danceforce - Bolingbrook Park District

DANCEFORCE
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Be a Part of DanceForce!
What is DanceForce?
DanceForce is Bolingbrook Park District’s award-winning, nationally acclaimed
performing dance company. The entire company studies and performs all styles of
dance, and has training at multiple levels:
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Kidz Company (ages 5-10 years)
Junior Company (Ages 8-12 years)
Teen Company (Ages 10-15 years)
Senior Company (13 years and older)
Each DanceForce season begins in the summer with a fun yet intensive training
program and continues with many fun performance opportunities and activities
throughout the year, concluding in June with placement auditions for a new season.
Within the DanceForce Company there are two teams, a Premiere Performance
Team and a Select Competition Team. The entire Company will participate in
many activities and performances around the community and Chicagoland area.
Dancers, who wish, can audition to be a part of the Select Competition Team at the
Junior, Teen or Senior levels. The Select Competition Team competes several
times a year at a regional level and also attends overnight dance convention
workshops.
Our Mission
The mission of DanceForce is to empower youth through dance performance and
leadership opportunities and to engage them in activities and experiences that will
encourage the development of strong character, proactive involvement with their
community and effective leadership skills. Equally important is the development of
the individuals in all areas of dance, which include jazz, hip hop, ballet, lyrical and
tap, and participation in conventions, competitions, educational field trips and
performance opportunities. It is the intention of DanceForce to build strong
character individuals that are recognized as leaders both in their schools and in
their outside endeavors.
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What we do!
Training and Dance Performances
In addition to weekly dance classes, DanceForce company members will have the
opportunity to get out into the community and perform at several parades, shows
and festivals throughout the season! Dancers will be exposed to all dance
disciplines including Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Tap.
Volunteer and Charity Work
Volunteer and charity work have always been an important part of the DanceForce
program. Dancers participate in several charitable activities as a regular part of
their season. Our biggest charity activity is Project Thanksgiving where we were
able to provide full Thanksgiving dinners to over 60 families in 2015!
Additionally, at the start of each season, the company forms “character crews” and
studies respect, citizenship, community and more while participating in activities,
exercises, and outreach work that strengthens and reinforces the DaanceForce
character and values.
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How is it all possible?
FUNdraising
Fundraising is a very important part of maintaining the quality of our concerts and
keeping individual costs for each family down. Each year DanceForce has general
mandatory fundraisers that help contribute to things such as costuming, props,
transportation, concerts and advertising. In addition to mandatory FUNdraisers we
also offer a number of optional individual FUNdraisers to help cover any out of
pocket expenses for the dancers. A portion of the funds raised from these
individual FUNdraisers will be credited directly to the dancer’s individual account
and can be used for out of pocket expenses such as registration and class fees,
monthly payments, convention etc.
Our Parent Volunteers in the DanceForce Parent Association
DanceForce has a parent “FORCE BEHIND THE FORCE” that is unprecedented
and admired by many other youth organizations. Multi-faceted and extremely
active, these parents work throughout the DanceForce season in one or more areas
that they enjoy and are willing to assist. These committees help drive what the
dancers call, “the DanceForce family.” Be a part of the “Force behind the Force!”
You can sign up for one or more committees and discover how the parents make it
all happen. DanceForce is not possible without the efforts of effective and
supportive parent committees.
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What is the Schedule?
In addition to the technical class that the dancer has a choice of, each DanceForce
Company has weekly training classes in which they will be challenged in many
different disciplines of dance as well as learn choreography for the season’s
performances. DanceForce Training Classes are as follows.
Kidz Company: ages 5-10 years
*Wednesday 4pm-5:30pm
*Summer hours.
September-May will be 4:30-6:00.
Junior Companies: ages 8-12 years
*Tuesday 4pm-5:30pm
*Thursday 4pm-5:30pm
*Summer hours.
September-May will be 4:30-6:00 both nights.
Teen Companies: ages 10-15 years
*Tuesday 5:30 pm-7:00pm
*Summer hours.
Tuesdays ONLY for September-May will be 6:00-7:30
Wednesday 4pm-5:30pm
Senior Companies: ages 13 and up
Monday 4pm-5:30pm
Wednesday 7pm-8:30pm
*See Technical class options on pages 11-14
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Technical Class & Training Requirements
DanceForce is a full year commitment and you are here to grow as an individual
dancer as well as a member of the entire team. We need each and every dancer to
hold the same commitment level and support the team effort equally! That’s what
makes DanceForce the amazing experience that it has grown to be.
DanceForce Performance Team Requirements
Each DanceForce member is required to take 1 technical class throughout the year
in additional to all DanceForce Training and Rehearsals. This may be either Ballet
OR Jazz and they must take their chosen discipline for the entire year. Company
members are encouraged to take additional classes if desired, either in a different
technical discipline or in Hip Hop.
*Any additional classes will be offered at a 50% discount to all DanceForce
Company Members.
DanceForce Select Competition Team Requirements
Each DanceForce Select Competition Team Member is required to take 2 technical
classes (Ballet & Jazz) as well as Hip Hop in addition to all DanceForce Training
and Rehearsals. (The second technical class will be included in your monthly fee
at a 40% discount.) Select Competition Team Dancers will be performing AND
competing with dances that require an array of technical skills and the required
technical disciplines must be learned and practiced regularly in order to have the
skill set necessary to maintain a competitive edge within the dance community.
* Any additional technical classes will be offered at a 50% discount to all
DanceForce Select Competition Team Members.
The Directors and instructors of DanceForce pride themselves on challenging each
and every dancer and will strive throughout the year to maintain a level of training
that will grow both the individual and the team. Dancers will be continually
monitored and may be moved to a more appropriate level of training at any time
within the DanceForce season. DanceForce Training will consist of a variety of
disciplines on a rotating schedule. Disciplines will include Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical,
Hip Hop, Contemporary and Tap.
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PERFORMANCES & COMPETIONS
Some Anticipated Performances
2016-2017 Season
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Village Picnic
Taste of Bolingbrook
Lupus Walk Naperville
Summer’s Last
Blast/Dance Fest
performance
• Pathways Parade
• DanceForce Fall
Jamboree
• Halloween Woods Walk
• Chicago Youth Dance
Exhibition
• Holiday Performances in
Community
• WinterFest
• DanceForce Concert
(March 2017)
• Week of the Young Child
• Dance Program concert
*Most dates for the entire season will be given out at the DanceForce Orientation the first week
of June for early planning purposes, however please note that some community performances
may be added throughout the season. We will always give as much lead time as possible and
early notification will be given.
*We will also denote which are mandatory, and which would be ‘optional’.
*Optional performances should only be missed if there is a true conflict and all dancers are
encouraged to attend all performances.
Anticipated Competitions and Conventions
All competitions are MANDATORY for the Select Competition Team
dancers, Premiere Performance Team members are encouraged to attend.
• Kids Artistic Review (day long)
• West Coast Dance Explosion (overnight convention)
• Rainbow Dance Competition (day long)
• CHICAGO DANCE CONNECTION *(optional convention)
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DanceForce Attendance Policy
Attendance is very important for improvement, development and performance
preparation. In order for our dancers to receive an exceptional dance education, it
is imperative that attendance is taken seriously. Dancers are allowed 4 absences
for each class time per session (Fall, Winter/Spring, Summer). If more than 4
DanceForce absences occur in any session, the dancer may not be able to
participate in the respective performances for that session.
Failure to attend your required technical classes resulting in 4 or more absences per
session will also impact your participation in DanceForce performances. If more
than 4 technical class absences occur in any session, the dancer may not be able to
participate in the respective performances for that session.
What Counts as an Absence?
Leaving early
Leaving more than 15 minutes early = .5 (half) absence
Tardy
2 tardies = 1 absence.
20 min. or more of missed class = 1 absence
Absences
4 absences allowed per session (Fall, Winter/Spring, Summer)
Missing an optional performance = .5 (half) absences
Missing a MANDATORY performance = 2.5 absences
*Dancers will be able to cancel out a missed technical class due to absence or conflict by taking
a class in the same technique within the same week.
For example: if they are enrolled in Ballet II and must miss a class, they may take a Ballet I class
within the same weeks period and their absence will not count against their points.
*Most dates for performances will be given at orientation for early planning purposes, however
please not that some community performances may be added throughout the season.
** Select Competition Team Dancers: if more than 4 absences occur in any session, you
may be moved to Company and will no longer be a member of the Select Competition
Team effective until the next DanceForce Auditions.
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What does it cost?
Prices include:
Weekly Technical class requirements
*Kidz - Senior Premiere Performance Team members – 1 hour
*ALL Select Competition Team members - 3 hours
Weekly DanceForce Training classes
*Kidz Company – 1.5 hours
*Junior - Senior on both Performance and Competition Teams - 3 hours
Uniform T-Shirt for the season
All performance Costumes
Dancer Pizza & Pool Party
Dancer Holiday Party
Dancer Ticket to End of the Season Banquet
End of year ‘DanceForce Company’ Memory Yearbook
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Where do I start?
To become a part of the beloved DanceForce Company it
all begins with placement auditions!
Placement auditions are just that, a way for the directors and teachers to
see each dancer and place them in the appropriate company level to best
suit their future growth as an individual dancer. We work hard to place
all members in the right level for not only their dance background and
ability but also their maturity level.
When are the placement auditions?
Placement auditions will take place on May 18 and 19 at
the Bolingbrook Recreation and Aquatics Complex.
The audition will involve filling out your dancers’ initial audition information
sheet, dancer warm-up, choreography learning session, and placement audition in
dance room. Sign in will take place in the gym!
Wednesday May 18th
Thursday May 19th
Kidz Company
Teen Company
4:00-6:00 pm
4:00-6:00 pm
Junior Company
Senior Company
6:00-8:00 pm
6:00-8:00 pm
All who are interested in joining the DanceForce Company must audition in order to be placed. If there is a conflict with audition
times at your dancers appropriate level, they may audition in a different level to be seen, but this must be approved by directors
ahead of time so that they can be aware. This should only be planned for in more extreme conflicts.
All dancers will be evaluated on their age, ability, and maturity no matter what company they audition for. An example, if a
dancer auditions for Teen Company but is a better fit for Junior Company, we will place them accordingly. It is important that
dancers remember that being in the same company for more than one or two years in typical as they progress and change. Dance
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is progressive and being in the wrong level could not only hinder growth in technique, but can also be10
a safety
Technical Classes
Kidz Company: ages 5-10 years
DanceForce Training: Wednesday 4pm-5:30pm
*Teacher approval required for levels 2 and above
*All additional classes (including a second technical, Hip Hop, Lyrical & Tap) will be offered at a
50% discount!
See Directors for more information about classes and level placement.
Mon.
Tues.
Youth Hip Hop 2
4:15pm-5:15pm
(ages 7+)
Teacher Approval
Required
ACC location
Tap
4:30pm-5:30pm
(ages 7-11)
Ballet/Tap/Jazz
4:30pm-6pm
(ages 6-8)
Wed.
Jump Jive Jazz
11am-11:45am
(ages 5-6)
Kidz Hip Hop
4pm-4:45pm
(ages 5-6)
ACC location
DanceForce
Training
4pm-5:30pm
Thur.
Pre Ballet
10:15am11:15am
(ages 4-5)
Excel Musical
Theater
30% off
Fri.
Sat.
Pre Ballet
9am-9:45am
(ages 4-5)
Kidz Hip Hop
9:15am-10am
(ages 5-6)
Pre Ballet
9:45am-10:45am
(ages 6-7
Ballet 1
10:45am-11:45am
(ages 8-9)
4pm-5:30pm
(ages 7+)
Youth Hip Hop 1
5:15-6:15pm
(ages 7+)
ACC location
Youth Jazz 1
11:15am-12:15pm
(ages 7-11)
ACC location
Youth Jazz 2
5:15pm-6:15pm
Teacher Approval
Required
ACC location
Youth Jazz 1
5:30pm-6:30pm
Youth Jazz 1
11:15am-12:15pm
(ages 7-11)
ACC location
Youth Jazz 3
6:15pm-7:15pm
Teacher Approval
Required
ACC location
Youth Lyrical
1/2
5:30pm-6:30pm
(ages 9-13)
Youth Hip Hop 1
1pm-2pm
(ages 7+)
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Technical Classes to choose from
Junior Companies: ages 8-12 years
DanceForce Training: Tuesday 4pm-5:30pm & Thursday 4pm-5:30pm
*Teacher approval required for levels 2 and above
*All additional classes (including additional technical, Hip Hop, Lyrical & Tap) will be offered at a
50% discount!
See Directors for more information about classes and level placement.
Select Competition Team members will be placed in the appropriate Hip Hop class.
Mon.
Tues.
Wed.
Thur.
Fri.
Sat.
Youth Hip Hop 2
4:15pm-5:15pm
(ages 7+)
Teacher Approval
Required
ACC location
Ballet 1
10:45am-11:45am
(ages 8+)
Tap
4:30pm-5:30pm
(ages 7+)
Youth Jazz 1
11:15am-12:15pm
(ages 7+)
ACC location
4:30pm-6pm
Ballet/Tap/Jazz
(ages 6-8)
DanceForce
Training
4pm-5:30pm
Youth Hip Hop 1
5:15-6:15pm
(ages 7+)
ACC location
Youth Jazz 2
5:15pm-6:15pm
Teacher Approval
Required
ACC location
Youth Jazz 3
6:15pm-7:15pm
Teacher Approval
Required
ACC location
DanceForce
Training
4pm-5:30pm
Ballet 2
11:45am-12:45pm
(ages 10+)
Teacher Approval
Required
Excel Musical
Theater
5:30pm-7pm
(ages 11+)
Ballet 3
12:45pm- 1:45pm
(ages 10+)
Teacher Approval
Required
Youth Lyrical 1/2
5:30pm-6:30pm
(ages 9-13)
Youth Hip Hop 1
1pm-2pm
(ages 7+)
30% off
Youth Jazz 1
5:30pm-6:30pm
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Technical Classes to choose from
Teen Companies: ages 10-15 years
DanceForce Training: Tuesday 5pm-7:30pm & Wednesday 4pm-5:30p
*Teacher approval required for levels 2 and above
*All additional classes (including additional technical, Hip Hop, Lyrical & Tap) will be offered at a
50% discount!
See Directors for more information about classes and level placement.
Select Competition Team members will be placed in the appropriate Hip Hop class.
Mon.
Tues.
Wed.
Youth Tap
4:30pm-5:30pm
(ages 7+)
Thur.
Hip Hop 2
4pm-5pm
(ages 12+)
Teacher Approval
Required
Hip Hop 3
5pm-6pm
(ages 9+)
ACC location
Teen Tap
5:30pm-6:30pm
(ages 12+)
Teacher Approval
Required
Fri
Sat.
Youth Ballet 1
10:45am-11:45pm
(ages 8-11)
Youth Jazz 1
11:15am-12:15pm
(ages 7-11)
ACC location
Excel Musical
Theater
30% off
Teen Jazz 3
5:30-6:30
(ages 12+)
Teacher Approval
Required
DanceForce
Training
5:30pm-7pm
Teen Jazz 1/2
6pm-7pm
(ages 12+)
Teen Lyrical 2/3
6:30pm-7:30pm
Teacher Approval
Required
DanceForce
Training
4pm-5:30pm
5:30pm-7pm
(ages 11+)
Youth Lyrical 1/2
5:30pm-6:30pm
(ages 9+)
Teen Ballet 1
(ages 12+)
5:30pm-6:30pm
Teen Ballet 2
7pm-8pm
(ages 12+)
Teacher
Approval
Required
***Basic Teen
Ballet
7:30pm-8:30pm
(ages 12+)
Youth Ballet 2
11:45am-12:45pm
(ages 8-11)
Teacher Approval
Required
Youth Ballet 3
12:45pm- 1:45pm
(ages 10-11)
Teacher Approval
Required
Hip Hop 3
7:15pm-8:15pm
Teacher Approval
Required
Hip Hop 4
8:15pm-9:15pm
Teacher Approval
Required
*** Beginning Fall Session
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Technical Classes to choose from
Senior Companies: ages 13 and up
DanceForce Training: Monday 4pm-5:30pm & Wednesday 7pm-8:30pm
*Teacher approval required for levels 2 and above
*All additional classes (including additional technical, Hip Hop, Lyrical & Tap) will be offered at a
50% discount!
See Directors for more information about classes and level placement.
Select Competition Team members will be placed in the appropriate Hip Hop class.
Mon.
Tues.
Wed.
Thur.
DanceForce Training
4pm-5:30pm
*** Extra Teen
Ballet 3
4pm-5:30pm
Teacher Approval
Required
Teen Jazz 3
5:30-6:30
Teacher Approval
Required
Teen Ballet 1
5:30pm-6:30pm
Teen Ballet 3
5:30pm-7pm
Teacher Approval
Required
Teen Lyrical 2/3
6:30pm-7:30pm
Teacher Approval
Required
Teen Jazz 4
5:30pm-6:45pm
Teacher Approval
Required
Excel Musical
Theater
Fri.
Sat.
Teen Tap
5:30pm-6:30pm
(ages 12+)
Teen Jazz 1/2
6pm-7pm
Teen Ballet 2
7pm-8pm
Teacher Approval
Required
***Basic Teen Ballet
7:30pm-8:30pm
DanceForce
Training
7pm-8:30pm
30% off
5:30pm-7pm
(ages 11+)
Hip Hop 3
7:15pm-8:15pm
Teacher Approval
Required
Hip Hop 4
8:15pm-9:15pm
Teacher Approval
Required
***Beginning Fall Session
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If you have additional questions about the upcoming DanceForce
season, requirements, enrollment and fees, or more please feel free
to contact the directors of the DanceForce Company.
Senior Director of DanceForce
Megan Donick
mdonick@bolingbrookparks.org
630-783-6639
Artistic Director of DanceForce
Dori Santarsiere
dsantarsiere@bolingbrookparks.org
630-783-6631
Thank you for your interest in DanceForce, we look forward to
watching your dancer grow and prosper in the art of dance!
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