Hello Dancers!

Please carefully read the following policy for Gala. This policy is for the upper division dancers that are being considered for a lead role in Gala and/or will be performing on pointe in Gala. Please let us know immediately if you will not be able to commit to this policy or weekend rehearsals.

Thank you for your dedication to this process as we prepare for Gala 2024. We can’t wait to see you all on stage again.

Attendance, Excused Absence & Injury Policy

By signing up to participate in The Gala, you are committing to attending all scheduled rehearsals for your role(s) as well as you weekly classes at your highest given level. For dancers performing on pointe, in The Gala you must take at least 1 technique and 1 pointe class per week. If you miss your regularly scheduled classes you must make up the classes before the weekend, failure to do so will result in the understudy dancing your part in rehearsal with you working on the side full out. Chronic absences and failure to make up your class(es) will result in losing your part in The Gala. Dropping classes after casting has been posting will affect your ability to keep your role(s). Directors take into consideration the commitment to your training, technique, and stamina. The ability to safely execute the choreography we set for corps and upper division roles depends on regular class attendance at your highest given level.

Special consideration will be given for an excused absence for important personal, religious, or school events providing notice is given in advance. Please keep this in mind when making additional commitments to the season. Illness or death in the family is always considered a permissible absence. You will only be given a total of 3 excused absences (this includes unforeseen illnesses). If given enough notice of a potential conflict, we may be able to adjust the schedule to avoid the conflict altogether and you will not run the risk of missing a rehearsal or using 1 of your excused absences.

To request an excused absence from a rehearsal that has already been schedule you must complete an Absence Request Form (located on top of the teacher’s boxes in the faculty room) and return it to Ann’s box. Do no assume that you are excused because you submitted the request. We will confirm whether it was approved or declined.

If you attend a make-up class, you must complete a Class Make-up Form (also located on top of the teacher’s boxes) and have it signed by the teacher of the make-up class. Please place the signed make-up form in Ann’s box. This form must be submitted by 12pm on Saturday to participate in rehearsals for the weekend.

The following guidelines regarding injury are in effect for your safety and health.

If you are currently injured or develop an injury in the process of rehearsal(s) you will need to be fully recovered by April 15, 2024. Written notice from your doctor and/or physical therapist will be required for you to continue. You must be able to dance full out in your regularly scheduled class(es) and rehearsals. In the event you are unable to dance full out, or get injured after April 15, 2024, and are unable to dance in your class(es) and rehearsals for more than a week, you may not be permitted to perform in The Gala. All casting/performing decisions are made by the directors.

Consistent class attendance as well as proper rest and nutrition are important contributing factors to being able to dance at a preprofessional caliber. There will be no exceptions to these policies. Thank you for your highest level of commitment, it will help us continue the tradition of producing the most professional quality show possible.

Seniors who are performing in the Senior Dance will be required to attend a meeting on June 1, 2024. Date and time will be listed on the rehearsal schedule.

Thank you,

The Gala Directors