DDH Dance Academy, LLC.

Wausau, WI Dance Studio

Dance Troupe Information

Congratulations to Troupe Members 2011/12 !

 

 

What is Dance Troupe at DDH's Dance Studio?

The DDH Dance Troupe is a jazz based performance team that was developed for dancers who desire to perform more often and compete in dance competitions. Members of our Dance Troupe also perform at local events and have the opportunity to attend professional dance workshops to expand their technique and style. Troupe classes are by audition only.

We have five performing dance troupes:

  • Junior Troupe I
  • Junior Troupe 2
  • Junior Troupe 3
  • Senior Troupe 2
  • Senior Troupe 3

There is only room for a limited amount of dancers in each Troupe. An alternate will be picked in each Troupe level in the event that someone drops-out. The try-out is a great learning experience for all dancers, even if they may not be selected for this years Troupe!

How and when do we try-out for Dance Troupe?

*Before deciding whether or not to try-out, please realize that troupe does involve a commitment of attending classes and extra rehearsals regularly.

Please read and review the commitment form each dancer and parent are asked to sign before trying out for a position on Troupe.

There is a $3 audition fee

When the dancers come for the try-out, they will be asked to fill-out an information form consisting of their name, address, phone #, age, and who to contact in case of an emergency. They will be asked to select a number tag to be pinned on them during the try-outs. Ms. Dee Dee will teach a short routine to the dancers (all dancers at once). After they have practiced the routine several times they will be broken-up into groups of three or four to perform the routine in front of the judges who are established dance professionals. When all the dancers have been judged they may leave to go home. Results of the try-out will be announced soon after the final troupe try-out. Good-luck to all!

Parents will not be allowed in the dance area during the try-outs. Thanks for your consideration.

IF I WAS ON TROUPE LAST YEAR, DO I NEED TO TRY-OUT AGAIN?

Yes, everyone needs to try-out even if you were on troupe last year. This gives everyone a fair chance to try-out. Also, what troupe you may or may not be selected for, is up to the judges. There is a chance that you may not be selected for Troupe this year or you may be put into a different troupe than you were in last year!

DDH DANCE ACADEMY DANCE TROUPE COMMITMENT FORM

Requirements:

  • All dancers must attend an audition for a position on the DDH Dance Troupe. Technique and ability are critiqued along with performance quality. Dancers must have had at least one year of dance training in either ballet, tap, jazz, combo or hip hop at DDH previous to the audition.
  • IN ADDITION to the audition score/recommendation, classroom attitude, previous attendance record, health, teamwork skills, age, skill level, concentration and maturity are major factors in placement on the Dance Troupe.
  • Dancers must be a minimum of 9 years old by September 12, 2011 and may continue to try out until their high school graduation.
  • All dancers who are placed on the Dance Troupe must also take at least one other dance class at DDH.
  • Please note that Hip Hop classes and 1/2 year classes do not count as your additional class requirement.
  • Dancers must maintain excellent grades as determined by their parents to remain in the Dance Troupe.

Attendance:

  • The DDH Dance Troupe requires a higher level of commitment from dancers, parents and staff. It is necessary to insist on good attendance because dancers will be learning material at a faster pace. Dancers may be asked to have additional practices, especially at times just prior to a competition or special event in which they will participate.
  • Dancers must be in attendance for ALL practices in the weeks prior to competitions and special events. We may choose to not allow a dancer to participate in such events if they have excessive absences (with no refund of any fees).
  • Dancers must be on time or early for classes and should commit time to practicing routines and improving flexibility at home.

Parent's financial commitments:

  • There is a fee for one term of Dance Troupe.. A 50% non-refundable deposit of each DDH Troupe dancer is due on registration day. The remaining 50% balance will be due on the 2nd lesson payment due date.
  • There will be 2 costume deposits of $55 (total $110) due for each Troupe dancer as they learn and perform two separate routines. All costume fees are due at end of October. Late payments will be assessed a late fee.
  • Competition participation is a requirement. There will be a minimum of 1-2 competitions per dance year. Parents are responsible for all fees involved, and any costs of transportation, lodging, and food. All classes that Troupe members are registered for (tap, ballet, etc) will be considered for competition at the teacher's discretion. We will inform parents which routines will be attending competition.
  • Competition fees are non-refundable for any reason.
  • Additional costs include: makeup, special hair requirements, props, specific tights and shoe expenses. We work hard to keep these costs as low as possible.

DDH Dance Troupe Events:

  • Halloween Party
  • Winter Dance Workshops (not required but recommended)
  • Holiday Parade
  • Christmas performances at local facilities and holiday events
  • Christmas party (optional gift exchange)
  • 1 to 3 Competitions
  • Various performances for community events
  • Summer dance workshops (not required but recommended)

All the above requirements/commitments should be carefully considered and discussed by both the dancer and parents before auditioning for a position. Please keep in mind that being a part of a dance team requires the same, if not more of a commitment as a sport in school would. Membership on the DDH Dance Troupe is a privilege, not a right. Because you have been on Troupe before has NO influence on placement in the following year. No dancer is guaranteed a position on the Troupe. Audition results will be posted on the website 2 to 3 days after the audition date. You will not receive a phone call or letter with audition results.