Kerri’s Dance Studio Take Flight Competition Team
Auditions 2024 -2025 season
Ever consider competitive dance? Does your dancer learn quickly & really enjoy being on stage? Does your little one want to perform more than once a year & 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 13th – 15th, 2024 with private auditions by appointment only.
Auditions will be comprised of several parts… an evaluation form filled out by a current instructor, a learning session to learn short combos of choreography, performing a set list of technical skills, and for high school age dancers, a possible call back round.
After auditions, in early July dancers will receive an offering letter via email listing the routines they are being offered based on the scores they earned and the level of commitment they choose. The offer will list the name and style of each dance, the rehearsal time, 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 classes as well as other required and optional classes 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. A parent meeting will be held in August to finalize selected competitions and go over details of the season.
What exactly does the competition team do?
The KDS competition teams compete in 4 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. 2025 will be a “travel” year and details on location will be available in early August.
Rehearsals for team members begin in August and continue through May with one additional rehearsal day in June prior to Nationals. In general, groups will rehearse once a week Monday through Thursday evenings. Saturdays will be used in fall and early winter to learn choreography for production. ALL TEAM MEMBERS will need to have some Saturday availability for choreography sessions as needed 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 in association with jazz classes. Guest choreographers will be scheduled in August, September, & October.
In early August the team will participate in an in-house intensive with Two4One productions. 6 classes will be offered in 2 age brackets. Every team member is required to participate in a minimum of 3 classes on this day. We encourage all the classes.
The competitive team is often invited to perform at other events like fundraisers, benefits, dance shows, etc. These are not required, but attendance at these events is strongly encouraged.
All competition dances will be performed in the annual KDS recital in early June and solos, duets, and trios will have an end of the season showcase as well.
What are the requirements to be on this team?
Class requirements for competitive dancers are as follows and are NEW THIS SEASON – so please be sure to read…
Dancers at any level may add additional classes and are encouraged to do so..
Shooting Stars team – Dancers ages 4-7 years old or not yet attending third grade
1 Tap/Jazz combo class and 1 Ballet class per week
Rehearsal time for accepted dances (1-2)
Level 1 Dancers ages 8-14 (prior to high school)
Level 1 dancers will be offered no more than 4 total group and duet/trio routines this does not include productions.
Required classes for level 1 dancers
1 technique class per week
1 Classical Ballet class per week
4 week session of jazz progressions
Rehearsal time for accepted dances
Minimum 3 classes at the summer intensive
Level 2 dancers ages 8-18 years
Level 2 dancers will be offered no more than 8 total group and duet/trio routines, not including productions, and are allowed to compete with a solo if desired.
Required classes for level 2 dancers.
1 technique class per week - we strongly encourage 2
1 Classical Ballet class per week – we strongly encourage 2 of each
1 Core & Strength training class per week
4 week session of jazz progressions
Minimum 3 classes at the summer intensive
Rehearsal time for accepted dances
Level 3 dancers ages 14-18 years
Level 3 dancers could possibly be offered more than 8 routines not including production and will have the option to compete with 2 solos if approved/desired. Level 3 dancers will work with guest choreographers as well as KDS staff in the highest-level routines.
Required classes for Level 3 dancers.
1 technique class per week if participating in high school dance team.
2 technique classes per week if not participating in high school dance team.
Ballet fundamentals class on Wednesdays
1 semi private or private lesson per week (this can be a duet/trio lesson or solo lesson, this does not mean you HAVE to compete with a solo or duet but is optional)
Attend core/strength/stamina sessions on Wednesdays in August, September, & October prior to jazz choreographers’ sessions.
Availability to attend all scheduled times with guest choreographers.
Minimum 3 classes at the summer intensive
Rehearsal time for accepted dances
Competitive group class and rehearsal session pricing for the season
Production rehearsal time for the season - $20.00 per month
20 minute rehearsal sessions - $28.00 per month
30 minute rehearsal sessions – 35.00 per month
30 minute core & strength classes - $35.00 per month
45 minute ballet classes (intermediate) - $48.00 per month
60 minute ballet classes and Ballet fundamentals - $60.00 per month
45 minute technique classes - $48.00 per month
(2nd technique class will be 50% off and third will be free)
4 week progressions class - $60 (one-time fee)
Additional jazz progression classes $20 each (8 will be offered, 4 are required)
Level 3 core/strength/stamina sessions – included in weekly lesson fees prior to choreographer attendance.
TWO4ONE Intensive - $45 per class or $170 for full day
Annual fees to participate on the KDS Take Flight competition teams are as follows –
$150.00 annual participation fee to cover administrative work, earrings and hair pieces, trailer expenses as well as props.
$40.00 per accepted routine fee (for choreography and added rehearsal time ect).
Competition fees (per competition) - competition charges are different for each competition, most are app. $55-$65 per routine, per dancer. If your dancer participates in 3 team dances the fees would be app. $200.00 each competition. Competition fees will include time worked by staff at the event as well. These fees are subject to a late fee of 10% of the total when not paid by the posted due date.
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.
You will be responsible for the maintenance of your costumes. This means replacing missing rhinestones, hems, straps, small holes incurred etc. Costumes are expected to be cleaned, steamed, and looking clean and crisp for each competition. Details to the expectations of each costume will be noted at preview show dress rehearsal.
All KDS Take Flight team members will be required to purchase specific make-up for the stage and performances. Earrings, hair pins, and lipstick will be provided by KDS and additional back=ups will be available for purchase at the desk. If any item is lost, you will be required to replace them.
Fundraising opportunities are available for all. There is 1 required fundraiser to participate with the KDS teams. This fundraiser may vary, and details will be made available at the parent meeting in August. If you fail to participate, your account will automatically be charged a fee of $50 to cover your contribution. Money raised by this 1 group fundraiser is used for props, sets, set and prop transportation, accessories to costumes, and other incurred expenses by the staff.
Additional fundraising opportunities will also be available, these are not required, and funds raised will be added to your competition account to offset costs to compete.
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 competition dates in August. 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 or rehearsals the week prior to a competition KDS must be notified 60 days in advance and the reason must be family, religious, or school related. Vacations will not be accepted as a reason to miss a competition regardless of notice. Competition schedules will be finalized in August moving forward.
*** NEW THIS SEASON. All team members will need to purchase a specific season awards shirt/jacket. This design will be offered in a T shirt, long sleeve T, crew neck, hoodie, and jacket and will be worn at competition award ceremonies. You may purchase more than one if you like but ALL team members must have this specific top for competition award ceremonies and MUST be paired with black bottoms only. Dancers who do not have this top at competitions will not be allowed to accept awards on stage.
*** NEW THIS SEASON – The team will be required to attend a “Pep Rally” for at least 2 of the competition weekends. Likely the first competition of the season and before our regional that will qualify us for Nationals. This pep rally will consist of some team bonding activities, performing for each other, and getting pumped up for the weekend. This pep rally will be held the week prior to the comp and will be a 1-hour obligation. Dates/Time will be given well in advance.
Additional team obligations will include –
Team picture day in September/early October – Participation is required; purchase of photos will be optional - This will also be the day we reveal team buddies - Dates given asap
Buddy Breakfast – will be scheduled in October – Meet and get to know your team buddy.
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, focus, or negative behaviors they will 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 be respectful of the staff and their time. The KDS staff reserves the right to refuse service at any time.
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 $175.00 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.
Dancers may be offered a duet or trio based on the staff’s opinion of teammates and styles that would make a great routine. However, you can choose to participate in a duet or trio of your own design by filling out an application. These will be scheduled in the order in which they are received as space and staff availability allows. Dancers interested in competing with a solo should carefully review the solo application paperwork and apply. Solos will not be listed on offering emails. Again, please see the solo application paperwork.
Dancers ages 4-7 (not yet entering third grade) will not need to audition. We will just need to receive your competition application attached here by June 15th, 2024.
Dancers grades 3-12 will need to participate in the audition process
Last Chance Auditions – If you cannot attend May 13th and 15th - please let us know asap and we will determine if a private call back is needed.
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 paperwork 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)
Chaine turns, Jetes (Chasse step leap)
Pirouette on the right. Fan kick on Right – Face judges, ball change to prepare.
Perform choreography 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.
Pirouettes – Facing the camera please – as many as you can execute cleanly.
Jetes – Chasse step leap on the right and left.
Leaps in second – Chasse step leap open to front
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.
Combo learning sessions
Juniors – Monday, May 13th – 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Teens – Monday, May 13th – 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Seniors – Monday, May 13th - 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 15th – 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Teens – Wednesday, May 15th – 6:15pm – 8:00pm
Seniors – Wednesday, May 15th – 7:45pm – 9:15pm
Call Backs for seniors at 9:15pm
Please let us know if you have any questions!
Thanks – Hope to see you there!
Auditions 2024 -2025 season
Ever consider competitive dance? Does your dancer learn quickly & really enjoy being on stage? Does your little one want to perform more than once a year & 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 13th – 15th, 2024 with private auditions by appointment only.
Auditions will be comprised of several parts… an evaluation form filled out by a current instructor, a learning session to learn short combos of choreography, performing a set list of technical skills, and for high school age dancers, a possible call back round.
After auditions, in early July dancers will receive an offering letter via email listing the routines they are being offered based on the scores they earned and the level of commitment they choose. The offer will list the name and style of each dance, the rehearsal time, 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 classes as well as other required and optional classes 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. A parent meeting will be held in August to finalize selected competitions and go over details of the season.
What exactly does the competition team do?
The KDS competition teams compete in 4 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. 2025 will be a “travel” year and details on location will be available in early August.
Rehearsals for team members begin in August and continue through May with one additional rehearsal day in June prior to Nationals. In general, groups will rehearse once a week Monday through Thursday evenings. Saturdays will be used in fall and early winter to learn choreography for production. ALL TEAM MEMBERS will need to have some Saturday availability for choreography sessions as needed 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 in association with jazz classes. Guest choreographers will be scheduled in August, September, & October.
In early August the team will participate in an in-house intensive with Two4One productions. 6 classes will be offered in 2 age brackets. Every team member is required to participate in a minimum of 3 classes on this day. We encourage all the classes.
The competitive team is often invited to perform at other events like fundraisers, benefits, dance shows, etc. These are not required, but attendance at these events is strongly encouraged.
All competition dances will be performed in the annual KDS recital in early June and solos, duets, and trios will have an end of the season showcase as well.
What are the requirements to be on this team?
Class requirements for competitive dancers are as follows and are NEW THIS SEASON – so please be sure to read…
Dancers at any level may add additional classes and are encouraged to do so..
Shooting Stars team – Dancers ages 4-7 years old or not yet attending third grade
1 Tap/Jazz combo class and 1 Ballet class per week
Rehearsal time for accepted dances (1-2)
Level 1 Dancers ages 8-14 (prior to high school)
Level 1 dancers will be offered no more than 4 total group and duet/trio routines this does not include productions.
Required classes for level 1 dancers
1 technique class per week
1 Classical Ballet class per week
4 week session of jazz progressions
Rehearsal time for accepted dances
Minimum 3 classes at the summer intensive
Level 2 dancers ages 8-18 years
Level 2 dancers will be offered no more than 8 total group and duet/trio routines, not including productions, and are allowed to compete with a solo if desired.
Required classes for level 2 dancers.
1 technique class per week - we strongly encourage 2
1 Classical Ballet class per week – we strongly encourage 2 of each
1 Core & Strength training class per week
4 week session of jazz progressions
Minimum 3 classes at the summer intensive
Rehearsal time for accepted dances
Level 3 dancers ages 14-18 years
Level 3 dancers could possibly be offered more than 8 routines not including production and will have the option to compete with 2 solos if approved/desired. Level 3 dancers will work with guest choreographers as well as KDS staff in the highest-level routines.
Required classes for Level 3 dancers.
1 technique class per week if participating in high school dance team.
2 technique classes per week if not participating in high school dance team.
Ballet fundamentals class on Wednesdays
1 semi private or private lesson per week (this can be a duet/trio lesson or solo lesson, this does not mean you HAVE to compete with a solo or duet but is optional)
Attend core/strength/stamina sessions on Wednesdays in August, September, & October prior to jazz choreographers’ sessions.
Availability to attend all scheduled times with guest choreographers.
Minimum 3 classes at the summer intensive
Rehearsal time for accepted dances
Competitive group class and rehearsal session pricing for the season
Production rehearsal time for the season - $20.00 per month
20 minute rehearsal sessions - $28.00 per month
30 minute rehearsal sessions – 35.00 per month
30 minute core & strength classes - $35.00 per month
45 minute ballet classes (intermediate) - $48.00 per month
60 minute ballet classes and Ballet fundamentals - $60.00 per month
45 minute technique classes - $48.00 per month
(2nd technique class will be 50% off and third will be free)
4 week progressions class - $60 (one-time fee)
Additional jazz progression classes $20 each (8 will be offered, 4 are required)
Level 3 core/strength/stamina sessions – included in weekly lesson fees prior to choreographer attendance.
TWO4ONE Intensive - $45 per class or $170 for full day
Annual fees to participate on the KDS Take Flight competition teams are as follows –
$150.00 annual participation fee to cover administrative work, earrings and hair pieces, trailer expenses as well as props.
$40.00 per accepted routine fee (for choreography and added rehearsal time ect).
Competition fees (per competition) - competition charges are different for each competition, most are app. $55-$65 per routine, per dancer. If your dancer participates in 3 team dances the fees would be app. $200.00 each competition. Competition fees will include time worked by staff at the event as well. These fees are subject to a late fee of 10% of the total when not paid by the posted due date.
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.
You will be responsible for the maintenance of your costumes. This means replacing missing rhinestones, hems, straps, small holes incurred etc. Costumes are expected to be cleaned, steamed, and looking clean and crisp for each competition. Details to the expectations of each costume will be noted at preview show dress rehearsal.
All KDS Take Flight team members will be required to purchase specific make-up for the stage and performances. Earrings, hair pins, and lipstick will be provided by KDS and additional back=ups will be available for purchase at the desk. If any item is lost, you will be required to replace them.
Fundraising opportunities are available for all. There is 1 required fundraiser to participate with the KDS teams. This fundraiser may vary, and details will be made available at the parent meeting in August. If you fail to participate, your account will automatically be charged a fee of $50 to cover your contribution. Money raised by this 1 group fundraiser is used for props, sets, set and prop transportation, accessories to costumes, and other incurred expenses by the staff.
Additional fundraising opportunities will also be available, these are not required, and funds raised will be added to your competition account to offset costs to compete.
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 competition dates in August. 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 or rehearsals the week prior to a competition KDS must be notified 60 days in advance and the reason must be family, religious, or school related. Vacations will not be accepted as a reason to miss a competition regardless of notice. Competition schedules will be finalized in August moving forward.
*** NEW THIS SEASON. All team members will need to purchase a specific season awards shirt/jacket. This design will be offered in a T shirt, long sleeve T, crew neck, hoodie, and jacket and will be worn at competition award ceremonies. You may purchase more than one if you like but ALL team members must have this specific top for competition award ceremonies and MUST be paired with black bottoms only. Dancers who do not have this top at competitions will not be allowed to accept awards on stage.
*** NEW THIS SEASON – The team will be required to attend a “Pep Rally” for at least 2 of the competition weekends. Likely the first competition of the season and before our regional that will qualify us for Nationals. This pep rally will consist of some team bonding activities, performing for each other, and getting pumped up for the weekend. This pep rally will be held the week prior to the comp and will be a 1-hour obligation. Dates/Time will be given well in advance.
Additional team obligations will include –
Team picture day in September/early October – Participation is required; purchase of photos will be optional - This will also be the day we reveal team buddies - Dates given asap
Buddy Breakfast – will be scheduled in October – Meet and get to know your team buddy.
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, focus, or negative behaviors they will 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 be respectful of the staff and their time. The KDS staff reserves the right to refuse service at any time.
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 $175.00 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.
Dancers may be offered a duet or trio based on the staff’s opinion of teammates and styles that would make a great routine. However, you can choose to participate in a duet or trio of your own design by filling out an application. These will be scheduled in the order in which they are received as space and staff availability allows. Dancers interested in competing with a solo should carefully review the solo application paperwork and apply. Solos will not be listed on offering emails. Again, please see the solo application paperwork.
Dancers ages 4-7 (not yet entering third grade) will not need to audition. We will just need to receive your competition application attached here by June 15th, 2024.
Dancers grades 3-12 will need to participate in the audition process
Last Chance Auditions – If you cannot attend May 13th and 15th - please let us know asap and we will determine if a private call back is needed.
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 paperwork 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)
Chaine turns, Jetes (Chasse step leap)
Pirouette on the right. Fan kick on Right – Face judges, ball change to prepare.
Perform choreography 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.
Pirouettes – Facing the camera please – as many as you can execute cleanly.
Jetes – Chasse step leap on the right and left.
Leaps in second – Chasse step leap open to front
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.
Combo learning sessions
Juniors – Monday, May 13th – 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Teens – Monday, May 13th – 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Seniors – Monday, May 13th - 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 15th – 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Teens – Wednesday, May 15th – 6:15pm – 8:00pm
Seniors – Wednesday, May 15th – 7:45pm – 9:15pm
Call Backs for seniors at 9:15pm
Please let us know if you have any questions!
Thanks – Hope to see you there!
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