After 13 weeks of classes and some inspiration at our December Showcase, your dancer is hooked! They want to move to the next level, take more classes, and have even mentioned being a part of Crew or Company. I am sure you are wondering, what does that mean? What does it take? What should I do next?
If your dancer wants to progress in class, the accelerated track for our upper-level classes is called our S.T.E.P. Program (Style, Technique, Evaluation, and Placement). Each year we spend September -May working on Style and Technique. Evaluations take place in the spring and Placement occurs at the end of August. We have a syllabus that helps guide this process and gives all of our students clear benchmarks to reach in our program.
If your dancer is passionate, it is important to remember to be patient. Dance is a skill that takes time and dedication, but we promise, it is a rewarding and fun journey. The next step to progress is training! Remember it is normal for any dancer to stay in a level for 2-3 years, it is exceptional to advance sooner.
If your child wants to progress in Jazz next Fall, we suggest planning ahead and adding a ballet class, or a second day of week of jazz class. For Ballet, training several days a week helps expedite advancement. Styles such as Lyrical, Hip Hop, and Acro further expand performance skills, strength, and flexibility. In addition to training during the school year, it is vital that students don't take a three month break! During the Summer we have ten weeks of opportunity at Destination Dance for our young dancers to continue working on his or her goals! We have a special offer for dancers wanting to add more of these technical styles (see your newsletter!).
We also suggest a private lesson. Privates are a great way to get some unique one-on-one time with your instructor, while also customizing a plan for your dancer. Privates help provide an at-home regimen of training so your dancer can be working on their goals in and out of the studio! Plus, we have a special that provides five 30 minute lessons for $175. What an awesome gift for your inspired dancer! Email Lauren@sbdancearts.com to arrange today- we will be able to accommodate privates over the break!
You have seen the photos on the wall, and the awesome performances at the December Showcase, and now your child is asking about being a part of Company or Crew.
What are Company and Crew? Crew is a recreational team that is for dedicated dancers with talent, focus, and discipline. We have two Crews: Mini (ages 6-9) and Junior (ages 10-13). They have extra routines in our shows, community performances, one competition/convention in Southern California, and bonding opportunities and parties. There is an application process that will begin in April. Pre-Company, Company, and our Elite Competition team require a written application as well as an audition. These dancers are mentors, leaders, and learn a full repertory that is performed in the annual concert: Configuration. They travel, build community, friendship, and participate in philanthropy. Empowerment and leadership are at the core of this program. Auditions are in September, with sign up opening in June.
If your dancer wants to be a part of one of our Crews or Companies, we suggest a regimen of ballet, jazz, and hip hop training. Consider doing a FREE Pathways meeting with the Director (me!) in April and be sure to attend one of our community performances or the Company show Configuration in March 2018! We will also hold a special meeting on April 9th that lays out commitment and cost- SAVE THE DATE!
All of these things will help get your dancer prepared, but the best thing to ask yourself is what the commitment will mean for your family.
Do you have time? Crew calls for 2-3 classes per week, while Pre Company and Company calls for 5 classes per week, our Senior Companies and Competitive Team require 6-9 classes per week. Your dancer will need a solid strategy in terms of keeping up with schoolwork and you’ll need a transportation plan. Many schools offer Independent Study PE for students to allow slightly early release times to accommodate the schedule, but committing to a performance group may mean giving up other extracurricular activities.
What will this mean for my child? This means your child will have a second family. While in athletics, they might change schools and teams, this gives your dancer a community they will stay with until they graduate from high school. It is having a built in network of friends and upperclassman at Jr High and High School. The reward is having discipline, time-management skills, and confidence through self-expression. Our dancers go on to be professionals in the industry, or dedicated leaders in their chosen field.
What if my child is happy where they are? Do they need to move up? Not at all! Every dancer moves at their own pace. We welcome every dancer, whether they want to dance one day per week or a dozen, every child has a home at Dance Arts. We believe dance is for everybody and EVERY BODY!
If you want to get specific information about what to add for your dancer in order to achieve his or her dancing dreams, or learn more about one of our performance groups, we are here to help! This is an exciting time of year where dancers can grow and nurture their talent and take a flying leap into the New Year!