Frequently Asked Questions
What questions do you want answered?
auditions
Q: For semester auditions, do you guys take a certain amount of people?
A: No, we do not look for a specific number of people to join!
Q: How often are auditions?
A: We run auditions in the beginning of each semester after the involvement fair. Times and locations are posted on all of our social media for each semesterly audition; keep a look out!
Q: Do you have to audition every semester?
A: Members of the team only audition one time. Once they are on the team, they stay on. If a member were to leave the team, they must re-audition the following semester in order to join again.
Q:What do I bring to the auditions?
A: There is nothing specific we need from you. However, we suggest wearing clothes you're able to dance in, a water bottle, and for the audition day, something to work on while you wait, like a homework assignment for instance.
practices
Q: When are practices?
A: Generally speaking, there are 4 days per week that run approximately 2 hours each. Previous semesters usually include Sunday's, Monday's, Tuesday's, and Wednesday's with times in the late evening; more or less ranging between times of 6pm and 12am. Each semester's days, times and locations are slightly different. For the fall 2020 semester, practice locations, times and days are pending.
Q:Is every practice mandatory?
A: Yes, every practice is mandatory. In the instance that a member has a class during a practice time, they will communicate with the secretary who will then provide them for a Consecutive Excused Absence. Under unexcused circumstances, being late or leaving early for practice counts as 1/2 of an unexcused absence. Members are allotted a total of 5 unexcused absences before they are separated from the team and will have to re-audition the following semester.
Q:I have a class or study session during practice or a performance. What should I do?
A: At least 24 hours before said practice or performance, you should email the secretary (urbandancetroupepsu@gmail.com) and provide them with information on your absence. If this email is not sent at least 24 hours in advanced, the absence will be counted against you as an Unexcused Absence. You are allotted 5 of these per semester.
choreography
Q: I want to choreograph, but I haven't done it on my own. Am I allowed to choreograph with someone
else?
A: Yes! We strongly recommend working and collaborating with others!
Q:Who choreographs for the team?
A: Anyone who would like to choreograph can do so. We have a process of choosing choreographers for each set by allowing anyone to submit their choreography to the executive board who will then choose the best fitting choreography for that specific set or workshop combination. There are plenty of opportunities to choreograph, such as performances, fundraising events, and workshops. Members are able to submit choreography as many times as they'd like. Urban Dance troupe takes pride in our diversity of choreography and openness for opportunities for everyone!
performances
Q:Does the team travel?
A: We try to travel at least once in the year to a competition or workshop. Usually, this will take place spring semester.
Q:How many performances do we have?
A: Each semester is different and subject to change, however there are some commonalities. The fall semester, we have smaller performances and one big one; approximately 3-4. In the spring, our performances, are generally bigger ones; approximately 4-5.
Q: Is UDT considered a performance team or a competition team?
A: Urban Dance Troupe is a school affiliated dance organization. We do not necessarily have performance or competition titles. However... we do BOTH!
Q:Does the team travel?
A: We try to travel at least once in the year to a competition or workshop. Usually, this will take place spring semester.
logistics
Q: Do I have to pay?
A: Yes. Because Urban Dance Troupe is a student ran organization, it is up to the members to pay dues in order to cover costs for the team throughout the semester. These dues (usually $40/ person) are due at the beginning of each semester (for every member, old and new).
Q: How much of a commitment is the team?
A: We like each member to commit to 4 practice days (2 hours each) during the week in addition to 2-3 semesterly team socials, fundraising events, performances, and volunteer work. As a collegiate organization, Urban Dance Troupe is a moderate commitment that takes punctuality and participation seriously.
Q: How do I get UDT merchandise?
A: Once dues are paid, each member will receive a set of UDT apparel for that semester. The apparel differs each semester depending on the amount of money fundraised.
Q: I can't afford dues, what do I do?
A: We have flexible payment options for the semesterly dues. If you have monetary trouble, contact the treasurer and they will set up a plan for compensated payment options. If by the time dues are due and you have not contacted the treasurer regarding your monetary trouble, you will be benched for the semester with required attendance until you pay.
personal
Q: If I am having a conflict with a member of the team, what should I do?
A: As we are all adults on the team, we strongly recommend that you talk to that person one-on-one and fix the issue. If this does not work, you should talk to either the President or the Vice President to work out a compromise.
Q: If I get injured or have a personal matter to handle, how would I go about this?
A: Generally, if it is an injury that has you out all semester, you are able to come back the following semester. If you have to take temporary time off for a personal matter, you are still considered on the team. However, if none of these instances are mentioned to the executive board, you will have to re-audition next semester; at the discretion of the executive board.