We Are So Proud of Our Team!
What it means to be a TEAM
At Dansations, the competition program is about learning and growing together as dancers and individuals. Committing to the Competition Team may be a big step, but we believe it is one that will strengthen you as a dancer, a competitor and a person. In each class, we’ll strive for an environment that demands discipline, creativity, personal expression, and above all, fun! Our Competition Team places emphasis on TEAM, we work together, learn together, laugh together, and grow up dancing together.
Placement on the Competition Team is by invitation. Placement is based on the previous year’s behavior, attendance, work ethic and passion for dance. New students interested in joining please contact us to schedule a private audition.
About our Team
Dansations has one competitive team. The entire team competes at a very high level. The team is broken down into different age groups: micros, minis, juniors, intermediates, teens and seniors. Our curriculum and class requirements are age appropriate and designed to allow children to have a balanced life- school, family, friends & dance. Healthy life-balance is key to a dancer’s long term success. We use our class time wisely to maximize outcome which allows our dancers to thrive in a positive atmosphere. Our youngest team members start at age 5-7 with 4.5 hours of dance a week. As they grow older they will add classes as is appropriate for their age. Dansations teens and seniors dance 3-4 days a week and average 8-12 hours of dance per week. Our curriculum includes a mix of technique classes as well as preforming classes. Ballet, Jazz, Tap are the chore disciplines, once dancers have a strong foundation in these subjects they will add lyrical, contemporary, pointe and hip hop to their studies. In classes, dancers will work on developing strength, stamina, flexibility, clean technique, performance quality and story telling within their movement. We do not focus on the “win” but rather we encourage our dancers to reach their potential, to strive to be the best they can be. When we arrive at competition, our dancers are confident, prepared and excited to perform. That is why we are so successful when we compete!
Expectations for competition students:
- Mandatory attendance and punctuality
- Bring all dance shoes to all classes
- Dress properly for each class- (leotard, tights, hair pulled back and out of face, bun for ballet)
- Exhibit respect for your teachers and teammates
- If you must miss a class call or email the studio prior to the class time
- Strive to do your best each class
- HAVE FUN!
Competitions
Attendance is mandatory at all competitions. This is not like other sports where other teammates can play your position. Since every dancer is essential to the development of choreography and executing specific combinations, competing without a dancer puts our entire class at a major disadvantage. If a dancer is on the Competition Team, you are an important and key member of our team. This needs to be made a priority, out of respect for yourself and your team members.
The Dansations team will compete in 3 local competitions in the spring of each season. Dancers will have the option to travel to Nationals every other summer. Competition dates and fees will be available in September.
Benefits of Being on a Team
- Friendships that will last a lifetime- Dance friendships tend to be stronger then school friendships. They work long, hard hours under stressful circumstances, they become family. Over time, teammates learn to depend on one another. By high school their friendships are as close as siblings.
- Time management skills– Children that dance competitively do not have time to goof around, get in trouble or watch TV. They know they have to get their homework done so they can get to dance class!
- Better grades– in my experience kids on the comp team have exceptionally good grades. Dancers are focused in school and work hard in every aspect of their lives. Parents often think the schedule will be too hard, but it is actually just the opposite, children tend to thrive on a dancers schedule.
- Exercise– Dancing, although not a sport, as very athletic. Dance requires a high level of physical activity. In class, dancers will work on strength, flexibility and endurance. Dancers are in great shape and take very good care to be healthy!
- Confidence– dance gives confidence in a way that nothing else does. Dancers learn how to thrive under pressure, grab the audience’s attention (or a boss’s attention later on in life) and accomplish their goals!
Helpful Information at Dance Competitions:
What to Wear
Dancers should always be wearing Dansations attire (logo with blue stars) when not performing on stage.
When on stage for awards ceremonies the children must have on the Dansations team jacket.
Costumes
In addition to performance and technique, students are judged on costuming. Hairpieces cannot fall out. Accessories cannot be missing. We recommend making a list of everything you need and double (and triple!) check. Keep everything in one garment bag and stay organized!
Hair and Make-up
Hair and make-up must be done to perfection. Hair can not move at all while dancing. Use an excessive amount of gel and finish with tons of hair spray. Use a hair net for the bun. No nail polish. Make-up must be very bold. Fire engine red lip-stick, pink blush, fake eyelashes, eyebrows should have white under brow.
What to Bring
Pack all your make-up, extra eyelashes, a brush, extra hair nets, bobby pins hair spray, gel, safety pins, needle and thread, dance shoes (bring all of them!), extra tights, a mirror and anything else you can think of. Get everything ready the night before and keep everything in a kit or bag.
Attitude and Behavior
We expect all dancers to be on their very best behavior. It is important to be respectful of other dancers and adults, and most importantly, be kind, considerate and appreciative to your parents. You are old enough to be responsible for your actions and can manage your own costumes, hair and makeup.
Additionally, gossiping about other studios, dancers, parents, or even your own studio will not be tolerated. This is not acceptable behavior of our dancers.
Schedule
Your teacher will give dancers thorough information regarding when they are performing. Dancers are expected to be accountable for themselves.
Make sure you get enough sleep the night before you perform, and wake up early to give yourself enough time to arrive at the competition location.
We Are Proud of You
You represent our Dansations Team and we are proud of the work you have accomplished to get here. Don’t forget to take a deep breath, smile and have fun!
For Parents
Let’s work together as a unified team to help your children thrive! Our jobs is to problem solve and keep the kids calm. Remember, your child may get nervous, encourage your dancer to find Miss Liza with any problems.
We strongly advise parents to not address children other than their own with anything less than positive encouragement. Only in matters that concern safety or security should you address issues. Please see Miss Liza with any problems.
Limit your time in the dressing room. Dance should give your child the gift of independence. Encourage them to be independent and proud of their accomplishments. Thank you so much for all that you do. Being a dance parent is not an easy thing. We appreciate you!