Artistic Dance Concepts
PAC COMPANY FAQ
Q: What genres do PAC members study?
A: PAC members are well rounded and well versed in all areas of dance. Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Modern, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre, Stretch, Condition, Acro, Contemporary, and Improv are all genres that will be given to our PAC members. They will study everything in order to gain maximum potential. All of these genres will be worked on during PAC rehearsals as well as in our weekly classes. PAC Competition members will be in several dances including Ballet, Jazz, and an additional genre depending on the needs of that group.
Q: How many days a week do PAC members have to take?
A: The best part of the ADC PAC is that each child is on their very own individualized plan. This allows us to cater to each student and meet their individual needs. Students can chose from many programs to best suit their needs and what they are wanting to get out of the PAC. We have many tracks available:
Cubbie Track- 2 days a week- Includes performances and 1 local competition and a gentle intro into the program
Performance Track- 2 days a week- Includes our performances of themed shows and concerts and training
Competition Track- 2 days a week- Includes the performance track and adding in competition and revue
Professional Track- 3 or 4 days a week- Includes all the above as well as our training program
Work Track- 1-4days a week- For dancers who simply want to take a year to train and not concentrate on shows
Q: What do you mean by individualized programs for each student?
A: One thing for sure is that there are no 2 kids the exact same. All of our students have one thing in common, they love to dance, but everything else is very different and we celebrate diversity at ADC PAC. We want to get one on one with our students, identify their exact needs, and set a path for them to succeed based on their availability and needs.
Q: What do you mean by individualized programs?
A: We mean just that- each student will sit down with the director and instructors to coordinate their perfect plan set based on their commitment level, availability, and resources. We will then build a program specifically for that person. Because everyone is different and on different tracks, you will see kids in and out of different things- meaning you may see Suzy Q at competition, but not at a themed performance. Or you may see Suzy Q in class training but never on stage. Or you may see Suzy Q in performances, but not on stage at revue or competition. This will allow our students who are in other extracurriculars to be a part of the PAC without having to miss out on the entire year. Some may not be in our Fall performance due to football season, but will be ready to go come spring or visa versa. This allows our students to be a part of everything and get the best of both worlds. The director will also be pulling students who are in need of extra attention in certain areas. This allows students who excel in one genre and struggle in another the time to have additional opportunities to grow without slowing the entire class down. We will also be having goal sessions and parent check ins.
Q: What sort of additional workshops will you be having?
A: We have several lined up that encompass the whole dancer. At the beginning of the year we will meet with nurtionalist who will help build a healthy eating plan to power and fuel our dancers. We will also meet with yoga, pilates, and acro instructors to help cross train our dancers. Theatre workshops will also be an annual event that will focus on projection, commitment to a character, and performance. Along with this we will have social media presence, collegiate studies, and assisting programs. Kim McSwain is also lined up to start and end our year annually.
Q: Will you be offering classes during the day for homeschooled students?
A: YES! We are starting a brand new day program for our homeschooled kids. This will allow them to do extra training in the mornings as well as in the evenings.
Q: What is the Extension Program?
A: The Extension Program is a perfect track for anyone who wants to dance or loves to dance. We have a schedule full of amazing classes that are perfect for any dance lover, or dance team hopeful. Classes that run year long and just focus on technique, musicality, dynamics, choreography, and retention, these classes are perfect for anyone not ready to commit to the Professional program.
Q: If I sign up for a class, how do I get to be in one of the shows?
A: If you are in one of our amazing dance classes and are looking to perform as well, then we suggest you adding in a PAC class. The PAC classes are run throughout the year and are geared to running shows. We will hold auditions and run rehearsals on Mondays or Thursdays for any upcoming shows. If you would like to be in one of our amazing shows, consider auditioning for that show and adding a PAC class. Details on shows/dates/and more to come.
Q: What if I just want to take class?
A: Our extension program is perfect for you! All our dance classes are work only classes- this means that they will always be working throughout the year without taking time out to learn choreo for shows. You can add a PAC class to be in the shows if you choose, but if not and you simply want to fine tune your moves, then the extension program has you covered.
Q: What is a typical full time Professional track schedule?
A: Our full time students have the option to dance 4 days a week, but only 3 are required.
Professional Track- Mondays 4:30-8:30, Tuesdays 4:30-8:30, and Thursdays 4:30-8:30.
Cubbie Track- Mondays 4:30-5:30 and Tuesdays 5:30-6:30
Performance Track – Monday or Tuesday 4:30-8:30 and class day (Tuesday or Wednesday 4:30-7:30)
Competition Track- Monday 4:30-8:30 and Tuesday 4:30-8:30
Work Track- Classes offered daily
Q: Do all the PAC kids stay till 8:30pm?
A: NO! The Pups are til 6:30 or 7:30 most days. Wolves may stay til 8:30, and Alphas may stay til 9:30pm when needed
Q: What is a cubbie, pup, wolf, or alpha?
A: ADC PAC is a play on the word WOLFPACK- we are a family that will fight fiercely for one another. Just like a WOLFPACK, everyone has their place, from the new younger ones, Cubbies, to the Pups starting to grow. Our Wolves are some of our seasoned dancers who are not new to the competition and performance world, and our Alphas have the most experience.
Q: Who trains together?
A: Our PAC kids all meet at the same day/time and at times will all be together while other times split by level. They will take class according to level for their individual class times. But for PAC rehearsals we all meet at the same time.
Q: What sort of weekend commitment do we need to make?
A: Most all our rehearsals will be during the week and during scheduled classes, but at times we may need to add additional weekend rehearsals. If you plan on giving 1 weekend a month to dance, then you will be set for convention, competition, workshops, additional rehearsals, and more. Year long calendars will be emailed out in August.
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Q: What performances can we expect?
A: Our full profession track PAC kids can expect an action packed year full of opportunities to perform.
Mistletoe & Magic, Fall Show, Revue, Competition, Park Performance, Spring Show and more. We will be partnering with organizations like The Junior League of Tyler to put on full shows for our amazing community.
Q: Im busy during the fall but free during the Spring or visa versa. Is there a program for me?
A: YES! Our extension program is perfect for you as well as our Performance track! You could be in our Fall show and then be done in time for the Spring. This is perfect for our older students who will be transferring colleges in the Spring as well as our Drill Team members who are super booked during football season.
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Q:What is the age range/limit?
A: Because we have so many tracks, we can accommodate our tiny Cubbies (4-7yrs) all the way to our top dogs and beyond. Dancers under the age of 20 can still compete with us, and dancers up to the age of 25 can be in the performance track. This allows our dancers who have graduated high school the opportunity to continue to grow and train while still in Tyler. As long as you are wanting to train, we want you!
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Q: Will there be separate “companies” or how are groups divided?
A: There is ONE PAC and within that PAC we have many different moving parts and roles. We are not going to stick to anyone “group” rather have the instructors audition dances and select members for certain pieces. This can be done based on age, level, experience, need for exposure, size of piece, and more. All competition dances will be rehearsed during PAC Rehearsal. Some will be learned during those time slots, and others will be learned additionally on the weekends. Instructors will reach out to anyone needing to book a weekend.
Q: What if I only want to take ballet?
A: You absolutely can! We have ballet classes daily for anyone wanting to focus solely on ballet or even just gain some extra time at the barre. And because of our individualized programs, students can still be a part of the performance PAC while only focusing on ballet!
Q:Will there be a Ballet only performance again?
A: Yes and No. Meaning- we are not limiting ourselves to what we have done in the past. Instead we are open to all opportunities for our students. We hope to partner with the Symphony League of Tyler oneday to put on full length shows annually with them, but even with that it may not be ballet exclusive. We are not opposed to ballet only shows, we are simply not making full decisions about what shows will be up and coming until we begin our new program and go from there.
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Q:Will there be kids who “dont make it” or does everyone make a team?
A: ADC PAC is a perfect program set for just about anyone who is wanting to dance, train, and perform. With that in mind, we have a track that can fit just about anyone’s needs. The full professional PAC will be very selective for who we accept into the program (commitment level is the highest based criteria for this program). We are going much further into the audition process than talent alone. We will be looking at school and extracurricular schedules, priority lists, availability, as well as skill level, experience, work ethic, and attitude. Parents of dancers will have a questionnaire that will go into consideration as well as their dancers. We want to make sure that our dancers in our Professional Track are the right candidates with the right support needed from home.
Q: What is the method of communication for PAC members?
A: There are different levels for all our dancers. Some will be the sole communicator for themselves. Alphas, for example, are expected to relay any and all messages to their parents directly and no communication between instructor and parent will happen. Wolves will be on the cusp of independence and will be a combination of instructor based communication first, then later relayed to the parent. This allows them time to relay all info themselves first. Pups and cubs are communicated directly to the parent while giving them the opportunity to start becoming aware of their responsibilities. Emails will be sent out to all parents regarding payments and any upcoming events. There will be a “secret” ADC PAC page that all members are required to join where we will relay info to. I am also in the midst of finding the perfect ap for all PAC members and will create my own if need be!
Q:How many stage opportunities will there be a year?
A: Professional Track PAC members will have several stage opportunities a year including:
MIstletoe & Magic, Junior League Provisional Show, Company Revue, Park Showcase, Spring Concert, Competitions, as well as any industrials we are hired to do in a year. The PAC can plan on November, December, February, March, April, May performances in some capacity.
Q: What does “partnering with the Junior League of Tyler” mean?
A: The JLT has partnered with ADC PAC to be their provisional project for this coming year. We will put on a show to benefit the community and help raise money for JLT. We will then be able to do 2 things, get our children involved in helping our community, as well as raise money for the PAC summer travel expenses!
Q: Are we moving locations?
A: YES! The lease is up on this space 2023 and we will be relocating at that time. We have been on the hunt for a great new space that is more centrally located to better accommodate all our students. Please keep in mind that we are on the lookout daily for a wonderful new space that we will be moving into Summer/Fall 2023!
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Q: What about costumes?
A: Costumes are expensive- and are not necessary for the instructors…. We at ADC PAC believe that our training should speak louder than our rhinestones. They may be pretty to look at, but they don’t point feet! We would rather spend the extra money on extra intensives and workshops than a shining costume to wear a few times. As always, many of the older kids will wear store bought clothing that we will use. A few “dance costumes” may be ordered if they make sense to the piece. Each instructor will get with the group and go over costume details for their specific dance and a costume will be purchased, ordered, or sent home for each group.
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Q: What about PAC parties?
A: Our PAC kids will have a blast together in 4 different events throughout the year. They will begin with an onboarding event to learn the ins and outs of the PAC, followed by a Christmas Party headed up by a group of parents selected. They will then have a SPIRIT week the weeks prior to competition where each day is themed. Ending in a formal gala thrown by a selected group of parents at the end of the year to celebrate.
Q: What about initiation?
A: Members of the Professional Track PAC will be initiated into the PAC with a sleepover at the studio.
Q: How will drop off and pick up work?
A: Our doors will open for our PAC kids at 4:15pm each day. This will give them time to come in, get their stuff put away and already be in class warming up at start time. Doors will remain locked during class time. After keeping them locked for an entire year, we do not know how we ever had them open to begin with. Safety of our students is our number one priority and ensuring that random people cannot just walk in off the streets is very important to us. We will do special showcases throughout the year where we will invite parents in to “see” what we are up to.
Pick up will be the same as it has been with the instructor walking the kids out and being picked up on time.
Q: Can I do a solo, duo, or trio?
A: Solos, duos, and trios are at the discretion of the director. If approved for an extra dance, you may choose which instructor you want to set a piece on you for Revue and competition for a set price. Private lessons for polishing are mandatory for anyone doing an extra dance for stage. This is to ensure that you are at your best when performing or competing. Weekly check ins will also be mandatory on the progress of the dancer and their dance. All accounts must be up to date before an extra dance can be booked and payment for the dance is to be paid in full on the day before choreography is learned.
Q: Do PAC members get to travel annually?
A: YES! We will plan one major travel performance each year. Summer 2023 we will take on NYC. Each year we will find out what city or state we may be traveling to and work for the entire year to raise money for that trip. We will also do minor travels for convention and competitions. Students must take the full summer intensives in order to travel and perform. We will also be doing fun travels like performing at Six Flags, the fair, or more depending on when the calendar dates fall best for venues and opportunities.
Q: Who is invited to travel?
A: Depending on the trip, everyone that is a PAC member will be eligible to travel for convention, competition, and performance. Age restrictions may apply for some trips. There may be some summers that the trip is an age restricted trip and only that age and above would be eligible.
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Q: What instructors will be teaching the PAC?
A: Bonnie is the director, choreographer, and instructor of the PAC. She will customize individual plans, meet with parents, choreograph shows, dances, teach, give private lessons as well as travel with selected members to assist for master classes and intensives that she sets around Texas. Angela will still be the ballet director and modern teacher as well as choreographer for shows, competitions, and class. Cortni will be teaching, choreographing, giving privates, as well as setting competition pieces. We will have guest artists who come in and out throughout the year as well to enrich our students such as: Acro, Pilates, Yoga, Ballroom, Tap, Theatre, Collegiate, and more. Along with this, we will be once again teaming up with CLI studios in order to offer the top choreographers and instructors just a click away. New this year, we are incorporating Dance Labs into our curriculum and are excited about the advancements our students will be making.
Q: How much for the Extension Program?
A: Tuition is based on number of classes signed up for a week paid monthly. 1 class/wk- $75/month, 2class/wk- $110/month, 3class/wk $140/month, 4 class/wk- $175/month, 5class/wk- $205/month.
Q: How much for PAC members?
A: PAC members pay $225/month for unlimited classes. This includes: every 9 weeks semi-private lesson with instructors to reestablish and set goals for the next 9 weeks and parent check ins on where the student is and what they need to obtain their goals. PAC rehearsals, as well as dance training classes. Most students have the availability to take up to 15hrs of dance a week.
Q: What are additional fees?
A: Full PAC jumpsuit- Price TBA, PAC Shirt- $25, In House Master Classes- $50-$200 depending on the event, Conventions- $300 (1per year), Workshops- $50-100 depending on the event, PAC Acceptance- $50 annual fee
Competition fees- $55 per dance per dancer, Show fees- $65 per show, Costume fee- $65 per dance per dancer
Q: When are fees due?
A: Once the fees are totaled up for each child- (Jumpsuit, shirt, convention, competition, show fees) they will then be split into 4 equal payments due September 15, October 15, November 15, and January 15. Or you may pay everything in full September 15. Costume fees are due prior to ordering- but we will not charge til we know exactly what will be ordered. There are no refunds for any PAC additional fees unless the event is canceled by the organization. PAC Acceptance due upon acceptance of program, and workshop fees are due at the time of the individual workshop.
Q: Will there be fundraisers to help offset the costs and fees?
A: YES! We will be selecting parents that want to coordinate and help run fundraisers throughout the year that will go into a pot that will help each Professional Track member with their full fees. The parents selected to head up this project will be in charge of all fundraisers and events for them.
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Q: Are scholarships available?
A: Scholarships may be available to help families in need with the costs of tuition. Additional fees are not covered by the scholarship. There is a separate audition for anyone needing a scholarship into the program. Scholarship recipient requirements: PAC must be their first priority, Full time dance student in the full professional program. Income of family is under consideration. Scholarship recipients (dancer and parent) will be given a “job” at the PAC they must fulfill and have signed by instructors weekly in order to maintain scholarship. Jobs include: Cleaning of the studio, assisting classes, babysitting, private lessons, and more.
Q: How do I become a parent that helps organize and plan for events and fundraisers?
A: There will be a sign up for anyone looking to help and from there we will designate people based on their strengths and connections to the project.