That’s right!!! It’s already time to start preparing for Gala 2024!!!

Please see the following information in regards to Gala. There are important dates and deadlines that you don’t want to miss. We will be preparing to order costumes during the break. Don’t hesitate to return your paperwork. If we don’t order costumes by mid January, we won’t get the costumes that we want and in time for Gala. We want everyone to look their best as they take the stage.

We can’t wait to get started on our next performance. It’s going to be an amazing show.

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

Gala 2024 Performance Information

Dear Parents,

Gala 2024 is our 56th annual studio production! Performances are June 6th, 7th, 8th, 2024 and will be held at Mechanics Bank Theater.

Your dancer has the opportunity to perform in our studio’s end of year production, Gala, and we hope they can participate! a performance of this kind serves several purposes. It rewards students to 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.

There are FIVE MAJOR items required for ALL performers:

1. Availability for all performances scheduled.
2. Consistent attendance of all your dance classes.
3. Payment for costume(s). Non-refundable, due no later than January 13, 2024.
4. Payment of a Production Fee. Non-refundable, due no later than January 13, 2024.
5. Availability for ALL rehearsals. Read the rehearsal/show policy below.

NO ONE WILL BE EXCUSED June 1st-8th, 2024. If you are planning a vacation at this time, please do not sign up for the show!

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 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.

Dancers with visible tattoos and body piercing 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.

Costumes: 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 13th, or it will be presumed that you will not be performing. If you plan to perform and your costume payment is not received by then, your costume price(s) will increase $30 + shipping.

In addition to your costume:

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

Male dancers: will need black or white (possibly both) tights and shoes, as well as appropriate dance undergarments.

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.

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: $120

Each additional dancer performing: $75

***This fee must be paid by January 13, 2024***

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.

Rehearsals: All dancers will learn their class dance choreography in their regularly scheduled ballet/jazz/tap/modern/hip hop classes. It is very important to come to all your weekly classes. Any dancer who has an excessive number of absences will not be allowed to perform.

Upper division dancers may have frequent rehearsals on weekends. 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 by January 1st.

January & February Tuition: Don’t forget 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 studio admin Milissa Ackerley to make arrangements.

Tickets: Civic Dance Center will have a select number of tickets available for purchase at the studio beginning in May. Tickets will be available through dress rehearsals at the theater. Pricing and other details will be given in April.

All tuition and any outstanding fees must be paid in full prior to purchasing any tickets.

Seniors in High School: There will be a mandatory meeting for all seniors wanting to perform. This date will be given with the weekend rehearsal policy information. The Senior Dance casting will be at the Executive and Associate Artistic Director 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 2024. Dancers performing must be available June 1st through June 8ths.

We are sorry if you cannot participate in the 2024 Gala, however it is very important that you keep coming to your class regularly, learn the dance(s), and work hard; otherwise, you will fall behind your classmates.

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