Dance competitions can be a wonderful experience for dancers! Having the opportunity to compete in something you love can be very rewarding. At ArtWorks Academy, development of proper technique is the foundation of our dance program. By developing strong dancers first and then preparing them for competition, they will be successful in competitions, classes, and any other dance endeavors they may choose.

To prepare for competition, dancers need to develop strength, flexibility, and proper dance technique. We do not aim to simply teach a dance for competition and have the students perfect only the steps required for the dance. We want to develop dancers who compete. For this reason it is important that our team members continue to study their dance technique in ballet, tap, and jazz. We also require a Leaps and Turns class, which is intended to help student develop strength and flexibility as well as improve their turns and jumps for competition.

To be competitive with other dancers their age, younger students need to be in class at least two days a week. Students in 6th grade or higher should be dancing three days a week. Adding the optional classes may have students dancing one more day a week.

Required Classes

Kindergarten-2nd Grade:

  • Ballet/Tap Combo or Boys Combo
  • Mini Company Leaps and Turns Class
  • Weekly Rehearsals (one day per week)
  • Summer Company Intensive

3rd-6th Grade:

  • 1 Hour of Ballet
  • Tap/Jazz Combo
  • Leaps and Turns Class (level to be determined at auditions)
  • Weekly Rehearsals
  • Summer Company Intensive

6th-12th Grade:

  • Ballet (1-3 hours per week, dependent upon level)
  • 1 Hour of Jazz
  • Tap (30 minutes - 1 hour, dependent upon level)
  • Leaps and Turns Class
  • Weekly Rehearsals
  • Summer Company Intensive

    

Optional Classes

Kindergarten-2nd Grade:

  • Hip Hop
  • Beginning Musical Theatre

3rd-6th Grade:

  • Hip Hop
  • Lyrical (5th grade by permission only)
  • Production Company

6th-12th Grade:

  • Hip Hop
  • Lyrical
  • Pointe (with instructor approval only)
  • Production Company


Attendance

Students must attend required classes and rehearsals. Team members are allowed four absences from rehearsal each school year. They MUST be in attendance for the two weeks prior to competition. If a team member misses two or more weeks in a row, they will be required to schedule a private lesson with the instructor at the rate of $22 per half hour. Missing more than the allotted absences may result in dismissal from the team.

Fees and Tuition

Summer Company Intensive: $125.00

Fee Per Dance: $200.00

This fee includes the rehearsal time, entry fees for two competitions, costume, tights, and shoes IF shoes other than those required for technique classes are required. (i.e. black jazz shoes rather than tan, etc).

Monthly Tuition: Tuition is dependent upon the number hours your child is in class each week. Tuition for the minimum required classes is as follows:

K-2nd Grade $57.00

3rd-6th Grade $97.00

6th-12th Grade $142.00

Time Commitment

Classes and rehearsals each week during the school year.

Summer Company Intensive (August 15th-19th; times TBA)

Extra rehearsals as needed the weekend before a competition.

Competition Weekends (TBA, we will attend 2 competitions sometime January-May.) Dancers must be available the whole weekend. The competitions announce the dates for next year’s competitions over the summer. They do not provide a schedule for the competition until 10 days before hand. Depending on the size of the competition, students may perform Friday night, or at anytime on Saturday or Sunday. Studios cannot make requests for certain days and times.

Parent Meeting (Late May)

Auditions

We have already held the auditions for the 2011-2012 year.  However, please contact us if you would like to arrange a private audition.

All auditions for the 2011-2012 season will be held on Monday, June 27, 2011. The times are as follows:

K-2nd Grade Dancers: 6:00-6:30 pm
3rd-5th Grade Dancers: 6:30-7:15 pm
6th-12th Grade Dancers: 7:15-8:00 pm

Each audition will include some basic technique work and stretching, and a couple of small combinations across the floor as well as one longer combination. Students will dance in groups. We will evaluate each dancer on flexibility, technique, ability to learn combinations, and performance.

Parents will fill out an audition form for each student. Dancers may participate in 1-4 group dances at competition. Prior to the audition, decide how many dances in which you will allow your dancer to participate. You will need to note this on the audition form. We will then place students in dances where we feel they will be the most successful.

Fundraising

We attempt to provide as many opportunities as possible for students to fundraise for their competition fees. We welcome parent ideas and participation in the fundraising process. Come to the parent meeting with ideas!

Solos and Duets

If your child would like to perform a solo at competition, they are required to take a weekly private lesson. Preparation for competition will be done during the lessons. Lessons are $75.00 per month for 30 minutes. A costume will need to be purchased at the parent’s expense and solo entry fees range fro $70.00-90.00 per student. Please speak with Cheryl if you are interested in a solo.

Dance Material

It is the policy of ArtWorks Academy to always present students with material that is age appropriate. This will be strictly enforced with our competition dances. We carefully consider the music, costumes, and choreography for each dance.

Please email Cheryl Morris at cheryl@artworksacademy.com for more information.