We provide performance opportunities on and off-campus for students.
Performance
Many dancers find performing dancers in front of a group builds self-esteem and provides motivation for improving technique and learning new material. Performance choreography is usually not useable in competition, as it includes elements of showmanship prohibited in competition. In addition: for performance pieces, ISTD (International Society of Teachers of Dance) technique is often deviated from to choreograph more crowd-pleasing numbers. Performance is generally less expensive and less technically demanding than competitive dancing. Dancers on a limited budget, who wish to grow beyond the scope of social dancing, should pick either performance OR competition as a goal. Doing both is possible, but can be taxing on time and resources.
How to Participate
The least expensive path to performing is through joining one of our Performance Teams. Call (503)639-4861 to learn more. Participation in a Performance Team requires a commitment of 2-4 hours a week of group classes. Team members pay tuition per semester, and a costume rental fee. Renting costumes is exponentially less expensive than buying your own. Team tuition is exponentially less expensive than taking private lessons. Performance teams are an ideal option for dancers who do not have a partner, as partners are provided. Team tuition is exponentially less expensive than taking private lessons and buying your own costumes. It is also less intimidating for many dancers to perform in a 'group,' rather than as a 'couple.'
How to Prepare
The most effective path to creating the highest quality show is Private Lessons. These are ideal for couples, small groups, or individuals may perform pro-am with their instructor). The Ballroom Dance Company also offers youth performance classes prior to youth showcases, where students choreograph their own material, with instructor supervision. Though group classes are not as individually detailed as private lessons, these are an inexpensive way for students 19 & younger to experience performance.
Weekly Dances
After your show is prepared and polished, your instructor may invite you to perform in at one of the many public dance parties we host each week at our studio. During intermission, attendees enjoy seeing shows. Shows can be up to 3 minutes. Performers can be amateur couples, amateur groups, pro-am couples or groups (where students perform with their teacher), or professional couples. Top level performers may also be invited to perform in our youth or professional showcases. Contact Sunnie Page at (503)639-4861 if you wish to perform.
Off Campus Events
Our studio often performs at off-campus events like high schools, hotels, retirement centers, fairs, etc. If you are interested in performing for these type of events, contact Sunnie Page at Sunnie@TheBallroomDanceCompany.com. Generally these vents usually expect fully-costumed performers. For information on where to purchase costumes visit our Student Competitor Page. If you do not own professional costuming, we do have some off-campus events which allow formal-wear for performers.
Showcases
Professional instructors and top amateur dancers (both adults and children) in the studio perform in our semi-annual Showcases. If you are not invited to perform in a showcase, you are welcome to apply for your number to be included. Please note we have more requests from high quality dancers to perform, than we have time in the showcase. So not all numbers can be accepted. Dancers who wish to perform in one of our showcases should fill out an Application Form which can be e-mailed or left with the front desk.
The Ballroom Dance Company
8900 SW Commercial Street
Tigard, OR 97223
(503)639-4861
