Performing Groups

Performing Groups-commitment and challenge

Vanleena performing groups require the utmost dedication and attendance and require a serious commitment from both dancers and parents. A performing group is a synergistic team of individuals working together to achieve their goals. As such, attendance is of utmost importance. Students with poor attendance may be withdrawn from the group. One month prior to any festival, we expect PERFECT class attendance. If students are unable to dance due to illness or injury, it is recommended that students come to watch the class whenever possible.
Students in performing jazz groups MUST attend two ballet classes a week, as well as Stretch & Strength and Open classes.

Students in performing groups are required to purchase a Vanleena tracksuit to wear to and from festivals and competitions. The cost is approximately $125 and will be charged at registration. A costume deposit of $50 will be collected on Dec. 15, 2007. Costume fees range from $80-$150 and the balance is payable when the costume is ready for pick-up.

Festivals take place in Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Abbotsford, Coquitlam and Whistler. They often occur during the school day, on weekends and during the extended Spring Break period. Instructors choose appropriate festivals and students are advised of the dates as soon as they become available. Students are expected to adjust their schedule accordingly, wherever possible. Please advise the office in writing of any dates your children are absolutely unavailable from February to May 2008 so the instructor can choose their festivals accordingly.

If a student is unable to attend a festival, the student may become an understudy or be required to teach the routine to another dancer. The group may have to attend mandatory re-blocking classes if students are missing.

Please note that instructors are not required to attend festivals and may choose to do so on their own time. They have the option of assigning a class representative or parent volunteer to attend with the group. Any cash awards won by the group are divided equally with half going to the instructor and half going to Friends of Vanleena Society. For solos, duos and trios any cash awards are split 50/50 with half going to the instructor and the other half going to the dancer(s).

Performing groups are REQUIRED to have one parent volunteer to help with the festival paperwork, help with costumes, disseminate festival information to other parents, and organize carpooling to various festivals. Please note that without this parent volunteer, the group will not be entered into festivals. Please contact the office if you would like more information on volunteering.

A Commitment Letter for Performing Groups must be signed prior to joining these classes and students and parents are expected to honour their commitments. REMEMBER competitions are often held during school hours, on weekends, and/or during the extended spring break period.