Melva Smith's Dance Studio, 19 Arapaho Village Richardson Texas
(Arapaho & West
Shore)
Held on Sunday's in Richardson, Texas. Anyone who is interested in dancing or watching is welcome to attend. Please call ahead and let us know you are coming, so that, we can introduce you to the the group.
TIME:
Junior Dancers 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
New Senior Dancers: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. ( New dancers must make arrangements with their assigned instructors )
Senior Dancers: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Practices are subject to change. Please call Andrew at 972-235-4920 or e-mail to confirm time and dates.
Why do we Dance?
Although all of us have our own reasons for joining the group (love of Ukraine, great exercise, camaraderie, fun of being on stage......), our charter is to promote the heritage, traditions and culture of Ukraine in the way that is best suited to our hobby .... through dance.
All people are welcome to experience another culture through the art of dance. You don't need to be Ukrainian to be part of the Zorya Ukrainian Dancer Ensemble.
How old do I need to be to start dancing?
We recommend that our juniors be at least 6 years old. Seniors start at approximately 15 years old, depending on their size, maturity and skill level, and go up to +40 years old.
How often do we practice?
We practice nearly every Sunday of the month and we have several types of practices. Our most frequent practice is what we call Regular Practice. This practice is were we review and polish our existing repertoire. Mandatory Practice is required prior to a performance. All dancers who volunteer to perform at a particular event are required to come to the mandatory practice(s) for that performance. We also schedule dance Workshops to learn new dances and teach new dances the basic of Ukrainian dance.
Junior dancers: Sunday afternoons from 3:30 pm-5:00 pm (Juniors 6-15 years),
Senior dancers: Sunday afternoons from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm (Seniors 15 years and over).
Do I need any special equipment for practice
Any type of exercise clothing would be fine.
Footwear is extremely important. We recommend jazz shoes or ballet slippers. We do not recommend any type of gym or running shoe. These types of shoes are too bulky and too sticky.
What will I do at practice
Part I: A brief presentation by the Director is given regarding scheduling, performances, performance possibilities, introduction of new members and any group issues.
Part II: The group is led in barre exercises (10 mins.), stretches (5 mins.) and Ukrainian dance steps (15 mins.).
Part III: The group works on specific dances.
New dancers are expected to stay for the senior practice. Initially you will view and attempt to learn the dances from the side line. As time and scheduling permits, you will be asked to participate in the dances.
How often do we perform
In the course of a year the group may perform 5-10 times. Individual performances range in length from 10 minutes to 1 hour depending on what the event requires.
Since not all dancers can commit to dance at all performances, the group decides in which performances to participate. We only commit to performances for which we have sufficient dancers to put on a good show. If not enough dancers can make the performance we respectfully decline the offer.
When can I expect to perform
In order to be able to perform, one needs to demonstrate to the director that they have mastered the dance steps and the dance choreography.
In addition, one's costumes must be completely assembled. Finally, in order to perform, all dancers must regularly attend practice as well as the mandatory practices for that particular performance.
How much will dancing cost
We do not charge for the dance lessons but there is an annual studio rental fee of $30.00/Senior and $15.00/Junior per year.
Other costs to consider as you become more involved in the dance group are: costuming, travel expenses for out of town performances and workshop fees. If you are interested in exploring the possibilities, the Director would be happy to discuss the options. Please remember that although the group may be able to help in some of the above areas, the burden of funding comes from you.
Just a few factors to consider when requesting a Zorya performance. Make your requests as early in the year as possible. Although we are a nonprofit organization we do require a fee, which is determined by several factors, such as, length of show, number of dancers, and location of venue.
Since most of us work full-time, we are not normally available during weekdays for performances. Most of our performance activities are confined to weekends and possibly evenings during the week.
For more information on ZORYA Ukrainian Ensemble contact:
Andrew Chobany 2502 Overcreek Dr. Richardson, TX 75080
(972) 235-4920
(214) 905-9931 fax
andchob@swbell.net