We have more performers who want to dance in our showcases than we have time slots. To maintain maximum show quality, we carefully screen all performers. Not everyone who wants to perform gets to perform in a showcase. Factors we consider are:
1. Quality of dance (technique, patterns, tricks, showmanship, entertainment value)
2. Quality of costumes
3. Diversity in performers (eg: we would not want 1 amateur dancer performing in 4 numbers)
4. Diversity in dances (eg: we would not want 5 waltzes in 1 showcase)
5. Diversity in showcase (eg: we would not want the same show performed in multiple showcases).
6. Relativity to show theme (eg: spy themed music for "Diamonds Are Forever.")
7. Numbers can be pulled any time at the discretion of the directors.
Performance Policies
1. If any of the below requirements are not met, your number may be pulled from the show.
2. All performances must be pre-approved by Chad Brooks. This is done through submitting a showcase performance application form. Notice of itent to audition must be recieved by NOVEMBER 15. Try-out must be performed by December 25. Notice of intent to back out must be recieved by DECEMBER 15. If you are on one of The Ballroom Dance Company performance teams, you do not need to submit this form.
3. Choreography may not include a roll-out and bow. Shows must end in a lift, drop, picture-figure, etc. Lights will black out immediately at the end of your song.
4. If your number is one of the shows selected, you will be required to audition your show live. This can be scheduled with Chad Brooks.
5. Performers must arrive at 7pm fully costumed on dress rehearsal and showcase nights. Dress rehearsal is Thursday immediately before the showcase. Performers must be present for the entire dress rehearsal and both showcases -- no late arrivals or early departures.
6. Dress rehearsal Thursday January 28 8pm is ONLY open to performers. Parents, family, friends, spouses, significant others will not allowed in the ballroom under any circumstances. Dress rehearsal runs as late as 11pm. Please make accomodations in advance so you will get enough sleep Friday. Please do NOT ask to arrive late or leave early. If dress rehearsal or show nights do not work for your schedule, you may not participate in the showcase but will be welcome to apply for future showcases when your schedule can accomodate the showcase schedule.
7. We do not provide any free tickets to the showcase. Parents, spouses, significant others, children, friends, etc all must pay for an admission ticket if they wish to be in the ballroom Friday or Saturday during the showcase.
8. We do have a limited number of volunteer positions available during dress rehearsal and showase nights. Please note none of our volunteer positions involve watching the show.
9. Absolutely no performers or volunteers will be permitted to go from backstage to the audience, including kids.
10. Costumes are professional quality with swarovski rhinestones, chainette fringe, etc. (eg: a prom dress would be inappropriate for a tango). All performers costumes must be pre-approved by Sunnie Page 3 weeks prior to show. Contact Sunnie to set up your costume check appointment. For more information on where to purchase professional costuming visit our COMPETITION PAGE.
11. After your costume is approved by Sunnie,
performers have a final costume check by Chad and Sunnie January 25. At this time Chad will observe your show and costume in theater lights to make you look your best.
12. Music must be under 2 minutes, 30 seconds. Shorter is preferable, it keeps the show fast-paced and exciting for the audience. Music must be submitted to Chad by December 25. Music cuts must be professional quality -- meaning we cannot hear the cut. Music cuts are free for studio teams. For couples, Chad can make basic cuts starting at $15, prices increase based on the time required to cut your song.
13. At the time you submit your music, also submit the name of your choreographer and your costume colors. Also include and any special lighting requests in lighting. For example: lights start out red, turn purple at :45, turn blue at 1:12, follow lady the entire time with spotlight. We cannot guarantee all special lighting requests, as we want to ensure diverse lighting effects throughout the show.
14. Music selection must be PG-rated (or profanity edited out).
15. Hair and makeup must be appropriate for performance. Unless your show genre specifically calls for loose messy hair, hair will be pulled back in an updo or bun for ladies, slicked back with gel or hairspray for men. If you need help with your hair or makeup, ask Sunnie at least 2 weeks in advance of the show.
16. Ladies are required to wear rhinestone accessories. Some accessories including fishnets, artificial lashes, and swarovski earrings are available at the studio for purchase. Have all your accessories in time for your final costume check.
17. All performers must arrive 1 hour before dress rehearsal and showtime, and stay through the dress rehearsal and end of each show. If you are late, your number will be cut and you will not be allowed to perform in future showcases. Note: for the first time this January we will perform a MATINEE show 2pm Saturday. Meaning: in addition to dress rehearsal, Friday night, and Saturday night shows, all performers must be present for 1pm casting call & 3pm show Friday afternoon. If you cannot commit to all 4 of these events, do not apply to perform in this showcase.
A. Click HERE for a printable version of our showcase performers application. Application must be submitted to Chad no later than November 15. The later you submit your application, the less likely your number will be included as we have many more dancers who want to perform than we have show openings.
B. You are also welcome to submit your application via email. Email Chad at
Chad@TheBallroomDanceCompany.com with complete answers to the following questions:
1. Complete names of all dancers in your number (eg: "Greg Smith & Jill Jones") including who is leading & who is following
2. Name of choreographer (eg: "Chad Brooks")
3. Name of song (eg: "She Blinded Me With Science")
4. Style of dance (eg: "International Cha Cha")
5. Costumes (eg: "Follow wears nurse's costume, man wears patient costume")
6. Length of Song (eg: "1:45")
Additional Performance Opportunities
1. Members of our performance team perform in every showcase, as well as other events. A performance team is an inexpensive and fun means to perform. If you are interested in joining one of our teams, please contact Chad.
2. We host many dance parties each month, and special events throughout the year. If your number is not selected for the next showcase, it may be possible for you to perform at one of our dances or special events. If you are interested in performing at any of these, please contact Sunnie.
Have questions?
Call us today at (503) 639 - 4861 or email Chad at
Chad@TheBallroomDanceCompany.com or Sunnie at
Sunnie@TheBallroomDanceCompany.com
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