Welcome Trinity Parents and Families
Information for Trinity Families :
Policies and Procedures
Founded in July 2020, Trinity Studios prides itself on developing well-rounded performers. Our performing arts programs provide students with exceptional instruction in dance, acting, theatre arts, musical theatre and vocal performance as well as various performance opportunities throughout the country. We offer a performance and competition team for ages 6-19 as well as non-competition/recreational dance classes for toddlers-adults.
In 2022, we were named the Studio of the Year by the American Dance Competition and Convention (ADCC) organization, and in the spring of 2023, we were named a Studio of Excellence by True Talent Dance Competition. Other recent awards include Broadway Bound, Outstanding Vocal Performance, Triple Threat National Champions and High Score Champions at True Talent Regional and National Competitions.
Registration:
Registration for the new season will begin on-line in early June for both the recreational and competition dance programs as well as Theater Arts classes. The registration forms will be online, on our website http://trinitystudiosnj.com. Registration for recreational programs are on a rolling basis until 3/1/24.
Commitment:
Dance and Performance at Trinity Studios require commitment, hard work and discipline. Everyone from parents to students to instructors to choreographers play a critical role in the success of our program and performances. Commitment starts with our parents and flows through to our performers.
Trinity Dance Company Performance and Competition Troupe runs a 12-month dance education and performance program. Each new competitive and performance dance season begins in August with Intensive Workshops and new choreography for groups and solos. It is also highly recommended that Troupe performers take part in our 6-week Summer Dance Immersion Program to increase their skill set and hone their technique skills, so that they can advance to the next skill level. Commitment to TDC includes committing to all required regional competitions, paying tuition and fees on time, committing to the Showcase Performance and national competition, and attending all required classes and rehearsals.
There are four team levels within the TDC Competition Troupe: Onyx, our Advanced/Intermediate Junior and Senior Team (ages 10 +); Platinum, our Intermediate/Novice Junior Team (ages 9-16); Amethyst, our Novice Junior/Petite team (ages 6-10); and Topaz, our Novice Mini Team (ages 5-7). Placements into levels are dependent upon certain skills that must be mastered before a student can move ahead including but not limited to mastery of splits, pirouettes, leaps and performance ability. All students entering Kindergarten and above who have reached the Ballet 1 level are eligible for consideration and evaluation for the performance and competition troupe.
More information about team placements are contained later in this packet.
The Academy Troupe (Musical Theater and Theater Arts) is a 10 month theater arts education and performance program, September-June. Additional summer performance opportunities may also arise each year. Summer Theater Camp is offered which culminates in a performance.
Our Trinity Studios Pre-competitive/Non-Competitive/Recreational Programs and classes run for 10 months, September 11-June 14. We also offer a 6-week Summer Dance Immersion program July-August which all students may join.
Please understand that when you register, you are committing to an entire year or season with us, just like any other sport! Tuition is non-refundable. Tuition is based upon the entire dance year/season and is not charged or paid by class or by month. We do however allow monthly installments for tuition. YOU MUST HAVE A DEBIT/CREDIT CARD ON FILE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MONTHLY INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS.
Attendance is important when learning and creating the arts of dance and theater, so please make every effort to have your child in class each week. Your classmates are as much your teammates as any sports team, and practice is just as important too! There are no refunds for missed classes due to student absence. Our faculty and administration reserve the right to remove a student from a routine if he/she/they have missed too many classes and are not prepared for any performance opportunity.
Tuition and Fees:
Tuition is season and/or session based. For those families choosing to pay tuition monthly, the number and the amount of payments will remain the same despite month length or holidays and are due each month to avoid the assessment of a $35 late fee. Families that choose to pay in full for the entire year will enjoy a discount on the total cost of tuition. Tuition prices and other payments are laid out within this packet so that you know what to expect throughout the year. Payments for tuition are made through our monthly auto-draft system. ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE A DEBIT/CREDIT CARD ON FILE WITH THE STUDIO. Special payment arrangements can be made with the Studio Director. Please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Lauren at trinitystudiosnj@gmail.com if you are having any issues with payments or would like to set up a different arrangement. Also, if you have received a gift card or scholarship, please notify the office prior to registration so we know how you would like to use it.
Tuition for 2023-24:Trinity Studios Non-Competitive/Rec Classes (exceptions: Adult classes and Dance With Me)
Upon Registration:
$35 Admin/Insurance/Registration fee
Other Fees: (Full Year and Spring Session Students Only)
$100 Costume Fee (per routine/class)
$50 Showcase Registration Fee (includes T-shirt, commemorative program, venue, refreshments and awards)
Tuition: Full Season: September 11- June 14
$720.00/class or $72/monthly installment
Spring Season: January 8- June 14 (includes Showcase Choreography and performance)
$450.00/class or $75/monthly installments
*Monthly Payment Plans must be made with the Office and your Debit/Credit card must be on file. You may also fill out the credit card authorization form in this packet and submit that with your registration.
Dance With Me: 8 week sessions: $275/session (ages 1.5-3 with adult caregiver) September 16-November 4;
January 13-March 2; April 6-May 25.
Adult Classes (Tap, Lyrical/Contemporary): $18/class drop in; $160 – “ten class pass”
TCJ Dance (Adult HipHop/FitDance) – please see Ms. Tricia’s website to register and pay – tcjdance.com
Newstar Ballroom (Kid/Adult Ballroom Lessons and Social Dancing) - please contact Ms. Ersi for scheduling and registration 973-222-6596
Trinity Dance Company Competition Troupe Tuition and Fees:
Upon Registration: $125.00
($50 Insurance/Registration/Admin Fee
$75 Team Member Fee)
Required Team-wear - https://plie-promotions.com/collections/trinity-studios-team-store
Girls: 1. Team Jacket (new members only)
Other Fees:
Costume (includes accessories, 1 pair of tights and props/sets) - $95/routine
Custom solo/duo costumes - $150-300 (we may be offering these special costumes for certain dances. They are most certainly NOT a requirement to perform.)
Solos (Choreography and Private Rehearsal) -$420.00
Duos (Choreography and Private Rehearsal) (non-Onyx) - $250.00/dancer
Competition Fees – (vary by competition and are priced per dancer)
Solos: $150-175
Duos/Trios: $50-100
Small Groups (4-9): $50-80
Large Groups/Production (10-20+): $50-80
*Regional Competition Fees will be charged in October and January for Platinum, Amethyst and Topaz Teams. Regional Competition/Convention Fees will be charged in October, January, February and March for Onyx. Fees for Nationals will be charged in April.
Onyx Tuition (Senior/Teen/Junior - Adv/Int – Ages 10-18) - $215.50/mo – $2550.00 if paid in full by August 21.
Requirements: Ballet, Conditioning, MT/Jazz Production
Additional Available Classes: Each additional Class/Routine - $760/year or $66.50/month –
$684.00 each if paid in full by August 21.
Acro Tap
Contemporary/Lyrical/Modern
HipHop/Jazz Funk
4 Regional Comps - (Revel, True Talent, Dance Champs, Imagine, BTS, Backstage and/or Revolution) (2 full competitions; 1 solos only; 1 solo/duo/trio only)
1 Convention
1 Nationals (all routines) (Competition fees charged separately) Special Performance Opportunities
1-3 solos; Production, 1-2 large groups; 1-3 duos/trios/small group
Platinum Tuition (Junior - Int/Novice – Ages 10-14) - $278.50.00/mo-$3310.00 if paid in full by August 21
Requirements:
Ballet Conditioning Lyrical/Jazz Tap Production
Additional Available Classes: Each additional Class/Routine - $760/year or $66.50/month –
$684.00 each if paid in full by August 21.
Acro
HipHop/Jazz Funk
2 Regional Comps; 1 Nationals (Fees charged separately)
Amethyst Tuition (Junior/Petite – Novice – Ages 6-9) -$278.50/mo- $3310.00 if paid in full by August 21.
Requirements:
Ballet Conditioning Lyrical/Jazz Tap Production
Additional Available Classes:Each additional Class/Routine - $760/year or $66.50/month –
$684.00 each if paid in full by August 21.
Acro
HipHop/Jazz Funk
1 Regional Comp; 1 Nationals (Fees charged separately)
Topaz Tuition (Petite/Mini – Novice – ages 4-6) - $153.50/month - $1790.00 if paid in full by September 11.
Requirements:
Dance Combo or Ballet 1 Jazz/Conditioning/Technique Production
1 Regional Comp (Fees Charged Separately)
The Academy Theater Arts Tuition (Musical Theater and Acting)- $145.00/month
December Performances; March NYTE Showcase in Louisville, KY; June Performances; other special performance opportunities
Class Attire:
Though class dance styles may be different, we expect tights and leotards for classes. Hair must always be pulled back off the face and neat, with high buns preferred for girls in ballet/technique classes.
**Please Note: Shoe requirements for performances may differ from what is permissible in classes. Your teacher/choreographer will inform you as soon as possible if you will need different foot wear for a particular dance than what we typically wear.
Communication:
Communication is done primarily through the BAND App or e-mail. PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR EMAIL!!! Please also download the BAND App. And please READ what we send out. We try to be as thorough as possible in our messages and emails. When time is of the essence, you may also receive a text message from instructors, Ms. Lauren directly or the studio line. You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more information, class changes and closure notices. You can reach Ms. Lauren at any time by emailing trinitystudiosnj@gmail.com or call the office, 973-512-5410.
Closures:
For holidays and inclement weather, we usually follow Sparta Twp school closures, but will sometimes vary depending on when weather events are occurring. Notifications will be sent via text, e-mail and all social media platforms when we do close for inclement weather. There are 3 snow day/weather related closures factored into pricing and scheduling of each weekly class. If we exceed 3 missed classes due to weather or any other reason, a Saturday or Sunday makeup class will be offered.
Showcase and Performances:
Our full studio showcase takes place in early June, and we expect all our competitive company dancers, singers and non-competitive performers will be involved to help us celebrate their achievements by attending and performing. We have taken a non-traditional approach to our end of the year showcase; in that it is not a traditional 4-hour “recital” in a stuffy school auditorium. Rather, we choose a relaxed venue where all attendees and performers can enjoy appetizers, snacks and drinks, (as well as adult beverages for mom and dad.) Showcase is a true celebration of our performers, teachers and choreographers’ accomplishments during the year, and a thank you to the support of our families and community.
We also have community performances scattered throughout the year that we would love for all our dancers and performers to attend including the Newton Holiday Parade, Sparta Independence Day Parade and others. Please make every effort to commit to your dancer’s passion during the year, and we will continue to support your performer’s growth in any way we can.
Behavior/Social Media Policy:
Trinity Studios has an active presence on Social Media - Facebook and Instagram. We LOVE when our families like, tag and post photos. However, we ask that NO videos of choreography or routines of the competition troupes are posted until after we have competed at Nationals in June/July. Also, please be mindful of posts made by your older students, that they properly reflect the spirit of our inclusive and caring dance studio community. We will not tolerate any level of divisiveness, mean-spiritedness, bullying of any other student, within the studio or even outside the studio via social media, email or text. We expect our studio members to conduct themselves as respectful and gracious team members at all times.
Further, any behavior the faculty or administration find inappropriate, abusive, harassing or disruptive on the part of a student or a student’s family member will not be tolerated and may result in expulsion from the studio. We have a zero-tolerance policy for unnecessary drama or inappropriate behavior from anyone. Similarly, any harassing or inappropriate behavior on the part of any staff member or visiting instructor/choreographer will not be tolerated. Trinity Studios is a place of belonging and family. Although we may disagree with one another at times and we may have to call out inappropriate behavior or conduct, we are all a team.
Competition Routine Casting/Level Placement/Choreographer Assignments:
Great thought is put into every decision we make when it comes to placing our students into levels, group routines, solos and duos. Decisions are based upon age and skill level, a student’s attitude and work ethic throughout the year, performance quality and scoring at competition. Competitive Solo/Duo assignments, both dance genre and choreographer decisions are based upon a number of factors including skill level, dancers’ strengths and weaknesses and scheduling availability. Parents are always consulted regarding the number of solos/duos with which a student may wish to enter since there are scheduling and financial considerations, however the final decisions regarding solos/duos rest at the discretion of the studio and dance instructors/choreographers. We are here to ensure your performers succeed and feel a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence. We permit our students to offer input in their song choices, costumes and to some degree, choreography.
Level Placement and Team Placement - competition dance troupe members are placed in one of 4 teams based on technical skill level, performance ability and age: Onyx, Platinum, Amethyst or Topaz. Onyx is comprised of our elite intermediate and advanced dancers age 10-18, who take between 5-8 hours of dance instruction/choreography per week. Additional competition and performance opportunities are available for this group. Platinum is made up of novice and intermediate students age 8-14 who dance 4-5 hours per week. Amethyst students are our petite novice level dancers, age 6-9 who take 4 hours of dance class per week. Finally, our Topaz group is made up of mini/petite novice dancers age 5-8 and are required to take 2 hours of classes per week. Competition level is determined by the faculty based upon the various requirements of the specific competitions.
If you have any questions or concerns about how these decisions are made, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Lauren for answers.
Calendar 2023-24 (subject to change)
Troupe National Competition Rehearsals: June 5- 23 (specific schedule TBD)
*Imagine Dance Challenge Nationals – June 26-30, Hershey PA
6 -Week Summer Dance Session – July 10-August 18 (evening classes – see schedule online)
6 Week Theater Intensive and Alice @ Wonderland Production (Monday-Thursday classes, 9:30-12:30) – July 10-August 17.
*Trinity Dance Co. Competition Troupe Choreography Workshops - August 21-23, Monday-Wednesday (attendance required for the Onyx level); August 28-30 Monday-Wednesday (attendance required for Platinum level)
Week of September 5– Troupe Choreography (TBD)
Week of September 11 – All Classes begin
Closed: Wednesday November 22-Sunday, November 26, Thanksgiving Reopening Monday, November 27th
Newton Holiday Parade Performance: Saturday, November 25th 10 am (TBD)
Closed: Wednesday December 20-Sunday, January 7, Christmas Break
Reopening Monday, January 8th
Closed: Monday-Tuesday February 19-20, Presidents’ Day/Winter Break
Competition Dress Rehearsal, Saturday March 23, 2024; 12-4 pm
Closed: Friday- Sunday, March 29- April 7, Spring Break
***Please note, there may be competition rehearsals during this week
REVEL Dance Convention and Competition – April 12-14 Marriott Newark Liberty Airport (ONYX SOLOS ONLY, ONYX JAZZ)
Dance Champs Elite – March 16-17, Flanders, NJ (ONYX Duos/Trios ONLY)
*True Talent – April 26-28, Flanders, NJ (All Dance Troupes)
*Imagine – May, Sparta, NJ (All Dance Troupes)
End of the Year Performance Showcase: June 8th; TBD
Musical Theater and Theater Arts Performances: June 15th, Sparta Avenue Stage
Last Day of Regular Classes: Friday, June 14th
Competition Team Send Off and Awards Banquet: TBD
Nationals - True Talent, Minerals Resort, Vernon, NJ June 23-28
We look forward to updating this schedule with additional performance opportunities this fall and winter as soon as those event dates become available.
Policies and Procedures
Founded in July 2020, Trinity Studios prides itself on developing well-rounded performers. Our performing arts programs provide students with exceptional instruction in dance, acting, theatre arts, musical theatre and vocal performance as well as various performance opportunities throughout the country. We offer a performance and competition team for ages 6-19 as well as non-competition/recreational dance classes for toddlers-adults.
In 2022, we were named the Studio of the Year by the American Dance Competition and Convention (ADCC) organization, and in the spring of 2023, we were named a Studio of Excellence by True Talent Dance Competition. Other recent awards include Broadway Bound, Outstanding Vocal Performance, Triple Threat National Champions and High Score Champions at True Talent Regional and National Competitions.
Registration:
Registration for the new season will begin on-line in early June for both the recreational and competition dance programs as well as Theater Arts classes. The registration forms will be online, on our website http://trinitystudiosnj.com. Registration for recreational programs are on a rolling basis until 3/1/24.
Commitment:
Dance and Performance at Trinity Studios require commitment, hard work and discipline. Everyone from parents to students to instructors to choreographers play a critical role in the success of our program and performances. Commitment starts with our parents and flows through to our performers.
Trinity Dance Company Performance and Competition Troupe runs a 12-month dance education and performance program. Each new competitive and performance dance season begins in August with Intensive Workshops and new choreography for groups and solos. It is also highly recommended that Troupe performers take part in our 6-week Summer Dance Immersion Program to increase their skill set and hone their technique skills, so that they can advance to the next skill level. Commitment to TDC includes committing to all required regional competitions, paying tuition and fees on time, committing to the Showcase Performance and national competition, and attending all required classes and rehearsals.
There are four team levels within the TDC Competition Troupe: Onyx, our Advanced/Intermediate Junior and Senior Team (ages 10 +); Platinum, our Intermediate/Novice Junior Team (ages 9-16); Amethyst, our Novice Junior/Petite team (ages 6-10); and Topaz, our Novice Mini Team (ages 5-7). Placements into levels are dependent upon certain skills that must be mastered before a student can move ahead including but not limited to mastery of splits, pirouettes, leaps and performance ability. All students entering Kindergarten and above who have reached the Ballet 1 level are eligible for consideration and evaluation for the performance and competition troupe.
More information about team placements are contained later in this packet.
The Academy Troupe (Musical Theater and Theater Arts) is a 10 month theater arts education and performance program, September-June. Additional summer performance opportunities may also arise each year. Summer Theater Camp is offered which culminates in a performance.
Our Trinity Studios Pre-competitive/Non-Competitive/Recreational Programs and classes run for 10 months, September 11-June 14. We also offer a 6-week Summer Dance Immersion program July-August which all students may join.
Please understand that when you register, you are committing to an entire year or season with us, just like any other sport! Tuition is non-refundable. Tuition is based upon the entire dance year/season and is not charged or paid by class or by month. We do however allow monthly installments for tuition. YOU MUST HAVE A DEBIT/CREDIT CARD ON FILE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MONTHLY INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS.
Attendance is important when learning and creating the arts of dance and theater, so please make every effort to have your child in class each week. Your classmates are as much your teammates as any sports team, and practice is just as important too! There are no refunds for missed classes due to student absence. Our faculty and administration reserve the right to remove a student from a routine if he/she/they have missed too many classes and are not prepared for any performance opportunity.
Tuition and Fees:
Tuition is season and/or session based. For those families choosing to pay tuition monthly, the number and the amount of payments will remain the same despite month length or holidays and are due each month to avoid the assessment of a $35 late fee. Families that choose to pay in full for the entire year will enjoy a discount on the total cost of tuition. Tuition prices and other payments are laid out within this packet so that you know what to expect throughout the year. Payments for tuition are made through our monthly auto-draft system. ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE A DEBIT/CREDIT CARD ON FILE WITH THE STUDIO. Special payment arrangements can be made with the Studio Director. Please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Lauren at trinitystudiosnj@gmail.com if you are having any issues with payments or would like to set up a different arrangement. Also, if you have received a gift card or scholarship, please notify the office prior to registration so we know how you would like to use it.
Tuition for 2023-24:Trinity Studios Non-Competitive/Rec Classes (exceptions: Adult classes and Dance With Me)
Upon Registration:
$35 Admin/Insurance/Registration fee
Other Fees: (Full Year and Spring Session Students Only)
$100 Costume Fee (per routine/class)
$50 Showcase Registration Fee (includes T-shirt, commemorative program, venue, refreshments and awards)
Tuition: Full Season: September 11- June 14
$720.00/class or $72/monthly installment
Spring Season: January 8- June 14 (includes Showcase Choreography and performance)
$450.00/class or $75/monthly installments
*Monthly Payment Plans must be made with the Office and your Debit/Credit card must be on file. You may also fill out the credit card authorization form in this packet and submit that with your registration.
Dance With Me: 8 week sessions: $275/session (ages 1.5-3 with adult caregiver) September 16-November 4;
January 13-March 2; April 6-May 25.
Adult Classes (Tap, Lyrical/Contemporary): $18/class drop in; $160 – “ten class pass”
TCJ Dance (Adult HipHop/FitDance) – please see Ms. Tricia’s website to register and pay – tcjdance.com
Newstar Ballroom (Kid/Adult Ballroom Lessons and Social Dancing) - please contact Ms. Ersi for scheduling and registration 973-222-6596
Trinity Dance Company Competition Troupe Tuition and Fees:
Upon Registration: $125.00
($50 Insurance/Registration/Admin Fee
$75 Team Member Fee)
Required Team-wear - https://plie-promotions.com/collections/trinity-studios-team-store
Girls: 1. Team Jacket (new members only)
- Performance Tank or Tee
- Dance Shorts or biker shorts Boys: 1. Team Jacket (new members only)
- Performance Tee
- Basketball Shorts
Other Fees:
Costume (includes accessories, 1 pair of tights and props/sets) - $95/routine
Custom solo/duo costumes - $150-300 (we may be offering these special costumes for certain dances. They are most certainly NOT a requirement to perform.)
Solos (Choreography and Private Rehearsal) -$420.00
Duos (Choreography and Private Rehearsal) (non-Onyx) - $250.00/dancer
Competition Fees – (vary by competition and are priced per dancer)
Solos: $150-175
Duos/Trios: $50-100
Small Groups (4-9): $50-80
Large Groups/Production (10-20+): $50-80
*Regional Competition Fees will be charged in October and January for Platinum, Amethyst and Topaz Teams. Regional Competition/Convention Fees will be charged in October, January, February and March for Onyx. Fees for Nationals will be charged in April.
Onyx Tuition (Senior/Teen/Junior - Adv/Int – Ages 10-18) - $215.50/mo – $2550.00 if paid in full by August 21.
Requirements: Ballet, Conditioning, MT/Jazz Production
Additional Available Classes: Each additional Class/Routine - $760/year or $66.50/month –
$684.00 each if paid in full by August 21.
Acro Tap
Contemporary/Lyrical/Modern
HipHop/Jazz Funk
4 Regional Comps - (Revel, True Talent, Dance Champs, Imagine, BTS, Backstage and/or Revolution) (2 full competitions; 1 solos only; 1 solo/duo/trio only)
1 Convention
1 Nationals (all routines) (Competition fees charged separately) Special Performance Opportunities
1-3 solos; Production, 1-2 large groups; 1-3 duos/trios/small group
Platinum Tuition (Junior - Int/Novice – Ages 10-14) - $278.50.00/mo-$3310.00 if paid in full by August 21
Requirements:
Ballet Conditioning Lyrical/Jazz Tap Production
Additional Available Classes: Each additional Class/Routine - $760/year or $66.50/month –
$684.00 each if paid in full by August 21.
Acro
HipHop/Jazz Funk
2 Regional Comps; 1 Nationals (Fees charged separately)
Amethyst Tuition (Junior/Petite – Novice – Ages 6-9) -$278.50/mo- $3310.00 if paid in full by August 21.
Requirements:
Ballet Conditioning Lyrical/Jazz Tap Production
Additional Available Classes:Each additional Class/Routine - $760/year or $66.50/month –
$684.00 each if paid in full by August 21.
Acro
HipHop/Jazz Funk
1 Regional Comp; 1 Nationals (Fees charged separately)
Topaz Tuition (Petite/Mini – Novice – ages 4-6) - $153.50/month - $1790.00 if paid in full by September 11.
Requirements:
Dance Combo or Ballet 1 Jazz/Conditioning/Technique Production
1 Regional Comp (Fees Charged Separately)
The Academy Theater Arts Tuition (Musical Theater and Acting)- $145.00/month
December Performances; March NYTE Showcase in Louisville, KY; June Performances; other special performance opportunities
Class Attire:
Though class dance styles may be different, we expect tights and leotards for classes. Hair must always be pulled back off the face and neat, with high buns preferred for girls in ballet/technique classes.
- For Ballet Technique classes, a black leotard (Ballet 2, 3 & 4) or pink leotard (Ballet 1, Tiny Dancers) with pink tights are required. Boys may wear black dance pants and a t-shirt. Dancers may also wear ballet skirts or spandex shorts, or other tight-fitting clothing, over a black or pink leotard to feel more comfortable. No baggie shirts or sweatshirts will be permitted in technique classes. Please have dancers in canvas or leather ballet slippers. Our studio store may offer the sale of leotards and tights (contingent on availability of items). Please let Ms. Lauren or your teacher know that you would like to purchase these items and we will fit you for them.
- Jazz dancers can wear shorts or leggings, as well as tighter fitting t-shirts over their leotards. Trinity studios wear is preferred (t-shirts, crop shirts, tanks, leggings, etc) Please have dancers wear Jazz shoes, which are required for jazz classes. Items are available at our studio store: http://twentyfourink.com
- Tap dancers should follow Jazz attire. Tap shoes are required for tap classes.
- Lyrical/Modern/Contemporary dancers should have footless or stirrup tights to wear. Tighter fitted clothing is preferable, as floor work and intricate body positioning is necessary in this class. Barefoot, Foot Undies, half soles or dance specific socks are best for foot wear.
- Hip Hop dancers may wear looser fitting clothing including, but not limited to, sweatpants, joggers, tshirts, etc.. Adidas Super Star sneakers are the preferred shoe option for this dance style.
**Please Note: Shoe requirements for performances may differ from what is permissible in classes. Your teacher/choreographer will inform you as soon as possible if you will need different foot wear for a particular dance than what we typically wear.
Communication:
Communication is done primarily through the BAND App or e-mail. PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR EMAIL!!! Please also download the BAND App. And please READ what we send out. We try to be as thorough as possible in our messages and emails. When time is of the essence, you may also receive a text message from instructors, Ms. Lauren directly or the studio line. You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more information, class changes and closure notices. You can reach Ms. Lauren at any time by emailing trinitystudiosnj@gmail.com or call the office, 973-512-5410.
Closures:
For holidays and inclement weather, we usually follow Sparta Twp school closures, but will sometimes vary depending on when weather events are occurring. Notifications will be sent via text, e-mail and all social media platforms when we do close for inclement weather. There are 3 snow day/weather related closures factored into pricing and scheduling of each weekly class. If we exceed 3 missed classes due to weather or any other reason, a Saturday or Sunday makeup class will be offered.
Showcase and Performances:
Our full studio showcase takes place in early June, and we expect all our competitive company dancers, singers and non-competitive performers will be involved to help us celebrate their achievements by attending and performing. We have taken a non-traditional approach to our end of the year showcase; in that it is not a traditional 4-hour “recital” in a stuffy school auditorium. Rather, we choose a relaxed venue where all attendees and performers can enjoy appetizers, snacks and drinks, (as well as adult beverages for mom and dad.) Showcase is a true celebration of our performers, teachers and choreographers’ accomplishments during the year, and a thank you to the support of our families and community.
We also have community performances scattered throughout the year that we would love for all our dancers and performers to attend including the Newton Holiday Parade, Sparta Independence Day Parade and others. Please make every effort to commit to your dancer’s passion during the year, and we will continue to support your performer’s growth in any way we can.
Behavior/Social Media Policy:
Trinity Studios has an active presence on Social Media - Facebook and Instagram. We LOVE when our families like, tag and post photos. However, we ask that NO videos of choreography or routines of the competition troupes are posted until after we have competed at Nationals in June/July. Also, please be mindful of posts made by your older students, that they properly reflect the spirit of our inclusive and caring dance studio community. We will not tolerate any level of divisiveness, mean-spiritedness, bullying of any other student, within the studio or even outside the studio via social media, email or text. We expect our studio members to conduct themselves as respectful and gracious team members at all times.
Further, any behavior the faculty or administration find inappropriate, abusive, harassing or disruptive on the part of a student or a student’s family member will not be tolerated and may result in expulsion from the studio. We have a zero-tolerance policy for unnecessary drama or inappropriate behavior from anyone. Similarly, any harassing or inappropriate behavior on the part of any staff member or visiting instructor/choreographer will not be tolerated. Trinity Studios is a place of belonging and family. Although we may disagree with one another at times and we may have to call out inappropriate behavior or conduct, we are all a team.
Competition Routine Casting/Level Placement/Choreographer Assignments:
Great thought is put into every decision we make when it comes to placing our students into levels, group routines, solos and duos. Decisions are based upon age and skill level, a student’s attitude and work ethic throughout the year, performance quality and scoring at competition. Competitive Solo/Duo assignments, both dance genre and choreographer decisions are based upon a number of factors including skill level, dancers’ strengths and weaknesses and scheduling availability. Parents are always consulted regarding the number of solos/duos with which a student may wish to enter since there are scheduling and financial considerations, however the final decisions regarding solos/duos rest at the discretion of the studio and dance instructors/choreographers. We are here to ensure your performers succeed and feel a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence. We permit our students to offer input in their song choices, costumes and to some degree, choreography.
Level Placement and Team Placement - competition dance troupe members are placed in one of 4 teams based on technical skill level, performance ability and age: Onyx, Platinum, Amethyst or Topaz. Onyx is comprised of our elite intermediate and advanced dancers age 10-18, who take between 5-8 hours of dance instruction/choreography per week. Additional competition and performance opportunities are available for this group. Platinum is made up of novice and intermediate students age 8-14 who dance 4-5 hours per week. Amethyst students are our petite novice level dancers, age 6-9 who take 4 hours of dance class per week. Finally, our Topaz group is made up of mini/petite novice dancers age 5-8 and are required to take 2 hours of classes per week. Competition level is determined by the faculty based upon the various requirements of the specific competitions.
If you have any questions or concerns about how these decisions are made, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Lauren for answers.
Calendar 2023-24 (subject to change)
Troupe National Competition Rehearsals: June 5- 23 (specific schedule TBD)
*Imagine Dance Challenge Nationals – June 26-30, Hershey PA
6 -Week Summer Dance Session – July 10-August 18 (evening classes – see schedule online)
6 Week Theater Intensive and Alice @ Wonderland Production (Monday-Thursday classes, 9:30-12:30) – July 10-August 17.
*Trinity Dance Co. Competition Troupe Choreography Workshops - August 21-23, Monday-Wednesday (attendance required for the Onyx level); August 28-30 Monday-Wednesday (attendance required for Platinum level)
Week of September 5– Troupe Choreography (TBD)
Week of September 11 – All Classes begin
Closed: Wednesday November 22-Sunday, November 26, Thanksgiving Reopening Monday, November 27th
Newton Holiday Parade Performance: Saturday, November 25th 10 am (TBD)
Closed: Wednesday December 20-Sunday, January 7, Christmas Break
Reopening Monday, January 8th
Closed: Monday-Tuesday February 19-20, Presidents’ Day/Winter Break
Competition Dress Rehearsal, Saturday March 23, 2024; 12-4 pm
Closed: Friday- Sunday, March 29- April 7, Spring Break
***Please note, there may be competition rehearsals during this week
REVEL Dance Convention and Competition – April 12-14 Marriott Newark Liberty Airport (ONYX SOLOS ONLY, ONYX JAZZ)
Dance Champs Elite – March 16-17, Flanders, NJ (ONYX Duos/Trios ONLY)
*True Talent – April 26-28, Flanders, NJ (All Dance Troupes)
*Imagine – May, Sparta, NJ (All Dance Troupes)
End of the Year Performance Showcase: June 8th; TBD
Musical Theater and Theater Arts Performances: June 15th, Sparta Avenue Stage
Last Day of Regular Classes: Friday, June 14th
Competition Team Send Off and Awards Banquet: TBD
Nationals - True Talent, Minerals Resort, Vernon, NJ June 23-28
We look forward to updating this schedule with additional performance opportunities this fall and winter as soon as those event dates become available.