Commitment

If you or your dancer are selected to be in the Aspire Program, a contract will need to be signed as an understanding of your season’s commitment. We understand that this program caters to our aspiring teen performers who will still have high school obligations, however, signing our contract is an agreement that you understand this is a higher level of commitment will be expected as we prepare our performers to be held to a professional standard. 

Taking on outside commitments that are not performance related is not recommended, but is not forbidden as long as they do not interfere with your attendance. Before taking on any outside commitments, you must ensure that it will not conflict with rehearsal, team bonding activities, non negotiable dates, performance dates, technique training, or any Aspire related practice. If there is plenty of communication, pre-planning, and compromise, we are willing to work with you and your performer on outside performance opportunities that help strengthen your journey. 

Commitment also includes rehearsal etiquette. Being in Aspire will require you or your dancer to show kindness, patience, and respect for not just fellow Aspire performers and choreographers, but all performers, teachers, and choreographers. We believe that talent means nothing without a healthy, positive, and uplifting community. 

Our performers' safety is our top priority. If a performer is injured, or physically unable to participate in a choreography rehearsal, we would not require our performers to risk their safety by physically participating, but will expect this performer to still attend choreography rehearsal to be aware of the advancements, changes, or critiques for their piece while sitting out and resting. This rule is in place so our routines ability to move forwards is not delayed by spending unnecessary extra time reviewing the same critiques and choreography. 

We understand that sick days are inevitable, and have empathy for reasonable absences and understand that we are all human. With this in mind, we accept sick absences related to fever, vomiting, and contagious illness. If a performer is experiencing a sickness that does not fall into this category, but are still needing to rest for recovery, said performer will be expected to video call into class, or attend class in person while sitting out and watching (treating rehearsal as you would if injured). 

To receive an excused absence (an absence where the dancer can neither attend class in person or through video chat), the choreographer of your class must be notified at least 24 hours before the scheduled class so they are able to properly plan. This typically includes mandatory choir/band/orchestra concerts for school grade or very rare special occasions that have been disclosed ahead of time. 

For every Aspire choreography rehearsal unexcused absence (per routine), there will be a mandatory in person weekend rehearsal scheduled for that individual performer adding an additional $60 charge to your account for your next payment cycle.