additional functions as representatives of the studio. This would occur when we are asked to bring smaller groups or pre-pro groups. Elite company will more than likely compete two squad dances: one jazz, one other. Elite company is required to participate in DAYW. This must include an additional technique class and are encouraged to consider external PE.

4 15. Training Company We have had many dancers interested in FPAC. The Training Company is designed as a transition and training ground for dancers wishing to work towards company membership as well as an additional company for those who may not yet have the technical ability for intermediate, junior or senior level company. Training company will perform at whatever Christmas venue the directors choose. Training company will not compete, but will be welcomed at all competitions for support. Training company may be included in other performance opportunities. Training company will be included in performance with the Flower Mound Symphony Orchestra. Any dancer may be moved from training company and placed on a squad at any time when the teaching staff feels they are ready. 16. Apprenticeship- Sometimes we will place a dancer on a team as an apprentice. This means that the dancer is not quite at the point for competition readiness, but close enough that we feel the dancer will benefit and flourish in the competitive class environment. This decision is made for many reasons not limited to: hard work ethic, positive attitude, and rapidly improving technique. This apprenticeship could be removed after a couple of months, or stay in place the entire year. Readiness is evaluated throughout the year by the instructor of the group, as well as the company and studio directors. Dancer will meet with instructor/company director every 8 weeks for a progress report. Once a dancer is placed as an apprentice, they are guaranteed the opportunity to participate in recital with the group, but not guaranteed to perform in any other performances or competitions. It is up to the dancer and parent to communicate with instructors and company director throughout the year regarding status and improvement. We try to give each apprentice as long as possible to become ready to compete. We will make decisions on each competition by the date in which competition fees are due. Each additional performance will be on a case by case basis. 17. Solo/Duet Policy: * Requirements to do a solo or duet for competition only: * Must complete and turn in Solo/Duet Form to Director by decided due date (More info is on this sheet.) * Must have competed at least one year in FPAC * Trios are rare and limited to directors discretion. Otherwise, solos and duets only, please. * Must get approval from Directors. * Must rehearse and show documentation of rehearsal hours IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER Saturday May 17 th Audition Help Classes Thursday May 29 th Audition Times begin at 4:30pm Thursday June 5 th 6:00/7:00 NEW Parent Info Meeting Monday June 9 th Summer Kick Off New Members Required Monday June 16 th Summer Classes Begin Saturday August 16 th Mini Camp and Kick off Party Thursday, August 28 th, 6:00pm Parent Info Meeting (Must have 1 parent present) November 7-9 th Dance Revolution Second weekend in December Tentative Christmas Performance Last week of classes in December Christmas show-offs in classes First Weekend in May Tentative FMSO Performance End of May Tentative Recital Dress Rehearsal End of May Tentative Recital Date June 23 rd -28 th Tentative Approx.Competition Nationals Dates **Please Note: Competition Dates are not available at time of printing Should be available at 8/29 parent meeting.

5 FOOTLIGHTS PERFORMING COMPANY AUDITIONS Footlights Performing Company Auditions will be held at the studio on Thursday, May 29 th. The YouTube links to the audition material are listed below. The cost to audition is $10, and covers the cost of judges/staff time. Anyone interested in trying out for entry level must attend this audition. If a dancer has a conflict with this date, he/she should contact the Director immediately. Results will be ed out on Monday June 2 nd by 5pm. Optional Help Session: Saturday May 17 th MUST RSVP on the list provided in the office. Ballet 12:15-12:45pm AND Jazz 12:45 1:15pm Audition Time: Thursday May 29 th Ages 9 and Under 4:30-5:15pm Ages 10 and Up 8:00 8:45pm Dancers may attend the help sessions for questions and clarifications. During their audition time, they will perform for judges in small groups without the instructor s help. Audition attire- Black leotard and Tan or Pink tights. Black ballet shorts, Black Capris, or Black Jazz Pants are also acceptable. During the audition, dancers will be assessed in the following: * Ballet Combination * Jazz Combination * Turns: Chaine Turns, Pique Turns, Pirouettes, etc. * Leaps: Grande Jetes, Calypsos, Russians, etc. * Flexibility (I.e.: splits) Judges are looking for: Strong kinesthetic memory Rhythm and musicality Spunk and personality when performing (smile, facial expression,etc) Good technique base Dancer has ability to switch or comprehend directionality Respectful attitude and strong work ethic The judges /staffs decision is final and no arguments or consternation will be accepted. ***If placed in a group, a mandatory new parent meeting will be held at the studio on June 5th at 6:00pm for NEW Training Company members and 7:00pm for NEW Competitive Company Members. At this time, we will be going over requirements for company members, what to expect, etc. Order forms for company jackets, leotards, and other supplies will be handed out at this time as well. If interested in other competition groups (ie: Tap, Clogging, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Footnotes) please see additional corresponding paperwork. You Tube Links- Jazz 9 and Under AND Jazz 10 and Up - Ballet (Both Age Groups) -