Vibe Dance Company Informational Packet The Arlington Heights Park District is pleased you are interested in auditioning for Vibe Dance Company. Included in this packet is important information regarding the Vibe Dance Company 2015-2016 season, please read the packet in its entirety to gain a full understanding of the commitment and requirements expected of company members and families. Dancers: Remember to have fun, smile and pay attention during auditions. Included in this packet are tips for those auditioning today, please read through prior to auditions. Parents/Guardians: Are not allowed to watch during auditions, we ask that you please refrain from entering the gym or peeking through any windows or doors, this distracts the students from the audition process. Auditions are scheduled from 4:00pm-8:30pm. The majority of students will be released by 8pm while some may be asked to stay until 8:30pm. If you have questions about auditions or the information in this packet please contact Taylor Hamm, Cultural Arts Supervisor. Thamm@ahpd.org 847-577-3000
TIPS FOR THOSE AUDITIONING Be physically and nutritionally healthy. Make sure you eat a healthy breakfast and bring a water bottle with you to auditions. Wear comfortable and moveable clothing. Class dance wear see page 3. Dance shoes are requested, gym shoes are accepted. Make sure your hair is in either a bun or a ponytail. Jewelry: No loose jewelry should be worn to auditions, Stud earrings are okay. Please refrain from chewing gum Cellphones & tablets should be off and put away in your bag. Don t look at the floor when you dance, pick a spot on the wall right above the judge s heads and use that as your focal point. SMILE! Use your facials. Ask Questions! If you are confused on something you are being taught, raise your hand and ask the instructor to go over it again for you. Remember your audition starts right when you enter the door, not just when you are performing. Please be kind and courteous to those teaching the routine, try not to talk during instruction unless you have a question. Always be kind and courteous to your fellow dancers. Make new friends! HAVE FUN
Audition FAQ s HOW ARE AUDITIONS RUN? 4:00-4:15pm Check In Dancers auditioning will sign in and receive a # that should be placed on the front of their shirt so that it is visible by the judges. 4:15-5:15pm Stretch & Learn Dancers: stretch & learn audition piece Parents: we will hold a short meeting in the lobby area to answer any questions you may have. 5:15-8:00pm Auditions Dancers will be put in groups of 3 or 4 and brought in to perform their piece for the judges. Each student will also be asked to execute the following: Pirouettes (double recommended), leaps, chaine turns, battements, & splits (right and left). 8:00-8:30pm Callbacks Dancers who were given the blue callback sheet are asked to stay until 8:30 for callback purposes. Note: This does not mean that your child didn t make Vibe. WHEN WILL WE FIND OUT WHO MADE COMPANY? Company lists will be posted no later than Friday 6/5/15 online at ahpd.org/dance WHAT SHOULD DANCERS WEAR TO AUDITIONS? Everyone auditioning for Company should arrive in appropriate dance attire. For Example: Fitted top/leotard, fitted pants/shorts, dance shoes (jazz shoes preferred, gym shoes accepted). Hair must be pulled off your face (bun or ponytail preferred). WHAT IS THE BLUE SHEET AND WHY DIDN T MY SON/DAUGHTER RECEIVE ONE? The blue sheet is a call back notice which means that the judges would like to see something more from the dancer and/or they would like to see them perform the audition piece again. Callbacks are from 8-8:30pm that same day. If you did not receive a call back notice it does not mean that you didn t make it on Company. WHAT ARE DANCERS JUDGED ON? Each dancer selected during auditions will be placed in a company level according to ability Performance execution Skills execution Facials & smile Attitude (during the entire audition process) HOW MANY SPOTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR COMPANY? Seniors 12 Juniors 14 Petites 16
VIBE DANCE COMPANY 2015-2016 SEASON INFORMATION Classes Company members are required to take a minimum of two classes. Vibe Company Technique class is a combo class consisting of your actual Vibe class where you learn choreography for performance routines and your technique class where you focus on specific techniques. An additional ballet class of the student s choosing is also required. Please see class breakdown. Class Name Vibe Company/Technique Class Additional Ballet Class Class Length 2 hours 1 hour Meeting Times Locations for class will be printed the AHPD program guide Summer Session meeting times Level 1 will meet on Monday from 7-9pm Level 2 will meet on Tuesday from 7:30-9:30pm Level 3 will meet on Tuesday from 6-8pm Fall, Winter, and Spring Session meeting times Level 1 will meet on Tuesday from 7:30-9:30pm Level 2 will meet on Monday from 7-9pm Level 3 will meet on Wednesday from 6-8pm Standards Attendance Attendance is not only important for your growth as a member of company but also to your fellow company members and staff. As a team activity it is important for company members and staff to feel as though they can rely on you as a member of the team. 3 or more attendance policy: If you have 3 or more unexcused absences in one session you will not be permitted to participate in the next upcoming company performance such as competitions, conventions and special performances. If a specific situation comes up and you know you will be absent often parents are asked to please contact the Cultural Arts Supervisor to discuss options. Please see more on unexcused absences in injury/illness section. Tardiness Tardiness is not only discourteous; it interrupts practice and most times lessens the dancers warm up time. We ask that all company members abide by the following tardiness breakdown. Up to 15 minutes early = ON TIME 15+ minutes late = LATE 15+ minutes late results in a quarter of an unexcused absence. Please note if you are more than 15 minutes late 4 times = 1 unexcused absence.
Dress Code Proper Attire in class is very important, all dancers should wear Dance shorts/capris/pants and appropriate dance top (leotard, Vibe tank etc.) Jeans, pajama pants, oversized t-shirts or sweatshirts will not be allowed in class. Hair should be pulled out of a dancer s face for safety. For all ballet classes students are required to wear a leotard and tights combo with their hair in a bun. Appropriate shoes for all classes are required to be worn during class; dancers are not allowed to wear just socks. Jazz- jazz shoes, Ballet- ballet shoes etc. Injuries/Illness Although injuries can occur in the life of a dancer, the Park District takes injuries very seriously and has policies in place to protect you as an athlete. If you are injured a doctor s note is required in order for you to continue dancing however, dancers are still required to sit in on class. Before dancers are able to resume participation the Park District needs clearance from your family doctor that your child is physically able to return to dance. If a competition, convention or special performance is coming up we need the clearance from your family doctor no later than four weeks prior to the performance. We understand that illnesses can also occur, if you miss class due to an illness the Park District requires a doctor s note so that we can mark your absences excused. Please note: if you do not have a doctor s note then your absence will be marked unexcused and will count against the 3 or more policy. If a specific situation comes up and you do not have a doctor s note parents are asked to please contact the Cultural Arts Supervisor to discuss options. (See more in attendance policy) Technology Cell phones and tablets are not permitted during class, they should be on silent and stored with your belongings. If you must have your cell phone on during class for emergencies please notify the instructor and he/she will keep it with them for the duration of class time. If students need to be warned more than 3 times regarding cell phone or tablet usage, the director will have a conversation with parents. Competitions (competitions take place in the Chicagoland area) Vibe will compete in three competitions throughout the season, most competitions are weekend competitions (dates listed in Vibe calendar). Each level of company will bring two group performances to each competition plus one solo and one duet. The solo and duet pieces will be auditioned, meaning dancers interested in the solo or duet will audition for directors. Conventions (conventions take place in the Chicagoland area) Vibe will attend two conventions throughout the season. Conventions are opportunities for students to learn and grow as dancers, each convention Vibe attends consists of 5 classes. Workshops (workshops will take place at one of the AHPD dance studios) Vibe will hold one all company internal workshop during the season, this workshop will be designed and taught by all three Vibe directors.
Requirements & Expectations Dancers who do not comply with the requirements/expectations listed below will meet with the Company Directors and/or the Cultural Arts Supervisor along with a parent or guardian. When necessary, the Park District s Behavior Management/Standard Operating Procedure may apply. o To perform in all company performances including: recital, company shows, competitions, conventions, special performances & events etc. o To follow all Vibe company policies. o As a member of Vibe Dance Company you are in many ways like family members to each other. You will spend a lot of time together and are expected to treat your fellow dancers and instructors with respect. o Use your class time to learn and strengthen your skills as dancers. o Use good manners at all times. o Communicate respectfully with your fellow dancers and instructors. o Be upfront and honest with instructors about anything you are uncomfortable with. o Gossip and bullying of any kind are absolutely unacceptable, this includes all forms of cyber bullying, texting and social media gossip. o Have a positive attitude at all times. o As a member of Company you are a representative of the entire dance program, you are expected to act accordingly and be a positive role model in and out of the studio. Commitment for Company Families - IMPORTANT! We expect the following from our Company Members: Focus, Commitment, Respect, Strong Technique, Enthusiasm, Showmanship, Creativity, Teamwork, and DEDICATION! More than ever these students are pulled in every direction with commitments. While we love that our students are well-rounded and participate in many activities, it is very important that Company is the main focus outside of school and can take precedence over other activities. Extracurricular programs such as dance teams, school plays, or playing a competitive sport have caused undue stress and burnout in students and we strongly advise that both parent and dancers examine calendars carefully before committing to Company. Please navigate the calendar in this packet for more details. Parent Involvement Throughout the year it is essential for parents to participate in Dance Company events such as competitions, recital volunteers, special performances etc. The success of Vibe relies on parent support. For more information on parent involvement please contact your level director. Agreement During the first class of the summer session, after auditions, company members and parents sign an agreement for the year. We use this agreement to maintain accountability to their team and help re-enforce responsibility.
2015-2016 Company Calendar This calendar is subject to change. June Summer Session Starts July Learn all performances & routines August Fall Session Starts (28 th ), competition auditions September Possible dance marathon October Autumn Harvest November KAR Convention, Tree Lighting December TBD January Winter/Spring Session Starts (4 th ) February Dance Idol & Wilmette Star of Dance March TBD April Power of Dance Competition (17 th -19 th ) May Recital, Company Show Pricing & Payment Total Season Cost for New Members Total Season Cost for Returning Members $1900 $1850 What does this include? o Summer, Fall, Winter & Spring Vibe/Technique class fee o Summer, Fall, Winter & Spring Ballet class fee o 3 competitions o 2 conventions o 1 workshop o 5-6 costumes o Company accessory kit o Vibe jacket (new members only) o Vibe bag (new members only) o Vibe tank (new members only) o New Vibe tank (returning members) o 1 extra piece of gear (returning members) Payment Options Option 1 pay in one lump sum at the beginning of the season, payment due 6/13/15 Option 2 pay in 2 installments; 1 st installment due 6/13/15 & 2 nd installment due 11/14/15 Refunds Competitions, conventions, workshops, costumes, and gear are non-refundable. If a dancer decides they do not want to continue with company you can put a request in for a class refund. Class refunds are calculated by the number of classes you will no longer participate in for the season. Refunds are approved on a case by case basis.
Vibe Dance Company Directors Carla Ricchio Vibe Petite Level III Carla Ricchio is a choreographer that creates and pursues her own passions and dreams through her work of dance. She has been with the Arlington Heights Park District Dance program since 2002. She has over 30 years of dance training and performing. In high school, Carla was a member of the Orchesis Dance Team. She was also a member and performer in the Harper College Dance Company. Carla attended several Master Classes with Randy Duncan and attended dance classes at Gus Giordanos for several years. At 19, Carla performed in the Miss. IL Pageant. Carla assisted several of her dance teachers at the studios she attended. She was Co-Director of the Starr Dance Company, and MDC Dance Company. Aside from teaching and choreographing with Bisi-Dancer Carla is currently instructing dancers throughout the Chicagoland area. Carla still attends several Dance Conventions year round. Her love for dance lives on and it definitely shows through her teaching, and choreography, students love her dynamic energy and style! Carla likes to enforce a fun, positive, and serious learning experience for all her dancers. Jennifer Hicks Vibe Junior Level II Jennifer has been studying dance since the age of 4. She has taken lessons in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, character, modern, and lyrical. She became a teaching assistant for Dena Marie's School of Dance in 2000 and then an Instructor in 2002. Jennifer was also given the opportunity to be Assistant Director of Dena Marie s school. She has danced at the Lou Conte Dance Company and the Hubbard Street Dance Company. She performed in Schaumburg on Stage s productions of Bye Bye Birdie and Annie as a rockette and a maid. She also performed with other theatre groups in Annie, as Lucille Ball in Kid TV, Fiddler on the Roof and a Christmas Carol. Throughout high school Jennifer was part of the Orchesis team and choreographed many variety show dances. Jennifer also holds the title of Company Coordinator for the Arlington Heights Park District dance company. Alyssa Perry Vibe Senior Level I Alyssa is so excited to be with the Arlington Heights Park District. She has studied dance for over 10 years with experience in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Lyrical, Hip-Hop and Musical Theatre. Alyssa has danced at Dorothy s Dance Unlimited and Dena Marie s School of Dance. She started her teaching adventure as an assistant for Dena Maria s School of Dance in 2006 and continued to teach for 6 more years. While in high school, Alyssa was a member of the Orchesis team. She studied dance at North Central College in Naperville, where she completed her Bachelor s degree in Music. (From left to right: Carla Ricchio, Jennifer Hicks and Alyssa Perry)