Class Descriptions

Great Beginnings Combination Class

These classes introduce rhythm, coordination and dance to children. They are exciting classes that sample the fundamentals of dance and baton twirling. Two age levels are offered (Great Beginnings 1 for ages 4-6 and Great Beginnings 2 for ages 7-12 years).

Requirements: Black bodysuit and beige tights. Boys wear black shorts and a white t-shirt. Long hair should be pulled back neatly in a ponytail or bun. Beige jazz oxfords must be worn for baton and dance. Boys will wear black jazz oxfords. Batons may be purchased or rented ($35 deposit with $25 returned at the end of the session)

Acrobatics

A high-energy class designed to teach tumbling basics and improve overall strength, flexibility, and coordination. Students will be placed in the appropriate level based upon the recommendation of the instructor.

Requirements: Girls: Black bodysuit and beige footless tights. Long hair must be worn pulled back neatly in a low ponytail or bun. This class is done in bare feet on acrobatic mats. Boys wear black shorts and a white t-shirt.

Ballet

This class provides an excellent foundation for all dance forms. This dance style follows the technique of the Royal Academy of Dance. It is a non-exam class. Students will be placed in a class based upon age and previous dance experience. Three levels are offered – Primary – (6-9 yrs), Junior 1 (8-11 yrs) and Junior 2 (12+ yrs). Those with no previous dance experience should register for the Primary class.

Requirements: Black bodysuit, Mondor Classic Pink tights, and full sole, pink ballet slippers. Boys wear black shorts, white t-shirt and black ballet slippers. Long hair to be worn in a bun. Short hair to be pulled off of face with a headband.

Jazz

A lively class that provides dancers with a strong foundation in jazz technique and terminology. With an emphasis on flexibility and performance skills, this class serves as an excellent complement to the baton and ballet classes. It is a non-exam class. Students will be placed in a class based upon previous dance experience and age. Three levels are offered – Primary (6-9 yrs), Junior 1 (8-11 yrs) and Junior 2 (12+ yrs). New dancers should register for the Primary class.

Requirements: Black bodysuit, beige tights, and beige slip on jazz oxfords. Boys wear black, fitted sweat pants, black jazz oxfords and a white t-shirt. Long hair must be worn pulled back neatly in a low ponytail or bun.

Pre Competitive Program – Level 1 (Pre Comp 1)

This class begins in September and ends in early June. It is perfect for the student who is ready for more challenge. The program will introduce participants to age-appropriate competition and performance skills. It is recommended that students have successfully completed one year of some type of “Introduction to Baton Twirling” program.

The Pre Comp 1 program offers 75 minutes of baton instruction, 60 minutes of acrobatics for strength and flexibility and 45 minutes of dance. Classes are held Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings. Our first performance of the season is the Santa Claus Parade in November. After that, a group routine and series of individual (solo) routines will be learned and performed at 2-3 local competitions (tentatively late February, mid-March, and April) as well as our year end recital in June. Students will be evaluated throughout the year for their Yellow, Orange and/or Red Badges at an additional expense of $15/exam. There will be approximately four additional rehearsals scheduled throughout the season for choreography and/or to prepare for competitions.

Requirements: One Starline baton, Beige jazz oxfords, black bodysuit, footless tights (Mondor Suntan). Short hair must be pulled back with a head band. Long hair should be worn in a bun. A Pre Competitive membership with Sask Baton ($25), two costumes (approx.$75-$125 in total) and a Phoenix team jacket (approx. $65) are also required. Please refer to the section on “Policies” for more information regarding program expenses.

Recommendation: An additional ballet class is highly recommended.

Pre Competitive Program – Level 2 (Pre Comp 2)

This class is designed for students who have successfully completed one year in the Pre Competitive Level 1 Program. The Level 2 program is held Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. The Saturday morning class begins with 75-minutes of baton, followed by 60 minutes of strength, flexibility, and acrobatic training. The Tuesday evening class is 75 minutes of baton, and 45 minutes of dance. The “Two Baton” event will be added to this year’s training. Students will participate in two group routines and 4-6 individual/solo events. They will compete at 3 local events (tentatively late February, mid-March, and April) and 1-2 out of town competitions in Saskatoon. The season ends with our year-end recital in June. Those who are ready will be evaluated for their Red, Maroon, Bronze Pin, Bronze Rolls, and/or Bronze Two Baton Badges at an additional expense of $15/level.

There will be approximately four additional rehearsals scheduled throughout the season for choreography and/or to prepare for competitions.

Recommendation: An additional ballet class is highly recommended.

Requirements: Two Starline Batons (must be the same length), Pre Competitive Membership with Sask Baton ($25), Beige slip on jazz oxfords, black bodysuit, footless tights (Mondor Suntan). Short hair must be pulled back with a head band. Long hair to be worn in a bun. A group costume (approx.$75) and 2 solo costumes are required (approx. $50-125 in total). All participants must have a Phoenix team jacket. Please refer to the section on “Policies” for more information regarding program expenses.

Competitive Baton Twirling (Comp 1 – Level C)

After successful completion of the Level 2 Pre Competitive Program, students are ready to join the Competitive Program. Students in this program should have 2 or more years of baton twirling experience and must be 8 years of age or older. They will have received red ribbons (Grade A) for almost all of their pre-competitive events or will have been recommended for this class by the Director. Students will learn 4 solo/individual routines for competition (Solo, 2-baton, Medley and Solodance) and will compete in 2-3 group routines. There will be extra rehearsals throughout the season for choreography and/or to prepare for competitions. The Competitive Level 1 and 2 program consists of one hour of jazz, one hour of acrobatics, one hour of ballet and 4.5 hours of baton each week.

Athletes in the Level 1 Competitive Baton Program participate in approximately 4 Regina- and Saskatoon-based competitions which will include the Provincial Championships. All students will be assessed for 1-2 badges in the Skills Development Program at an additional expense of $15/level. The season ends upon completion of our year end recital in mid-June.

Attendance at all TAP Gym sessions at the University of Regina is recommended. These 1.5 hour sessions are typically scheduled in the morning every 2nd Sunday beginning in late September.

Requirements: Two Batons (must be the same length), Tan slip on jazz oxfords, black bodysuit, footless tights (Mondor Suntan). Short hair must be pulled back with a head band. Long hair should be worn in a bun. Group costumes, Solo costumes and a Phoenix team jacket are also required. A $45 competitive membership with Sask Baton is required. Please refer to the section on “Policies” for more information regarding program expenses. Please refer to the dance descriptions for more information about required attire.

Competitive Baton Twirling – 2 (Comp 2/Level BN)

Students in this class should have 3 or more years of baton twirling experience and be 9 years of age or older. They will have advanced to Level BN division in their Solo, 2-baton, Medley and Solodance events. Students will continue developing their skills through Solo, 2-baton, Medley and Solodance, and will be a member of 2-3 group routines. There will be extra rehearsals throughout the season for choreography and/or to prepare for competitions.

Athletes in the Level 2 Competitive Baton Program participate in approximately 4 Regina- and Saskatoon-based competitions. They will compete in the Provincial Championships and possibly the Canadian Championships. All students will be assessed for 1-2 badges in the Skills Development Program at an additional expense of $15/level.

Attendance at all TAP Gym sessions at the University of Regina is recommended. These 1.5 hour sessions are typically scheduled in the morning every 2nd Sunday beginning in late September.

Requirements: Two Starline Batons (must be the same length), Competitive Membership with Sask Baton ($45), Tan slip on jazz oxfords, black bodysuit, footless tights (Mondor Suntan). Group costumes, Solo costumes and a Phoenix team jacket are also required. A provincial assessment of $125 is levied towards every Level BN/BI and A “competing” athlete. This fee is collected by our club and submitted to the Provincial Association. Please refer to the section on “Policies” for more information regarding program expenses.

Competitive Baton Twirling – 3 (Comp 3 – Level BI)

The Level 3 Competitive program is an 11-month program (Sept to mid-July). This program is for students who are training to participate in the National Baton Twirling Championships. Students in this class should have 3 or more years of baton twirling experience and be 9 years of age or older.

Attendance at all TAP Gym sessions at the University of Regina is recommended. These 1.5 hour sessions are typically scheduled in the morning every 2nd Sunday beginning in late September, however, the schedule for 2016-17 has not yet been released.

Athletes in the Level 3 Competitive Baton Programs will participate in all of Regina- and Saskatoon-based competitions. Athletes in this program will compete at the Provincial and Canadian Championships in Winnipeg (early July, 2018).

Requirements: 2-3 Starline Batons (must be the same length), Competitive Membership with SaskBaton ($45), Tan, slip on jazz oxfords, black bodysuit, footless tights (Mondor Suntan). Costumes and a Phoenix team jacket (approx. $65) are also required. A provincial assessment of $125 is levied towards every Level BN/BI and A “competing” athlete. This fee is collected by our club and submitted to the Provincial Association. Please refer to the section on “Policies” for more information regarding program expenses.

Competitive Baton Twirling – 4 (Comp 4)

The Level 4 Competitive program is an 11-month program. It is suited for students more serious about competing as a soloist, and are interested in competing in the Compulsory Moves and Freestyle events. It is similar to the Level 3 program with but includes additional private and semi-private training in the compulsory moves and Freestyle events.

Attendance at all TAP Gym sessions at the University of Regina is required. These 1.5 hour sessions are typically scheduled in the morning every 2nd Sunday beginning in late September, however, the schedule for 2017-18 has not yet been released.