Competitive Program

SynergyComp, the Competitive Program at Synergy Space under the Direction of Katy Love, guides pre-professional dancers ages 11 through 18 in exploring, developing, and deepening their individual artistic, technical, and performance abilities within a supportive and balanced community structure to cultivate bold, authentic, intentional artists.

As a SynergyComp dancer, developing artists have the ability to participate in solo, duet, trio, and/or group work in disciplines/styles of their own choosing, providing both flexibility and control over the intensity of their participation and the direction of their focus and training. Additionally, both dancers and their parents/guardians are a part of the decision-making process in selecting choreographers, inclusive of both Synergy Space Collaborators as well as guest artists, and event scheduling for the season.

Dancers can expect a competition/performance schedule of one regional event per month Dec/Jan through May of each season, with the option of attending additional events of their choosing.

Ultimately, the goal of SynergyComp is to provide individualized, student-based focus within a unified group learning environment, primarily utilizing the excitement and thrill of the competition and convention platform to hone their skills while also developing an understanding of how that particular environment is situated within the larger framework of the dance field and how to translate what they learn from their competition/convention experiences into the vast landscape of professional-level work.

CLICK HERE for a pdf of SynergyComp Info & Requirements or see below.

PREREQUISITES

  • Dancer must be at least 11 years of age by December 31, 2023.
  • Dancer must be training at an intermediate level or above in the areas of Ballet, Contemporary/Modern, and Jazz.

TO APPLY

For the 2023-2024 Season, Synergy Space will not be holding auditions for SynergyComp, but rather accepting applications and video auditions. CLICK HERE for the application form.

  • Dancers and parents will need to complete the attached application form and submit it along with a 2-3 minute video sample of the dancer’s ability (info on form) to katy@synergy-space.org no later than Thursday, June 1, 2023. All submissions will be kept confidential.
  • Dancers will receive notification of acceptance or deferment no later than Thursday, June 15, 2023.
  • All accepted dancers and parents will need to attend (in person or via Zoom) the first SynergyComp meeting of the season on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 7pm.
  • Upon acceptance, dancers will have until Saturday, June 24, 2023 to accept or decline and return their contract.
  • In the case of deferment, dancers will receive feedback, may be offered the possibility of understudy roles, and will be invited to work with Synergy Space Faculty to create a plan for developing their training and potential in order to reapply the following season.

REQUIREMENTS

First Dancer/Parent Meeting: All accepted SynergyComp dancers and parents will need to attend the first meeting of the season on Tuesday, June 20 at 7pm (Zoom attendance option available for anyone who may be out of town). In addition to getting to know each other and going over expectations and policies, we will also be discussing potential choreographers and deciding on the competition and convention schedule for the season. Dancers and parents will have the opportunity to express their needs and lend a voice to shaping the direction of the group. *This meeting is scheduled prior to dancer contract submission deadline in order to answer any questions about participation that may be lingering.

Summer Intensives & Training: SynergyComp dancers are required to attend a minimum of 2 weeks of appropriately leveled summer intensive(s) at Synergy Space. Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis for dancers wishing to attend an outside college or professional intensive. Additionally, dancers are required to attend weekly SynergyComp classes on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9:00pm, June 28 – August 16. Absences will be excused for family vacation.

Choreography: The majority of choreography will be set during the week of August 14 – 18. Additional days and times as needed may be scheduled during the week of August 21 – 25. Schedules will be determined and released following casting and choreographer decisions in late-June/early-July. Solo/Duet/Trio choreography may also be set during this time. All initial* choreography for the season will need to be completed no later than October 1, 2023 or SOONER, if possible. *Soloists attending more than one regional event of a single competition may need additional solos choreographed during the season. In this case, all choreography must be completed a minimum of 8 weeks prior to competition.

Regular Season (September – June) Classes: SynergyComp dancers are required to take a minimum of one Ballet class, one Contemporary Modern class, one Jazz class, and one Conditioning & Recovery class, appropriately leveled, per week at Synergy Space. Dancers are also encouraged to take additional classes in their chosen areas of focus and based on their individual needs and goals. For direction and advice on scheduling, please reach out!

Regular Season (September – June) Rehearsals: During the regular dance season, SynergyComp rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings for 2 hours (time TBA) and Saturday evenings from 4-6pm. Dancers may be scheduled for one or both of these rehearsals based on the dances in which they are cast and will need to make themselves available during these times.

Solo/Duet/Trio Rehearsals: While some solos, duets, or trios may be rehearsed during the weekly Wednesday and Saturday rehearsals if and when time allows, the minimum requirements are as follows: dancers must rehearse their solo or duo/trio with their choreographer or another Synergy Space teacher a minimum of one (1) hour per month.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

  • Dancers must report all absences prior to class/rehearsal as soon as possible via phone or email (email preferred). 
  • If a dancer is unable to participate in class or rehearsal due to illness, injury or any other reason, they are expected to attend and observe class. (Please use discretion as to the degree of illness.)
  • Dancers must attend all in-studio, stage, and dress rehearsals for performances. (Dancers will be excused for emergency and extenuating situations only.)
  • Two late arrivals for class or rehearsals counts as one absence. “Late Arrival” is qualified as after the teacher has commenced instruction; not to begin before scheduled start time of the class.
  • Classes: Two consecutive or three random absences from a registered class per semester will result in dancer’s revocation of ability to perform in the next scheduled performance or participate in the next scheduled company event.
  • Rehearsals: Two consecutive absences from rehearsal will result in dancer’s revocation of ability to perform in the next scheduled performance or participate in the next scheduled SynergyComp event. Three random absences will result in a reconsideration of the dancer’s participation in the Competitive Program. Dancers must attend the final rehearsal prior to a performance in order to perform. Any dancers who are absent during any portion of choreography for a piece will not be choreographed into that piece. Places cannot be held for missing dancers.

FINANCIAL OBLIGATION

Competitive Program dancers/parents are responsible for all regular tuition and associated fees incurred from classes, intensives, and workshops/masterclasses in addition to the following considerations:

Summer SynergyComp Class: (Wednesdays 7:30-9:00pm, June 27 – August 16) Billed as a regular tuition class.

Choreography: Choreography costs are per dance, based on the rate of the choreographer and the cost of facilities for the hours in use while the piece is being set. For duet, trio, and group dances, this rate will be divided by the number of participating dancers. For soloists, this cost will be their sole responsibility. While choreographer rates can range from $350 to $1,000+ per piece, we will be ensuring that we make choreographer selections with both quality and cost in mind. This will be a central topic of discussion and decision at the first season meeting.

Rehearsal & Administration Fee: Each dancer/parent is responsible for a monthly Rehearsal & Administration Fee, due the 1st of each month, August through June. This fee will not only cover facility use and rehearsal director costs for weekly rehearsals, but the organizational and administrative aspects of the Competitive Program, ensuring that the season runs smoothly, effectively, and in a supportive manner for our dancers. This cost will be calculated based on the number of participating SynergyComp dancers and divided among them, and as such will be released with notification of acceptance.

Costume Costs: Dancers/Parents are responsible for all associated costume costs. All efforts will be made to keep costs at a minimum without sacrificing quality. Costumes will be billed in September.

Competitions/Conventions/Festivals/Miscellaneous: Dancers/Parents are responsible for any and all costs associated with competitions, conventions, festivals, etc. including travel, lodging, and food. Competition entry fees typically range from $45-$60 per dancer, per dance for a group piece and up to $145-$175 per dancer, per dance for a solo. Convention fees typically range from $250 – $300 per weekend per dancer. Please note that we intend to create a schedule for the season inclusive of local competitions to minimize travel expenses and participating in a mix of conventions and stand-alone competitions so not every weekend has the added convention cost.

Studio Fee: As a part of the registration cost for each mandatory SynergyComp event where at our group will be led by the Competitive Program Director, there will also be an associated “Studio Fee”. This fee will help to cover the Director’s travel, lodging, and per diem costs when applicable.

Solos/Duets/Trios: The cost of choreography and rehearsals are at the discretion of the choreographer and should be paid directly to them. Any additional events, beyond the decided upon mandatory SynergyComp events, need to be approved by the Director by October 1, 2023. Any changes or additions to the dancer’s schedule must be submitted 8 weeks prior to the event date.

CODE OF CONDUCT

SynergyComp dancers and their parents/guardians are representatives of and often leaders in the Synergy Space Community. Their demeanor, attitudes, and actions in and out of the studio environment can be seen not only as a reflection of themselves as individuals, but a reflection of the Synergy Community as a whole. The dynamic created by the energy and attitude of each individual dancer, as well as their parents/guardians, not only governs the cohesion, development, and success of the group itself, but also permeates the overall dynamic of the Synergy environment. It is imperative that each dancer hold themselves to the highest level of integrity, and that each parent acts to foster and exemplify the awareness of and appropriate behavior given these circumstances.

DANCER & PARENT EXPECTATIONS:

  • to conduct themselves in a mature and professional manner when involved in any Synergy related engagement and/or when acting as a representative of the community.
  • to encourage an environment of inclusion, equity, diversity, support, maturity, and respect for all individuals.
  • to address any feelings of concern or troubling situations with the SynergyComp Director as soon as reasonably possible.
  • to be respectful toward all others, both in their presence, as well as outside of their presence, in the studio, as well as other environments.
  • Parents are expected to be supportive of their dancers, as well as other dancers, and actively encourage and demonstrate maturity in all situations.
  • Dancers and parents are expected to encourage each other to embrace appropriate conduct at all times.
  • Dancers are expected to act as productive and contributing members of the dance community at large.
  • Dancers and parents are expected to be solution and growth oriented, and handle all situations accordingly.

PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR:

  • No criticism of self or others with the intent to diminish or devalue.
  • No statements comparing the value or superiority of dancers, faculty, studios, choreography, etc.
  • No gossiping/spreading of rumors.
  • No bullying.

If you have any further questions or needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out – katy@synergy-space.org