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X-Tension Dance Company
X-Tension Dance Company Members have been selected for this season. Below is the information we used to get our group off the ground. Audition information for next season will be updated by March 2012.
*Our first annual dance concert will be held on March 23rd and 24th at 7PM at Forte Studios Theater. We hope you can join us.
For Who?:
Students entering grades 7-12 Fall 2011 school year. Students entering grade 6 are invited to attend at no cost in order to have audition practice for next year.
Requirements:
In addition to a great attitude and team spirit, students must have training in ballet and jazz. Experience in other dance styles such as Modern, Pointe, Tap and/or Hip Hop is a plus!
When?:
Thursday May 26th 6:00-9:00pm
Where?
Forte Studios, 126 ½ East Main St. Mt. Horeb, WI
What to Bring:
•Resume (scroll down for resume tips) •Non-returnable, current photo.
•Audition form (copy to word document for printing) •$10 audition fee (covers expenses related to the event)
•Self- addressed, stamped envelope •All dance shoes •Water bottle
What to wear:
•Girls: Solid colored leotard and tights. Hair should be completely pulled up off of face and neck. No long ponytails please.
•Boys: Solid colored, form fitting t-shirt or tank top, and solid colored bike shorts.
Reserve your spot:
To reserve a place at the audition please call Forte Studios at 437-0151 or email fortestudios@aol.com
*For more detailed information including a printable version of the audition form and resume tips, please visit www.fortestudios.biz Click the “Dance” link.
Hope to see you there!
Dance Company Details
Director’s Note:
Thank you for your interest! Below is as much information as I can give you at this time. I have been a professional dancer/choreographer since the early 90’s. Dance has been my passion since I was 11 or 12 years old. I want to offer a unique experience to students that will provide the kind of inspiration, knowledge and experience that I would have loved to have had when I was still a student. I believe that dance in general is something for everyone to enjoy; however, this company is not for everyone. Becoming a well trained dancer capable of getting into college programs or working professionally is hard work! Only those who truly love it will enjoy the discipline and time commitment involved. Regardless of your future plans, if you share this passion, then I want to see you at the audition!! With the help of great teachers, choreographers, parents, and of course dancers I know it’s going to be awesome! I’ve wanted to start this company for many years now but kept waiting for the “right time”. I realized that the perfect time may never get here so I just need to go for it! I can’t wait to see who wants to “Go for it” with me! I hope to see you at the audition.
Marin Johnson
Mission:
This is an intensive performance based company geared toward training those who aspire to dance professionally, be accepted into a college dance program, teach dance or simply for those who love dance, enjoy discipline and hard work and want to be pushed to reach their full potential. Community outreach performances as well as dance concerts, field trips and other activities to further educate in the art of dance are part of the company’s agenda.
Time Commitment for Company Members:
Summer:
Members will participate in Ballet & Jazz classes on Tuesday nights and Company Class on Thursday nights from the end of June through the beginning of August. We also plan to perform at the Mt. Horeb Art Fair on July 16th.
Fall – Spring:
There will be a 2 – 2 ½ hour company class once per week. Weekend rehearsals will likely be on Saturdays from 9:00am-12:00pm. Weekend rehearsal times may be altered or added to from time to time. In addition to company class and rehearsal, members are required to take a minimum of one ballet class, one jazz class and two additional classes in a style if choice (modern, pointe, tap or hip hop) per week during the school year. Obviously the more classes a student takes, the more successful he/she will be, so we certainly will encourage taking more than the minimum requirement. Dance is an ever changing, competitive yet rewarding field. Versatility pays off. The additional classes do not have to be taken at Forte, but need to be taken at a reputable studio approved by the company directors.
Additional Time Commitments:
Company Members will be expected to participate in fundraisers, help plan events, be available for performances and any extra rehearsals leading up to a performance. They are also expected to practice and review choreography at home. There will be opportunities for attending dance conventions, workshops and other dance related events.
Company Contracts:
Members will sign a contract detailing expectations for behavior, grade point averages, etc. as well as consequences for not meeting the expectations. Contracts will be for one year beginning in June and ending the following May.
Time Commitment for Parents:
We will be depending on parent involvement for the success of the company. This could mean planning and helping with fundraisers, making phone calls regarding company events, chaperoning a trip, helping with costumes, volunteering to help with performances, etc. Without parental involvement, we do not see this company being able to survive.
Fundraisers:
We plan to have fundraisers to help with costs of bringing in guest choreographers; attending conventions, shows, additional classes, etc; buying costumes; and advertising company concerts.
Expectations of Company Members:
*To maintain a B average in school
*To have a positive, respectful attitude toward self and others
*To have good, consistent attendance
*To be willing to try new things out of the comfort zone of a particular style
*To come prepared for all company and non-company classes
(this includes being dressed properly as well as practicing at home)
*To work hard at every class and rehearsal
What to expect at the Audition:
The audition will run like a class. We will do ballet barre exercises as well as various styles of center and across the floor work. Short combinations may be taught and performed in small groups. There may also be an improvisation exercise. We will be looking for good coordination and technique as well as the ability to pick up steps quickly while performing them with lots of energy and personality. Good attitudes and attentiveness will also be assessed. We will want to see various ballet jumps (such as glissade, assemble, sissone, jete), controlled adagio (promenades & arabesques), jazz and ballet pirouettes, leaps, splits. We may do a brief interview either in person on the day of the audition or over the phone within a few days.
Financial Commitment
Figuring out costs for this was a challenge. We know that there are certain expenses that must be taken care of in order for the company to be able to function. While we didn't want to cause an additional burden on students already taking a large number of dance classes, we also didn't want students to drop important classes in order to pay for the company costs. When considering what is included, we hope you will agree that the dues are definitely reasonable. Company dues will be $2200.00 for the year due in 4 payments of $550.00. (June, Sept, Dec, March). All dues will go directly toward company expenses. Dues include the following:
* Unlimited classes at Forte Studios for the 2011-2012 Season
* Unlimited classes at Forte Studios for Summer 2011
* 3+ Hours per week of company rehearsal during the summer
* 5+ hours per week of company classes & rehearsals during the school year
* Company leotard for girls and a dance shirt for boys
* Company warm up suit
* Costume rental (This does not include undergarments or costume costs for non-company classes)
Additional Costs:
Dancers will need to buy their own tights, undergarments, and shoes which include ballet shoes, jazz shoes (possibly black and tan) and hip hop shoes. Additional shoes may be needed for certain performances. There may also be travel expenses related to any out of town conventions or performances, although we hope to have fundraisers to help with those costs.
10 Audition Tips:
1. Be early and start warming up on your own. This says a lot to us about your reliability.
2. Happily try everything even if you have never learned the steps before. We can learn a lot about you and our ability to work with you by your enthusiasm and effort.
3. Make eye contact. It lets us know you are really paying attention.
4. Don’t stand with your arms folded. It comes across like you are bored.
5. Smile a lot and be friendly to the other dancers. We want to know you will be a good
team player and supportive of everyone.
6. Don’t make excuses for not knowing something or for doing it wrong. If you’re going to mess up, do it big and with a lot of energy. Holding back and giving excuses is a sign that you may not be willing to give your all when learning new things.
7. Come dressed appropriately with no jewelry. It shows that you take pride in your appearance and respect our requests.
8. If you have a question, don’t be afraid to ask at an appropriate time. Chances are someone else has the same question. Be sure to listen when others are asking questions.
9. Be polite and respectful. Don’t talk.
10. Take a few minutes prior to the audition to get yourself in the right frame of mind. Be positive and visualize yourself being successful at everything. Try not to let other dancers’ abilities intimidate you. If that is hard for you, try not to watch anyone else and pretend you are the only one in the room.
**If you do all of these things and you do not get into the company, don’t give up. Continue to perfect your technical skills, practice more at home and take as many classes as you can. Please try again next year!
Resume Tips: (Include as many of the following as you can)
* Any shows or performances you have been involved in & what you did in the show
* Your training - with whom, what styles and for how long.
* Training in other art forms – singing, acting, martial arts, painting, etc.
*Involvement in sports or other non-arts related activities
* Any special academic awards or other awards
* Any special skills you have – examples: speak another language, hoola hoop, skate board, gymnastics, etc.
*Our first annual dance concert will be held on March 23rd and 24th at 7PM at Forte Studios Theater. We hope you can join us.
For Who?:
Students entering grades 7-12 Fall 2011 school year. Students entering grade 6 are invited to attend at no cost in order to have audition practice for next year.
Requirements:
In addition to a great attitude and team spirit, students must have training in ballet and jazz. Experience in other dance styles such as Modern, Pointe, Tap and/or Hip Hop is a plus!
When?:
Thursday May 26th 6:00-9:00pm
Where?
Forte Studios, 126 ½ East Main St. Mt. Horeb, WI
What to Bring:
•Resume (scroll down for resume tips) •Non-returnable, current photo.
•Audition form (copy to word document for printing) •$10 audition fee (covers expenses related to the event)
•Self- addressed, stamped envelope •All dance shoes •Water bottle
What to wear:
•Girls: Solid colored leotard and tights. Hair should be completely pulled up off of face and neck. No long ponytails please.
•Boys: Solid colored, form fitting t-shirt or tank top, and solid colored bike shorts.
Reserve your spot:
To reserve a place at the audition please call Forte Studios at 437-0151 or email fortestudios@aol.com
*For more detailed information including a printable version of the audition form and resume tips, please visit www.fortestudios.biz Click the “Dance” link.
Hope to see you there!
Dance Company Details
Director’s Note:
Thank you for your interest! Below is as much information as I can give you at this time. I have been a professional dancer/choreographer since the early 90’s. Dance has been my passion since I was 11 or 12 years old. I want to offer a unique experience to students that will provide the kind of inspiration, knowledge and experience that I would have loved to have had when I was still a student. I believe that dance in general is something for everyone to enjoy; however, this company is not for everyone. Becoming a well trained dancer capable of getting into college programs or working professionally is hard work! Only those who truly love it will enjoy the discipline and time commitment involved. Regardless of your future plans, if you share this passion, then I want to see you at the audition!! With the help of great teachers, choreographers, parents, and of course dancers I know it’s going to be awesome! I’ve wanted to start this company for many years now but kept waiting for the “right time”. I realized that the perfect time may never get here so I just need to go for it! I can’t wait to see who wants to “Go for it” with me! I hope to see you at the audition.
Marin Johnson
Mission:
This is an intensive performance based company geared toward training those who aspire to dance professionally, be accepted into a college dance program, teach dance or simply for those who love dance, enjoy discipline and hard work and want to be pushed to reach their full potential. Community outreach performances as well as dance concerts, field trips and other activities to further educate in the art of dance are part of the company’s agenda.
Time Commitment for Company Members:
Summer:
Members will participate in Ballet & Jazz classes on Tuesday nights and Company Class on Thursday nights from the end of June through the beginning of August. We also plan to perform at the Mt. Horeb Art Fair on July 16th.
Fall – Spring:
There will be a 2 – 2 ½ hour company class once per week. Weekend rehearsals will likely be on Saturdays from 9:00am-12:00pm. Weekend rehearsal times may be altered or added to from time to time. In addition to company class and rehearsal, members are required to take a minimum of one ballet class, one jazz class and two additional classes in a style if choice (modern, pointe, tap or hip hop) per week during the school year. Obviously the more classes a student takes, the more successful he/she will be, so we certainly will encourage taking more than the minimum requirement. Dance is an ever changing, competitive yet rewarding field. Versatility pays off. The additional classes do not have to be taken at Forte, but need to be taken at a reputable studio approved by the company directors.
Additional Time Commitments:
Company Members will be expected to participate in fundraisers, help plan events, be available for performances and any extra rehearsals leading up to a performance. They are also expected to practice and review choreography at home. There will be opportunities for attending dance conventions, workshops and other dance related events.
Company Contracts:
Members will sign a contract detailing expectations for behavior, grade point averages, etc. as well as consequences for not meeting the expectations. Contracts will be for one year beginning in June and ending the following May.
Time Commitment for Parents:
We will be depending on parent involvement for the success of the company. This could mean planning and helping with fundraisers, making phone calls regarding company events, chaperoning a trip, helping with costumes, volunteering to help with performances, etc. Without parental involvement, we do not see this company being able to survive.
Fundraisers:
We plan to have fundraisers to help with costs of bringing in guest choreographers; attending conventions, shows, additional classes, etc; buying costumes; and advertising company concerts.
Expectations of Company Members:
*To maintain a B average in school
*To have a positive, respectful attitude toward self and others
*To have good, consistent attendance
*To be willing to try new things out of the comfort zone of a particular style
*To come prepared for all company and non-company classes
(this includes being dressed properly as well as practicing at home)
*To work hard at every class and rehearsal
What to expect at the Audition:
The audition will run like a class. We will do ballet barre exercises as well as various styles of center and across the floor work. Short combinations may be taught and performed in small groups. There may also be an improvisation exercise. We will be looking for good coordination and technique as well as the ability to pick up steps quickly while performing them with lots of energy and personality. Good attitudes and attentiveness will also be assessed. We will want to see various ballet jumps (such as glissade, assemble, sissone, jete), controlled adagio (promenades & arabesques), jazz and ballet pirouettes, leaps, splits. We may do a brief interview either in person on the day of the audition or over the phone within a few days.
Financial Commitment
Figuring out costs for this was a challenge. We know that there are certain expenses that must be taken care of in order for the company to be able to function. While we didn't want to cause an additional burden on students already taking a large number of dance classes, we also didn't want students to drop important classes in order to pay for the company costs. When considering what is included, we hope you will agree that the dues are definitely reasonable. Company dues will be $2200.00 for the year due in 4 payments of $550.00. (June, Sept, Dec, March). All dues will go directly toward company expenses. Dues include the following:
* Unlimited classes at Forte Studios for the 2011-2012 Season
* Unlimited classes at Forte Studios for Summer 2011
* 3+ Hours per week of company rehearsal during the summer
* 5+ hours per week of company classes & rehearsals during the school year
* Company leotard for girls and a dance shirt for boys
* Company warm up suit
* Costume rental (This does not include undergarments or costume costs for non-company classes)
Additional Costs:
Dancers will need to buy their own tights, undergarments, and shoes which include ballet shoes, jazz shoes (possibly black and tan) and hip hop shoes. Additional shoes may be needed for certain performances. There may also be travel expenses related to any out of town conventions or performances, although we hope to have fundraisers to help with those costs.
10 Audition Tips:
1. Be early and start warming up on your own. This says a lot to us about your reliability.
2. Happily try everything even if you have never learned the steps before. We can learn a lot about you and our ability to work with you by your enthusiasm and effort.
3. Make eye contact. It lets us know you are really paying attention.
4. Don’t stand with your arms folded. It comes across like you are bored.
5. Smile a lot and be friendly to the other dancers. We want to know you will be a good
team player and supportive of everyone.
6. Don’t make excuses for not knowing something or for doing it wrong. If you’re going to mess up, do it big and with a lot of energy. Holding back and giving excuses is a sign that you may not be willing to give your all when learning new things.
7. Come dressed appropriately with no jewelry. It shows that you take pride in your appearance and respect our requests.
8. If you have a question, don’t be afraid to ask at an appropriate time. Chances are someone else has the same question. Be sure to listen when others are asking questions.
9. Be polite and respectful. Don’t talk.
10. Take a few minutes prior to the audition to get yourself in the right frame of mind. Be positive and visualize yourself being successful at everything. Try not to let other dancers’ abilities intimidate you. If that is hard for you, try not to watch anyone else and pretend you are the only one in the room.
**If you do all of these things and you do not get into the company, don’t give up. Continue to perfect your technical skills, practice more at home and take as many classes as you can. Please try again next year!
Resume Tips: (Include as many of the following as you can)
* Any shows or performances you have been involved in & what you did in the show
* Your training - with whom, what styles and for how long.
* Training in other art forms – singing, acting, martial arts, painting, etc.
*Involvement in sports or other non-arts related activities
* Any special academic awards or other awards
* Any special skills you have – examples: speak another language, hoola hoop, skate board, gymnastics, etc.