Competition Hints and Guidelines for Students and Parents
This memo is passed out to each Company member in the beginning of the new studio dance year. It is one of many informative papers that we include in the "Ensemble Packet" that goes to the parent. We feel this packet will help make everyone's life a wee bit easier. We believe it is important to keep both students and parents advised of what we will be expecting from them at all times. If you have not used a memo like this, I suggest you try one; it saves a lot of questions from parents and the same answer having to be given by you, the teacher, far too many times! And best of all...it is in writing and you can always refer back to it if something unpleasant arises. There can be no excuses made, such as, "Oh I didn't know."
Be sure you have a copy of the directions to the competition venue that have been provided for you.
You MUST be at the competition site AT LEAST 1 hour before your Solo/Duo Trio and 1.5 hours before your Group Check-in time to get orientated and settled in your space
Allow enough time to travel and don't be rushed. There are times that the competitions are running ahead of schedule and you are expected to be there and be ready ON TIME.
Be SURE you have all your costume parts, shoes and everything you need for make-up & grooming. Be sure your Kaboodle contains safety pins, stapler for costume emergencies, gel and hair spray, bobby pins, hair nets, all your make up needs including Q-tips, wipes, tissues and paper towels for repairs during the day. You MUST always look fresh on stage and never have a bedraggled frazzled look...regardless of the amount of routines and quick changes you have.
Bring EXTRA TIGHTS of each style you will need.....that is a MUST !!
There is usually a food vendor there....but do bring some of your own healthy goodies to save $$ ...Fruit and protein snacks are best. DO NOT - that's NEVER eat in costume!!
Be sure you are WEARING your company check in uniform when you arrive and also when you are on "down time" and roaming around the theatre.
Do bring a pillow and cuddly if you have a lot of down time and then you can curl up in the rafters for a quick nap !! NO running up & down in the auditorium and curtail your ins and outs.
Please refer to your copy of the "ABC's of Competition Etiquette" and show respect for the dancers on stage at all times.
No one is allowed to leave the premises without the prior knowledge of your teacher and group charge mom without their permission. Bring something to amuse yourself, homework counts too, when you have a lot of down time between routines
Charge Mothers are responsible for transporting and set up of all props in their routines. Be sure to bring the props back to the studio the first day you come, so we can have them for practice.
All props are to be collected from backstage after the routine is finished and stored away safely right at that time...in your car is best !
The Charge Moms will keep all hats and certain accessories from your costume. Be sure to have each item checked in by the Mom before you leave, or change into your next costume. This way we are sure everyone will have everything for the next event.
Rosin in a DU labeled box, will be backstage for you to use. Be sure you are familiar as to where the box has been put. Don't use too much...especially with tap shoes. Other studios are welcomed to share the box if they need to. Just remind them to be considerate of the amount they use.
Everyone MUST stay together in the same dressing area. Some of the comps assign us a location to dress...but others do not. When you arrive search out the location that DU has staked its claim to. Stay close and be considerate of the space you claim...there are many other studios that need to have their fair space too.
REMEMBER....NEVER talk judgmentally about another studio, dancers, teachers, costumes etc....you do not know who you are sitting next to in the audience or dressing close to backstage!!
If you have nothing nice to say....then say nothing !! This rule applies to everyone....PARENTS & STUDENTS alike! Infractions will result in disciplinary actions being taken.
Dancers-the Charge Moms volunteer their services and are there to help you. They are however not your maid or your slave and should be treated with courtesy and respect by you at all times.
Charge Moms-please be sure to wear your Ensemble Parent T-shirt. Please be aware of how you talk to and interact with all of the performing students. They are under a lot of pressure and do need your assurance, comfort and understanding at times!
Mothers-We know that every dancer is going to do just great on stage! BUT if there are mistakes made, please do not make matters worse by berating your child backstage or in Dressing Room in front of other people. They already feel bad and usually have other routines to perform. Save your chat until you get home.
Family and Friends-as previously requested.....DO NOT SIT UP FRONT IN THE AUDITORIUM WHERE YOU CAN BE SEEN FROM THE STAGE. We ask everyone to sit back in the auditorium at least half way so you cannot be seen and become a distraction for the dancers...especially the younger ones. We love you ...BUT !!!
NO personal video taping is allowed......NO flash photos are allowed......Regular photos are A-OK and certainly encouraged. You may purchase videos & CD's of your dancers from the official competition photographer. Infraction of the event rule will cause us to be disqualified as a studio.
There will be group photos taken by the studio prior to the groups performance at most Competitions ....we will make them available for you to see and order copies if you want
Be sure all students stay on stage after the award ceremony for group photos to be taken with Trophies and Teachers and Friends !!
Listen for the MC's announcement if ALL students in the group are allowed to go on stage for awards. Sometimes yes ...sometimes no. Even if the group is allowed to be sitting on the stage, ONLY the Line Captain goes up to receive the trophy.
Remember......NO Furry - fuzzy slippers are permitted to be worn on stage for Awards. Be sure you are in Costume or Ensemble Uniform for the Award Sessions .. NO gum chewing ... EVER !!
When you accept your award....a huge Smile and a big loud Thank You is the way to accept it...regardless of what YOU think you should have gotten !
Soloists/Duos are expected to be there to receive their awards. If the group award session is really late and far apart from your last dance...you may leave, with permission. The Line Captain will receive the award for the routine.
Line Captains MUST pass out group ribbons at the competition and bring the group trophy to the studio by the Wednesday after the Competition. You are responsible to label the trophy on the bottom with the name of the routine and date of the event as well.
We at Dance Unlimited have always been acknowledged by both the competition and other studios for our Discipline, Co-operation, Uniform and Overall Grooming and Good Sportsmanship ...let's keep it going !!
Remember...WE are a TEAM...and how any one person acts reflects upon all of us!! Let's be sure to uphold our fine reputation.
After the competition is over, YOU the dancer are responsible to pick up all your costumes parts. YOU, not your mother, are to re-hang and repack them...DO NOT leave anything ...Be sure YOUR NAME is on and in everything.....shoes and hats too!
Be grateful for all that your Parents do for you and with you and show them how much you appreciate their support by treating them with love, care, kindness and appreciation. At times I have overhead some of you speak to your Moms in a way that I find very unbecoming for a DU Company Member and a nice young lady...and certainly not the way your Mom deserves to be spoken to. Keep that nice Smile on your face....on and off the stage ...and certainly in your voice too !!
Go home...get a good night's sleep...be proud of your accomplishments, for sure we are ...for tomorrow we dance again!
All of the DU Faculty are very proud of your proficiency and your achievements. Let's now show everyone so that they too can join in our Dance Unlimited Ensemble Fan Club. Keep up the good work and always ...Dance, Smile and Have Fun!
With lotsa Love and Pride,
Miss Danie, Miss Kimberly, Miss Janette and the Ensemble Committee
I hope this will be of some help to you. Perhaps you already have guidelines that you would like to share with other teachers. If so I know we all would appreciate being able to read them. YOU might have one really valuable point that no one else has thought of yet. You can send the information to me at danceun@aol.com. I look forward to receiving it. Until next time...Thanx
for chatting!