EGO: The True Enemy

Dancers want "to be good". Dance parents want their child "to be good". Dance teachers want their students "to be good". That is human nature! How many times has a teacher heard from a dance parent "push her," or "push him" or "my child wants to be pushed"? Sometimes these words come from the dancers themselves. Oh, to me, those words are the kiss of death. These words come from ... wait for it....wait for it.... as we say in the south, being too big for your britches. No one can push a dancer but the dancer themselves. Instructors try their best to put a dancer on the path to success, but as I said in another blog post, dance is personal responsibility. It is up to each individual how good they can, and will, be. Dancers get out of class what they put into class. If a dancer is serious about training, there is absolutely nothing wrong with letting that be known to the teacher. However, a dancer must not only say they are serious, they must show it in their actions and attitude. If a dancer is wanting to make a career out of dance, let the teacher know! That is awesome! But for a dancer to half way take class, not applying the knowledge while claiming they are giving it their all and then ask for a "push".... that is when there is a problem. Now that we have that out of the way, let's talk. So much for beating around the bush! LOL!

A solid foundation:  is really understanding the "how" and the "why" technique is executed, and not only understanding mentally,  but being able to consistently apply the knowledge physically. This is what is missing 9 times out of 10 when teachers are asked to "push" a dancer. The teacher cannot go any quicker with the lesson progression if the dancer isn't mastering what is being asked of them. Dancers get "bored" because they are complacent with where they are, they just want to move, and experience a different lesson on their terms. They think because they know what comes next in the class or "know the combination" whether it be center floor or across the floor, it is time to move on. WRONG! You cannot give into the desire for instant gratification. If you have read my other blog posts, you know I believe nothing good comes from giving into instant gratification, and the unrealistic demands of parents and students.

As you probably know by now, I am dance educator who takes the job seriously. Even though I take the job seriously, I like to keep the spirits light and have fun in class! As anyone I have taught will tell you, I love to laugh and teach using "funny analogies". As I teach students, I try to impress upon them the importance of basic, fundamental, beginning-level technique. This is the foundation of absolutely EVERYTHING, from body lines to the basic battement to the most advanced turn and balance combination to making any movement in choreography look brilliant and interesting. The basics must be second nature to grow in the art form. This includes weight distribution, transitions, footwork clarity, knowing where to square the hips, etc., not just turns, leaps, and extensions. Often times, the basics are what is lost in translation, or skipped entirely due to unnecessary pressure placed on the studio owner or instructors by the dance parents, or even the dancers themselves. Sometimes, it is even due to time resistants.

Many students and/or their parents:

• Lack in the understanding that you cannot separate training from performance. It is one and the same.
• Don't understand that EVERYTHING stems from a quality ballet education.
• Cannot verbalize why they must execute elements a specific way,  because they haven't been taught the "how and why," or they lack the understanding of linking all the knowledge they possess together. Sometimes, they have just never thought about it, and just go through the motions of a class or choreography.

Dancers who wish to gain in technical ability, and/or movement ability, (and their parents who wish this for them) must understand that gaining in ability is rooted in being stronger with the fundamentals of dance. You can't have an ego too big for the room and except to learn, develop, advance, and earn respect from your peers as well as your instructors. No dancer is ever above a beginning level class. The more advanced the dancer, the harder the "basic, beginner class" will be. Sometimes it just hurts the heart a bit to realize that the reason for struggles in advanced technique and movement stems from a lack of truly mastering the basic fundamentals of dance. Sometimes it is exhilarating to learn something difficult requires a simple fix! ALWAYS RETURN HOME TO THE ROOTS. That is what makes a dancer able to do amazing things! It is not always about giving the dancer a harder class with more difficult elements and choreography. Yes, this type of class is great, but so is a beginning level class. An advanced class moves entirely to fast for a dancer to remember how to do things correctly without the constant reminder class. If there is a beginner level class available, all dancers should take it if possible! They will get to the goal line faster in their harder, more advanced class! If it is not available, taking part of the advanced class time to review basics will do great things too! Dancers that master skills and a specific class before moving on to the next thing are just better. THAT'S HOW TO IMPROVE! Dancers get nowhere really when they are given things are just aren't ready to do. Having an ego will prevent a dancer from being open minded to this type of situation.

Most corrections given, especially in a group setting, are actually the results the teacher desires to see, not the actual correction itself. When a dancer knows how to find the root of the problem, process and break down the "correction" given, they can actually fix the things needed to produce the desired result. For example, "lift your leg higher in the attitude turn." Well, there is a multitude of reasons the leg isn't as high as the instructor would like. What are those reasons? How do I get the result your teacher is demanding? One must know how to find "the root of the problem." Another example, a dancer is hopping all over the place and having trouble going into an extension balance after a multiple pirouette. A dancer cannot quickly diagnose the root of the problem to fix the issue without a deep found knowledge of the basics, and understanding how to apply the knowledge. Once the problem is broken down to the basics finding the root of the problem, and those things are addressed, the skill can be mastered. Again, you just have to go back to the roots to fix everything. Staying true to form and continuing to take a beginning class focused on things such as body placement, getting on top of your leg, understanding that proper placement may show a lack of real flexibility... knowing these things will help a dancer to correct  fundamental mistakes that inhibit their growth and performance quality. ALSO, knowing how to diagnose yourself and fix a problem can be fun and very rewarding! I have watched many a dancer find so much satisfaction, and all while getting a good laugh, when they go to the root of the problem to realize what a basic simple fix it can be to master a complicated and difficult element! Fundamental class can be loads of fun when the dancers have great attitudes! Laughs and good times can be had by all! Although class is serious, keeping the mood light, the attitude in check, and knowing it's ok at laugh at yourself, will keep the class moving, fun, and encouraging while inspiring each other to see that the sky really is the limit when you know what you are doing!

A dancer is NEVER "too good" to go back to the beginning level, and train with other dancers they believe "to be beneath them". (No dancer or dance class is beneath anyone in my opinion.) Teachers never have students that are "too good for the basics." Egos are bad news! When a dancer has an issue with going back to the basics, having their weakness exposed, then there is an ego problem that will prevent them from being all they can be. Only by having weakness exposed, corrected, along with a sincere effort by the dancer to fix the fundamentally inadequate technique flaw, will a dancer achieve their potential to the fullest. With these things addressed by the instructor, and these things corrected by the dancer, a dancer's ability will change dramatically! There will be no limit to their accomplishments and what their bodies will be capable of doing! A dancer, or a dance parent, with an ego will never survive this kind of class. Therefore, I believe an ego is the enemy! In my opinion, it should never be about a trophy but rather a quality education. It is about being a dancer not an uncontrollable mover dancing by imitation as my ballet teacher called it. Trophies are a dime a dozen and won't get you a job. It is the education, and application of the life lessons learned, that counts.

Bottom line: Trust the teacher and work hard. Trust that your teachers are doing everything they can to make good dancers all the while making good human beings. Just as you would never want someone, especially someone outside your field, to tell you how to do your job, a dance teacher doesn't want to be told how to do their job. Students should not tell their teacher how to teach and what to teach, as they are not qualified to do so. Everyone should respect each other, and most importantly show respect. It creates a much better environment conducive for learning. Egos truly drain the fun out of dance! It is important to remember that while dance should be fun, it is hard work and requires a humble spirit in order to soar to great success! A good attitude goes a long way towards enjoyment and success!

Dance hard. Dance smart.

Meredith

thecompetitiveedgebymeredith.blogspot.com

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For class, choreography, or booking information, please email: meredith@thecompetitiveedgebymeredith.com

You can also read The Competitive Edge by Meredith on Dance Apps Inc's app with NappyTabs, Dancer's Toolbox under Dancer's Dish.

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

FINDING THE PERFECT UNIVERSITY SERIES: PART 4 A Parent's Perspective and Questions to Ask

"Finding the Perfect University" series concludes with information from parents to better equip you on your journey to find the school that best suits your young adult for their future career. Whether you are a parent searching for a university for the first time, or you are a parent searching in this area of study for the first time, these three wonderful dance moms have provided invaluable insight and perspective on the subject, such as guidance on what to expect and what important questions to ask. Mandy and Stacy give advice regarding university dance majors and minors, while Cheryl shares her experience with a college dance team. I cannot thank these fabulous women enough for taking the time to help others by contributing to this series. I hope this post, along with the rest of the series, is helpful to you in making your decisions. 

Dance hard. Dance smart.

Meredith

thecompetitiveedgebymeredith.blogspot.com

Mandy Davids

As a dance parent for over 17 years, the journey with both my daughter and son has been one that I would have never imagined.  Both started competing at a young age at their home studio, and it was literally their home away from home. They created friendships and bonds with their teachers that will last a lifetime.  As high school graduation approached for each of them, 5 years apart, it was interesting to watch both of them seek out what they wanted to do with their dance now that they would be moving on to college.  The transition can be scary and daunting.  Dance had been such a huge part of both their lives that I couldn’t imagine them not dancing in college; however, my husband and I reeled in the reins of what we wanted to see them pursue (which was to keep dancing) and let them move on to studying for a career in something else…and let me say it was no easy task, but the rewards have been amazing watching them both in the next chapter of their lives.

We encouraged both kids to search the colleges that fit what they were looking for, and not fall into the trap of doing what everyone else was doing and applying to colleges that they didn’t see themselves attending just to say they applied, yes, that’s a real thing.  College applications/visits are stressful enough, and then comes the waiting for the acceptance letters or denials, scholarships, students loans, all while trying to hold on to senior year and enjoy every ounce of it.  A bit exhausting to say the least.

Both kids still wanted to attend a college that offered some type of dance, not really sure that they wanted to pursue a dance degree, but they still wanted to have an opportunity to dance while attending college.  So our journey for both kids was not the typical asking lots of questions about dance major programs because that was not going to be their main focus.  For my daughter, Tiffany, she attended Cal Poly SLO where they have a dance company that is affiliated with the college, Orchesis, which she could earn a dance minor along with her business marketing administration degree.  At the Open House we asked questions like:

How does the audition process work?  What are the opportunities for performing?  What else is required to earn a dance minor?  Do the dancers have to audition each year for a spot in the company?  When are the auditions?  What other opportunities within the dance company are there for the dancers, i.e., intern positions, dance assistants, etc.?  What is the yearly cost for being a member of the company?  Are there scholarships/grants available for a dance minor?

Tiffany was a member of the Cal Poly SLO Orchesis dance company for all four years, and became an intern for her last two years where she honed leadership skills and co-directed one of the dance shows in her senior year.  All in all, such a great experience for her, which has led her to now being a dance teacher/choreographer in the evenings at a studio, “and now the student becomes the teacher.”  She works a full-time job in Business Marketing and a dance teacher in the evenings, best of both worlds for her.

For my son, Chandler, who has just started his college years at Cal State University Fullerton, his journey to college was similar to his sister’s.  He knew he still wanted to dance so attending a college with a dance program was important to him, as well as a strong business program.  We asked similar questions during Open House, but we found out that Fullerton does not offer a minor program in dance, only a major degree.  Chandler thought that would be okay and he could still take some dance classes while pursuing his business degree.  However, the path changed for him once he started taking classes and realized how much he wanted to dance since it’s such a huge part of his life.  He started asking questions about how to audition for the dance program, if that was something that he could do, and what the program entailed.  He found out the dance program is small, approximately 80 students, and there are opportunities to perform twice a year at the school, as well as possibly other dance opportunities.  Once he auditioned and was accepted into the dance major program, he told us of his decision to become a dance major and minor in business, which we fully supported.  So even though his direction began one way, college brought to light other opportunities for him so he could pursue both areas of study.

I am not a professional college parent by any means, but having watched both my kids be able to soar and create their path, not mine. It has been a beautiful experience.  Letting them feel the freedom to explore different paths than what they planned and seeing them thrive not only in their art, but also as good human beings, is more than I could have imagined and prayed for them to achieve.  What worked for us (and it was not always easy) may not work for others, but when I learned to let go and focus more on what they wanted to pursue instead of forcing my wants on them, I have been blessed beyond my hopes for them.

Stacy Hagen

As a parent, student owner, and dance teacher, these are some important questions I suggest asking when considering a college dance program.

How many times a semester/quarter do the students get to perform?  Is it open to all grades?  What is the audition process for being chosen? Ask the same questions concerning choreography.

What other opportunities are there to dance/choreograph, such as campus clubs, choreography/dance festivals in the community, etc?

What classes are required in the dance curriculum?  What other classes besides the required are available in the dance curriculum? Jazz, hiphop, tap, ballroom – besides modern and ballet?

What classes are available that expand their education in the field of dance ? For example, are there classes in injury prevention, dance in film, choreography,  dance and technology available.

Are their opportunities to study abroad within the dance program, or within the university?

What types of jobs are graduates of the program getting?

How does the school support students in booking jobs?

How does the school support/network with their alumni?

What are the opportunities for double majoring?  Minoring?

Graduation rates from the program?  Graduation rates from the University? Why high or low?

What are the opportunities for leadership within the program and on campus?

What master classes/outside choreographers are brought in to work with the dancers?  Is that available to all dancers or by audition?  Grade?

Does the University have a competitive dance team?  How do they do?

Cheryl McCarron

Here are the things I discovered right away, and a few that took a little longer to find out when my daughter tried out and made the dance team at the University of Tennessee.

1. This is not high school! As a parent, as soon as the tryout process and making the team event happens, you quickly learn that your role will be minimal. As with all things in college, your child is now a student or member of that University and of that Team. All obligations to the parents are off. It doesn't matter if you pay the bills, the University does not communicate with parents due to privacy laws, and coaches/spirit coordinators for dance teams may be the same way. And you shouldn't be offended, but it is a big learning curve! If you were used to being communicated with about practice schedules, performances etc., there is a very good chance that this will not be the case.

● Ask about what, if any, communication you will receive as a parent. I think I heard from the Spirit Director once after Parker made the team, and it was a note about nationals stating that no one should expect their athlete to be on the floor for the routine (final decisions at UT could be made all the way up until the week or even days before the performance) – and that parents should travel at your own risk, understanding that your dancer may not make the floor AND, depending on how large the team is, may not even travel to the event.

My #1 advice would be to make sure your dancer is you communication conduit. The coaches/directors have many athletes under them, and they expect them to tell their parents what they need to know.

2. Ask if parents get tickets (free or a block held for purchase) to games. At UT, we parents weren’t given tickets, nor was there a block of tickets that we could buy from – so it was all on our own.

3. Make sure you ask WHAT SECTION to buy tickets in! If they have a huge stadium like Neyland at UT, you don’t want be on the opposite side of the stadium trying to watch your dancer! Chances are, they move around (sometimes they swap end zones in different quarters, or swap with the cheerleaders) so make sure you learn if they spend more time in one section so you can buy tickets in that area.

4. Ask about practices:

●  Are they all held on campus? If not, how do they get there?

●  How many times a week?

●  What about work outs?

5. Ask about their policy on game day (football) – Can you see your dancer before or during the pre-game activities? Are they allowed to stop and take a picture with you? UT has a routine before games where they do short routines where the fans are “tailgating” as well as visit alumni tailgates. We used to follow it around taking pictures, but the dancers were pretty much expected to stick with the team and “do their job” versus socializing with friends and family.

6. Ask about appearances! We didn’t understand the commitment the dancers (cheerleaders and mascots) have each week, especially during football home game weeks. There were appearances (pep rallies) at grocery stores, alumni activities, nursing homes, on campus events, not to mention TV appearances (local broadcast, ESPN SportsCenter, etc). The entire team doesn’t typically go to every event, but there are several a week, so your dancer will need to go to at least one or two. This is in addition to practices and work outs... it adds up to be a lot. It’s important to understand all of the expectations so you go in informed.

● Ask about how they get to appearances that aren’t on campus! Is transportation provided? (It wasn’t provided at UT, so all Spirit Team members had to coordinate and drive together to off-campus events.)

7. Do they require any fundraisers to pay for expenses? Do the dancers have to pay for anything? At UT, they hosted clinics and worked the UDA camps to earn money for the program, but there were no requirements to “sell” anything or for us to buy anything. UT has consistently placed at UDA, so their expenses have been covered (top 3-5 teams each year win all or part of their expenses for the following year), so I’m not sure how teams who finish outside of the top teams fund their trips. UT provided everything – shoes, sweats, uniforms, poms, tights, hair pieces... etc.

8. If you make the team in the spring, ask about all of the summer commitments. Graduating high school seniors who compete at studios usually have recital, nationals and nationals practice in the summer. This sometimes happens at the same time when the college team is having practices and going to UDA or NDA camp. What is the policy for incoming freshmen who have conflicts due to commitments with their studio?

9. What happens if you have a conflict with a game or appearance due to a family event (like a wedding)?

10. Ask about practice for UDA/NDA nationals. UDA is in early January, so that meant that when they finished finals in mid-December, the girls had to stay on campus for an additional 8-10 days for nationals rehearsal, and to perform at basketball games. If you live far – that means you don’t go home. Parker came home on December 23, and had to be back on December 30 for a basketball game and more nationals rehearsal before classes resumed. So while the holiday break for regular students was almost a month, she came home for almost 7 days.

● Also ask about where freshmen stay during practices when dorms are closed (summer, holidays, breaks). If you live far and can’t travel back and forth to your home, freshmen need a place to stay! At UT, the older dancers who lived off-campus were responsible for “hosting” the dancers who still lived in the dorms.

11. Understand the rules around game appearances during holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter) and breaks (Spring Break). If there are games, does the whole team have to stay, or do they split it up so some dancers only have to stay for one holiday (say Thanksgiving weekend) but get to miss another game during a different holiday or break?

12. Do they have study/grade requirements? UT required all Spirit Team members to attend study hall times. Freshmen had to go to the athlete study hall 5 hours a week first semester. After first semester, I think the number of hours you attended was tied to your grade point average.

Facebook: The Competitive Edge by Meredith

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Twitter: @the_comp_edge

For class, choreography, or booking information, please email: meredith@thecompetitiveedgebymeredith.com

You can also read The Competitive Edge by Meredith on Dance Apps Inc's app with NappyTabs, Dancer's Toolbox under Dancer's Dish.

FINDING THE PERFECT UNIVERSITY SERIES: PART 3

My final post on university dance programs from a dancers perspective features Marymount Manhattan College and Oklahoma City University. As I bring this portion of the "Finding the Perfect University Series" to a close, it is my sincerest hope that these outstanding people and this blog series have helped you in your journey. These smart and talented dancers are such great souls, and I am grateful for the time they have generously given to this project.  A big thank you to Nancy and Carly for taking the time out of their busy schedules to write for my series this week in order to share their experiences with YOU!

To all of you on the search, I wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect new "dance home"! I hope that this series has provided valuable insight into some universities by dancers guiding other dancers in the sharing of their experiences and providing information about the program they chose.

Dance hard. Dance smart.

Meredith

thecompetitiveedgebymeredith.blogspot.com

Nancy Donnes - MARYMOUNT MANHATTAN COLLEGE

The audition process at Marymount Manhattan College is very similar to many of the other college dance programs you’ll run into. The audition is divided into two parts, with a cut in the middle. The first part consists of a ballet class, followed by a modern and jazz portion. After these styles, a cut was made. I can't remember the exact numbers, but there was about 70-80 girls at the audition and 30 made it past the cut. (These numbers obviously can vary with every audition). The dancers left were then asked to individually perform a solo and had a short interview with the program’s faculty. Marymount Manhattan offers four on campus and four off-campus auditions. This year, they will have auditions in Austin, Chicago, San Francisco, and West Palm Beach. They also offer a video submission with specific instructions as an option too. Although, college auditions can be extremely intimidating, I always felt so welcomed at Marymount Manhattan. I will always remember the Chair of the Dance Department, Katie Langan, looking at all of us and simply saying, “Relax. We're on your side.”

Marymount Manhattan has a very diverse program that can be taken into many different avenues of dance. It is a place for dancers wanting a very demanding, challenging, and technique based curriculum. The dance program actually offers two degrees, a BA and BFA in Dance. Within these two degrees, there are four concentrations. In the Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA), there is Teaching Dance Arts, Dance Studies, Body, Science, & Motion and Dance & Media. In the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (BFA), there is Modern, Ballet, Jazz, and Choreography. I am a BFA Dance major, concentrating in Jazz. Your concentration isn't something that’s set in stone either. You don't have to officially decide until you are an upperclassmen. Dancers at Marymount Manhattan are required to take daily classes in Ballet, Jazz, and Modern, providing a strong foundation in the core genres of dance. Marymount Manhattan’s curriculum is very individual and can be shaped to get all the things you want out of college. The BAs definitely have the flexibility to pursue a double major. The BFAs can also pursue a double major, it is just more challenging.

Dance majors at Marymount Manhattan have two opportunities to perform at the end of every semester. The first show is called Dancers At Work and is all student choreographed. The other show is The Mainstage show. For this show, faculty members and guest choreographers are brought in to set pieces on the dancers. Marymount Manhattan provides dancers with an incredibly individual yet rigorous program with many opportunities to nurture and develop your artistry in class and on stage.

Personally, I think the best part about Marymount Manhattan College is the location. I heard the phrase, “New York is our campus” too many times to even count during orientation, but it really is so true! Marymount is literally in the heart of Manhattan, giving students access to all of New York City’s resources at their fingertips. It’s especially beneficial for dancers because there are so many opportunities to take outside dance classes at places like Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, or Peridance. In addition to classes, dancers can go see so many shows, whether it be on Broadway, at The Joyce, or at The Metropolitan Opera. The possibilities are endless, and the experiences are unlike those in any other city. I’ve only been at Marymount for a little over two weeks, but I honestly can say the environment has been incredible. I feel constant support from my peers and teachers. It’s evident that all of my professors truly care about my future and providing me with the skills I need to succeed. It hasn't even been a month and I already feel like I have improved as a dancer and gained immense knowledge about my body and the way it can move. All of the others dancers in the program have been so friendly. I feel like I have already made lifelong friends and gained such a close-nit family in these people. Overall, I feel so at home and am consistently inspired by the talent that surrounds me. Ultimately, Marymount Manhattan College creates an encouraging environment for artists to excel.

Carly Crowder - OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY

  To be accepted into the Dance Department at OCU, you must first audition. This audition is set up into fantastic segments that allow the incoming dancers (and families tagging along for the audition) to see the Dance Facility for what it truly stands for, the next step in your dance career. Each dancer has a number, each dancer (alphabetically by last name) is sent into the studio that they will be taking class in, and each dancer will get to work first-hand with the amazing faculty members of the Dance Department. The dancers will be rotated through each technical style that is primarily focused upon within the department: ballet, jazz, and tap. The dancers wear leotards, with tights under their leotards, hair slicked back with hairspray, and makeup. This is the first phase of the fantastic segments I mentioned before. Once the classes have finished, and of course a quick lunch break, the second phase begins. Parents and dancers will join the Chairman and Deans of the Dance Department for a meeting about the program. Questions and expectations are given during this meeting to assure everyone that the dancers will be taken care of and will soon become very successful/employable performers. The department is strict, the department is well-known, and the department is highly demanding... but the dancers will absolutely become employed. The final phase begins when it is time for the dancers to show off their talents on stage. OCU's Dance Department requires each performer to come prepared to perform a short solo (I believe it was only :30-:45) of complete fierceness. Define fierceness: show technique through your pirouettes, leaps, and battements... demonstrate clean transitions, and while you're at it, demonstrate levels too. Each dancer will step on stage (in front of the entire dance faculty-they're amazing) to first LOUDLY enunciate your name, you will perform your solo, and then leave the stage.The department does require each performer to weigh-in after their solo is complete... and before anyone panics, this is for the department to find a general basis of where the dancer typical is as a high-school student, before attending the school for an official weigh-in. The process sounds extensive, but that's it... your audition is done! A letter arrives in the mail for the Dance Department AND the university (because you have to be accepted academically, of course!).

The Dance Department DOES offer performance scholarships... but with that being said, it's not considered the same as a "sport scholarship." Not because dance is not a sport... but because in this case, dance will be your degree. Full-ride baseball scholarships are possible because baseball is considered an extra-cirricular activity... as it should be considered. Although the scholarships do not compare, they are still very helpful in paying for your schooling. Academic scholarships are very helpful and somewhat substantial... always apply for scholarships.

Three dance degrees offered at OCU: Dance Performance (the degree I chose), Dance Management, and Dance Pedagogy.
1. Dance Performance: the degree with the most performance opportunity. The dancer is required to auditioned for every performance, required to graduate at particular levels in ballet, tap, and jazz, and required to maintain good-standing with the Dance Department (as do the other degrees). This degree is geared toward teaching the student to become a performer in the professional world... it gives you the tools you need to network, a few pedagogy classes to learn proper techniques when teaching other students, and how to work as a union-paid dancer. The dancers in this degree will also be required to execute a "sophomore piece" (self-choreographed) for good-standing with the dance faculty, along with a capstone piece (beginning in your junior year) where you learn to structure an entire piece, from casting your own dancers, to choosing your music and designing the costumes, to creating an intent of purpose for the piece that all must be approved by the dance faculty in order to graduate. Dancers will also be required to take music fundamental classes, voice lessons, stage lighting, dance history, along with other core classes.
2. Dance Management: Less performance opportunities, but for good reason. The dancers will still perform, but there will be moments within the degree program where the dancer will be required to work in a costume shop, or earn the prestigious role of stage manager and work an entire university performance... there are numerous things the dancer could be called to do instead of performing, but that is all because the degree is geared toward the dancer learning how to manage the dance world. These dancers will have more business classes strung into their coursework, along with more behind the scenes work.
3. Dance Pedagogy: Similar dance opportunities as Dance Performance, but with these requirements due to a different focus. Although Dance Performance gives you the chance to take a pedagogy class for each technical style (tap, jazz, ballet), Dance Pedagogy digs deeper into the ideas and theories to the art of teaching dance classes. More times than not, a dance teacher is repeating what they learned from their dance teacher when they were younger... whether they were properly trained or not, but there are true guidelines and structures to creating a lesson plan for dance classes. There are true ways of dealing with students who behave a particular way, or learn differently... there are ways to teach to all-types of learners, it's fascinating.
4. Masters Program: Although I did not mention it above, OCU is a great place for a dancer to continue their education with a Master's Degree. This would be geared toward the performer that wanted to continue their learning to then teach at the college level. This Program requires the dancer to present a thesis to the dance faculty that results in presenting an entire show of work... piece after piece must be self-choreographed, costumed, introduced to make sense with the other pieces, and present an intent of purpose.

There are several performance opportunities at OCU.
1. Christmas Show: This performance is truly based off of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular show that features the Rockettes. Each piece has a segue that blends one into the next... making it a fantastic flow of Christmas from beginning to end. Each dancer will have an understudy, but this understudy is not a back-up, it is an additional cast. Each dancer learns multiple roles and everyone shares costumes with your cast member...this helps the dancers get used to a Broadway-setting. This training helps the dancers learn from their counter-part, along with get the opportunity to perform other roles during particular show days. There is a structured audition for this show.
2. Spring Show: This performance is strictly for the faculty members to be creative with their choreography. Although there still may be a small theme to the show, it is still more technically challenging and it tends to be different year after year. The dancers will still have a second-cast member to watch and rehearse with, but the opportunity to work with a faculty member on a deeper level occurs during this show. There is a structured audition for this show.
3. Choreography Show: Each year, the graduating class of Dance Performance majors are required to choreograph a piece for their capstone... this piece is placed in the "Choreography Show." It's an amazing performance that forces the seniors to become creative on an individual level... and is the first time the faculty will see the freshman class perform before the Christmas Show. There is an informal audition that occurs for this show... the casting process is more extensive for the seniors than it is for those auditioning.
4. Tour: The Dance Company (that everyone is primarily auditioning for to receive these performance opportunities) selects a small group of talented dancers to go "on tour" to perform outside of the universities property. The company performs pieces from the Spring Show, choreographed directly by the faculty. This performance is a very big honor.

There are required technical styles at OKU: Jazz/Tap/Ballet. These required styles go through a leveling process on the first day. The leveling process lasts about a week and is primarily for the sole purpose of placing the dancer in the correct level for the semester. There are 8 levels at OCU, broken into A and B levels. When you first audition for the dance department, the faculty decides if you will be placed in an A or B level. The A level is 1-4 (less advanced), the B level is 5-8 (more advanced). Just because a student is placed in the A level does not mean they can't move up... but it will be where they begin. These levels determine which time you will show up for class, and how you build your entire schedule when you enter as a freshman. Once you arrive for your leveling class, the faculty levels you further into a numbered class. If you are leveled into a Jazz 6 class, you are nearing the most advanced jazz class of the program. With this being said, as talented as each dancer thinks they are... the dance faculty's standards are incredibly high (as they should be), so don't expect to level in the highest number... 9.8/10 times it will never happen. Jumping ahead, to graduate (along with other requirements), each dancer must graduate in a level 5, 6, and 7. One of each. You may surpass your set-goals, but you will not graduate if you do not perform in your selected-leveled class.

Other Dance Classes- required, but by the choice of the dancer: Musical Theater class, pointe, partnering, voice lessons, acting with monologues. OCU does not offer contemporary classes, modern classes, lyrical classes, or hip hop classes... but that does not mean it doesn't exist within the school. The jazz faculty will often give a class that includes lyrical combinations or contemporary combinations, though. The dance department has faculty affiliated with performance groups within the school that provide lyrical and "dance team hip hop/jazz" movement: Liturgical (performance opportunities) and OCU pep dancers (performance opportunities at games.

The dance department's purpose is to train dancers to become employed in the most substantial way... Broadway shows, the Rockettes, cruise ships, etc. Although the department respects all types of performance-jobs, they do not push for dancers to become concert-performers, or ballerinas in a company... purely because those jobs will not make you as much money as the other more-focused job opportunities. With that being said, there is a clear focus to OCU's dance department... to become successfully employed, no matter the job, in a more theatrical way... typically in New York. Within all of this though, the faculty members are so amazing, and they become so close with the dancers over time, that they are genuinely proud of each dancer that graduates from their program. I would send any performer to OCU.

Facebook: The Competitive Edge by Meredith

Instagram: competitiveedgebymeredith

Twitter: @the_comp_edge

For class, choreography, or booking information, please email: meredith@thecompetitiveedgebymeredith.com

You can also read The Competitive Edge by Meredith on Dance Apps Inc's app with NappyTabs, Dancer's Toolbox under Dancer's Dish.

Nancy is a dancer I have had the privilege to know since she was very young. She started a blog this May before moving to New York to discuss all of her exciting new experiences in the New York City. The link is https://lifesadancewithnance.blog. 

FINDING THE PERFECT UNIVERSITY SERIES: THE COLLEGE DANCE TEAM EXPERIENCE

College dance teams have become very popular in recent years. There are some amazingly talented teams out there! But what are they really about? What do they have to offer you? What is required during the audition process? As my "Finding the Perfect University Series" continues, I reached out to some kind and fantastic people who are, or were recently, members of university dance teams to answer questions such as these. A big thank you to Megan, Parker, and Taylor for taking the time to participate in this series.  It is my sincerest hope that their insight into these SEC, PAC 12, and BIG 10 programs provide answers to questions you may have, gives you guidance into things you might want to ask during your search for the perfect university, as well as leads you to the determination if the dance team path is right for you. And who knows. This post just may lead you directly to your future alma mater.

Dance hard. Dance smart.
Meredith

Megan Carciopolo - UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

My name is Megan Carcioppolo. I attended the University of Arizona where I was on the dance team there for three years, and served as captain for two. I wanted to be more involved on campus and be apart of something more. This is exactly what I was looking for! Dancing for 50,000 fans at football games, and dancing on the court for a ranked basketball team was just a small part of what we did. We traveled to the Elite 8, competed at UDA Nationals in Florida, and even performed in a Super Bowl Halftime show with Katy Perry. These were just a few of the many highlights of my college experience.

Auditions are right around the corner for most college dance teams, and it is time to do some research. When you are looking at teams that you are interested in, first thing you want to do is visit their website to see what they are all about. Most teams like Arizona allow you to pre register and send in your application or register at the door when you arrive. If you are very serious about wanting to be apart of the team, I recommend you send it in as early as possible. Doing this shows you are interested and have prepared for auditions. As dancers, we have all been on a few auditions here and there. It’s all about being confident, and bringing your best to the floor. At Arizona, there are four different cuts that you go through before the team is announced. You learn an across the floor combination, a jazz routine, a pom routine, and then have a panel interview with the judges. This all happens within a day and a half. The team is announced that night. It’s a very fast process but it shows who can pick up choreography quickly and adapt to style well, which is always something a dancer strives for. Before heading to auditions, I recommend taking as many dance classes as possible, and always having some sort of improv set that shows off your best skills. You never know what they might throw out at you!

The Arizona Pomline gave me everything I dreamed about and more! Friendships, memories, and a second home. Thanks to this program and the experiences’ I had, I was able to continue my dancing career in the NFL. So I thank this program everyday.

Parker McCarron - UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE

The easiest way to find out when to apply to the university of Tennessee dance team is by following their Facebook page. There, they will post updates about upcoming important dates! Tryouts are usually held in late April. It is mandatory to be in attendance for tryouts. There is no online auditioning. It's really nice to also go to a university of Tennessee dance clinic that they hold to get used to what to expect when going to the actual tryouts.

Some of the things that they look for at the University of Tennessee dance team tryouts are how you work with other girls, how you will blend as a team, how strong your technical skills are, including leaps and turns. They also look for how you can support other people. It's important to have a positive attitude when you come to practice and when you're trying out. There's always a lot of support, and the girls are always cheering for each other at tryouts, at practices, and on the stage! It's a very positive and team oriented atmosphere. At tryouts, they usually do a rocky top portion where you will learn a Pom combo to Rocky top. They have a hip-hop portion. They also have a portion where they choreograph a little combo that would usually be a jazz or lyrical piece. Both times I tried out, it was a two day process. Sometimes, they've made a cut in the middle of the first day and at the end of the first day. The second day they usually make one final cut. They really look for how you will blend with the other girls. It's a very team oriented so you can't be shy especially, when it comes to doing the Rocky top portion! You cheer things like, "Let's go Vols! and "Go big orange!" At the beginning of the routine, it took a lot of getting used to but after a while it becomes second nature.

Taylor Valadez- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

The University of Michigan Dance Team(MDT) is recognized as a sport under athletics at U of M. This is currently our fifth year under athletics. MDT performs at all home football and basketball (Men’s and Women’s) and at some away games (usually against MSU and OSU). MDT also goes down Florida every day to compete at the UDA College Dance Team Competition.

MDT hosts a pre-audition clinic a week prior to tryouts. Auditions start on the Thursday of the following week and go until Sunday. At auditions, you can expect to learn several across the floor combinations as well some turn combinations in the center. You also will learn a jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and pom combo. Throughout the audition process, you will show these combos in front of a panel of judges in groups of three. Cuts will be made at the end of each day.

If you cannot make auditions, you can also send in a video. If you send in a video, you will be asked to execute various technical movements, and show three combos in the styles of jazz, hip-hop, and pom. You will also need a video of you in a group routine.

The best thing you can do to prepare for auditions is make sure you have strong second turns and regular pirouettes. These are very important in the jazz routine for nationals. You should make sure you have a headspring and kip-up because these are basic movements in any hip-hop national routines as these movements will be executed as a team in unison. Pom skills are always nice to have but are not required, because those can be taught pretty easily.

Some perks of being on MDT are….. all the gear you get, book money, trainers, doctors, strength coaches, and so much more. In the beginning of the year, you will get showered in Nike gear from running shoes to backpacks to parkas (which are so nice in the winter). You also get an endless amount of booty shorts, leggings, bra tops, and t-shirts. Also when you are on MDT, you do not have to pay for anything. Athletics covers everything from traveling to away games to traveling to Florida. Sometimes you even get paid for performing in games over school breaks. We also have trainers who keep us healthy, and help us deal with all of our injuries. We also have strength and conditioning workouts made for us. Strength coaches are provided at the lifting facility to help us lift, and get us looking good for nationals. On top of all of that, we also get money for out text books! We do not have to purchase any of those! Although dance scholarships are not offered, we are hoping they will be offered in the near future.

Facebook: The Competitive Edge by Meredith

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Twitter: @the_comp_edge

For class, choreography, or booking information, please email: meredith@thecompetitiveedgebymeredith.com

You can also read The Competitive Edge by Meredith on Dance Apps Inc's app with NappyTabs, Dancer's Toolbox under Dancer's Dish.

FINDING THE PERFECT UNIVERSITY SERIES: PART 2

I hope that you found part 1 of this university series to be helpful. As a dance educator, my first priority is, and always will be, the students. Their education and training, the knowledge and application of the knowledge, creating exceptional work ethnic, instilling acceptance of personal responsibility, teaching them to always believe in themselves, and helping them get where they want to be in life, all while mentoring them to be good human beings is what it is all about to me. Thank you for taking time to read this series. I thank these precious souls for taking time out of their busy schedules to contribute to this project! I hope you find this week's post useful in your search for the perfect program for you!

Dance hard. Dance smart.
Meredith

Reagan Ricossa - LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY

My name is Reagan, and I am a dance major at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. As a senior in high school, I kept my eye out for any college or university that had a dance program. Personally, I narrowed my search to schools in New York City or Los Angeles, because I knew that is where I wanted to begin dancing right after I graduated college. However, I also looked at schools that had dance programs in other areas too such as Chicago, Florida, and Alabama. My advice to any dancer auditioning for college programs is to have an open mind. Not every dance program will be the perfect fit for you. Some dance programs may seem like a great match for you, but then you aren’t accepted. That is okay! Keep an open mind through your college search and throughout each audition process.

Loyola Marymount University is a Jesuit College in Los Angeles, California. Our dance program has a base of ballet, modern, and jazz dance. The program is geared more towards concert dancing, but also prepares dancers that want to go down a more commercial route. For example, I plan to dance professionally in a more commercial dance scene but feel that my the classes in LMU’s dance department prepare me for this route as well. We have core dance classes that revolve around teaching and choreographing dance, learning about dancers’ bodies, and even Laban Notation which is basically a language for dancers. The program also offers classes in genres of tap, musical theatre, hip hop, African, and Hawaiian, etc. Dancers have opportunities to incorporate classes of various genres that interest them and prepare them more for their future in dance. So far, our program offers a Bachelors in Arts degree, but is planning on adding a Bachelors in Fine Arts degree option as well.

We have three shows in our academic year. The first show is our “Faculty Dance Concert” and it’s always the week before Thanksgiving. This show includes pieces that are choreographed by Faculty and Staff here at LMU, and guest choreographers from other areas. Dancers audition for spots in these pieces during their first week of school, and are casted by the second week to begin rehearsing. Our second show of the year is around February, and it is titled “Impulse”. This specific show is more relaxed because it is all student choreographed and isn’t performed in our usual theatre space on campus. The third show of the year is the Student Concert that occurs in April. This show is actually all student choreographed pieces as well, but there is an adjudication process that takes place first. Basically, dancers put together pieces and audition them for the faculty. The faculty typically picks certain pieces they think would be good for the show, and give the dancers and choreographers some feedback to work on. Eventually, there is a second adjudication which then decides what pieces will be performed for the show.

The dance program at Loyola Marymount University is pretty close knit, and the campus as a whole is a very special community. This university’s campus is absolutely stunning and being surrounded by people who are so passionate for their personal craft is truly inspiring. The scholarship process for LMU is pretty similar to the typical scholarship application process. Using FASFA and the university’s financial aid websites, you can learn more about their offers and opportunities. The dance department specifically doesn’t offer any dance scholarships during your audition but after talking to the chair of our department, Damon Rago, he can offer more advice on the scholarship process according to each individual’s personal circumstances.

The audition process for LMU is very different from many schools that I applied. At LMU, there is not a specific audition date or set of dates for you to attend. Instead, you contact the department and schedule an audition for either a Tuesday or Thursday that best suits your schedule and is available for prospective students to attend. There is typically no more than four prospective students auditioning per day. You will take a ballet class, a modern class, and a jazz class with fellow dancers in the program. This type of audition gives you a better understanding of what an average day in the department would be like in the future. However, feel free to ask teachers or other students questions throughout the day because you may find out more about the dance classes than what you originally perceived. If you come to an in person audition, you are still asked to bring a video of you dancing. The guidelines and criteria for this video are listed online through the LMU Dance Department page. You also will have a casual meeting and interview with the chair the department, Damon. This way you can get to know him and the department on a more personal level. If you are unable to attend an in person audition, then you can send the video in and also have an interview with Damon through phone or video chat, etc.

Loyola Marymount University’s dance program is filled with dancers of many backgrounds, levels of training, passions, and goals for the future. Overall, we are a community that aims to be a home for dancers where they can come into a classroom not only to improve their dancing but to better themselves as a person. I felt so welcome by the faculty and students the minute I auditioned here in the spring of 2016. This dance program wasn’t initially on my radar when I began searching for colleges, but I am so glad that I discovered LMU and am furthering my education here now.

Taylor DelGreco - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Louisiana State University offers dancers the ability to obtain a Dance Minor in the College of Music and Dramatic Arts. Unfortunately, students cannot have dance as their major, but the Dance Minor gives a lot of opportunities to be active both inside and outside the classroom. You need 18 credit hours to complete the minor: 9 hours of core classes, 6 hours of technique, and 3 hours of electives. The core classes needed to be taken are Introduction to Dance, Dance History, and a choice between Dance Composition or Improvisation. Technique classes are broken into jazz, ballet, and modern, and all 3 are offered at the beginner and intermediate level. A dancer can take the same technique class twice. Lastly, Stage Movement is an elective that will fulfill the 3 elective hours; however, the dance concert is also an option as an elective. The dance concert is offered every spring, with admission by audition, and there is the choice of being either a dancer or a choreographer (upon completing the Dance Composition course). However, this option is only worth 2 credit hours, so a dancer would have to take it twice to complete their electives. Dancers are more than welcome to take part in the dance concert even if they do not need the credit.

I was a competitive dancer since I was 7 years old, and I loved dancing at my studio back home. At the end of my senior year of high school, I was nervous that my senior recital would be the last time I could ever be up on a stage doing what I love most. When I arrived at LSU, I did not know about the Dance Minor. After my sophomore year, I was able to find a studio and start taking classes regularly again. One day my teacher told me she taught a jazz class at LSU. I immediately signed up for her class for the next semester, and I absolutely loved it. Afterwards, I talked with my advisor and later declared a Dance Minor. This coming fall I will be a senior once again, and I can definitely say I’m thankful to have found this minor at LSU. I have gotten the opportunity to work with incredible teachers and learn about how dance started from the very beginning. I would encourage any dancer to be a student at LSU and get involved in the dance program. It has been an unbelievable experience and has prepared me to take my dance career a step further in the future.

Facebook: The Competitive Edge by Meredith

Instagram: competitiveedgebymeredith

Twitter: @the_comp_edge

For class, choreography, or booking information, please email: meredith@thecompetitiveedgebymeredith.com

You can also read The Competitive Edge by Meredith on Dance Apps Inc's app with NappyTabs, Dancer's Toolbox under Dancer's Dish.