+ AGE REQUIREMENT

A Mini Dancer is a dancer who is entering 2nd/3rd grade in the 2021-22 school year. This may be a dancer's first year in the Performing Company, or they may be moving up from Premiere Dancers.

+ SAMPLE CLASS REQUIREMENTS

1 – Mini-Ballet – 45 minutes
1 – Mini-Jazz – 45 minutes
1 – Mini-Tap – 45 minutes
1-2 – Mini Rehearsals – 30 minutes each

+ GENERAL PARTICIPATION COSTS

TUITION
Your monthly tuition is directly related to how many hours per week a dancer takes class. Approximate total tuition cost is determined when the dancer’s specific level and class load has been announced after the placement audition. On average a Mini Dancer's tuition is $150 per month.

COSTUMES
Costumes are custom designed by the choreographer and tailored to fit each dancer. They cost from $150-$250 each depending on the dance and costume manufacturer. We make every effort to keep these costs down without compromising the artistic quality of the dance and the durability of the garment. All dancers are measured, and costumes are ordered in the fall. Dancers have 1-2 competition costumes depending on the number of dances they are cast into.

MAKE-UP + ACCESSORIES
Each dancer is required to purchase a pair of earrings and choker. They cost approximately $13-$15 for the earrings and $20-$30 for the choker. They will also need some basic make-up. We recommend the make-up from Mode Dion which runs about $50.

SHOES + TIGHTS FOR COMPETITIONS
Shoe and tight requirements for Performing Company dances are determined and announced once we’ve finalized the costume design. Depending on what type of dances your Mini Dancer is cast in, you may be required to purchase more than one pair of jazz, tap or hip hop shoes.

REHEARSAL + CLASS ATTIRE
For Jazz and Tap classes, dancers are required to wear the dress code leotards, black shorts and jazz or tap shoes. Ballet dancers need a leotard, pink ballet tights and the appropriate shoes for their level. All attire is available via www.ShopNimbly.com. All hair must be worn up and away from their face.

COMPANY WARM-UPS
The cost for Warm-ups is approximately $120 for a personalized / embroidered jacket. Rhinestones may be added for an additional $45.

+ SUMMER TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Dance is a year-round activity that requires training in the summer months to maintain technique and encourage growth. We hold summer dance intensives for all dancers during the summer months. Intensive classes include ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and lyrical. The cost is $45 per day and the hours generally run from 9am-12noon each day for Mini Dancers. Mini Dancers will be required to choose 3 days to attend over the course of the 3 weeks offered.

+ PERFORMANCES

NUTCRACKER
All Mini Dancers participate in our production of the Nutcracker. Nutcracker costumes run between $80-$120. There may also be additional tuition costs for Nutcracker rehearsal classes.

PERFORMING COMPANY SHOWCASE
Each year towards the end of January we host our Performing Company Showcase at Chabot College. This gives the dancers a chance to have dress rehearsal, prior to competitions, on a real stage with a real audience. In addition, it gives you the chance to see all the dances and invite all your family, friends, and neighbors to attend. There is a per Performing Company family fee of $75.

PERFORMING OPPORTUNITIES
A full schedule of performing opportunities is given to all company parents before costume deposits are due. Mini Dancers attend 1 dance convention and 2 dance competitions.

+ WHAT IS A DANCE CONVENTION?

Dance Conventions are weekend long events where master teachers from across the nation hold classes. Conventions are awesome for young dancers. Our dancers meet dancers from other studios, and they are mentored by top-notch professionals. These master teachers inspire young dancers and are great role models. Over the two days dancers take classes in tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, musical theatre as well as have an opportunity to audition for national scholarships to private professional studios. Conventions also include a competition where the master teachers comprise the panel of judges. The costs for conventions and competitions vary from event to event. Most of our events take place in the spring. This results in a large amount of the payments for these events coming due in January and February. It would be typical for a parent to be asked to pay costume balances and 2 performance opportunities all in the month of January.

+ CONVENTION + COMPETITION COSTS

Conventions - $275-$280 (Depending on age group) plus competition fees – see below.
Observers Passes for Parents or Guardians - $52 per person
Competition Fees- $50-$60 per dancer per group dance (depending on competition)

+ Summary of General Expenses in addition to monthly tuition for Mini Dancers

TDA Warm-up Jacket – Approximately $120
Costume - $150-$200 each. Each dancer is cast in 1-2 dances.
Convention – Two Conventions at the approximate cost of $275 per dancer Convention fee and $50-$60 per dance Competition fees.
Competition - Two Competitions at the approximate cost of $60-$60 per dance Competition fee.
Make-up – Approximately $50
Nutcracker Performance – Costumes for the Nutcracker are approximately $80-$120 per dance. There may be additional tuition costs for the rehearsal classes.
Summer Intensive – 3 days of class at approximately $45 per day.
Performing Company Showcase - $75 per dancer

+ PLACEMENT

Following placement, dancers are added into their class schedules in our management system by TDA staff prior to the May registration day for the 2021-22 Season. Parents may then log into their TDA parent portal to view their dancer’s schedule. Paying August tuition guarantees your classes and acceptance into the TDA Performing Company.

+ PRINT INFO PACKET

Download and Print Dancer Info Sheet (PDF) >