Dear Parents and Dancers,

Gala 2025 is our 57th annual end of year studio production! Performances are June 12, 13 & 14, 2025 and will be held at The Harvey Auditorium.

Dancers have the opportunity to perform in our studio’s end of year production, Gala! A performance of this kind serves several purposes. It rewards students for the many hours of discipline and training during the year and gives them an opportunity to show their family and friends what they have achieved.

Below are the requirements for ALL performers:

1. Availability for all performances scheduled.
2. Consistent attendance of all your weekly dance classes.
3. Payment for costume(s). Non-refundable. Due no later than January 24, 2025.
4. Payment of a production fee. Non-refundable. Due no later than January 24, 2025.
5. Availability for ALL rehearsals. Read the rehearsal/show policy below.

NO ONE WILL BE EXCUSED MAY 31-JUNE 14. If you are planning a vacation at this time, DO NOT SIGN UP TO PERFORM!

We understand dancers may be involved in other extracurricular activities during this time. However, if you are not willing to prioritize attending your weekly class(es) and weekend rehearsals it is best that you do not participate in Gala.

REHEARSALS: All dancers will learn their class dance choreography in their regularly scheduled ballet/jazz/tap/modern/hip hp classes. It is extremely important to come to all your weekly classes. Any dancer who has an excessive number of absences will not be allowed to perform. No one will be excused from final dress rehearsals at the studio or during theater tech week.

Upper division dancers may have frequent rehearsal on weekends. To receive a demi lead or lead role and participate in the opening contemporary piece you will be required to follow a specific policy for weekend rehearsals.

CASTING: Casting for Gala is at the discretion of the Executive and Associate Artistic Directors. Our story ballet and upper division opening piece will be announced in February after costumes have been secured for our desired theme.

PERFORMANCES: Some dancers will perform in all four shows, some will perform in three, two, or one. You will find your dancer’s assigned cast on the bulletin board in the lobby in February. You cannot request a specific cast or date to perform. If you are scheduled to perform in more than one show, it is your responsibility to follow through with that commitment. You cannot decide to perform in just one or two shows. Other dancers are counting on you for spacing, entrances, exits, etc.

-Dancers with visible tattoos and body piercings will need to modify according to the Executive Artistic Director’s discretion.

-No “funky” streaked hair or drastic changes in hair color or length. Ballet buns, ponytails, or braids may be required for character/costume preferences. Drastic changes may affect your role.

-Male dancers may be asked to trim or change their hair depending on casting.

COSTUMES: Fee(s) are non-refundable. The story ballet costumes will be ordered from costume companies that require the order to be placed and paid by mid-January. We need your payment no later than January 24th, or it will be presumed you are not performing. If you plan to perform and your costume payment is not received by January 24th, your costume price(s) will increase $35 + shipping.

In addition to your ballet costume:

-Female dancers: need pink ballet tights and pink shoes, or have the choice of wearing flesh tone tights and shoes.

-Male dancers: need black or white (possibly both) tights and shoes, as well as dance belt(s).

If you are in two or more classes it does not guarantee different parts and multiple costumes, however if you are different roles per each of your classes you may choose one class to perform with to help ease the overall expense if needed.

-Please advise us immediately as to which class(es) with which you will perform.

-If you want to perform in all your classes, you must purchase the costumes for each class.

-A tuition credit will be issued if we find later that you are performing the same dance in different classes. No refunds for costumes.

Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern, Tap costume details will be given at a later time.

PRODUCTION FEE: Non-refundable. Each dancer performing must pay a production fee. This fee helps offset the various costs for a production of this magnitude including choreography, theater rental, scenery, and props.

One dancer performing: $130
Each additional dancer performing: $80
This fee must be paid by January 24, 2025

NO REFUNDS: If a dancer drops out of a performance or is taken out of the performance for missing classes, rehearsals, or for unsatisfactory behavior, there will be NO refunds of the production fee or costume fee.

JANUARY & FEBRUARY TUITION: January & February tuitions will also be due at their regular times. If possible, separate checks or Venmo transaction for tuition and production fees is preferred. Venmo is civic dance @Erica-Ueberroth. If all things combined cause a financial burden which you cannot work out, please contact Milissa (661)588-1056 to make arrangements.

TICKETS: Ticket sales help cover the expenses of this show! We encourage you to invite your extended family and friends, coworkers, and neighbors to enjoy the show and support the arts. Civic Dance Center will have tickets available for purchase at the studio beginning in May. Tickets will be available through dress rehearsals at the theater and available to purchase at the box office one hour prior to the start of each show. Seating for Gala 2025 will be a combination of assigned/reserved seating and general seating. More information about tickets will be given later. All tuition and any outstanding fees must be paid in full prior to purchasing any tickets.

SENIORS IN HIGH SCHOOL: The Senior Dance casting will be at the Executive and Associate Artistic Directors’ and Choreographers’ discretion. Being a senior does not mean you are automatically cast in the dance. More information for Seniors participating in Gala will be given later.

Please make sure you understand the commitment you are making when choosing to participate and accept a role in Gala 2025. Mandatory meeting dates for parents outlining performance/theater week expectations will be given at a later time.

If you are unable to perform in the 2025 Gala, we encourage you to continue dancing and attend your weekly class(es)! You can keep working hard, striving to achieve goals, and learn the class dance choreography alongside your peers.

We are eager to begin working with our very talented and dedicated dancers and look forward to a great show!

Sincerely,

Civic Dance Center Directors & Faculty