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Youth Dance Company

Experience the Arts!

Youth Dance Company

Ages 10 - 18 Years

AUDITIONS: June 3, 2023 10:00-11:30am
This pre-professional dance troupe in Vancouver, WA for ages 10-18 gives dancers the experience of a company environment, preparing them for a future in the dance field. Youth Dance Company is currently directed by Josh Murry-Hawkins the Dance Director of Riverside Performing Arts.

Company members learn and perform original choreography every year in a fusion of dance styles for their spring showcase and are featured in RPA productions. Weekly rehearsals include company class, cross training/conditioning, choreography and health tips to promote confidence. Company members are held to a higher standard in all classes with a personal evaluation after the first show of the year.

Youth Dance Company by Riverside Performing Arts in Vancouver WA
Performing Arts Academy by Riverside Performing Arts in Vancouver WA

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Class Attire Requirements

Class: Any color leotard, pink tights, ballet technique shoes, hair in bun. Warm ups are allowed for barre but must come off in center.

Rehearsal: Comfortable dance clothes that don’t distract or hinder movement that may include floor work, partnering, and going upside down.

Etiquette For Successful Students

Body Language

  • When given a correction acknowledge the teacher with your eyes and a pleasant face. Be accepting and inviting towards the teacher for sharing their information with you!
  • Keep your arms open by your sides. Crossing your arms, although it can be comfortable, implies to the teacher that you are closed off from learning (even when you aren’t!)

Punctuality

  • Arrive to class, rehearsals, and performances on time and ready to go. By doing so you respect your teacher and classmates.
  • If you do arrive late, wait politely by the door until the teacher assigns you a spot. When class is over apologize and explain why you were late.

Classroom Attire

  • The dress code helps create a positive learning environment without distractions. With our bodies as our instruments, it’s important to always keep ourselves clean and tidy ready to use.

Dialogue

  • Never talk with other students during class. A student who is focused on themselves, the corrections and information being given has the best chance of personal success.
  • When asking questions make sure that your questions are:
    • At the appropriate time, AFTER directions have been given.
    • Very specific. Avoid telling the teacher “you don’t know what to do” when you are confused. Try to identify which point is the most confusing: “Can you please clarify the transition at the beginning?”
    • Relevant to the conversation and the moment.
  • If the teacher invites students to share their feelings, experiences, or thoughts, respectfully raise your hand to share yours. However, this is not a requirement of a dance class. If you have a comment to make about the activity, save your comment for a break or after class. And never raise your hand to share a comment without being invited first.

Learning

  • If the teacher is talking, eye contact is essential. However in a dance class a teacher is often talking AND dancing or demonstrating a movement. Keep your eyes on the part of the body the teacher is discussing so you can collect as much information as possible.
  • Use your listening skills to find out important words and rhythms that will help you improve faster.
  • When a teacher is teaching you a new skill or combination, stay engaged by trying the steps along with the teacher rather than standing and watching. UNLESS the teacher has asked you to only observe. In that case, wait patiently without moving.

2022-2023 Youth Dance Company Class Calendar

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