Expectations
Turning Pointe Academy for the Performing Arts is an audition-only dance team focusing on competitive routines in musical theatre, lyrical, hip hop, pom, and contemporary. The teams are not decided based on age, but on the dancer's skill level. The goal of the teams is to build self-confidence among our dancers while improving their technique, artistry and performance level. 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 while willing to improve on them as well. Dancers should have a strong desire to improve as a dancer and leader. Dancers should have a strong respect and support for the studio, the leadership team, their teammates, and themselves. Most importantly, they should have a bright smile, a sense of humor, willingness to accept developmental critique, and a positive mindset.
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 while willing to improve on them as well. Dancers should have a strong desire to improve as a dancer and leader. Dancers should have a strong respect and support for the studio, the leadership team, their teammates, and themselves. Most importantly, they should have a bright smile, a sense of humor, willingness to accept developmental critique, and a positive mindset.
Commitment
The details of commitment vary among the four teams. Our Senior, Junior, and Starights dance teams have two team classes each week and are required to take a ballet class. The Senior and Junior team members are required to take two recreational classes while the Starlights are required to take one recreational class. The Mini dance team has one team class each week and students are required to take one recreational class, but ballet is strongly recommended.
Turning Pointe Academy's dance teams have two regional competitions, community outreach opportunities, our winter showcase, and our spring recital. The dance team is a serious commitment and will not be taken lightly. Dancers and their families are expected to fulfill this commitment, and will be asked to sign a parent/student agreement.
Turning Pointe Academy's dance teams have two regional competitions, community outreach opportunities, our winter showcase, and our spring recital. The dance team is a serious commitment and will not be taken lightly. Dancers and their families are expected to fulfill this commitment, and will be asked to sign a parent/student agreement.
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.
|
|
|
Student Leadership Team
Within our TPA dance team there is an opportunity to build leadership skills for our young adults. Students must apply and go through an interview to be a student leader. Interviews are held after dance team auditions in late May or early June. Students must be in high school or entering their freshman year of high school.
Being a part of the student leadership team offers the opportunity to develop leadership skills. Students may be asked to lead a Step 1 class on their own with guidance from a leadership team member, or they may assist a leadership team member. Partaking in the Student Leader Program earns dancers points toward their IHSDA. Aside from full team community outreach events, there will be smaller outreach events for the student leaders. The student leadership team has a meeting once a month and may be called together other times to:
Being a part of the student leadership team offers the opportunity to develop leadership skills. Students may be asked to lead a Step 1 class on their own with guidance from a leadership team member, or they may assist a leadership team member. Partaking in the Student Leader Program earns dancers points toward their IHSDA. Aside from full team community outreach events, there will be smaller outreach events for the student leaders. The student leadership team has a meeting once a month and may be called together other times to:
- Plan for the month's outreach events
- Give students a voice on decisions being made with the team and/or studio
- Assist with problem solving strategies pertaining to the team program
|
|
