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SASSI Dance Company Information
What is the SASSI Dance Company?
Step Ahead’s SASSI Dance Company is a special group of performers who will represent the studio at community events, competitions and performances. Often students do not have enough time in their regular classes to learn additional dances to perform outside of the regular year-end show. Being a part of the SASSI Dance Company gives students the opportunity to sharpen their performance skills as well as the opportunity to participate in many additional training classes that may not be available to all students. SASSI Dancers show proficiency in many different dance styles including ballet, lyrical, tap, jazz, and clogging.
“SASSI” is an acrostic for Step Ahead Studios Inc. Although the word “sassy” can sometimes be defined as “rude” and “impudent,” we at Step Ahead prefer to think of it as defined more strongly as “lively,” “spirited,” “jaunty,” “stylish” and “chic.”
What is expected?
Being a part of a performing group is a great privilege and an honor for all dancers. SASSI dancers will be representing Step Ahead in the community where we live, as well as other locations as we have opportunity to perform and participate in outside classes and workshops. Dancers who are invited to join the company are expected to maintain high personal standards for conduct and be a role model for other students both in and out of the studio. Company dancers are expected to uphold the Step Ahead Dance Studio Dance Manners at all times.
Dancers who are invited to join Step Ahead’s SASSI Dance Company are expected to maintain high personal standards for conduct and be a role model for other students both in and out of the studio. Company dancers are expected to uphold the Step Ahead Studio Dance Manners at all times.
Additionally, SASSI dancers are expected to be very dedicated to their classes, workshops held in the studio, and performance opportunities. Attendance at all events is of utmost importance. Attendance at al events is of utmost importance. Being a part of SASSI Dance Company is a commitment of time, energy and resources. Students and families who cannot make such a commitment are discouraged from auditioning.
SASSI Dancers are expected to maintain excellent grades in school. Company members whose grades do not meet parent or studio expectations will be placed on probation until grades rise to an acceptable level.
Are there different levels?
Yes, there are different levels of the company based on the age and skill level of the students.
SASSI Senior Company: Our Senior Company is comprised of dancers aged 12 and up who show a great level of dedication to their dance training, strong technique and performance skills.
SASSI Apprentice Company: Our SASSI Apprentice Company is for younger dancers who show above average potential in their dance ability. They are dedicated to the art of dance and continue to grow in their technique and performance skill.
SASSI Demi Company: Demi Company is for students ages 5 - 8 who are interested in experiencing “company life” on a smaller scale! Demi Company students will be held to the same standards of conduct and grades as the Senior and Apprentice Companies, however, they are not expected to participate in the same number of performances or classes.
What are the class requirements?
SASSI dancers are required to take at least 2 technique classes per week in addition to their ‘company class.’ One of these must be a ballet class. Ballet is considered the foundation for all forms of dance. Students who take ballet consistently show more discipline, more grace and poise in their dancing skills, and they are much stronger performers. The ‘company class’ is divided into 2 parts: Technique/Ballet and Repertory. During the technique portion of the class, company members will have opportunity to increase their skill and training through either a ballet, lyrical, contemporary or jazz class. Styles and disciplines in the technique class may vary throughout the year. The Repertory portion of the class is the time students learn and rehearse performance pieces.
What else do I need?
SASSI dancers are required to have certain ‘basic’ dancewear and shoes for performances. These will include a black leotard, black jazz pants, studio shirt, earrings, and undergarments. A complete list including prices of all items will be available at the auditions or from the office following the auditions.
Do I have to audition?
SASSI dancers are required to audition in order to be invited to join the company. Auditioning gives the judges the opportunity to see how well the students respond to different types of choreography and how well they perform! Auditioning also shows a level of responsibility of the student as well as a level of dedication that is required to participate in the company. Students will be required to audition annually for the opportunity to remain a member of the company. Previous membership does not guarantee that a dancer will be placed in the company for subsequent seasons.
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