What about the classes?
Classes are held on Monday and Tuesday evenings at the Ardrossan Recreation Center. Times are from 5:30 to 9:45. Class lengths are dependent on the group level. Yatran 1 (youngest group) dances for 30 minutes and older groups dance for up to 1 3/4. Instructors at present come to us from Nadiya Choreographic Ensemble and the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers and will lead us through competitions with great results. Dancers are evaluated during the first few classes and placed in the appropriate level at the discretion of our professional instructors.
How much does it cost?
Yatran believes in keeping costs affordable for families. We have a $50 non-refundable fundraising fee per child. We may also have some fundraising activities throughout the year but families are not obligated to participate other than having their child dancing at a performance. Fees range from $120 - $520, depending on level. In addition, be prepared for costuming fees and supplies. Materials for a beginner costume package is about $50-$100
What about costuming?
In the event a new costume is required, parents are sold a package containing supplies the dancer requires. It is the parent's responsibility to have the costume complete by costume check day in February. We offer patterns, instructions and plenty of know-how, or a list of seamstresses for hire. Costumes may be available from other dancers. Yatran owns and rents some costumes for the groups.
What about fundraising?
As with any other groups you belong to, fundraising is a challenge. Our parent body has indicated that they would prefer to pay a set fee rather than engage in fundraising. On that note, however, there may be some fundraising opportunities that families may choose to participate in to offset costs.
What about competitions?
Festivals (competitions) begin in late spring when the dancers are "ready". Level 3 and up attend up to 3 competitions in surrounding areas (Lloydminster/St. Paul). It is the parents responsibility to get the dancer to the competition. Older dancers have historically participated in a "bus trip" to a further away Festival. There must be a commitment from all dancers within a group to participate in competitions.
What about performances?
We like to get our dancers on stage, especially the youngest, cutest ones. Our coordinator books the dancers into Seniors residences, community functions, and private functions. There are many commitments during April and May, winding up with our extravagant Year End concert held in Festival Place. It is important to look at your child's extracurricular commitments, because a group depends upon each member for the intricate choreography that is practiced on a weekly basis, especially if the group is working towards competition. Every week, September to the end of May. It is important to decide if other commitments would supersede dancing interests once spring rolls around. Your group would be counting on you to be there!!
What about commitments?
As a Yatran dancer, you are committed to attending practices. Towards the end of the season, there are several performances and functions to showcase our learning's. Yatran holds monthly meetings throughout the season, during regular dance practices If you would like to voice your opinion or concerns, ask questions or share ideas...this is the venue. A club needs vocal and contributing members who are sharing in a positive manner which is conducive to supporting our children to dance and have fun. Remember, everyone is a volunteer--even the hardworking Executive--and all are trying to do their very best for the dancers. Your support and input is valued and needed, but we ask that you remember that all volunteers juggle their own careers, families, costuming, dance and volunteer commitments, in addition to being dancers themselves in some instances.
We ask that you support those who are making it possible for your child to dance!
The club is run and operated solely by volunteers, of which we need many and in any capacity,Many hands make light work!
Costume workshops for parents are held as needed during practice times. This is time for parents to learn and assist others.
Picture day is booked in the new year. Individual and group photos are taken.
All classes are now held on Monday and Tuesday nights (due to construction) .You'd be surprised at what you learn just by stopping in and saying "Hi" while the children are dancing. Join us and become part of the Yatran Family!
Ardrossan "Ятрань"
