American Tap Dance
Choreography Showcase, 2005 Edition
Frequently Asked Questions
This page provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the National Tap Ensemble's American Tap Dance Choreography Showcase.
- "I have this tap
piece which I did for my students a few years ago that has them starting up
without tap shoes on. Also, several of my kids sing and do a little bit of
body music (hambone) in it. Does that disqualify us for this Tap Choreography
Showcase?"
Not at all. In fact, quite the opposite! We encourage tap choreographers to break away from the usual clichés (it's how artistic traditions truly evolve) so your piece sounds OK. However, because this showcase is all about composography (tap dance choreography) we require that performers wear and use (i.e. make music with) tap shoes for at least 75% of the time spent on stage. Also, just for the record the children need to really use their voices (lip-syncing is not allowed.)
- "When will I
know if my pieces have been selected, how I have placed, and what do I need to
do next?"
About two weeks after the Regional Audition you participated in, or about two weeks after your video has been received. Choreographers whose works have been accepted will be placed on the Preliminary Showcase List and will be immediately notified by email. They then have one (1) week to reply and indicate their intent to attend the ATDI Conference and perform their work(s) at the National Showcase, followed by another two (2) weeks to actually register their students. Registrations involve a simplified, easy process which can be completed in less than an hour even for large groups and will be clearly explained on the online registration form. Once all registrations have been processed and all choreographers are confirmed, the national company will publish their names in official press releases to the major dance media. A special web page will also be available on this web site with the Final Showcase List with names of all selected choreographers as well as pictures of those who who care to provide them. Please note that there is no "placement" per se since being selected for the national showcase is the real goal and the "big kahuna" here. All the choreographers and dancers who have been selected are treated equally and in our mind, they are all winners!
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"We are a group of about 40 senior tappers ages 52 to 76 and at levels that
seem to be 3 to 4 on your professional scale. Are we too old to enter?"
Goodness no! Age is not a factor here in any way, shape or form, unless a dancer is of course UNDER the minimum required age, which is 8 years old (waivers may be obtained when appropriate and justified, in which case the teacher/choreographer should contact our PR department..)
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"I have tappers at levels 1 to 6 in my studio. Is it OK for me to enter
in both categories?"
Yes. As stated above, categories are determined not by the level of the choreography/choreographer but by the level of the dancers the choreographer has at hand. The only thing that would be inappropriate would be for you to enter a dancer for a solo in the Nifties Category and for a group piece in Groovies Category (for example, ask an advanced-level dancer to perform a lower-intermediate level piece) which would be totally unfair to the tappers who are really at level 3 and would be grounds for immediate disqualification. But short of such shenanigans, entering the showcase in both categories is perfectly alright.
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"I have a group of six students who are pretty good now, but I am not
sure if they are at a level 4 or 5. Should I enter them on Saturday in the
Nifties Category or on Sunday in the Groovies category?"
That could be a little tricky. One thing you should do is take a moment to look not at the auditions themselves, but at the classes. Which class level do you think your students should take? If you lean towards level 4, then go for Saturday. If you are still unsure, send us a videotape of the work(s) they perform. We will be happy to take a look and let you know (this does not impact the actual showcase in any way.) Either way, keep in mind that the National Tap Ensemble reserves the right to place a choreographer and /or piece as it sees fit so that the National Showcase may have a consistent flow (some pieces may indeed be just between levels 4 and 5, this isn't perfect science.) Choreographers get the same benefits anyway whether they fit into the Nifties OR Groovies category.
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"May I use choreography that I have entered in other events?"
Absolutely. Simply remember to enter that info on the Spec. Sheet you will receive once your Registration has been completed.
- "May I
enter my dancers in several numbers? What about doing solos, trios and a group
number?"
Yes, you may enter the same group of dancers in as many numbers as you'd like as long as it is on the same day. Again, consider their level. (see 5 above.)
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"If we
make it to the National Showcase this year, can we
enter your contest again the following year?"
Yes, you may. Just enter new works or works that have not been selected this year.
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"Do winners receive trophies?"
Walk in the lobby of many dance studios and you will see dozens of trophies. Why? Because the standards in dance have become so low that many competitions give out trophies (they cost between 2 and 5 dollars on average) to zillions of sub-categories of performers pretty much regardless of the quality of what was performed. American Tap Dance Choreography Showcase "winners" do not receive trophies, but they do receive a special AWARD CERTIFICATE which can be framed and looks beautiful. (This type of award is easier to display, and UNLIKE a trophy, won't take up shelf space and shouldn't need dusting.) This award certificate is IN ADDITION to SCHOLARSHIPS and all OTHER PERKS, of course.
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"Why can't I use cassette tapes for my numbers, as I usually do in competitions?"
This is actually to your advantage. Cassettes break, hiss, are easily miscued, and can have recording levels that vary so much that they sometimes become unmanageable. Once confirmed a performer or group has a number of minutes for each piece and this time is not extendable, so if your tape is miscued or breaks your score would be severely affected. On the other hand, CDs are super-reliable and any track is easy to find. Transferring music to a CD has actually become very easy and inexpensive. If you don't know how to "burn" a CD, your local computer shop can do it for you for a modest fee (you can get a backup copy of your CD - always a good idea and highly suggested - for under a dollar.)
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"It says somewhere that solo numbers can be up to four minutes. Is it the same for duos and trios?"
Yes, it is. If you perform in the Groups category your routine can be up to about six minutes long, more if the music or the structure of the piece requires it. Again, we will be happy to consider longer pieces upon request (please email the staff.)
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"Why no cash prizes?"
Look at the small print and you will see that often such "prizes" have so many strings attached that in the end they may not amount to much "cash" at all. Scholarships and discounts are far more valuable than cash money, especially when they can be applied to a high-quality event that has a long track record as is the case with NTE. More importantly, not only can a group of just ten people that takes advantage of all discounts and scholarships easily save over $2,000, but the amount of "cash" coming from professional opportunities that American Tap Dance Choreography Showcase winners may be offered is far greater than any prize could possibly be. This doesn't mean that we would not consider cash prizes in the future. All of our programs have an excellent feedback system "built-in." We systematically review participants' evaluations and make any change that is deemed appropriate or is frequently requested, so be sure to turn in your written feedback at the next time event!
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"I want to take my tappers to the closest Regional Showcase. Will I get more specific information on the studio or theater where we will audition?"
Absolutely. Once ALL of are registered and the spec sheets on each piece are in, a package of information will automatically be provided to you, complete with detailed information (technical details complete with studio/stage dimensions and lighting, judging criteria, your exact time slots, when to arrive, etc.)
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"Can I use acrobatic or gymnastic tricks in my tap routine?"
If they are an integral part of the choreography/composography and make sense musically as well as visually, they should not be a problem (an excellent example would be the Nicholas Brothers.) But use common sense and remember that is this is a TAP contest first and foremost. (see question above).
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"We live across the pond and I have at least 30 students interested in entering your contest but going to America is too expensive for them. Is there any chance you would bring your American Tap Dance Choreography Showcase to the U.K.?"
Provided that we can find a local partner organization or host that has the standards that we require, we'd be happy to consider it. Anyone seriously interested should first email our company's Public Relations Director.
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"My company sells beautiful dancewear and costumes. Can I place some advertisements at your tap events?"
We offer several very effective ways of advertising and promoting your products: on this web site, in the monthly Tap Dance Bulletin and "in the field" (i.e. directly at major events that we produce.) Please email our company's Public Relations Director.
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"My friends and I would like to see the tap choreography auditions. How do we go about registering for that?"
Sorry, that is not possible. For the many reasons explained above and in American Tap Dance Choreography Showcase description page (in number 11. "A Healthy Relaxed Environment"), only judges and contestants can be present during the contest. However, you will be able to attend the National Showcase, which will feature works from all the winning choreographers. Please refer to the annual American Tap Dance Institute "Spirit Of Tap" Conference page for specifics (tickets for such shows can almost always be purchased online.)
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"Can I buy a copy of a Regional Showcase video?"
No. Nothing personal but we do not sell such tapes or DVDs under any circumstances. In our professional opinion, charging performers, teachers and choreographers to enter an event and then making an additional profit by selling videos of their own hard work to the public without express permission is, at the very minimum, a gross violation of the most basic artistic ethics. It is most likely a violation of Copyright laws as well.
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"What kind of standards are applied to your tap choreography auditions? How do they compare to others?"
Our pledge to each choreographer, performer and to the worldwide dance community is simple. The USA's national tap dance company will apply to these programs the same level of standards that it has consistently applied to both stage works and educational programs since 1988. Feel free to browse though this web site, which should give you a good idea of what NTE is about. We are well aware of all the competing opportunities that are offered to the passionate tap dancer and we can unequivocally state that our showcases are of the absolute highest level, both in terms of their substance and of their standards.
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"My tap company does this funk tap piece that I choreographed for 22 of my advanced dancers. Four of them, including one of my best tappers already have family commitments next summer and they couldn't make it to Chicago if we are selected. Should I bring them to the regional audition anyway?"
We'd suggest you do since you want to make as strong of a showing as possible at the regional audition. You will then have plenty of time to give alternates a chance to fill in for Chicago.
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"I noticed that not all the regionals dates are online yet, is there a way I can be informed as soon as the next one is set for my region?"
Easy! Take a couple minutes to joining the Tap Network and you will be automatically get the scoop when such events are coming to your region.
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"One of the tap pieces I want to enter will not be completely finished for our regional showcase but it will have been performed at our recital plus 2 other local shows by the time your National Showcase takes place in July. Can I still enter it?"
Yes, we do accept works in progress as long as at least 75% of the piece can be reviewed "live" and you send a video of the completed work as soon as it is available.
- "I am so
excited about this showcase, I have been waiting for a program like this for
eons. My problem is that I am from the east coast but I will be on the west
coast during the regional showcase there. I would really prefer to audition in
person instead of through a video. Is it OK for me to present my works in a
different region from where I live?"
Yes (the only thing you couldn't do is entering two different regional showcases in the same year.) In fact, a choreographer is absolutely free to enter ANY regional showcase of their choice. We have already received inquiries from foreigners who will fly in and they tell us it makes it much easier on them too because they have more options with dates, airports to fly into, etc.
- "I really
don't want to send a video tape, I would much prefer having my dancers
audition my tap choreography live. My problem is that there doesn't seem to be
a Regional Audition in my area. Would we still be allowed to participate?"
Yes, please see other FAQs above. Living/working in a given area is NOT a prerequisite for participating in this program. You may enter in any Regional Showcase you'd like.
- I'd like to
enter the Choreography audition Regionals, can I just show up in the morning
and register there?
No. For logistical reasons, audition slots must be scheduled ahead of time. Schedule permitting we maybe able to add a slot if a choreographer and her dancers someone who are ALREADY REGISTERED have a extra piece to enter, but that's the best we can do.
- Are we required
to enroll in the master classes or is it possible to register only for the
audition?
As stated on each weekend event on this web site, Whether you are entering the American Tap Dance Choreography Showcase (ATDCS) Regional Audition or not, you may take as many master classes as you'd like. If you ARE entering the Auditions you are required to take a minimum of two master classes on that day to qualify (#921 is mandatory if you take part in the Audition on Sunday.)"
- Will results of
the audition be given on the same day?
It depends on how you audition your works. Please see #2 above.
- When paying the
entry fee for a trio at a Regional Audition, must we pay $35 per person or does the fee cover the
entire group?
Using one registration form for more than one person at a time is not possible (see reminder #1 at the top of every form: "We can only accept ONE FORM PER PARTICIPANT (whether you are a dancer or an observer) for the Regional Auditions, NO EXCEPTIONS!" Therefore the fees listed are per dancer. Here are the totals due in a few common examples if a piece is performed by a...
Solo: $45
Duo: $70
Trio: $105
Group of six dancers: $120
Please note that different fees apply to video auditions.
- How much are the
auditions by video, where do I send my tapes and how do I register? Does it
take long?
All this can be done in less than 24 hours:
1) Please send an email to the main staff address with a rough estimate of the number and categories of pieces you are thinking of entering (for example, 1 solo, 3 duos, 2 group pieces with 7 and 12 dancers in each, etc.) To facilitate quick and proper handling of your your email, make sure you enter this on the SUBJECT line:
ATDCS Video Audition request.
2) They will promptly reply with the information you need, including the rates, video formats we can view, etc. (Serious inquiries ONLY please, only contact us if you are reasonably certain that if your works are selected you and your dancers are COMMITTED, at least in principle, to indeed attending the ATDI conference and performing in the ATDCS National Showcase.) You will be given access to registering and submitting your works, and easy process that takes less than 15 minutes. You will then have 48 hours to send in your footage. Audition results will be sent your way within 2 weeks of receiving your footage (please see also answer #2.)
IMPORTANT!
If you chose to audition by video, WE URGE YOU TO REGISTER AND SEND YOUR FOOTAGE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SINCE AVAILABLE SLOTS WILL BE FILLED BY QUALITY CHOREOGRAPHY ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SELECTED BASIS.
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"Do we have to attend the spirit of Tap conference and the
national Showcase Finals if we enter the regional audition or the video
audition?
One of our staff recently spent a large amount of time back and forth with a choreographer, answering numerous questions about the ATDCS, only to find out that this particular person hadn't read but the program title on this official web site, nor had she ever asked her dancers about a firm commitment to going to Chicago in case her choreography mighty be selected...
While this an extreme example, we would hope that people take this wonderful opportunity offered by national tap dance company more SERIOUSLY. At the risk of again stating the obvious, choreographers who want to partake in this program have a responsibility to BOTH read all the official information on this web site AND obtain at least a commitment in principle to go to to Chicago on the part of their dancers, should their choreography be chosen. Otherwise, why even audition in the first place?
- I will sign up
all my dancers myself (thanks for the easy guidelines!) and they will
reimburse me for the entry fees.
Am I required to just subdivide the
fees or can I charge them a bit more?
The former (The latter is strictly prohibited.)
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Where can I find a list of the locations for the
next Regional
Auditions?
These can always be found right on the Home Page, just scroll down the page a bit and look under Whats' New."
- I used to have a
tap company but right now I mostly perform and choreograph on my own. Can I
enter and perform my own choreography as solos?
YES!
- "What is the
absolute latest date for me to do my Video Application form and mail my
videos?
June 1, 2005.
If you still have any questions after carefully reading this page and the main page, please contact our PR Director by email or call 301-790-1180 (or toll-free 888-683-8277 from anywhere in the USA) and they will be happy to help you.
