2022-2023
Competition Team Handbook backstagedance.org
Our Phi
The Backstage Dance Studio Competit dedication, passion, self-discipline, an perform and grow as a dancer. What y is priceless—as both a dancer and an choose from, whether you want a small you are all-in and live and breathe danc
Our goal is to give our students a place of be success. We empower youth through the ar growth mindsets, and achieving personal bes Team Members grow not just as dancers, but leadership building, goal setting, and collabor our dancers for the rest of their lives, wherever
losophy
ion Team requires talent, commitment, n eagerness to learn, and a desire to your child will gain from the experience individual. We have multiple tracks to er time and financial commitment, or if ce all the time.
longing, community and high expectations for rts by creating a culture of encouragement, sts, while nurturing their love for dance. Our t as individuals. We put a strong emphasis on ation. These are lifelong skills that will benefit r their future path takes them.
Our STARS Competitive Team Program
STARS: Kindergarten - 5th Grade For our experienced beginner dancers in grade K-5 that love to dance and perform and want to take their training to a new level. This program requires classes
in
ballet,
tap,
hip
hop
and
acro,
training
two
days
per
week.
Competitive opportunities available in hip hop and tap. Instructor approval is necessary
to
be
invited
into
this
program.
We
are
looking
for
energetic,
15 hours of summer classes are required to continue training and growing. Dancers focused dancers that love to move and work hard.
interested in participating in this program will need to participate in summer classes to be assessed for possible placement.
K-1st Grade: Super Stars 2nd-3rd Grade: Rising Stars 4th-6th Grade: Shooting Stars
ENSEMBLE STARS: 7th - 9th Grade For our experienced older dancers that love to dance and perform and want to train in a team environment. This program requires classes in ballet, jazz and contemporary, training two days per week. Competitive opportunities available in contemporary and jazz. Instructor approval is necessary to be
Dancers are required to train a minimum of 15 hours during our summer program. Please attend contemporary, jazz, and invited into this program.
ballet classes to be assessed for placement into this group.
Our Signature Team Program
The COLLECTIVE Program: 1st - 6th Grade This is designed for our Intermediate-Level dancers in grades 1-6. This program consists of weekly training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop and tap. Dancers in the program may have the opportunity to compete in Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theater, Modern, Tap and Hip Hop. Classes required 3-4 days per week plus Saturday Choreography Rehearsals. Dancers are required to compete in a minimum of 2 group pieces, and be available for choreography classes in August & September.
1st -3rd Grade: Baseline 4th-6th Grade: Reckless
The ESSENTIALS Program: 6th - 12th Grade This is designed for Intermediate/Advanced-Level dancers in grades 6-12 who are focused on building artistry, athleticism and perfecting their craft. This program encompasses our ballet-based styles and includes weekly training in Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary. Competitive opportunities may be available in Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theater and Modern. Classes required 4 days per week, plus Choreography Rehearsals, which may be held on Saturdays. Dancers are required to be available for choreography classes in August & September. Those in the ESSENTIALS Program will also have the opportunity to add in both Tap and Hip Hop technique classes and competitive pieces in those styles, but these are not required of the program. Groupings within the ESSENTIALS program may be based primarily around grade level. Group names may include Custom Cut, Mezzo, Ensemble, Avant Garde and Elite.
Competitive Programs At a Glance: STARS K-1st Grade: Super Stars Weekly Class Commitment - 90 mins twice per week; training in Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop and Acro. Compete 2 pieces: Tap & Hip Hop. Perform Ballet, Tap and Hip Hop dances in Backstage's Year-End Show. Purchase a minimum of 3 costumes and commit to Entry Fees for each competition dance. Compete at 2 local competitions (Spring 2023), exact dates TBD.
2nd-3rd Grade: Rising Stars Weekly Class Commitment - 2 hours twice per week; training in Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop and Acro. Compete 2 pieces: Tap & Hip Hop. Perform Ballet, Tap and Hip Hop dances in Backstage's Year-End Show. Purchase a minimum of 3 costumes and commit to Entry Fees for each competition dance. Compete at 2 local competitions (Spring 2023), exact dates TBD.
4th-6th Grade: Shooting Stars Weekly Class Commitment - 2 hours twice per week; training in Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop and Acro. Compete 2 pieces: Tap & Hip Hop. Perform Ballet, Tap and Hip Hop dances in Backstage's Year-End Show. Purchase a minimum of 3 costumes and commit to Entry Fees for each competition dance. Compete at 2 local competitions (Spring 2023), exact dates TBD.
7th-9th Grade: Ensemble Stars Weekly Class Commitment - 2.5 hours twice per week; training in Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary styles. Compete 2 pieces in Contemporary & Jazz. Perform Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary in Year-End Shows. Purchase a minimum of 3 costumes and commit to Entry Fees for each competition dance. Compete at 2 local competitions (Spring 2023), exact dates TBD.
COLLECTIVE
1st - 3rd Grade: Baseline Must be available for choreography in August/September, dates TBD. Weekly Class Commitment - 6 hours per week of technique classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz/Contemporary and Hip Hop. Additional weekly choreography rehearsals based on pieces auditioned and selected for. May compete 1 to multiple pieces, in the styles of Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Musical Theater, Tap and/or Hip Hop Perform in our annual Team Signature Show, Footnotes. Special performances in our year end spring show. Compete at 3-5 competitions (Spring 2023), exact dates TBD. Attend 2-3 conventions (Spring 2023), exact dates TBD- entire weekend events.
4th-6th Grade: Reckless Must be available for choreography in August/September, dates TBD. Weekly Class Commitment -
6.5-7.5 hours per week of
technique classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary. Additional choreography rehearsals based on pieces auditioned and selected for. May compete 1 to multiple pieces, in the styles of Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Musical Theater, Tap and/or Hip Hop Perform in our annual Team Signature Show, Footnotes. Special performances in our year end spring show. Compete at 3-5 competitions (Spring 2023), exact dates TBD. Attend 2-3 conventions (Spring 2023), exact dates TBD- entire weekend events.
ESSENTIALS 6th-12th Grade Must be available for choreography in August/September, dates TBD. Weekly Class Commitment - Minimum of 5.5 hours per week of technique classes in Ballet and Jazz. Additional technique classes required for every extra discipline competing. Additional choreography rehearsals based on pieces. May compete 1 to multiple pieces, in the styles of Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Musical Theater, Tap and/or Hip Hop. Perform in our annual Team Signature Show, Footnotes. Special performances in our year end spring show. Compete at 3-5 competitions (Spring 2023), exact dates TBD. Attend 2-3 conventions (Spring 2023), exact dates TBD- entire weekend events.
Auditions - Sig
The audition and selection process requires thoughtful planning. Your dancer should be confident about their desire to belong and consistently work at the level of our competitive team. We are seeking dancers who are talented, focused, driven, and excited to be a part of a well-respected and award-winning team. Please talk to your dancer about the importance of follow through, hard work and making dance their top priority before the audition process begins.
gnature Team
Team placement is an important event for each child. We can assure you that a great deal of time and thought goes into the placement of each student, along with objective scoring from our judging panel. All team placement decisions are final. Backstage staff will not discuss placements post auditions.
Audition Details Auditions will be held for our COLLECTIVE and ESSENTIALS Program on Saturday, June 11th. Attendance is mandatory to be considered for placement. Audition Process and Timeline Audition Questionnaire at backstagedance.org Attend Parent Info Meeting via Zoom : Details at backstagedance.org Enroll in "Team Auditions" for auditioning styles through Jackrabbit by Tuesday, May 31st.
Step 1: Step 2: Step 3:
Fill out the
Step 4: Step 5:
Learn choreography via video link.
Attend review Classes and Auditions: Saturdays, June 4 & June 11
Wednesday, June 1st
-
Audition
Prep
Video
will
be
sent
to
registered
auditioning
dancers. It is the responsibility of the dancer to learn the correct choreography using the choreography video.
Saturday, June 4th
- Review of Audition Prep Video at Backstage Dance Studio. This is
for dancers to have space to practice and review. Instructors
will not
be teaching the
choreography, but assisting with fine tuning performance. This review session is not required, but highly recommended.
Saturday, June 11th
- In-person audition at Backstage. Dancers will demonstrate the
choreography in all disciplines being auditioned for. Dancers will be asked to perform in small groups, as well as in larger groups. We are forming groups in contemporary, jazz, musical theater, modern, tap and hip hop based on age, skill, abilities, and overall
Dancers auditioning must wear proper dance attire and be well-groomed. Arrive at auditions, warmed up and ready to perform. aesthetic
of
how
dancers
look
and
move
together
All dancers 6th grade and under who accept a spot
on
our
competition
team
are
required
to
participate in weekly tap and hip hop technique classes
throughout
the
season,
but
are
not
required to audition or compete for tap and hip hop.
in
potential
groupings.
Grade - as of Sept 1, 2022 Grades 1-3
Grades 4-7
Grades 8-12
JUNE 4TH SCHEDULE
TIME
JUNE 11TH SCHEDULE
TIME
Ballet/Jazz Choreography
11:00-12:00
Tap Audition
11:15-12:00
Hip Hop Choreography
12:05-12:35
Ballet/Jazz Audition
12:00-1:00
Tap Choreography
12:40-1:10
Hip Hop Audition
1:00-1:45
Tap Choreography
11:30-12:00
Tap Audition
12:00-1:00
Ballet/Jazz Choreography
12:05-1:05
Ballet/Jazz Audition
1:00-3:00
Hip Hop Choreography
1:15-1:45
Hip Hop Audition
3:00-4:00
Tap Choreography
12:05-12:35
Tap Audition
1:00-2:00
Hip Hop Choreography
12:40-1:10
Hip Hop Audition
2:00-3:00
Ballet/Jazz Choreography
1:15-2:15
Ballet/Jazz Audition
3:00-5:00
Dancers auditioning must wear proper dance attire and be well-groomed. Arrive at auditions, warmed up and ready to perform. Team placement is an important event for each child. We can assure you that a great deal of time and thought goes into the placement of each student, along with objective scoring from our judging panel. All team placement decisions are final. Backstage staff will not discuss placements post auditions.
Auditions Continued... Zoom Parent Info Meetings: (Required for Newbies, Returning Families Welcome!) Wednesday, May 25th at 7:00pm
ZOOM LINK
Dancers who participated in our 21/22 season, and wish to be considered for the STARS or Signature Team Program should contact team@backstagedance.org for more information, and to determine if your dancer is a good candidate for our team program.
Audition Registration Deadline: Tuesday, May 31, 2022 Dancers auditioning for our Signature Competitive Teams must register by Tuesday, May 31st. Audition fees are $25 each, hip hop and tap, $40 for ballet based styles (ballet-based styles, hip hop and tap; maximum of $90.00 total).
5 Steps to Audition: Step 1: Fill out the Audition Questionnaire at backstagedance.org Step 2: Attend Parent Info Meeting via Zoom : Details at backstagedance.org Step 3: Enroll in "Team Auditions" for auditioning styles through Jackrabbit by Tuesday, May 31st. Step 4: Learn choreography via video link. Step 5: Attend review Classes and Auditions: Saturdays, June 4 & June 11
Refer to the Audition Details and Requirements handout for additional information, policies and procedures.
Team Policies The Backstage Dance Studio Competition Teams is similar to any competitive sports team. Players depend on each other to work hard and dedicate themselves to achieving the goals of their team. Each dancer has a responsibility to be both physically and mentally present in every rehearsal and class, not just for themselves, but for their teammates and instructors. Competitive
teams
are
a
large
commitment,
both
financially
and
time-wise.
Every
dancer
(and
supportive parent) who chooses to participate on this team must be ready to commit to the team and the work required.
Communication
Behavior Expectations
Team communication is sent via email and
Dancers are expected to focus and work to
we utilize Google Drive for sharing pertinent
their own potential during every practice.
info and sign ups throughout the season. It is
Positive attitudes and growth-mindsets are
the parent’s responsibility to communicate
essential! Productive attitudes help each
any changes in contact information. You can
dancer achieve their goals, while benefitting
expect emails a couple times a week from us
the entire team. Dancers must commit to
once the season is in full-swing, and during
working as a cohesive team, holding their
planning times of our season.
team members and instructors in the highest regard.
and Expectations Attendance Policy
Extra Rehearsals
To ensure the success of the team, students
Additional rehearsals may be scheduled at
must be present and actively participating in
the discretion of the teacher/choreographer.
their classes. The Team's attendance policy
We will do our best to give plenty of notice
is as follows:
before they are scheduled. This may apply
Attendance in ALL classes is required the
before a major competition, or if we need to
week prior to a required competition,
re-block a piece due to an injury, illness, or
show, or other event.
team member removal.
2 absences per choreography class per season 4 absences per non-choreography class per season All anticipated absences must be communicated to BDS by email. Please no texts or phone calls regarding attendance, unless it's an emergency.
Parent Expectations Backstage prides itself on providing a positive atmosphere for our dancers, instructors, and all of our families. Cooperation and support for not only your dancer and those on their team, but also the decisions made by BDS is expected of ALL parents. Showing respect, trusting, and supporting one another and the professionals that you entrust your children with, makes an important impression on your dancers.
The lessons learned in dance and while on a team are life lessons important to every child's growth and development. We expect that as a parent, if you have any issues or concerns, you speak directly with the studio. There will be NO gossip tolerated. You are a role model for your child. Children see, children do. We expect parents to model positive behavior, respect, and support for the overall team, and not just their own dancer.
Your child's success within our program will be greatly enhanced with regular, daily practice. This means practicing as little as one thing for each style you train in, for just a couple minutes each day. Your support in assisting with promoting positive practice habits at home is essential.
Your dancer's presence at rehearsals and performances is imperative. The spirit of teamwork and the lesson of dedication are a big part of our program’s process. Parents and instructors may look at a child’s learning from different perspectives. However, they share a common goal: to assure that every child receives the best possible training and works to achieve their own personal best, both physically and mentally.
Student Dress Code Team Choreography Rehearsals: Girls: All black, form-fitting dance attire black leotard, shorts, sports bra, leggings, etc. Proper shoes for the piece. Boys: All black attire - black shorts, joggers, tank top, t-shirt, etc. Proper shoes for the piece.
Ballet Class: Girls: Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, hair pulled back into a bun Boys: Black leggings, white t-shirt, black ballet shoes, long hair pulled into a bun
Other Tech Classes: Form fitting dance attire; shoes applicable to class type
Team Jackets: All dancers must purchase a Team Jacket for the season. Students wear their team jacket at all dance events. We pick a new jacket every two years or so, so expect to buy a new one every couple of years. Jackets may range from $125-$150. A link to order will be sent out over the summer, once the team is set.
Performance Makeup: All dancers are required to purchase specific makeup for stage. Details will follow in your team packet.
Financial Commitments Any kind of intense instruction or team membership requires a larger financial commitment than basic dance classes. We aim to offer the most valuable experiences to each dancer. Those
on
Team
commit
from
July
through
June
of
the
next
year.
If
an
extenuating
circumstance arises that no longer permits your child to participate in the program, please contact us right away. In the event that your child leaves the program, you will be responsible for the tuition through the month they withdraw in. In addition, you will be responsible for any intensive fees, costume fees, competition and convention fees, or Nationals fees that have accrued during this time, as those are paid months before the events take place. A non refundable $500 Team Fee deposit is required at the time of signing your contract in early July. This payment goes toward future Team Fees.
Tuition each
- Tuition is billed monthly and covers
dancer's
class
time
at
Backstage.
Competition Costumes from
$100-$150
Tuition is dependent on how many classes
depending
taken per week.
instance,
on Hip
per
- Costumes range
piece,
style
and
Hop
costumes
and
varies
age-group. are
For
$150,
because they include shoes for competition.
Team Fees
- Team fees include competition
Other
styles
may
differ.
These
will
be
costumes, entry fees, summer choreography
itemized on your Team Fee Paperwork with
rehearsals,
their set amount noted on that form.
and
other
team-related
costs.
These are expenses accrued that Backstage pays out to other vendors on behalf of each
Additional Financial Commitments -
dancer. At the start of each season, you will
- Dance shoes for classes and competition
receive an itemized form with all anticipated
pieces, tights, dancewear for weekly classes.
fees associated with each dancer and their
- Stud earrings (Cubic Zirconia) for stage,
pieces. This is meant to help you budget, and
and
so
you
know
charged
for
any
supplemental
makeup
that
isn't
exactly
what
you're
being
included in makeup kit.
throughout
the
season.
Team
- Summer Tuition - summer dance is required
fees are billed every month, at the same time
- Misc. travel expenses - hotel (not required),
as tuition.
food, parking, etc.
Competitions and Performances Our Signature teams begin learning choreography in the beginning of August. Our competition season lasts the entire school year, and dancers/families may be asked to travel to other cities in the Pacific Northwest Area. We do our best to select conventions & competitions that are well-organized, provide valid judging feedback, are in line with our values, and work in conjunction with our school schedules, so we can be mindful of school breaks and family vacations. It is our goal
to
have
a
finalized
convention,
competition,
and
performance,
schedule
available to our dancers and families by mid-July, at which time Team Contracts will be due. Once you have determined that this is a commitment you are willing to agree to, your dance schedule must take priority over all other commitments.
Summer Technique &
Summer classes at Backstage are REQUIRED of all team members. We are offering hours. Baseline and STARS dancers must complete 15 hours of summer classes (7 hours in ballet). These classes are designed specifically to keep your child movin classes which start in August for our Signature Team. Team dancers must be p accept their spot on Team. We encourage you to take advantage of the full Summe teachers and BDS will assist with registration to assure all dancers are properly pl
Choreography Classes -
g 7 weeks of training, of which your dancer must participate in a certain number of hours in ballet), Reckless and above must complete 30 hours of summer classes (10 g, stretching and improving as a dancer prior to mandatory summer choreography physically present at all August/September choreography rehearsals or may not er Schedule for optimum growth and skill development. Placement is determined by laced. Classes start June 13th and run through July 29th.
Nationa In the summer of 2023, many of our da participate in a Nationals Convention,
required of all our families. All expenses
from regular tuition, and monthly Tea expenses vary depending on the numbe to participate in. All details regarding
spring 20
als
ncers and groups will be invited to date and location TBD. This is not
s related to Nationals are separate
am Fees. Nationals registration
r of extra events your child decides
Nationals will be released in early
023.
Raising Leaders Through the Arts