Kerri’s Dance Studio Take Flight Competition Team
Auditions 2023-2024 season
Ever consider competitive dance? Does your dancer learn quickly and really enjoy being on stage? Does your little one want to perform more than once a year and get bored learning only a few dances each season? If so, competitive dance might be for you and your child. The KDS competition team will be holding our annual auditions May 15th -17th. There will also be a last chance audition date by appointment only.
Auditions will be comprised of several parts… an evaluation form filled out by your current ballet instructor if applicable, a learning session to learn-13 short combos of choreography, performing of a set list of technical skills, and for high school age dancers, a call back round.
After auditions, in early to late June-early July dancers will receive an offering letter via email listing the routines they are being offered based on the scores they earned. The offer will list the name and style of each dance, the rehearsal time and commitment, and other specifics. Dancers will be asked to either accept or decline each offered routine, print, and return the paper with payment due to KDS by a specified date. At this time, they will also need to register for these competitive class through our online registration system. Additional paperwork will follow, including rehearsal schedules for August and September, team contracts to be signed and returned, apparel orders, and more. Score sheet will be available for pick up at the studio during office hours in July. These will be FULL of feedback and we strongly suggest they be reviewed by dancers to continue to grow
What exactly does the competition team do?
The KDS competition teams compete in 3-5 regional competitions each season between February and May. We will also attend a national competition in a location yet to be determined in June. The team will stay fairly local for Nationals for 2 year increments, then travel a bit further every third year. ). Rehearsals for team members begin in August and continue through May with one additional rehearsal day in June prior to Nationals. In general. small and most large groups will rehearse once a week Monday through Thursday evenings.
Saturdays will be used in late summer, fall, and possibly in early winter to learn choreography for production, as well as many other routines. ALL TEAM MEMBERS will need to have some Saturday availability for choreography sessions and guest choreographers. AFTER routines have been learned and committed to memory, we will only meet occasionally on Saturdays to run production. Production will be run weekly during jazz classes. ALSO – My goal is to get as many guest choreographers in prior to school functions getting underway. Contemporary and Hip Hop choreographers will come in August. I am working to get Jessica here for jazz a little earlier as well to help avoid school related conflicts.
Class requirements for competitive dancers are as follows-
All competitive dancers will be required to take 1 (30-45 minute depending on level) technique/leaps/turns class and 1 classical ballet class (45-90 minutes depending on age and level). Your score will determine the technique and ballet classes you should take, and this information will be included in your results.
All competitive dancers will be required to attend a back to dance master classes session in August, exact date TBD. These classes will be taught by Sarah Jo Fazio and Angie Sellers. A minimum of three classes must be attended. The entire day of classes is strongly recommended and will cost $180.00. Individual classes will be $45 each. Please see summer intensive information for further details.
All dancers must take a class that coordinates with their competitive selections – Example - if a dancer competes in a hip hop group they must take a hip hop class.
Competitive dancers must have excellent attendance to rehearsals. Dancers will only be allowed 3 absences from rehearsals before they go on a probationary status. After 5 missed rehearsals they will be evaluated and possibly removed from competing. This attendance policy will also apply to ballet and technique classes. Make-up classes are available, and charges will apply.
For dancers ages 5-7 years with 0-1 years competitive experience we offer our Shooting Stars program. This is an awesome way to get your little one started in competitive dance and develop a strong work ethic and a love for the stage. Please see the “Shooting Stars” paperwork for an application to become part of this fun program.
The competitive team is often invited to perform at other events like fundraisers, benefits, dance shows, etc. These are not required, but attendance to these events is strongly encouraged.
Fundraising opportunities are available for all. There are 2 required fundraisers to participate in the KDS teams. There is a Ladies Night Out Shopping event and a Spaghetti feed that dancers and parents are assigned jobs for. If for some reason you cannot attend, a monetary fee will apply.
Fees to participate on the KDS Take Flight competition teams are as follows –
$130.00 annual participation fee to cover administrative work, earrings and hair pieces, trailer expenses as well as props.
$30.00 per routine fee (for choreography and added rehearsal time ect).
Competition fees (per competition) - competition charges are different for each competition, most are app. $50-$60 per routine, per dancer. If you dancer participate in 3 team dances the fees would be app. $170.00 each competition.
Costumes/tights/shoes – There will be a separate costume for each routine and dancers will be required to always have the correct tights with no runs/snags, as well as the decided upon shoes.
If a dancer participates in a jazz dance for the team it will replace their jazz dance for the recital so you will not be required to “double up” on classes, fees, and costumes. Same will be true for tap and ballet/lyrical unless are line/large group Saturday rehearsing dance.
Competitions are held on weekends. They can begin as early as Friday morning. Schedules for the competitions are not published until app. 7 days prior to the event weekend. We will know potential competition dates in August and will make the list official by Thanksgiving. The team will have a preview performance in January and begin competing in February. Dancers will be expected to participate in the competition regardless of the schedule when published. To be excused from a competition, KDS must be notified 60 days in advance and the reason must be family, religious, or school related.
KDS strives to compete with sportsmanlike conduct and strong studio spirit. Dancers making negative, belittling, or rude comments to other team members or other studios will receive a warning, if there is a second incident they will be dismissed from the team. We encourage the kids to work hard and goofing around and lack of focus will constantly be corrected. If a dancer has continued problems with talking in class and focus they too may be asked to leave the team. It is not our goal to win, it is our goal to make good use of time, continue toward goals, be respectful of the learning habits of other dancers, and to be respectful of the staff and their time. The KDS staff reserves the right to refuse service at anytime.
If a dancer elects to no longer participate with the teams after the accept/decline deadline for any reason other than medical there will be a $150.00 drop fee per routine to cover re-choreographing, staff and rehearsal time. Medical drops must be accompanied by the proper documentation. There are no refunds for costumes, annual fees, or entry fees.
Those dancers who wish to participate with solos or duo/trios within the competitive team will need to comply and agree to the following –
Take a weekly private class at KDS or
To compete under the heading of KDS the dance routine must be choreographed by a KDS staff member (full or part time). The proper payment and paperwork must be on file with and through KDS. The staff does not choose soloists, it is a choice you will make with your dancer.
If a solo or duet/trio chooses not to compete at a group competition notification must be received 60 days in advance. If not, fees will still apply. In order to compete with a solo a dancer must comply with all criteria listed in application. This includes but is not limited too number of group dances required based on level and what genres have been studied.
KDS will suggest duets and trios and offer them on accept/decline papers, however dancers may also choose to compete with a duet or trio. To do so you may register for a duet/trio through the KDS desk. Those offered a duet/trio on their paperwork can register through the online portal. When the assigned teacher feels the duet/trio is ready it will be allowed to enter competition by the same process as solos.
Any rehearsal time outside of a regularly scheduled solo class time must be scheduled through the studio (at the desk) and appropriate payment must be made. All additional rehearsal time for solos and duo/trios will be at the rate of $20.00 per 30 minutes. Again this time outside your scheduled weekly class or your 3 hours included in the choreography fee (see solo form for more details).
Soloist should carry their own back up and rehearsal music with them at competitions.
All solo or duo/trio costumes must be approved by KDS prior to going on any stage under the KDS heading. Missed solo lessons due to a students’ conflicts are not open for make-ups. You can schedule a makeup but there will be a charge.
The audition information is listed below.
Please wear all black dance attire, have hair pulled back and wear jazz shoes or ½ sole turners. Have paper work completed and include a current headshot. Also..
Execute the following skills to the best of your ability –
Dancers entering grades 3-5 in 2023 (Juniors)
Kick combination of 2 front (Right and Left), one side kick (right) and one Back kick (Left) – repeat this combination at least 3 times.
Chaine turns, at least a series of three turn both right and left
Jetes – Chasse step leap on both the right and left side, at least three leaps each leg
Pirouette on the right. Face the camera for these and execute three separate turns.
Fan kick on Right – Face judges, ball change to prepare.
Perform jazz combo taught at learning session
Dancers entering grades 6-8 in ‘23 (Teens) and Dancers entering grades 9-12 in ’23 (Seniors)
Kicks – 1 front, 1 side, 1 back and chasse alternating legs – a minimum of 4 sets.
Pirouettes – Facing the camera please – as many as you can execute cleanly
Jetes – Chasse step leap, continuing to leap for a minimum series of three on the right and left
Leaps in second – Chasse step leap, execute at least 2 with open straddle facing camera
Stag/Calypso – Releve chaine, plie chaine leap on right.
Firebird – Chasse step leap on right
Ala seconds – Facing the judges, please execute three ala second turns into a double pirouette
Seniors – Turn combo or variation of turns of your choice.
Both – perform jazz and lyrical/contemporary combos
Call backs – All senior dancers should remain at the studio until all have auditioned. At that time, we will call all seniors back for call backs. Dancers will dance side by side in multiple groupings and will be asked to perform either the jazz combo or lyrical/contemporary combo.
Last Chance Auditions – If you cannot attend May 15th and 17th - please let us know asap and we will determine if a private call back is needed.
Combo learning sessions
Juniors – Monday, May 15th – 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Teens – Monday, May 15th – 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Seniors – Monday, May 15th - 7:30pm – 9:15pm
Audition Sessions – These times are subject to change based on number of dancers in attendance. After the learning session a more accurate schedule will be emailed to all participating.
Juniors – Wednesday, May 17th – 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Teens – Wednesday, May 17th – 6:15pm – 8:00pm
Seniors – Wednesday, May 17th – 7:45pm – 9:15pm
Call Backs for seniors at 9:15pm
Please let us know if you have any questions or call back conflicts.
Thanks – Hope to see you there!!
Auditions 2023-2024 season
Ever consider competitive dance? Does your dancer learn quickly and really enjoy being on stage? Does your little one want to perform more than once a year and get bored learning only a few dances each season? If so, competitive dance might be for you and your child. The KDS competition team will be holding our annual auditions May 15th -17th. There will also be a last chance audition date by appointment only.
Auditions will be comprised of several parts… an evaluation form filled out by your current ballet instructor if applicable, a learning session to learn-13 short combos of choreography, performing of a set list of technical skills, and for high school age dancers, a call back round.
After auditions, in early to late June-early July dancers will receive an offering letter via email listing the routines they are being offered based on the scores they earned. The offer will list the name and style of each dance, the rehearsal time and commitment, and other specifics. Dancers will be asked to either accept or decline each offered routine, print, and return the paper with payment due to KDS by a specified date. At this time, they will also need to register for these competitive class through our online registration system. Additional paperwork will follow, including rehearsal schedules for August and September, team contracts to be signed and returned, apparel orders, and more. Score sheet will be available for pick up at the studio during office hours in July. These will be FULL of feedback and we strongly suggest they be reviewed by dancers to continue to grow
What exactly does the competition team do?
The KDS competition teams compete in 3-5 regional competitions each season between February and May. We will also attend a national competition in a location yet to be determined in June. The team will stay fairly local for Nationals for 2 year increments, then travel a bit further every third year. ). Rehearsals for team members begin in August and continue through May with one additional rehearsal day in June prior to Nationals. In general. small and most large groups will rehearse once a week Monday through Thursday evenings.
Saturdays will be used in late summer, fall, and possibly in early winter to learn choreography for production, as well as many other routines. ALL TEAM MEMBERS will need to have some Saturday availability for choreography sessions and guest choreographers. AFTER routines have been learned and committed to memory, we will only meet occasionally on Saturdays to run production. Production will be run weekly during jazz classes. ALSO – My goal is to get as many guest choreographers in prior to school functions getting underway. Contemporary and Hip Hop choreographers will come in August. I am working to get Jessica here for jazz a little earlier as well to help avoid school related conflicts.
Class requirements for competitive dancers are as follows-
All competitive dancers will be required to take 1 (30-45 minute depending on level) technique/leaps/turns class and 1 classical ballet class (45-90 minutes depending on age and level). Your score will determine the technique and ballet classes you should take, and this information will be included in your results.
All competitive dancers will be required to attend a back to dance master classes session in August, exact date TBD. These classes will be taught by Sarah Jo Fazio and Angie Sellers. A minimum of three classes must be attended. The entire day of classes is strongly recommended and will cost $180.00. Individual classes will be $45 each. Please see summer intensive information for further details.
All dancers must take a class that coordinates with their competitive selections – Example - if a dancer competes in a hip hop group they must take a hip hop class.
Competitive dancers must have excellent attendance to rehearsals. Dancers will only be allowed 3 absences from rehearsals before they go on a probationary status. After 5 missed rehearsals they will be evaluated and possibly removed from competing. This attendance policy will also apply to ballet and technique classes. Make-up classes are available, and charges will apply.
For dancers ages 5-7 years with 0-1 years competitive experience we offer our Shooting Stars program. This is an awesome way to get your little one started in competitive dance and develop a strong work ethic and a love for the stage. Please see the “Shooting Stars” paperwork for an application to become part of this fun program.
The competitive team is often invited to perform at other events like fundraisers, benefits, dance shows, etc. These are not required, but attendance to these events is strongly encouraged.
Fundraising opportunities are available for all. There are 2 required fundraisers to participate in the KDS teams. There is a Ladies Night Out Shopping event and a Spaghetti feed that dancers and parents are assigned jobs for. If for some reason you cannot attend, a monetary fee will apply.
Fees to participate on the KDS Take Flight competition teams are as follows –
$130.00 annual participation fee to cover administrative work, earrings and hair pieces, trailer expenses as well as props.
$30.00 per routine fee (for choreography and added rehearsal time ect).
Competition fees (per competition) - competition charges are different for each competition, most are app. $50-$60 per routine, per dancer. If you dancer participate in 3 team dances the fees would be app. $170.00 each competition.
Costumes/tights/shoes – There will be a separate costume for each routine and dancers will be required to always have the correct tights with no runs/snags, as well as the decided upon shoes.
If a dancer participates in a jazz dance for the team it will replace their jazz dance for the recital so you will not be required to “double up” on classes, fees, and costumes. Same will be true for tap and ballet/lyrical unless are line/large group Saturday rehearsing dance.
Competitions are held on weekends. They can begin as early as Friday morning. Schedules for the competitions are not published until app. 7 days prior to the event weekend. We will know potential competition dates in August and will make the list official by Thanksgiving. The team will have a preview performance in January and begin competing in February. Dancers will be expected to participate in the competition regardless of the schedule when published. To be excused from a competition, KDS must be notified 60 days in advance and the reason must be family, religious, or school related.
KDS strives to compete with sportsmanlike conduct and strong studio spirit. Dancers making negative, belittling, or rude comments to other team members or other studios will receive a warning, if there is a second incident they will be dismissed from the team. We encourage the kids to work hard and goofing around and lack of focus will constantly be corrected. If a dancer has continued problems with talking in class and focus they too may be asked to leave the team. It is not our goal to win, it is our goal to make good use of time, continue toward goals, be respectful of the learning habits of other dancers, and to be respectful of the staff and their time. The KDS staff reserves the right to refuse service at anytime.
If a dancer elects to no longer participate with the teams after the accept/decline deadline for any reason other than medical there will be a $150.00 drop fee per routine to cover re-choreographing, staff and rehearsal time. Medical drops must be accompanied by the proper documentation. There are no refunds for costumes, annual fees, or entry fees.
Those dancers who wish to participate with solos or duo/trios within the competitive team will need to comply and agree to the following –
Take a weekly private class at KDS or
To compete under the heading of KDS the dance routine must be choreographed by a KDS staff member (full or part time). The proper payment and paperwork must be on file with and through KDS. The staff does not choose soloists, it is a choice you will make with your dancer.
If a solo or duet/trio chooses not to compete at a group competition notification must be received 60 days in advance. If not, fees will still apply. In order to compete with a solo a dancer must comply with all criteria listed in application. This includes but is not limited too number of group dances required based on level and what genres have been studied.
KDS will suggest duets and trios and offer them on accept/decline papers, however dancers may also choose to compete with a duet or trio. To do so you may register for a duet/trio through the KDS desk. Those offered a duet/trio on their paperwork can register through the online portal. When the assigned teacher feels the duet/trio is ready it will be allowed to enter competition by the same process as solos.
Any rehearsal time outside of a regularly scheduled solo class time must be scheduled through the studio (at the desk) and appropriate payment must be made. All additional rehearsal time for solos and duo/trios will be at the rate of $20.00 per 30 minutes. Again this time outside your scheduled weekly class or your 3 hours included in the choreography fee (see solo form for more details).
Soloist should carry their own back up and rehearsal music with them at competitions.
All solo or duo/trio costumes must be approved by KDS prior to going on any stage under the KDS heading. Missed solo lessons due to a students’ conflicts are not open for make-ups. You can schedule a makeup but there will be a charge.
The audition information is listed below.
Please wear all black dance attire, have hair pulled back and wear jazz shoes or ½ sole turners. Have paper work completed and include a current headshot. Also..
Execute the following skills to the best of your ability –
Dancers entering grades 3-5 in 2023 (Juniors)
Kick combination of 2 front (Right and Left), one side kick (right) and one Back kick (Left) – repeat this combination at least 3 times.
Chaine turns, at least a series of three turn both right and left
Jetes – Chasse step leap on both the right and left side, at least three leaps each leg
Pirouette on the right. Face the camera for these and execute three separate turns.
Fan kick on Right – Face judges, ball change to prepare.
Perform jazz combo taught at learning session
Dancers entering grades 6-8 in ‘23 (Teens) and Dancers entering grades 9-12 in ’23 (Seniors)
Kicks – 1 front, 1 side, 1 back and chasse alternating legs – a minimum of 4 sets.
Pirouettes – Facing the camera please – as many as you can execute cleanly
Jetes – Chasse step leap, continuing to leap for a minimum series of three on the right and left
Leaps in second – Chasse step leap, execute at least 2 with open straddle facing camera
Stag/Calypso – Releve chaine, plie chaine leap on right.
Firebird – Chasse step leap on right
Ala seconds – Facing the judges, please execute three ala second turns into a double pirouette
Seniors – Turn combo or variation of turns of your choice.
Both – perform jazz and lyrical/contemporary combos
Call backs – All senior dancers should remain at the studio until all have auditioned. At that time, we will call all seniors back for call backs. Dancers will dance side by side in multiple groupings and will be asked to perform either the jazz combo or lyrical/contemporary combo.
Last Chance Auditions – If you cannot attend May 15th and 17th - please let us know asap and we will determine if a private call back is needed.
Combo learning sessions
Juniors – Monday, May 15th – 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Teens – Monday, May 15th – 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Seniors – Monday, May 15th - 7:30pm – 9:15pm
Audition Sessions – These times are subject to change based on number of dancers in attendance. After the learning session a more accurate schedule will be emailed to all participating.
Juniors – Wednesday, May 17th – 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Teens – Wednesday, May 17th – 6:15pm – 8:00pm
Seniors – Wednesday, May 17th – 7:45pm – 9:15pm
Call Backs for seniors at 9:15pm
Please let us know if you have any questions or call back conflicts.
Thanks – Hope to see you there!!
Kerri’s Dance Studio “Take Flight” Competition Team
Shooting Stars program
Hello young dancers and families! We are excited to invite you to join our petite team called “Shooting Stars”. This group will be composed of dancers with noticeable potential between the ages of 4-7 years old. (younger than entering 3rd grade)
We think your dancer has the potential and skills needed to be a part of this fun and unique opportunity!
No auditions will be held for these team, placement will be based on teachers experiences with dancers in class as well as the recital performances.
These dancers will be placed in groups based on age and level and rehearse app. 30-45 minutes per week in addition to their regular weekly dance classes. These rehearsal times will be determined by the group’s schedules. All shooting stars team members will be required to take a minimum of 2 additional classes. We strongly suggest ballet, technique, and/or a jazz/tap combo
This team will compete in 3-4 regional competitions in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. There will be 1 competition option in Des Moines and/or Kansas City. There will be nationals in Minneapolis as well, but this will be completely optional. The competitive season begins in September with learning choreography and rehearsals, in January the team will have a show for friends and family. Competitions will begin in February and complete in early May. Exact competitions/dates will be selected based on the team members schedules and availability.
Each Shooting Star dance group rehearsals will be led by Miss Kerri and staff and have 1 assistant. This assistant will be available for optional rehearsal times, mentoring, and moral support for these young dancers. The KDS Take Flight competition team prides itself in offering a supportive, fun filled, friendship and growth driven team experience. We want the kids to focus on technical growth, increased comfort and confidence on stage, learning the elements and meaning of teamwork and sportsmanship, and making lifelong friendships.
Shooting Star dancer may be broken into 2 groups based on experience. Group 1 will be offered 1 competitive routine and group 2 will may be offered up to 3 competitive routine options. These groups will be based on number of participants, experience, and age.
If you are interested in your child participating in this exciting new team, please fill out the attached paperwork and return to the studio by July 1st, 2023. After the 1st paperwork will be mailed out with offers for groups. Upon receiving this packet, you will fill out the accept/decline forms stating what your commitment for the season will be based on the rehearsal time and investment. These forms will be returned to the studio upon completion and rehearsals for the team will begin in late August/early September. You are not committed to anything until the return of these forms, there will be an option to decline regardless until this time.
Below/attached is a general list of the financial commitments and a form of interest. Please fill out and return to the studio by July 1st, 2023
We are so excited and look forward to hearing back from everyone!
Thanks Kerri and Staff
App. Investment –
Monthly fee for rehearsal time - $32.00 - $5.00 (in addition to regular weekly classes)
Annual Team Participation Fee - $120.00 (covers additional rehearsal time as needed, choreography fees, master classes matriculation, staff time at competitions, and music editing fees).
Costume – App. $70.00 each
Competitive Fees– Per competition (4-5 per season) app. $55.00 each (this money is paid directly to the competition companies hosting the events)
Shooting Stars program
Hello young dancers and families! We are excited to invite you to join our petite team called “Shooting Stars”. This group will be composed of dancers with noticeable potential between the ages of 4-7 years old. (younger than entering 3rd grade)
We think your dancer has the potential and skills needed to be a part of this fun and unique opportunity!
No auditions will be held for these team, placement will be based on teachers experiences with dancers in class as well as the recital performances.
These dancers will be placed in groups based on age and level and rehearse app. 30-45 minutes per week in addition to their regular weekly dance classes. These rehearsal times will be determined by the group’s schedules. All shooting stars team members will be required to take a minimum of 2 additional classes. We strongly suggest ballet, technique, and/or a jazz/tap combo
This team will compete in 3-4 regional competitions in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. There will be 1 competition option in Des Moines and/or Kansas City. There will be nationals in Minneapolis as well, but this will be completely optional. The competitive season begins in September with learning choreography and rehearsals, in January the team will have a show for friends and family. Competitions will begin in February and complete in early May. Exact competitions/dates will be selected based on the team members schedules and availability.
Each Shooting Star dance group rehearsals will be led by Miss Kerri and staff and have 1 assistant. This assistant will be available for optional rehearsal times, mentoring, and moral support for these young dancers. The KDS Take Flight competition team prides itself in offering a supportive, fun filled, friendship and growth driven team experience. We want the kids to focus on technical growth, increased comfort and confidence on stage, learning the elements and meaning of teamwork and sportsmanship, and making lifelong friendships.
Shooting Star dancer may be broken into 2 groups based on experience. Group 1 will be offered 1 competitive routine and group 2 will may be offered up to 3 competitive routine options. These groups will be based on number of participants, experience, and age.
If you are interested in your child participating in this exciting new team, please fill out the attached paperwork and return to the studio by July 1st, 2023. After the 1st paperwork will be mailed out with offers for groups. Upon receiving this packet, you will fill out the accept/decline forms stating what your commitment for the season will be based on the rehearsal time and investment. These forms will be returned to the studio upon completion and rehearsals for the team will begin in late August/early September. You are not committed to anything until the return of these forms, there will be an option to decline regardless until this time.
Below/attached is a general list of the financial commitments and a form of interest. Please fill out and return to the studio by July 1st, 2023
We are so excited and look forward to hearing back from everyone!
Thanks Kerri and Staff
App. Investment –
Monthly fee for rehearsal time - $32.00 - $5.00 (in addition to regular weekly classes)
Annual Team Participation Fee - $120.00 (covers additional rehearsal time as needed, choreography fees, master classes matriculation, staff time at competitions, and music editing fees).
Costume – App. $70.00 each
Competitive Fees– Per competition (4-5 per season) app. $55.00 each (this money is paid directly to the competition companies hosting the events)
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