MSDX Company
The MSDX Company was created as an extension of Maria’s School of Dance (MSD) to further foster the talent and experience of dedicated students who are interested in competing in dance competitions. Maria Torrence, Director and Owner of Maria’s School of Dance, oversees all MSDX operations. Liza Torrence is the Director and Lead Choreographer for MSDX, in collaboration with Maria Torrence and Stacie Aland who also choreograph routines.
Mission Statement
The MSDX Company was created to give students the opportunity to foster their dance ability beyond classes, while building community in a safe setting and broadening their performance experience through competitions. The top priority is for students to have fun, and deepen their love for dance. As teachers and choreographers, the MSDX staff provide the necessary support for each child to thrive in their dance journey. This Company challenges students' technique, skills, performance ability, mind, and creativity.
By teaching foundational jazz, ballet, tap, and contemporary techniques, students are exposed to classic training, paired with cutting-edge commercial movement. Students have the opportunity to grow in the Company by expanding their breadth of movement across genres through diverse storytelling via multiple routines. Choreographers create works they feel fit best with each unique group of students. Whether a student commits to minimum or maximum routines, we strive to uphold an inclusive Company where each dancer finds a home.
X Teams
Students audition to be placed on an X team (i.e. X1, X2, X3 etc). These X teams are formed based on level of technique, performance, precision in choreography, previous work ethic, and dedication, as well as age and dance experience. There are many factors that go into organizing these groups, and it is decided through our audition process. Keep in mind it is ideal for a group of students to dance together for multiple years so dancers can look cohesive as a group. The Company age range is 7-18, with the minimum age of 7 by September 1st.
Auditions
Auditions are Saturday, May 3rd, 2025. Students will show skills, dance in small groups, and will be scored.
Students are scored in 3 categories: Technique, Performance, and Memorization. Students are scored relative to their age with respect to each category. They will use movement they learn either in class or Summer Intensives, and show ballet and jazz skills as well.
Routines
Families are welcome to fundraise for the MSDX Company through our organized fundraising efforts. This is not required, however it can help with much of the cost of competition! Funds go directly into your Studio Pro account. All fundraising efforts will be coordinated and managed by our fabulous Fundraising Chair, Nicole Cwynar! Feel free to reach out to Nicole with questions about fundraising at [email protected].
Costumes
All XTeam costumes are built into your Membership Fee. For non-competitive routines for the recital, please view the MSD Policy page. Squad costumes are built into your installment plan. Solo, Duo, and Trio routines will have a separate costume expense.
Apparel
Each MSDX Company member is required to have a Company jacket. This cost is built into your Membership Fee for new students. Company members will have the opportunity to purchase other items of merch such as pants, T shirts, sweatshirts, bags and other accessories. We will have at least one apparel sale in the Fall leading up to the winter holiday, and one in the Spring.
Required Classes
Unlimited Class Pass at a discounted rate that includes your rehearsal!
All tuition is priced annually for a 9 month dance season (September to May). You have your choice of an annual payment with a 5% discount or 9 monthly installments.
The MSDX Company was created as an extension of Maria’s School of Dance (MSD) to further foster the talent and experience of dedicated students who are interested in competing in dance competitions. Maria Torrence, Director and Owner of Maria’s School of Dance, oversees all MSDX operations. Liza Torrence is the Director and Lead Choreographer for MSDX, in collaboration with Maria Torrence and Stacie Aland who also choreograph routines.
Mission Statement
The MSDX Company was created to give students the opportunity to foster their dance ability beyond classes, while building community in a safe setting and broadening their performance experience through competitions. The top priority is for students to have fun, and deepen their love for dance. As teachers and choreographers, the MSDX staff provide the necessary support for each child to thrive in their dance journey. This Company challenges students' technique, skills, performance ability, mind, and creativity.
By teaching foundational jazz, ballet, tap, and contemporary techniques, students are exposed to classic training, paired with cutting-edge commercial movement. Students have the opportunity to grow in the Company by expanding their breadth of movement across genres through diverse storytelling via multiple routines. Choreographers create works they feel fit best with each unique group of students. Whether a student commits to minimum or maximum routines, we strive to uphold an inclusive Company where each dancer finds a home.
X Teams
Students audition to be placed on an X team (i.e. X1, X2, X3 etc). These X teams are formed based on level of technique, performance, precision in choreography, previous work ethic, and dedication, as well as age and dance experience. There are many factors that go into organizing these groups, and it is decided through our audition process. Keep in mind it is ideal for a group of students to dance together for multiple years so dancers can look cohesive as a group. The Company age range is 7-18, with the minimum age of 7 by September 1st.
Auditions
Auditions are Saturday, May 3rd, 2025. Students will show skills, dance in small groups, and will be scored.
- An audition for ages 7-12 will take place 9:00 - 10:30am (previous X3 & X4)
- All students interested in competing in a new trio, duo, or solo must attend the small group audition 10:30 - 11:30am
- An audition for ages 12-18 will take place 11:30 - 1:00pm (previous X1 & X2)
- We will hold an audition session after intensive class on June 19th, 2025 for those who cannot attend as well as outside students. Coordinate with Liza!
Students are scored in 3 categories: Technique, Performance, and Memorization. Students are scored relative to their age with respect to each category. They will use movement they learn either in class or Summer Intensives, and show ballet and jazz skills as well.
Routines
- All MSDX Company members will learn and compete 1 new XTeam routine. We will not have a new Production routine this year. If some students are eligible to compete in more than this, parents will be consulted.
- For new Company members, and returning students interested in a new trio, duo or solo, you must attend the small group audition. These routines will be decided based on interest, age, and ability. Students/parents will be able to submit an interest form for these routines, keeping cost in mind.
- Returning students will compete in at least 1 group routine from the last season. It is standard for competition teams to compete routines for multiple years so dancers are more comfortable and precise with the movement, and look more cohesive as a group. Returning students can expect to compete 2 group routines per competition, excluding a Production routine. XTeam routines attend 3 competitions.
- Review sessions for repeated solos, duos, and trios, will be built into your schedule through April. The MSDX staff will decide which routines to repeat based on competition scores, new routines, and student interest. Students are not required to compete a previous solo.
- Beginning in January, all Company members will be scheduled for Saturday run thrus leading up to each competition. For those in 1-2 dances, we will only keep you for a short period of time. This is to practice performing in front of an audience.
- If a student graduates or does not return to the Company, we will gently re-choreograph previous group routines.
- Rehearsals: Attendance for MSDX rehearsals is mandatory. Frequent absences affect the rest of the team. Students may have 4 unexcused rehearsal absences throughout the year for each routine. These can be excused with a doctor’s note. If a student misses more than 4 days for their rehearsal they will receive a warning email, and risk being pulled from a competition. Your choreographer must know at least 2 weeks prior if you plan to be absent, and this should be submitted via email as well as in Studio Pro. Rehearsals 2 weeks leading up to a competition are mandatory. If you are involved in another activity that conflicts with several competition rehearsals, please meet with Liza.
- Class: Studio class attendance must be consistent considering student technique suffers when students are not regularly in class, and their foundational dance ability becomes incongruent with their peers. This Company is designed to push students towards their maximum potential, which requires commitment from the students. Missing class affects their ability to perform, and we want them to be proud of themselves at competition! If a student consistently misses more than 15% of their classes, their spot on the team is in jeopardy, and MSDX staff will set a meeting with that student and/or family to discuss support strategies and expectations. We encourage students in their endeavors outside of the studio, but we expect them to share their time at the studio with sports by alternating between choosing class and other activities.
- *Makeups: If you miss half of your classes in a given month, you will be required to attend makeup classes for them, either in a different level, or as an assistant teacher (middle & high school students). Makeup classes are encouraged for ALL students for any absence.
- Injured students: If a student is injured, we will manage each situation on a case by case basis to create a plan that works best for their health. Students should attend rehearsals to take notes if they are on track to compete with the group later in the season.
- Attendance will be tracked and evaluated through our Studio Pro software. Please submit absences through DSP! If you don’t know how to do this, let us know.
Families are welcome to fundraise for the MSDX Company through our organized fundraising efforts. This is not required, however it can help with much of the cost of competition! Funds go directly into your Studio Pro account. All fundraising efforts will be coordinated and managed by our fabulous Fundraising Chair, Nicole Cwynar! Feel free to reach out to Nicole with questions about fundraising at [email protected].
Costumes
All XTeam costumes are built into your Membership Fee. For non-competitive routines for the recital, please view the MSD Policy page. Squad costumes are built into your installment plan. Solo, Duo, and Trio routines will have a separate costume expense.
Apparel
Each MSDX Company member is required to have a Company jacket. This cost is built into your Membership Fee for new students. Company members will have the opportunity to purchase other items of merch such as pants, T shirts, sweatshirts, bags and other accessories. We will have at least one apparel sale in the Fall leading up to the winter holiday, and one in the Spring.
Required Classes
- Ballet: Ballet is the foundation of dance, and necessary for technique. This class is a requirement for all Academy and Company dancers at Maria’s School of Dance.
- Jazz: Jazz skills and technique are used in the majority of competition dances. Jazz is essential in growing as a dancer, and in the Company.
- Technique: This class will focus on foundational dance technique to support dances in all genres.
- Acro: All MSDX students are required to take Acro. Acro has become a necessary foundation in the competition world, and crucial to increase flexibility, overall strength, and quality of movement.
- Contemporary (if offered for your class): Contemporary and Lyrical are primary genres of dance competition pieces, and includes many variations. Contemporary uses technique and skills learned in other classic genres, but focuses on creative choreography and innovative movement rather than skills already learned. Students expand their breadth of dance knowledge, movement capabilities, performance skills, and memorization capacity through Contemporary.
- Tap is not a requirement of the Company, but strongly encouraged due to the benefits it has for learning rhythm and timing.
- Hip Hop is not a requirement of the Company, but supports overall confidence, movement quality and performance.
- Pointe is not a requirement of the Company. You must be invited to join a Pre-Pointe class based on technique and strength qualities, as well as ballet class history.
Unlimited Class Pass at a discounted rate that includes your rehearsal!
All tuition is priced annually for a 9 month dance season (September to May). You have your choice of an annual payment with a 5% discount or 9 monthly installments.
- X4 & X5: $195 per installment
- X3: $245 per installment
- X2: $253 per installment
- X1: $268 per installment
It takes time to work on dancers' technique and capabilities in preparation for competition. We offer a certain number of hours and classes for each level based on age, ability, and previous experience. Tuition payments are due by the 1st of each month, September through May. Please see the MSD policy page for more details on tuition and payment options.
Company Membership Fee
Your Company Membership Fee is the cost to be a Company member at the basic level, with just 1 XTeam routine for new members, and 2 XTeam routines for returning members. These routines attend 3 competitions. This Membership includes your XTeam competition fees, Choreo Camp fees, Your XTeam routine costume, Run Thrus, and competition coaching. For new members, it also includes your team jacket.
If you are selected for a Squad (small group), solo, duo or trio, here are the fees associated with those additional opportunities. Fees are paid via in full, or 8 installments August through March. These routines attend 4 competitions.
Company Membership Fee
Your Company Membership Fee is the cost to be a Company member at the basic level, with just 1 XTeam routine for new members, and 2 XTeam routines for returning members. These routines attend 3 competitions. This Membership includes your XTeam competition fees, Choreo Camp fees, Your XTeam routine costume, Run Thrus, and competition coaching. For new members, it also includes your team jacket.
- New Company Membership Fee: $805, or 6 installments of $134 (August - January)
- Returning Company Membership Fee: $960, or 6 installments of $160 (August - January)
If you are selected for a Squad (small group), solo, duo or trio, here are the fees associated with those additional opportunities. Fees are paid via in full, or 8 installments August through March. These routines attend 4 competitions.
New solos, duos and trios will have 4 months of individualized rehearsal (Sept - Dec), and 4 months of a S/D/T class (Jan - April). Routines will have an adjusted rehearsal schedule in the month of May leading up to the recital.
*Please note these fees are structured differently to help families better budget for Company involvement. Costs reflect competitive dance studio market research, and are comparable to previous years.
*Please note these fees are structured differently to help families better budget for Company involvement. Costs reflect competitive dance studio market research, and are comparable to previous years.
Class Schedule - TBD
This is an example of the MSD class schedule. All XTeam routine rehearsals are built into classes. Saturday Run Thrus start in January leading up to each competition.
This is an example of the MSD class schedule. All XTeam routine rehearsals are built into classes. Saturday Run Thrus start in January leading up to each competition.
Pro tip: Bring a notebook to every rehearsal for taking notes. Review these notes prior to the next rehearsal, and always ask questions!
Rehearsals are subject to change based on student and choreographer needs. MSDX will follow the same holiday and break schedule as Maria’s School of Dance, unless attending a competition. Rehearsals will be added if students need extra practice, especially leading up to a competition. You will not be charged for any extra rehearsal time that is called throughout the year.
Rehearsals are subject to change based on student and choreographer needs. MSDX will follow the same holiday and break schedule as Maria’s School of Dance, unless attending a competition. Rehearsals will be added if students need extra practice, especially leading up to a competition. You will not be charged for any extra rehearsal time that is called throughout the year.
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Choreo Camp - TBD
This is the plan for Choreo Camp, but please know it may be adjusted if necessary. Students are required to attend all designated rehearsals. These weeks will establish the majority of choreography for all new dances. Once we establish the schedule, if you have a conflict during these dates, please reach out to Liza. |
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Our parent welcome meeting will be Thursday, August 21st at 6:00pm. Here you will gain more information about our anticipated schedules and competitions, and have questions answered.
Competitions
We will attend 3 studio competitions in the Spring, possibly in February, March, and April. We will attend one extra competition for younger additional routines, and one extra competition for older additional routines. Competition details and dates will be released early Fall. Please block off the entire weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) for each competition as we do not receive the master schedule until 1 week out. We usually attend local competitions within an hour of the studio.
Conventions
One convention in the Fall will be open to all Company students, and highly encouraged. Conventions are an awesome way to learn from amazing teachers, practice confidence and memorization, and dance alongside students your age at other studios!
Company Fun!
Stacie and Angela, our amazing Social Chairs, are the best party planners ever. Here are some events to look forward to:
Photos and videos will be taken of classes, rehearsals, and events. Your acceptance acknowledges that the MSDX Company and Maria’s School of Dance has permission to post images and videos for informational and promotional purposes.
I have reviewed the above policies with my student and agree with these terms set forth by the MSDX Company and Maria’s School of Dance. I also grant permission to use my child’s images and videos for promotional purposes, and I release MSDX and Maria’s School of Dance from all liabilities that may result in my child’s participation.
Competitions
We will attend 3 studio competitions in the Spring, possibly in February, March, and April. We will attend one extra competition for younger additional routines, and one extra competition for older additional routines. Competition details and dates will be released early Fall. Please block off the entire weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) for each competition as we do not receive the master schedule until 1 week out. We usually attend local competitions within an hour of the studio.
Conventions
One convention in the Fall will be open to all Company students, and highly encouraged. Conventions are an awesome way to learn from amazing teachers, practice confidence and memorization, and dance alongside students your age at other studios!
Company Fun!
Stacie and Angela, our amazing Social Chairs, are the best party planners ever. Here are some events to look forward to:
- Secret Sister challenges
- Summer Company Kick-Off
- Fall Charity Carnival
- New Brighton Halloween Parade
- Beaver Light Up Night Parade
- MSDXmas and Big Kid Sleepover
- Spring end of the year party
- and more!
Photos and videos will be taken of classes, rehearsals, and events. Your acceptance acknowledges that the MSDX Company and Maria’s School of Dance has permission to post images and videos for informational and promotional purposes.
I have reviewed the above policies with my student and agree with these terms set forth by the MSDX Company and Maria’s School of Dance. I also grant permission to use my child’s images and videos for promotional purposes, and I release MSDX and Maria’s School of Dance from all liabilities that may result in my child’s participation.