FORTE STUDIOS
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FORTE STUDIOS: 
102 S. GROVE STREET 
MOUNT HOREB, WISCONSIN 53572
X-TENSION DANCE COMPANY
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OBJECTIVE: X-Tension Dance Company 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 while gaining strong bonds with dance friends.  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.
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DIVISIONS: X1 & X2
X-Tension 1 (X1) is open to dancers in 7th - 12th grade who demonstrate a high level of skills determined through the audition process. They have a more intensive rehearsal and class schedule than X-Tension 2 (X2) and have more performance opportunities.  X2 is open to dancers in grades 5 -12. Their rehearsal schedule is a little less intense than X1. Being in X2 is a great start to the dance company experience and includes additional performing opportunities. 
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Audition Details

What to expect at the Audition: 

Auditions will begin with a Ballet Class. Barre, Center and Across the Floor combinations will be taught.  Next, dancers will be asked to perform combinations that were taught ahead of time during the "Audition Preparation Workshop". If you can't make it to the "Audition Preparation Workshop" on Tuesday May 24th from 5:30-8:00pm, let us know and we will send you links to videos so that you can learn the combinations on your own. An improvisation exercise will be included. Dancers may be asked to perform specific skills and will also have an opportunity to show us any skills they want us to know about! 

What to Bring: 
1. 
Audition form (See link below.)    
2. A non-returnable Head Shot
3. Resume (No more than 1 page. Scroll for Resume Tips.)
4. $10 Audition Fee
5. All dance shoes
6. Water Bottle
7. A Great Attitude!


CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO GO TO THE AUDITION FORM. Please print and bring it with you to the audition.
docs.google.com/document/d/1gqKASuTr7ON7eHyxcidPK70zfBEJ4054ufFk8Xb7Pk4/edit?usp=sharing



What to Wear: 
Girls: Solid colored leotard and tights. Hair should be completely pulled up off of face and neck. No long ponytails please. No bras or underwear should be visible. Sports bras are OK as long as they are a solid dark color (black is preferred). 
Boys: Solid colored, form fitting t-shirt or tank top, and solid colored bike shorts.


​X-Tension 1 Dancers should have all or most of the following skills:
All of the listed skills for X2
Consistent Double or triple Pirouettes (turned out and parallel)

Splits
Grand Jete
​Grand Battement
Strong Ballet technique w/ understanding of various positions, jumps, turns, petite allegro and adagio
Good performance skills including facial and body energy
Strong background in Jazz or Modern
Willingness to get out of comfort zone and try new styles 

Strong sense of Musicality and connecting movement with music
Strong Improvisation skills

Specific skills also include Calypsos, Toe Touches, Switch leaps, C-Jumps, Partnering or a willingness to gain partnering skills

X-Tension 2 Dancers should have all or most of the following skills:

Basic Ballet technique including Tendu, Degage, Ronde Jambe, Pique, Chaine & Sutenu Turns
Ballet Jumps (Changement, Sissone, Assemble, Glissade) 
Good movement quality (hitting specific lines, moving smoothly from one position to the next with the music) 

Facial and body energy
Strong single or double pirouettes in parallel or turned out
Basic Jazz technique skills (Chasses, Grapevines, Pas de Bouree, Contract and release, Use of levels, Jazz splits)
Bonus skills include Toe Touches, Leaps in 2nd, Splits on both sides


    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. Sometimes watching others can help you, but every person is different.

**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. Ask us for feedback. For several reasons, we have a very limited number of spaces in the company. Please try again next year! Your chances for success will improve with each year as long as you continue to work hard:) We have had dancers audition several times before getting into the company. They are always the hardest workers!

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.                                              

 
 
                   
DANCE COMPANY DETAILS
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Director’s Note: Thank you for your interest in X-Tension Dance Company!  While dance is certainly something that everyone can enjoy and benefit from, this company is not for everyone. We are looking for students who have a true passion for dance and feel it is an important priority in their life. X-Tension dancers enjoy discipline, pushing themselves, and being pushed. They don't give up even when things seem impossible. They continue to try one more time even when they are exhausted. They always support other members who are feeling frustrated or down! They put dance before any other extra curricular activity. They may even aspire to dance in college or work professionally. They enjoy being part of a team, working hard for the same goals and using their gifts to bring happiness to others. X-Tension dancers gain strength, confidence, organizational skills, problem solving skills, new friendships, and so much more, not to mention becoming better dancers and performers.

Each season brings new and different performing opportunities! Here are some of the opportunities we have had in the past and may include in the upcoming season:
Milwaukee Bucks Pre-Game Performance
National Dance Day in Madison
Dancing for Dancers Event in Chicago
Mt. Horeb Basketball Half Time performances
Barneveld Basketball Half Time performances
Fire Muster Performance at Mt. Horeb Firehouse
Forte Halloween Shows
Ingleside Retirement home Performance
Heartland Senior Center in Black Earth
X-Tension Dance Company concerts
Madison Capitols Hockey Game Half Time Performance
Performance event at Keva Sports Complex in Middleton
Forte End of Year shows
Forte Fusion performance special guests
Harlem Globe Trotters Half Time Performance
Performances for the Mt. Horeb Primary Center and Intermediate Center

If all of the above seem like fun to you, then you should definitely come to the auditions! 


BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES OF BEING IN THE COMPANY (NOT IN ANY PARTICULAR ORDER!):
* More time to dance!
* Additional performing opportunities locally and possibly out of town!
* Cool jackets and warm ups!
* Working with different choreographers!
* Fun group events like our Christmas party, Lock-ins and other group events!
* Our Concert in March!
*Building new friendships and strengthening existing ones!
*Choreography opportunities for Juniors & Seniors with at least 1 year of company experience! 

* Becoming a stronger, more technically skilled dancer!
* Gaining confidence and leadership skills!
* Gaining organizational skills!
* Becoming a better performer, which also leads to the ability to stay calm under pressure!
* Increased problem solving skills!
* Looks great on a resume or college application!
* End of season outings
*Being in the company is like having a 2nd family of people who love the same thing you love! 
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TIME COMMITMENTS FOR COMPANY MEMBERS
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Summer:  WE ARE PLANNING AN INTENSIVE WEEKEND OF CHOREOGRAPHY in JULY! Dates TBD.
Members will also participate in our 5 week group summer classes. Specific schedules may vary for each dancer depending on their current level of experience. Company rehearsals will be once per week during the 5 week summer session and will be 1.5-2 hrs in length
. We know that summer is also a time for relaxing, enjoying the outdoors, and going on vacation. We always do our best to work with summer conflicts.
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Fall – Spring Week Days:  X-Tension 1 will have a 3 hr. company class once per week.
 X-Tension 2 will have 2 hr. company class once per week.
              
Fall - Spring Weekends: X-Tension 1 generally rehearses one Saturday per month from 9:00-3:00 during the months of Sept - Dec. There have been times when a 2nd rehearsal was needed. In January & February there are typically 2 weekend rehearsals from 9:00-3:00 as the concert draws closer.  March includes 2 full weekends with a Sat. & Sun tech weekend and then Show weekend! 
Dancers will need to keep both Saturday and Sunday of tech & show weekends open. These days can be pretty long, but very productive and definitely add to the bonding experience!  

X-Tension 2 generally rehearses one Saturday per month from 9:00-12:00. In 
January & February there are typically 2 weekend rehearsals from 9:00-12:00 as the concert draws closer. March include 2 full weekends with a Sat. & Sun tech weekend and then Show weekend! 
Dancers will need to keep both Saturday and Sunday of tech & show weekends open. These days can be pretty long, but very productive and definitely add to the bonding experience!  

We give out a detailed calendar at the beginning of the fall season with the understanding that some dates are subject to change. Any schedule changes or additions will be discussed with as much advanced notice as possible.


In addition to company class and rehearsal, members are required to take a minimum number of dance classes.


X-Tension 1 Dancers Must be enrolled in four dance classes per week, not including company classes.  One must be Ballet, One must be Jazz. The other two are dancer's choice and could be additional Ballet and Jazz classes or Modern, Hip Hop & Tap.  X-Tension 1 Dancers may take unlimited group classes at no additional cost.

X-Tension 2 Dancers - Must be enrolled in at least one Ballet, one Jazz, and one Student choice class (could be Modern, Hip Hop, Tap or Pointe) Additional classes are recommended, but not required. Classes beyond the requirements will be an additional cost up to the Forte Unlimited class rate.
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 Obviously, the more classes a student takes, the more successful he/she will be, so taking more than the minimum requirement is encouraged. Dance is an ever changing, competitive yet rewarding field. 
Additional Time Commitments: Company Members will be expected to be available for performances and any extra rehearsals leading up to a performance. They are also expected to practice and review choreography at home. We may need help with fundraisers, planning company events, etc. and expect that everyone will work as a team to reach these goals together. There may be opportunities for attending dance conventions, workshops and other dance related events. Although these opportunities are not required, we expect that company members will want to participate and will do their best to be involved. 

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 don't ask for help on a regular basis, but we may need it from time to time. 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. Please let us know how you may be able to help us during the season.  The biggest thing we typically ask for is to bring food for one of our events:)

Fundraisers: In addition to our March concert which serves as a fund raiser, we may need to plan extra fundraisers to help with costs of bringing in guest choreographers, attending conventions and shows, offering additional classes, buying costumes, etc.  NOTE: There are no additional costume fees to be in the company! 


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
 *To be willing to communicate and share your thoughts when needed 

* To be willing to take corrections with a positive attitude knowing they are only being given to make you better
*To put the company ahead of any other extra curricular activity that does not affect a school grade 

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FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS
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X-Tension 1: Company dues will be $2850.00 for the year due in 5 payments. Payments of $570.00 will be due in June, Sept, Nov., Jan. & March. (There is no additional cost for taking more than the required number of group classes.)

X-Tension 2: Company dues will be $2250.00 for the year due in 5 payments. Payments of $450 due in June, Sept., Nov., Jan. & March.  
NOTE: There are additional costs for taking more than the required number of classes. $570 per quarter is the unlimited rate and includes all group classes.


​Dues include the following:
*Unlimited group classes for Summer              
*Summer company rehearsal hours (expect 15+ hours total)
*Required group dance classes for the upcoming season. X-Tension 1 dancers can take unlimited group classes. X-Tension 2 dancers may add more than the required amount of group classes for an additional fee, not to exceed $570 per payment period which is the unlimited rate.  
*All company rehearsals during the school year 
*A company leotard for girls and a dance shirt for boys
*Any costume costs for X-Tension Dances.  (For X-Tension Dances only! This does not include costume costs for regular Forte end of year show costumes.)
* A Discount 
 on Company Jackets. (Matching pants can be purchased if desired.)

Additional Costs: Dancers will need to buy the following:
                                *Their own tights and undergarments (This includes a black sports bra and a nude color bra with
                                               versatile straps to go with different costume styles for girls.
​                                                Dance belts and dark socks for boys.)

                                *Black and Tan Jazz shoes (Boys only need black)
                                * Black Jazz Shorts
                                * Black leggings 
                                *Additional shoes such as hip hop sneakers or character shoes may be required.  
                                *There may be travel expenses related to any out of town conventions or performances.  Everything
                                   will be discussed ahead of time. We never want costs to come as a surprise to anyone. 
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Notes:  1. Dues are based on the basic expenses needed to run the company.      
              2. Absences and conflicts will not alter the dues amount.
              3. Dues are the same regardless of how many dances a student is in.  
 
        
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CHECK OUT SOME OF THE AWESOME PICTURES FROM THE X-TENSION PHOTO SHOOTS.  SCROLL THE MOUSE ON THE LEFT CORNER OF THE PICTURE TO BEGIN THE SLIDE SHOW.

DANCE/ VOICE/ ACTING INSTRUCTION

Hours: M-TH: 4PM-8PM (Sept - May) By appointment (June-Aug.)

Telephone: 608-437-0151

Email:INFO@FORTESTUDIOS.BIZ

  • WELCOME
  • MISSION
  • STAFF
  • DANCE
  • VOICE
    • VOICE TEACHER RESOURCE
      • ADDITIONAL WARM UPS
  • ACTING
  • RATES/ POLICIES
  • REGISTER
  • IMPORTANT DATES
  • X-TENSION/ FUSION
    • X- TENSION DANCE COMPANY
    • FORTE FUSION
  • STUDENT PAGE
    • VOICE
    • DANCE
    • ACTING
    • FORTE FUSION
  • SHOW TICKETS!
  • CONTACT