FAQ’s
Below you will find answers to some FAQ’s about the Performance Academy. If your question isn’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the contact form below, or email info@downland-dance.co.uk
| Why has this programme been developed? | We know that the highlight of the year for many of our students is the ability to perform in the end of year show. We’d like to improve on the precedent we’ve already set, and make the show experience as fun as we possibly can for all those who take part. Moving the process to dedicated rehearsals, outside of normal class time, will allow our students to be more focused on the show material (and less distracted from their usual class work), resulting in a process which is more fun for our dancers, and a ballet which ismore enjoyable to watch! |
| Why are rehearsals being held on Sundays? | We appreciate that people have busy lives, which can make it increasingly difficult to schedule rehearsal times which suit the majority. We truly think the the Performance Academy will be a standout experience for our students, so we’d like to make it available to as many of them as possible. Holding rehearsals on Sundays allows us to do that. |
| Which benefits can I/ my child expect to gain from participating? | The Performance Academy will put you in close personal contact with professionals who have real life experience on the world’s stages. Aside from learning the discipline and etiquette practiced universally in theatres around the world, dancers will benefit from a better understanding of their dance technique, and how the work they are learning in their normal classes translates into choreography. Performers will gain valuable stage experience, which will boost confidence, and they will learn how to quickly learn and adapt dance material, improving versatility. Of course, the greatest benefit of all could be the amount of fun they will have along the way! |
| Why is there a casting rehearsal? | The casting rehearsals will be used to sort all of our participants into rehearsal groups which will correspond to their roles in the show. We will also take the time to identify those dancers who will be asked to dance main character roles. Dancers will be called in age groups throughout the day to have a taste of the material. After the casting rehearsal has finished, a full cast will be released, and students will be able to identify which time slots they will be needed for in the rehearsal schedule. |
| Where will the rehearsals be held? | The majority of rehearsals will be held in our Abingdon West Wing studio, with the exception of the General Rehearsals, which will be held at Didcot Girls School. You can find the addresses of both locations at: www.downland-dance.co.uk/classes/studios |
| How long will rehearsals last? | Most dancers will be required for around an hour at a time, however those dancing a main role may be asked to attend longer rehearsals so that they can be included in multiple scenes. Younger students may only be needed for a shorter period of time.
The General Rehearsals will require all dancers to stay for a litlle longer (up to 3 hours), but breaks will of course be provided and younger dancers may again be able to leave early. Detailed updates will be announced via email and on the News and Timetable pages. |
| What is the purpose of the General Rehearsals? | The performance will be choreographed in groups. As it is a story ballet, we will require longer General Rehearsals to piece the scenes together and choreograph the connections. It is also our opportunity to go over the rules of the theatre so that we can ensure the show runs as smoothly as possible when we move to the stage. This is an important part of the process and serves to further educate students around the structure of the choreographic process. |
| What if I/ my child are unable to make some of the rehearsal dates? | Unfortunately rehearsal time is limited, and having regular gaps in the cast during rehearsals would cause disruption to the other students. For this reason, any dancer who regularly misses scheduled rehearsals will have to be withdrawn from the performances, and any money paid forfeited. We ask you to please check the rehearsal dates carefully before submitting a participation form. |
| Will I/ my child be required at any times other than those advertised? | We have taken care to make sure that enough rehearsal time has been scheduled to complete the ballet, however some things (such as costume fittings) cannot be scheduled until we know how many students will be taking part. We will try to keep extra calls to a minimum, but in the case of it becoming necessary, we will contact you via email, and on the news page: www.downland-dance.co.uk/ddpa/news |
| Are the dates advertised final? | The scheduled rehearsal dates have been finalised and are unlikely to be changed, however we reserve the right to alter rehearsal dates, times and locations where absolutely necessary. Parents will be notified immediately in the case of any changes or additions. |
| What does the participation fee cover? | The participation fee covers the cost of all tuition and rehearsal time over the full course, as well as the cost of creating costumes. It also entitles each dancer to one free ticket to the debut performance on 18th July 2020. |
| Will photos and/or videos be taken during the process? | We may take photo’s and/or video recordings during the rehearsals, and use them either to assist us choreographically or for marketing purposes. We will ask parents to confirm consent for this on the participation forms, and will not publicly use any images or video that have inadvertently captured a student who doesn’t have consent. Student names will never be listed alongside their image without prior consent. The performances may be recorded for our records, and may be available for sale to the families of the dancers provided we have media consent from all participants. |
| Will there still be an Awards Ceremony? | Yes, the Awards Ceremony will run as usual after the matinee performance on Sunday 24th October 2021. |
| Will the Performance Academy be returning next year? | We hope that the Performance Academy will become a regular feature of our annual calendar, which will give our students something to look forward to! |
| Are parents allowed to watch rehearsals? | Parents are not allowed to watch rehearsals. |
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Contact Us:
Email: info@downland-dance.co.uk
Phone: 01235 554060
Address (Abingdon):
Coxeter House
Abingdon OX14 3RG
Address (Didcot):
Aureus Secondary School
Candytuft Way
OX11 6FF
Address (Hagbourne):
Hagbourne Village Hall
35 Main Road
East Hagbourne
OX11 9LR
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