+ AGE REQUIREMENT

A Premiere Dancer is a dancer who is entering Kindergarten/1st Grade in the 2021-22 school year and will be joining the TDA Performing Company for the very first time.

+ SAMPLE CLASS REQUIREMENTS

1 – Mini-Ballet Class – 45 minutes

1 – Mini-Technique / Rehearsal – 45 minutes - This will be Tap or Jazz depending on the dance

+ 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 Premiere Dancer's tuition is $100-$120 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. Premiere Dancers have 1 competition costume.

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.

REHEARSAL + CLASS ATTIRE
For Tap and Jazz classes, dancers are required to wear the dress code leotards, black shorts and tap or jazz 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 our younger dancers. Premiere Dancers aree required to choose 2 days to attend over the course of the 3 weeks offered.

+ PERFORMANCES

NUTCRACKER
All Premiere 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. Premiere Dancers attend 1 Dance Convention and 1 Dance Competition.

+ 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, contemporary, musical theatre as well as have an opportunity to audition for scholarships and other recognitions. Conventions also include a competition where the master teachers comprise the panel of judges. Our Premiere Dancers participate in a special dance convention program designed just for the 5-7 year old dancer.

CONVENTION + COMPETITION COSTS
Premiere Dancers attend one convention (where they also compete their dance), and one competition. For the convention, families pay both a convention and a competition fee. For the competition, families only pay a competition fee.
Convention Fee - $135 plus competition fee.
Competition Fee - $50-$60

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

TDA Warm-up Jacket – Approximately $120
Costume - $150-$250 each. Each Premiere Dancer is cast in 1 dance.
Convention – One Convention at the approximate cost of $135 per dancer Convention fee and $40-$50 per dance Competition fee.
Competition - One Competition at the approximate cost of $50-$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 – Approximately 2 days of class at $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) >