Frequently Asked Questions about MDAA Workshops
Q. Who do I ask if I have questions?
A. Start with your primary teacher or contact Charlene White, MDAA Executive Director, at montanadanceartsassoc@gmail.com or 406-442-6519. During the workshops, there will be someone at the Registration Table to answer any questions.
Q. How old do I have to be to attend the MDAA workshop?
A. Students must have turned 9 by the cut-off dated specified on the registration form
Q. Why must I pre-register for workshops and include which classes I plan to attend?
A. This helps the Workshop Director, the Board of Directors, and staff determine and prepare for how many students to expect in each class. This assures there is adequate classroom space and equipment.
Q. Why are there age divisions with no exceptions?
A. Classes are generally very large at MDAA workshops. Instructors and parents must register their dancer for the appropriate level based on student’s age and hours of study. When planning a class, the instructor takes into consideration the maturity and the physical development of the students. What an instructor may expect from a 14-year-old may not be appropriate and safe for a 10-year-old.
Q. Why do teachers have to pay to attend MDAA?
A. Even by observing, teachers are getting the same instruction as students. Teacher’s fees are at a discounted rate compared to student fees.
Q. Do parents have to pay to observe?
A. Parents are not required to pay to observe yet we do ask those observing maintain proper etiquette while observing – keeping talking to a minimum and quiet voices, no cell phones, no younger siblings as all these can be very disruptive and distracting to students and more importantly, the instructors. The use of all recording devices is prohibited.
Q. Where can I find lost and found?
A. The lost and found is located at the main registration table. If you realize you are missing something after the workshop, you may call the MDAA office at 406-442-6519 to find out if your item has been turned in.
Q. Is there a dress code?
A. Yes, each class requires a specific dress code. The dress code for each class can be found on the Workshop Tab pages. Teachers and students are expected to follow these guidelines.
Q. Do I have to take every class I sign up for?
A. It is highly recommended if you enroll for a class, you attend. This allows the facilitators to know what size of class to expect, and be sure the proper equipment for each class is sufficient. MDAA encourages you to attend as many classes and styles as possible to receive the full benefit of the workshop experience. If you must drop a class, please check in at the registration table. If you are too tired to participate in the class, we would encourage you to quietly observe as you can still glean a lot from observing classes as well.
Q. Once I get to the workshop, can I add a class and/or register for an extra day?
A. If you would like to add a class, you would need to check with the registration table first to see if there is room available in the class. If you would like to add a day, you will need to pay the additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spring Scholarship Auditions
Q. Will scholarship applications be accepted late?
A. Incomplete or late scholarship applications WILL NOT be accepted.
Q. If I didn’t register and pay for the Fall Workshop, may I still audition for a scholarship in the spring?
A. Yes, if you did not pay the Fall Workshop Fees, you may pay them with your Scholarship Audition Form. If you were unable to attend the Fall Workshop but paid for a Fall Workshop three-day pass, you may audition in the spring.
Q. Can I audition for a scholarship in more than one dance style?
A. No. Students are only allowed to audition for one style of their choice.
Q. Can I audition for both in-state and out-of-state scholarships?
A. Yes, but a student may only be awarded one scholarship.
Q. Who is allowed to watch the auditions?
A. Only MDAA professional members are allowed to watch auditions.
Q. Why are parents and other students not allowed to watch the audition?
A. The majority of auditions, anywhere you attend, are ‘closed auditions.’ This is to prevent coaching from the sidelines and keep distractions to a minimum. The judge’s decisions are final.
Q. Do I need to prepare a piece for my audition?
A. The adjudicator will provide all of the necessary exercises/combinations for the audition. Students auditioning do not need to prepare a piece for the audition. The audition class will include a warm-up and exercises/combinations created for each style. The only exception to this might be for a specialized style where the student will need to prepare in advance, eg musical theater where the student will select a song to sing.