The competition program is designed for the more serious dancer, to enhance their technical training, performance quality, and maturity in movement. The dancers take classes at workshops throughout the year with Maine Dance Teachers Club, travel to 2-3 regional competitions, and perform within the community.

 Competition members not only are focused on excellent technical and theatrically training but sportsmanship as well. The dancers are encouraged to work together and help one another in the classroom, on the stage, and outside the dance studio. We believe every student can shine but may shine in different ways. One student may be a great leaper while the other one a great turner, the dancers are taught that diversity is good and not al bodies are designed to move the same way.

 Dedication is an important aspect of being a competition member, dancers are expected to come to class regularly and come prepared to learn. If the dancers has more than 6 absences in the season, they will be asked to leave the team.

 A positive attitude is the window to successful learning. We believe if every student comes ready to learn and to get better, they will have a much more enjoyable experience. Melissa often tells her students…”It’s ok to do something wrong, it’s the journey to getting it right which is exciting.” There is nothing more exciting to a teacher than to see a student conquer a step or combination for the first time.

Required classes

 Competition members are required to take 5 classes per week.

	Ballet, Lyrical, Jazz, Tap & stretching/conditioning. Ballet is the backbone of dance and with solid ballet training a dancer can reach greater heights.
	Dancers may take additional classes as well. We highly suggest turns and leaps, Stretching and conditioning , and hip hop.
	For dancers with no tap experience, please see the director.

Hip Hop Team

We also have a very talented hip hop team, you do not have to take the 4 regular required classes to be on the hip hop team. You must have 2 years of hip hop experience.

Teams

We have 4 teams, class placement is based on ability, musicality, technique, and performance quality.

Auditions

We have auditions every June for our hip hop teams as well as our regular teams. The date for June 2007 will be posted at a later date.

Costumes

Costumes cost $80-95 per costume for competition members. Costume invoices are handed out in September. Each dancer is also required to buy a $75 team jacket.

Fees

There will be a $25 production fee for all dancers involved in the comp production. This fee will be used for props and accessories. The fee is due September 1st, 2007.

There is a $50 teacher fee for each competition student due by September 1st, 2007. This is to cover for additional classes, held for the comp members and teacher traveling fees.

SDC members will attend 2-3 regional competitions and some conventions/workshops throughout the year. Conventions usually cost between $60-$100 for a 6 hour day. Entry fees for dance competitions average between $25-$30 per dance. Duets/Trios and solos entry fees are higher and vary depending on the competition.

Competition members get a a year calendar in September, outlining the years events, practices and competitions.

Community Service

Competition members are also involved in the community. The competition members will perform at Nursing homes and at Morrison Developmental center, as well as any other opportunities that arise.

We believe community service is important and essentially in the development of dancers.
Every should know they can make a difference and our goal is to help make the dancers better people.