2019-2020 Season

Competition Team information

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     Thank you for your interest in our competition team. This page was created to give each potential team member and their families the information necessary to decide if they are ready for the commitment required by our team. Please read through this information so you can make an informed decision on whether or not any of our teams will be a good fit for you.

     We have multiple levels of team, from novice to advanced dancers. Each level requires a different time and monetary commitment, which will be outlined below:

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Please note, age divisions are determined based on the dancer’s age as of January 1st, 2020.

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Competitive Team- (Ages 5-18) Dancers have the opportunity to be cast in up to three group competition routines and will be required to take ballet, tap and jazz. (*** Contemporary is also a requirement for those cast in a contemporary piece) Dancers choosing this route will be at the studio 2-3 days per week for 1-2 hours per day depending on ballet level.)

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Vitality Dance Company- (Ages 6-18) Dancers who successfully complete the competitive team audition and express interest in a larger commitment may audition for VDC. VDC auditions will take place the day after formal auditions. Dancers will have the opportunity to be cast in up to six group, duet or trio routines and will be required to take ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, acro, turns and leaps, strength and conditioning. Dancers choosing this route will be at the studio 4 days per week for 3-4 hours per day depending on ballet level.)

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     Being on a team is one of the best experiences a child can have, but it requires an abundance of dedication by both the dancer and their family. Our goal is to provide our students the best training possible while teaching them ideals such as teamwork, integrity, work ethic and sportsmanship.

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     Whether you are a competition veteran or brand new to the competition experience, we assure you that each dancer will grow and change throughout the year’s performances. Competition does involve extra planning and commitments, but the reward is well worth it. We invite you to pursue your passion for dance and test the limits of what you can achieve through dedication and teamwork.

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Audition Information

Auditions are Saturday, March 30th!!!

Time: Please attend the audition time for your age as of January 1, 2020

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NOTE: Some dancers may be asked to stay for the next age level of auditions.

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Avondale:

Ages: 5-6 9:30am

Ages: 7-8 10am

Ages: 9-11 10:30am

Ages: 12 and up- 11:30am

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Surprise:

Ages: 5-6 3pm

Ages: 7-8 3:30pm

Ages: 9-11 4pm

Ages: 12 and up- 5pm

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VDC Auditions (For dancers who successfully complete the competitive team audition and would like to add additional routines)

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Sunday, March 31st @ noon @ Surprise location

 

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TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AUDITION:

• Arrive on time! Better yet, arrive early. Give yourself enough time to stretch and warm up.

• Our auditions are generally held in the styles of Jazz, Contemporary and Tap. However, bring all of your shoes just in case we ask to see other styles. (i.e.: Ballet Slippers, Sneakers, Etc. NO SOCKS!)

• All dancers must come in form fitting dance clothes (leotards, hot shorts, crop tops, leggings, tank tops). Wear something that you are confident in and that shows off your body lines.

• Wear your hair pulled back in a tight bun.

• No gum. No Jewelry.

• Audition in appropriate age group for your child’s age as of January 1, 2020

• Being nervous is natural. Don’t let it get the best of you. Remember that being nervous means that you care! Do your personal best and come in with a great attitude.

• Don’t only show off your dance technique… Show off your enthusiasm, determination, discipline, motivation and responsibility.

•  No crossing of arms. No yawning. No sitting down. No leaning on the ballet barres.

For additional questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to call, email or stop by the studio!

 

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WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

 

In the 2019-2020 season, we will attend 2 conventions and 4 competitions. All events are mandatory and the team requires commitment for the entire year. The team members will also be required to perform all routines in recitals.

 

 

 

 

Attendance / Time Commitment

• Dancers will need to maintain good attendance in their technique classes and rehearsal class. Students with excessive absences may be asked to leave the team.

  • 3 unexcused absences- probation

  • 5 unexcused absences- dismissal

  • Missing the rehearsal prior to a performance is not acceptable and may result in the dancer being removed from a dance.

• Competition season is traditionally between January and May. Dates are usually announced in early September. Competitions will sometimes run an entire weekend (Friday afternoon to late Sunday night). While competitions can be very exciting they can also sometimes be tedious. Competition members are required to stay for the entire event to support the other performers and their teammates. It is not acceptable to schedule other things during those weekends and leave early.

• Dancers must be on time to classes and performances.

 

Financial Commitment

 

The investment in competitive dance is substantial. Please carefully review all fee estimates and see us with concerns prior to auditioning. The competition schedule will be set by September, 2019 (for Spring 2020) and all exact costs will be outlined at that time.

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​ Competition Gear- This includes the team jacket (approx. $70) and optional backpack ($35)

Competition Costumes- $70 per costume

Convention Fees- $150-$200 each depending on age

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Competition Fees- $50-$60 per person, per dance, per competition for groups. Solo, duo and trio fees are higher. Please note, some competitions have started adding mandatory media fees that include all photos and videos.

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***Family accounts must be in good standing (no outstanding balances for tuition, costumes, etc.)  in order to participate in competitions.

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Rehearsal fees

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Competitive team- You will be able to determine the maximum amount of group dances your child could potentially be cast in. All dancers who make the team will be cast in at least one dance with a maximum of three. The fee for each dance they are cast in will be $20 per dance per month on top of their regular tuition. This includes rehearsal time and choreography fees for the instructor.

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Vitality Dance Company- You will be able to determine the maximum amount of group dances your child could potentially be cast in. All dancers who make VDC will be cast in at least three routines, with a maximum of six routines ranging from duets/trios, small and large groups. The rehearsal fee for each dance they are cast in is on top of their regular tuition. This includes rehearsal time and choreography fees for the instructor.

Groups: $20 per dance per month

Trios: $25 per dance per month

Duets: $35 per dance per month

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Solos

In addition to the team dance, some students may want to explore solo competition. To add one of these routines, a dancer can take weekly or bi-weekly private lessons with the teacher of their choice (schedule permitting) at the following rates:

• $40 for half hour/ $60 for an hour

• One time choreography fee (there are different fees for different choreographers, please see the front desk for the rate sheet)

This fee includes choreography, costume selection assistance and music editing. Solos, duos and trios must be rehearsed consistently and a 24 hour notice must be given to the studio if a dancer will miss their private lesson to avoid being billed for it.

 

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Social Commitment

• The competition team is designed to help give students numerous opportunities for dance exposure. It is meant to be a positive experience and all members (dancers, parents and teachers) are expected to encourage and support one another. Things like bullying, gossiping and fighting will not be tolerated.

• If an issue arises please discuss it with the director immediately.

• When representing Heart and Sole Performing Arts LLC, all members (dancers, parents and teachers) are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner.

• Social Media is great tool for sharing our dancers’ accomplishments, however, please do not post videos/photos without the consent of the director as some student’s parents are not okay with their children being broadcast in this way.