Diamond Dance Center in Harford County Maryland, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Pointe

	Performing & Leadership Opportunities
		Gems Guidelines Gems in Motion Company Packet Gems Application Annual Spring Concert Apprentice Program
	Gems Guidelines Mini-Gems Junior Company Teen Company Senior Company Diamond Dance Center – “Gems In Motion” Performing Company Guidelines 1. The performing company at the Diamond Dance Center will be divided by age and experience. The selection and division of dancers into Gems levels will be based on the following criteria: age, previous Gems experience, audition results, and the dancers work ethic and technique in regular classes throughout the year. Class attendance and absenteeism due to illness will also be a factored into the decision. 2. The number of groups and the placement of the dancers will be at the sole discretion of company and studio directors. 3. Company members will be expected to attend ALL scheduled rehearsals and performances. A strict absentee policy will be established and enforced. Gems must have STAMINA & ENDURANCE!! They must attend rehearsals even when they do not feel well or may be injured. Missing technique class is not acceptable, unless there is significant illness. 4. Company directors will make all decisions regarding selection of dancers for performances, competitions etc. 5. Every effort will be made to give parents and dancers advance notification of the performance and competition dates. Changes in rehearsal schedule or times will be announced in advance. However, FLEXIBILTY TO WORK WITH LAST MINUTE CHANGES IS AN EXPECTATION FOR ALL GEMS GROUPS!! 6. Parents will be responsible for all expenses associated with the company & the performance schedule, e.g. – transportation, meals, lodging, costumes, warm-ups, competition and conventions fees. 7. The fall “studio” fundraiser is the primary opportunity for parents to raise money to help offset Gems costs. 8. Parents must chaperone their own children or arrange to have another company parent take responsibility for their child for all Gems related performances and travel. 9. Dancers must complete an application and participate n an audition in order to be selected for company. The answers on the application will play a role in the selection of the dancers for company. All dancers must audition for each new company year. Auditions for the Gems In Motion are held each year in May or June. 10. Dancers wishing to be a member of the Gems must have been a dancer in the studio for a minimum of six months prior to the audition date. Dancers auditioning for Gems must be currently enrolled students in the DDC. 11. Rehearsals for company will be ongoing throughout the year. Each company will have a set rehearsal schedule. Several levels of company may have rehearsal together and then have a designated time for their competition dances. Additional rehearsal time may be scheduled in advance for specific shows or competitions. There is a significant weekend commitment needed in order to be a part of Gems. The weekend includes Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!! If this is a concern, please discuss with studio directors before submitting application. 12. Competition dances and dates will be booked at the discretion of the company directors based on the readiness of the group. Performances will be booked when the groups as a unit is deemed “ready!” The maturity and work ethic of the group will generally determine the pace at which the dancers and the dances come together. 13. All monies paid for Gems fees, costumes, convention & competition MUST be paid in advance and are NON-REFUNDABLE!! The only exception to this rule will be in cases of severe unexpected injury or illness and this decision will be at the discretion of the owners!! 14. The following rules will apply to any injured Gems dancers: a) the dancer must continue to attend all rehearsals and performances in order to observe, unless prohibited as indicated by a doctor’s note. b) The dancer MUST have a note from a physician clearing them for return to their dance classes and Gems activities. c) Dancers who are injured will be removed from dances as needed at the discretion of the company director. d) Understudies may be permanently assigned to their roles if needed. 15. ALL company dancers must attend STRETCH & STRENGTH classes. These classes will generally be held on Saturday mornings. Dancers will be having a mandatory number of classes they MUST attend. They will be allowed to miss an occasional S&S class as long as they meet their minimum requirement. If the schedule allows, we may offer S&S classes during the week, which would also count toward the requirement. The cost of this class will be included as part of your Gems fees. 16. ALL company dancers will have a summer class requirement. These classes must be taken at DDC. If the child has been accepted into an accredited professional camp or summer workshop, this requirement may be waived or the dancer will have their DDC summer class requirement adjusted appropriately. The studio directors must approve this option in advance. If your child attends the DDC summer camp, partial credit for classes taken at the camp may also be given to those dancers, depending on the style of camp workshop offered and the time constraints of the summer calendar!! Summer class tuition will continue to be paid separately and Gems will receive a discounted rate on those classes. 17. ALL company dancers must attend summer GEMS rehearsals and company classes. This year summer “company” fees will be included in your overall Gems Fees for the year. The summer company fee covers the cost of the rehearsal time spent for all Gems levels. 18. ALL company dancers must take technique classes as listed under each Gems level!! Studio guidelines for the ballet program MUST be followed!! Your technique classes are the foundation for all your dance training!! If you want to find the key to unlock the secrets of being a “great” dancer, then you must search for that key in your technique classes!! 19. All parents and Gems dancers will be required to sign a contract outlining the expectations and requirements of the company. Violations of the contract will result in dismissal from the company. Gems In Motion – Company Levels Mini-Gems The mini-Gems level is designed for dancers ages 6& up with minimal to no performing experience. Ages for this group are to be used as a guideline only. This is a great “starter” group for the younger dancer who might be unsure but is enthusiastic about dance and performing. The focus will be on fun and learning. Dancers in this group must be taking classes in Primary II or higher. All dancers must be taking technique classes in ballet, tap and jazz. Modern is optional at this level and must be approved by studio director. Dancers in this group will have a limited performance schedule. They will perform a maximum of two to three times/year @ discretion of the company director. Dancers will be required to attend one convention and one competition as selected by the studio owners. The convention may be out-of-state and will require lodging, meals, and transportation costs. The competition will be local. Dancers will have a mandatory weekly 60-minute rehearsal; additional rehearsals may be required. Mini-Gems Yearly Fees = The yearly costs of this company will include: summer rehearsals (6-8 sessions/ summer), Fall to Spring rehearsals (32-36 sessions/year), and stretch & strength classes. Junior Company The Junior Gems level is designed for dancers ages 8 & up with minimal to no performing experience. Ages for this group are to be used as a guideline only. Dancers in this group should be taking classes in Primary III or higher. All dancers must be taking technique classes in ballet, tap and jazz. Modern is strongly recommended at this level and must be approved by studio director. Dancers in this group will have a slightly more demanding performance schedule. They will perform a maximum of four to six times/year @ discretion of the company director. Dancers will be required to attend one convention and two-three competitions as selected by the studio owners. The convention may be out-of-state and will require lodging, meals, and transportation costs. The competition sites may vary. Dancers will have a mandatory weekly 90-minute rehearsal; additional rehearsals may be required. Junior Gems Yearly Fees = The yearly costs of this company will include: summer rehearsals (6-8 sessions/ summer), Fall to Spring rehearsals (32-36 sessions/year), and stretch & strength classes.
	Teen Company The Teen Gems level is designed for dancers ages 11 & up. Dancers in this group must show improving technical expertise, a willingness to work hard and be DEDICATED to the goals of the group. Dancers in this company should be taking classes in the Youth/Teen Division. All dancers must be taking technique classes in ballet, modern and jazz. Dancers should be taking a minimum of four to six hours a week of technique classes. Dancers in this group will have a more demanding performance schedule. They will perform a minimum of four to six times/year @ discretion of the company director. This will include a mix of non-competitive and competitive shows. Dancers will be required to attend one convention and two-three competitions as selected by the studio owners. The convention may be out-of-state and will require lodging, meals, and transportation costs. The competition sites may vary. Dancers will have a mandatory weekly 90-minute to two-hour rehearsal; additional rehearsals and company technique classes may be required. Teen Gems Yearly Fees = $270/Year The Yearly Fees of this company include: Fall to Spring rehearsals (32-36 sessions/year) and stretch & strength classes. The summer rehearsals are not included in the cost listed above. Senior Company The Senior Gems level is designed for dancers ages 13 & up with the same requirements as listed for Teen company. In addition… Dancers in this group should have significant performing/competition experience. Dancers in this group should DESIRE a more intense, rigorous and demanding schedule both physically and mentally!! Dancers in this company must show a willingness to work with others and a serious desire to improve “performance quality,” as well as technical expertise. Dancers at this level will be eligible for solos and duets at the discretion of company directors. All dancers must be taking technique classes in ballet, modern and jazz. Dancers should be taking six to eight hours a week of technique classes. Dancers in this group will have a more demanding performance schedule. They will perform a minimum of six to eight times/year @ discretion of the company director. This will include a mix of non-competitive and competitive shows. Dancers will be required to attend two conventions and three to four competitions as selected by the studio owners. Dancers will have a mandatory weekly 90-minute to two-hour rehearsal; additional rehearsals and company technique classes may be required. Costs for “extra” classes or rehearsals will be calculated as needed. Teen Gems Yearly Fees = $270/Year The Yearly Fees of this company include: Fall to Spring rehearsals (32-36 sessions/year) and stretch & strength classes. The summer rehearsals are not included in the cost listed above.