In Episode 20, we are sharing how we structure our performing companies at Rhythm! It's Important to us that we can offer many opportunities to the dancers at Rhythm. We've grown into 11 Performing Companies and 5 Spotlight Programs.
Mini Stars: Youngest group, approx age 6-7, required to be at the studio 2 days/wk for jazz, tap, ballet & hip hop. Most also take an optional contemporary class. They have a few weekend rehearsals, attend conventions and compete jazz, HH and tap at 3 competitions.
Connection: Intermediate, entry level company. It’s extremely desirable because the commitment isn’t overwhelming from a time or financial standpoint and they can still do other activities while remaining a big part of our studio culture. 4 different age groups: Minis, Juniors, Teens and Seniors all required to take weekly classes in jazz, hip hop and ballet; plus we have a tap company they can audition for. They compete at 3 non workshop, intermediate level competitions, with no solos or nationals, and attend one convention per year.
Fusion: Intermediate/advanced company with two levels: Teen and Senior. This is a higher commitment company for dancers who have the ability and talent to compete/perform at an advanced level, but are not ready for or not interested in the full Edge commitment. They take one class each in jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary & body awareness + 2 weekly ballet classes. They compete in jazz, tap, hip hop and contemporary and have an opportunity to audition for an extra group that varies in style from year to year. They attend 3 conventions and compete at 2, and also attend 3 competitions without workshops.
Edge: Our highest level performing company and requires the highest commitment time-wise and financially for the 4 levels: minis, juniors, teens and seniors. This group attends 5 conventions throughout the season, competes at all 5 of those, and then also attends nationals over the summer. Beyond nationals and national rehearsals, they have a required summer intensive at the end of the summer. Each group competes in all styles as a company, but also audition for extra pieces: small groups, productions and/or guest artists and solos.
Spotlight: Not part of our actual company, it’s an invitation only group that is a stepping stone should the dancers eventually want to audition for company. We have 5 different age levels. It's for the dancers who aren’t quite ready for company or love doing a little more, but don’t want the commitment of company. They are required to take 1 jazz class and 1 ballet class, scheduled back-to-back for convenience. Many of them take optional additional classes. At the end of the season, they compete jazz at one competition and they love it! It just gives them a little taste of what the companies do and sometimes it sparks more interest.
Each company has a director who takes ownership of all the responsibilities! We have an amazing team that understands our vision and culture and can foster that within each company or invitation only group!
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