© 2007-2008 UnitedDanceArts.com All rights reserved.
website design & internet marketing by getNetMarketing.com
website design & internet marketing by getNetMarketing.com
| | |
 | |  | |  | |  |
| |
 | |  | |  |
| |
| | | | |
| Dance Class Descriptions |
| See what's coming up at UDA! |
| Signup Now |
Click any of these for a larger image...
Team Dance (Level 9)
Catch the spirit...at United Dance Arts, in Valparaiso, IN.
Catch the spirit...at United Dance Arts, in Valparaiso, IN.
Competitive Teams are the pinnacle of dance training. If you’ve got the desire
and passion to be the best, join the United Dance Arts Competitive Team and be
prepared to do what it takes to take first place.
Events
Team Dance Competitions, etc: See News page or blog (click on "team tag")
and passion to be the best, join the United Dance Arts Competitive Team and be
prepared to do what it takes to take first place.
Events
Team Dance Competitions, etc: See News page or blog (click on "team tag")
| Click for class descriptions |
| Dance Departments |
Once again, competition is a very exciting and rewarding way to enjoy
dance. Students love getting the extra opportunities to perform, and love
the added technical challenge that these advanced level classes provide.
dance. Students love getting the extra opportunities to perform, and love
the added technical challenge that these advanced level classes provide.
"Thanks for continuing to make my girls love UDA."
~ Michelle Michaels
~ Michelle Michaels
Making the Team
There are several ways to make the UDA Dance Team
1 - You can be asked by the Studio Director. This will happen to some of our
regular students as they sign up for class and are observed. If we see the
talent and drive in your child to be a premier dancer, we may approach you.
2 - Open Audition – We will have an open audition at the studio one week
after class starts in August. Anyone is invited to try-out for team at that time.
3 - Auditions will be set up on an individual basis as requested.
The month of September is used for the team coaches to access each team
member for their ability to learn choreography, be a team player, and follow
instruction. After that month any adjustments to the group will be made.
There are several ways to make the UDA Dance Team
1 - You can be asked by the Studio Director. This will happen to some of our
regular students as they sign up for class and are observed. If we see the
talent and drive in your child to be a premier dancer, we may approach you.
2 - Open Audition – We will have an open audition at the studio one week
after class starts in August. Anyone is invited to try-out for team at that time.
3 - Auditions will be set up on an individual basis as requested.
The month of September is used for the team coaches to access each team
member for their ability to learn choreography, be a team player, and follow
instruction. After that month any adjustments to the group will be made.
What is the Competition Team?
The United Dance Arts Competition Team established in 2007, is well known
throughout the Midwest, competing in several competitions annually. The
team is just that – a team. Although individual achievement is encouraged,
special emphasis is placed on supporting each other and being part of
something special.
Competition allows dancers the chance to work on their skills at a higher level
of technique and the opportunity to perform. Dancers gain superior
performance ability, poise and self-confidence – not to mention learning many
life lessons and building fond memories and friendships. The goal of our
competitive team is to always support each other, and always give 100%.
Competition offers a higher level of dance training for your child.
We compete in the following styles:
Jazz
Hip-Hop
Lyrical
Tap
Ballet
Modern
The United Dance Arts Competition Team established in 2007, is well known
throughout the Midwest, competing in several competitions annually. The
team is just that – a team. Although individual achievement is encouraged,
special emphasis is placed on supporting each other and being part of
something special.
Competition allows dancers the chance to work on their skills at a higher level
of technique and the opportunity to perform. Dancers gain superior
performance ability, poise and self-confidence – not to mention learning many
life lessons and building fond memories and friendships. The goal of our
competitive team is to always support each other, and always give 100%.
Competition offers a higher level of dance training for your child.
We compete in the following styles:
Jazz
Hip-Hop
Lyrical
Tap
Ballet
Modern
What is the Cost of Competition?
There are additional costs associated with competitive dancing. First of all;
students must take advanced classes to continue to improve. Second,
student costumes are more elaborate than recreational level costumes. They
must be more durable and have original designs as part of a group’s mark is
based on their appearance. As a result the cost of a competitive costume is
around $125.00 per dancer per group. Finally, there are competition fees
which range from $25.00 to $75.00 per student per group per competition.
There are additional costs associated with competitive dancing. First of all;
students must take advanced classes to continue to improve. Second,
student costumes are more elaborate than recreational level costumes. They
must be more durable and have original designs as part of a group’s mark is
based on their appearance. As a result the cost of a competitive costume is
around $125.00 per dancer per group. Finally, there are competition fees
which range from $25.00 to $75.00 per student per group per competition.
In an effort to make these fees predictable and controllable, UDA has
structured the team program as follows:
- As part of the team, you are required to take at least three classes which will
challenge your skill in your favorite dance disciplines. We make every effort to
keep all the team members in Level 9 classes together. When that isn’t
feasible, we will recommend another class level that will challenge and push
the team member to improve.
- As a team member, you can take an unlimited number of classes for a fee of
$100 per month. This does not include private lessons, 6 week programs, or
camps. This rate is only offered to Team Members.
- The rest of the fees are directly related to the number of routines your child is
selected for. For each of the numbers your child is in a fee covering
choreography and up to 3 hours per month of rehearsal will be assessed
according to the fee schedule below:
structured the team program as follows:
- As part of the team, you are required to take at least three classes which will
challenge your skill in your favorite dance disciplines. We make every effort to
keep all the team members in Level 9 classes together. When that isn’t
feasible, we will recommend another class level that will challenge and push
the team member to improve.
- As a team member, you can take an unlimited number of classes for a fee of
$100 per month. This does not include private lessons, 6 week programs, or
camps. This rate is only offered to Team Members.
- The rest of the fees are directly related to the number of routines your child is
selected for. For each of the numbers your child is in a fee covering
choreography and up to 3 hours per month of rehearsal will be assessed
according to the fee schedule below:
One of the goals of the UDA Dance
Team is to further the enthusiasm
and appreciation for dance as an
entertaining, educational, and healthy
activity. To this end, the Dance Team
will perform at local events and
charities as much as feasible.
Attendance at these good-will
performances is required by all team
members.
Team is to further the enthusiasm
and appreciation for dance as an
entertaining, educational, and healthy
activity. To this end, the Dance Team
will perform at local events and
charities as much as feasible.
Attendance at these good-will
performances is required by all team
members.
Solo Duet Trio Small Large
Group Group
(4-9) (10+)
Per Month (for 10 months) $98 $52 $46 $36 $22
One-time charge $980 $520 $460 $360 $220
Hrs of Lessons per Month 2 2 3 3 3
Group Group
(4-9) (10+)
Per Month (for 10 months) $98 $52 $46 $36 $22
One-time charge $980 $520 $460 $360 $220
Hrs of Lessons per Month 2 2 3 3 3
What is included and excluded?
Included:
- Choreography
- Up to three hours of rehearsal per number per month
Excluded and paid as needed:
- Choreography clinic for large and some small groups
(Price is $15 per student per clinic per number)
- Costumes and Rhinestones
- Registration Fees
- Tights, shoes, undergarments
- Competition make-up and costume jewelry
- Travel costs to and from competitions
Included:
- Choreography
- Up to three hours of rehearsal per number per month
Excluded and paid as needed:
- Choreography clinic for large and some small groups
(Price is $15 per student per clinic per number)
- Costumes and Rhinestones
- Registration Fees
- Tights, shoes, undergarments
- Competition make-up and costume jewelry
- Travel costs to and from competitions
Notes:
We will make every effort to attend at least one competition which includes
a workshop format. Our expectation is to go to three regional and one
national competition.
We also offer work-study programs for talented dancers who are willing to
perform tasks around the studio in to subsidize team fees such as
working desk hours, cleaning, light maintenance, and other tasks as
described by the studio director.
We will make every effort to attend at least one competition which includes
a workshop format. Our expectation is to go to three regional and one
national competition.
We also offer work-study programs for talented dancers who are willing to
perform tasks around the studio in to subsidize team fees such as
working desk hours, cleaning, light maintenance, and other tasks as
described by the studio director.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning 2009-2010 UDA Team:
1. Do I have to commit to doing a solo, duet or
trio now? When do these activities start?
- Aside from Auditions and maybe summer
private lessons, nothing should be started until
the beginning of September. There are a couple
of reasons for this. First, no one will know what
numbers their child has been selected for until
after Auditions on August 22nd. Second, the way
fees are structured this year, you will need some
time to figure out which numbers you were
offered and which or how many you will accept.
As a parent, only then will you understand how
much team will cost for your child. I am
guessing you will want that information before
you decide to commit to a solo, duet or trio – all
of which are more expensive to participate in
than a small or large group. And 3rd – Studio
time is limited. There will be a limited number of
solos, duets and trios allowed due to this
restriction. Once we understand who wants to
do these, we can make some more informed
decisions on how the studio time will be
allocated.
trio now? When do these activities start?
- Aside from Auditions and maybe summer
private lessons, nothing should be started until
the beginning of September. There are a couple
of reasons for this. First, no one will know what
numbers their child has been selected for until
after Auditions on August 22nd. Second, the way
fees are structured this year, you will need some
time to figure out which numbers you were
offered and which or how many you will accept.
As a parent, only then will you understand how
much team will cost for your child. I am
guessing you will want that information before
you decide to commit to a solo, duet or trio – all
of which are more expensive to participate in
than a small or large group. And 3rd – Studio
time is limited. There will be a limited number of
solos, duets and trios allowed due to this
restriction. Once we understand who wants to
do these, we can make some more informed
decisions on how the studio time will be
allocated.
2. Who decides who will choreograph and
coach each number?
- We will follow the same process we had last
year for solo’s, duets and trios. If you want your
child to participate in one of these types of
numbers, submit your request to Melina and I
and include the type of dance, and the
preference you might have for other participants
(for a duet or trio) and for a choreographer/coach
and what your goal is for the number (win at all
costs, compete but still have fun,
recreational/stage value only). Melina and I will
decide the rest. Our decision is based on the
goal you have for the dance, the ability of the
dancers, and an attempt to balance the load on
our choreographers fairly.
coach each number?
- We will follow the same process we had last
year for solo’s, duets and trios. If you want your
child to participate in one of these types of
numbers, submit your request to Melina and I
and include the type of dance, and the
preference you might have for other participants
(for a duet or trio) and for a choreographer/coach
and what your goal is for the number (win at all
costs, compete but still have fun,
recreational/stage value only). Melina and I will
decide the rest. Our decision is based on the
goal you have for the dance, the ability of the
dancers, and an attempt to balance the load on
our choreographers fairly.
3. Exactly how many hours of rehearsal time
per month for each type of number?
- At this point I am planning on up to three hours
per number per month. This might be broken up
into 30 minute sessions. These will be
scheduled into the 7:30pm to 9:30pm M/W/Th
slots each week. These times are aimed at
learning the choreography and “cleaning”
routines. I will also make the studio available
anytime one is open for Captain’s practices – or
self directed practices. This year, we will be
absolutely surgical in the use of our coaches’
compensated time for this type of instruction.
For those of you who are working the numbers
in your head – that means we have allocated
weekday studio time to cover about 8 to 10
numbers. If we allow more numbers, Saturday
after 1:30pm is the likely overflow time.
per month for each type of number?
- At this point I am planning on up to three hours
per number per month. This might be broken up
into 30 minute sessions. These will be
scheduled into the 7:30pm to 9:30pm M/W/Th
slots each week. These times are aimed at
learning the choreography and “cleaning”
routines. I will also make the studio available
anytime one is open for Captain’s practices – or
self directed practices. This year, we will be
absolutely surgical in the use of our coaches’
compensated time for this type of instruction.
For those of you who are working the numbers
in your head – that means we have allocated
weekday studio time to cover about 8 to 10
numbers. If we allow more numbers, Saturday
after 1:30pm is the likely overflow time.
4. Who is in control of choosing the costume?
Do parents have veto power? Is there a cap
on how much can be spent?
- The coaches have the authority to match the
costume, music and choreography to get a
complete theme that they think will compete
well. All costumes must be age appropriate as
must the songs. There is a limit of $115 per
costume excluding shoes, make-up and tights.
If a more expensive costume is proposed, it
must be have %100 consensus from each
parent in that number, and Melina will be the
adjudicator to ensure parental or coach peer
pressure isn’t a factor.
Do parents have veto power? Is there a cap
on how much can be spent?
- The coaches have the authority to match the
costume, music and choreography to get a
complete theme that they think will compete
well. All costumes must be age appropriate as
must the songs. There is a limit of $115 per
costume excluding shoes, make-up and tights.
If a more expensive costume is proposed, it
must be have %100 consensus from each
parent in that number, and Melina will be the
adjudicator to ensure parental or coach peer
pressure isn’t a factor.
7. Is time built in for Saturday rehearsals as
competitions near, if numbers do not look
good?
- Saturday afternoons are open and will stay
open in anticipation of either Captain’s
practices, self-directed practices, or additional
paid coach’s practices. The weekends prior to
regional and national competitions should be
held open in anticipation of rehearsals.
competitions near, if numbers do not look
good?
- Saturday afternoons are open and will stay
open in anticipation of either Captain’s
practices, self-directed practices, or additional
paid coach’s practices. The weekends prior to
regional and national competitions should be
held open in anticipation of rehearsals.
8. There are very few additional classes that
can be scheduled for team girls that are not
before 8:30 pm (can you please consider
moving the “specialty” classes to the 6:30
time slot so that more girls can participate?)
- We made every effort to keep the mandatory
team classes at the earlier times to
accommodate some of our younger dance
team members. For the specialty classes we
also tried to have a non-team offering at an
earlier time. I realize this might not work in
every case but this was taken into
consideration. For instance – we have a Wed 4:
30pm Lyrical and a Wed 6:30pm Musical
Theatre (this one might be easily worked
around rehearsal time with the coach for this
hour). For Hip-Hop, although there are Level 5
(old level 1) and 6 (old level 2) available earlier,
unfortunately the Hip-Hop Team and Level 7
(old level 3) are in the 8:30pm slot. And – all
these classes would be included in your $100
unlimited class fee as a team member.
can be scheduled for team girls that are not
before 8:30 pm (can you please consider
moving the “specialty” classes to the 6:30
time slot so that more girls can participate?)
- We made every effort to keep the mandatory
team classes at the earlier times to
accommodate some of our younger dance
team members. For the specialty classes we
also tried to have a non-team offering at an
earlier time. I realize this might not work in
every case but this was taken into
consideration. For instance – we have a Wed 4:
30pm Lyrical and a Wed 6:30pm Musical
Theatre (this one might be easily worked
around rehearsal time with the coach for this
hour). For Hip-Hop, although there are Level 5
(old level 1) and 6 (old level 2) available earlier,
unfortunately the Hip-Hop Team and Level 7
(old level 3) are in the 8:30pm slot. And – all
these classes would be included in your $100
unlimited class fee as a team member.
11. How much in advance will we receive a
rehearsal schedule? Will it be posted by
weekly, monthly, etc.? Will they stay within
the scheduled time?
- Rehearsal schedules will be published no
later than Wednesday the proceeding week. I
would anticipate it changing each week,
although we will try to make it stick for a month
at a time. We will stay within the scheduled
time – really there isn’t a choice here. There
are classes before and after and only one
studio is allocated for the team practice times.
rehearsal schedule? Will it be posted by
weekly, monthly, etc.? Will they stay within
the scheduled time?
- Rehearsal schedules will be published no
later than Wednesday the proceeding week. I
would anticipate it changing each week,
although we will try to make it stick for a month
at a time. We will stay within the scheduled
time – really there isn’t a choice here. There
are classes before and after and only one
studio is allocated for the team practice times.
9. How and when will we know what numbers
our daughters have been selected to perform
in? (It should be before September)
- I will publish this on Monday – August 31st,
and we will have a conference with each one of
you during that week to gain agreement on
participation level so that we move into
September with full momentum.
our daughters have been selected to perform
in? (It should be before September)
- I will publish this on Monday – August 31st,
and we will have a conference with each one of
you during that week to gain agreement on
participation level so that we move into
September with full momentum.
10. The web site has a different color and
placement for large group and small group
numbers than other type of numbers, what
does that mean? Will every dancer be
recommended for some in these groups?
How many will there be?....
- The different color and placement has no
meaning – I am having the web designer fix
that. (Problem is FIXED.) I have to wait until
after the audition to see who is offered what. I
know that Shannon, Vanavia, and Steve have
some pretty detailed plans, but we don’t know
how many team members are returning, how
many new team members we will be adding,
and how many numbers will be accepted per
child if offered. This will be the work for August
23rd with Melina, the coaches, and probably
many of the parents as well.
placement for large group and small group
numbers than other type of numbers, what
does that mean? Will every dancer be
recommended for some in these groups?
How many will there be?....
- The different color and placement has no
meaning – I am having the web designer fix
that. (Problem is FIXED.) I have to wait until
after the audition to see who is offered what. I
know that Shannon, Vanavia, and Steve have
some pretty detailed plans, but we don’t know
how many team members are returning, how
many new team members we will be adding,
and how many numbers will be accepted per
child if offered. This will be the work for August
23rd with Melina, the coaches, and probably
many of the parents as well.
6. If dance selections are not made prior to
September 1st, will team fees be adjusted
accordingly?
- They will be completed the week of August
24th. If things change, fees will be adjusted
fairly.
September 1st, will team fees be adjusted
accordingly?
- They will be completed the week of August
24th. If things change, fees will be adjusted
fairly.
12. When will rehearsals/privates for solos,
duet, trios be scheduled?
- This year solos, duets and trios will be
treated like every other number as far as
scheduling. First option is on M/W/Th from
7:30pm to 9:30pm. If we allow more numbers,
Saturday after 1:30pm is the likely overflow
time.
duet, trios be scheduled?
- This year solos, duets and trios will be
treated like every other number as far as
scheduling. First option is on M/W/Th from
7:30pm to 9:30pm. If we allow more numbers,
Saturday after 1:30pm is the likely overflow
time.
13. Will there be consequences for missed
rehearsals that were added, but not
previously on the rehearsal schedule?
- Any rehearsals added outside the scheduled
time must have consensus from all the
dancers in that number. If you agree, you
should show up. If you don’t show up after
agreeing, in the spirit of fairness, there will be
some consequences based on the
circumstances.
rehearsals that were added, but not
previously on the rehearsal schedule?
- Any rehearsals added outside the scheduled
time must have consensus from all the
dancers in that number. If you agree, you
should show up. If you don’t show up after
agreeing, in the spirit of fairness, there will be
some consequences based on the
circumstances.
14. Will school demands be taken into
consideration when a rehearsal must be
missed? (Dancers should not be threatened
with removal from a number if rehearsals are
missed due to school responsibilities and all
rehearsals are during the week, so this will
happen)
- Yes – with advanced notice of unavailability, I
think we have a great chance of switching
things around to accommodate everyone. This
is why I foresee the schedule being generated
weekly instead of monthly.
consideration when a rehearsal must be
missed? (Dancers should not be threatened
with removal from a number if rehearsals are
missed due to school responsibilities and all
rehearsals are during the week, so this will
happen)
- Yes – with advanced notice of unavailability, I
think we have a great chance of switching
things around to accommodate everyone. This
is why I foresee the schedule being generated
weekly instead of monthly.
5. If a dancer is removed from a number (not
due to behavioral problems, but for injury,
inability to perform to level), is that dancer
replaced with another dancer who can
possibly purchase the costume/choreography
fee? (obviously any money already paid for
rehearsals is forfeited)
- We will take these types of situations on a
case-by-case basis as in most instances it
seems the factors vary. In general, if a dancer
can’t perform, we will make every effort to
replace that dancer. Money already paid for
rehearsal would be forfeited and based on
mutual agreement I don’t see any reason why
the costume couldn’t be resold.
due to behavioral problems, but for injury,
inability to perform to level), is that dancer
replaced with another dancer who can
possibly purchase the costume/choreography
fee? (obviously any money already paid for
rehearsals is forfeited)
- We will take these types of situations on a
case-by-case basis as in most instances it
seems the factors vary. In general, if a dancer
can’t perform, we will make every effort to
replace that dancer. Money already paid for
rehearsal would be forfeited and based on
mutual agreement I don’t see any reason why
the costume couldn’t be resold.
15. Under what circumstances can a dancer
be removed from a number?
- I can think of several reasons. The factors
playing into this decision, and I do hope this is
an infrequent event, is attendance, effort, and
attitude. Melina is the only one who can remove
someone from a number. And as always for
those of you who know us, we don’t make any
decision like this unless we have listened to all
sides and attempted everything in our reach to
make the situation work out.
be removed from a number?
- I can think of several reasons. The factors
playing into this decision, and I do hope this is
an infrequent event, is attendance, effort, and
attitude. Melina is the only one who can remove
someone from a number. And as always for
those of you who know us, we don’t make any
decision like this unless we have listened to all
sides and attempted everything in our reach to
make the situation work out.
16. What is this work/study program about?
- There are several levels and flavors of the financial support we are planning to offer this year:
- Rilley C. Bush Foundation Scholarship – A partial scholarship give by the Reilly C. Bush Foundation based
on need and ability
- Executive Sponsorship Program – We have been approached by several corporations willing to sponsor a
dancer for the year. Melina is in the process of formalizing those offers. These will be offered based on need
and ability
- UDA Work Exchange Program – There are several efforts around the studio that need hours put against
them. If you or your child is interested in any of these, please let Melina know. Not all this stuff is for everyone,
so understand you must either be old enough (for our students) and/or you must have some ability we can
leverage. Some of those efforts include
o Daily maintenance of the studio
o Organizing/Running the Pre-School Field Trip Program
o Organizing/Running the Bring – A – Friend Program
o Merchandise stocking / re-ordering / selling / display
o Assistant Teaching if you are qualified
o Front Desk Reception – includes answering questions, helping people sign-up, explaining our dance
programs, advocating the studio, taking and returning phone calls, filing, and some computer data entry.
- Please contact Melina if you are interested. There are limited opportunities and we will do our best to
consider economics as we understand them those most in need first.
- There are several levels and flavors of the financial support we are planning to offer this year:
- Rilley C. Bush Foundation Scholarship – A partial scholarship give by the Reilly C. Bush Foundation based
on need and ability
- Executive Sponsorship Program – We have been approached by several corporations willing to sponsor a
dancer for the year. Melina is in the process of formalizing those offers. These will be offered based on need
and ability
- UDA Work Exchange Program – There are several efforts around the studio that need hours put against
them. If you or your child is interested in any of these, please let Melina know. Not all this stuff is for everyone,
so understand you must either be old enough (for our students) and/or you must have some ability we can
leverage. Some of those efforts include
o Daily maintenance of the studio
o Organizing/Running the Pre-School Field Trip Program
o Organizing/Running the Bring – A – Friend Program
o Merchandise stocking / re-ordering / selling / display
o Assistant Teaching if you are qualified
o Front Desk Reception – includes answering questions, helping people sign-up, explaining our dance
programs, advocating the studio, taking and returning phone calls, filing, and some computer data entry.
- Please contact Melina if you are interested. There are limited opportunities and we will do our best to
consider economics as we understand them those most in need first.
Team Dance FAQs
Team Dance FAQs