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Competition Guideline
Info
| 1. |
What do I need to know prior to competition? Be sure to have all the
correct, necessary information regarding costume adjustments, arrival time,
performance time and facility directions. All info is posted in our lobby
as well as on papers that are handed out to each individual student regarding
costumes, hair, make-up etc. If by chance you are unable to attend the
last classes before competition with your child, it is your responsibility to
check with us on any missed information. |
| 2. |
How early should we arrive? Please arrive at least one hour to an hour
and a half ahead of performance time. The reason being is that sometimes
competitions can run way ahead of schedule. We want the students to be
prepared in case that happens and review any last minute adjustments. We
also hope the students will take advantage of the opportunity to sit in the
audience and watch other schools from the area, as well as show support for our
own. |
| 3. |
Is there a fee at the door to watch the competition? There is no fee to watch
any of the competitions; they are FREE to all family members. That is part of
the entry fee money that you pay ahead. Just a note for those who are new
to competitions, the fees you pay go directly to the Competition organization
and not to HSPA. That is how they pay their expenses for the facility,
judges, trophies, etc. We have nothing to do with any running of these
competitions. We are just participating like any other school. |
| 4. |
What do we do when we get to the facility? Upon arrival, students should go
directly to the dressing areas to change and get ready. Dressing rooms are
usually located within a short distance to the auditorium. Students should
come with hair and makeup done unless arriving earlier then requested and can
change into their costumes there. If you are unsure of where to go, simply
ask someone from the organization tables which are typically located in the
lobby area. | | 5. |
When should we bring our child back stage? Students should head to the back
stage area to line up approximately 8-10 numbers prior to their performance time
where we teachers will be waiting, keeping in mind that many students have
multiple numbers and will be changing from one into the next. So if you
don't see kids from your class, it is most likely due to them changing.
Just hang out and wait till you see some of your teammates gathering. |
| 6. |
What will the students be doing during that time and where should we parents
go? Once gathered and if time prevails, we will do a quick run through with the
kids going over any last minute corrections or changes.. Parents can head back
to the auditorium to relax and enjoy the show as we will have them safely with
us. 2-3 numbers before performance time we will bring them all directly
backstage and get ready to perform. | |
7. |
What should we do after our child has danced? Upon completion of the
performance the students can then head back to meet their parents in the
dressing rooms or the hall way area, please discuss this with your child before
hand. We teachers are usually running between 75 to 100 numbers so we can
not be responsible for babysitting. Parents please be prompt in picking up
your child. | | 8. |
Is it required for all students to stay for the awards? When the
students are done for the day they can either stay to join in on the awards
ceremony or they may Ieave. That is up to each individual family. |
| 9. |
Can we purchase a video of our child's dance? For those interested
there is usually a professional Videographer and or Photographer there in case
you would like to order a copy of your child's routine. Order forms are
available through them and not us. | |
10. |
What should we expect to take place at the awards ceremony? The awards
given are all adjudicated which means that every number is acknowledged with an
award. These awards ceremonies can last an average of a half hour to 45
minutes. While the scores are being tabulated, the kids can usually have
fun on stage with their teammates, or use that chance to meet others. Most of
the competitions we participate in are very laid back and relaxed, not stuffy
and stressful, so although they might look a bit un-organized and chaotic, they
are specifically geared for the kids and all about having fun!!!! |
| 11. |
How are the students judged? The students are judged in various areas.
Technique, costume, choreography, difficulty level, creativity, entertainment
quality, precision, teamwork, and over-all performance are taken under
consideration. Throughout the season we see a wide range of varied
opinions. Each judge submits a written number score of 1-100 as well as
sharing their professional advice and personal thoughts about the routines onto
critique tapes. It is just another way for all of us to continue to grow
and improve as dancers and teachers. |
| 12. |
Does every competition have the same judging system? Most are very similar
but some can have different judging standards. Typically it is as follows;
Bronze= 70-74, High Bronze= 75-79, Silver = 80-84, High Silver= 85-89, Gold =
90-94, High Gold = 95-100. It also depends on the caliber of the student's
participating. You may receive a "Gold" award at one ceremony and a
"Silver" award at the next even though you might have done just as well.
That is not to say that the competition you received the Silver is a bad
competition. It might just be that it is a harder competition of higher
caliber, more likely realistic, and one we actually prefer. We are not
strongly supportive of those that hand out the Gold's just to keep everyone
happy and coming back! What does that actually teach the kids? It only
gives them a false sense of their true talent. These are what we refer to
as the "Feel Good" competitions. They are more about making money than
they are about the students. Just keep in mind that every judge has their
own opinion so you may have a different outcome each time. It is all just
a part of the learning experience of any type of subjective competition. |
| 13. |
Who receives the awards? One student from each team will be chosen to stand
and receive the award on behalf of their class. We ask the chosen student to
smile and say thank you when being handed the award and to hold on to them until
we pass them out at the next class. This is to ensure that everyone gets
their award as it can be a little hectic trying to find classmates scattered on
stage also causing distraction. Each student receives either a ribbon or
pin. | | 14. |
What do the kids do while on stage during the awards? All students should sit
together with their teammates, showing good manners and sportsmanship by
applauding for everyone and giving their undivided attention to the host.
No talking or fooling around is tolerated. |
| 15. |
What should the students be wearing during awards? Students should be
wearing some sort of HSPA wear over their costumes or clothing during the awards
ceremony and sitting together showing team spirit and school pride. |
| 16. |
Who will our children be competing with? There are typically hundreds
of students from various dance studios across New England competing. We
encourage our students to take the opportunity to introduce themselves and meet
other kids who also share the same passion. There is a great deal of
talent to be seen and enjoyed. | | 17. |
What are the competitions like? Competitions can be a bit hectic and
seem overwhelming with the amount of kids and the long hours, but they are all
run pretty much the same. It is basically one dance routine after another
with very few breaks. It's like a 12 hour recital!!!!!! You are free
to come and go from the auditorium as you please remaining aware of your child's
performance time. | | 18. |
Should we bring our own food? Like many sports or extra curricular
activities you can expect to be sitting for many hours so we suggest bringing
food and materials to keep busy. Sometimes they do have food stands,
sometimes they don't. We always suggest bringing along some snacks and drinks
just in case. | | 19. |
FYI- If you are the type of person who doesn't like big crowds, lots of kids
running about, traveling outside of your hometown, subjective judging, fast
food, then you probably shouldn't have your child participate on a Competition
Team, or better yet, send them with someone else. 99% of our families find
it to be a rewarding experience seeing their child up on stage with their
classmates doing something they love. It also provides a chance to spend
some quality time with your child showing support and pride regardless of all
the other "not so enjoyable" elements that come along with participating in such
an event. Yes, these types of events can be exhausting and crazy, but as
parents we unselfishly make these sacrifices with the hopes of enriching our
children's lives whether it be sitting in a gymnasium, on a soccer field, in a
freezing hockey arena, or an auditorium. In the end, your child will
appreciate all the sacrifices you make and always remember the many fond
memories that these activities can bring. |
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Ultimately, we are proud of our kids no matter what. It's
all about having fun and learning new lessons. Competition,
when looked at from a positive perspective can be a
wonderful experience. It gives the students an additional opportunity to perform outside of HSPA, a chance to travel and meet people, an opportunity to be exposed to higher learning, the chance to experience what it's like to be part of a team, and simply another way to gain confidence and a sense of self worth. Certainly not by being measured by the
medal standing but more so by the pride that each student can take with them as they come off the stage knowing they did their best. Last but not least, please remember that if
you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. We want this to be a fun, positive experience for both student, and parent alike. Participating in competitions is a lot of
hard work that we are more than willing to do for our students. We hope you will see that hard work through your child's success and enjoyment! HSPA Staff
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