Hello Civic Families!

Believe it or not, it’s time to begin planning for Gala 2023. We are measuring all the students in classes this week and next in order to get costume orders prepared. Please see the Gala information below to see if it’s something you are able to commit to. Make note of the deadline to turn in your paperwork. We need to know who to order costumes for.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

This year’s GALA 2023 is our 55th annual gala. Performances are June 8th, 9th, 10th, 2023 and will be held at Mechanics Bank Theater.

Your dancer’s class will be participating in our studio performance and we hope they can participate! 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 you and their friends what they have achieved.

There are FIVE MAJOR items required for ALL performers:

1. Availability for all performances scheduled.
2. Consistent attendance of all of your dance classes.
3. Payment for the costume or costumes, non-refundable and due no later than January 15, 2023
4. Payment of a production fee, non-refundable and due no later than January 15, 2023
5. Availability for ALL rehearsals. Read the rehearsal policy below.

NO ONE WILL BE EXCUSED FROM DATES June 3rd-10th, 2023. If you are planning a vacation at this time, please do not sign up for the show!

Casting: Casting for our studio recital is at the discretion of the Executive and Associate Artistic Director. Our recital 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 be notified as to which show or shows you will be performing. Do not call and request a specific date. It is impossible to accommodate everyone. 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.

Costumes: Non-refundable. Most of the costumes will be ordered from costume companies that require the order to be placed and paid by mid-January. Therefore, we need your payment no later than January 15th, or it will be presumed you will not be in the performance. If payment is not received by January 15th, 2023, your costume price(s) will increase $25 + shipping.

• Female dancers need pink ballet tights and pink shoes in addition to the costume.
• Male dancers will need black or white tights and shoes, as well as appropriate dance under garments.

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 expenses if needed.

• Please advise us immediately as to which classes with which you will perform.
• If you want to perform in all your classes you must then purchase the costumes for each class.
• A credit will be issued if we find later that you are performing the same dance in different classes.

Pointe 6, 5A, 5B, or 4 will pay for this pointe class dance in addition to ONE ballet technique class, regardless of how many classes you are currently taking.

All other dancers pay for each of your technique classes that are listed below.

Pointe 6, 5A, 5B, Ballet 6A, 6B, 6 Open, 5A and 5B: $97
Intermediate Ballet A & B, Ballet 4A, 4B, 3A, and 3B: $91
Ballet 2A, 2B, 2C, 1A, 1B, 1C, and Elementary Ballet 10+: $85
Primary Ballet A & B, Movin’ & Groovin’ 1, 2 & 3: $79
Elementary Ballet 6/7/8, Elementary Ballet 6/7/8 B, and Elementary Ballet 7/8/9: $79

If you are offered an additional lead or demi-lead role, you may be asked to pay for an additional costume 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, for example: choreography, theater rental, scenery, and props.

One dancer performing: $100
Each additional dancer performing: $70

This fee must also be paid by January 15, 2023.

Rehearsals: All dancers will learn their class dance choreography in their regular classes. It is very important to come to all classes. Any dancer who has an excessive number of absences will not be allowed to dance in the performance.

Upper division dancers may have frequent rehearsal on weekends. In order to receive a demi lead or lead role, you will be required to follow a specific policy for weekend rehearsals. You will receive this policy in January.

January and February Tuition: Please don’t forget that January & February tuition will also be due at their regular times. If possible, separate check or Venmo transactions for tuition and production fees is preferred. Venmo is @Erica-Ueberroth. If all things combined cause a financial burden which you cannot work out, please contact Milissa (661)588-1056 to make special arrangements.

Tickets: Tickets will be sold exclusively at the studio. All tickets will be general seating, no reserved seating. Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the performances. More details regarding tickets will be announced in March.

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.

June Tuition: For all those involved in the 2023 Gala, June tuition will remain the same.

• 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, pony tails, or braids may be required for character/costume preferences. Drastic changes may affect your role.

We are sorry if you cannot participate in the 2023 Gala, however, it is very important that you keep coming to your class regularly, learn the dances), and work hard; otherwise you will fall behind your classmates.

Seniors in High School: The Senior Dance casting will be at the Executive and Associate Artistic Director’s and Choreographer’s discretion. Being a senior does not mean you are automatically cast in the dance.

Please carefully reread the five major requirements to participate in Gala 2023. Mark the rehearsal and performance dates on your calendar now! Dancers performing must be available June 3rd through June 10th.

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