FAQ

How much experience do I need to audition?

Auditions are open to those of all levels! We do compete at an advanced level, so dance experience is recommended - but we encourage everyone to audition regardless of how much experience they have. 

Where does the BGDT rehearse?

The BGDT rehearses in the Dalplex studios and in the Studley dance studio. 

How often does the BGDT rehearse?

Rehearsal hours will differ based on which teams and select groups you are in. All dancers are required to attend 1 team training per week (1 hour +15 minutes long), and their allotted rehearsal time for their large (1 hour) and/or select (1 hour) group practices per week. Dancers on the Contemporary, Jazz, and Lyrical teams, as well as dancers chosen for the Open select groups, are also required to attend 1 technique class per week (45 minutes after team training); dancers on the Hip-Hop and tap teams are also encouraged to join, but it is not mandatory for them. For example, a dancer in the Contemporary large group and Tap select group will be at the studio for a total of 4 hours/week: 1 hour +15 minutes at team training, 45 minutes at technique, 1 hour at Contemporary large group rehearsal, and 1 hour of Tap select group rehearsal. 

Rehearsal schedules for the upcoming season are TBD. Weekly rehearsal times for large groups, team trainings and technique classes will be announced as soon as possible, prior to auditions. Select group rehearsals are decided and released to the team after the roster has been set. 

Can I compete solos, duets, and trios?

Absolutely! Solos/duets/trios (SDTs) are completely optional, and a great way to exercise your creative side. Our dancers often take this opportunity to choreograph their own, re-compete a past routine, get an outside choreographer, or even ask current team members to choreograph it for them! Dancers may compete up to 3 solos. SDTs are rehearsed on the dancers own time, with a deadline for completion that will be released to the team in September. 

What is the commitment level?

Being a member of the BGDT does require a high level of commitment, though that will vary based on the number of routines you are in. All BGDT dancers are required to book off the days that they are competing, our showcase day, dress rehearsal days, as well as other events such as our photoshoot day and year-end banquet. All of these dates are TBD and will be announced as soon as possible. 

What is the attendance policy?

Our attendance policy specifies that dancers may miss a total of 3 'dance days' per semester. A 'dance day' means that you may miss multiple rehearsals that occur on the same day and it will only count as 1 absence. For example, if you miss team training and a group rehearsal that occur the same day, that will be 1 absence; if you miss team training on one day and a group rehearsal on another day, that will count as 2 absences. Surpassing 3 absences per semester will jeopardize a dancer's spot on the team. However, we completely understand that life happens and that university is a very busy time! In the event of any pressing circumstances, dancers are asked to communicate with council and their choreographers and we can work together to find a solution. Of course, we understand that things happen and we will not penalize dancers for things out of their control! So, we typically tell dancers to avoid using absences for things that are more controllable (e.g., studying), in the event of any unforeseen circumstances. Overall, communication is key! 

How much will being on the team cost?

Similar to rehearsal hours, fees are dependant upon the number of routines you are in. Dancers are responsible for paying competition fees, costume fees, and uniform fees. So, the more dances you are in, the more it will cost. However, we do a substantial amount of fundraising throughout the season and at the end of the year we aim to return a percent of the money back to our dancers. We understand that university students are on a budget, and we do our very best to keep these costs to a minimum! If there are concerns about payments, we ask dancers to communicate directly with council to determine a solution. If you have further questions about fees, feel free to email us. 

Can I still be on the team if I have a co-op term or if I'm studying out of province?

As mentioned above, our attendance policy requires that all dancers must attend all rehearsals, trainings, competitions, showcase, etc., during both semesters. If you are in a co-op position that is in the Halifax area and/or you can reliably commute to and attend the required rehearsals, you are still allowed to be on and compete with the team! On the contrary, if you will be in a co-op or study abroad program that is out-of-province and/or will prohibit you from following our attendance policy, unfortunately you will not be able to compete with the team. Returning dancers who are in this position typically come back to the team as an honorary member, where they can attend team trainings, bonding events, support the team at competition, and more! If you are in a position like this and have further questions, please contact us!