The School of Performing Arts Preparatory Program offers motivated, gifted and committed students to take their dance education to the next level. This thorough and comprehensive program is designed to expose young performing artists to all styles, careers and opportunities for future study or a career in the arts. The classical foundation is the focus of the program. Should the student ultimately decide to collegiately study in other areas than their focused art – the discipline, organization, and exposure to the arts in this preparatory program will indeed foster a profound appreciation, excellent education and life-long love of the arts.

This program is about commitment and discipline. The preparatory program is for students, 9 years and older, who want a serious commitment and want to meet the expectations and demands of a rigorous curriculum.

DANCE

The Dance Preparatory Program is designed so that the curriculum and leveling of a student is determined by age and ability. Invited students will be leveled and evaluated by audition.
This program will include company class, rehearsal and performances. Exploration of dance careers such as concert dance, musical theatre dance, dance administration, and dance pedagogy. Preparatory students will be confident in auditioning for college dance programs, professional companies, or musical theatre productions and have a clear understanding of all opportunities in the dance field. Students can expect to train 5-6 days a week for 16 - 20 hours.

Benefits
Comprehensive dance education
Personal instruction and professional mentors
Exposure to professional resources and companies
Master classes and workshops with artists in residence
Performance opportunities
College coaching and preparation
Parent meetings and consultations
Exposure to all styles of dance

Requirements
Musical Theatre: All preparatory students are required to be in the fall, spring, or summer musical at The School of Performing Arts. Musical Theatre is an important avenue for all dancers to consider and explore.
Attendance: Attendance in all classes and rehearsals is required.
Field-trip: All preparatory students will be required to participate in an educational field-trip to take class, tours, and see performances.
Summer Intensives: All preparatory students will be required to attend a summer dance intensive outside of The School of Performing Arts. Each student will be advised as to a particular program that meets their needs and interests.

Areas of Study
Ballet, Pointe, Jazz/Contemporary, Tap, Voice, Hip Hop, and *Enrichment Classes

*Enrichment classes change every week or every few weeks depending on the material covered. Such classes and workshops will be: musical theatre dance, improvisation, acting class, how to audition, careers, college programs, choreography, nutrition, production, costuming and more.

Professional Companies in Residence
Preparatory Students will be exposed and know some of the best dance companies and professional musical theatre houses in the world. The proximity of the city allows us to form relationships with professional companies such as River North, Hubbard Street, Joffrey, Giordano, regional theaters, and Chicagoland Universities. Each semester will focus on one or more of these professional organizations. A company member will come to Naperville to teach company class, and set a piece. Preparatory students will be taken downtown to take class, see a performance or watch rehearsal. This experience will allow students to see firsthand what life is like in these different companies.

Performance Opportunities
The Preparatory Company will perform at, Dance Chicago, Eat to the Beat at Harris Theatre, Museum of Contemporary Art, Spread the Smile, Black Box Showcase, fundraising and benefit events, dance competitions, and SPA programs such as the Main Stage Musical, Artist Performing Showcase, and our annual Dance Concert. Additionally, the Preparatory Program and Dance Ensemble will jointly rehearse perform the production number that will be performed at local dance competitions and at the annual Dance Concert.

Tuition and Fees
All tuition and fees cover the following:
All dance classes
Voice lesson
Enrichment classes and workshops
Fall, spring or summer musical tuition
SPA Summer Dance Camps / Intensives
Costume fees
Private dance lessons
College coaching and preparation
Parent meetings and consultations
Professional mentoring

The annual tuition for Preparatory A 2011-2012 program is $8,000 per year (September - June) Payments of $800 are due monthly. The annual tuition for Preparatory B 2011-2012 program is $8700 per year (September - June) Payments of $870 are due monthly.
*2012-2013 Preparatory Dance Program tuition dates are July - June
Pricing does not include competition, field tips fees, or dance intensives outside of SPA

Audition
Entry to the Preparatory Dance Program is by invitation. To schedule an audition appointment, please email the Preparatory Dance Program Director, Alissa Baird, at abaird@schoolofperformingarts.com

Private lesson 1 hour (not every week as scheduled)
*Enrichment Classes 1 ½ hours as of Study