Danceforce Requirements 
REQUIREMENTS
• Audition for level placement
• Make a one-year commitment from the start of summer training (June – May)
• Enroll in and attend both summer training sessions
• Enroll in and attend all future training sessions for the year (Fall 2011, Winter/Spring 2012- 2 sessions per season)
• Enroll in at least one technical dance class (ballet or jazz) throughout the year, in addition to regular training schedule.
• Study and develop in the areas of the six pillars of character designed by Character Counts! Meet the minimum requirements for training as provided later in this document.
• Participate in charitable activities throughout the year. Dancers are also encouraged to be peer leaders in the Power Dance Project at their own school or as a student assistant at another school (as peer leaders, Danceforce dancers will only need to pay $5 per session for their participation in Power Dance Project).
• Participate in general fundraisers to offset overall company expenses. All participants MUST participate (a minimum required effort will be determined for each fundraiser). In addition, there will be opportunities for dancers to raise money for their personal accounts, which can be put toward session fees, convention fees, personal costume items, and other individual expenses). You always have the option of buying out your required fundraising amount.
TRAINING & REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
The following information is a general overview. Specific codes, fees and dates may be viewed at our website, www.bpddanceforce.org or in a separate session/fee schedule document available at the front desks.
Training will include progressive dance and performance training, conditioning & strength training, education on nutrition and health, and leadership/comprehensive character education (six pillars of character).
SESSIONS (specific dates provided in separate session schedules)
SUMMER (Session I: June/July; Session II: July/August)
FALL (Session I: September/October; Session II: November/December)
WINTER/SPRING (Session I: January-mid-March; Session II: mid-March-May)
*Kidz company meets only once a week, therefore they will have only one long DF session to enroll in each summer, fall and winter/spring.
DAYS/TIMES
Kidz Company TUE 4:00 – 6:00P (Summer) (TUE 4:30-6:00P Fall/Winter/Spring)
Junior Company TUE 4:30 – 6P & FRI 6:30-8:00P
Teen Company WED 4:00-5:30P & FRI 5:00-6:30P
Senior Company WED 5:30-7:00P & FRI 3:30-5:00P
*Regularly scheduled classes that are cancelled due to performances or unforeseen conflicts will be rescheduled and made up at a later date.
VERY IMPORTANT: The Bolingbrook Park District often has one or more unscheduled weeks between sessions. Danceforce usually meets continuously, even during a period of time that might be unscheduled according to the Park District catalog and sessions. Adhere to the current updates and schedules as they are distributed. These handouts supersede information previously printed in the catalog. You will NOT incur any additional expense for these additional dates of training.
Sibling Discounts
We recognize the fact that many families have more than one child participating in the Danceforce program. Because this is a year-long commitment with class and schedule requirements, we’d like to make it easier for you to keep all of your children involved by extending a $10 discount off of Danceforce sessions for additional siblings. Proof of relationship may be required upon registration.
Multiple Class Discounts
In an effort to encourage dance training in all styles of dance for our Danceforce members, we offer a $10 discount for participants taking more than two (2) additional dance classes. This means that the first two classes are full session fees, then every class after that is $10 less!
50% Discount for Hip Hop Classes
A technical class (jazz or ballet) is required for Danceforce training, but hip hop can also be extremely beneficial to the dancers development and versatility on stage. In an effort to encourage hip hop training and ease the financial burden, we offer a 50% discount to DANCEFORCE DANCERS ONLY. This is an incentive discount, not applicable to the general public.
Jamm team parent volunteering is MANDATORY and at least one parent should serve on a jamm team committee. If you already serve on a company committee, you will not be expected to join a jamm team committee. Jamm team committees will consist of a fundraising sub-committee, a convention/competition committee and any other committee as a need arises during the year.
If a fundraiser is deemed a Jamm team or convention/competition fundraiser, Jamm team parents MUST participate and will be provided with information on how and what they can do.
Jamm team parents are expected to fulfill the minimum required fundraising for each general fundraising endeavor as announced throughout the year. Participation in general fundraisers is expected, since much of the jamm team expenses are offset by our general funds. Much like the dancers themselves, we expect the jamm team family/parents to set the example of commitment and responsibility.
REGISTERING FOR DANCEFORCE CLASSES/SESSIONS:
It is your responsibility to keep track of session dates and make sure that your child is registered prior to the start of each upcoming session. Dancers may not participate if they are not registered. Please keep track of the session dates and schedule, and please communicate a financial problem immediately to Clara Houdek so that a payment plan or similar arrangement can be made and your child does not need to miss important training unnecessarily.
FINANCES/ADDITIONAL EXPENSES
Each participant/parent will use their household account (through the Bolingbrook Park District) to deposit funds needed for the program and have expenses deducted. You will have the opportunity to fundraise during the year and money raised will be deposited to your individual household account with the park district unless the event has been deemed a “general funds” fundraiser. The Danceforce
Parent Association (see parent committees) holds the revenue generated from our general fundraisers in a booster account to be used for general operating expenses (transportation, production fees, activity expenses, etc.). As individual costume and/or program expenses come up you will need to have the necessary funds in your park district household account by the deadline. Deposit forms for Danceforce fundraising are available at the main desks and should accompany all deposits to ensure that they money is properly deposited. NOTE: Individual fundraising money can be used for program session fees as well as costume/program expenses as long as it is in your account. Be sure to keep record of it, so that it is not used for other household fees by the Park District.
REQUIRED COSTUME/UNIFORM & FEES
PROVIDED ON OWN:
Personal pair of athletic shoes to work out in
Personal pair of clean, white athletic shoes to wear for performances
Personal pair of blue denim jeans and blue denim jeans shorts
ORDERED FOR YOU AT YOUR EXPENSE:
The official uniform worn to many Danceforce performances and activities is black jazz pants (black baggy for male dancers) the official Danceforce shirt, black DANCE sneakers, and black jazz shoes. No substitute items will be permitted. Dancers MUST wear the official uniform for many performances and events so please plan accordingly and be sure that you have purchased the necessary items. (See specifics – next page)
ORDERED FOR YOU AT THE START OF THE PROGRAM:
Black dance sneaker ($35) - MALES ONLY
Soft split-sole jazz shoe ($24) - FEMALES (black & tan pair); MALES (black pair)
Black jazz pants (females) – ordered for ALL female dancers: $25
Black draw-string wide-leg pants (males) –ordered for ALL male dancers: $30
Flesh, convertible tights for all female dancers (worn beneath pants and with other costuming): $8
Danceforce Shirt –$15
All dancers will be sized during the first couple weeks of summer training, and necessary items will be ordered unless advised otherwise on the official order form that will be distributed at the time of fittings. If you are a returning dancer and do not need a new pair of shoes, pants or tights you will be provided the opportunity to bring your items in for a condition check and may not need to purchase. It will be your responsibility to fill out the form and bring the items in for a check or the purchases will be made for you. If the items are ordered and you have not communicated otherwise, you will be responsible for the expense. Necessary funds MUST be in your park district accounts by the deadline or the item will not be ordered.
OPTIONAL DANCEFORCE NYLON JACKETS/CHARACTER WEAR
Wearing the official company jackets is optional, but we encourage the dancers to try to purchase one so they can wear it to and from activities with the rest of the company. The jacket is royal blue and white with an embroidered Danceforce logo on the back and may be purchased for $60 depending upon size ordered. Orders will be taken in the fall. Money should be in your account by the beginning of September. The official Danceforce clothing line, Character-Wear, is offered at various times throughout the year. Watch for the latest styles and new items featuring positive messages.
PLANNED ADDITIONAL EXPENSES FOR ALL DANCERS - VARIES
Various personal costume pieces, as needed if needed, for February DANCEFORCE concert (If our general fundraisers are successful, the costume expenses to the individual dancer will be less – do your part to contribute).
OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY EXPENSE FOR ALL DANCERS
ALL dancers are encouraged to attend the scheduled regional dance convention in January along with the Danceforce Jamm Teams who will also compete. The regional convention is two days and dancers will take classes both days from professional choreographers from all over the United States. Cost to attend the convention can range from $190 (convention only) to $295 (convention, hotel, transportation, meals, etc.) but has proven to be a tremendous inspiration to ALL dancers. Danceforce may attend an additional regional convention later in the year or a national convention in the summer. Necessary funds would need to be in your account at least one month prior. Information will be distributed.
FUNDRAISING
Our program is fortunate to have a hard-working and dedicated parent fundraising committee that organizes a series of activities through which we, as a company, raise funds for our overall expenses (GENERAL FUNDRAISERS) and you can raise money to be used specifically for your personal fees and expenses (INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISERS). The general fundraisers are mandatory. In most cases, a minimum will be set for each event or activity that each dancer MUST do, but all dancers and families SHOULD do their best since the funds will benefit each and every dancer. Our mandatory general fundraisers are tagging in the summer, cookie dough sales in the fall, and Butter Braid sales in the spring. If you choose not to participate in the minimum of any of the 3 mandatory fundraisers, you will have to pay a $35 fundraiser buy-out for each fundraiser you do not participate in. If you’ve ever seen a Danceforce competition or concert, you know how extensive and beautiful the costuming and set/prop designs are, but the dancers see NONE of this expense. These types of expenses are completely paid for by our general funds, as is all bus transportation to/from events, parties and awards, etc., so all children benefit from these funds. Individual Fundraisers are optional, but highly encouraged, since the money raised will go directly into your personal account to be used for ANY and ALL Danceforce-related expenses, including session fees. Details will be provided as they become available.
FINANCIAL AID
Financial aid is available for qualifying households. Simply pick up a financial aid form at any of the front desks or download it from the Danceforce Google group site you will be a member of and submit if for consideration prior to the start of the session being applied for. Payment plans are also an option and can be arranged with Clara Houdek, Recreation Supervisor for Dance, at (630) 783-6641. If, however, a payment plan is arranged but payments are not made as scheduled, the payment plan will be cancelled and full payment at the start of each session will apply.
DANCEFORCE JAMM TEAMS & DANCEFORCE ELITE
Auditions Jamm Teams will be held at the during Danceforce training in June. Eligibility for Jamm Team includes class attendance, attitude, and technique capabilities. More detailed information will be posted at a later date.
JAMM TEAM - PLANNED ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY EXPENSES
Two Dance Conventions/Competitions (approximately $300 per dancer per regional convention; higher if a National 3-day convention is scheduled in the Summer rather than the 2nd regional convention)
Regional conventions will take place anytime between January and April. National convention would be in summer.
DANCEFORCE PARENT ASSOCIATION
All parents are members of the Danceforce Parent Association and are welcome to contribute their thoughts, concerns and suggestions to program affairs. Elected officers and committee heads are required to attend monthly meetings (1st Monday of every month, 6:30PM, locations vary), but ALL parents are encouraged to attend and be informed. Elections for officers and company representatives take place in the fall. Danceforce parent representatives are nominated and elected in early Fall, and DPA officers are nominated and elected shortly after.
PARENT COMMITTEES
The Danceforce has a parent association, “FORCE BEHIND THE FORCE,” that is unprecedented and admired by many other youth organizations. DPA was awarded the 2006 Character Counts award for excellence in a business/association. Multi-faceted and extremely active, these parents work throughout the Danceforce season in one or more areas that they enjoy and are willing to assist. Additionally, these committees have been the means through which the Danceforce parents discover what we dancers call, “the Danceforce family”. Be a part of the “Force behind the Force”. Sign up for one or more of these committees and discover how the parents make it all happen. This program is not possible without the efforts of effective and supportive parent committees. Committees will be able to communicate easily and post their schedules on our new website. Details will be provided to each committee.
Fundraising Committee (Plans and facilitates all fundraising activities)
Special Events Committee (Plans and facilitates a variety of activities)
Audio/Visual Committee (Alternates filming and handles all A/V aspects of all appearances )
Communications Committee (Phone trees/calls; maintains up-to-date dancer contact information)
Production Committee (Operational: organize manpower at all Danceforce events; Construction: design, build and maintain sets as needed)
Concert Program Committee (designs & creates the official concert program, to include advertising)
Costume Committee (handles all aspects of costuming the company, to include sewing, shopping, crafts, inventory, distribution and maintenance)
Character Education/Charity Committee (develops character-building activities and lessons throughout the year; chart dancers’ progress and assist in leadership development)
Danceforce Company Care Committee (addresses the internal needs, hardships, concerns of the entire dance company/families – organizes carpools, meal deliveries for serious illnesses or injuries, etc.)
PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE OF APPEARANCES & EVENTS
These are appearances known to date. Additional appearances will come up and be added to their schedule. You will have access to an on-line, members only Master Calendar for up to date information on all events.
SUMMER
JUNE
Danceforce Training Begins!!!
AUGUST
Summer’s Last Blast – DEBUT PERFORMANCE OF THE DANCEFORCE COMPANY
FALL
SEPTEMBER
Bolingbrook’s Annual Pathways Parade -Perform with the Power Dancers
OCTOBER
Fall Jamboree
NOVEMBER
Dance Chicago performances
Charitable work/Volunteer work- Project Thanksgiving
WINTER
DECEMBER
Possible holiday performances
Dance Chicago performances
Danceforce Concert Preparation Begins
Jamm Team intensive month – competition preparation
Charitable work/volunteer work-Christmas
Danceforce Holiday Party
SPRING
JANUARY
VERY IMPORTANT MONTH OF TRAINING (Attendance must be a priority, no conflicts)
Concert Preparation resumes
Jamm Team intensive month –competition preparation
Late Jan or early Feb Jamm Teams go to regional Competition (all dancers invited)
FEBRUARY
VERY IMPORTANT MONTH OF CONCERT PREPARATION (attendance must be a priority, no conflicts) Entire month, Danceforce in full swing for concert preparation
MARCH
2nd, 3rd weekends Bolingbrook Community Basketball Championship Half-time shows
MAY
Bolingbrook Park District’s May Concert Series
Power Dance throughout the School Year! All Danceforce members that attend a school at which the Power Dance Project takes place are encouraged to participate in that afterschool program as peer leaders. Danceforce dancers will pay only $5 per session (that’s $35 for an entire school year of participation!) and set the example of character and expected behavior for their peers.
All dancers will receive a PERFORMANCE INFORMATION SHEET prior to every performance or event that will provide detailed information on location, times, costuming, etc.
DANCEFORCE JAMM TEAM
Training Requirements
DANCE TRAINING Throughout the Year (June through August) (NO EXCEPTIONS)
Two (2) regularly scheduled practices per week (as scheduled in the park district brochure – do not register for company, register for your assigned jamm team only). Slightly later or earlier start/end times for a season of an extra-curricular sport will be considered, but approval will be based upon what is in the best interest of the teams during the season requested. Consistent absences due to an extra-curricular activity will not be tolerated, and may result in loss of position on team or loss of eligibility to perform in an upcoming performance or competition.
One (1) required technical class (ballet, jazz or lyrical) each week throughout the year as scheduled and at the assigned level, as determined at the audition.
One (1) hip hop class (at the DF 50% discount) each week throughout the year as scheduled and at the assigned level, as determined at the audition.
REHEARSALS
Required to attend ALL rehearsals as scheduled, and required to attend additional rehearsals as they come up (preparation for Spring Concerts, special performances, etc.). This schedule will take precedence over ALL other activities participant may be involved in. Notice of unscheduled, additional rehearsals will be provided at least a week prior to the date, and must be attended unless the conflict is academic or a preplanned family vacation/commitment.
COSTUMING
Being a Jamm Team member will require more costuming. Expense is always kept at a minimum, however, as costuming needs arise you will be notified and the payments MUST be in your park district household accounts by the deadline. Fundraising participation is highly encouraged to offset expenses, but the dancer will ultimately be responsible for the expense by the deadline date.
FEES
Jamm Team members MUST have their session registrations and fees in ON TIME or their position will be in jeopardy. Late registration without communication on more than one occasion will result in loss of position. Please plan ahead and communicate with Katrina/Aileen/Clara if and when there may be a problem.
Keep in mind that Jamm team is a facet of Danceforce. All Danceforce scheduled events and activities include jamm teams. This is an overview of what a jamm team dancer should expect.
Eligibility
Kidz & Junior Company dancers are eligible for the Junior Jamm Team.
If selected, a current Kidz company dancer will move up and train with Junior company/Jamm team.
Teen Company dancers are eligible for the Teen Jamm Team.
Senior Company dancers are eligible for the Senior Jamm Team.
AGE CONSIDERATION
Age on the date of national competition will be considered in determining what team a dancer may be selected for. Once the dancers have been selected after tryouts, birthdays and ages will be examined to see if the ages assigned to a specific team will result in the team moving from a particular competition category and force competition between teams. In this case, it may be concluded that a particular dancer must move up to an older jamm team, if their age places them in that age group at the date of national competition. Please be prepared for this possibility before trying out.
All Jamm Team dancers are REQUIRED to have mastered technical skills as listed below, and must exhibit the highest level of showmanship and professionalism in ALL styles of dance. Skill requirements will be included in the audition process and routine. Note: placement in class levels will be determined by teachers, and may not be consistent within a team. Class training is individual, and level placement is important for the individual development of a dancer.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Junior Jamm Team
Chaine turns (R/L – clean and pulled up)
Double Pirouettes (R/L)
Jetes (R/L/C)
Pas de bourres (R/L)
Chase (R/L)
Pique turns (R/L)
Freestyling
Teen & Senior Jamm Teams
Chaine turns
Attitude turns
Pique turns
Axles
Triple Pirouettes
Grande jetes (R/L/C)
Switch leaps (R/L)
Splits (R/L)
Freestyling
Additional skills and abilities in other styles of dance or performance (tap, stunting, breaking, etc.) will be considered.
All dancers must have fulfilled the summer training requirements, which include company training twice a week and a technical class. (Note: attendance to both will be factored in. excessive absences may deem a dancer ineligible).
Dancers that did not fulfill the summer training requirements or have unexcused absences or incident(s) of bad behavior which were documented and acknowledged
will be ineligible to audition.
Dancers returning from the 2009-2010 season must have a good record for both attitude and attendance. (dancers must not have been on probation or suspended during the season, and have not exhibited negative or detrimental behavior during the season).
Dancers who have quit Danceforce or Jamm Team before the end of their season will be ineligible for a full year, and must participate successfully in a full year of Danceforce as a company dancer before being eligible again.
JAMM TEAM RULES
Positive attitudes MUST be maintained at all times.
Must work at the highest level in classes and rehearsals and must demonstrate good behavior and follow the rules at all times. Must be a leader in class and rehearsals.
The six pillars of character are thoroughly understood and exemplified at all times (even when you are not with the Danceforce).
Must be willing to take on additional responsibilities for the Danceforce program.
Must not commit to extra curricular activities if they will conflict with rehearsal schedules or performances.
Must clear schedule for a Jamm Team appearance or practice that has been announced at least one (1) week in advance. If conflict is not academic related or a pre-planned family event, schedules must be cleared even within a week’s notice.
Must maintain a B average in school, and must not be on academic probation. (subject to parent/school standards as communicated)
Danceforce Attendance Policy still holds for Jamm Team Members. More than 5 absences in a season will result in not being about to perform and possibly be sent back to Company.
Must make participation in Jamm Team the priority above all other activities throughout the upcoming year.
Parents and participants must actively participate in General Fundraisers.
Participants are expected to fulfill the charity/volunteer company requirements.
Must plan on attending at least one (1) dance convention in January and nationals in the summer, if we qualify. Must plan to travel if nationals are out of state.
Must keep 30 minutes of time immediately following scheduled ending time of rehearsals free, in the event a rehearsal runs overtime. Sometimes this is unavoidable. Parents should be aware of this and plan accordingly.
Must have the support of family – their willingness to plan family activities and appointments around Jamm Team schedules.
Must be organized and keep track of schedules & announcements –DANCERS AND PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SCHEDULES, UPDATES AND INFORMATION.
IMPORTANT: Financial aid is available for qualifying households. Simply pick up a financial aid form at any of the front desks and submit if for consideration prior to the start of the session being applied for. Payment plans are also an option and can be arranged with Clara Houdek, program supervisor, at (630) 783-6641. If, however, a payment plan is arranged but payments are not made as scheduled, the payment plan will be canceled and full payment at the start of each session will apply.