MEMBER GUIDELINES
The member guidelines enable the Encore Dance Company to maintain a high standard
of dance excellence. They encompass the basic considerations and responsibilities,
which a Company Member must show the directors and fellow dancers throughout the
year. Encore members are required to abide by the guidelines.
Membership
Membership in the Company is determined by audition. Members must sign the
handbook agreement before final acceptance.
Auditions
Auditions for Company members are held every other September. Auditions are open to
dancers in 1st-4th grade. Dancers must be enrolled in and attend at least one weekly
ballet class. If they wish to perform jazz or tap they must also be enrolled in a weekly jazz
or tap class. Dancers may seek instruction at the studio of their choice.
An informational meeting for prospective students and parents will take place before
auditions. The criteria used for auditions are at the discretion of the Artistic Director and
will be explained at the informational meeting. All audition results are kept confidential.
All judges’ scores are final.
Senior Company Members
Dancers in 4th-12th grade are eligible for senior company membership. These members
will participate in all shows, productions, area performances, master classes and travel to
regional and national competition.
Junior Company Members
Dancers in 1st-4th grade are eligible for junior company membership. These members will
participate in all shows, productions, area performances, master classes and travel to
regional competition only.
*Fourth graders may choose to audition for junior company only or try for acceptance
into the senior company.
Attendance/Commitment
The Encore Dance Company expects all members to be in attendance at every
scheduled practice and performance but realizes that circumstances do occur, which
make conflicts unavoidable. Therefore, we ask that each member and parent carefully
examine the attendance guidelines, along with their own calendar of events in order to
assure that they will not exceed the number of absences allowed. Please plan ahead,
while remembering to take into consideration all sports and academic extracurricular
activities, family gatherings, vacations, S.A.T. and A.C.T. tests, college admissions interviews,
visits, etc. Rehearsals will be held throughout the year, including summer months and
some school vacations. A Company member is required to complete all events including
summer shows for the season. A performance absence could result in dismissal from the
company.
A member is allowed three unexcused and three excused rehearsal absences annually
(Sept-Aug). After any three absences the dancer will be required to meet with the
director to discuss their status.
Excused absences include but are not limited to: academic related events, severe injury,
severe illness, special family-related functions, dance education events, and funerals. The
director will determine the status of all absences.
Members are expected to arrive early to rehearsals so they are prepared to start at the
posted rehearsal time. Tardiness will not be tolerated. Members are expected to rehearse
until the end of the posted time- leaving early is not acceptable.
All performances are mandatory. Mandatory rehearsals include dress rehearsals and the
last studio rehearsal prior to a performance.
Special events and master classes are considered rehearsals and should not be missed.
Competitions are considered performances and should not be missed.
If a member chooses to resign from the company before their commitment is fulfilled the
member will not be invited to re-audition the following season.
Members must keep up regular attendance in their weekly dance technique classes as
well. Members should not miss more than five classes per year. Excessive absences could
affect membership status.
To make The Encore Dance Company all that it can and should be, members are asked
to volunteer the equivalent to one hour per week to help with the daily functions of
Encore Dance Company and Encore Performing Arts.
Parent Commitment
The success of this non-profit organization depends on the support and volunteer time of
parents. In order for the company to run efficiently several committees have been
established. Parents are asked to be involved on committees as well as with fundraising
efforts.
The yearly Christmas Show is a big production. To provide our dancers with the best show
possible, all parents must help with the Christmas Show. The parent liaison will establish all
other committee chairs and committees and the orientation meeting.
Competition
Cash prizes awarded through participation at a regional or national competition will be
allocated toward the general fund.
The director will determine all casting, music selection and costume concepts.
Solos- senior members may request a solo routine. They are responsible for the selection of
music, costume and choreographer. The director must approve all final decisions.
Dress Code
The colors of the Encore Dance Company are burgundy and white. Each member will
receive one complimentary EDC t-shirt to be worn at specified events. Additional Encore
apparel may be purchased at the member’s discretion.
Members are required to wear black leotards and tan tights to all rehearsals with hair
securely up. Warm-up clothing is occasionally permitted.
Dancers are responsible for the purchase of any required dance shoe style/color that may
be chosen in connection with costume style of dance.
Dress code for performances and competitions: Members will wear costume, shoes, hair
and make-up as specified by director to complete a uniform/team appearance. Jewelry
and colored nail polish is not permitted during performance.
For uniformity, members need a hair length, style and color that can produce a “generic”
look on stage. Buns are often recommended.
Member Goals
The Encore Dance Company members will enjoy quality instruction, choreography,
costumes, performance and travel/competition opportunities, as well as rehearsal and
performance facilities. In order to finance this quality experience/education,
members/parents are asked to fundraise a specified member goal.
Sr. Company member goals are $1000 a year.
Jr. Company member goals are $500 a year.
Funds can be raised through a variety of fundraisers and donor drives that the company
already has is place. The Board of Trustees is also committed to the financial success of
the company. The Board will examine corporate sponsor possibilities as well as grants.
Each season/year, the entire goal will be broken down into monthly goals. Parents can
look forward to monthly statements that will reflect their personal fundraising success. In
January, each member’s goal will be examined. If a member’s goals are not up-to-date
that member will not be cast in any dances for regional competition. The company’s
budget and success depends on the follow through of everyone’s commitment.
If a member resigns from the company before the season end the member is still
responsible to meet their entire goal.
Fees and Deposits
A membership fee of $50 is due at orientation. Consideration will be given for financial
hardship. Arrangements must be made with the finance committee.
A refundable (interest-free) costume deposit of $50 is required in November during the first
distribution of costumes.
Costumes
Encore Dance Company members are entrusted with many valuable costumes and
accessories for which they are fully responsible. All costumes are the property of the
company.
Costumes must by cleaned and returned, without exception, in satisfactory condition
(determined by the costume committee) at the scheduled costume return date(s). If a
member has lost or damaged any part of a costume, the member will risk forfeiture of the
deposit and/or will be responsible for the full replacement cost.
Health and Weight
It is the goal of the Encore Dance Company to nurture a healthy lifestyle for its young
dancers. Dancers are encouraged to eat a healthy-balanced diet. Like every musician
takes care of its instrument, dancers must take care of their bodies.
Because of the physical demands on a dancers body, excessive weight can lead to
serious injuries. However, an under-nourished body can also lead to serious injury, or
worse.
Parents and the director should be responsible for overseeing the overall health of the
dancers. The director reserves the right to counsel both parents and dancers in regards to
health and weight.
To use as a point of reference, dancers weight will be taken in September, January and
May.
The Encore Dance Company realizes that matters of youth and body images should be
handled delicately, respectfully and privately.
Travel
It is the intent of the Board of Trustless that the members, chaperones and director travel
together on major trips by chosen means of transportation. The Board of Trustees in
advance of the trip must approve exceptions. Anyone with approved traveling changes
is responsible for their own travel arrangements. All Encore members will be chaperoned,
regardless of age.
A chaperone is responsible for the supervision of a member during travel to a workshop,
convention, or performance. Members are expected to be polite and cooperative to
their respective chaperone. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action, if deemed
necessary by the director.
Traveling expenses (transportation and hotel) for the director and members will be
financed through the company. All parents, friends and families traveling with the same
group rate must finance their trip through the parent fund.
Code of Conduct
The following rules are to be adhered to by all Encore Dance Company members. During
any Encore activity, (practice, competitions, trips, performances; home or away). Any
infraction of the following rules, or serious unethical conduct on the part of the dancer,
will result in immediate disciplinary action or termination from the company.
1. No use or possession of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages.
2. No smoking, chewing, or use of or possession of tobacco.
3. If a curfew is set for an Encore event, then the member must abide by it.
4. For the safety and well being of all Encore members at Encore events, the dancers
need to be accountable to their respected chaperone.
5. Encore members are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner no
matter where they are at any time.
6. Members are expected to earn passing grades in school and stay out of trouble
(detention, tardiness, fights, etc.).
Remember, that the conduct of one member can reflect the character of the entire
Encore Dance Company. We all have a responsibility to our own self respect and
integrity, but also to respect the dignity and worth of all other individuals that make the
Encore Dance Company one of the finest young dance companies in southwest
Michigan.
The member guidelines enable the Encore Dance Company to maintain a high standard
of dance excellence. They encompass the basic considerations and responsibilities,
which a Company Member must show the directors and fellow dancers throughout the
year. Encore members are required to abide by the guidelines.
Membership
Membership in the Company is determined by audition. Members must sign the
handbook agreement before final acceptance.
Auditions
Auditions for Company members are held every other September. Auditions are open to
dancers in 1st-4th grade. Dancers must be enrolled in and attend at least one weekly
ballet class. If they wish to perform jazz or tap they must also be enrolled in a weekly jazz
or tap class. Dancers may seek instruction at the studio of their choice.
An informational meeting for prospective students and parents will take place before
auditions. The criteria used for auditions are at the discretion of the Artistic Director and
will be explained at the informational meeting. All audition results are kept confidential.
All judges’ scores are final.
Senior Company Members
Dancers in 4th-12th grade are eligible for senior company membership. These members
will participate in all shows, productions, area performances, master classes and travel to
regional and national competition.
Junior Company Members
Dancers in 1st-4th grade are eligible for junior company membership. These members will
participate in all shows, productions, area performances, master classes and travel to
regional competition only.
*Fourth graders may choose to audition for junior company only or try for acceptance
into the senior company.
Attendance/Commitment
The Encore Dance Company expects all members to be in attendance at every
scheduled practice and performance but realizes that circumstances do occur, which
make conflicts unavoidable. Therefore, we ask that each member and parent carefully
examine the attendance guidelines, along with their own calendar of events in order to
assure that they will not exceed the number of absences allowed. Please plan ahead,
while remembering to take into consideration all sports and academic extracurricular
activities, family gatherings, vacations, S.A.T. and A.C.T. tests, college admissions interviews,
visits, etc. Rehearsals will be held throughout the year, including summer months and
some school vacations. A Company member is required to complete all events including
summer shows for the season. A performance absence could result in dismissal from the
company.
A member is allowed three unexcused and three excused rehearsal absences annually
(Sept-Aug). After any three absences the dancer will be required to meet with the
director to discuss their status.
Excused absences include but are not limited to: academic related events, severe injury,
severe illness, special family-related functions, dance education events, and funerals. The
director will determine the status of all absences.
Members are expected to arrive early to rehearsals so they are prepared to start at the
posted rehearsal time. Tardiness will not be tolerated. Members are expected to rehearse
until the end of the posted time- leaving early is not acceptable.
All performances are mandatory. Mandatory rehearsals include dress rehearsals and the
last studio rehearsal prior to a performance.
Special events and master classes are considered rehearsals and should not be missed.
Competitions are considered performances and should not be missed.
If a member chooses to resign from the company before their commitment is fulfilled the
member will not be invited to re-audition the following season.
Members must keep up regular attendance in their weekly dance technique classes as
well. Members should not miss more than five classes per year. Excessive absences could
affect membership status.
To make The Encore Dance Company all that it can and should be, members are asked
to volunteer the equivalent to one hour per week to help with the daily functions of
Encore Dance Company and Encore Performing Arts.
Parent Commitment
The success of this non-profit organization depends on the support and volunteer time of
parents. In order for the company to run efficiently several committees have been
established. Parents are asked to be involved on committees as well as with fundraising
efforts.
The yearly Christmas Show is a big production. To provide our dancers with the best show
possible, all parents must help with the Christmas Show. The parent liaison will establish all
other committee chairs and committees and the orientation meeting.
Competition
Cash prizes awarded through participation at a regional or national competition will be
allocated toward the general fund.
The director will determine all casting, music selection and costume concepts.
Solos- senior members may request a solo routine. They are responsible for the selection of
music, costume and choreographer. The director must approve all final decisions.
Dress Code
The colors of the Encore Dance Company are burgundy and white. Each member will
receive one complimentary EDC t-shirt to be worn at specified events. Additional Encore
apparel may be purchased at the member’s discretion.
Members are required to wear black leotards and tan tights to all rehearsals with hair
securely up. Warm-up clothing is occasionally permitted.
Dancers are responsible for the purchase of any required dance shoe style/color that may
be chosen in connection with costume style of dance.
Dress code for performances and competitions: Members will wear costume, shoes, hair
and make-up as specified by director to complete a uniform/team appearance. Jewelry
and colored nail polish is not permitted during performance.
For uniformity, members need a hair length, style and color that can produce a “generic”
look on stage. Buns are often recommended.
Member Goals
The Encore Dance Company members will enjoy quality instruction, choreography,
costumes, performance and travel/competition opportunities, as well as rehearsal and
performance facilities. In order to finance this quality experience/education,
members/parents are asked to fundraise a specified member goal.
Sr. Company member goals are $1000 a year.
Jr. Company member goals are $500 a year.
Funds can be raised through a variety of fundraisers and donor drives that the company
already has is place. The Board of Trustees is also committed to the financial success of
the company. The Board will examine corporate sponsor possibilities as well as grants.
Each season/year, the entire goal will be broken down into monthly goals. Parents can
look forward to monthly statements that will reflect their personal fundraising success. In
January, each member’s goal will be examined. If a member’s goals are not up-to-date
that member will not be cast in any dances for regional competition. The company’s
budget and success depends on the follow through of everyone’s commitment.
If a member resigns from the company before the season end the member is still
responsible to meet their entire goal.
Fees and Deposits
A membership fee of $50 is due at orientation. Consideration will be given for financial
hardship. Arrangements must be made with the finance committee.
A refundable (interest-free) costume deposit of $50 is required in November during the first
distribution of costumes.
Costumes
Encore Dance Company members are entrusted with many valuable costumes and
accessories for which they are fully responsible. All costumes are the property of the
company.
Costumes must by cleaned and returned, without exception, in satisfactory condition
(determined by the costume committee) at the scheduled costume return date(s). If a
member has lost or damaged any part of a costume, the member will risk forfeiture of the
deposit and/or will be responsible for the full replacement cost.
Health and Weight
It is the goal of the Encore Dance Company to nurture a healthy lifestyle for its young
dancers. Dancers are encouraged to eat a healthy-balanced diet. Like every musician
takes care of its instrument, dancers must take care of their bodies.
Because of the physical demands on a dancers body, excessive weight can lead to
serious injuries. However, an under-nourished body can also lead to serious injury, or
worse.
Parents and the director should be responsible for overseeing the overall health of the
dancers. The director reserves the right to counsel both parents and dancers in regards to
health and weight.
To use as a point of reference, dancers weight will be taken in September, January and
May.
The Encore Dance Company realizes that matters of youth and body images should be
handled delicately, respectfully and privately.
Travel
It is the intent of the Board of Trustless that the members, chaperones and director travel
together on major trips by chosen means of transportation. The Board of Trustees in
advance of the trip must approve exceptions. Anyone with approved traveling changes
is responsible for their own travel arrangements. All Encore members will be chaperoned,
regardless of age.
A chaperone is responsible for the supervision of a member during travel to a workshop,
convention, or performance. Members are expected to be polite and cooperative to
their respective chaperone. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action, if deemed
necessary by the director.
Traveling expenses (transportation and hotel) for the director and members will be
financed through the company. All parents, friends and families traveling with the same
group rate must finance their trip through the parent fund.
Code of Conduct
The following rules are to be adhered to by all Encore Dance Company members. During
any Encore activity, (practice, competitions, trips, performances; home or away). Any
infraction of the following rules, or serious unethical conduct on the part of the dancer,
will result in immediate disciplinary action or termination from the company.
1. No use or possession of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages.
2. No smoking, chewing, or use of or possession of tobacco.
3. If a curfew is set for an Encore event, then the member must abide by it.
4. For the safety and well being of all Encore members at Encore events, the dancers
need to be accountable to their respected chaperone.
5. Encore members are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner no
matter where they are at any time.
6. Members are expected to earn passing grades in school and stay out of trouble
(detention, tardiness, fights, etc.).
Remember, that the conduct of one member can reflect the character of the entire
Encore Dance Company. We all have a responsibility to our own self respect and
integrity, but also to respect the dignity and worth of all other individuals that make the
Encore Dance Company one of the finest young dance companies in southwest
Michigan.
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