DS Constitution
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Choreographers

All Dancers who have participated in Dancers’ Symposium for at least 1 semester may choreograph. Each Choreographer may choreograph 1 piece alone each semester, but may choreograph an additional piece with a co-Choreographer. In other words, an individual may not be involved in choreographing more than 2 pieces (this number excludes outside organization participation, senior solo, etc.). Choreographers must attend a Choreographer meeting held before auditions.

Rights

Choreographers have the right to request any Dancer who auditions for their piece. They may choose as many Dancers as they desire. If a Choreographer does not get the number of Dancers they wished, then he/she may ONLY request people from the unassigned dancers list. However after checkpoint, Choreographers will be allowed to pull in anyone within DS meeting the maximum dance requirement OR anyone with past DS experience. This exception is allowed due to the time constraint and to meet the desired quality of the show. Violation of these rules will result in one-semester probation for the Choreographer(s) and Dancer(s) involved.

Choreographers will be provided with one hour of rehearsal time per week, which will be allocated in a lottery process. Directors will try to accommodate dances with special circumstances (large number of Dancers, tap, etc.) but the organization is subject to the limitations and availabilities of campus dancing facilities.

Choreographers have the right to a specified amount of money per Dancer in order to provide costuming. The current budget is $10 per Dancer. Choreographers must purchase costume items on their own and will be reimbursed for the predetermined amount once a receipt and reimbursement form have been provided. Purchase of reusable costumes are encouraged, and purchase of personalized costumes are discouraged. Another option is to forward purchase requests to a Director to be put on the DS Tartan Card. If requested, Choreographers have the option of choosing clothing and or props from the costume closet. They may borrow anything in the closet for a fee of $2 an item, but are financially responsible for it if not returned. Choreographers also have the right to design their lighting, subject to AB Tech constraints.

Choreographers also have the right to 1 free ticket to the show; they may choose which show date they would like.

Responsibilities:

Each dance must have a minimum of 3 Dancers not including the Choreographer (the only exceptions are senior solos/duets which must be approved by Directors). Choreographers are responsible for showing approximately 32 counts of their dance, with music, at the auditions. They must fill out the Choreographer sheet with the details of their dance and then record the information of Dancers in which they may be interested (choosing only from those who auditioned for their dance according to the form filled out by the Dancers). Once allocated, they should contact all their Dancers and request their schedules in order to best choose a practice time.

Choreographers are responsible for choreographing and teaching their own pieces. They must have weekly rehearsals, at which they must come prepared to teach. A Choreographer is responsible for using their allocated space. They should NEVER have rehearsals at any space or time on campus that has not been pre-approved by the Directors. If a Choreographer plans on canceling a rehearsal, they must contact the Directors and their Dancers at least one week in advance. Directors will circulate throughout the semester to ensure that allocated dance spaces are being used. If a Choreographer is found not using their space, then it may be revoked and in the future they will have the lowest priority in allocation of space.

Checkpoint will be held approximately mid-way into the semester. A Choreographer is responsible for having at least 1/2 of the dance taught and in presentable condition (depending on checkpoint date, this may change to a minimum of 2/3 of a dance.) They must sign up for a checkpoint time slot and inform their Dancers of when and where they must attend. A dance cannot be performed at the show unless performed at checkpoint and approved by the Directors. In order to maintain a high quality show and the reputable Dancers’ Symposium name, Directors maintain the right and responsibility of assuring that all dances meet certain performance expectations. If there are any dances “cut” from the show due to number of dancers or quality of the dance, a Director will notify the Choreographer(s) and Dancers in person and/or in e-mail. They will be encouraged to participate in the following semester.

Choreographers are responsible for submitting a final edited version of their music, lighting design, and list of Dancers by the specified due dates (please see Dates and Guidelines sheet for pertinent dates). If music is not submitted on time, there will be no guarantee that the correct version will be played at the show. If lighting is not submitted on time, AB Tech will implement a very basic lighting design. Along with a complete list of Dancers, Choreographers must submit all program information, including song title, dance name, Choreographer names, and any additional comments. If not submitted on time, then the dance may not appear in program. Details will be provided via e-mail when deadlines approach.

Choreographers must have their dance finished and taught by the week before the show. They must inform their Dancers of the tech rehearsals and dress rehearsal and ensure that everybody is present at both. All costuming should be worn at dress rehearsal; makeup is optional. Choreographers are responsible for making sure that all their choreography, costuming, makeup, and props are in order for the show. After the show it is the Choreographer’s responsibility to ensure that all their Dancers have submitted the costuming and/or props that belong to Dancers’ Symposium; Choreographers will be financially responsible for anything not returned. They must also make sure that their reimbursement forms are accurately filled out, signed by a Director, and submitted.

Choreographers may not take it upon themselves to cut people from their dance. If a Dancer is repeatedly absent or problematic, the Choreographer should discuss these issues with the Dancer. If the problem is not resolved, then the Choreographer should make an appointment with the Directors in order to discuss their options. All cases will be examined individually and thoroughly, and the Directors will make and notify dancers of the final decisions.

Being a Choreographer is a privilege and a huge responsibility. It is important for Choreographers to understand that when taking on this job, they make a commitment not only to the Dancers but to the organization as a whole. If a Choreographer does not follow the guidelines outlined in this constitution, or chooses to drop their dance at some point in the semester, they will be placed on a one-semester probation during which they will not be allowed to participate. All choreographers involved in probation will be notified in person and/or in e-mail by a Director.