Frequently Asked Questions about our Competitive Dance Program

Steppin’ Out – The Studio, Inc.

Phyllis Balagna-Demoret, Owner/Director

“Committed to Kids and Dance Since 1989!”

 

*Answers to questions most frequently asked *

 

 

1. How do you pick your competition team?   Members of the Dance Company are selected through an audition process.  The studio holds a three day intensive, where my staff and I teach, as well as observe classes.  A separate day is held for auditions, and each participant takes a ballet class, a jazz class, and a tap or hip-hop class. 

 

2. How do you decide who gets solos, duets/trios?  For solos/duo/trios/small groups, and those participating in special performances, a separate audition is conducted.  Dancers are evaluated further in their ballet, lyrical, and performance skills. 

 

3. Do your dancers take privates on a scheduled basis, or an as needed basis?  I have two levels of privates:  one for those who do solos, and then those who just want to take a private to perhaps focus on a certain skill, etc.  Those who do solos have a regularly scheduled lesson that meets either weekly or bi-weekly.  Because I have so many doing solos, I have a senior dancer assist me with each solo and then once they are learned, I start in on the second round of solos. 

 

4. How many competitions do you do in a year?  Nationals?  In state?  Out of state?  My studio participates in one convention/competition each year, which is New York City Dance Alliance, three regional competitions (one will include travel to St. Louis), and one nationals (which is always out of state). 

 

5. Why do you compete?  I believe in competition…it makes us better…and helps us to set goals.  I’ve had a competition/performance team for 18 years now, and I literally cannot believe the growth that I’ve experienced as a direct result.  I have met so many incredible teachers who have inspired me, and have had the privilege of serving as a regional and national judge for numerous talent competitions.  As a business owner, through competition I’ve had the chance to see all facets of the business, which in turn has helped me develop a solid studio.  As a teacher, I’ve had the chance to see so many different styles, and from there, I’ve developed my own style.  I believe competition, if used with integrity, can be incredibly good, and I know my students are where they are today because of the training and hard work that is instilled through competition.

 

6. How do you get your students focused before they compete?  I am a true coach at heart, and motivating kids is my forte’.  I am constantly searching for quotes that I can use to help get the dancers fired up!  I believe in my program, and I definitely believe in the work that I do with the students.  That passion and energy transfers to them, and on “game day,” my dancers are on fire! 

 

7. Are you students required to take certain classes during the week?  If so, what are your requirements?  Company dancers must take 2 ½ hours of ballet each week, 2 hours of jazz technique each week, 1 hour of lyrical technique each week, 1 hour of hip-hop and 1 hour of tap.  Pointe is optional, as well as other ballet classes.  This year, I’m adding another hour of ballet to their “dance diet.”

 

8. How do you deal with dancers and their attitudes?  I deal with any issues head-on.  As a parent of two daughters, I have a really good grasp of the various developmental stages of a female dancer, from ages 3 until 18.  I instill teamwork in each and every class, and nip any problems immediately.  I am constantly giving the “Ms. Phyllis” talks about how it’s important to remember:  “the better you get, the nicer you become.” 

 

9. How do you deal with pushy parents?  Each year I conduct a mandatory parent meeting in August, prior to the start of the new year in competition.  They know from the git-go who’s in charge…I make it crystal clear what I will and will not put up with.  By setting firm rules at the beginning, I have found it makes for a pretty smooth year.  I also communicate fully with the parents.  They get a bi-weekly company update via e-mail, which keeps them in the loop.  I’m also business-friendly with my customers:  I take time to talk with them and try to be encouraging.  Bottom line, both the parents and I have one common goal:  the development of their child. 

 

10. Do you allow your students to hear their critiques?  What is the positive side, and what is the negative side?  I expose my students to competitions that I know and trust.  Therefore, after a competition, I send home with all soloists their critique sheets/tapes, and ask that they listen to them and jot down the comments they heard.  At their next lesson, we sit down, often times with the parent, and discuss what is being said.  By including the parent just a little, it makes them feel such a part of the process.  Critiques for small groups, large groups and lines, are listened to as a group.  However, I must confess, that due to the fact that I produce over 120 routines, I do not take the time out of every class to listen to every routine.  After a competition, I’m usually ready to get back into the trenches and do what needs to be done to make each dancer and routine more solid.

 

11. What do you see in a students who has talent and drive?  (How do you recognize it?).  The main ingredient that I see is work ethic.  How hard is the student willing to work and how hard can I push them to meet the goals I’ve set for them.  I’ve seen students with so much talent and no drive – they usually fizzle out!  Those students with above average talent but the desire to be pushed are those I really focus in on! 

 

12. What makes a good dancer?  Work ethic, talent, facility, and parental support.  Give me a kid with a great work ethic, great parental support, a nice facility to work with, and above average in talent…I can turn them into an amazing dancer! 

 

13. What makes a good team?  Spending a lot of time up front with the selection process after auditions makes for a great team!  I believe that good “chemistry” makes for a good team – I spend hours on delving into each child’s personality and how they will relate with the others.  Once my company levels are in place…bingo!  Let the year begin!

 

14. Do you do your own choreography?  Yes, I’m the primary choreographer for my dance company, and do over 70% of it.  I have several staff members who were former students in my dance company that do some choreography, and then I outsource the rest of it.

 

15. Do you use outside choreographers?  Yes, I do, for several reasons.  First, it gives the students a chance to work with others in the business and exposes them to new styles.  Secondly, it gives my staff and I an opportunity to make connections in the business, and for us to be exposed to new styles, as well.  I have had some incredible guest teachers in my studio:  Mia Michaels has set three pieces on my students; Chris Moss (hip-hop); Jennifer Balagna (lyrical); Danny Wallace (tap); Christopher Windom (musical theatre) are my most recent guest choreographers.  Others include:  Greg Russell, Dennis Caspary, Lauren Adams, Pam Bolling, Karen Hebert, to name a few.

 

16. How do you motivate your dancers?  By smiling, having fun, and pushing them hard in class!  I make it my #1 goal to always say and do things that will motivate each and every one of my students to be the best they can be.  I have found that the higher I set the bar, the harder they work!  Students loved to be challenged, and as a teacher, my goal is to find ways to constantly “shake things up” and challenge them!

 

17. How do you motivate yourself as a teacher?  I surround myself with really great people!  I also guest teach and serve as a competition judge periodically, which are great motivational tool.  I read countless magazines and articles on coaching techniques, and am constantly thinking up new ways to re-invent myself as a teacher!  Each year I try to have a new approach to teaching and coaching.  I am also fortunate to have a great support in our studio Booster Club.  Their energy is a driving force for our entire studio.

 

18. What do you feel is the most important element for a dancer?  Parental support, at least for the first 18 years of their lives!  I am who I am today because of my mother.  She made sure I was at every lesson, I was properly fed, my dancewear was always clean, and always supported my teachers 100%.  If ever I was to complain, she’d say “I don’t want to hear it. I’m paying them to teach you.  Buck up and take it!”  (I had some brutal ballet teachers, too!)  I also owe a  great deal to my father who was always working to pay for mine and my sisters lessons!  I got my solid work ethic from him.  He’s the hardest working man I’ve ever known and is still going strong at 73.

 

19. What do you feel is the “total package” for a dancer and a dance team?  A dancer must believe that he or she has a purpose and contributes to the team fully.  Being a “total package” means having a belief in yourself and your abilities, and then bringing that to the team.  A strong team believes in themselves, and with solid training in all areas of dance and the performing arts, they can’t lose.  Yes, there is always someone better out there, and I constantly remind my dancers of that.  Variables differ from each studio and it’s program.  However, my goal is to develop young men and women who have a strong sense of self and the team.  That’s the “total package” for me!

 

20. What you do feel your students benefit most from by competing?  Honestly, at the end of the day, it’s about having fun!  They benefit from the hard work it takes, the relationships they build, and the ups and downs of the awards.  But bottom line, if you poll dancers (and I have), they all say they had fun…being with each other…making new dance friends…performing for their friends and families…and experiencing the highs and lows of the awards process.  It’s all a life lesson, and if we do it right, we will have successfully trained the future leaders of tomorrow! I am proud that many of my students have utilized their training further, and have former students currently on Broadway and in touring companies, in regional and professional theatre, on cruise ships, in movies and commercials, on NFL and college dance teams, and attending major universities on dance and performing arts scholarships. 

 

“Dancing with the feet is one thing,

but dancing with the heart is another.”

 

Proud to be celebrating 20 years of providing

excellence in training in the performing arts!

816-525-7464

This site contains links to outside sites.  Steppin' Out The Studio is not responsible for content housed on these sites.  This site may be freely copied.