THE DANCE EFFECT PROTÉGÉ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
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1. What is the goal of the TDE Protégé Program?
a. The TDE Protégé Program is designed to help dancers:
i. Build confidence
ii. Collaborate with Instructors and Dancers from outside their home studio
iii. Develop leadership skills be setting a positive example in challenging environments
that push them beyond their limits and comfort zones
2. How do I get chosen to receive a TDE Invitation or Application?
a. You are required to wear your assigned number, which will be given to you at check-in that
morning
b. Each classroom has a recording sheet, where Instructors note the numbers of dancers who
they fell stood out in their class
c. At the end of the day, we review all the sheets and select dancers whose numbers
consistently were recognized across multiple classes. These dancers may be awarded
invitations or applications
d. The Dance Effect reserves the right to modify this process at any time for any reason
3. When do I get chosen to be a TDE Protégé?
a. The Dance Effect awards TDE Protégé Invitations and Applications during our TDE Intensive
Showcase.
i. If you receive a TDE Invitation, you are automatically accepted into the next season’s
TDE Protégé Program. However, you must complete the requirements via the QR
code by the stated deadline to confirm your spot.
ii. If you receive a TDE Application, you will need to follow the instructions provided
through the QR code and submit all required materials by the stated deadline for
consideration. The Dance Effect will email you if you are chosen after your
submission.
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4. How many TDE Protégés are selected for each season?
a. We typically select approximately 40 TDE Protégés and 6 TDE Elites. While these numbers
may vary, they serve as a good estimate. The Dance Effect holds the right to update at
anytime, without notice.
5. What is the role as a TDE Protégé?
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a. As a TDE Protégé, your role is to lead by example and create a positive experience for all
dancers attending. Here are a few expectations of you:
i. Be a role model by staying positive and setting an example for others while in
person, while on social media and everywhere you go
ii. Spread out in the room during the classes – don’t crowd the front; stagger
yourselves and move rows from time to time
iii. Help other dancers feel confident and supported – everyone should leave feeling
like a it was a “Rockstar” kind of day
iv. Engage with dancers from other studios – introduce yourself, interact, and make
new friends
v. Follow all directions given by TDE Instructors, Staff and Elites
vi. Embrace challenges with a positive attitude. You will be encouraged to push past
your limits and perform at your highest level
vii. Follow The Dance Effect on Instagram &/or Facebook. Like, share and tag us
@thedanceeffect
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6. What is the required level of commitment?
a. Protégés are expected to attend at least two TDE Intensives, during their season
i. Attendance at TDE Wichita is strongly encouraged and recommended as one of the
two events
ii. Participation in your season’s TDE Nationals is highly encouraged; however, we
understand and respect prior studio commitments
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7. What is the cost and what is provided?
a. The Dance Effect will cover:
i. Your Intensive Registration Fees during your season & one Observer pass
ii. Your required TDE Protégé T-Shirt for your season
iii. One complimentary solo at the TDE Nationals in your season
b. Your Obligation:
i. All other expenses are the responsibility of the TDE Protégé, including, but not
limited to, hotel, travel, meals and any additional personal costs
ii. If you would like to purchase an additional TDE Protégé T-Shirt, they are $20 and we
MUST know in advance, as we don’t order any extras
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8. How long is the season?
a. The TDE Protégé Season is from September through June
i. If you are chosen at an Intensive in October, your season will not start until the
following September.
ii. Exception to this would be if you are a Junior or Senior in high school. You must
submit a request to Ms. Sarena & Ms. Rambo to join the current season and discuss
possible options.
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9. How does a TDE Protégé get invited back again to be a TDE Protégé or TDE Elite?
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a. Focus on your current season as a TDE Protégé. Try not to worry about whether you will be
chosen again for the next season. We want you to be fully present, give your best, and enjoy
the experience -without the added pressure of what comes next.
b. Here are some of the things TDE Instructors and Staff look for:
i. Versatility and adaptability across all styles of dance
ii. Quick to learn choreography and apply it effectively
iii. Open to learning and accepting corrections with a positive attitude
iv. Positive leadership, both in person and on social media – be a role model to peers
v. Constantly respectful and professional behavior – a great attitude matters at ALL
times, because someone is always watching
c. Every Intensive provides an opportunity to be invited to be a TDE Protégé again.
d. Attending your current season’s TDE Nationals provides another opportunity to be invited
back.
e. Final selections, placements and invitations are made at the sole discretion of TDE
Instructors and Staff. Decisions are based on overall performance, attitude, potential and
how dancers embody the values of The Dance Effect. All final decisions are made
thoughtfully and with the best interest of the program in mind.
10.Are dancers required to compete at TDE Regionals or TDE Nationals?
a. No, they are not required to attend a TDE Regional or National. However, we strongly
encourage participation in TDE Regionals and TDE Nationals to stay connected with the
TDE Dance Family.
b. Keep in mind:
i. TDE Elites are chosen at Nationals
ii. TDE Protégés have a chance to be invited back at Nationals
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11.What happens if a current TDE Protégé is not invited back?
a. TDE Protégés must be re-invited during an Intensive, Regional or National event in order to
participate in the next season.
b. If a Protégé is not re-invited during their current season, we encourage them not to be
discouraged. We hope they return the following season, continue to work hard, and keep
growing. We truly value all of our dancers ad want each one of them to flourish, succeed,
and become well-rounded dancers.
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12.How does my current TDE Protégé transition into a TDE Elite?
a. TDE Elites are chosen at Nationals. We chose around 6 Elites for each season.
b. TDE Elites have completed at least 1 Protégé season and shown leadership skills
throughout the year
c. Elites are required to attend at least 3 Intensives.
d. Elites are required to teach a 25-minute Warm-Up class at Intensives.
e. Elites are required to assist TDE Instructors on stage and around the room.
13.What kind of photo needs to be submitted for the TDE program and marketing?
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a. A color headshot is required for the program
b. For social media marketing, we accept either dance photos or headshots
c. Photos must not include any studio or school names/logos
14.How do I register for events?
a. Ask your studio if they will be registering your dancer or if they would rather you set up an
account and do so yourself
b. You will be given a coupon code to enter during the Intensive registration process to remove
the fees. You will be given a different code for the free solo at Nationals, once you have let
us know you are attending with your studio or as a soloist.
c. Your dancer must be registered in the events prior to the event
15.Additional Info:
a. Dancer and at least one parent MUST be in our Band App group
b. It is your responsibility to stay up to date with information, announcements and updates
that go out in the Band App.
c. When information is requested, please respond promptly. Late responses and multiple
follow-ups delay our process and create challenges as we work to meet deadlines.
d. The Dance Effect reserves the right to change or update or change policies and rules at any
time, without notice
16.Contact Preferred for Protégés:
a. Band App – can message privately (only for current seasons Protégés & Elites)
b. Email – assistant@thedanceeffect.org