Company & Competition Team next parent meeting August 9th 10:00AM in studio B

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The monthly fee for Company members is $299 per dancer, which covers unlimited weekly classes and rehearsals at the studio. This is the unlimited training rate designed to support the high-level conditioning, technique, and artistry required of competition dancers.

In addition to the monthly tuition, families are responsible for the following competition-related fees:

• Costumes: $75–$150 per routine (each group routine will have a costume)
   
• Average Competition Entry Fees per Comp:
   
  • Group Routine: $70–$95 per dancer, per competition
     
  • Duet/Trio: $90–$112 per dancer, per competition
     
  • Solo: $185–$200 per solo, per competition
     
• Optional National Finals Entry (if attending): Similar pricing as above
   
• Registration Fees (per competition): Occasionally $25–$50 per dancer, depending on the event
   
• Prop/Production Fee: $50 per season (if applicable)
   
• Travel Costs: Families are responsible for their own hotel, food, gas, and related travel expenses for out-of-town events
   
• Teamwear (if required): Estimated $75–$125 for jacket and studio-branded items
   

We aim to be transparent and organized with all fees so families can plan ahead and budget accordingly. Detailed invoices and breakdowns will be provided in advance of each event.

Yes—and all families on the Company team are required to participate in fundraising.

We believe in making dance accessible and sustainable. While competition fees (like entry and costume fees) are paid directly to outside organizations and must be paid on their fixed due dates (no exceptions), we do offer payment plans for studio-based fees, such as tuition and registration. These can be arranged by speaking directly with the director in advance.

Fundraising is not optional—it is part of our studio culture and company commitment. Not only does it ease the financial burden for families, it teaches dancers teamwork, responsibility, and community engagement.

All dancers and families are expected to take part in ongoing and seasonal fundraisers, including:

• 🎨 Coloring Book Sales (featuring dancer-themed designs)
   
• 🎟️ 10-Class Card Sales (for non-company dancers or friends)
   
• 👕 IMD Studio Merch Sales
   
• 🚗 Car Washes
   
• 🍪 Bake Sales
   
• 💃 Dancing at the Thursday Night Street Fair in Downtown Palm Springs
   
• 🎯 More opportunities coming soon!
   

We also encourage families to bring forward new fundraising ideas. Parents and staff meet during Saturday morning rehearsals to coordinate, brainstorm, and assign tasks. This makes planning accessible and keeps meetings focused and efficient while the dancers are in session.

The Booster Squad is made up of dedicated parent volunteers who attend weekly planning meetings during Saturday rehearsals. These parents are the heartbeat of our team—organizing events, securing donations, and making magic happen behind the scenes.

If you have a passion for helping, love building community, or just want to be more involved in your dancer's journey—this is your call to action.

Join the Booster Squad. Make a difference. Leave a legacy. 💛

The $299 monthly tuition covers far more than just weekly dance classes. It is a comprehensive investment into your dancer’s growth, training, and opportunity, and reflects our commitment to offering exceptional value in a professionally run, mission-driven studio.

Here’s what is included in monthly tuition:

• All required company technique and choreography classes across styles (ballet, jazz, hip hop, etc.)
   
• Optional drop-ins and training intensives hosted by our staff when available
   

• Scheduled weekend and weekday rehearsals for group routines, competition clean-up, and run-throughs (solos and duets not included as this requires separate studio time. Privates not included.)
   

• Choreography for competition routines (many studios charge per routine or per hour—ours is included)
   

• Time spent organizing rehearsals, building competition schedules, coordinating props and production needs
   
• Behind-the-scenes logistics, registration, music editing, prop planning, and setting travel timelines
   
• Prompt communication with parents via email, text, and in-person updates
   

• Personalized support and feedback for every dancer, including guidance on technique, performance quality, and professionalism
   
• Emotional support and team-building that fosters a positive environment
   

• A clean, professional, and safe dance space with quality flooring, mirrors, sound, and studio amenities
   
• Access to our studio’s growing library of wellness, conditioning, and educational resources
   

These are billed separately or as needed:

• Competition entry fees (solo, duet/trio, group)
   
• Costumes
   
• Travel and lodging
   
• Optional masterclasses and conventions
   
• Studio merchandise or teamwear
   
• National Finals (if attending)
   
• Production/prop fees when applicable ($50 per season)
   

We intentionally bundle as much as possible into the monthly tuition to keep your billing straightforward and predictable. Our goal is to provide clarity, value, and a premium experience that empowers your dancer to grow—not just as a performer, but as a well-rounded human being.

Fundraisers help in covering the time and labor of our company directors/co-directors so the cost isn't direct to parents. We ask that you help us take care of our staff by helping with all fundraising efforts. 

Costume pricing is based on collaborative decisions made between the choreographer and the dancer’s parent(s). We value both creativity and flexibility in our approach and aim to ensure that each dancer feels confident, comfortable, and artistically represented.

There are typically two types of costume paths we may take:

• These are pre-designed costumes selected from dancewear catalogs.
   
• They have a fixed price, typically between $75–$110 per costume.
   
• This is often the more budget-conscious option, and is favored for group routines needing uniformity or for families wanting simplicity.
   

• These are thoughtfully designed, choreographer-driven pieces that reflect the vision, music, and movement of the routine.
   
• Pricing varies based on materials, craftsmanship, and labor, and may range between $125–$200+.
   
• Many parents choose this route for solos, duets, or featured pieces, especially when artistic expression is a priority.
   

We welcome open communication during the costume selection process, and we always aim to honor family budgets while maintaining professional performance standards. Once the direction is selected for a given piece, your choreographer will present you with timelines, design ideas, and payment breakdowns to ensure transparency.

All travel, lodging, and related expenses are the responsibility of each family.

While the studio will provide:

• Detailed competition schedules
   
• Venue addresses and performance times
   
• Suggested hotels when available (often near the venue)
   

…families are in charge of:

• Booking their own hotel rooms
   
• Organizing transportation to and from events
   
• Coordinating meals and other travel-related expenses
   

We do our best to make this process smooth by:

• Letting families know about competitions as far in advance as possible
   
• Helping connect parents who may want to coordinate carpools or share accommodations
   
• Suggesting travel tips based on past events
   

In some cases (such as Nationals or out-of-county competitions), we may partner with hotels to secure a room block, but availability is limited and not guaranteed.

Company dancers follow a professional-level training schedule designed to prepare them for high-performance work while supporting balanced, structured routines.

We have two divisions based on age and readiness:

• Required Classes:
   
  • Monday–Thursday: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
     
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
     
• Dinner Break:
   
  • 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Monday–Thursday)
     
  • Dancers must bring their own meal, and they may:
     
    • Use our studio kitchen (must respect cleanup and shared supplies)
       
    • Arrange for dinner drop-offs
       
    • Or opt into our partner meal prep service (inquire at front desk)
       

• Required Classes:
   
  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
     
  • Saturday: 8:45 AM – 12:30 PM
     

This schedule includes technique classes, choreography, conditioning, and specialty training blocks designed specifically for company dancers.

⏳ Attendance is mandatory. Dancers are expected to treat their training with the same seriousness and consistency as any pre-professional program.

Competition/Company Division dancers may not be on any other dance teams, studios, or training programs during the season.

This is not a limitation—it is a protection.

In the past, we allowed dancers to split their time across multiple teams, but the results consistently showed signs of:

• Physical exhaustion
   
• Emotional overwhelm
   
• Declining performance
   
• Loss of joy in the process
   

We believe in raising strong, balanced dancers—physically, mentally, and emotionally. That can only happen when the training environment is unified, consistent, and purpose-driven.

While we understand that some families may want their dancer to “have it all” or “not miss out,” what we’ve learned through experience and observation is that being stretched across too many commitments often leads dancers to experience burnout, injury, or emotional dysregulation—even when they appear to be handling it “just fine.”

This policy ensures that:

• Dancers are not overworked or under-rested
   
• Artistic integrity is protected
   
• Choreographic direction is consistent
   
• Rehearsal time is efficient
   
• Your dancer has room to excel—not just survive
   

We ask families to honor this boundary with the understanding that it is built not from control, but from care. 💛

Company dancers are expected to treat their training with the same commitment and consistency required in any high-level sport or pre-professional program. Attendance is not optional—it is essential.

• Dancers must attend all scheduled classes, rehearsals, and performances.
   
• Absences must be communicated in advance through the proper channels (text/email to the director).
   
• Excessive absences, even if excused, may result in the dancer being pulled from portions of choreography or performances, for the benefit of the group and integrity of the piece.
   

• Missing rehearsals or classes without notice will be taken seriously.
   
• Repeated unexcused absences may result in dismissal from the competition team with no refunds.
   

We understand that life is full—family, school, and wellness all matter. Emergencies happen. We just ask for transparency and maturity when those moments arise.

Dance is a team effort. One dancer missing affects everyone’s progress, spacing, and performance quality. We teach our students that commitment isn’t just about showing up for yourself—it’s about showing up for others.

By reinforcing this value, we prepare dancers not only to succeed on stage, but also to thrive in life.

• 🗓 Dates: May 1–3, 2026
   
• 📍 Location: Riviera Resort & Spa, Palm Springs, CA
   
• 💰 Estimated Fees:
   
  • Convention: $280–$350
     
  • Solo: $150
     
  • Duet/Trio: $70 per dancer
     
  • Group: $60 per dancer
     
• ✅ Highlights:
   
  • Local event – no travel necessary
     
  • Top-tier instruction and industry exposure
     
  • Scholarship opportunities
     
  • Professional and inspiring environment
     

• 🗓 Dates: May 29–31, 2026
   
• 📍 Location: Fox Performing Arts Center, Riverside, CA
   
• 💰 Estimated Fees:
   
  • Solo: $140
     
  • Duet/Trio: $80 per dancer
     
  • Small Group: $58 per dancer
     
• ✅ Highlights:
   
  • Excellent organization and time management
     
  • Big awards and strong family atmosphere
     
  • Great for building performance confidence
     
  • Two date options available in the same city
  • 
    

• 🗓 Dates: January 30 – February 1, 2026
   
• 📍 Location: Palm Springs Convention Center, Palm Springs, CA
   
• 💰 Estimated Fees: (based on Groove averages)
   
  • Solo: ~$148
     
  • Duet/Trio: ~$73 per dancer
     
  • Group: ~$60 per dancer
     
• ✅ Highlights:
   
  • Powered by Varsity’s Spirit Sports Grand Nationals
     
  • High production value and performance stage
     
  • Opportunity to earn Dance Summit & USASF Dance Worlds bids
     
  • Judged by trained dance professionals only

• 🗓 Dates: April 17–19, 2026
   
• 📍 Location: Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center
  1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278
   
• 💰 Estimated Fees:
  (2026 fee schedule not yet released; based on previous seasons)
   
  • Solo: ~$130–$145
     
  • Duet/Trio: ~$70–$80 per dancer
     
  • Group: ~$60–$70 per dancer
     
  • Photogenic Entry: ~$40
     
• 🕒 Registration Deadlines:
   
  • Early Discount Deadline: March 9, 2026
     
  • Final Entry Deadline: March 16, 2026
     
• ✅ Highlights:
   
  • Close, coastal location—easy drive for most SoCal families
     
  • Well-organized and efficient competition weekend
     
  • High-quality judging with constructive feedback
     
  • Age-appropriate, family-friendly environment
     
  • Scholarships, performance awards, and studio recognitions
     
  • Vendor booths, concessions, and great nearby dining
     

• 🗓 Dates (2026): TBD (Historically held May–June in Anaheim or LA Convention Center)
   
• 📍 Location: Southern California (usually Anaheim or LA Convention Center)
   
• 💰 Fees: Typically vary based on crew size and city location
   
• ✅ Highlights: One of the most iconic street dance competitions globally World of Dance Official SiteYouTube
   
• 🔜 Note: 2026 regional stop in California not yet announced—monitor the official World of Dance site for updates.
   

• 🗓 Dates (2026): TBD (Past seasons, including March 1–2, 2025, suggest early spring timeframe)
   
• 📍 Location: Carson Community Center (typical venue)
   
• 💰 Fees: Historically around $50–$70 per dancer per category
   
• ✅ Highlights: Community-rooted competition with choreography showcases and All Styles battles YouTube+2World of Dance Official Site+2World of Dance Official Site+2maxtoutdance.com
   

• 🗓 Dates (2026): TBD (Tentatively early to mid-April based on April 12, 2025 edition)
   
• 📍 Location: Often hosted at El Camino College or Cal State Long Beach
   
• 💰 Fees: Previously ~$60–$75 per dancer
   
• ✅ Highlights: Focus on strong choreography and high-level performance quality
   

• 🗓 Dates (2026): TBD (Usually mid-February on rotating Southern California college campuses)
   
• 📍 Location: Varies among local/regional college campuses
   
• 💰 Fees: Historically around $60 per dancer
   
• ✅ Highlights: Great intro competition for hip-hop crews and choreography teams
   

• 🗓 Dates (2026): TBD (Typically May or early June)
   
• 📍 Location: Varies across Southern California
   
• 💰 Fees: Around $65–$85 per dancer, depending on style or age division
   
• ✅ Highlights: Open-styles event with both youth and adult crews, strong community vibe

📅 February 20–23, 2025
📍 Glendale Community College / Pasadena Civic Auditorium
💰 Fees:

• Solo: $145–$170
   
• Ensemble: $60/dancer
   
• Registration: $120
  ✅ Highlights: World-renowned, top-tier adjudicators, scholarships
   

📅 November 9–10, 2025
📍 McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert
💰 Fees: Varies – Approx. $75–$100 per piece
✅ Highlights: Prestigious, contemporary artistry focus, grant exposure

📅 March 2026
📍 McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert
💰 Fees: $45–$75 per dancer depending on act
✅ Highlights: Local, artistic, curated showings, open to various styles 

This list is our wishlist but will be determined after our first parent meeting of the season and based on fundraiser results. 

1st meeting will be July 30th 12:30 - 1:30PM at the studio (in the back classroom)

Company dancers at IMD participate in a season filled with meaningful, high-quality performance opportunities that not only showcase their talent but also build character, professionalism, and community spirit. Here's what the season looks like:

A full-scale theatrical event that serves as a major artistic milestone for our company. With thoughtful storytelling, professional staging, and rich character development, this show allows dancers to experience a fully realized production environment.

This show offers a behind-the-scenes look at what we’re building for the competition season. It features early versions of group routines, solos, and duets, giving families a chance to witness and support their dancer's process and progress.

The year culminates with a vibrant showcase of all competition routines and other pieces created throughout the season. It also includes a creative preview of what’s being developed for the next November production, so dancers stay inspired and focused. 4PM & 7PM

• Regional Competitions such as the previously mentioned Groove, KAR, Act 1, Hollywood Connection, etc.
   
• Fundraiser Performances produced to support the company’s mission and funding goals
   
• Community Events, including:
   
  • Televised Find Food Bank Benefit (previously featured our dancers on broadcast TV)
     
  • High School Invitationals and collaborative showcases
     
  • Downtown Palm Springs Street Fair
     
  • One annual charitable event—Last season, we focused on hunger relief with FIND Food Bank and were honored with Congressional Recognition for our contribution
  • Sky's The Limit Dance Event: Joshua Tree 
  • Universal or Disneyland Stages
     

Through these well-rounded performance opportunities, our dancers learn to shine onstage, connect with their community, and grow into leaders who use their art for a greater purpose.

At IMD, being part of the competition company means more than dancing well—it’s about developing into a whole, grounded, and purpose-driven individual. Our dancers are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, respect, and commitment, while also engaging in deep, holistic personal growth across the three centers of intelligence:

• Respect – For self, peers, instructors, and space
   
• Accountability – Be reliable, prepared, and communicative
   
• Team Mindset – Lift others up, contribute, and take direction
   
• Commitment – Attend consistently, stay present, and give your best
   

We believe energy management is just as important as time management. Therefore, dancers in our Competition/Elite Divisions may not be on other teams or in conflicting programs. This is a non-negotiable decision made for the dancer’s mental and physical well-being, based on our experience of what allows for true growth without burnout. Our goal is not to limit opportunities but to protect and deepen the value of this one.
 

We develop our dancers as artists, athletes, and leaders, with intentional guidance in all three intelligence domains:

• Focus, discipline, structure, reflection
   
• Strategic thinking and long-term goal setting
   
• Required study of personal growth materials such as:
   
  • How to Win Friends and Influence People
     
  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens
     
  • Selected TEDTalks, journaling prompts, and studio-based lessons
     

• Self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation
   
• Weekly mindset check-ins and peer discussions
   
• Guided character-building based on nine qualities:
   
  • Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness,
    Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control
     

• Strength, conditioning, flexibility, injury prevention
   
• Recovery and restoration are built into our training culture, including:
   
  • Grounding/Earthing practices
     
  • Epsom salt baths and mineral soaks
     
  • Sauna or mineral spa therapy (where accessible)
     
  • Foam rolling, myofascial release, and guided massage techniques
     
  • Breathwork and calming movement rituals
     

Students are encouraged to try different tools and track what helps them feel most restored. Education in this area is ongoing, and we often include video tutorials, group demos, and reflection check-ins.

Our goal is not just to build technically strong dancers—but resilient, emotionally intelligent humans who know how to take care of themselves, navigate a demanding world, and lead with purpose.

At IMD, we uphold professional industry standards while also honoring our dancers’ health and well-being.

We understand that injuries and illness can happen, and our policy is built around three pillars: Responsibility, Recovery, and Reintegration.

• If a dancer is sick or injured, we require the parent/guardian to email or text the studio directly before the missed class.
   
• Communication allows us to track attendance and make notes for instructors, choreographers, and partners.
   

• We do not encourage “pushing through” sickness or dancing with injury.
   
• Dancers are invited to attend and observe (if well enough) with a notebook so they can stay connected, absorb corrections, and participate mentally.
   
• For injuries, we encourage clear medical direction and welcome doctor/PT reports when possible to help our team support recovery.
   
• A modified participation plan may be created if recovery is long-term.
   

• We expect dancers to make up missed material via:
   
  • Peer-to-peer review
     
  • Video recordings (when available)
     
  • Private or semi-private rehearsals (if necessary, additional cost may apply)
     
• For choreography, missing key rehearsals may result in re-staging or re-casting if the dancer cannot catch up.
   

At the pre-professional level, accountability and proactive behavior are part of training just like technique. Learning how to handle setbacks with maturity and communication is something we consider essential in a dancer’s growth journey.

Yes! At IMD, we believe every dancer should have the opportunity to pursue solos, duets, or small groups—but with that opportunity comes clear expectations, additional responsibilities, and a readiness plan tailored to each dancer’s current level.

• Any dancer can express interest in pursuing a featured piece, regardless of level.
   
• Once interest is expressed, the dancer’s technical level, consistency, emotional maturity, and overall readiness will be assessed by the director and choreographers.
   
• Based on that assessment, a custom development plan will be created to help the dancer reach the readiness needed to shine confidently on stage.
   

• Beginners: May require additional private lessons, group technique hours, conditioning sessions, and progress checkpoints. These will be outlined clearly in advance and come with associated costs.
   
• Intermediate/Advanced: May be able to begin rehearsal sooner with fewer extra hours but must still demonstrate consistency, leadership, and readiness for the spotlight.
   
• Elite dancers: Are often expected to maintain the highest level of discipline and may be offered these opportunities based on readiness without a request.
   

• Additional fees for choreography, private lessons, and rehearsal time are required and clearly communicated up front.
   
• Families will never be surprised by costs—each plan is outlined and approved before moving forward.
   

We believe that featured routines are not just about skill—they’re about work ethic, growth mindset, and professional preparation. Whether your dancer is just starting out or already seasoned, our goal is to help them succeed responsibly at every stage.

Not being cast in a featured role is never a reflection of a dancer’s worth or potential—it’s simply a part of the artistic process. Casting decisions are made based on a variety of factors including readiness, experience, stylistic fit, and the choreographic vision. Our priority is always to support the holistic growth of each dancer.

We view every performance opportunity—large or small—as a valuable learning experience. Dancers who are not featured this time will still:

• Perform in ensemble numbers and productions
   
• Receive ongoing training in all required classes
   
• Be considered for future featured roles as they progress
   

We also welcome dancers and families to express interest in solo/duet/small group roles, with the understanding that readiness preparation (including additional training or private lessons) will be discussed and tailored to ensure success.

At IMD, we are committed to long-term development, and we help every dancer find their moment to shine.

Professionally run competitive dance programs typically balance empathy with firm structure. Here's what the industry standard usually includes:

• Season Commitment Is Expected: Most professional studios require a full-season commitment (from audition to final showcase) because choreography, formations, and team cohesion rely on consistency.
   
• Withdrawals May Impact Casting: Leaving mid-season can affect group dynamics and may result in re-staging or additional rehearsals for others.
   
• No Refunds Policy: Standard practice is not to offer refunds on tuition, costume fees, or competition entry fees once paid.
   
• Case-by-Case Flexibility: Some studios offer limited flexibility for families facing major life events (e.g., relocation, illness), often requiring written notice and possibly a conversation with studio leadership.
   

Company membership is a season-long commitment, running from auditions through the final June showcase. Every dancer is a vital part of the team, and attendance impacts choreography, formations, and overall performance quality.

We understand that life can be unpredictable. If a major circumstance arises, we ask that you communicate with us as early as possible so we can discuss the situation together. However, please note:

• All fees paid toward tuition, competitions, or costumes are non-refundable.
   
• Withdrawal mid-season may affect future casting and company eligibility.
   
• Families with exceptional circumstances may submit a written request to be reviewed by the director and staff.
   

We are here to support you, but commitment, communication, and follow-through are part of what helps our dancers grow into strong, responsible, and professional artists.

Thank you for taking the time to read through our Company & Competition Team FAQ. 

At In Movement Dance, we believe that the training we provide goes far beyond choreography. It’s about nurturing discipline, building resilience, cultivating artistry, and preparing dancers for success in both dance and life.

We are honored to partner with families who value commitment, growth, and creativity. Together, we create a safe, inclusive, and empowering space where every dancer can rise to their fullest potential.

If you have additional questions or would like to speak with us directly, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help.

With gratitude and movement,
—The IMD Team