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AUDITION FOR FALL
SCHOLARSHIP
August 17, 2009, 11:30am
Flyer • Important Dates
• Application
TERMS:
Fall: September 1 – February 28
Spring: March 1 – June 30
Summer: July 1 – August 31
INFORMATION:
DeFore Dance Center, 151 Kalmus St., Suite G-3, Costa Mesa, 714-241-9908
Scholarship Artistic Director: Christine Baltes, 714-751-7554
History
The DeFore Dance Center’s (DDC) Scholarship program
is one of a kind in Orange County. This program
was developed in 1997 by Christine Baltes (see bio)
to assist in preparing dancers for a career in dance. Too date, many
dancers graduating from the DDC scholarship program have been signed by
leading dance agents and can be found performing on stage, television, music
videos, movies, cruise lines, company work as well as teaching.
The Program
There are 3 terms offered during the course of a
calendar year. We encourage each scholarship dancer to participate in
the entire year to achieve the maximum benefit from a full year of intensive
training. The program includes dance (ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop,
turns), Pilates, teacher assisting, choreographing, teaching, and the
business of dance (resume, cover letter, marketing video, opening a
studio). The scholarship artistic director works closely with each
scholarship student to design a customized schedule to meet the needs of each
individual. As part of this educational program, each scholarship
student is required to perform light desk duties along with support
activities for the school. Dance schedules are individually designed for
each student and grow and change as progress is made. This program requires
dedication, motivation, maturity, responsibility, and a DEEP PASSION FOR
DANCE. This is an unforgettable experience!
The Artistic & Financial Value
Financial: The estimated value of this program is worth hundreds of dollars.
Maybe even thousands. Each student physically participates in an
average of 15-20 classes weekly. Specialty classes, assistant teaching,
lecturers, and individual counseling are sometimes added to the scholarships
weekly dance schedule. There is a one-time tuition fee (averages
approximately $75 a month) for each term. This fee goes directly to the
program and helps to defray educational and administrative expenses.
Additionally, there may be a small fee for professional headshots (hard copy,
personal CD included) as a tool to begin auditioning upon graduation and/or
promoting oneself in a career in the dance industry.
Artistic: A dancer comes to us wanting to fulfill a dream. We
help them with the reality of this dream. The environment of this
program gives the dancer the knowledge to fulfill this dream. Character
building, inspiration of creativity and personal growth are all traits that
come with participating in the discipline of dance.
The Outcome
As a scholarship student, your life for the duration will be full-time
dancing. You will sharpen your strengths and overcome your
weaknesses. You will learn what things are and how they work. You
will gain knowledge of the world of dance and its many different opportunities,
whether your interests lie in performing, teaching, choreographing or other
related activities. This program helps establish career building
relationships, mentors and to network. In some situations, a program
like this helps one decide on which avenue to pursue. The training offered is
an experience of a lifetime.
Performance Opportunities
During the Fall scholarship term the school hosts an evening of performances
in January or February. These performances are designed for the school
to showcase its scholarship dancers along with faculty. The level and
capabilities of the scholarship dancer determines how much the individual
will perform. Faculty donates their time to work and set choreography
on the scholarship dancer for this showcase. Spring term hosts the
schools recital with additional possibilities to perform in June.
Scholarship Schedule
A scholarship dancer must be available weekday mornings, evenings, &
weekends. Must be between the ages of 16-30 and in good health to
physically participate in this program. This following schedule is
provided ONLY as an EXAMPLE. Work and class times will vary. Part time
school and work schedules can be feasible.
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Monday
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10-12 pm class, 5:30 – 9:30 pm class
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Tuesday
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10 – 12 pm class, 5:30 – 10:00 pm class
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Wednesday
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9-12 pm class, 7-9:30 pm classes
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Thursday
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9-1 pm work shift, 5:30 – 10:00 pm class
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Friday
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10 – 1 pm class, 5:30 – 7:30 pm class or evening off
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Saturday
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9-2:00 pm classes
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Sunday
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Off
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Work shift Schedules
Mon. thru Fri. 9:00 – 1:00 pm, Mon, Tues, Thurs. 1-5pm, Sat. 7:30 – 9 am, Sun. 8:30-12:30pm. Each scholarship recipient
participates in one work shift & a Saturday rotation shift.
Although class schedules may vary, work shifts typically remain the same for
entire term. It is the job of the Scholarship Director to designate
work shifts, day off and class schedule.
The Audition Process
Every applicant must pick up an Audition Package. Applications are
usually available two months before start of each term. Those
interested in auditioning must attend an orientation and have a personal
interview before auditioning. Dates for orientation and interview are
outlined in the Audition Package. This package is filled with crucial
information, dates and deadlines, and application form. One must complete
an application attached with audition fee and any size non-refundable photo
of applicant only.
The Audition
Auditions are usually held the first Monday of the month prior to the
beginning of each term but are subject to change due to director’s schedules.
The audition itself consists of a short ballet barre,
center floor, jazz technique, combination and may include a panel
interview. Audition may last up to 3-4 hours and applicants are
expected to remain the duration. Early arrival is recommended, as there
is no late entrance into audition. Results will be known day of
audition. Note: This
program has accepted all levels.
Audition Attire
Ladies: leotards & tights ONLY. Hair pulled off face.
Men: tight fitting tank & tights or bike shorts ONLY. Hair
pulled off face.
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