Question 1

What is the financial commitment to participate in a semester at IDAC?

Accepted Answer

It is the cost of the class you register for (anywhere from $175-$375), as well as the costume fee associated with that class. Costume fees do not exceed $75, and not all classes have them. This fee goes towards the cost of purchasing, storing, and cleaning our authentic handmade costumes.

If the cost of an IDAC class is a financial hardship for your family please fill out the form below.

Question 2

What level of attendance commitment is required for my child to participate in IDAC?

Accepted Answer

For participants in performance-based classes, the following applies:

Each IDAC performer is expected to attend every weekly rehearsal in a semester and the performance or event at the end of the semester. All known potential rehearsal conflicts, such as family vacations, must be disclosed at the beginning of a semester (within the first month). Each IDAC participant is required to fill out the Conflict form and email it to idacassistant@gmail.com. If the performer exceeds the limit of 2 absences in a semester, (student) may lose placement in the performance piece. When performers are not in attendance s/he will lose valuable learning time which affects technique, skill development and acquisition of choreography. It also affects partners and group members in the dance. Cultural dance is truly a team sport! When performers are absent before a performance the choreographer is required to take additional time to re-block and make changes to accommodate the absences. If excessive absences are affecting the team extensively, we may ask the performer to join us instead for a future semester when the performer is able to commit.

Question 3

What is my commitment as an IDAC parent?

Accepted Answer

Because we are largely a volunteer run nonprofit organization, we require families to do three volunteer jobs in the spring semester and four jobs in the fall semester. Some of the tasks might include helping assemble costume bags to be handed out to IDAC students, or contacting local restaurants during our fundraising effort. We have many options you can choose from.

Question 4

Which class should I sign my child up for?

Accepted Answer

Classes are both age and level based. Unless a dancer has had significant dance experience, they should start in a foundations class for the first semester. For those interested in clogging/tap, sign up for the novice classes if it is the first time for a percussive footwork class. Junior and Senior collective as well as Intermediate/Advanced level clogging classes must have educator approval first before a child can join them.

Question 5

What does my child wear to their IDAC dance or music class?

Accepted Answer

If your child is taking a dance class, have them come in IDAC dress code and always bring a water bottle. 
 
For girls
Black leotard with any of the following: black tights, black leggings/yoga pants, black bike shorts, black folk dance skirt, or pink/tan tights and pink or black ballet shoes. We suggest convertible tights because some dances are barefoot dances. Dancers may wear an IDAC shirt over their leotards, but may need to remove it during classes so dance educators can see their posture and alignment clearly. Hair should be up in braids, a bun, or a tidy ponytail for EVERY dance class.

For boys
Grey or black athletic-fitting (not baggy) shirt with grey or black shorts or athletic pants. Black jazz shoes.

*If your child is taking a music class, please dress comfortably. IDAC shirts are encouraged. :)

Please view our infographic of the IDAC dress code. Links are included.

Question 6

What should I know about IDAC performances?

Accepted Answer

IDAC performances are what we work towards in most classes (some classes are technique only classes). Throughout a semester some performances are mandatory, and some are not. We will clarify, at the beginning of a semester, which performances are mandatory for all classes, and which are not. Our primary mandatory performance is Festivals of Light in November each year.

International Dance Arts Collective

Frequently Asked Questions