About RPDCKids

RPDCKids is a performing troupe comprised of students from the Rachel Park Dance Center which serves as the preliminary training ground for the Rachel Park Dance Company.  RPDCKids has performed at local nursing homes and rehabilitation centers as well as at our annual Spring Festival.  The group has also competed at the regional level at competitions such as On Stage America, Dance Ovations, Starquest, International Dance Challenge and Ticket to Broadway  bringing home platinum, gold, silver and special awards, as well as overall high score awards.  Membership in RPDCKids is upon recommendation of students’ instructor(s) and the Artistic Director.

Students must possess the following qualities in order for recommendation :  ability, commitment, positive attitude, maturity, responsibility, focus, determination and good class attendance.

 Class Requirements

RPDCKids members must be enrolled in at least one Ballet, Jazz and Tap class per week.   Stretch class is optional, but VERY strongly recommended.  Hip Hop class is also optional. 

 Rehearsals and Choreography

RPDCKids members learn proper technique and recital routine during their regularly scheduled class times.  Please note that rehearsals are scheduled at times other than their regular classes in order to focus solely on special choreography.  Rehearsal schedules are posted on the RPDCKids bulletin board located in the Dance Center lobby.  Schedules are also posted in each studio.   There is a rehearsal fee for each piece of choreography.  A separate costume is needed for each piece During school vacation weeks additional rehearsals are often necessary and are mandatory.  Additional mandatory rehearsals are often needed as each performance and competition approaches. 

*Most RPDCKids choreography is not included in our June recital program.  However, occasionally certain choreography is chosen for the June recital by the Artistic Director.

 Class and Rehearsal Attire

RPDCKids girls are required to have  black camisole leotard/pink footed tights/black pull-on jazz booties/pink split sole ballet slippers/tan buckle tap shoes.  Boys are required to have white t-shirt/black shorts or pants/black pull-on jazz booties/black split-sole ballet slippers/black patent tap oxfords.

Additional tights and/or shoes are often needed for certain choreography.  Girls must purchase a flesh colored camisole leotard to wear under costumes.

 Performance

RPDCKids performs each Spring at local nursing homes and rehabilitation centers as well as at the Rachel Park Dance Center's annual Spring Festival (a showcase of student choreography)  RPDCKids also attends three regional dance competitions each Spring. 

*Attendance at ALL performances and competitions is MANDATORY.

 Attendance

RPDCKids members are expected to maintain regular attendance at all technique classes and rehearsals.  Any member missing technique classes or rehearsals runs the risk of being removed from  RPDCKids.  Exceptions are not made for family vacations, birthday parties and/or school activities.   These events should be scheduled at times other than those scheduled for RPDCKids classes and rehearsals.  Members are expected to honor their commitment to everyone involved in RPDCKids.  Members are expected to work as a team; therefore the attendance policy must be strongly enforced. 

 *In the case of prolonged illness/injury or emergency the Artistic Director will carefully evaluate the situation.  

 Workshops/Master Classes

RPDCKids members are expected to attend workshops and master classes throughout the year to supplement and enhance their regular training at the Rachel Park Dance Center.  Members are expected to open themselves up to new opportunities and diverse dance styles in order to allow themselves to become well-rounded dancers.

 Please Note :

Prospective members are STRONGLY encouraged to thoughtfully consider the above and determine whether there will be any conflicts of interest.