Hello dancers! We're now accepting video auditions for the 2017-2018 season. Yin Tang Dance is a community Chinese cultural dance company. We are best known for our involvement in the Cleveland community through performances. If you would like to become a part of our family, please send us your audition video! If we like what we see, we'll invite you to free classes for final interviews (basically to see how you mesh with our current dance family). Deadline for video auditions is Memorial Day 2017. We are looking for up to 7 dancers. If you're recommended by one of our current dancers, audition may be waived (case by case decision). FAQ
Q: Do I need to be Chinese? A: No, you just need to be able to dance.
Q: Do I need to be an advanced dancer? A: You do not need to be an advanced dancer. We do ask you have intermediate dance experience and come with a positive attitude.
Q: How do I submit an audition? A: You'll need to be at least 18 years old. Please record a 2-3 minutes video of your dancing and upload to youtube.com. Any dance form is accepted. Please pick something that really expresses who you are. If you like, please tell us a bit about yourself at the end of the video. Send link to yintangdance(at)gmail.com with "Yin Tang Dance Audition" in the subject and your full name and age in the body. Also mention any dance experience.
Q: What dates do the 2017-2018 Season span? A: After your acceptance, you are officially a part of the team after Labor Day 2017. The season ends after the 2018 Berea Oktoberfest performance.
Q: What are rehearsal dates and times of the 2017-2018 Season? A: Most rehearsal/class times begin at 3PM on Saturdays and run about 90 minutes. Rehearsal times may change on occasion but you will receive notice at least 2 weeks ahead of time. Our summer classes/interviews are July 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th of 2017. Once accepted, you'll be welcome to our general classes beginning Saturdays after Labor Day. After Thanksgiving, you'll be required to participate from 4:00-5:00 on Saturdays (exception of holidays) until you've learned 2 new dances (usually about 4 min each).
Q: What are performance dates and times for the 2017-2018 Season? A: These are TBD. We perform at local events and festivals. The bulk of our performances are around Chinese New Year, and mid-late summer. Expect a few outliers. Please expect to be at the Cleveland Asian Festival in May. I make it a point to notify dancers at least 2 weeks before a performance (usually, much sooner). Most of our performances are in Cleveland, or no more than 30 minutes from Cleveland. Most performances are on weekends, some Friday evenings.
Q: What will be my time commitment? A: After joining the team, the bulk of your commitment will be 1-2 hours on Saturdays November-February of 2017-2018. Afterwards I only need to see you once a month on Saturdays for general class/rehearsals. The date of general rehearsals/class after February 2018 will be decided by you and your co-stars in a performance number. If we have a performance booked, you will be required to convene for rehearsal before- this usually falls during standard rehearsal time. If time changes, you will be notified at least 2 weeks before date of changed rehearsal.
Q: Will I be paid? A: These positions are considered internships. You will get a contract and a small stipend of $200 spread over the year. This is intended to help with travel cost. For each performance, you will receive additional gas reimbursement somewhere between $5-$20 based on distance from Cleveland.
Q: Where will rehearsals be? A: Asian Services in Action offices at 3631 Perkins Ave in Cleveland. You will need to be buzzed into the building. There should be a receptionist, if she steps away, you'll have my cell number and can text me.
Q: What dances will I be doing? A: Chinese. lol. Either classical or regional Chinese dance. This covers a wide range of styles. I like to have a discussion with cast before choreographing to see what they like. Sometimes we branch out- We currently have a K-Pop cover crew. We are currently not auditioning for more K-pop dancers, but you may still use K-pop in your audition video.
Q: Once accepted, do I need to buy anything? A: You will need a pair of red ballet shoes (I sell them for $5, or you can buy online), 1 pair black leggings, 1 pair white leggings and bobby pins. You may want to invest in a skin tone leotard or tank top. All other costumes and props will be on loan from Yin Tang Dance Company and you do not need to pay anything unless you cause damage to property.
For more questions, please feel free to contact me directly: yintangdance@gmail.com or on Facebook.com/Yintangdance.
Best, Yin