ACME's
Mission Statement
and
Guidelines: Privileges & Responsibilites
|
Mission Statement
In the early 20th century at the Savoy Ballroom, there were three disciplines of dance; social dance, competition, and
performance. ACME Swing Company dance team is committed to further the Dallas Swing Dance Society mission of
educating the public in East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop. ACME will embody all that "Swing" has to offer by perfecting the
dance in these three disciplines.
Guidelines: Privileges & Responsibilities
Membership: Any DSDS member in good standing may be a member of ACME Swing Company by agreeing to and signing
the ACME Membership forms and being accepted by the team director. We do ask that members have solid basic/intermediate
dancing skills in Swing, Lindy Hop, Charleston & Jazz. (The team does not teach basic dancing skills. We can recommend
instructors who can get you up to speed so that you can join ACME at a later date.) You may discontinue your membership at
any time, however rejoining the team must be discussed with the team director. The dance team accepts new members once a
year. (Certain exceptions are made as necessary.)
Style: 1930's and 40's Savoy style Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, Charleston, Jazz and Air Steps (Aerials). We will develop a
uniform team "look" and encourage you to develop your own unique style and dancing personality.
Dues: Monthly dues of $30.00 are collected from team members to cover the costs of practice space, education,
administration, equipment etc. Dues will be supplemented with fund raising projects organized and executed by team members.
Practice Sessions: We practice once a week for two hours. Currently we practice on Saturday mornings from 10:00am until
noon. We have extra practices to work on specialty items such as aerials (AirTech) and performance pieces.
Personal Improvement: All members are expected to continue working on improving their dance skill and vocabulary.
Seeking professional instruction, practicing, participating in dance chat, listening to music and watching dance videos are all
great ways to improve your dancing.
Team Administration: Every team member will help in the operation of the team. There are several positions that need to be
filled. These are listed and explained under the heading of ACME Support Positions. Please consider how your life and
professional skills can benefit the tea. Choose a support position that you will enjoy doing. If you don't choose, the team
director will assign something to you... aaack!
Non-ACME Support Positions: DSDS members who wish to volunteer their time to help with ACME’s administrative and
support needs are very welcome to do so. There will be no dues for this type of membership. Most support positions are open
to any DSDS member in good standing.
Volunteer Philosophy: Team members are volunteers. Keep the best interests of the team in mind when dealing with all
issues. The team is only as strong as the individuals involved. Do not expect more from your team members than you are
willing to give yourself.
Performances: All team members are encouraged to participate when the team performs at regular DSDS dances. All team
members are encouraged to audition for other performance opportunities. When preparing for performance, extra practices are
required in most cases.
Competitions: All team members are encouraged to participate in local regional and national competitions as individual
dancers. All team members are encouraged to audition for team competition opportunities. The team plans on competing at
least once in 2006. Extra practices will be required.
Jam Circles: All team members are encouraged to participate in Jam Circles.
Air Steps: Air Steps and tricks will be learned. You are not required to participate, however, please realize failure to learn and
perform aerials may exclude you from certain team performances and competitions.
ACME Riveters: Professional and advanced dancers who are members of ACME Swing Company may audition for spots on
this competition and performance team. This group is fast paced and physically demanding. It is a new addition introduced to
ACME Swing Company in 2006. ACME Riveters will participate in local and national performances and competitions.
Acceptance into ACME Riveters is by audition only.
Auditions: Auditions will be held for some (not all) team activities. The criteria includes but is not limited to, specific event
requirements, knowledge of routines, skill level, showmanship, availability and prior history.
Recording Agreement: For promotion, education and evaluation purposes we will photograph and film team members.
Alcohol Policy: No alcohol before or during ACME activities.... it's that simple.
Safety: All team members agree that dancing can be very dangerous. All team members agree to "refuse to participate" in any
activity that is unsafe. All team members realize that what is safe for one dancer may be dangerous for another dancer.