DO I NEED TO CHECK IN MY CHILD? If you registered with your studio, your teacher will pick up the registration packet. This will have your child’s wristband. Please ask your teacher what time and where to meet to pick up your wristband. If you did NOT register with a studio, the main contact on your registration can pick up your registration packet.
WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD BRING TO THE EVENT? Proper dance attire, cover ups, sweats, costumes (if competing), hair accessories, band aids, socks and all appropriate dance shoes. Hollywood Connection recommends wearing shoes for all classes and competition. Dancers assume all risk when dancing in socks or dancing with bare feet. Dancers should also pack some healthy snacks and bottled water.
WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEKEND? Every city has a slightly different schedule. Please check our website for updates. Competition and/or classes MAY occur on Friday night. Your studio will be notified one week in advance. Schedules will be posted the Monday prior to event date on our website. www.hcdance.com
CAN I WATCH THE CLASSES? Yes, parents and family can watch the classes with a registered student. Wristbands are $40 for the weekend. You may register as an observer with your studio or you may purchase a wristband on site. Please note, there is no loitering in the public spaces of the hotel and/or convention center. Cash and Credit Card only. NO CHECKS.
ARE CHAPERONES REQUIRED? Yes, chaperones are required for any dancer under 21 years of age. Chaperones are responsible for dancers at all times. HOLLYWOOD CONNECTION IS NOT REPSONSIBLE FOR THE SUPERVISION OF DANCERS.
ARE THE CLASSES CROWDED? Our class size varies from city to city. We make every effort to offer adequate space for the dancers. Our staff are experts at making every child feel included whether they are in the front or the back of the room. Once the dance is learned, our faculty will break down the room into smaller groups so everyone has a chance to perform. Let your child dance where they are most comfortable.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE ROOM DURING AN AUDITION? WHY ARE PARENTS NOT ALLOWED? Parents make dancers nervous, so go grab a coffee and relax! Dancers will audition on Sunday with a dance routine they learned on Saturday during their classes. They will already know the material. Dancers will review a few times and be called out by name, to dance in a small group on the floor. We use names rather than numbers for a couple reasons. One, everyone likes hearing their name called! Two, it keeps them focused during the audition process. Three, it makes the experience a personal one for both the dancer and for the panel. Dancers will “audition” the routine and the panel will discuss the audition. Please don’t second guess the decision-making progress. Your child may come out and say “They were talking during my audition”. The panel may talk amongst themselves during the audition process. This is completely normal. This does not mean anything BAD! Decisions must be made and many times it requires a bit of discussion. Scholarships are a way for us to give back to dancers, their families and the studio owners. Teachers and studio owners will be in the room. If you have questions, please ask your studio owner or teacher for more information.
WHAT IS AUDITIONING 101? WHO IS BILL BOHL? Bill is owner and talent agent of THE MOVEMENT TALENT AGENCY representing dancers for film, TV, commercials, music videos, live stage, Broadway and more. He started dancing at the age of eleven and some highlights were taking home the Grand Prize of $100,000.00 on Star Search in the group “The Boys Club”, television show “Fame”, Academy Awards Shows, Late Show with David Letterman, Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Feature Films “Men In Tights”, “Beaches” with Bette Midler, MTV Video Music Awards and the American Music Awards. For eight years he danced and choreographed for artist Paula Abdul on all of her three albums touring the world. His choreography and image is unmistakable in Paula Abdul’s Cold Hearted Snake video, which went on to be considered one of the best music videos ever made. Bill also earned an Emmy Award and an MTV Award nomination for his excellence in choreography. Bill created Auditioning 101 class for the Producers (Seniors) ages 14 and up as a way to help them understand the audition process and what a panel looks for during an audition. Dancers may receive individual critiques to help them improve their auditioning skills. Bill will also discuss the entertainment industry as it pertains to obtaining a dance career. The intention of the class is to help dancers develop their audition technique, control their nerves and put their best foot forward during any demanding or stressful situation. The class is taught in a positive way to help dancers get beyond their fears and shine!
HOW ARE SCHOLARSHIPS DETERMINED? There are many factors when deciding who gets a scholarship. Every dancer is different and the reason a dancer receives an award can be just as diverse. Don’t second guess the outcome. Focus on the learning experience. Auditioning is a technique. The more a dancer auditions, the better they get at it.
WHAT IS THE FAMILY DANCE CLASS? Join one of the HC faculty for a fun filled class. No dance training is required. This is your chance to get up and move. Have fun with other family members and find out why your child LOVES to dance. The family dance class is free to all parents and family members 16 yrs and up. (In select cities)
WHAT IS THE PARENT YOGA CLASS? HC Faculty and certified yoga instructor, Lindsley Allen will lead this class. Move and stretch your body, reduce stress and soothe the mind! (In select cities)
CAN I WATCH THE COMPETITION? Yes, the competition is open to the public and is free of charge. We ask you to support all the dancers on stage and applaud for each and every routine. Some participants may not have any family or friends in the audience cheering them on. All the more reason to clap and cheer for ALL the dancers, regardless of the studio they are with. Everyone has worked hard, so let’s show them some love and support.
WILL COMPETITION RUN ON TIME AND IN ORDER? In many cities, the competition may run out of order due to costume changes, studio routines that are back to back or circumstances beyond our control. Our backstage team will work with the studio owners/teachers to get your dancers on stage in the most efficient and timely manner. Dancers should be ready 30 minutes prior to their scheduled competition time in case the competition is running ahead of schedule. Solos, duos and trios run about 20 routines per hour while groups run about 15 routines per hour. Although we may go out of order, we usually finish on time! Please help us. Have your dancers ready, do not leave the dressing room area and be patient! Please be parents aware that the competition may run out of order. We don’t want you to miss your child’s routine.
ARE PHOTOS AND VIDEO TAPING ALLOWED? There is no flash photography or video taping in the classrooms or during the competition. The flashes can be disruptive and uncomfortable for some and a hazard to the dancers on stage. ABSOLUTELY NO PHOTOS OR VIDEOS IN THE DRESSING ROOMS. In all cities, the competition will be professionally photographed and video taped. These are available for purchase.
WILL THERE BE FOOD AND BEVERAGE FOR PURCHASE? Most hotels will have restaurants, room service and fast food nearby. Many hotels offer quick grab and go items for cash purchase. This varies from city to city. Remember, the restaurants and room service can get very busy in the mornings and during lunch so plan to order your food ahead of time or pack your lunch to save time and money! In some cases, hotels and convention centers DO NOT allow outside food or beverage. Please be respectful of the rules at each venue.
WHAT IS THE WRAP PARTY AND WILL MY CHILD PERFORM? The Wrap Party is a chance for the faculty to perform with their students and for Hollywood Connection to give away scholarships and awards. Dancers will perform select routines they learned over the weekend on stage. Because of the quick turnaround, we do not set up theater style seating. We invite you to find a comfortable seat on the floor or sit in a chair in the back of the room, relax and enjoy. All are welcome to attend.