Hackworth School of Performing Arts

How can my child participate in the big Opening Number Production at the Recital?

Those students you see dancing in the big opening number are all the Team members. See additional info for more details on how to become a Team member.

How are Soloists Chosen to Perform in the Recital?

After trying many various ways over the course of many years, and due to the length of the show, we have had to narrow down the numbers considerably. We now only have graduating seniors and those students that reach a certain level of achievement during the competition season participate. If all soloists were in the recital the show would be over 6 hours long!!!

How important are the suggested extra ballet classes for my child?

It is without question very important to take advantage of these extraq classes if wanting to reach a certain level. If you are satisfied with just being a part of your Team in a very minimal way, that is fine and completely up to you as an individual. Each student makes that decision to become more involved, it is not us who decides which students become our most advanced. It is ultimately you who are in control of your own personal growth.

What are the conventions all about and who is eligible to go?

The conventions are open to any and all students regardless of age and level, Team or Recreational. They provide a tremendous outside learning opportunity where students can be exposed to some of the most renowned teachers and choreographers in the world. It is without a doubt one of the most inspiring and motivating experiences a dancer can attend; even more so than any competition. Those HSPA students that attend regularly tend to become our most advanced dancers by far.

What is Technique class?

Technique class is a combination of studies involving stretching, strengthening, conditioning, basic body alignment and placement, as well as learning various styles of choreography. There is a concentration on proper turning technique, leaps, and transitional movement. It is a gret addition to a student's weekly schedule.

When can my child go up on Pointe?

Generally the minimum age is 13 but only if and when a student reaches a certain level in Ballet, both technically, and physically. We do not allow students to go on Pointe without a preliminary evaluation to ensure their physical maturity, and growth. This is in the best interest of the child for their own safety which is to the utmost important to us.

Recital Numbers?

In the recital we noticed many of the same faces in a large amount of numbers. How does one get to be in so many? In the majority of the cases, for each hour you take a class dictates the amount of numbers you are in. For example, if you are on one of the Performance Teams, you are automatically in a minimum of three; the opening Production number, and your two Team numbers. If you take a ballet class, or a tap class in addition to the Team numbers, you are now up to 5. Then we offer the option for Team students to participate in additional numbers if they want to. Some students choose to dance anywhere up to 10-15 hours a week, or more. Those students are typically the ones you see so many times on stage. The non-graduating soloist's, and the Duo/Tri numbers that you see are ones that achieved a certain level of success throughout the competitive season, earning a well deserved spot in the show. All those extra numbers are divided among the 2 shows, with each group designated to one particular show. It is ultimately up to each student as to how many hours they wish to dedicate to their dancing, not us. We offer the same opportunities to each and every individual.

What are the obligations for Private Lesson students?

The only requirements for Private lesson students are giving us notice if you have to cancel. Some students attend weekly private lessons while others attend every other week. You can make your own schedule. Competitions are optional. Some students learn a choreographed routine specifically for competitions; others just come to improve upon technique. It is entirely up to each individual student. Payments must be made at each scheduled lesson. If you chose to do a choreographed solo for competing purposes, you are responsible to sign up for those competitions you wish to participate in and pay the entry fee by the deadline. If you sign up but do not pay by that deadline, you will not be registered. Instructors will assist in helping to choose which competitions are best suited for you. You can sign up for just one or up to ten; it is completely up to you.

How do I know if my child is ready for a solo?

If your child truly loves to perform and shows a strong desire to want a solo, then why not give it a try. Each child is different and will learn at their own rate of speed. As long as they are having fun and not pressured, they will grow a lot from the experience. It's amazing how much self confidence they gain through the process.

How do I go about getting a Private Lesson for my child?

Each year we post a Private Lesson sign up in the lobby. We then assign each student to an instructor, many times rotating among the staff thus allowing the student to learn from each instructor's knowledge and experience. We ask for your patience initially in the beginning of the season as we have to wait a few weeks to see which times, instructors and studios are available.

How can a student move up into a more advanced team?

The only way to progress faster and advance out of your existing team moving up is by being the best or top dancer by far. That can only happen if the student is extremely determined by taking every opportunity to better themselves. That means extra ballet classes, technique classes, conventions, private lessons, etc. This is possible and does happen from year to year. If that is your goal, show us by working hard and putting in the extra time and effort.

What is the criteria for evaluations for the more advanced teams?

Basically the student's over-all technical ability, determination, effort, and commitment are taken into consideration. They must have knowledge and experience in all styles of dance with ballet being foremost. Students are then placed accordingly.

What is HSPA's philosophy on Competitions?

We firmly believe that participating in competitions is a very positive experience for all involved, providing students with additional learning experiences beyond the classroom. We only take part in those that provide a family friendly atmosphere where students compete and are adjudicated in a non-pressured, non-competitive, environment. We do not support, encourage or tolerate any negative competitive attitudes within our studio. We believe in promoting only a positive atmosphere where students can learn and grow with a sense of self worth and confidence.

Will my child's participation in a sport prevent her from advancing and jeopardize her team status?

Not necessarily. The majority of our team members are athletes. Again it is solely up to the individual student as to the level they wish to reach. If you are an thlete, then it is up to you do all you can attend the make up classes on those days that are free during your sport's season. The more you do, the better off you'll be. Some of our most talented students have been top notch athletes. Many of which have received athletic scholarships, all the while being one of our elite dancers throughout the years. It doesn't have to jeopardize their status at all.

Are team costumes more expensive than recreational costumes?

No, not usually. Only in some circumstances when there is a specific theme requiring originally designed costumes.

How early should you arrive for competition?

You should be there at least 1 1/2 hours before your scheduled time to get ready, warm up and practice.

What is the difference between Recreational & Team Classes?

The only difference between the two is simply that the Performance Teams take their learned recital numbers and perform them in 1-2 nearby dance competitions. (The younger Teams only complete in 1.) These competitions are set in a low key, relaxed, and non-competitive environment. There is no pressure placed on winning, only to learn from the experience and be exposed to other areas students who share the same passion. Once they become a Team member they are invited to join in on the big Opening number at the recital, a highlight of the show. Joining a Team also provides an opportunity to learn about comaradarie and being a Team player. They are also provided with many outside optional learning experiences that allow them to advance and progress at a faster rate. Being on a Team makes the students feel a special connection and bond with their classmates. In many cases, it is that connection that keeps them involved right up until they become that group of graduating seniors you see at the recital.

What are the requirements for Team Students?

The only extra requirements for Team members are committing to performing in the 1-2 competitions, and participating in the opening number. We also encourage students to try additional classes if they want to progress faster as well as attend at least one day of a convention. During the summer we offer weekly classes or two separate camps which we ask students to choose from. Weekly class attendance is very important when joining a Team.

What is the price difference between Recreational classes & Team Classes?

There is no price difference for tuition, the Team clases cost the same as the Recreational classes. The only additional costs are for the competition entry fees which generally run approximately $28.00 for their group number. The younger teams participate in only one while the Inter.-Adv. Teams compete in two with both their dance routines competing. The opening number in the recital requires a costume which we try to keep to a minimum expense each year. It is only when students decide to add classes to their schedule and opt to participate in more, when you see a real price difference. Again, it is optional and solely up to the students as to the amount of time they wish to dedicate to dance. For many this becomes their sport of choice.

Who is eligible to be on a Team?
Any and all students, (minimum age being 5 1/2) are welcome to join one of our Teams as long as they can make the committment to participate in the competition and working together as a team. We are one of the few studios who do not audition the students excluding individuals from the experience of being part of a Team. We want all of our students to be given the same opportunities to grow and learn, regardless of age, level and financial status.

How are Teams Divided?
Each team when initially formed is basically by age. Throughout the course of years, the student's levels may vary depending on the amount of committment and time each student gives. Some of the older more advanced teams are of course divided by their level. Those that take advantage of the extra learning opportunities provided will obviously become more advanced at a faster rate. Also there are those individuals who may possess natural abilities which allow them to learn more quickly. Over the course of the years, students involvements change which also may alter their Team status. For the most part the students remain together.

Are the Team Classes harder and stricter than the Recreational Classes?
The only difference is that there is more attention to detail within the choreography for competition purposes. They also have to finish their routine sooner for the competition so the students must work a little faster and harder to accomplish that goal. Despite this, the most important and crucial factor for us is to stil make it a fun filled experience. We want to maintain that relaxed non-pressured environment so the students look forward to coming and enjoy their time spent with us and their dancing family. Obviously as they become older and more advanced, naturally more is expected of them. Most students and parents appreciate the extra work put into the Teams and can see the difference at the recital.