Competition Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Dance Competition?
At a dance competition, students put their skills to the test by performing dance
routines on a stage in front of a panel of judges. The judges then calculate scores usually based on technique,
performance and costume.
Check out one of our favorite competitions, KAR (Kids Artistic Revue) at
www.dancekar.com
What teams are offered at Dance Etc.?
The following teams are offered for all ages:
- Tumbling (also called "acro")
- Ballet
- Tap
- Jazz
The following teams are offered for certain ages only:
- Hip-Hop (ages 7 and up)
- Lyrical (ages 11 and up)
- Pointe (ages 12 and up, must already be on a ballet team)
- Production (ages 12 and up, must already be on a Dance Etc. team)
Why do competition teams instead of recreational classes?
Some students want a little more challenge. In competition teams, students work on steps until mastered.
This leads to a feeling of accomplishment and self-esteem. Also, attendance is more important and, at times, mandatory. Since everyone is
present in class nearly every week, there is faster progress.
What are the positive aspects of being on a competition team?
Most importantly, the opportunity to be challenged! There is a great feeling of accomplishment by doing quality work. Teamwork encourages strong social contacts/friendships, which can last a lifetime. And watching the routine unfold throughout the year is fascinating process.
How does a student get accepted onto a team?
- First, the student should fill out a survey. You may pick one up at the front desk.
- We will contact you to schedule an audition. Group auditions are usually scheduled for mid-May. There is no charge for group auditions, but if you should need a private audition, the cost is $15.00 for new team members or $30.00 for veterans.
- We recommend that parents attend an informational meeting that we offer for anyone interested in joining teams for the first time. During the meeting, we give you all the information you need and answer any questions you may have. Those meetings
are usually scheduled for mid-May.
- If accepted onto teams, you will be notified either in person or via e-mail. Included in your team acceptance packet will be scheduling information. You can then decide to accept or decline the team(s) that are offered to you.
What are some of the things to consider before joining a competition team?
Time
- Your studio time will be increased. There may be more classes per week than you are used to taking with recreational classes. Some teams require more than one practice a week; others require extra classes like leaps & turns, ballet technique, or tumbling.
- You will be committed to competitions: usually 5 per year. Travel time is limited to 2 hours each way.
- Parents must attend periodic team meetings. However, those are conveniently scheduled during team practices. Team meetings also allows you to meet other parents so you can get to know them.
- You may want to spend extra time socializing with your team, such as parties, sleepovers, and so on. These fun events are optional.
- Competition team members must take classes during the summer. We require attendance six weeks out of eight for each required class.
Cost
- Consider the tuition for the amount of hours that will be required. (See below)
- Consider the cost of costumes, which can range from $100 to $200 each. Costumes must be of a higher quality because (1) they are judged for excellence and originality and (2) they will be worn many times throughout the season.
- Competition Fees are approximately $30 per routine per competition. Fees are due two months before each competition.
- There are extra studio fees: Prop Fee, $15/student ($30/family) and Team Registration Fee, approximately $55.00 per student.
- Consider travel expenses, for example, gas to go to competitions.
- Clothing: We require competition team members to wear a uniform to class (black halter leotard, black shorts, Dance Etc. shirt). This may actually save you money on clothing!
- Shoes: Everyone’s shoes must match.
- Make-Up (approx. $40 plus additional supplies): Everyone’s make-up must match.
- Team Photos and Team Videos – optional
- Extras – hair spray, gel, ponytail holders, hair nets, mascara, eyeliner, etc. – The things we need to complete the professional look!
What are the basic class requirements for each team?
Dance Teams
- Ballet, Lyrical and/or Jazz Dance Teams: Our youngest dance teams practice twice a week, for about 45 minutes each practice. We recommend taking a general ballet and/or leaps and turns technique class. However, it is not required.
After the age of about 7 or 8, dancers are asked to take 1 to 2 technique classes per week in addition to rehearsals. After the age of about 11, dancers are asked to take 2 to 3 technique classes per week for ballet, jazz, and lyrical routines.
- Tap Teams: Our youngest dance teams practice twice a week, for about 45 minutes each practice. We recommend taking a general ballet and/or leaps and turns technique class, however, it is not required. After the age of about 7 or 8,
tappers are asked to add a ballet-based technique class.
- Hip-Hop Teams: Our youngest dance teams practice once a week for 60 minutes. While we recommend taking a general dance and/or tumbling technique class, there are no other requirements. After the age of about 8, dancers are asked to add a dance class and a
tumbling class. After the age of about 10, dancers also add a hip-hop technique class weekly.
Acro/Tumbling Teams
- Our youngest tumbling teams practice once a week, and take a tumbling class once per week. We recommend taking a dance class also, but it is not required.
- After the age of about 7, the tumblers are required to rehearse once a week. In addition, they take a dance class (preferably ballet-based), a tumbling class, and a class called "acro skills and drills" for overall conditioning and endurance.
What is the basic timeline/schedule for the year?
- April & May - Auditions
- May - Attend parent informational meeting, and sign up for summer classes
- June/July/August – Summer session (6 weeks out of 8 are required for summer)
- August – Ballet Intensive (required for ballet and lyrical teams, optional for all others)
- September through December - Learn competition routines
- December/January - Learn how to apply the stage make-up and hairstyle
- January – Clean up and polish the routines, fit costumes
- February – Our first competition!
- March, April, May - Attend approximately four regional competitions
- June – Spring Showcase
- July – Nationals, optional, held every other year (2011 IS a Nationals year)
What Parents Are Saying
Here’s what some of our competition team parents are saying about being on Dance Etc.’s competition teams:
WOW! I was so impressed! The dancers' technique, quality of the choreography, costumes, etc. is like night and day compared
to Anna's old studio. And I really enjoyed how you talked about each team, song selection, etc. Even my sister, who grinned and
beared it through past recitals to see her niece, said how impressed she was and that the dancing was so much better! We're so
happy Dance Etc is now our dance studio! Thanks! -Debbie Verderber"
"We absolutely love all of the instructors. You are all extremely talented choreographers. The classes are
very positive and upbeat, and the children are challenged. I couldn't ask for a better place for Breanna to
continue to progress in her dance future. Thank you so much for all of the hard work you all dedicate. We truly
appreciate all that you do!! THANKS!!" -W. Ferguson
"I love the atmosphere and the attention that both the children and parents receive from the entire staff
at Dance Etc. The instructors are very professional and polished, both with their dance knowledge as well as
their inter-personal skills. My children receive a lot of individualized attention and the instructors really
focus in on their individualized needs. My kids have thrived beyond my expectations at Dance Etc." -K. Vogele
"We LOVE Dance, Etc.! Our girls have danced at 4 different studios in 4 different states, so when we moved
here and started looking for a studio, from experience I knew what I did and did not want! I started "interviewing"
studios closest to my home. Fourteen miles and 8 studios later we found our "home" with Dance, Etc. We have continued
to be impressed with the commitment and dedication of the teachers and staff, the excellent level of instruction
and their genuine love for our children." -M. Schmitz
"So many postive changes have been made this year... the studio appearance, professionalism in communication
& overall studio perception, web/email newsletter, more parent emails and always always so greatly appreciate
Dance Etc.'s age appropriate, conservative and respectful choreography, music selection and costumes. Watching
our dancers perform is always with pride! Thank you!" -S. Conner
"If you want a place that is concerned wth teaching technique, building team work, and making the process
positive then Dance Etc is the place.Dance Etc. has done so much for my daughter! She has accomplished so much in
the past 7 years at the studio! She would rather be at Dance Etc. than anywhere else. Everywhere you go
in the studio, you see children laughing, playing and having a good time. That is what this is all about. Our
children! They are the most important things in our lives and we want them to be happy. And Dance Etc.
does this for my child. And that makes me a very happy Mom!" -P. Vaughn
"The newly renovated studio and boutique makes Dance Etc. a classy fun place to be. The dress code
for the competition teams adds a professional atmosphere and we are proud to be a part of Dance Etc. The
studio is definitely moving in the right direction and we can't wait to see what will happen next year!" -K. Hupp
"Danielle has truly enjoyed her experience as a dance etc. team member so far. The instructors, parents, and team members
are wonderful and everyone has made Danielle feel very welcome-although she is still not totally sure what is expected at
times she seems to jump right in and doesn't get upset when she is corrected. She just loves tumbling and is excited to be
part of the Dance Etc. team. Ellen is wonderful, it is great to see her at the desk when we walk in the door.
Love the emails!" -C. Kenyon
"There are many good things at DE. My husband and I are most happy about the age appropriate dances and costumes.
My daughter is eight. I have never been uncomfortable with the dance moves she is being taught or the costume she
is wearing. We didn't realize how unique this is until we started competition team." -L. Niehaus
"The team experience has been gratifying. Jessi has become more confident and outgoing. Competitions are very positive.
Often, other teams/parents congratulate the girls and give them positive reinforcement. I'm happy that Dance Etc
emphasizes that team members are to be respectful during other routines. Dance Etc. does a great job in keeping costumes
age-appropriate and comfortable for the kids. The routines are lively, age appropriate, and challenging.
Lastly, we Love Catherine!" -J. Wendelken
"My daughter has finally found a sport (in dancing) that really suits her style. She drops every thing for dance
and never complains about going. She is fully committed. She does complain about other sports like soccer,
lacrosse, and basketball which she has since given up. She is not a physical contact sport type and is learning to
express herself through dancing on a team, and what great exercise it is!" -E. Pohlman
"We are very happy at Dance Etc. We have been coming there for about 5 years and have always had a great experience.
My oldest has been on teams now for 3 years and my youngest just started and they love it. I think that the instructors
are great and it is a very friendly place where I can feel comfortable leaving my kids when they dance." –D. Weeder
"Dance Etc has been an incredible experience for my young son. In my opinion, Dance Etc. is the best studio
in the region. This is obvious, even to the new Dance Moms, when you attend competitions.
The overall quality of every single dance number Ms Anne enters, is evidenced in the costumes, stage presence, props,
music as well as choreography. This is why Dance Etc keeps bringing home so many trophies.
It's the total package! But aside from the wonderful dance instruction that our children get at Dance Etc., Ms
Anne teaches teamwork, compassion and support of all kids. I am amazed at how caring these kids are
for all children in the studio. The younger kids find wonderful support from the bigger kids! The talent
in this studio is amazing but more striking to me, is the confidence and friendships these kids develop as a result
of working together. It is a great foundation for any child!"
-Susan Vogt
