Our major production is held at the end of Term 4. The full tech, dress and final rehearsals will all be held in the prior two weeks, and may involve additional afternoons/evenings, and a Saturday. As it costs many thousands of dollars to run this event, there is a cost for tickets. As a guide, last year's prices were $15 per ticket. We do not allow video recording or photograph's during the show, but we do have a professional video and photographs done which are a reasonable price. Last year's prices were $25.00 per DVD, $6 per photo).
Please keep these dates in your diary:
Proposed Concert Dates
Tickets go on sale - TBA (morning) Photo Day - TBA (arvo)
Stage rehearsal - Tuesday 16th November, (4-8pm)
Dress rehearsal - Tuesday 23rd November (5-9.30pm)
Concert - Friday 3rd December (6.30pm-9.30pm)
Wind-up Party - Sat 4th December (midday)
Other Performances
We are occasionally invited to participate in other public performances. For example in 2007 we were invited to dance at a couple of events such as the City of Belmont KidzFest and the Mercy Ministries Gala Ball
As a general rule, the first performance for dancers/actors who commence in 2010 will be the annual concert. We cannot guarantee that students will perform except at the annual concert, as most public performances can only take a short selection of our material.
Costumes
For every class that your child attends they will be required to have a costume made for their concert item. A fee of $25 will need to be paid (per student, per class) by the end of term 2 (this is a non-refundable deposit as it becomes impossible to refund when material has started to be purchased). This usually covers the material and trims needed for each costume (occasionally it may cost a fraction more). If you wish to have a dressmaker sew your costume, this can be arranged at a fee of approx $30-40 per costume. This cost will cover for the basic sewing of your costume; you will need to hand sew straps, clips in place & maybe some sequinning.
If you can sew and want to make your own costumes, you will need to come in during class time and trace off the master pattern of the costume (you will need to adjust the size of the pattern to fit your child). You will then be required to purchase all haberdashery & trims (may include glitter & glue etc) Costumes will all be checked at the beginning of Term 4 to make sure they are correct and look identical.
Hair and Makeup
Teachers will advise you of appropriate hair styles for performances. There must be a lot of care taken with hair - normal daily hair styles are generally not acceptable. Styling, hair spray, gel, curling, crimping etc. may be involved. some classes may need to purchase hair pieces ( wiglets or hair scrunchies)approx. cost for these are $10 - $45. Curly Sues (Unit 2/ 113 Russell St Morley. Ph 9276 7359)
Unless specific theatrical make-up is required - make up for girls will include:
Foundation
Black mascara
Blush
Black eyeliner
Brown eye shadow
White highlight eye shadow
Australis ' Allure' or Revlon colourstay lip liner 'Berries'
Rimmel Lasting Finish '084 Amethyst Shimmer'
Boys may also require some basic makeup when under lights on stage. Teachers will advise.
Will not be compulsory, but it will be recommended that your child sits the appropriate exam. Classical, Jazz & Tap Examination syllabus is Australian Teachers of Dance (ATOD). Last years exams were held at the beginning of August. Students sitting exams may need to come to extra classes and to have a mock trial exam. They will also require correct exam attire and footwear (see class attire).
Class
ATOD Exam Grade
Jazz
Tap
Classical
Tiny Toes
Pre Sch Level 1
N/A
N/A
$35
Intro BJT
Pre Sch Level 2
N/A
N/A
$37
Level 1/2
Test 1
N/A
$40
$40
Level 3
Test 3
$48
$48
$48
Level 3
Bronze Star
$55
$55*
$55*
Level 4
Silver Medal
$60
$60*
$60*
Level 5
Gold Medal
$70
$70*
$70*
Level 6
Gold Star
$80
$80*
$80*
Theory Books
This year it is compulsory for students in bronze medal grade and above to buy an official ATOD theory book to learn their theory and take into the exam for the examiner to sign. The theory book contains all grades, therefore it is a one off purchase. One copy can be shared per families.
$25 Tap Theory Book
$25 Ballet Theory Book
Benefits of sitting exams:-
Teachers believe they are excellent as they give students something to work towards a goal. It's not the exam but the process as students then set their mind to achieving these goals. Confidence gained as students showcase the work that they have been learning to an interstate examiner.
Teachers believe they are excellent, as they give students something to work towards, or a goal. It's not the exam but the process as students then set their mind to achieving these goals.
The examiner gives a detailed report/certificate for all students including individual comments.
Examinations can lead to a teaching diploma (Miss Jen started doing exams when she was very young not knowing that one day she would end up teaching and now has her teaching diploma.)
We see a higher degree of discipline and self motivation in students sitting their exams rather than those who are not. Mainly notable in middle aged students and above.
Exam students receive something tangible for their efforts as they receive an individual report/certificate and medal presented to them at the end of year concert.
Exam Process
Tiny Toes and Intro grade exams are conducted like a class with the teacher being able to run the exam like a class. This is to introduce them to exams in a friendly manner.
Test 1 (Level 1) grades the teacher is allowed to assist with their steps. Students need to know their exam dance without assistance. All other grades the teacher can not assist.
All students wear numbers into the exam room so that the examiner can grade them individually.
Exams are from 20mins - 40 mins depending upon the grade and genre.
Exams are done in a group setting, they do not go into the examination room on their own. We must have a minimum of three students per exam grade
Classical exams include barre, centre work and a dance (dance performed with a partner).
Tap exams include barre, centre work and a dance. All steps are shown one person at a time.
Jazz exams include warm up & stretches centre work, travelling steps, combinations and a dance (dance performed with a partner).
Most classes will be given a list of all their exercises so they can practice at home.
Examination Attire(same as class attire)
ALL STUDENTS must wear hair in a bun (gel or hair spray to hold in place) with the same colour scrunchie as uniform.
Some shoes may need to be painted due to scuff marks etc.
No nail Polish
No make-up
No jewellery
Dance knickers/underwear recommended (flesh tone underwear)
Ballet, Tiny Toes & Intro
Ballet Leotard (class colour)
Wrap skirt (class colour)
Clean Ballet shoes
Ballet tights (flesh colour available from dance shops)
Hair scrunchie to match leotard
Jazz & Tap
Black leotard
Black v-shorts
Tan stockings (not regular pantyhose)
Tan shoes (replace laces with tan elastic)
Hair scrunchie to match (black)
PROPOSED 2010 DATES:
Enrolment Day: Sat 30th Jan 10.30am-12pm Redcliffe Community Centre Cnr Morgan & Field St Redcliffe
Term 1 commences: as of Tuesday 2nd Feb
Chocolate Fundraising Drive – Beginning of Term 1
ATOD Exams - Early August (normally first Sunday)
Make up and Hair demo - Term 4
Costume checks - Last week October
Concert Tickets go on sale - TBA (Morning)
Photo Day - TBA (Morning)
Stage Rehearsal – Monday 16th November (4-8pm)
Dress Rehearsal – Tues 23rd November (5-9.30pm)
Concert - Friday 3rd December (6.30 - 9.30)
Wind up Party – Sat 4th December midday
Parent Open Days
Unfortunately we do not allow parents to sit in and watch your child's class due to distractions and noise levels. However on the last day of terms one and two; we allow parents to come and watch their child's classes. This enables you to see the progress that your child is making. It also gives you an opportunity to see what happens in class and to meet other parents.
Monthly Newsletters
The only way we can communicate with everyone is through the monthly newsletter. PLEASE READ THIS ON THE DAY YOU RECEIVE IT!! It often contains urgent information, that requires action the same week. It is not possible to only send information to you that only pertains to your situation. If you don't read them you may miss rehearsals, events, photo orders, performances, exams, and much more!!! These are always either sent home with the student, or emailed to you. If there is more than one student in the family, we usually only give the newsletter to one. If you would like to receive these via email please email us at footprintz@iinet.net.au and we will ensure that you are kept informed.
Parent Class Coordinators
Last year we introduced a system to help parents who may have queries/ questions. Often during class times it is hard to catch the teacher with these concerns so we have a parent co-ordinator for each age group. These parents are there to assist you and answer your queries. Failing that you can contact Miss Jen via her mobile during the week (after office hours) or via email.
Mailbox System
There will be a mailbox for all correspondence, fees, uniform orders or anything else that needs to be given to the teachers. It will also have copies of the latest newsletter/ note, uniform order form & a tray for receipts. So please place all correct money in an envelope clearly labeled with your child’s name and what the money is for. Miss Jen will then go through the mailbox during the week & your receipt should be there for you the following week.
Fundraising
Last year we had one main fundraising project to raise money for props for our end of year concert & to purchase portable barre`s & mirrors. This year we will do similar fundraising events, we have planned to sell chocolates to raise money to purchase some acrobats floor mats & equipment. If you are able to help out with coordinating, coming up with new ideas, please let us know.
Absences
If a student misses too many classes and/or rehearsals, they may have to be excluded from performances, regardless of any money you have outlaid for classes, concert tickets or costumes. This is only fair to those who have been diligent in attending classes and rehearsals, as a student who does not know an item well, will bring down the standard of the entire piece. We understand that occasional absences for sickness and holidays are unavoidable, and no catch-up classes may be needed. But a student whose performance has been affected by absences may be required to have private lessons (at $25 per half hour) to catch up for classes missed. There is no guarantee that private lessons will be able to be organised - this will depend on the teacher and studio availability.
Help Us Help You
At Footprintz Dance Academy, we are here to serve you. We are always looking for ways to improve our services, so if you are ever unhappy about the way we do things, let us know. We want your feedback. We know we will not be able to please everybody all of the time, and may not be able to implement every suggestion, but it is still very helpful to know what you think.
How Can You Help?
We will be needing parents help in the following areas:
Parent/ Class co-ordinators (this includes helping with costumes & headgear).
Fundraising Team to co-ordinate fundraising drives.
Organisation of our end of year wind up party/ bbq.
Preparing students backstage/ dressing rooms at the dress rehearsal & Concert.
Examination day with donations of food for morning & afternoon tea etc.
Making/ transporting of props for the end of year concert.