PowerPAC

Performing Arts Company FAQs

What is the mission of the Dance.tech PowerPAC team?

It is our mission to inspire self-confidence, discipline, and respect for the performing arts in the developing dancer. Our goal is to give each dancer the tools they need to be well prepared, whether they choose to pursue a professional dance career or have other goals. Members of the PowerPAC team are role models in the community, performing at local festivals, participating in charity and arts events, and competing at the regional and national levels. The dance education of our PowerPAC students contributes to the development of responsible, determined, and creative adults.

Is there a place for every student on the team?

Yes, all PAC dancers Levels 3-9 perform in the all-company Jazz Production Routine. Dancers may be placed in additional Jazz Company groups and optional routines in various styles. Dancers must have at least one year of previous experience and are required to take a weekly technique class in the style of all competition routines. Pre-company dancers in Level 2 (Tiny Twinklers) will be placed in one Jazz Company group with limited travel requirements.

How do you become part of the PowerPAC?

Auditions are held over the summer during our Inferno Intensive for dancers in Levels 4-9. Students are observed in technique classes and perform in small groups in front of a panel of PAC Directors and guest judges on the final day. The audition process is a positive experience for dancers to learn how to present themselves professionally and support their teammates in a low-stress audition experience. Level 2/3 dancers do not need to audition to participate.

What are the time and travel commitments?

Each level of the PowerPAC team incorporates an increased level of dedication and time commitment based on the dancers’ technical level, average age, and experience. Weekly routine rehearsals begin in September and run through the last regional competition. Our competition season begins in February and lasts through the first week of May.

  • Tiny Twinklers (Level 2) participate in one regional competition, perform in the Company Concert, and Spring Recital. Classes and rehearsals for Level 2 meet twice per week for a total of 2-3 hours.

  • PAC dancers Levels 3-9 participate in four or five regional competitions, perform in the Company Concert and Spring Recital. Weekly technique classes in both ballet and jazz are mandatory, as well two required Rehearsals, and are included in PowerPAC members’ monthly tuition.. Optional classes in varying dance styles are encouraged and offered to PowerPAC members at a discounted rate.

What is the cost to be a part of the team?

Monthly tuition for PowerPAC members includes required technique classes and choreography/rehearsal fees for Jazz Company routines. Tuition rates are based on the number of hours dancers are expected to attend each week based on level, with the opportunity to add on numerous dance techniques if desired. Detailed tuition rates can be found in the 2023-2024 PowerPAC Handbook.

  • Dancers have the opportunity to perform in additional group routines, solos, and duets/trios based on age and experience. These routines require additional time at the studio and rehearsal fees are billed on the 15th of the month. Each regional competition event includes entry fees that are charged per routine. The average cost per routine is as follows:

    • Group: $60/routine Duet/Trio: $65/routine Solo: $130/routine

  • Group competition costumes average $90/routine. Solo/duet/trio costume budgets start at $50; the costume price point is determined on an individual basis in collaboration with families and choreographers. Routines may have specific tight, shoe, and accessory requirements that are not included in the base costume fee.

  • All PAC dancers Levels 3-9 are required to own a black team jacket. This jacket will be used for a minimum of three competition seasons and must be worn during all performance events and competition awards ceremonies.

  • A yearly PowerPAC Membership Fee of $60 is paid at the time of auditions. This covers the cost of audition faculty, props and set construction, and the annual Company Concert.

What Performance and Community Outreach Opportunities are provided?

PAC dancers perform in the annual Dance.tech Company Concert and in both the Matinee and Evening performances of the Spring Recital. They are also featured in select roles in the Blacksburg Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” at the Moss Arts Center. In addition to regional and national competitions, students are invited to participate in several local events. Dancer favorites include Steppin’ Out, Virginia Tech Hokies halftime shows, Holiday and Homecoming Parades, School Showcases, and more! When the schedule allows, PAC members may also participate in optional dance trips. We have gone on a field trip to NYC to see a teammate dance in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, performed at Walt Disney World, and aboard a Carnival Cruise in previous years.

PowerPAC Schedule

PAC Rehearsals correlate directly with dancers’ leveled technique class times. Classes and rehearsals are kept separate in order to maintain the integrity of our pre-professional technique class curriculum.