Competition Company Q&A
What is the difference between Company and Recreational classes at the DanceXchange?
Company classes are for dancers that want to commit more rehearsal time to dance and participate in performances beyond our spring recital. Our company dancers participate in 3-6 competitions per season, depending on the type of company to which they commit. Our recreational classes only perform in our spring recital (June 2 & 3, 2012).
How does my dancer get started with a DanceXchange company?
Auditions are held each summer for our Competition Companies. Dancers who are new to company are encouraged to attend our Audition Prep Camp during the week prior to Company Auditions. All company dancers begin their season at Company Intensive, a two week camp in August.
Where do DanceXchange company dancers perform and compete?
We attend 2-6 local competitions per year. We have attended competitions in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Eden Prairie, Shakopee, Monticello, Bloomington, Maple Grove and Farmington. Also, whenever possible, we try to involve our company dancers in non-competitive performances around the Twin Cities.
Every other year we attend a National competition. We have been to Wisconsin Dells and Las Vegas for Nationals. Our next Nationals trip in the summer of 2013.
Why not just call it a "Competition" program?
Dance is an art, that, like most art forms cannot truly be quantified or qualified. We offer a program that allows more serious dancers to train on a higher level than a recreational dance program as well as participate in the competitive studio dance world. However, we feel it is important for us and our students to remember that competition results are just the opinion of a few dance experts; that dance is a much broader art form than just what the competition world offers.
How much will it cost to participate in a company at the DanceXchange?
This will vary greatly depending upon the type of company your dancer is in and how many dances she/he choses to perform. A general estimate during a non-Nationals year for a dancer in 3 routines is approximately $1800-2500 for the entire year. Add approximately $300 for Nationals every other year (does not include transportation, lodging and food).
How does this cost compare to other studios' competition programs?
We try to make "competitive" dance as affordable as possible. We believe that our costs are similar or lower than similar programs in the area. We also pride ourselves on letting you know all of your costs up front. You will know exactly what the year will cost before registering each fall.