The Claremont Colleges Ballroom Dance Company

About Auditions

Auditions for new members are held at the start of each semester. The date and time are announced to all students in the nine ballroom PE classes, on the Company website (http://claremontballroom.org/) and through various 5C distribution sources. Students are asked to dance basic Cha Cha for Campus Team auditions. In heats of about four those auditioning dance Cha Cha with an experienced Company member. Students are judged on enthusiasm, knowledge of basic steps, and basic technique. All interested in auditioning can learn Cha Cha in any of the PE classes, at the scheduled review session, or from Company members. A Cha Cha review session is held within a week prior to each semester’s auditions. The date and time or this review session are announced to all students in the nine ballroom PE classes, on the Company website (http://claremontballroom.org/), and through various 5C distributions sources. Suggested Bronze level Cha Cha steps to demonstrate:

• Basic
• New Yorker
• Hand to Hand
• Spot Turn
• Progressive Basics
• Chase
• Cross-Body Lead

Men are asked to wear nice pants and collared shirt. Women should wear nice pants or a skirt and top, or a dress. Be sure to wear appropriate “bloomers” under skirts, as most skirts flare up when dancing. Please wear shoes that you can dance in. Flip-flops and shoes which do not stay on the feet should be avoided, but dance shoes are not necessary. Students with prior ballroom dance experience who are interested in auditioning for the Tour Team should contact the Director (director@claremontballroom.org) prior to auditions.

Organization of the Company

The company is divided into two teams: Campus team and Tour team. Campus team is comprised of the starting dancers on team and traditionally performs for on-campus events. Every semester auditions are held for Campus team members to move up to Tour team, which hosts the more advanced dancers. Each team is made up of about 40 members, 20 leads and 20 follows. Once on the Company students can audition to participate in competitive routines; one or two of these practice and compete each semester.. There are one or two of these practicing and competing each semester. The Nationals Routine competes at the collegiate national competition in Ohio in November. Our 6-time championship record at Nationals is one of the CCBDC's proudest achievements. In fall 2007, the Company expanded and created a second competition routine called the Regionals Routine. This routine does not compete at nationals but does intensive work and competes alongside the Nationals Routine in regional competitions in the Spring, in addition to performing on and off campus. Dancers who are not interested in or placed in competition routines will have numerous opportunities to be in performance routines, focusing more on the performing aspects of dance. These routines will be flashier (but less technical) and use lifts, drops, and other techniques that aren't available in competition routines, as well as other elements such as acting or character roles. Though it is not required in any way, many dancers choose to participate in individual events in local competitions. The CCBDC encourages everyone to engage in individual competition. It's tons of fun and a really great way to improve. There are events for every level and style, and the CCBDC offers resources to help students who are interested in individual competition, including weekly technique lessons and relationships with local studios who offer individual and small group instruction.

Major Events

The Company hosts numerous community and performance events throughout the year. Social and Salsa Nights are held most Fridays, and large dance parties are held twice a semester. Typically, two routines perform at each of these parties. The Company also performs at numerous community events and private functions throughout the year. In the fall the Company hosts the Claremont Dance Festival, a 3 day event which includes Dancing with the Claremont Stars, two large scale dance parties and two full days of dance classes and workshops. About 10 routines are featured this weekend and all Company members participate in planning, running and performing at this large event. Each spring, in late April/early May the Company presents its annual Ballroom Dance Concert. This 1.5-2 hour show features the full Company and showcases a year of routines and work. Campus Team members typically perform in about 2 routines, and Tour Team members in about 4-5.

Responsibilities and Expectations of Company Members

Time Commitment: The Campus Team rehearses with the Director two hours per week—Mondays and Wednesdays from 10-11pm—and should expect a few hours of outside practice each month. The Tour Team rehearses with the Director six hours per week—Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7-9am—and should expect an hour or more of outside practice each week. Technique Classes: All Company members are expected to enroll and participate in at least one of the nine ballroom PE classes each semester. Special exceptions can be granted by the Director. Team Dues: Dues are $51 for the fall semester and $36 for the spring semester. Dues primarily go towards costume purchases, supplies, and special events. Although this is mandatory, finances should not stop anyone from participating, so if this is a real issue, please speak with the Director or the President. Communication: All Company members are expected to use the Company website and to check their email regularly to remain informed about rehearsal times, events and other important information. Service: Campus Team members are asked to put in at least seven hours of service over the course of the semester; Tour Team members are expected to do at least ten (over at least three different events). Service includes several basic functions that keep team running, and many of them are a lot of fun. You can get service hours by teaching, whether to team members, Claremont students, students at other colleges, or students at local schools; acting as a host at a party; ushering for the CCBDC at Big Bridges functions; manning an info booth or table at a CCBDC function; organizing a CCBDC event; helping one of the Director's classes; flyering; helping set up or clean up an event; or anything else that the Director and the leadership find necessary for the success of CCBDC efforts. There are ample opportunities to fit everyone’s interests, talents and schedules. Shoes: All Company members must own a pair of dance shoes. Details will be given to Company members. Please wait to buy shoes until advised by the Director as to the type and style necessary for specific routines, practice, or competitions. Shoes range from $60 up, depending on the type and quality. Team Apparel: All company members must purchase a team jacket ($25-30). Additional apparel, such as shirts, is usually optional and the cost often subsidized by the Company. Finances should not stop anyone from participating. If finances are a real issue, please speak with the Director or the President. The Company can provide work opportunities or scholarships to students as needed.

Questions? Contact us!

Paul Roach – Director: director@claremontballroom.org Aaron Brown and Asumi Ohgushi – Senior Presidents: president@claremontballroom.org