Integrity 360 Dance Center
STAAR Program
Student Teacher Assistant and Apprentice Readiness Program
What is the STAAR Program?
Two of our Core values at Integrity 360 Dance Center are Education and Confidence. With those values in mind I have established a program for dancers to learn, grow, and build their confidence by taking an active leadership role in the classroom in addition to their regular training hours as a student. We aim to empower our dancers to be the next generation of leaders in our community and society.
The Integrity 360 STAAR program offers select students the opportunity to become teaching assistants and demonstrators in our dance classes to support instructors in providing the best possible dance education while training to become future teachers themselves. Whether it’s teaching dance or teaching in other areas, these dancers will learn valuable skills like time management, classroom management, professionalism, responsibility, integrity, accountability, creative problem solving and so much more!
Participants in the STAAR program will be assigned 1-2 classes to help with during the season based on their current training schedule and availability. This program has a practical component (demonstrating/assisting in the classroom) as well as some written components appropriate to their age.
Why create this program and why is it important?
After teaching over 20 years, I have seen the positive impact that assistant teachers and demonstrators can have in the classroom on students in the classes they assist AND themselves. I started assisting my first dance teacher when I was 8 years old because she felt it would teach me patience and leadership skills. To be honest I didn’t have the goal of being a dance teacher or owning a dance studio when I was growing up. In fact, I didn’t have those goals until my 30s after I had taught dance for several years and experienced how fulfilling it was. Once I realized that, I can’t see myself doing anything else.
Growing up I was THAT student that had a lot of energy, numerous questions, was a bit bossy and a know-it-all, and was labeled as a “misfit” from the start. Although I had some characteristics that challenged teachers on how to channel that energy and stay engaged during classes (both in school and in dance), I had a tenacious work ethic, focus, and the potential to be a great leader. I needed a teacher who knew how to guide me, challenge me, and encourage me which was difficult to find, but I did. When I started teaching I decided that I would do my best to be THAT teacher to my students. The skills that my teacher gave me have informed my entire life - even beyond the world of dance. I credit her for igniting my passion for dance and the performing arts and we keep in touch regularly.
Eligibility
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Students must be at least 9 years old or 4th grade by Sept 2024. We will make exceptions for 8 year olds who demonstrate maturity, focus, and positive attitude for our demonstrator level
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You must be currently enrolled as a dance student in the styles you wish to demonstrate or assist with
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You must complete the STAAR Program Application
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You are only able to demonstrate/assist in classes 2 levels down from your current class placement
Benefits of Becoming an Assistant Teacher
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Leadership Development: Students will learn how to guide and support others which builds confidence and leadership abilities.
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Role Model: Assistants/Demonstrators will be expected and trained to match the care and dedication our faculty have for each one of our students in order to provide even more positive role models for young dancers. They will learn empathy and problem solving, too.
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Enhanced Communication Skills: By interacting with both peers and teachers, students will refine their communication skills and learn how to effectively convey ideas both verbally and in writing.
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Increased Responsibility: Taking on a role within the classroom helps students understand the importance of responsibility and commitment and can lead to improving their confidence.
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Preparation for Future Careers: Experience in teaching is valuable for any future career path especially those that involve teamwork. Interview skills, preparation and planning skills, learning how/when to take initiative, and professionalism are vital for career success.
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Personal Growth: Students will gain a sense of accomplishment and pride from contributing to their dance community and helping others succeed.
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Future Career Possibility: Participants in the STAARS program will be eligible for a paid junior teaching position starting their senior year of high school.
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Mentorship and Support: Our teachers will provide the mentorship, support, and encouragement that STAARS participants need to reach their full potential and feel empowered.
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Comprehensive Training and Curriculum: The STAARS program provides a progressive and formalized process to be leaders within the studio through detailed and extensive curriculum and training.
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Volunteer Hour Fulfillment for School Activities: participating in the STAARS program may fulfill required volunteer hours for school clubs and other activities.
How to Apply and Enroll
Interested students may apply via the Google Form at this LINK.
No experience is required for the program. Students must have a passion for learning and a willingness to help.
Fees
As this is the first season of the STAARS program, and we are still ironing out some aspects of it, we will charge a one-time $75 fee per participant to cover the cost of their exclusive STAAR Program t-shirt, notebook/workbook, and staff pay for quarterly STAAR training sessions and Feedback Meetings. In future seasons, there may be an additional cost to the program as we develop the different levels, requirements, information, etc. This season will be considered our Pilot Season.
Some of the Items we Cover during Training Meetings
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Classroom Management - how to help the teacher and how to help students who are being disruptive or are upset
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Types of Learning (Kinesthetic, Visual, Verbal/Oral, Auditory)
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Injury Prevention
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Musicality
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Terminology
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Basic anatomy - bones and muscles
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Proper Warmup, Cool Down, and Stretching
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Class Planning for our older STAARs
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Teaching Methodology
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Choreography
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How to Use Your Voice when teaching
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Leadership Skills
Requirements for Participants
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Students must be at least 9 years old or 4th grade by Sept 2024. We will make exceptions for 8 year olds who demonstrate maturity, focus, and positive attitude for our demonstrator level
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Currently enrolled in the styles you wish to demonstrate/assist with
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You must adhere to the dress code for the style class you are assisting. For example, if you are assisting a ballet class you may wear a black leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes.
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You may wear a wrap skirt ONLY when assisting a combo class or ballet class. Otherwise wrap skirts may only be worn for pre pointe and pointe classes.
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You must arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of class.
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You must demonstrate full out at all times.
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You must abide by the rules set forth by the instructor.
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You must keep record of class happenings, choreography and formations. We will elaborate on this in your first training.
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If you are aware of an absence in advance, you agree to notify Ms. Heather via email and work on coverage with your fellow STAAR Program peers.
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You must call the studio at least 3 hours prior to the start of class if you can not attend and do not have time to find a suitable substitute for your class
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If you miss more than 3 classes per semester, you may be pulled from your position as assistant/demonstrator. Extenuating circumstances will be considered.
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You are agreeing to abide by all rules and policies set forth by the studio inside and outside of the studio environment.
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No inappropriate conversation or behavior while in the studio or wearing the studio uniform.
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You will not post pictures or videos of dance students without the consent of the Director.
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For performances: STAAR students are REQUIRED to be proficient in the performance routines of the class they are assisting, without assistance from the teacher or watching anyone else, at least 2 weeks prior to the performance for the Winter Performance in December and the Spring Concert in May. They will be onstage with the class and expected to know the routines (they are on the side so they don’t obstruct the audience view, but so dancers can see them). STAAR participants who do not demonstrate proficiency in the routine prior to the performance, and during the performance, are subject to probation from the STAAR program.
Important Dates for the 2024-2025 Season
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Sat Oct 12 from 12:00pm - 2:00pm Training and Orientation
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Sat Nov 16 from 12:00pm - 2:30pm Training and Pre-Winter Show Prep
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Sat Dec 14 - 12:00pm Holiday STAAR Party
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Sat Jan 25 - 12:00pm - 2:30pm Training
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Sat Mar 29 - 12:00pm - 2:30pm Training, Pre Spring Concert Prep, Rehearsal for the STAAR Dance in Spring Concert
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Sat May 17 - 12:00pm - 2:30pm Rehearsal for STAAR Spring Concert Dance and End of Season STAAR Party
*Participants need to be at at least 3 trainings and the May rehearsal; If you miss a training or the March rehearsal you will need to get together with a peer to catch you up on what you miss
*Participants will need to bring a lunch with them to trainings as we will have a lunch break
All participants, and their parent, will sign an agreement upon acceptance of their spot in the program.