Pre-Professional Classes

SDA provides intense training for individuals who wish to experience the stage life of a Performing Artist.

The pre-professional level at SDA is committed to providing the student with a more realistic look at professional life in the Arts; offering extensive performance opportunities, the chance to be on stage, and to show off to the communities their training, hard work, and talents.

Troupe students range in age from 9 to 18 years of age. We customize the program for each student and place them into appropriate classes based on ability. We have Junior, Teen and Senior and Ensemble competitive levels. Hours per week vary based on level and individual placement.

The SDA Troupe is a regional and national award winning program that includes students and families from 17 surrounding School districts.

2008-2009 COMPETITIVE TROUPE GUIDELINE OVERVIEW

Artistic Director- Tracey O’Neal-McQueen

Dancers are accepted by audition and/or permission of instructors only.

The SDA Competitive Dance Troupe is designed for dancers, serious about his or her training. This will give them an opportunity to experience the art of dance in more than a classroom setting.Students enter this program through audition. Students who are technically able and are dedicated to pursuing an intense course of study are allowed to audition for the SDA competitive Troupe.

We believe that for a program to provide the best atmosphere in developing dance skills, students must be properly placed in all dance skills studied. Students are placed in our troupe divisions according to their auditions skills, not their ages. Our Junior and Teen Competitive dancers are required to take at least 3 hours of dance instruction per week, as disciplined class is the only way to progress. The Senior and Ensemble Troupe is required to take 4 hours of class per week. Dancers must attend all the listed classes for their level. Dancers may be in different levels for each discipline. Competitive technique classes will be held Monday and Wednesday during the 2008-2009 season. All Competitive Dancers are required to make up any missed technique classes. Taking a class either one level up or one level down from you class level fulfills class makeup obligations. Dancers may move up in levels all season long, Dancers will not be moved down from their technique level. If a dancer is not keeping up with their class work because of absences or work ethic, parents will be notified.

We feel it is important to observe and participate in many forms of dance. A knowledgeable dancer is a successful dancer. There are many educational dance opportunities throughout the Western Michigan area. We will try to get as much information to you as possible (watch the waiting room bulletin boards carefully). It is our belief that confidence is one of the key elements to a polished dancer. This confidence is achieved through performance. The more time a dancer spends on stage in front of an audience, the more comfortable he or she becomes. When a dancer feels comfortable on stage he or she is able to project emotion into the dance. This is called stage presence. Annual performances, productions and competitions perfect the dancers self worth both on and off the stage.

Any SDA troupe member must be 8 years of age at auditions and turning 9, No later than December of 2008. Ensemble, Senior, Teen and Junior designations will be by ability.

If you have any questions please feel free to call and ask for Tracey.

Thank you, Tracey O’Neal- McQueen