DANCE TO THE LIMIT STUDENT INFORMATION PACK
2016
Dance to the Limit Performing Arts School Student Pack 2016
DANCE TO THE LIMIT PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL 2016 Dance to the Limit also known as DTTL is one of Sydney’s most prestigious contemporary performing arts schools. Currently owned by Christina Constanti, A RAD registered teacher, dance professional, choreographer and fitness instructor. Successfully running for over 10 years we have achieved exceptional results in Sydney’s biggest competitions. At Dance to the Limit we offer a range of classes such as: RAD Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Drama, Singing and Acrobatics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, kicks turns and leaps. At Dance to the Limit we cater for all levels, beginners – advanced and even those who would like to come in just for fun, we work closely with all students of all levels ensuring each member is given equal opportunity in working towards the goals they would like to achieve. We also offer a range of classes for adults. These include: Boxing, Hip Hop, Zumba, and Chizle. Catering for all levels of fitness, from beginners – advanced. Dance to the Limit has been involved in many prominent events at the Sydney Opera House, the McDonald College Challenge, Westfield’s, many eisteddfods and Showcase Dance where we placed 2nd at the National Championships held at Jupiter’s Casino in Queensland. Our team is proud to say we have helped some of our students accomplish their dreams of becoming dancing instructors, singers or actors where several have begun performing in the biggest shows in the industry today. At Dance to the Limit we pride ourselves on being a team that strives for the best from our students, we promise mind blowing performances and a fun friendly atmosphere.
DANCE STYLES Pre-school Dance (2.5-4years) Ballet, Tap, Jazz In this class we cover 3 fun styles: RAD Ballet, Tap, and Jazz. This class is fun, full of educational activities and energetic. We work with exercises set in the RAD Syllabus, and expand on this to make the class fun and interesting. Props like wands, ribbons, crowns and more are used during the class. This helps students get prepared for the older grades and ballet exams. The Tap and Jazz component of the class includes well known songs and dances from all new funk music heard today, such as the Wiggles, Hi5 etc... Props like musical instruments are used for rhythm and song and dance.
Primary Dance Our Primary Dance class runs for 1.5 hours over this time we cover, half an hour of RAD ballet (syllabus work), half an hour of Tap, and Half an hour of Jazz. We work with the RAD syllabus set exercises teaching a range of ballet techniques and postures required for dance. In this class we also
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work toward preparing exam students for their Grade 1 ballet exam. The Tap and Jazz Component of this class consists of teaching the student basic techniques in these dance styles, building a repertoire of knowledge and understanding on the correct postures, flexibility and strength needed to build upon each exercise.
RAD Ballet (Grades 1 – Advanced 2) Ballet is the most important style in dance, teaching correct core technique and body posture. We recommend that all students take part in at least 1 ballet class per week; it is the foundation to all other styles in dance. Students who do exams must attend two RAD ballet classes a week. We also offer this class to students who would just like to do ballet and not do exams. Ballet classes run on a Saturday are open to all students, weekly ballet classes are set specifically for those students attending exams.
Contemporary Contemporary is more of a free style form of ballet. Technique is still a main factor and again why we recommend it is a class taken by students. Contemporary dance is based more on telling a story through movement, it is a style where you can show great expression and learn different ways of moving through the music with modern and unique choreography.
Tap Tap is a class full of energy, great sounds and movement. In this class we teach basic movement in tap shoes up to advanced rhythms and techniques. Rhythm is very important in dance; we encourage students to do tap for this reason. We teach old school tap like you may have seen in the Nicholas Brothers up to today’s modern twist on tap.
Jazz Jazz is a style which consists of technique, flexibility and fun choreography. This class begins with a warm up and stretches, then a sequence of exercises from the corner of the room down the room or in the centre focusing on turns, leaps, jumps, rolls and many more. The students are taught choreography using a range of old school to modern sounds and music.
Hip Hop Hip Hop is one of the most popular dance styles today, a style seen in music video clips. Hip Hop is a class not based so much on technique but on dynamic movement, personality and expression. There are a few different styles of Hip Hop, from street, to funk, and more. We like to change the style up from week to week so students get the opportunity to learn a range of Hip Hop styles.
Stretch and Technique Technique is a fundamental factor for a dancer, it helps in the prevention of injury and display a better dance quality, our stretch and technique class involves a series of different warm up exercises, stretches with focus on technique, students learn exercises they can then take home and work on outside of dance class to help improve posture, flexibility and technique.
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Kicks, Turns, Leaps This class consist of the basic techniques, strengthening and development into building powerful, high kicks, turns and leaps. We work on strengthening and stretching the student’s bodies, in order for them to achieve, develop and understand the techniques behind a kick, turn, leap or jump.
Drama / Musical Theatre This class consists of learning to trust your own creativity and work as a group to create new stories, using improvisation skills, props, voice, movement and character to create short scenes. We also work on developing the student’s comedic skills as they experience the essentials of acting through improvisation, draw inspiration from ordinary characters in extraordinary circumstances where the stakes are high and the clock is ticking. A fun class for all age groups, helping student develop confidence and performance quality.
Acrobatics Acrobatics has become an important part in dance. This class is based on strengthening the students into being able to do tricks such as cartwheels, rolls and flips. We also aim to improve flexibility in the students and learn more dynamic movement with props such as hula hoops, ribbons and balls.
Rhythmic Gymnastics Rhythmic Gymnastics is a beautiful sport that combines the grace of ballet, the strength behind gymnastics and expressive movement of dance, with the skilful mastery of apparatus including the ball, rope, ribbon, hoop or clubs. Rhythmic gymnastics develops strength, balance, flexibility and overall fitness.
Private Singing We offer this class to students who would like to progress in their vocals. Each student is coached and encouraged to work on their individual talent. Students who do private singing are given the opportunity to do singing eisteddfods. Things you will learn within this private are Pitch Control. Increasing Vocal Range, Correct Breathing & Posture Technique, Expressive Singing, Performance and Confidence for Stage, Style, Tone & Dynamic Techniques, And Correct Dialect for Singing, Microphone Technique.
Show Group Our show Group class is one that students must audition for. Our show group is taught several dances in various styles and are entered into competitions and also perform at different events. Students in the Show Group must take part in Ballet and Drama classes.
ADULT CLASSES (for ages 16 years and over) Boxing Want to get fit and feel fabulous? Come and join our Boxing class. The class involves Pad work, circuits, partner work and more. A great class to let out any stress or frustration after a hard day’s of work.
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Hip Hop Our adults Hip Hop class is an open class for all levels beginner-advanced, the class consists of a head to toe warm up, including a core section. Students are then taught a routine choreographed to new and old music and concludes with a cool down. We all love to dance and what better way to get fix, learn how to shake like Beyoncé, or twerk like Nicki Minaj this is the place to be.
Zumba Zumba is a fun and energetic class to get you moving. You will learn small sequences based around the Latin styles of dance, a great class to burn calories, laugh, and get shaking.
Chizle CHIZLE™ is a new and exciting class that is true to its word.....it will CHIZLE™ your body. The CHIZLE™ BARRE METHOD creates a lean, firm, sculpted, CHIZLED body by reshaping the muscles. CHIZLE™ is a fast, effective and SAFE way to change your body. This method has been designed to lift your butt, create lean, lovely thighs, sculpt beautiful shoulders, biceps and triceps, trim your waist for an all over CHIZLED body. CHIZLE™ is a high calorie burning class that is great for everyone and anyone. From the fittest athlete to a beginner. From a 20 year old to a 60 year old. People with different injuries, different weights.....CHIZLE™ is for EVERYONE!!!
FEES/ PAYMENTS At Dance to the Limit we would like all students to be able to do as many classes as possible, so we have worked hard to put together great prices with different discounts. The Unlimited class package is available to all age groups for as little as $75 per week. This package does not include private lessons or Show Group. Fees can either be paid in full within 14 days of the invoice date or by instalment within 28 days of date on invoice. A $10 fee will incur for any fees which are left outstanding after these dates. If an extension is required please ensure you speak to Miss Christina before the due date. Students with outstanding fees as of Week 5 will not be allowed to continue classes until fees are finalised. Please understand that we are running a business with bills, rent and teachers to pay. Students with fees outstanding in term 4 will not be allowed to participate in the concert or be given costumes until fees and payments are paid in full. Term dates run the same as school terms; fees are balanced over the 4 terms in the year so they are the same regardless of weeks or public holidays. We do NOT refund or make changes to invoices; once an invoice has been issued we will not take responsibility for change of mind or missed classes. If you are going to be away for more than 4 weeks of a term due to a family holiday we MUST be notified in writing via email before the invoice has been issued for that particular term. PLEASE NOTE: Once an invoice has been issued it must be paid in full we will not deduct any fees under any circumstance. Fees can be paid by direct deposit (details on invoice) reference (student’s name), cash or cheque made out to Dance to the Limit and handed to Sherrie at the front desk.
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ABOVE FEES OUTLINED PER TERM Term 1
Term 2
Term 3
Term 4
Enrolment fee $15 per student + $10 for each sibling thereafter – this covers cost of insurance, music licencing.
Term 1 fees (as per student) + $100 for Show Group students
Concert fee $30 per family
Private dance classes (students participating)
Private singing (students participating)
Term 2 fees (as per student) + $100 for Show Group students
Show group costumes $$$ TBA
Concert fee $30 per family
Private dance classes (students participating)
Private singing (students participating)
Term 3 fees (as per student) + $100 for Show Group students
Concert fee $30 per family
Private dance classes (students participating)
Private singing (students participating)
Concert deposit fee $50 (this is refundable once hired costumes are returned). A commitment form must be filled out and handed in for the concert.
Term 4 fees (as per student) + $100 for Show Group students
Concert fee $30 per family
Private dance classes (students participating)
Private singing (students participating)
Extra rehearsals for concert routines $10.00 per hour
Concert costume payment TBA
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UNIFORM At Dance to the Limit uniform is compulsory for all dance styles. We have a wide range of dance wear available. These can be found on our website. Uniform order forms must be filled out and handed back to the front desk. Orders can be placed throughout the year and the items take 4 weeks to be received so the earlier you order the better. Hair must be neat and tidy at all times, and a neat bun must be worn for all ballet classes. Hair donuts are optional; these can be purchased at the Dance Studio. As we aim to teach discipline in dance, learning to be presentable plays a huge role in this. This is why we request all students be in their full uniform at all times, as they do at school and other sporting activities. Correct shoes for each dance style must be worn, these can be purchased from Dance Direct on Maroubra Road.
SECOND HAND SHOES If you have a pair of shoes that are too small please bring them in with your name clearly labelled and the amount you would like to sell them for on them, as we do have a second hand shoe box. Once the shoes are sold you will be given the money.
COSTUMES Each year costumes are either hired out or bought by the students. A deposit fee of $50 must be paid on all costumes. This fee will be refunded once costumes are returned at the end of the year, washed and packaged the way they were handed to the students.
R.A.D BALLET EXAMS Students who are entered into ballet exams have a fee which goes directly to the Royal Academy of Dance. This fee depends on the grade you are sitting. Each exam has a different level and age specification. Students are taught the syllabus and then go for an examination and are marked according to the criteria. You can visit www.rad.org.au for more information.
COMPETITIONS / EISTEDDFODS We try to motivate all students to get involved in competitions and eisteddfods, they are fun, exciting and rewarding. They help to improve confidence and performance quality in dance. These are offered to all students. Our Show Group is entered into group eisteddfods throughout the year, students must sign a commitment form and audition to be a part of this group. If students in the Show Group miss more than three lessons in a term they will be asked to leave the group. If a student is absent in any of the 3 weeks before the competition/eisteddfod they may not be allowed to perform with that group. If students cannot make a certain competition or eisteddfod
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during the year Miss Christina must be notified so they can be taken out of that particular routine.
PIGGY BANK Each year we offer system called the Piggy Bank, this gives parents the opportunity to deposit money weekly, monthly or by term, this money is set aside for each individual student to pay off the end of year concert payments in smaller instalments. We have introduced this system to help parents pay costumes and concert payments slowly instead of having to pay the full amount in one payment. It is up to you as a parent as to how much you would like to put into this and how often and this system is not compulsory it is optional, we want to be able to assist in any way we can.
HOW TO GO ABOUT IT: On enrolment we will have our system set up for your own individual piggy bank with a form for you to fill out, and will set aside your envelope with your name on it as money comes in it will go directly to your own envelope, money for the piggy bank MUST only be cash, if money is transferred into the account or given by cheque this will not be included, it MUST be cash only.
END OF YEAR CONCERT The end of year concert is held at Waverley College Performing Arts Centre. Terms 3 and 4 are used to prepare and choreograph dances for the concert. It is very important that students do not miss classes, if you child is absent within these 2 terms they may miss out on doing a part within a dance taught on that day. We have a dress rehearsal at the Dance Studio a week prior to the Concert. All costumes are handed to the students on this day. We hold a rehearsal at the venue on the week of the concert. This will be announced in the newsletter once dates are confirmed. All students must attend this rehearsal. This is for the benefit of your child, to ensure they have a safe, fun and confident experience on stage. A commitment form along with a $50 deposit fee must be signed and handed back in week 1 of term 3 to secure your child’s position in the concert, this deposit is to cover costs of lost or damaged costumes, and will NOT be returned to students who may not attend the concert after having signed the commitment form. Please understand our teaching staff put a lot of time and effort into the annual concert. The $50 deposit fee will be returned to you when costumes are returned washed and in the original condition, or can be put towards the follow year’s fees of term 1. Each year there are many props, staging props, cut and recorded music used for the concert, Each term a $30.00 concert fee is charged to each family in the school, this costs is to help cover these items and will also cover the costs of a Concert DVD and Photo CD, there will be no extra charges on these items, each family must cover the total amount in concert fees being $120 for the year, regardless of which term they have enrolled at dance to the limit. A month prior to the annual concert, we run extra rehearsals for routines, these rehearsals are set in place for the benefit of your child, ensuring all students are aware of where they need to be on stage, safety rules about entering and exiting the stage and ensuring all students are up to date with choreography. These extra rehearsals are compulsory and are only set for those classes who need
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the extra class time, day’s and times of these rehearsals are provided a few weeks prior commencement of the rehearsals and may run during the week in the afternoon’s or on a Saturday. Extra rehearsals are $10 per hour.
PHOTO SHOOT Each year we have professional photographers come in to the Studio a week before the concert and do a full photo-shoot of each routine in the concert. Students are handed costumes on this day and must come in full hair and make-up. This is a great opportunity to get some beautiful still shots of your child, as we all know that at the concert all photos taken are during movement. Each year this photo shoot has been a great success.
FUNDRAISING Each year we hold at least two fundraisers, we do a Cadbury chocolate and a raffle for the end of year Concert, filled with fabulous prizes. These fundraisers help to cover costs of props, cutting of music or anything else required for the conclusion of the year. We also aim to do a fundraiser for a certain Foundation. In 2012 and 2013 we had students bring in a gift for the Children’s Hospital for Christmas and we had a great lot of gifts, so each year we will try and look at different Foundations to help out as best as we can.
TEACHERS AT DTTL At Dance to the Limit we have a group of talented and professional teachers each working closely with each and every one of your children encouraging them to work to their fullest potential. If you would like to speak to one of our teachers about your child please contact Miss Christina to arrange a meeting with the particular teacher. Please understand that no parent is to enter any class without permission from the teacher of that class. If you would like to speak with the teacher or you have a message for your child, please see Andrea or Sherrie at the front desk and she will pass the message on.
WEBSITE / NEWSLETTERS We have a website where you can find all the information you need, forms, news updates, newsletters, timetables and price lists. All invoices and information are sent out via email, if you do not have an email address or you are not receiving emails please ensure you notify Miss Christina. We also have a notice board were all information is displayed. It is your responsibility to keep up to date with notices, so please be sure to check your emails, jump on the website or come in and look at the notice board.
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THE STUDIO, CLASS RULES We aim to run a safe, fun, clean and productive atmosphere, here are a few rules for students to ensure they are safe at all times and having a fun time in a clean atmosphere.
It is important that students arrive to class 10 minutes early in order to get prepared for the class and warm up. Students should be well prepared for each lesson in FULL uniform and have shoes on before entering the studio Students MUST be in FULL uniform at all times Dance shoes are to be worn in the studios only, please remove any other street shoes before entering the studios. Students are to go to the toilet prior to entering the lesson. Always have water with you, NO food or other drinks are allowed in the studios at any time. Students are to wait outside the room and wait for the teacher to call them into the studio. Please do not open the door and look into the previous class as this distracts the class, this applying to students and parents please wait until the students have been dismissed. Our classes have a set running time all=though from time to time teachers may run over time a few minutes, please understand that this is only done for the benefit of the students and may be a very important aspect of the lesson or following lesson. Students are not to climb on or swing on Barres. All props, tools or sound equipment should not be used without permission of one of your teachers. All rubbish MUST be put in the bin, there are bins provided in the waiting area and bathrooms. Be polite to teachers and peers. Do not run in the studio. Listen to your teachers and follow their instructions, this is for your safety and to benefit your education. If you are late to class, quietly enter the studio, apologise to the teacher and explain why you are late and get straight into what the class is doing. For the safety of the student if a student arrives late and a teacher feels they are not warmed up enough to join into that certain activity, they may ask them to quietly warm up in the corner and join into the next activity. Bullying will NOT be tolerated.
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TERM DATES: Term 1:
Saturday 30th January – Thursday 7th April
Term 2:
Tuesday 26th April – Saturday 2nd July (Excluding 13th June, Queens Birthday)
Term 3:
Monday 18th July – Saturday 24th September
Term 4:
Monday 10th October – Saturday 10th December
Concert Date: TBC
OFFICE HOURS Office Managers – Andrea Constanti Monday: 10:00am – 2:00pm (by phone) 5:00pm-7:00pm (Studio Office) Tuesday: 10:00am – 2:00pm (by phone) Wednesday: 10:00am – 2:00pm (by phone) Thursday: 10:00am – 2:00pm (by phone) Friday: 10:00am – 2:00pm (by phone) Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm (Studio Office)
TEACHERS Christina Constanti – Principal – RAD Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Show Group, and Stretch and Technique. Joanna Del Vecchio – Primary Dance, Tap, Jazz, Rhythmic Gymnastics Helen Conn – RAD Ballet Emma Shore – Junior Contemporary Jesse Rasmussen – Boys hip Hop TBC – Acrobatics TBC – Drama Milena Spadijer – Singing Caroline Falato – Student Teacher Kelly Oldham – Student Teacher
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