FlintDance Production

The Philosophy of FlintDance Production's
Performance/Competition Companies

Being a part of this performance/competition group means making a commitment to be the best dancer you can be. All of your classes need to be taken full out; all rehearsals must be productive, with the entire group in attendance (both physically and mentally) with no excuses. Participating in this group program is something you, as dancers, have worked hard for. It is something that teaches you what dedication is all about. I will teach you, as dancers, to be supportive of one another, respectful to other dancers and studios, and polite and appreciative to the event producers. As a member of these groups, you represent the Flint’s Dance Studio legacy at all times. The Policies and Rules established for the dancers and parents are to maintain a positive perspective about the entire experience. Dancers are no different than athletes. They should learn the correct attitude along with the correct physical and mental training. If this attitude comes from their teachers and parents, dancers will have a positive experience in a performance or competition, whether they made a mistake, won or lost. Students should be taught that the ultimate prize is having the confidence that comes from knowing that they trained hard for this moment, they danced like it was as easy as breathing, and that they could not have danced better. With that kind of preparation, they will win no matter what. The most rewarding challenges are those that lead to self-knowledge.
As Jacques d’Amboise once said, “Enjoy the process of learning to dance. The process of our profession, and not its final achievement, is the heart and soul of dance.” This is great advice for students, teachers and parents. With a healthy approach, students will develop skills that they will use throughout their lives.

On Performance: Remember that sharing your talent through performing is a giving experience. The gifts received come by way of the appreciation shown by the audience and recognizing the joy you have brought to someone, as well as, the educational experience students gain through this entire process (learning material, perfecting it, setting goals and self improvement). Giving and sharing with our community is an unselfish and important endeavor.

On Competition: Studio competition groups can be beneficial in addition to the studio providing a well-rounded dance education. The focus, however, is to be on learning and not on winning. Despite their value, competitions should not become the focus of any reputable dance studio. They will provide students the opportunity to meet dancers from other studios or from other areas of the country that enjoy doing what they like to do: dance.
I believe that walking away with a good attitude about a competition, no matter what the scores were, is a success,” Students should approach competition as a performance opportunity rather than a rivalry against other participants. The growth each dancer takes away from the competition is most important. Has he/she improved in her performance, technique, self-confidence, and how he/she handles mistakes? Have they had fun and been inspired to work harder? Have they broadened their understanding of the dance world?

On Placement of students - All parents believe their child is the best dancer. And they should. However, the director will be the one to place the child in the appropriate company and/or piece based on talent, ability and maturity. The director will also be the one to choose any small groups, duet/trios within each group.

Director Support- The director will make the decisions regarding dance, music, costuming, make-up, hair, and competitions. Parents need to support the teacher’s efforts, respect the teacher’s expertise and gear their expectations according to their children’s ability levels and goals in dance. Parents must be willing to trust the director of the company to make the decisions.

Appreciate that your children are focused on something that can only enhance their lives and knowledge, without regard to awards won. Having a child who has the desire to work hard at something is a true blessing.

Sheri Flint Gordon 6/21/07