Rutgers Summer Dance Conservatory

Transcription

1 Rutgers Summer Dance Conservatory FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Rutgers Summer Dance Conservatory Junior Dance Conservatory Session I: July 20-July 25, 2014 Junior Dance Conservatory Session II: July 27-August 1, 2014 Senior Dance Conservatory: July 20-August 1, 2014 Dr. Barbara Bashaw, director Quick facts: Rutgers Junior and Senior Dance Conservatories are intensive, precollege programs for experienced dancers who seek to build artistic acuity and technical endurance while learning about pursuing college study as they work toward a career in dance. Students attend ballet and modern technique classes and meet with staff on learning goals and career aspirations. Dancers work in intimate repertory groups with professional choreographers and create their own choreography, which is performed in two fully produced, end-of-session showcases. Prospective participants must complete an online application, an audition (video or live), and have their primary dance instructor complete an online recommendation form. Junior Dance Conservatory One or two week intensive (students may select either or both weeks) for young dancers who seek to build artistic acuity and technical endurance. Commuter and residential options are available. Eligibility: dancers ages 11 to 14 (rising sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade) may apply. Tuition: o All participants: $50 Non-refundable application fee (additional to tuition) o Residential rate for one session (room, board, tuition and all activities): $1,125 o Residential rate for two sessions (room, board, tuition and all activities): $2,250 o Commuter rate (tuition only, lunch included): $700 per session. All residential tuition fees include tuition, room, board, and concert tickets for students. All commuter tuition fees include tuition, lunch, and concert tickets for students. o Limited scholarship assistance is available (please see below for more information) Senior Dance Conservatory: Ages Two-week intensive, pre-college program for dancers who seek to build artistic acuity and technical endurance. Commuter and residential options are available. Eligibility: dancers ages 14 to 18 (Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and rising seniors) may apply. Tuition: o All participants: $50 Non-refundable application fee (additional to tuition) o Residential rate: $2,250 (room, board, and all activities) o Commuter rate: $1,400 (tuition only, includes lunch) All residential tuition fees include tuition, room, board, and concert tickets for students. Rutgers Summer Dance Conservatory FAQ Page 1

2 All commuter tuition fees include tuition, lunch, and concert tickets for students. o Limited scholarship assistance is available (please see below for more information) Junior and Senior Dance Conservatory: o How to apply: complete online application, supply letter of recommendation, and video audition URL. o Website: o Registration Begins: January 3, 2014 o Registration Ends: June 2, 2014 FAQ Index: GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION DANCE PLACEMENTS & CLASSES FACILITIES, DETAILS OF CAMPUS LIFE, MEALS SCHEDULE & INSTRUCTION APPLICATION, SCHOLARSHIP, TUITION & FEES TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS COMMUTER INFORMATION POLICIES QUESTIONS AND FEEDBACK? General Program Information Is the Summer Dance Conservatory a two-week program, or can dancers choose to do only one week? The Senior Dance Conservatory is a two-week program designed to provide a professional pre-college experience for young dancers and requires dancer attendance for both weeks. The Junior Dance Conservatory allows students to select one or both weeks to attend. Is the Conservatory for New or Experienced Dancers? The Junior Dance Conservatory welcomes outstanding young dancers ages 11 to 14. The Senior Conservatory accepts experienced dancers between the ages of 14 to 18. All applicants Junior and Senior Divisions - must apply, submit instructor recommendations, and have successfully completed an audition (video or live on April 4, 2014). As an applying Conservatory student am I required to submit video footage of myself dancing? Yes, unless you attend the April 4, 2014 live audition at Mason Gross, or another live audition opportunity. If I want to submit video footage for the Summer Dance Conservatory, what format should it be in, and what information should it include? For students submitting video footage we request that it be in the form of a shared URL link. Acceptable submissions include: a. A solo recorded during performance b. A solo combination in ballet, modern, jazz, or hip hop recorded in a studio of other space c. A combination of a. and b. We request that all video submission be at least 3 minutes in length and have clear resolution. Rutgers Summer Dance Conservatory FAQ Page 2

3 How do I upload a video to YouTube? Submitting your audition video o Create your own YouTube channel. Click here for instructions. o Upload your audition video o Share the video s URL where prompted in the application. o Video not ready at the time you are completing your online application? No problem! You can upload your video at a later time here: How should my instructor submit a letter of recommendation? A form will be available online for the instructor to complete. The form will be found on the following page: What should I expect at the opening orientation? All students (including commuters) are asked to attended orientation on the first day. During this time students will have the opportunity to meet peers and faculty; become familiar with the Conservatory rules; and receive schedules outlining important information about the week ahead. {Back to top of FAQ} Dance Placements & Classes How do placement classes work and why do we do them? On your first day of Dance Conservatory you will take a placement class in ballet and modern dance. College dance faculty will observe to determine how to group dancers based on learning strengths and needs. Dancers are analyzed in a number of areas, including: alignment, core support, whole-body integration, application of rotation, strength, rhythmic acuity, phrase retention as well as other cognitive and social indicators. A dancer s skills in these areas, and not his/her age or the number of years of prior dance training, determine the placement into technical cohorts for the daily ballet and modern classes. For this reason it is possible for Dance Camp and Dance Conservatory dancers to be cross-enrolled in the technique classes. During the first two days of the ballet and modern classes, faculty make rounds to confirm correct class placement. At the end of the first week, student accelerations are determined for conservatory as well as returning camp dancers. In addition, each conservatory student is assigned to the case load of a counselor/graduate student who will meet with them individually to assess artistry goals and provide individual advisement and coaching. What if my Summer Conservatory class level is not the same as the level I take at my studio? Different schools have different criteria for their classes. Some schools base class composition on age cohorts or number of years of study and may accelerate students before they demonstrate skill sets that ensure healthy participation. At Mason Gross, our faculty value anatomically sound principles and analyze a number of skills (see above) to determine placements that ensure maximum growth, success and injury prevention. We design instruction built on learners prior knowledge and assess carefully so that students accelerate in pace with motor/physical development and safety standards. A student s class placement is made to help the student focus on a skill set that will lead to long-term success and is not a determination of the student as a good or bad dancer. Rutgers Summer Dance Conservatory FAQ Page 3

4 What is Morning Stretch, and do we have to do it? Morning stretch is a daily class aimed at preparing the body for the daily technique classes while also disseminating information about dancer health, wellbeing and safety. It includes a mixture of cardiovascular, stretch, and conditioning techniques gently paced for morning start-up and accompanied by Top 40 music. Both the conservatory and camp students participate in the morning stretch classes. What can I expect from daily Technique class? Students in both the conservatory and camp attend daily technique classes in ballet and modern, ninety minutes long each, designed with the overarching goal of building aptitudes and skills through consistency and exposure to new concepts and material. Classes are structured to enable students to meet and work closely with Rutgers dance faculty. All students can expect a caring environment where students are encouraged to appreciate mistakes and to meet challenges that stretch their range. What is the purpose of the Dance Workshops? Dance Workshops are designed to expand student s exposure to the field of dance through a variety of topics. Students collect resources from each workshop, including helpful hand-outs, brochures, charts or web information. Each summer and each week, a series of different workshops are offered, so that returning students continue to build their dance knowledge base. What is the Choreography Workshop and what is its purpose? The Choreography Workshop provides students with the opportunity to collaboratively create and perform their own dances for the showcase at the end of each week. During the workshop students will explore a particular choreographic device or structure and gain insight into the choreographer s compositional toolbox. What can conservatory students expect from the Master Classes? During the conservatory students will participate in several master classes. Master classes are designed specifically to expose students to areas of Mason Gross dance faculty and guest specialties. They are generally two hours in length and endeavor to embody specific concepts over the course of the two hours. Each year, new master classes are provided so that returning students have the opportunity to experience the range of faculty artistry and creative research. What type of Dance Concerts will students be exposed to? Throughout the two weeks of Dance Conservatory, students will have the opportunity to attend concerts at Mason Gross, showcasing both faculty and student talent. After the concerts, students will participate in a talk-back BFA alumni and BFA dance majors to learn more about their college experience at Mason Gross. Conservatory students attend a trip to New York City to attend concert dance. This is a fun-filled evening that includes a box dinner, dessert at a NYC venue and a performance of concert dance. {Back to top of FAQ} Rutgers Summer Dance Conservatory FAQ Page 4

5 FACILITIES, DETAILS OF CAMPUS LIFE, MEALS Where are camp activities held? All camp activities are held on the Douglass Campus of Rutgers University. The Nicholas Music Center Dance Studios are where a majority of camp activities are held. Will my child be safe on campus? Yes. We take great care to supervise, buildings, surrounding areas, and all activities utilizing Extension Division staff and counselors. Dancers are not allowed to roam on the campus unattended by a counselor. Are college classes in session during the Dance Camps and Dance Conservatory? Yes. Camp participants and collegiate students may pass by one another occasionally. However, our camp events are distinct from all collegiate activity. Informal interaction between Rutgers student population and our camp guests is extremely minimal. In the Dance Conservatory there are several special events planned and supervised where dancers have the opportunity to meet our BFA dance majors and alumni to discuss the college dance as a pathway. Are dormitories nearby the instructional facilities? The campus housing utilized for Dance Conservatory is a 10 minute walk from the Nicholas Music Center Dance Studios. The Cafeteria is on the way making for a convenient stopping point. Dancers are always accompanied by our counselors when walking on campus. What meals are served to Rutgers Summer Dance Camp and Conservatory participants? All students (residents and commuting students), faculty, and staff eat lunch together onsite at the Nicholas Music Center. Lunches are catered by University Dining Services. Residential students eat breakfast and dinner at the Nielson Dining Hall, nearby (a short walk) the dormitories and the Nicholas Music Center. Are meals included in tuition? Commuting student tuition includes lunch only. Residential student tuition includes all meals. Can you accommodate special dietary needs? Meeting the needs of the Rutgers University community year-round, University Dining Services is able to accommodate most, if not all, special dietary needs. Accepted students will have the opportunity to share special dietary considerations with University Dining Services in advance of the Summer Dance Camp and Conservatory. Where do we eat lunch, and what is provided? Rutgers catering services provides lunch for all Conservatory students Monday-Friday. This lunch consists of a variety of ham, turkey, chicken, and roasted vegetable sandwiches or wraps. Once per week the Extension Division staff will order pizza. Also served are soda, water as well as salad, fruit, cookies, or brownies. Lunch is served at 12:30 pm to all Camp and Conservatory students, faculty, and staff. Everyone dines informally together in the Nicholas Music Center. If a dancer has any special eating requirements this may be indicated on his/her health form and a special lunch can be provided. When do we eat dinner, and what type of food is available? For resident students, dinner is served at 6:00 pm, immediately following the last class of the day. Residents dine together with counselors in the Nielson Dining Hall on campus, located across the street from the dormitories. The dining hall and dining services is very accommodating to student needs. There Rutgers Summer Dance Conservatory FAQ Page 5

6 are both kosher, vegetarian, and salad bar options. If a dancer has any special eating requirements this may indicated on his/her health form and a special lunch can be provided. Are directions or campus maps available? View building location and find directions here: Mason Gross Performing Arts Center 85 George Street New Brunswick, NJ GPS coordinates: N ; W Are dormitories air conditioned? Yes. Students should still consider bringing fans for use in university housing. Are window A/C units permitted? No. Rutgers does not allow window units to be installed for personal use. How does moving into the dorms work? What can I expect? Students are asked to arrive at Rutgers on the first Sunday two hours prior to their first placement class. Parents will be provided with driving and drop off information for the Rutgers dorms where students will be staying. At check-in, students will be provided with keys, meal cards, and access to their dorm rooms. Students arriving on time for check-in will have approximately 2 hours to unpack and settle in their dorm room before being escorted to their first class (please refer to the camp and conservatory schedule). What should I bring? Students will be provided with a packing list prior to their arrival at Rutgers. Conservatory students are limited to one large suitcase per person and one dance bag. The dorms are fully furnished, air-conditioned student apartments. Students are not allowed to bring breakable items (such as mirrors or ceramic household items). Conservatory students will be provided laundry time at the end of the first week, with access to university laundry facilities. Students are asked to arrive on the first day with their separate dance bags packed and ready for class. Will there be time for snacks? Dancers are encouraged to pack healthy snacks and water in their dance bags. There are 15-minute breaks between classes during which dancers may eat snacks. What happens in the dorms? On the first evening in the dorms the counselors will review the dorm rules and safety. During the weekdays, dancers are encouraged to attend the pool at the Cook Douglas Recreation Center under the supervision of the councilors after dinner. Wading/swimming helps to reduce the natural, lactic acid build up and any inflammation in the muscles and can ease discomfort associated with muscular growth. Students may also remain at the dorms to relax under the supervision of counselors. Early in the evening, students like to relax, check (wireless provided) or to visit each other s dorm rooms to play board games. Bedtime and quiet hours for all Camp and Conservatory students is 10:00 pm. Sleep is a major contributor to learning and during the evening, counselors perform routine checks to make sure all students are in their appropriate rooms with lights out. What do I do with my laundry? Conservatory students are advised to pack one week worth of dance wear and/or bring small portions of laundry soap in order to hand-wash items in the dorm sink. Conservatory students will be able to launder all clothing on Friday evening of their stay in the dorm laundry facilities. Rutgers Summer Dance Conservatory FAQ Page 6

7 Supervision: all activities, dormitory activities and travel (walking) to and from locations are supervised by Extension Division staff members. {Back to top of FAQ} SCHEDULE & INSTRUCTION Is a schedule of activities available? Yes, our schedule from 2013 is posted online. Dance Conservatory: Dance Conservatory Week I Commuter (Sample Schedule PDF) How are instructors selected? Faculty are selected based on their outstanding accomplishment as educators and/or performers, and their demonstrated ability to work effectively with adolescents and precollege students. We do favor Mason Gross faculty, as well as teaching artists who have a strong connection to Mason Gross School of the Arts (i.e./ alumni). Who are the Counselors that oversee and participate in the Rutgers Dance Conservatory? The Dance Conservatory counselors who supervise students during their stay on the Rutgers campus are current graduate students in the Dance Education Program at Mason Gross/The Graduate School of Education as well as Ed.M. alumni with NJ Department of Education dance teacher certification. During students stay at Rutgers they will be accompanied at all times by either one or more counselors to and from all of their activities. Counselors are available 24/7 to all students and reside in adjoining dorms with Conservatory students for supervision and safety. Is private instruction available? We do not offer private instruction during the Summer Dance Conservatory. Students requiring assistance in learning parts or working out ensemble challenges will find help during scheduled instructional sessions, or by special arrangement with staff who are available to assist in aiding the student s learning process. Dance Conservatory students will be assigned to a graduate student case-load where their learning goals will be assessed and they will be provided advisement. How do you motivate my child? Motivation comes from students who are excited to attend the Conservatory inspiring one another; faculty who are well prepared and fully engaged in their work; repertoire that inspires developing artists; and a learning environment that is conducive to student achievement. In the dance field it is common to encounter teen dancers whose physical skills outpace their cognitive and social needs. Growth in all three areas, physical, cognitive and social are critical factors in cultivating healthy dance artists. At the Dance Conservatory we consider all three areas of development when making determinations about student placement and progress. How can Mason Gross summer camps help in college preparation? Students learning from collegiate faculty and outstanding professionals engaged in successful dance careers come into contact with standards of excellence found at a premiere arts conservatory the Mason Gross School of the Arts. Additionally, Mason Gross Admissions Director, Ms. Mandy Feiler, will present a Rutgers Summer Dance Conservatory FAQ Page 7

8 workshop on college admissions that will help students in their preparation for college, as dance students, and generally. How do you get such phenomenal results in such a short time? The Extension Division promotes high standards of artistic excellence, in camps and year-round programs. Outstanding curriculum, faculty, and preparation for events inspires outstanding achievement, builds communities, and changes lives. We think of all events we run, including the Dance Conservatory, as being gateways to personal excellence for our participants. Will students have free time for activities? After dinner our resident dancers have the option to attend the Recreation Center as well as to relax and socialize in the dorms. During the day, our intention is to build an exciting, intense, impactful week of dance experiences that will inspire students for the year to come. We do plan fun social events, such as a Barbecue and dance concert, but our focus in on providing excellent artistic experiences for our students. {Back to top of FAQ} AUDITION, APPLICATION, TUITION & FEES Describe the application/audition process. Dance Conservatory applicants who plan to submit a video audition should make a video recording of themselves performing the audition repertoire listed below. Use the best equipment you have (honestly, iphones work great!). a. A solo recorded during performance b. A solo combination in ballet, modern, jazz, or hip hop recorded in a studio of other space c. A combination of a. and b. We request that all video submission be at least 3 minutes in length and have clear resolution. Create your own YouTube channel, upload your audition video and then share the video s URL where prompted in the application. o Video not ready at time you are completing your audition? No problem! You can upload your video at a later time here: You will be contacted once your video has been evaluated. o Accepted students should return to the registration site account and complete payment for the camp. o Non-accepted students simply discontinue the registration process. When does registration begin? January 3, Where do I register? All registration is online. Dance Conservatory please visits and look for the Register Now button. Rutgers Summer Dance Conservatory FAQ Page 8

9 Can I register over the phone? No. We only accept registrations online. Tuition & fees: Application fee of $50 additional to tuition. (non-refundable) o Tuition: All participants: $50 Non-refundable application fee (additional to tuition) Residential rate: $2,250 (room, board, and all activities) Commuter rate: $1,350 (tuition only, includes lunch) Commuters: week long parking pass for lots 74 & 79 - $15 How do apply to the Dance Conservatory? You will set up a username and password to access your registration account. Please complete online forms as prompted; pay only the required $50 deposit. Do NOT pay the entire tuition until you receive notice of acceptance to the Dance Conservatory. Submit your audition video at time of registration, or soon afterwards. o Submit your video online here if it is not ready at time of registration: o Lean how to upload a video to YouTube: YouTube How do I upload a video to YouTube? o o Submitting your audition video Create your own YouTube channel. Click here for instructions. Upload your audition video Share the video s URL where prompted in the application. Video not ready at the time you are completing your online application? No problem! You can upload your video at a later time here: Following notification of acceptance to Dance Conservatory, you may return to your registration form and complete the registration payment. Please note: Auto billing is required of all camp participants. You may pay off your balance due at once or in stages at any time prior to June 2, Any balance which remains will be auto-billed on June 2, How can I pay my balance due? Payment is made online via our secure registration system. Return to your online registration account and complete payment via credit card. In person via check, cash, or credit card (Visa or MasterCard only). By mail via check. Please make all checks payable to Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey o Please be certain to identify your child s name and the camp/institute s/he will attend. o A $25 fee will be assessed for any returned check. Rutgers Summer Dance Conservatory FAQ Page 9

10 o Mailing address: Mason Gross Extension Division Rutgers Summer Dance Camp / Dance Conservatory 81 George Street New Brunswick, NJ By phone with a credit card. **Please do not leave your credit card number on our voice mail service. We are not able to process any card numbers from messages left on our voice mail service. ** Are payment plans available? Due to the way payment is set up, you may break up your payment into as many installments as you wish. You will be provided with a payment location (found on your confirmation of registration ) that you will access with your username and password. Please plan on paying your entire balance due by June 2, Is financial aid available? At present time, we only have funding for the scholarships described below. What scholarships are available? There are three tiers of scholarship consideration for the camp and conservatory: Tier I: Merit and need scholarships for selected students attending our partnership schools that sponsored a graduate teaching intern during the prior fall semester. Selection is determined by the director in collaboration with the school dance faculty. Tier II: Merit and need scholarships for selected students attending our partnership schools that sponsored graduate fieldwork students throughout the past academic year. Selection is determined by the director in collaboration with the school dance faculty. Tier III: Merit and need scholarships for in- or out-of-state students identified by Mason Gross dance faculty at the National High School Dance Festival or other venues. If my parent, guardian, or relative is a Rutgers Employee am I eligible for a discount? No. If your parent, guardian, or relative is a Rutgers Employee you are not eligible for a discount for the Dance Conservatory program. What is the application deadline? June 2, Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, as space is available after June 2, {back to top of FAQ} TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS Are airfare and other travel costs included in the tuition? No, participants are responsible for their own transport costs. Are recommendations for transport from area airports to campus available? Yes. Please click here for a listing of available area transportation. Rutgers Summer Dance Conservatory FAQ Page 10

11 Can you recommend area housing options? Rutgers University Inn and Conference Center (walking distance to campus; free bus service to downtown New Brunswick). Rutgers University Inn & Conference Center 178 Ryders Lane New Brunswick, NJ Main Phone: Main Fax: website: Directions & location: East Brunswick Hilton (requires transportation to campus) {Back to top of FAQ} COMMUTER INFORMATION What time and where is drop off for commuters on Sunday, July 20, 2014? 12:30 p.m. at Bettenbender Plaza, Nicholas Music Center What time and where is pick up for commuters on Sunday, August 1, 2014? 5:45-6:30 p.m. at Bettenbender Plaza, Nicholas Music Center (Pizza party ongoing during this time). What time and where is drop off Monday Friday? 8:00 a.m. at Bettenbender Plaza, Nicholas Music Center What time and where is pick up Monday Friday? Monday Thursday: 5:45 p.m. at Bettenbender Plaza, Nicholas Music Center Friday: Bettenbender Plaza, Nicholas Music Center following the showing in the Victoria J. Mastrubuono Theatre. My child wishes to drive to campus. Is this allowed? Yes. Is parking available? At what cost? Yes, a parking pass is available for $15 that allows for parking access during the week in lots 74 and 79. {back to top of FAQ} POLICIES What are your policies regarding social media? Students may use social media during recreational times only. Faculty and staff are prohibited from interacting with students using social media during camp. Social media used to bully or denigrate other participants will be dealt with under our bullying policy. Rutgers Summer Dance Conservatory FAQ Page 11

12 What are your policies regarding cell phone use? Students may use cell phones in-between instructional sessions, and during instructional sessions in the event of emergency only. Cell phones must be silenced during instructional sessions. Student Behavior The Extension Division reserves the right to dismiss any student for inappropriate behavior. Students are provided with clear guidelines for behavior during an orientation session at the start of each camp session. Refunds will not be provided to any students dismissed from camp for inappropriate behavior. Examples of inappropriate behavior that may result in dismissal: bullying, smoking, drinking alcohol, being in possession of alcohol, use of illegal drugs, possession of illegal drugs, unapproved use of prescribed medication, failure to obey Extension Division policies and procedures, abusive behavior towards camp faculty and staff, theft, and vandalism of university facilities or property. In most cases, students are informed of behavioral issues detected by camp faculty and/or staff and given the opportunity to modify their behavior while continuing in the camp. o The Extension reserves the right to dismiss students without warning in cases of egregious breach of policies and/or procedures, or in cases where the safety/well-being of other campers is threatened. o Parents of minors will be informed of any pending disciplinary action. Participant waiver & photo release form A participant waiver that includes a photo release form and a waiver of liability is included in the registration process. Will my child be able to bring a laptop or other electronic device to camp? Computers may be used in the dormitories during free time. Students will be supplied with a password to connect to RU Wireless. Is it possible for my child to leave campus during the week? Yes, but only by special arrangement with the Extension Division Director, Christopher Kenniff. {back to top of FAQ} QUESTIONS AND FEEDBACK I have specific questions not addressed in this FAQ document. Can I speak with someone? Yes! Please us ([email protected]) your name, phone number, the best time to reach you, and your question(s). In the subject line of your , please indicate the following: your name name of camp - question. We will contact you with the answer to your question at the next available opportunity. Call us at Please note that the best way for us to put you in touch with someone who can answer your question is to us first and let us then contact you via phone. We are eager to gain your feedback! Please your thoughts to Extension Division Director, Christopher Kenniff, [email protected]. {Back to top of FAQ} Rutgers Summer Dance Conservatory FAQ Page 12