Company FAQ’s

How do we determine who makes it for dance company?

Many aspects are taken into consideration. The students track records in classes for example, are they hard working? Show up prepared and on time? How is their attitude in class? How have they improved? How did they react under pressure of the audition? How well they did in the audition. Have they met the required skills for company? Everyone is looked at individually.

What if I don’t make it?

TRY AGAIN! Never let anyone stop you from achieving your goals. If you did noT meet the requirements for this year, work hard and try again next year. Important tip: If you don’t make it for company this year and you really want to do it…double up on the classes you were lacking skills in. As we discussed earlier, company moves at a much faster rate than recreational classes so just taking the bare minimum is not going to get you there.

What if I have other hobbies?

Great! As long as you can keep your commitment, do as much as you can handle. Don’t take on too much or all your activities will suffer. The first year in company should be your big commitment, and then you can add on if you find you can handle more.

What if I make it and decide later I want to quit?

Company is a yearlong commitment. Everyone who auditions must be aware of this. Your teammates will be depending on you to uphold your end. If there are any doubts, you may opt to be a company helper. Company helpers travel and train with the company but do not have the commitment of competing. It’s a great way to see if this is what you really want to do.

What happens if I miss too many classes?

Ultimately, you will be replaced. All company members must have the drive and ambition to be the BEST! By missing classes you are not growing and improving, as you will need to. Company is based on the whole team. When you miss class everyone is affected.

What if I can’t make it to a competition?

As stated earlier, company is based on the whole team. If you miss competition, choreography and placements must be adjusted. You will receive a list of dates for all company performances in late September/October so any conflicts can be worked out well in advance.

What classes do I have to take?

Every level of company has different requirements. Here are the requirements for the 2008-2009 season:

Mini: Tap, Jazz, Ballet, = 3 hrs
Hot Shot: Tap, Jazz, Ballet (2), Lyrical, Class of your Choice, Hip Hop or Modern = 7hrs
Junior Co: Tap, Jazz, Ballet (2), Lyrical, Class of your Choice, Hip Hop or Modern = 7hrs
Co. 3: Tap, Jazz, Ballet (2), Lyrical, Leaps and Turns, Class of your Choice, Hip Hop/Modern = 8hrs
Company 4 & Intermediate Company: Tap, Jazz, Ballet (2), Contemporary, Pointe, Lyrical, Leaps and Turns, Class of your Choice, Hip Hop or Modern  = 9hrs
Co. 5: Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Pointe, Lyrical, Leaps and Turns, Class of your Choice, Hip Hop or Modern = 9hrs

Class of your Choice may include: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pointe, Acrobatics, Acting/Musical Theatre or Voice.

***Production Class will be added this year, and it will be students choice. 

***DANCE MAJORS AT THE SCHOOL OF THE ARTS ARE EXCUSED FROM 2ND BALLET CLASS

Optional classes may include: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pointe, Acrobatics, Acting/Musical Theatre or Voice.

Skills needed for company: every level has its own set of skills needed to enter the level. To list every one would take up too much paper, but keep this in mind. We look for flexibility, endurance, body alignment, leaps, turns, spotting technique, etc. Every level must have splits with correct body alignment.

I hope this has answered some of the questions you have about our dance company. Please feel free to ask if there is something that has not been covered. Dance Company is a wonderful way for you and your child to take part in the arts, have fun and make new friends; however, it is not all fun and games. This is a serious commitment for serious performers only.