It is important that each dancer and parent read and understand the requirements prior to deciding to participate on the ballet competition team. This team is by invitation only for dancers of the LAD Company. Dancers are chosen based on technique, age, ability, attitude, maturity, motivation, commitment, and strength. Please note neither age nor friendship will be the main determinant of placement.

Requirements for qualifying for Ballet Company:

• Must have/had ballet training the year of 2023-24
• Must be registered for the 2024-25 dance season at LAD
• Must be in good standing with LAD and have a zero balance as of September 1st, 2024
• Must have a strong work ethic, willingness to work hard, good attitude, and team spirit
• Attending an LAD YBC Summer Program or similar multi-week ballet intensive

What We Compete

The Ballet Company will compete in ballet ensemble pieces (duos/trios/small groups), classical ballet solos, and *contemporary solos . Each dancer is invited to participate in a specific dance by your ballet coach. Ms. Sara makes final decisions on team placements. 

*Invitation for a contemporary solo will come from LAD and is at the sole discretion of the studio owner.

Weekly Commitment

• (1) 30 minute rehearsal weekly is required for each dance that they are in (small group, solos, ect… Additional rehearsals may be added on an “as-needed” basis leading up to competition.
• (1) Weekly ballet class, designated for ballet company only
• The week prior to an upcoming competition, it is mandatory that the dancer is present for all of their classes and rehearsals. If they miss the week prior to competition/convention, they will not be able to compete. 
• All ballet competition rehearsals will follow a set schedule with specific dates for rehearsals and classes. These events are included in the Ballet Company Fee. While certain rehearsals may be able to fit in during their weekly schedule, Saturdays will be the main day for YBC rehearsals and classes.

Studio and Classroom Requirements

The Ballet Company Team will follow the LAD Absence and Tardy policy. A maximum of 4 excused absences from class or rehearsal will be allowed. Tardiness to 3 classes or rehearsals will count as 1 absence. It is imperative that students are able to commit to the competition season without over-committing themselves in other areas. Students must fill out an Absent Request Form two weeks in advance. For full details on this policy please refer to your LAD Company Contract.

Scheduled Events

Our ballet class day will be on Saturdays and rehearsal will be scheduled either during the week and/or Saturdays depending on dancer/instructor schedule availability. This decision is being made so that all dancers regardless of their dance team affiliations, get the opportunity to join LAD Youth Ballet Company. 

Saturday Conflicts Policy

We are aware that school teams may schedule conflicting events for certain Saturdays. We will have a set schedule prior to any school teams dates/times but we are aware certain Saturdays are not available or will need to be rescheduled to later in the day. We may have late start days similar to last season or extra rehearsals added at a later date to accommodate the lost time if necessary. Dancers will not be penalized for absences required by their schools.

Dates may change or be rescheduled due to other conflicting commitments. In the event rehearsals are unable to occur as a group, they will be rescheduled. If you are absent, as an individual, from a rehearsal, it is up to the discretion of the studio owner and director if a make-up can be scheduled. No refund will be issued for a missed rehearsal time due to an individual absence. 

Competition and Convention

It is required that the Ballet Company Team compete at the (1) mandatory competition/convention. Also listed below are highly recommended other ballet competitions that we believe your dancer may enjoy:

2025 Dates TBD

All of these competitions/dates include masterclasses from famous dancers and directors in the ballet community. The classes mostly focus on classical ballet but they do include at least one “other” class category which can range from contemporary, character, modern, acting, flamenco and others depending on both competition and age division. It is during the masterclasses that the judges are looking to offer scholarships and awards. Ballet competitions are much different from normal competitions in that they have a calmer atmosphere, shorter days and smaller crowds.

While we can advise you on the specific weekend, you must be available for competition events. We will not know the exact schedule until 5 days prior to the competition. As such, all dancers must be available for the entire weekend (morning- evening of the dates listed above).

Financial Commitment & Information

Convention/Competition Fees will be in 2 monthly installments for the 2024-25 season (September-August). All rehearsal and class fees will be billed each month as the charges occur. Finances are important to every family and we want you to know the costs upfront, before deciding to compete. The payments include Ballet Competition Team exclusive  ballet class (an extra addition to the LAD class schedule), choreography fees, costumes, convention fees, and rehearsals. It does not include hotel, food, travel fees, competition photos or videos, garment or duffle bags, required shoes or hair/makeup products.

These fees are due on the 1st of every month. A $30 late fee will apply if not paid by the 10th of the month. Any dance family with an account that is not up to date by September 1st, will be removed from the company. These fees are strictly for Ballet Company Team and are separate from LAD Company and LAD school classes.

Fees:

Ballet Company Class Fee: $65/month

Convention Dancer Registration (Masterclass): $180

Convention Dance Entry Fee: $65-$110 per dance

Costume Fee: $200 Rent or $500 Buy (Professional grade, custom tutus from R6 Dancewear)

Ensemble (Group Dance 4+ people)

Choreography/ Rehearsal Fee: $35/month

Duo/Trio (Group Dance 2-3 people)

Choreography/ Rehearsal Fee: $60/month

Classical Solo

Rehearsal Coach Fee: $120/month

Contemporary Solo

Only dancers invited to compete a contemporary solo with the main LAD company are eligible to be considered to enter their contemporary solo into the ballet competition. This invitation is at the discretion of the studio owner. All fees associated with this would be paid as part of the main LAD Company. 

Contemporary solos will not be scheduled for regular rehearsal by LAD Youth Ballet Company but Ms. Sara will periodically schedule rehearsal to review the dancer’s progress and ensure the solo is following competition guidelines.

All dances must be in the Contemporary Category and while instrumental songs are strongly encouraged, they are not mandatory.