COMPANY CLASSES
COMPANY CLASSES
Company Classes are structured classes that hold dancers to a high standard of proper technique. We expect that Company dancers are committed to excellent attendance and consistent at-home practice in order to be prepared for class. Weekly devotions are often shared during stretching time.
Company Classes work together toward the goal of creating performance pieces that are purposed to honor to the Lord and to lift high the name of Jesus Christ. These pieces will be performed at the formal Spring Production at a rented venue, and possibly at community events such as; Washington City Mission’s Sweet Sunday, Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas, various nursing homes and church services. Only dancers taking Company Classes participate in these opportunities.
In the youngest Company Classes (PRE-COMPANY, ADORE & DECLARE), ballet is an integral part of the class, as we are laying a fundamental dance foundation by teaching basic skills that increase in difficulty as the dancers show themselves more capable. After they have demonstrated mastery of those skills, older classes focus more on jazz technique and choreography. Because of this, it is very helpful for dancers to supplement their learning by enrolling in one of our Ballet classes. Adding on an Acro-Dance class will increase a dancer’s flexibility, balance, and body awareness as well as their limbering and tumbling ability. We also offer Contemporary Classes and different strengthening classes. All additional studio classes are available at a reduced rate for Company dancers.
Company Classes typically include a cardio warm-up, flexibility and strength training, a devotional time, technique drills, and learning choreography for our Spring Show and other outreach performances.
PRE-COMPANY CLASSES
Dancers ages three, four, and most five-year-olds begin in our Pre-Company program. This program prepares young students for a more formal class setting by introducing the foundations of ballet and jazz technique, rhythm, and performance etiquette. Pre-Company follows all Company protocol, except that their season runs September through May and they perform in the Studio Showcase rather than the Company’s Spring Production. This gentler performance experience helps them gain confidence in front of an audience. Pre-Company dancers may also be invited to perform at a nursing home.
Five-year-olds who have completed two years of Pre-Company—or who are moved up at the director’s discretion—advance into the Company ADORE class beginning the September after they turn five.
To join a Pre-Company class, your child must be three years old by September 1, and able to function well in a classroom environment. Within the first few weeks, dancers are expected to enter the studio independently and participate for the full 30-minute class, which includes responding to correction, staying engaged, and avoiding behaviors such as crying or lying down during class.
If we find your child isn’t quite ready, you may transfer into our Rec program or wait and try again next year. The current month’s tuition and fees can be refunded or applied to a Recreational Dance class.
Because we aim to foster an active environment of worship, we chose worship verbs from the Psalms to represent each Company Class (TESTIFY, MAGNIFY, DECLARE, etc).
GCDC instructors assign dancers to different classes based on their individual strengths and needs, and also how well they fit the demands of the class’s curriculum and choreography for April’s Spring Show. All new dancers must contact us to receive their class placement, and may be asked to come in for an evaluation. All returning dancers are reevaluated during the dance season to ensure they are placed where they will have the most success, and will receive their class assignment in an email before the beginning of the next season. For more information on class assignments, click here.
It is important to understand that when you enroll your child in Company or Pre-Company Classes, we need you to commit to attending regularly and being punctual. Ideally, your child will only miss 1-2 classes for the entire year. Absences and tardiness slow down the pace of the class as choreography and technique must be retaught. We do understand that extenuating circumstances may cause your child to miss more than this. Missing two classes in a row, or any absence at all in the months of January – April, will require a private lesson (see below). Any dancer enrolling past the first week of September classes, may also require private lessons in order to catch up with their group. Please let us know whenever your dancer will be absent.
Please arrive at least ten minutes prior to the start of class. Dancers should be ready with their shoes on when the teacher comes to get them from the waiting room. Dancers entering late are a major distraction to the teacher and the entire class. Excessive tardiness may require private lessons.
If your child misses two classes in a row, or if she misses any class in January – April, a private lesson is required. Late enrollees will also require private lesson(s). Private lessons should be taken before your child’s next scheduled class. Contact Danielle Black via email or phone to schedule. These lessons are given by our student teaching assistants and are $5/half hour. All checks for private lessons are to be made out to the Company. You must sign on your registration form that you agree to our private lesson policy and will comply.
If class is canceled due to bad weather, you will receive an email. Please check your email BEFORE heading out on a snowy day. Note that we rarely cancel classes. If the roads around our studio are clear and the parking lot is plowed, we hold classes. If snow is excessive in your area and you feel that it is unsafe to travel, please don’t. Canceled classes are not rescheduled unless there will be less than three classes that month.
In order to be enrolled in the Company program, dancer must participate in the Spring Production at the end of the season. Until the date is announced, please keep all of April and the beginning of May free from any conflicts.
Company dancers must attend all mandatory rehearsals in full, and tuition and fees must be paid in full. Hair must be a natural color, and all jewelry, body art, piercings, and excessive makeup (teens only) are not permitted. These standards ensure a professional and consistent appearance on stage.
LEARN MORE!
Tuition, schedule, dress code, and spring production details are under the Information tab above.
