DCSD Dancers

Elite Team Requirements

The DCSD Elite Team is a very special part of the studio.  It is made up of students and their parents who love the fun and excitement of competition.  We always want to win and expect team members to make every effort in class, at practice, and at competition.  At the high level of competition we choose to compete at, high point and top ten scores are goals that are not easy to make. 

        Because of this, we are requiring our Elite Team members to enroll in weekly technique classes.  The technique classes are mandatory for the Elite Team members and include 3 classes: Ballet, Leaps and Turns, and a specialized class for each age group – Strength & Stretch for the Teens and Seniors, and JPT Jazz Technique for the Juniors and Pre-teens.  The cost for these 3 technique classes is $75.  The technique classes are recommended for dancers that are under 8 years old and/or have less than 2 years of competition experience, but are not required. 

        As an Elite Team member, students are also required to participate in weekly ½-hour competition rehearsal classes (per dance).  Review the table below to better understand the breakdown of prices for the mandatory technique classes and the ½ hour rehearsal classes.
   1 Competition Dance – additional $15 per session, total of $90 per session
    2 Competition Dances – additional $30 per session, total of $105 per session
    3 Competition Dances – additional $45 per session, total of $120 per session
    4 Competition Dances – additional $60 per session, total of $135 per session
    5 or more Competition Dances – additional $75 per session, total of $150 per session. 
Also as a team member, you will be required to compete in a Large Group Tap number.  Miss Debbie will decide which group a student is eligible to compete with for competition.  The rehearsal for this class will NOT be considered an additional competition dance (because it is mandatory for all members), and therefore will be at no charge for the student to participate in.  However, entry fees at each competition will be each family’s responsibility.

        In addition to the mandatory technique and rehearsal classes for the Extreme Elite Team, students may enroll in any available class at a rate of $15 per class, per session.  Available classes include Acro, Hip Hop, Lyrical, or any non-competition combination class offered throughout the week.

        Competition requires a greater commitment from both students and their families, involving both time and money.  More time means extra practice including the 3-4 weekends’ right before competition and the time spent at competitions.  Extra costs are the entry fees for each dance in competition and the studio fee.  All classes have to buy costumes and shoes.  Elite Team classes order costumes early in the year and they may be more expensive.  Students may need more shoes than what may be needed in a regular non-competition class.  Other costs will be divided equally for the dancers in each competition number, and may include the charges for a guest choreographer, props, and the cost of transporting them.  Transportation, food, and lodging are each team member’s responsibility.

All competition classes must work together with Miss Debbie, Miss Korie, or any of their assistants.  It is the responsibility of each team member to stay informed on what’s going on and why.  This includes changes in class time, practice times, costumes and accessories.  All team members must know such things as:  the costume and color of tights for each dance, hairstyle, shoe style and color, any accessories needed, and most importantly, the day and time the group competes.  Make it a habit to check our bulletin boards, doors, and our website for up-to-date information. 

        Class fees, competition fees, costumes and all other costs must be paid on time and in full.  Dancers will not be allowed to compete without these fees being paid.  We know how hard it is to budget, but you know when each competition is, and when class and competition fees are due.

        Fund raising and sponsorships are encouraged and welcome.  Many fund raisers are offered throughout the year for students to raise money for lesson fees, competitions, costumes, etc.  Parents and team members are responsible for these activities.

        Missing the competition, or the last practice before it, may mean a dancer will be dismissed from the team and that class.  Parents that cannot attend the competition must make arrangements for their dancer to be there; ready to go, on time.  Please remember that dancers should arrive at the venue 2 hours prior to performing – this allows ample time to warm-up, get dressed and ready, and relax before performing.  If a dancer is running late for a competition, and has not arrived at least ½ hour prior to the scheduled performance time, it will be our discretion as to whether or not that dancer will perform for that particular dance. It not only creates tension among the parents, but the dancers become stressed as well.  Always keep in mind that you are part of a TEAM, and there are other people counting on you to have everything in order!  And remember... “Early is on time!  On time is late!”

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