Our award winning Seven Hills Dance Company was established in 1985. This group is a small sector of the studio comprised of about 30 students who audition each Spring by invitation only. Auditions do not guarantee team placement, but they allow our panel of teachers to observe students with potential in a fast-paced class environment similar to company.
Members range in age from 8 to 18. Dancers must be enrolled at the studio for one year prior in order to be considered. Company offers dedicated dancers the opportunity to travel to conventions to take classes with professionals and compete on a regional level. They are active students participating in approx 6-10 hours of dance weekly and choosing dance as their activity of focus.
Members are selected based on attendance, performance, behavior, and dedication in normal classes as well as interactions with instructors and classmates. A dance company is a team. Just as sports teams require all players to attend practices, dance companies require their dancers to attend all classes and rehearsals and abide by policies and principles.
Tryouts held each April – Invitation only
If you receive an invitation, please come for the entire time, bring all dance shoes, and wear items that allow freedom of movement such as leggings or fitted shorts with a leotard or tank top. Please have hair up away from your face.
2024-25 Company
Mission & Features
- Provide opportunities to train as a team at an elevated level to improve technique and artistry.
- Instill the love of dance, learning, and performing and to create well-rounded dancers and individuals.
- Teach the importance of the process, not just the product.
- Take classes with industry professionals.
- Compete at regional competitions during the spring semester.
- Perform in annual recital and community events.
- Participate in all of the above plus parties, sleepovers, and MORE allowing them to build strong friendships and skills that last far past their time at the studio.
Expectations
- Excessive absences will be handled by teachers and may result in being removed from parts or all of a dance, or dismissal.
- Consider schedule conflicts before committing. It is difficult to choreograph and work as a team when attendance is poor. Pay attention, be dressed appropriately, and be ready on time to work and show respect to teachers and peers.
- Join our BAND app for all communication. You will receive an invite link if you are in Company.
- Be enrolled in ballet, tap, & jazz classes at Seven Hills at least one year prior to auditioning and while in company. Senior Company must also be enrolled in lyrical and/or modern.
- Participate in select community events, performances, and master classes throughout the year.
- Attend Summer Camps. Register online via our Summer Camp page.
- Attend August practices: Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:00 – 7:00 PM.
- Attend Sept-May weekly practices: Fridays from 4:30 – 6:30 PM. Senior Co also practices first Sat of each month from 9:00 AM -11:00 PM. Senior residency also practices during school year Wednesdays around Adv Modern.
- Attend approx. three weekend competitions Feb-April. We try to attend some nearby (Roanoke) and some that may require further travel (North Carolina, DC, Maryland). We may also attend one convention without competition. Families are responsible for making their own hotel arrangements.
Dances
- The entire company performs a Production number each year at recital, competitions, and local events.
- Senior Company also performs tap, jazz, and contemporary.
- Teen Company also performs tap and jazz.
- Junior Company also performs tap and jazz.
- Extra dances require additional payment for entry fees, costume, & rehearsal time.
- Solo, duo, trios by request only. Only ONE of these per student. Company teachers must approve. Not in recital.
Fees
Apparel
- Team Jacket (with name embroidered): $65. Orders due Aug 1. Size up for longer wear if desired!
- Competition earrings (pierced or clip-on): $15. Orders due Aug 1.
- To purchase, login to Parent Portal & choose STORE from Menu.
Company Tuition
- $205 – Due monthly via auto-pay Aug 25 – May 25.
- Includes instruction in August, Fridays + any applicable Saturdays during the year, entry fees, event participation fees, company costumes, & convention class fees. Combined into one monthly fee for convenience & spread out as many months as possible.
- Outside of company, regular class tuition which includes recital costume fees will be due.
Hair/Makeup
- Hair supplies: gel, hairspray, brush, comb, and elastics and bobby pins that match hair color.
- Stage make-up: foundation, concealer, blush, neutral eyeshadows, liner, mascara, and red lipstick.
- False eyelashes and eyelash glue (local drugstore).
Solos, Duos, & Trios
- Choreographer’s fee: Due to teacher, not studio, at first rehearsal: $200 per dancer, per piece. Cash/check/venmo. Rehearsals determined between student and teacher. Outside choreographer fees tend to be more expensive.
- Costume: You may purchase your own or use an old one. If you want the studio to purchase, cost is $75 via auto-pay Nov 15 and choices are due Oct 15.
- Competition Entry fees:
- Solos – $45 per month added to co payment Aug 25 – May 25.
- Duo/Trio – $24 per month added to co payment Aug 25 – May 25.
- Recital Participation Fee – Graduating senior solos ONLY. Auto-Pay May 15.
- $50 – optional one-time fee if graduating senior wishes to perform solo in recital. Similar to an entry fee for competition, this offsets overage charges for a longer show and the parties paid to extend contract time: fire, police, EMS, city workers, lighting, stage, sound, insurance, etc.
- You may only perform in ONE show in an effort to create a reasonable show length.
- Notify Ryan if your graduating senior wishes to do this by Nov 1 for recital planning.
