Dear Students and Parents:
LAAPAFEST, our annual Music & Dance Festival, is quickly approaching! Participants will have the opportunity to perform a memorized selection in front of a panel of three judges. Students will then receive a detailed written evaluation of their performance from each judge and an overall rating of Superior (5 points), Excellent (4 points), Very Good (3 points), Good, or Fair.
Each student will be rated by three friendly judges based on the student’s individual level of experience and will not be competing with other students for ratings.
The value in LAAPAFEST participation is in the preparation process, as well as the event itself, which provide the dancer with 1) individualized choreography and 1-on-1 private lessons (see below for more information), 2) experience performing in a contest situation, 3) assessment by professional judges on performance, 4) the presentation of an award and potential admittance to our Honors Recital, and 5) LAAPAFEST ratings, which may be used in application for admission to future dance programs in the students’ dance education and endeavors. All students who qualify are encouraged to participate.
Additionally, the judges will select 10-15 of the highest rated festival participants (participant total is usually over 150 students) to perform in a special Honors Concert this coming Spring. All performances at LAAPAFEST will additionally be recorded and the judges will select many students to be a part of an additional Spring Virtual Recital!
Eligibility Requirements:
- Participation in LAAPAFEST is completely voluntary but highly recommended for all dance students meeting eligibility requirements
- Participation is open to dance students ages 6 and up who consistently receive “Excellent” and/or “Superior” weekly ratings from their instructors
- Participants should have at least six months of experience in dance as of 4/2/2024
- Students must be enrolled in private lessons in order to participate in LAAPAFEST.
- Eight weeks of 30-minute private lessons may be taken for a special, flat rate of $268 to allow students to prepare for LAAPAFEST (this fee also includes the admission fee to LAAPAFEST)! Payment plan available for two installments of $134!
- Makeup and/or costumes are welcome, but not required.
- ***New this year - all performances at LAAPAFEST will be recorded and aired in a special Virtual Recital this Spring!***
Important Dates / Locations:
- Monday, February 17, 2024 – Official Registration Deadline. All paperwork must be turned in to the Office!
- Sat. Apr. 20, 2024 – LAAPAFEST at the River Ridge School of Music & Dance
- Sat. Apr. 27, 2024 – LAAPAFEST at the Mandeville School of Music & Dance
Openings are EXTREMELY Limited! PLEASE NOTE THAT LAST YEAR WE RAN OUT OF SPACE WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE AND WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT ALL SPOTS WILL NOT SELL OUT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 17!
I have read and agree to follow the above information/guidelines regarding participation in LAAPAFEST. I authorize LAAPA to deduct the LAAPAFEST fees per my selection above from my account on file. I understand that my time will be assigned ASAP after registering and that LAAPAFEST tuition is nonrefundable.
The school is hereby granted permission to take photographs, audio, and video of the student during LAAPAFEST for possible use in virtual recitals as well as advertisements and other promotional materials the school creates.