Participants are required to:
- Audition for level placement
- Make a one-year commitment from the start of summer training
- Enroll in and attend all Danceforce training sessions from June through May
- Enroll in at least on technical dance class (ballet or jazz) throughout the year (summer, fall and winter/spring sessions) in addition to their regular training schedule
- Study and develop in the areas of the six pillars of character designed by Character Counts!
- Meet the minimum requirements for training as listed
Dancers will participate in charitable activities throughout the year. They are also encouraged to be peer leaders in the Power Dance Project at their own school or as a student assistant at another school (as peer leaders, there is no charge for their participation in Power Dance Project). The program will hold general fundraisers to offset overall company expenses, therefore all participants MUST participate (a minimum required effort will be determined for each fundraiser). In addition, there will be opportunities for dancers to raise money for their personal accounts, which can be put toward session fees, convention fees, personal costume items and other individual expenses. You always have the option of buying out your required fundraising amount.
Kidz Company
Entering 1st-3rd Grade
Junior Company
Entering 4th-5th Grade
Teen Company
Entering 6th-8th Grade
Senior Company
Entering 9th Grade and older
TRAINING & REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
Training will include progressive dance and performance training, conditioning & strength training, education on nutrition and health, and leadership/comprehensive character education (six pillars of character).
Sibling Discounts
We recognize the fact that many families have more than one child participating in the Danceforce program. Because this is a year-long commitment with class and schedule requirements, we’d like to make it easier for you to keep all of your children involved by extending a $10 discount off of Danceforce sessions for additional siblings. Proof of relationship may be required upon registration.
Multiple Class Discounts
In an effort to encourage dance training in all styles of dance for our Danceforce members, we offer a $10 discount for participants taking more than two (2) additional dance classes. This means that the first two classes are full session fees, then every class after that is $10 less!50% Discount for Hip Hop Classes
A technical class (jazz or ballet) is required for Danceforce training, but hip hop can also be extremely beneficial to the dancers development and versatility on stage. In an effort to encourage hip hop training and ease the financial burden, we offer a 50% discount to DANCEFORCE DANCERS ONLY. This is an incentive discount, not applicable to the general public.
DANCEFORCE REQUIRED TRAINING (June 2008 – May 2009):
The overall year of training is devided into three "park district" seasons: Summer, Fall and Winterspring. There is usually a week or two between each session that dancers do not meet, but a Danceforce Master Calendar should be referred to for accurate dates. All Danceforce members will train twice a week in the afternoons/evenings, (except Kidz Danceforce, TUESDAYS only) at the Bolingbrook Recreation and Aquatic Complex.
Kidz Company
Tuesdays 4:30-6:00 pm
Junior Company
Tuesdays 4:30-6:00 pm
And Fridays 6:00-7:30 pm
Teen Company
Wednesdays 4:00-5:30pm
And Fridays 4:30-6:00pm
Senior Company
Wednesdays 5:30-7:00pm
And Fridays 3:30 - 5:00pm
VERY IMPORTANT: Bolingbrook Park District often has one or more unscheduled weeks between sessions. Danceforce usually meets continuously, even during a period of time that might be unscheduled according to the Park District catalog and sessions. Adhere to the current updates and schedules as they are distributed and to the Google master calendar that you will have access to as a member. The Google Master Calendar and all handouts supercede information previously printed in the park district brochure which is typically printed months in advance. If there are additional training days called, you will NOT incur any additional expense for these additional dates of training.
REGISTERING FOR DANCEFORCE CLASSES/SESSIONS:
It is your responsibility to keep track of session dates and make sure that your child is registered prior to the start of the next session. Dancers may not participate if they are not registered. Please keep track of the session dates and schedule, and please communicate a financial problem immediately to Stacey so that a payment plan or similar arrangement can be made and your child does not need to miss important training unnecessarily.
FUNDRAISING
Our program is fortunate to have a hard-working and dedicated parent fundraising committee that organize a series of activities through which we, as a company, raise funds for our overall expenses (GENERAL FUNDRAISERS). You can also raise money to be used specifically for your personal fees and expenses (INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISERS). The general fundraisers are mandatory. In most cases, a minimum will be set for each event or activity that each dancer MUST do, but all dancers and families SHOULD do their best since the funds will benefit each and every dancer. Most concert costume expenses, bus transportation to/from events, parties and awards, etc. are paid for by general funds raised for the program, so all children benefit from these funds. If you absolutely CANNOT participate for some reason, a dollar amount will be determined that you will need to contribute. Individual fundraisers are optional, but highly encouraged, since the money raised will go directly into your personal account to be used for ANY and ALL Danceforce-related expenses, including session fees.
FINANCES/ADDITIONAL EXPENSES
Each participant/parent will use their household account (through the Bolingbrook Park District) to deposit funds needed for the program and have expenses deducted. You will have the opportunity to fundraise during the year and money raised will be deposited to your individual household account with the Park District unless the event has been deemed a “general funds” fundraiser. The Danceforce Parent Association (see parent committees) holds the revenue generated from our general fundraisers in a booster account to be used for general operating expenses (transportation, production fees, activity expenses, etc.). As individual costume and/or program expenses come up you will need to have the necessary funds in your Park District household account by the deadline. Deposit forms for Danceforce fundraising are available at the main desks and should accompany all deposits to ensure that they money is properly deposited. NOTE: Individual fundraising money can be used for program session fees as well as costume/program expenses as long as it is in your account. Be sure to keep record of it so that it is not used for other household fees by the Park District.
REQUIRED COSTUME/UNIFORM & FEES
The official uniform worn to many Danceforce performances and activities is black jazz pants (black jeans for male dancers), the official Danceforce shirt and black DANCE sneakers. No substitute items will be permitted. Dancers MUST wear the official uniform, so please plan accordingly and be sure that you have purchased the necessary items.
ON OWN:
Personal pair of athletic shoes to work out in
Personal pair of clean, white athletic shoes to wear for performances
Personal pair of blue denim jeans
Personal pair of blue denim jeans shorts
WE’LL ORDER FOR YOU:
Black dance sneaker – new dancers will be fitted and will need to purchase at start of summer training ($35 through Park District)
Black jazz pants (females) – new dancers will need to purchase within the 1st month of training ($25)
Black denim pants (males) – new dancers will need to purchase within the 1st month of training ($35)
This year’s Danceforce shirt – all dancers will need to purchase within the 1st month of training ($15)
Flesh colored, convertible tights for female dancers ($8)
New dancers (and dancers needing replacement items) will be fitted the first week of training. Black jazz pants and the official Danceforce shirt will be purchased through the Bolingbrook Park District so you will need to have the necessary funds in your account by the deadline date. NOTE: if you are a returning dancer and plan to reuse any items listed above, you must first have their condition approved by our costume committee, then the item will not be ordered for you.
OPTIONAL DANCEFORCE DENIM OR NYLON JACKETS/CHARACTER WEAR
Wearing one of the official company jackets is optional, but we encourage the dancers to try to purchase one so they can wear it to and from activities with the rest of the company. Both jackets may be purchased for $45-$50 depending upon size ordered. Orders will be taken in the fall. Money should be in your account by the beginning of September. Additional cool and trendy clothing is offered at various times throughout the year – CHARACTER WEAR! Watch for it!
MANDATORY ACTIVITY EXPENSES FOR ALL DANCERS
DANCE FESTIVAL 2008 - $35
(EXCEPTION: OPTIONAL FOR KIDZ CO.) Danceforce Company members will participate in Dance Festival 2008. Dancers will take 2 classes from professional guest choreographers, then later in the day, they will perform at the Bolingbrook Village Hall Performing Arts Stage in the 2008 Dance Festival Multicultural Showcase Concert, which will include all of the participating dance studios and companies and special guests from various cultural organizations. The Festival takes place Sunday, August 10, 2008 and will cost $35 per dancer. This fee includes a commemortative T-shirt and drawstring bag. Bolingbrook Park District hosts this event, and it is considered one of the most valuable experiences of the season for our dance company.
Danceforce Jamm Team Requirements
Jamm Team is the advanced level of the Junior, Teen and Senior companies. Members must be completely dedicated to the efforts of the Danceforce Jamm Team, current Danceforce members, auditioned, and must make it a priority above all other extra curricular activities throughout the year. Jamm Teams set the standard of hard work, positive attitude and group effort, working at an accelerated pace and doing more difficult choreography in all styles of dance, with frequent performances that must be at the highest level of showmanship. Activities include all Danceforce appearances, additional Jamm Team appearances, volunteer/charity work, conventions/competitions and possible travel. The Danceforce program is partially supported by an Illinois Arts Council grant. Auditions were held this past summer, and the Jamm Teams have already been selected for the current Danceforce season.
Dancers perform on a regular basis for:
WNBA Chicago Sky
Dance Chicago
2007-2008 BPD Danceforce Jamm Teams
Description, Expectations & Eligibility
Description
The Bolingbrook Park District Danceforce Jamm Teams are the award-winning, nationally acclaimed divisions of the over all Danceforce company. They are divided into three groups by age/grade: the Junior Jamm Team (ages 8 up to 5th grade) the Teen Jamm Team (6th – 8th grade) and the Senior Jamm Team (high school and older). Age at the time of national competition may dictate the team a dancer is assigned to.
The Jamm teams have set a very high standard of excellence and expectation, and therefore require a large commitment on the part of each individual on the team. In addition to the regularly scheduled company training and events for Danceforce, Jamm Teams perform frequently at a variety of additional events and venues. Most performances will be scheduled in advance, however, there are often performances that come up throughout the season without much notice, and these performances MUST take priority over other activities. All dance training,rehearsals/ practices, activities, events and performances must take priority over all extra-curricular and social activities as described in detail later in this document. The jamm team commitment is a full year, from September through August. Failure to fulfill the entire year will result in ineligibility for jamm team the following year, and until a full year of Danceforce company participation is completed successfully.
Overall Expectations
A Jamm Team dancer is expected to do the following:
Travel out of state for national competition in July 2008. Destination to be announced at start of the season, and fundraising activity specifically for jamm team dancers to take place throughout the 2007-2008 season to offset travel expenses.
Perform more frequently and with the highest level of showmanship. Activities will include all Danceforce appearances, additional Jamm Team appearances, Elite team performances, if selected, and all required volunteer/charity work, conventions/competitions and travel.
Take dance training and conduct very seriously. Required class(es) and company training conduct, attendance and effort should be 100% at all times. Excessive absences from training and/or classes, or conduct/attitude issues may result in loss of position on team.
Demonstrate an understanding and following of rules and expected behavior for Danceforce, dance classes and performances/events.
Exhibit the highest standard of character. Professionalism is determined by both performance and behavior. Jamm Team dancers are expected to show good character, work ethic and teamwork AT ALL TIMES.
Danceforce and Jamm team events/performances must be a priority above extra-curricular activities and social events. (Personal family matters that are unavoidable and academic issues will be the only exceptions to this expectation).
Maintain and demonstrate technical requirements, showmanship and good attitude THROUGHOUT the season. If technique, attitude or showmanship in performance is deemed lacking at any time during the current season, a dancer may lose his/her position on the team.
Must be a team player and understand that the program, performance and best interest and reputation of the team precede the individual. Must be willing to accept decisions made by teachers and choreographers with grace and good attitude.
Be a role model to the entire company in Danceforce training, in classes, at performances and at any events where they are representing Danceforce – effort, attitude, responsibility, punctuality, respect, dependability and care for others.
Should be first to volunteer when needed, and be willing to lead when called upon.
Maintain a good academic standing, and keep grades/studying up based upon the personal standards of that dancer’s school and family.
Family Commitment & Expectations
The Danceforce program and the Bolingbrook Park District provide a great deal of financial support and equipment/resources to the efforts of the jamm teams (competition fees, costuming, sets/props, appearance transportation when necessary, additional rehearsal time when needed, etc., staff for performances and extra rehearsals,etc). For this reason, it is important that the entire family understands the commitment level, and the need for parent/family participation in activities or events necessary for the financial and overall well-being of the program their child is participating in.
Jamm team parent volunteering is MANDATORY and at least one parent should serve on a jamm team committee. If you already serve on a company committee, you will not be expected to join a jamm team committee. Jamm team committees will consist of a fundraising sub-committee, a convention/competition committee and any other committee as a need arises during the year.
If a fundraiser is deemed a Jamm team or convention/competition fundraiser, Jamm team parents MUST participate and will be provided with information on how and what they can do.
Jamm team parents are expected to fulfill the minimum required fundraising for each general fundraising endeavor as announced throughout the year. Participation in general fundraisers is expected, since much of the jamm team expenses are offset by our general funds. Much like the dancers themselves, we expect the jamm team family/parents to set the example of commitment and responsibility.
This is a travel year for jamm teams. Fundraising activities specifically for jamm team dancers required to attend national competition will be mandatory for all jamm team dancers and families.
Plan ahead for upcoming Jamm team expenses and make them a priority. Competitions and travel relating to competitions are mandatory, so funds must be in place for them. The dates and details will be provided ahead of time, so we expect households to be prepared for them.
Training Requirements
DANCE TRAINING Throughout the Year (September through August) (NO EXCEPTIONS)
Two (2) regularly scheduled practices per week (as scheduled in the park district brochure – do not register for company, register for your assigned jamm team only). Slightly later or earlier start/end times for a season of an extra-curricular sport will be considered, but approval will be based upon what is in the best interest of the teams during the season requested. Consistent absences due to an extra-curricular activity will not be tolerated, and may result in loss of position on team or loss of eligibility to perform in an upcoming performance or competition.
One (1) required technical class (ballet, jazz or lyrical) each week throughout the year as scheduled and at the assigned level, as determined at the audition.
One (1) hip hop class (at the DF 50% discount) each week throughout the year as scheduled and at the assigned level, as determined at the audition.
REHEARSALS
Required to attend ALL rehearsals as scheduled, and required to attend additional rehearsals as they come up (preparation for Spring Concerts, special performances, etc.). This schedule will take precedence over ALL other activities participant may be involved in. Notice of unscheduled, additional rehearsals will be provided at least a week prior to the date, and must be attended unless the conflict is academic or a preplanned family vacation/commitment.
COSTUMING
Being a Jamm Team member will require more costuming. Expense is always kept at a minimum, however, as costuming needs arise you will be notified and the payments MUST be in your park district household accounts by the deadline. Fundraising participation is highly encouraged to offset expenses, but the dancer will ultimately be responsible for the expense by the deadline date.
FEES
Jamm Team members MUST have their session registrations and fees in ON TIME or their position will be in jeopardy. Late registration without communication on more than one occasion will result in loss of position. Please plan ahead and communicate with Stacey and/or Desiree if and when there may be a problem.
Jamm Team Season Overview
Late August: Tryouts and placement
September – October: Fall training/preparation (includes competition routines, concert routines,
miscellaneous performance rehearsals)
November: Performance month – Dance Chicago, Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
November – January: Competition intensive; preparation for preliminary competition in January
(convention and dates TBA).
February: Concert intensive; month preceding Danceforce concert is extremely busy for jamm teams. March: Danceforce concert month
April-May: Dancers concentrate on class choreography in preparation for May Concert Series.
(Danceforce routines and Jamm team routines will be rehearsed as needed for these concerts.)
June: National competition intensive; month preceding national competition will be demanding with rehearsals and fundraising efforts, and must take priority.
July: National competition month (Travel to Las Vegas, Nevada for Summer Jamm Nationals)
August: Summer performances and conclusion of jamm team season with an August performance TBA.
Keep in mind that Jamm team is a facet of Danceforce. All Danceforce scheduled events and activities include jamm teams. This is an overview of what a jamm team dancer should expect.
Eligibility
Kidz & Junior Company dancers are eligible for the Junior Jamm Team.
If selected, a current Kidz company dancer will move up and train with Junior company/Jamm team.
Teen Company dancers are eligible for the Teen Jamm Team.
Senior Company dancers are eligible for the Senior Jamm Team.
NEW! AGE CONSIDERATION
Age on the date of national competition will be considered in determining what team a dancer may be selected for. Once the dancers have been selected after tryouts, birthdays and ages will be examined to see if the ages assigned to a specific team will result in the team moving from a particular competition category and force competition between teams. In this case, it may be concluded that a particular dancer must move up to an older jamm team, if their age places them in that age group at the date of national competition. Please be prepared for this possibility before trying out.
All Jamm Team dancers are REQUIRED to have mastered technical skills as listed below, and must exhibit the highest level of showmanship and professionalism in ALL styles of dance. Skill requirements will be included in the audition process and routine. Note: placement in class levels will be determined by teachers, and may not be consistent within a team. Class training is individual, and level placement is important for the individual development of a dancer.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Junior Jamm Team
Chaine turns (R/L – clean and pulled up)
Double Pirouettes (R/L)
Jetes (R/L/C)
Pas de bourres (R/L)
Chase (R/L)
Pique turns (R/L)
Freestyling
Teen & Senior Jamm Teams
Chaine turns
Attitude turns
Pique turns
Axles
Triple Pirouettes
Grande jetes (R/L/C)
Switch leaps (R/L)
Splits (R/L)
Freestyling
Additional skills and abilities in other styles of dance or performance (tap, stunting, breaking, etc.) will be considered.
All dancers must have fulfilled the summer training requirements, which include company training twice a week and a technical class. (Note: attendance to both will be factored in. excessive absences may deem a dancer ineligible).
Dancers that did not fulfill the summer training requirements or have unexcused absences or incident(s) of bad behavior which were documented and acknowledged
will be ineligible to audition.
Dancers returning from the 2006-2007 season must have a good record for both attitude and attendance. (dancers must not have been on probation or suspended during the season, and have not exhibited negative or detrimental behavior during the season).
Dancers who have quit Danceforce or Jamm Team before the end of their season will be ineligible for a full year, and must participate successfully in a full year of Danceforce as a company dancer before being eligible again.
JAMM TEAM RULES
Positive attitudes MUST be maintained at all times.
Must work at the highest level in classes and rehearsals and must demonstrate good behavior and follow the rules at all times. Must be a leader in class and rehearsals.
The six pillars of character are thoroughly understood and exemplified at all times (even when you are not with the Danceforce).
Must be willing to take on additional responsibilities for the Danceforce program.
Must not commit to extra curricular activities if they will conflict with rehearsal schedules or performances.
Must clear schedule for a Jamm Team appearance or practice that has been announced at least one (1) week in advance. If conflict is not academic related or a pre-planned family event, schedules must be cleared even within a week’s notice.
Must maintain a B average in school, and must not be on academic probation. (subject to parent/school standards as communicated)
Is not allowed ANY unexcused absences or tardies.
Must make participation in Jamm Team the priority above all other activities throughout the upcoming year.
Parents and participants must actively participate in General Fundraisers.
Participants are expected to fulfill the charity/volunteer company requirements.
Must plan on attending at least one (1) dance convention in January and nationals in the summer, if we qualify. Must plan to travel if nationals are out of state.
Must keep 30 minutes of time immediately following scheduled ending time of rehearsals free, in the event a rehearsal runs overtime. Sometimes this is unavoidable. Parents should be aware of this and plan accordingly.
Must have the support of family – their willingness to plan family activities and appointments around Jamm Team schedules.
Must be organized and keep track of schedules & announcements –DANCERS AND PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SCHEDULES, UPDATES AND INFORMATION.
IMPORTANT: Financial aid is available for qualifying households. Simply pick up a financial aid form at any of the front desks and submit if for consideration prior to the start of the session being applied for. Payment plans are also an option and can be arranged with Stacey Archer-Little, program supervisor, at (630) 783-6641. If, however, a payment plan is arranged but payments are not made as scheduled, the payment plan will be cancelled and full payment at the start of each session will apply.
