2021-2022
Competition Team Handbook backstagedance.org
Our Phi
The
Backstage
Dance
Studio
Competition
Team
requires
talent,
commitment,
dedication,
passion, self-discipline, an eagerness to learn, and a desire to perform and grow as a dancer. What your child will gain from the experience is priceless—as both a dancer and an individual. We have multiple tracks to choose from, whether you want a smaller time and financial commitment, or if you are all-in and live and breathe dance all the time.
losophy
Our goal is to give our students a place of belonging, community and high expectations for success. We empower youth through the arts by creating a culture of encouragement, growth mindsets, and achieving personal bests, while nurturing their love for dance. Our Team Members grow not just as dancers, but as individuals. We put a strong emphasis on leadership building, goal setting, and collaboration. These are lifelong skills that will benefit our dancers for the rest of their lives, wherever their future path takes them.
Our Competitive Team Programs
STARS: Kindergarten - 5th Grade - New This Year! 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, focused dancers that love to move and work hard. Although not required, summer classes are recommended in order for our instructors to assess each student.
K-1st Grade: Super Stars 1st-3rd Grade: Rising Stars 3rd-5th Grade: Shooting Stars
ENSEMBLE STARS: 6th - 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 invited
into
this
recommended
in
program. order
for
Although our
not
instructors
required to
assess
summer each
classes
student.
are
Please
attend contemporary, jazz and ballet classes to be assessed for placement into this group.
The COLLECTIVE Program: 2nd - 6th Grade This is designed for our Intermediate-Level dancers in grades 2-6, 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 34 days per week plus Saturday Choreography Rehearsals. Dancers are required to compete in a minimum of 2 group pieces.
2nd-4th 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. 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 up to 2 pieces: Tap &/or 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 2022), exact dates TBD
1st-3rd Grade: Rising Stars Weekly Class Commitment - 2 hours twice per week; training in Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop and Acro Compete up to 2 pieces: Tap &/or 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 2022), exact dates TBD
3rd-5th Grade: Shooting Stars Weekly Class Commitment - 2 hours twice per week; training in Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop and Acro Compete up to 2 pieces: Tap &/or 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 2022), exact dates TBD
6th-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 and 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 2022), exact dates TBD
COLLECTIVE 2nd-3rd Grade: Baseline 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, depending on what selected for, in Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Musical Theater, Tap and/or Hip Hop Perform Ballet and most competition pieces in Backstage's Year-End Shows Compete at 3-5 competitions (Spring 2022), exact dates TBD Attend 1-3 conventions (Spring 2022), exact dates TBD- entire weekend events
4th-6th Grade: Reckless 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, depending on what selected for, in Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Musical Theater, Tap and/or Hip Hop Perform Ballet and most competition pieces in Backstage's Year-End Shows Compete at 3-5 competitions (Spring 2022), exact dates TBD Attend 1-3 conventions (Spring 2022), exact dates TBD- entire weekend events
ESSENTIALS 6th-12th Grade Weekly Class Commitment - Minimum of 4.5 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, depending on what selected for, in Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Musical Theater, Tap and/or Hip Hop Perform Ballet and most competition pieces in Backstage's Year-End Shows Compete at 3-5 competitions (Spring 2022), exact dates TBD Attend 1-3 conventions (Spring 2022), exact dates TBD- entire weekend events
Auditions
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.
Auditions will be held for our COLLECTIVE and ESSENTIALS Program on Saturdays, June 5th and 12th, 2021. Both Saturdays are mandatory to be considered for placement. Saturday, June 5th will consist of learning choreography in a Ballet/Jazz combo class, Hip Hop and Tap class. All classes will be taught via Zoom except for those going into grades 2-3, who may come in person or elect the Zoom option. This gives dancers ample time and opportunity to ask questions and then practice prior to returning on June 12th for the actual audition.
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.
Saturday, June 12th
is the in-person audition, held at Backstage. Dancers will demonstrate
the prior week's 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 aesthetic of how dancers look and move together in potential groupings. Dancers auditioning must wear proper dance attire and be well-groomed. Arrive at auditions, warmed up and ready to perform.
Dancers auditioning must wear proper dance attire and be well-groomed. Arrive at auditions, warmed up and ready to perform. Grade - as of Sept 1, 2021 Grades 2-3
Grades 4-7
Grades 8-12
JUNE 5TH SCHEDULE
TIME
JUNE 12TH SCHEDULE
TIME
Tap Choreography
11:00-12:00
Tap Audition
11:00-12:00
Ballet/Jazz Choreography
12:00-1:30
Hip Hop Audition
12:00-1:00
Hip Hop Choreography
1:30-2:30
Ballet/Jazz Audition
1:00-2:00
Tap Choreography
12:15-1:15
Tap Audition
12:00-1:00
Ballet/Jazz Choreography
1:30-3:00
Hip Hop Audition
1:00-2:00
Hip Hop Choreography
3:30-4:30
Ballet/Jazz Audition
2:15-4:15
Tap Choreography
1:15-2:15
Tap Audition
2:15-3:15
Hip Hop Choreography
2:30-3:30
Hip Hop Audition
3:15-4:15
Ballet/Jazz Choreography
3:30-5:00
Ballet/Jazz Audition
4:15-5:15
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:
NEW Prospective Team:
(Required)
Friday, May 21st at 7:00pm
RETURNING 2nd-6th Grade Team: Friday, May 21st at 8:00pm
RETURNING 7th-12th Grade Team: Friday, May 28th at 7:00pm
Dancers who wish to be considered for the STARS Program are assessed for placement during our summer classes. Ballet, tap, hip hop, acro, contemporary and jazz classes are available for most ages.
Check our website for Zoom links for parent meetings.
Audition Registration Deadline: Friday, May 28 Dancers auditioning for our COLLECTIVE or ESSENTIALS Competitive Teams must register by Friday, May 28th. Audition fees are $20 per auditioning style (ballet-based styles, hip hop and tap; maximum of $60.00 total).
3 Steps to Audition: Step 1: Fill Out the Audition Questionnaire at backstagedance.org/team Step 2: Enroll in "Team Auditions" for all auditioning styles in Jackrabbit Step 3: Attend Zoom audition classes (June 5) and audition in-person (June 12)
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 $75-$125. 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
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 Classes - Technique and Choreography
Summer classes at Backstage are REQUIRED of all team members. We are offering 5 w Baseline dancers must complete 15 hours of summer classes (7 hours in ballet), Reck classes are designed specifically to keep your child moving, stretching and improving Team dancers must be physically present at all August/September choreography rehe the full Summer Schedule for optimum growth and skill development. Placement is d properly placed. Classes start July 5th and run through August 7th.
weeks of training, of which your dancer must participate in a certain number of hours.
less and above must complete 25 hours of summer classes (9 hours in ballet). These as a dancer prior to mandatory summer choreography classes which start in August.
arsals or may not accept their spot on Team. We encourage you to take advantage of
etermined by teachers and BDS will assist with registration to assure all dancers are
Natio
In the summer of 2022, many of our d
participate in a Nationals Conventio
required of all our families. All expens from regular tuition, and monthly
expenses vary depending on the numb
to participate in. All details regardin spring
onals
dancers and groups will be invited to
on, date and location TBD. This is not
ses related to Nationals are separate
Team Fees. Nationals registration
ber of extra events your child decides
ng Nationals will be released in early 2022.
Empowering Youth Through the Arts