Anyone that would like to become a member of the VIBE must audition. The audition is not about "cutting" dancers but about looking at their skill and progress and then placing them into groups for the season. If I (Amy) personally feel a dancer is not ready to be a member of the VIBE I will discuss that with the dancer and parent after auditions are over. Dancers are placed in their competition numbers based on their current ability, level, age and learning potential. Placement is not an argumentative issue. ANY CALLS OR EMAILS REFERRING TO COMPANY PLACEMENT OF YOUR CHILD OR ANYONE ELSE’S WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL FROM THE VIBE.

Amy makes all decisions on group numbers and styles. Must have permission to do a solo, duo or trio.

 

Each Vibe member is required to purchase a costume for each dance you participate in. Parents, be aware and prepared that a large amount of money may be due all at once (and close to recital costume time). If for some reason you are not able to continue with the Vibe, and costumes have already been ordered, YOU are still responsible for the payment, and will hand over costumes to the understudies to finish out the remainder of the year. This is only fair to the dancers. Costumes will range in cost from $125.00-$300.00 (give or take) and that does not include shoes, tights, or accessories. It depends on how elaborate and the style of the costume.

Alterations on your child’s costume are your responsibility.

Maintenance is your responsibility - we need to look our best!

Rhinestones will be optional for specials. Amy will make the decision on all group numbers.

The Vibe Dance Company will be required to attend at least 3 dance conventions as a group (we will not be competing at any of the conventions), attend all scheduled master classes with guest artist brought to DU, perform in the Vibe Concert this including attendance at all tech rehearsals and compete at one local competition (the competition being used as another means to perform). We will also have assisting weeks and choreography weeks =). This will be explained at our first company meeting. Vibe dancers are welcome to attend any other competition if they would like to on their own and can organize it themselves. **ALL COMPANY MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BALLET NUMBER AND PRODUCTION NUMBER. ** I feel these numbers are important for the versatility, team work and unity.

I am working on dates for 08-09 and will post/email as soon as I know.

The Monday after a Convention weekend all students are excused from classes (this does not include assistants or acting classes).

All Company members must be enrolled in Ballet and Jazz as well as either Hip Hop or a Tap Technique Class.

Your Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop classes are of utmost importance. All classes that you miss you will have to make up in ADVANCE, with the exception of illness or death in the family. Please turn in a conflict sheet for the entire year by August 29th so that we know what classes you will be making up (and this will also help in planning rehearsals.) We are hoping this will eliminate the "cramming" make ups in at the last minute. You will receive our guest artist schedule and convention schedule prior to that date so you can plan accordingly.

Each member is given two free absences per semester.

Other ways to make up a class is attending an outside dance or musical performance at a local college or thru a professional touring company. Also students receive make-ups for "specific" master classes we host and attend, this does not include conventions.

Attendance is a must for a successful company. Absences and Tardiness will not be tolerated. This is disrespectful to your peers and instructors.

The plan for 08-09 is to set all choreography during September-November and begin cleaning in January - we ONLY will have rehearsals on weekends and you will know ALL weekend dates by mid-August so you can plan accordingly. Guest Artist can NOT be planned around conflicts, unfortunately I have to work around THEIR schedules!

There will be a few times during the week when we get closer to a performance that we will need to run numbers.

If you feel you have a lot of conflicts or another activity, you may want to reconsider being a member of the VIBE.

Last minute conflicts are unacceptable and will be treated as an absence. On the third unexcused absence you will be automatically removed from the Vibe.

It is not okay to just not show up for a rehearsal.

If you are ill for any rehearsal and NOT contagious, you must still attend class to watch and take notes. If you are contagious it is your responsibility to learn all choreography before returning to the next rehearsal... even if the rehearsal is the next day.

Hair Appts should not be scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

Dancers will be expected to be prepared for all rehearsals. Dancers must check the company board daily as well as your e-mail. Dancers must bring all necessary shoes, knee pads and braces, and dress appropriately for each rehearsal. It is not the instructors fault if a dancer forgets the appropriate dancewear and/or shoes resulting in the parent having to bring back the item. A dancer cannot rehearse without being prepared and this may jeopardize their place in a particular number.

Show up early to warm-up if one is not scheduled. Walking in ON TIME is being late.

Unfortunately we sometimes have last minute schedule changes. This happens very rarely. We do our best not to let it happen but be advised it may.

Practice with a purpose; Have an Intent. Dancers are required to spend some "outside" time practicing, especially is they are struggling. THIS WAS A PROBLEM LAST YEAR!! If a dancer comes to a rehearsal, and does not remember what has been learned, that is grounds for dismissal from that number. DANCERS WILL ONLY BE WARNED ONE TIME. No Exceptions. We have very limited time to work and clean our numbers, and time will not be spent re-teaching. Company members never have to pay for studio time.

All serious injuries must have a doctors note in order to continue rehearsal. And every dancer must have a disposable ice pack in their dance bag. Do not assume you will never get hurt.

Summer Session 2008: all Vibe members are required to take summer classes at DU. Vibe members have to take all disciplines during the summer. Each dancer will have a sign in sheet at the front desk. The requirement for every member is the same - 12 Ballet classes, 12 Jazz classes, 6 hip hop classes and 6 tap classes. There will be No substituting disciplines, but if you need to take a different level to make it up it can only be one step lower or one step higher. If this is a problem with your schedule you are to speak with Amy directly. You have until September 30, 2008 to complete all the classes required for summer! Current Vibe members must also take one workshop outside of DU this summer.

All those auditioning for Vibe must be at least 8 years old or have permission, and had at least 3 years of Classical Ballet training, and 2 years of Jazz training.

All Vibe members must take Ballet at least 2 times during the week for fall and Jazz at least once, and either Tap or Hip Hop.

Dancers are required to keep a notebook. This should include all goals, choreography, practice chart, corrections, and all other details. Successful dancers will go the extra mile, and do not make excuses. In my (Amy's) experience as an instructor, dancers will retain and learn choreography faster if it is written down.

Vibe members are required to be at all rehearsals.

Vibe members are required to be at all rehearsals the weekend and weekdays leading into a competition/performance weekend.

All VIBE members are required and should want to stay and watch the entire competition when we have them locally regardless of age. This includes all specials and groups NUMBERS. We are a dance company and we will support one another (no matter how late or early). All dancers must stay for their awards and dress in VIBE clothing. If you feel you cannot stay for all those hours, do not sign the contract.

We will have a required rehearsal on Jan 2 and 3, 2009 - PUT on your calendar NOW. We will have a required rehearsal the last Sunday of Spring Break - put on calendar NOW.

Auditions for Vibe will be August 15-16. A reminder that auditions are for placement in numbers only NOT a cutting process. With that said CONTRACTS are due by June 15, 2008. Along with this contract you will provide 4 checks each in the amount of $300.00. The checks should be dated: June 18, July 15, Aug 15 and Sept 15. These are the date each will be deposited. That money is collected and held to use for workshops, conventions, costumes, master classes, local performances, make-up, etc. Each of you will receive a breakdown on your account. Some of you will not use all that money during your Vibe season and once we have finished paying all Vibe fees the credit you have will go to your tuition. Some of you will use all this money and will receive a balance due in either Dec. or Jan.

Also with your contract please include a $20.00 check to Shawn Lewis for music editing of group numbers and for your own VIBE CD. Please date this check Sept 15 - IF YOU ARE DOING A SPECIAL PLEASE ADD TEN EXTRA DOLLARS PER SPECIAL TO COVER YOUR EDITING AND EXTRA CD'S.

Vibe Company fee is $50.00 per month added to your already paid tuition. This fee is from Sept to May. This is not a per hour charge. It is the same each month regardless of how long or short rehearsals are. All financial obligations must be met promptly and are not optional.

Competition fees: run between $20-$30 per dance/per dancer/per competition

Convention fees: run between $100-$200 per dancer/per convention, depending on level.

Master Classes / Guest Teachers run about $25-$125 per dancer - we usually have 5.

Guest choreographers run $75-$300 per dance/per dancer.

You must have permission to do a solo, duo, or trio. Choreography for those particular numbers is not included in the company fees. Rehearsals may be on Sunday for specials. You must rehearse your specials at least 2 times per week until recital is over, or it will be eliminated. There will be a sign in sheet on the company board for you, and a DU faculty member to sign after you practice. Do not expect the faculty member to sign for you "marking" your number. If you do not run your special 2 times during the week you will be cleaning the studio on Sunday evening! NOT fun.

Choreography fees: Solo:$225., Duo $300, Trio $350... now if we bring in an outside choreographer your fees WILL be different.

Parents your dancer determines their own rehearsal times for specials. So if you do not want them at the studio late then you need to tell them to run their numbers early. Also specials have to be run Mon - Thurs NOT on Fridays.

At the studio dress rehearsal and at competition or performances if you forget your costume or prop, you owe $5 and will have to go and get it or not compete. Props include anything that you personally dance with that factors into a number: shoes, shirts, hats, chairs, etc .....

At the studio dress rehearsal and at competition if any costume piece falls off of you, you owe me $.50.

A Prop dropped at competition or in dress rehearsal $2.00.

Rubber bands worn on wrist during dress rehearsal or competition will cost you $.50.

All winnings at competitions goes to the dancers.

All dancers, no matter what age, must have the same amount of commitment. If you decide to be in one dance you will obviously have less rehearsals opposed to someone that has 10 numbers.

Grades: Dancers must do their homework. We cannot afford to lose anyone due to grade problems.

All company members must have a positive attitude toward one another, and their instructors. It is very important that we are all supportive of each other and this includes parents as well. Attitude is the most important ingredient in a successful company. Along with a willingness to work, the student must learn to exercise their mental discipline. Students do not have permission to correct another student unless asked to do so. Gossip and arguing will not be tolerated within The Vibe.

Dancers need to learn to organize their time. If you cannot organize dance classes, dance company, school, homework, and your social activities, then you are not ready for the Vibe. Dancers have to be healthy, and rested to perform up to scale, they will need to be able to give complete focus.

Amy has the authority to remove any dancer from Vibe that she deems necessary. A dancer will be given only one warning, and the parent will be contacted to discuss whatever situation has come up. We are all human, and things will happen. All situations will be looked at with fairness to the company, and what is best for the company. We have yet to complete a season without losing at least one member.

Parents are not allowed to watch any rehearsals until given permission to do so. Once numbers are learned we ask that for the progression of your child that you come and video tape for your dancer to review. Please make sure you have a tape in your camera when you come =).

Parents need to keep records of expenses for the year.

Parents must carry your child's birth certificate with you to each competition in case we need proof of age.

So hopefully we haven’t scared anyone off with all the policies and expenses. Working with the Vibe girls is an absolute privilege. There is nothing better than working with dancers who love to dance as much as I do. I enjoy getting to know each of them and becoming not only their teacher but friend. We will go through good and bad times, but I work hard to keep us a “family” so they can learn on and depend on one another. Competitiveness within the Vibe will not be tolerated. Nor will disrespect to myself, Kelly, parents, or faculty. Competition is not about the trophies, it’s a great challenge for myself and the dancers, and the opportunity for the dancers to perform and share with us the gift each of them possesses. We will aim to inspire, encourage, and stimulate these young dancers. We will be tough on them at times and we know they will rise to the occasion. We understand that children who are in VIBE generally have a strong desire to excel, and needs to be nurtured unquestionably. When we are rehearsing keep in mind that not only are we working to perfect the steps we are working on inner personal skills, dancer’s motivation, self-confidence, intensity, and concentration. As parents we need you to trust that we are doing everything in our power to make this a great opportunity for your child. We need your trust. We will always welcome your concerns, however we many not always agree, but never hesitate to come to either of us. We welcome every dancer to participate in the company that is willing to take the challenge and make the sacrifices. However, once committed, it is a privilege and needs to be treated like so. A life of dance has its peaks and valleys. It is unrealistic to expect your child to live a full life and never have a bad day. One of the jobs of the parents will be encouragement and guidance during difficult times. Parents will need to respect the bond between the dancers and myself. Please refrain from any negative remarks while in the presence of DU studio walls. A phone call would be appreciated. One or Two dancers will not make it through this season, and for whatever reason please do not feel like you cannot discuss your situation with us so that we part on good terms.

Thanks for your time, Amy RR