Thread: How do you structure advanced level classes vs. rehearsals?

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice on breaking my Level 3 "Performance Prep" class into two classes, and I'm wondering how other instructors and/or troupe leaders do this. I know that I have read related threads, but couldn't find anything quite on this topic.

I currently teach several Level 1 classes, one Level 2 class, and one Level 3 class. The Level 3 class is strictly for troupe members. When I first added the Level 3 class, the troupe was only performing sporadically, and so within the class, I could cover new material, technique, musicality, history, etc. Since then, our performance schedule has grown to near-weekly gigs, and the class now, out of necessity, revolves mostly around rehearsing for upcoming shows. I obviously now need to create a separate troupe rehearsal that is independent of the class. Right now my group is small enough that the same people would attend both, although that could change.

If you are an instructor and troupe leader, do you charge your students/troupe members for the rehearsal time, or only for the advanced class? If you charge for both, do you offer a discount? Is it beneficial to schedule them back to back (with a clear distinction between class and rehearsal)?

Thanks in advance for your input :)

Such a great question... I often wonder how other troupe directors structure their class vs rehearsal.

I have a separate rehearsal and advanced class. We have a weekly 2 hour rehearsal. I don't currently charge the troupe for my time, just a fee to pay for the studio space. (Not sure if I ever will or not, I, too, am curious if others do). They are, however required to be enrolled in the Advanced class which is reserved for technique and the tons of other info related to the art. The class and rehearsal are on different days, which I like. It's nice to get together a couple times a week, it's good for them to dance more than 1 night per week, there is less temptation to blur the lines between rehearsal and class, etc.

At my studio, I offer Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Repertoire/troupe classes. There is a fee for the repertoire class, about 1/3 of the regular class fee, which goes toward studio rental. Repertoire students need to take a technique class as well.


Khalida

Thanks for the input! I currently offer my Level 3 class in my home studio, where there is no rental fee (my other classes are in other, larger studios where I do pay a rental fee). I guess I'm wondering about charging a reduced fee for the rehearsal class. I typically put just as much advanced planning into the rehearsal as I do into teaching the class, so part of me feels like I should charge something...but it sounds like others aren't necessarily doing that? And I would also require that these students attend the advanced class, and I don't want them to double what they are currently paying.

Originally Posted by Andalee

The class and rehearsal are on different days, which I like. It's nice to get together a couple times a week, it's good for them to dance more than 1 night per week, there is less temptation to blur the lines between rehearsal and class, etc.

I love this idea too, but I have to admit that I'm probably the biggest obstacle to this, because my schedule is already so tight. Darn day job :)

I remember when I hit the exact point you're at right now.

My solution was to invite the performing students to join a Repertory Group (essentially a student troupe, I just never wanted to call it that for a variety of reasons).

Students who want to perform with that group have to be concurrently enrolled in the rep class (on Saturday mornings) AND at least one of my level 4 classes. I offer a 25% discount off a second class, and a 50% discount off a third class.

We learn choreography in the level 4 choreo class and polish/prepare it for shows in the rep class. We also use the rep class to maintain our repertoire of choreography and work out details for upcoming shows.

This way ALL my performing students are showing a real commitment and are dancing at least twice a week, and students can be in that level without having their classtime bogged down by discussions of upcoming performances.

The student repertory group is no-cut -- essentially anyone who's been in Level 4 for about 6 months is welcome to join, provided they display a team spirit and a few other characteristics, and want to spring for a costume.

I've recently added a more elite, semi-pro Dance Company made up of long-term Repertory Group members who display exceptional talent and dedication and are willing to work harder and be held to a higher standard. Right now I'm really, really pleased with all these arrangements!

Originally Posted by Lauren_

My solution was to invite the performing students to join a Repertory Group (essentially a student troupe, I just never wanted to call it that for a variety of reasons).

Students who want to perform with that group have to be concurrently enrolled in the rep class (on Saturday mornings) AND at least one of my level 4 classes. I offer a 25% discount off a second class, and a 50% discount off a third class.

We learn choreography in the level 4 choreo class and polish/prepare it for shows in the rep class. We also use the rep class to maintain our repertoire of choreography and work out details for upcoming shows.

This way ALL my performing students are showing a real commitment and are dancing at least twice a week, and students can be in that level without having their classtime bogged down by discussions of upcoming performances.

Thanks Lauren! This is really useful. I like the idea of offering a staggered discount for attending multiple classes.

I can also see how this might work well when some of my more "advanced intermediate" students are ready to move into the Level 3 class. I haven't been able to let anyone do that thus far, because that class has been revolving around specific performances.

I also really, really like the idea of knowing that these dedicated students are having the opportunity to come to some type of class twice a week. My challenge at this point is just juggling an already hectic schedule to make room for yet another rehearsal/class. But this thread is making me think that I need to find a way to make that work too.

*sigh*

Related to this post, and a couple other current posts:

I wish I could #1 find a studio to rent and #2 afford a studio to rent. In my area, I'm looking at $45-$65 per hour (or portion thereof); then I just have to find a day and time slot for which I'm actually available myself!

*sigh*

I'm determined to find one, though, for a special project I'm planning this fall. We'll see how it works out!

Deborah

ps and more to topic: if I had an advanced group that rehearsed, they would be required to also enroll in a technique class.

Originally Posted by casbahdance

I wish I could #1 find a studio to rent and #2 afford a studio to rent. In my area, I'm looking at $45-$65 per hour (or portion thereof); then I just have to find a day and time slot for which I'm actually available myself!

I know, it's hard to balance it all! I'm fortunate to have a beautiful dance studio for my larger classes and my home studio for my smaller ones. Good luck finding a space (and time!) that works for you :)

Originally Posted by casbahdance

*sigh*
Related to this post, and a couple other current posts
I wish I could #1 find a studio to rent and #2 afford a studio to rent. In my area, I'm looking at $45-$65 per hour (or portion thereof); then I just have to find a day and time slot for which I'm actually available myself!
*sigh*
I'm determined to find one, though, for a special project I'm planning this fall. We'll see how it works out!

Deborah

ps and more to topic: if I had an advanced group that rehearsed, they would be required to also enroll in a technique class.

You will find something. Have you tried
Stage One Dance Studio
They are on Wilshire, near Harbor and Chapman

Hey, Sabrina!

I'm pretty sure I called, emailed, and even went in, with absolutely no response. That was maybe a couple of years ago, so perhaps they'd be more willing to talk with the economy the way it is now . . .

Thanks for thinking of me!



Deborah

PS: have pm'd you