The Competition Company

This information is designed to help you better understand the time, financial, and travel commitments involved when becoming a member of our Competition Group. This group was begun for the more dedicated dancers who enjoy dancing and want to focus on concentrated improvement. Appointment to the group is by audition only. Selection is based using many different criteria including age, ability, technique, potential presentation and other characteristics. It is an exciting and positive experience for all. Careful consideration is given to the venues in which we choose to perform so that the experience remains of high quality. This experience allows the dancer the opportunities and camaraderie of belonging to a team that works together to accomplish a common goal. As in anything, proper perspective is always required. The main goal is to have fun!

The competition group began nearly 20 years ago because of the passion of 13 students who loved to dance and Miss Gerri’s commitment and vision to take them to the next level. (At that time, Miss Yvonne was a member of the group, as well as a teacher). The group was extremely committed to dance. That ideal is what has kept it going all these years. The GSPDC Competition Group averages over 100 dancers representing approximately 80 families every dance season. So, as your young dancer shows a deeper interest in dance than what one or two classes a week can satisfy, you should know more about what it means to be a member of the Competition Group should he/she be offered a spot in the group. Some of what you can expect:

• Improved dancing technique and performance skills
• New friendships for the dancers and the parents
• Award-winning choreography at competitions
• Out-of-town trips (Approximately Every Two Years)
• Recognition Banquet (January od every year.)
• Performance at Chuck Norman Holiday Show, Variety Telethon, Fox Kids Christmas Venues and other local opportunities throughout the community(select numbers perform)
• Annual Fee ranging from $100-180 (Fee is evaluated and adjusted each year)
• Periodic parent meetings (3-4 a year)
• Weekend rehearsals and other unannounced rehearsals as needed
• Monthly rehearsal fee in addition to monthly tuition
• Opportunity to participate in workshops and study with guest teachers
• Costume fees for those numbers your child dances
• Donate your time for fundraising, costume/prop creation, carpooling to events, committees, etc.
• Required apparel, garment and duffle bags-some of which is covered by the annual fee
• The unexpected--schedules change, costumes change, numbers, shoes, hair, makeup people changes.
• Organized chaos. Open-mindedness and flexibility are musts!

Bottom line is being in the group requires commitment, time and additional monies. If you or your child are sensitive and have difficulty operating at a hastened pace, you might think long and hard before joining the group if invited. We encourage you to talk to more than one source to obtain a thorough understanding of what being in the group involves.

Competition Group Auditions

The Competition Group Auditions are held in at the end of the dance season. It is always the discretion of the Directors whether or not to hold auditions.

Parents and dancers should read and understand completely the policies and procedures for the Competition Group.

Dancers should come to audition in appropriate dance attire, hair secured (preferably a bun), good attitudes and a smile.

Placement is entirely up to the staff of the Professional Dance Center only. Parents and dancers should respect and trust our decisions in placing the student. We have a vision of what we would like the groups to look like and are also looking out for the best interest of the dancer. We have been doing this for a very long time, so trust us to know what is best!

Parents are asked to bring dancer to check in and then leave the studio.

*** IMPORTANT: Acceptance/placement letters will be mailed prior to the start of the fall session. Verbal appeals to the directors will not influence placement decisions.

* The Front Office will not automatically enroll the dancer in the appropriate classes parents must still register with the office.

* There are mandatory competition workshop classes on the weekends and Summer Schedule.

 

Competition Group Requirements

Group members are required to take core classes that range from ballet, technique/jazz and tap classes at GSPDC. Some are encouraged to take challenge classes at a level above their placement and/or an extra class at a level below their placement. In addition, private lessons may be suggested at the instructors discretion to supplement their assigned performance class. These classes are held at a seperate time and carry an additional fee. Consistent class and rehearsal attendance is expected and will be monitored. Dancers are also expected to enter classes with an attitude of wanting to further their dance education and become a better dancer.

As a dedicated member of our group, it is critical that you attend all of your classes as well as additional rehearsals. Accepting a spot in our group requires commitment and sacrifice. It is difficult if not impossible to maintain an equally demanding schedule as part of a sports team or other extracurricular activities. Good attendance is essential for advancement. If you are unable to commit financially, and/or to your class schedule and additional rehearsal schedules, we strongly suggest you reconsider joining the group.

Please Note: Studio tuition must be kept current in order to be a part of this group. Re-occurring oustanding balances may jeopardize your dancers future in the competition group.

Making the commitment to belong to our competition group means that you are with us 100% when it comes to competitions and conventions. This rule helps provide the true TEAM Spirit that we are seeking to achieve. Group members are required to any selected conventions/competitions per year. Other conventions are stongly recommended.  However, the competitions we have selected are mandatory to remain in the competition group and attendance requirements for rehearsals are very strict.

Understudy status will be maintained to facilitate the removal of a dancer for a performance due to absences or lack of preparation.

Attendance

If excessive absenteeism occurs, that dancer may be blocked out of a routine. If you are unable to make a class due to a school conflict or illness, etc., please keep your instructor informed.

Expenses

Additional costs are to be expected. A Parent's Group has been established to support the dancers and to raise money to help defray some of the costs.  Fund Raising opportunities are plentiful, so be prepared to help out.

Expenses can include:

Jacket, garment and travel bags required. These are usually ordered as a group by the studio and need to be paid for at time ordered.

Costuming: A deposit will be required or you may work as a group designing/sewing a costume.

Travel: Very few competitions / conventions are out of the St. Louis area. Hotel information and reduced rates are always provided when out of town travel is required. Overnight stay is not required, but always a lot of fun!

Entries: Entry fees for competitions / conventions are due by the posted deadlines. Totals due are posted on the bulletin approximately 30 days before fees are actually due.

This year's assessment fee varies around $100.00 (adjusted yearly for insurance) and is required in addition to a separate monthly fee for each competitive dancer ($50.00-$60.00). The assessment fee covers your three tickets to the recognition banquet; the "awards" each dancer receives; the sunshine fund; information which we share by making copies and distributing the buzz book; and other "gifts" throughout the year. These costs are in addition to the standard tuition/enrollment fees charged by the studio.

 

Production Routines

Production routines are large in number and longer in length. They tend to include a broad age range. They sometimes carry a seperate choreography fee.

Extra rehearsals are involved to accomodate the different levels. Additional entry fees, costuming and help transporting props (if we use any) are expected.

Parents and dancers must also realize that when they are in a piece with 50 or more dancers, not everyone will be featured or even have a lengthy stage appearance. The numbers compete at the senior level and are choreographed to that level. "solo".  Everyone's part is crucial, no matter how big or small, to bringing out the desired effect.

 

Solos / Duet / Trios / Contracted Small Groups

The Directors must reccomend any solo, duo, trio and/or small group numbers to be choreographed. Faculty is available to choreograph routines for competitions, conventions, school talent shows, auditions, etc.    Do not schedule a private lesson unless you and your instructor have selected your music AND YOU HAVE APPROVAL FROM A DIRECTOR.  Prior to your first lesson, you must provide your instructor with 2 brand new, high-quality CDs.  One will be given back to you for your back-up and one will stay at the studio as a Master.

Choreography Fee - A one time choreography fee is applicable for all Solos, and Duet/Trios. The payment should be made directly to the choreographer at the beginning of the first lesson per the yearly price schedule of between $200 - $300 per routine..

 

Group Level Placement

Movement from one level to the next is entirely up to the staff of the Professional Dance Center only. Parents and dancers should respect and trust our decisions in placing the student. We have a vision of what we would like the groups to look like and are also looking out for the best interest of the dancer. We have been doing this for a very long time, so trust us to know what is best!

More Group Information

Be sure that the Competition Secretary receives a copy of your dancer's Birth Certificate well in advance of competition. It is a one time request but without it the dance CANNOT perform.

Please check the bulletin board and website frequently for meeting information and important notices.

Expect Extra Rehearsals!

 

Expectations of Group Members (and Parents)

All Group Members, and their parents are expected to represent the Professional Dance Center at all events in a positive manner that portrays good sportsmanship and a true team spirit. Group members are expected to show respect for ALL Competitors at the competitions and conventions: applaud for ALL dancers and awards; no talking or chewing gum on stage during presentations; thank the judges, your parents, and your fellow teammates.

Group Members are expected to attend both days of competition to support the entire group. On days you dance, you must arrive at least two hours prior to first performance. Exception would be if you are the first few numbers and the facility opens only one hour in advance.

Group jackets must be worn on stage at award presentations and anytime you are in costume and not dancing.

Group members are expected to be responsible for their own costumes and accessories for all events. Parents, please help to make sure your dancer has everything they will need for these events (costumes, shoes, tights, make-up, hair ties, earrings, etc.).

Parents are allowed to assist their dancer at events with costume changes: make-up, hair, etc. Parents are also needed to help transport props (if we use any) to and from events. All dancers must treat their fellow teammates with courtesy and respect - both in and out of the classroom. Failure to do this will jeopardize the dancer's future with the group. Group members are expected to attend classes regularly. The Director may or may not use a dancer for performance or competition due to absence or lack of preparation. Group members are expected to learn all they can from every event, and have a GOOD TIME!! All dancers under the age of twelve, must have an adult chaperone responsible for them at a convention or competition.