The Vancouver Tap Dance Society

TapCo - General Information, Guidelines and Policies

Training and Rehearsal Schedule
The TapCo program is designed to deliver training on a gradual basis. The curriculum will include the company’s repertoire, new works, technique training, artist in residence program, improvisational development, guest artists, performances and other opportunities that may be presented to VTDS.

It is a privilege to be invited into TapCo-after all you are carrying on the legacy of the masters, presenting commissioned work from international artists and performing for the “paying public”.  TapCo requires a major commitment and may not be suited to dancers who also want to participate in a wide range of other activities. The program is time consuming and requires your commitment to a demanding and very rewarding program. TapCo dancers are respected for their talent and revered for the performance abilities.

Missed sessions
It is expected that students will participate in all of the Sunday sessions and that any missed sessions are due to medical reasons. If attendance becomes an issue and is compromising the company’s commitments or presentations then the matter will be addressed individually and may result in removal from the company. You are part of a company that expects you to fully support the protocols and respect the company’s existing program. As they say, “You’re only as good as your last performance!

Notification of Absence
It is unacceptable to give a last minute notice (week or few days) before a scheduled rehearsal. When you commit to a performance and rehearsals it is expected that you will honour this commitment. Late notifications are disruptive and compromise the overall performance.

Sunday Session 2:00-5:00
All dancers must arrive on time-tap shoes on, in the studio for a 2:00 pm start.
There are no Sunday classes scheduled on a long weekend holiday.

TapCo Training Fees
The costs to deliver this program are subsidized by revenue from performance fees. Your monthly fee includes: all associated training costs, music, studio space, costuming, administration, guest artists, artist in resident program and travel and accommodation costs.

TapCo Artistic Direction
This program is under the artistic direction of Mika Komatsu, Director, Youth Programs, and supported by the leadership of administrative staff.

Performance Selection
TapCo is foremost a training experience with performance opportunities. Mika has the final authority to select dancers for TapCo performances. Attending all sessions and practicing will enhance your performance involvement; there will be areas that you may struggle with requiring more training before you can participate in a performance

Maintaining a high standard of dance procures ongoing performance requests, which are the sustenance of TapCo; the future viability of the company and a major contribution to subsidizing monthly fees.  Our performance requests are generated by our reputation and we want to maintain this image by always delivering our high stepping, tight and polished routines.

Contract
A performance schedule will be circulated and we ask that you commit to all performances, sign the document and return to A. Kramer. Some of the Artstarts performances are back to back days and we ask dancers to sign up for both days as we will assign only one rehearsal. If you miss a rehearsal you do not perform.

Parent Participation
Parent participation is expected and is a key component to the success of our TapCo program. Every performance requires parents to provide the transportation for 10/14 youth and when necessary music, staging props and costumes. A gas subsidy policy is currently be recommended to offset travel cost incurred by parents.

Costuming
Your costumes are part of your tools. It is your responsibility to ensure your costumes are cleaned, pressed and performance ready. You will be costumed before the first show and be responsible for these costumes for the year.

Additional Training Opportunities
VTDS throughout the year will have training opportunities with guest artists and our annual festival that delivers over 40 master classes. VTDS encourages TapCo dancers to participate in these valuable sessions.

TapCo Uniform
All TapCo members will purchase a uniform (zipped hooded jacket that bears your name on the back and track pants) and a costume bag at a cost of $125.00.  Always wear your team uniform when attending performances and please ensure it is always clean and in good condition. 

Conduct
You are the ambassadors for TapCo, VTDS and tap dancing. What people think about TapCo is directly linked to your conduct.