Turning Pointe Academy for the Performing Arts is an audition-only dance team focusing on competitive routines in musical theatre, lyrical, hip hop, pom, jazz, and contemporary. Dancers are selected based on age and skill level. The goal of the teams is to build self-confidence among our dancers while improving their technique, artistry, and performance quality. The groups perform and compete throughout the year. Our dancers must be physically fit, but we focus on mental and physical health. Dancers are self-motivated and should be able to self-evaluate to a certain extent. They should have a strong base level of technique and performance skills and be excited and motivated to improve as well. Dancers should have strong respect and support for the academy, the leadership team, their teammates, and themselves. Most important, they should have a bright smile, a sense of humor, willingness to accept developmental critique, and a positive mindset.
Commitment
The commitment varies among the three teams. The Stars, Starlights, and Sparklers dance teams all have two team classes each week. The Stars and Starlights team members are required to take two additional recreational classes while the Sparklers are required to take one additional recreational class. Ballet is required at the Stars level and highly recommended for the Starlights and Sparklers. Turning Pointe Academy's dance teams have two regional competitions/year, community outreach opportunities, a holiday showcase, and a spring recital. The dance team is a serious commitment that should not be taken lightly; however, it is our goal to develop well-rounded students so we support our dancers' participation in school clubs and other activities as much as possible.
Why competitive dance?
"Many parts of life are competitive in nature. The word “competition” can have some negative connotations, but believe it or not, competition has many benefits. As long as you bring a healthy attitude to the game, it can help you grow and be your absolute best. This also applies to the world of competitive dance. Dance competitions have the potential to bring out the best in any dancer." From the StarQuest Dance Alliance website. For the whole article, please click here.
National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA)
The National Honor Society for Dance Arts™ (NHSDA) is a program of the National Dance Education Organization, created to recognize outstanding artistic merit, leadership, and academic achievement in students studying dance in public and private schools in K-12 education, dance studios, cultural/community centers, performing arts organizations, and post-secondary education. The NHSDA offers three levels of induction: The Junior Program for grades 6-8, The Secondary Program for grades 9-12, and The Collegiate Program for students in college or university dance programs. At Turning Pointe Academy for the Performing Arts we offer two chapters, a Junior Program as well as a Secondary Program.