Thread: Troupe director issue

hey guys

I have a student troupe/group of advanced students that have done some gigs together in the past. meanwhile, some of the girls in that troupe have become more or less professionals, some have not, some new girls have been added and are very promising.

I now have some new troupe gig opportunities coming up, for which I want to make new choreographies and work with these girls on those, sort of reform the troupe but on a higher level than before, including even some professional colleagues who are not my students, with rehearsals outside of class. my own choreographing skills have improved and well, basically what I want to reach, my own goals have changed.

BUT, some of the girls from the "old troupe", well, frankly, they just don't make the cut (technically) for these new projects... some of them have specific physical issues (cannot do certain moves) that were ok in a student group, but not in a group doing professional paid gigs. I do not mean body type or age issues, but the inability to do certain moves.

And well, I want to avoid drama. Do I just hope they filter themselves out (chances are they will not be able to do what I will require in terms of rehearsing anyway)... or do I tackle these issues head on and talk to them, which I am pretty sure that no matter how carefull I approach it, will hurt their feelings?

thanks
Iphigenia

(ps, yes, this is an alias, for privacy reasons)

Could you possibly have some of your professional colleagues be judges and have tryouts for the new troupe? If you have a certain criteria that everyone must attain in writing then it might be easier on you. Are you going to continue with your student troupe as well? That might ease the situation too. Just be sure you have all the rules and regulations in writing and give each person a copy. Then stick to your guns and those who really want to take that next step will be committed to the hard work and expense necessary to be in a professional troupe.

Best of luck to you

Coupla points from an old dog who is still still learning new tricks:
1. Drama happens. How I deal with/ react to it is what matters. Don't be afraid of it, *See "How to Build Confidence" / or "How to be a Dance Warrior"
2. I can't please everyone; what is good for the whole is not necessarily good for each.
3. My time, energy, and mental state are valuable to a good troupe. So is everyone else's.
4. If I come from a place of sincerity & compassion transmits to = less hurt if the truth is unpleasant
Now that being said, no one likes to "hurt someone's feelings". Well, I suppose some do. .w.: /! Anyway, there have been times over the years of directing a troupe that I needed to make some changes of one kind or another.
Here is a process I have gone through...more than once
-First I write down my goals, what I want to achieve, why do I feel change is necessary, etc.
-Present concept to troupe that I am working on a written mission statement, or revising some policies for troupe, or whatever you think is your action.
-Next I give a checklist questionnaire for members, such as What is your favorite thing about troupe? What would you change? What are your goals? What are the troupe's goals? whatever you want your members to respond to.
-Then I look at my checklist & the members' lists, re-examine my mission.
-Decide on what action I can take [Research, get some input, meditate, dream programming, whatever works for you to collect info for your decision]:
-Take action: Usually: a written mission statement, stepped up rehearsals, meetings, costuming, etc, which does filter out some who cannot make the cut. I let them know that if they have issues with new procedures, we can meet one-on-one.
Then as you proceed along your new path, old members who are not getting with the program: address on case-by-case basis.
Running a troupe is hard, but the rewards for me are great. This approach did not spring into my head overnight! I have had to get tougher without losing my compassion [that's hard for me], and more organized, over the years to keep it going successfully. I was in a professional troupe Hayetti 82-91 with an excellent director, have had Masouda Dance Ensemble since 1993.
Good luck and keep spreading the magic!

Form a new "professional" troupe, and require auditions - you may consider keeping the student troupe still intact, but it probably should be totally separate from the professional level troupe - meaning that only dancers of a certain ability and commitment will be doing the paid gigs. Allowing student-level dancers to be involved in any kind of paid gigs can send the wrong message anyway.

Sounds like it is time to split the troupe. Can you run or arrange to have someone run the student troupe while you run the pro troupe?

I think shems and Tex are right: split the troupe if you can. There *will* be drama, and I think it's best if you just get it out of the way at the beginning.

Originally Posted by tamrahennatx

Form a new "professional" troupe, and require auditions - you may consider keeping the student troupe still intact, but it probably should be totally separate from the professional level troupe - meaning that only dancers of a certain ability and commitment will be doing the paid gigs. Allowing student-level dancers to be involved in any kind of paid gigs can send the wrong message anyway.

'Zackly!... but I get the feeling that the ones who are not of "professional caliber" are probably thinking that they are = hence the possibilty of hurt feelings & drama. That's the part where one needs to "get tough" so to speak.

If you have the resources you could have an interim student troupe director during the time you are starting with the new pro troupe. That way you can focus on the new direction and a new face could handle the difficult transition period. The interim student troupe director could be your assistant with that troupe in the future.

I've had the same issues with one of my student performing groups. I don't plan on taking them into the pro realm, but there were some dance issues and inconsistencies that had begun to drive me nuts, as a director. I told them all that we were going to have a session where we fix technique and really focus on making them look more cohesive and confident. A few of them chose to move to a different performing class, which is fine. Boredom happens and a change of pace is good. A couple of them are taking time off, one for work, one to heal an injury. I am left with a group about half the size as before, but man, are they working hard to fix the issues and come together to really look great!

I don't know if this "boot camp" approach would work in your situation, but so far my students are responding well to it. As for the ladies who made the lateral move to a different style of dance class, they are thriving too. Sometimes you just need a bit of a shake-up to jump-start the group again.

Originally Posted by tamrahennatx

Form a new "professional" troupe, and require auditions - you may consider keeping the student troupe still intact, but it probably should be totally separate from the professional level troupe - meaning that only dancers of a certain ability and commitment will be doing the paid gigs. Allowing student-level dancers to be involved in any kind of paid gigs can send the wrong message anyway.

100% agreement with this.

Deborah

Originally Posted by tamrahennatx

Form a new "professional" troupe, and require auditions - you may consider keeping the student troupe still intact, but it probably should be totally separate from the professional level troupe - meaning that only dancers of a certain ability and commitment will be doing the paid gigs. Allowing student-level dancers to be involved in any kind of paid gigs can send the wrong message anyway.

I highly agree!

In total agreement with Tamrahennatx.

Plus, you, your school and everything is on the line when people are paying you!

Audiences will forgive mistakes, when it's a free show (free for a reason right?).

But when they are paying?
They want their money's worth!
(Wouldn't you?)

The only alternative from Tamrahennatx, would be to create a choreo that includes simple moves for the ones less advanced.

i.e. Have them do something simple pause, or go to the background while the more advanced dancers dance.

(Does that make sense?)

But really I'd go with Tamra's advice, and have try outs. Your rep is on the line here.

This thread comes on time for me !
I'm in the "Drama Cyclone" !!!

We have 4 shows in the next 6 months going on, and 2 of them MUST be professional level ONLY, all choreo's
Ohh boy !!!
I have to say, i just lost 6 students from 3 years to 7 with me !
And FRANKLY !!!!

I just dont care !!!! as had problems with all of them all the time !!!

So dont be afraid of the drama ! things will get better after !

thanks to all who replied for the advice!!! lots to ponder