Group Routine Expectations, for Students & Coaching

Performing or competing is a great way for the dance student, even at the beginning level, to greatly improve their dancing, and remove any fears they may have with getting out on the dance floor. With a group routine, you have the opportunity to perform, without feeling all alone out on the floor.  A great way to get started!  Bud wants to share this terrific experience with you.  We will provide the choreography & coaching to create a fun & enjoyable routine to both perform and to watch.  In order to best accomplish this, some questions you may have need to be clear from the outset.

1.   Registration: You may register by contacting Bud Ayers via email (preferred) at bud@budayres.com or voice mail on (408) 6-411-Bud.  Please include your contact information (name, phone # & email address if applicable), and the formation dance(s) you wish to perform. A minimum of 10 students will be required to start the formation team.  Please note that with less than 10 students, there are not enough participants to cover floor rental fees & coaching time.

2.   Fees: Students will pay up front for floor fees and coaching time. We pay the floor fee up front, and will need to request this of the students as well. If a situation arises where the student must drop out of the routine, the student must make every effort to find the replacement.  Fees will not be refunded.  Fees are $135 for one dance, $255 for both dances to cover floor fees and coaching time.  For those new to formation team dancing, much coaching time must be spent listening & counting music & putting together choreography. This time is included in the fee.  If the student joins the routine late, arrangements can be made for pro-rating the fee.

3.   Attendance: Attendance is crucial to the success of the formation and for the choreography.  Each time a person misses a practice, it affects the entire team, resulting in a void in the formation. We understand that occasionally, some practices will be missed.  However, you are expected to get with other team members, or schedule a private lesson to get caught up.

4.    Practicing: A lot needs to be done during the scheduled practice time.  Any practicing or studying the student does on their own outside this time is highly recommended.  Videotaping of the practices is strongly encouraged, as is taking notes.  Students usually set up extra practice time – attendance is encouraged. 

5.   If you’re having difficulty with learning the technique or the footwork, again, we encourage you to seek help either from fellow students, or schedule private lessons.

6.   Substitutes: We will be requesting substitutes.  If the substitute attends more practices than the regular members of the team, the substitute MAY take their place on the team.  The substitute is required to pay the registration fee, regardless of whether or not they perform.

7.   Costumes: Students will be expected to pay for their own costumes.  Prices and general design will be discussed and agreed to in advance, but final decisions will be made by Shall We Dance.  Every effort will be made to select the best design at the most reasonable price.  If SWD has purchased/constructed the costume on behalf of the student, the student will reimburse SWD accordingly.  Costumes for the ladies typically range $20-$90, and for the gents, $20-$40, higher only occasionally.  The student is only charged for the actual costs of fabric, or purchased item.  We do not make money on the costumes.  Should the costume need to be sewn, it is expected that the students will make the effort to do their own sewing, or find someone to do it for them.  If we need to have a specific person do it, then the student will be expected to pay that person to do the sewing at a nominal fee.  For ladies costumes, this is typically done by Sandy Nichols who offers her services at greatly reduced fees.  She is to be paid directly for her services, costume will be handed to the student upon completion of full payment.  DO NOT HASSLE HER!!!   She does this is a huge favor to the team, and as the fun for her dwindles, so will her fees begin to reflect the extra burden.

8.   Dress rehearsal: The last practice will be a dress rehearsal.  Please come in full costume, and we will take photos at that time. 

9.   Choreography: We will make every effort to prepare choreography that the team is capable of learning, and creating a fun & effective environment for the learning to take place.

10. Have fun

Please note that we have had some students in the past who, in their effort to help others, attempt to coach their fellow students in style & technique. This is not recommended, due to the conflict that it may cause, unless the teacher has informed everyone that this student is qualified to teach the technique.  Often, this student is merely repeating what they have been taught in private lessons or in group classes.  If a student asks another student for help, of course, it is anticipated that this student will help as much as possible, but please do not offer this advice unless asked.

Last but not least, please inform us of any concerns you may have, and we will try to address those concerns as quickly as possible.