Exams and Performances
take the stage
Exams and Performances
Examinations
WDS is proud to be registered with the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D. ballet) and the Association of International Dance Teachers (A.I.D.T. modern jazz and tap). Both associations offer accredited examination programs. We encourage dancers to begin the examination process as soon as our instructors believe the student is ready. This allows them to become familiar and comfortable in an exam setting so when they reach the stage where they receive high school credits for their work, the process is done with ease and confidence. Certain skill levels and standards must be achieved before students will be considered for a formal exam. Participation in examinations is at the discretion of the teacher and studio director. There are additional costs for examinations that must be paid in full prior to the student’s registration for any examinations.
Company
Company is for the more serious dancer who is looking to add an extra level of performance and technique to their dance training and studio experience. It gives dancers the opportunity to perform more than in the year end recital, to express their passion for dance through experiences including festivals, competitions, dance conventions and extra training in technique, performance and teacher training.
The volunteer committee will be organizing fundraising events to help offset costs. All fundraising will be individual choice with money raised going to individual accounts.
When Is Company Class?
Company class for each level will be in our weekly dance schedule at a dedicated class time but will follow a slightly different schedule than the regular dance year. Class length will range from one (1) hour to one and a quarter (1.25) hours depending on size and level of dance and will be strictly a choreography class.
Festivals
WDS actively participates in local festivals. This is primarily for dancers who wish to further their training by learning solo, duo and trio choreography. This can also include weekly classroom choreography depending on how accomplished the group is at the time of entries. There is an additional cost to participate in these functions.
Annual Recital
The year-end recital is a culmination of the hard work and dedication of the students and teachers at WDS. It gives many students their first opportunity to perform on stage in a theatre. For some students, the recital is the highlight of their dance year.
Participation
We expect all students to participate in the annual recital. If a student is not able to take part written notice is required by the end of the first week in January; otherwise, the parent(s) will be responsible for costume costs. There will be no refunds for costume deposits after the first week in January.
Students registering after February 1st may be asked to understudy (learn the dance without performing), as previous training and rehearsal is important to the success of the recital. Students not participating are expected to attend classes, since valuable instruction continues during recital rehearsals.
Attendance is crucial at this time of the year; the absence of dance partners or group leaders can be detrimental to the entire class. Prolonged absenteeism may result in the need for private lessons at extra cost, or even potential removal from part or all of the dance recital number. From January 1st onward each year, any student absent for six or more classes in a row (without previous discussion with WDS) will have been deemed to have quit dance. Should the student return after this lengthy absence, participation in the year end recital is not guaranteed.
Costumes
A costume is required for all recital classes. Every effort is made to keep cost as reasonable as possible. You can expect a range of $95-$130. In order to allow for the initial purchase of costumes and supplies, a $105 per dance deposit is required by November 1st. This can be paid by etransfer to [email protected] or a cheque dated November 1st. Any deposits received after Nov 1st are subject to a $10 late fee (not applied to costumes). Please remember this is a deposit. Outstanding costs must be paid before costumes can be released. In the event that costs come in under the $105 deposit, a refund will be issued. Please note – all outstanding fees (class fees, festival etc.) must be paid in full before costumes can be released.
Tickets for Annual Recital
WDS annual recital is held in the Charlie White Theatre at the Mary Winspear Centre. Tickets are purchased through the Mary Winspear box office and sold first come first served.