BAYPAC/
PAAM Squad Faq's
BAYPAC
What is BAYPAC?
BAYPAC (Bay Area Youth Performing Arts Collective) is PAAM’s year-round program that offers comprehensive training for the student who is interested in taking their dancing to the next level. It is home to BAYPAC Dance Company. As a company member you will train, compete and perform throughout the school year (September - June). There are companies for all levels of experience, and vary in commitment level from beginning/intermediate to Pre-Professional (Pre-Pro). BAYPAC Dance Company competes throughout the year at regional competitions, and are heavily involved in our annual PAAM performances like the Holiday Spectacular and Spring Showcase in San Francisco. Within BAYPAC, we have two types of Companies - Technical and Crew. BAYPAC participation is by audition and/or application only. If dancers would like to train at the BAYPAC level but cannot commit to the competition Companies, the full BAYPAC intensive training program (ITP) is open to accepted students ages 8 & up. Our BAYPAC ITP Pre-Program will be open to accepted students ages 5 – 9. BAYPAC is deeply committed to "whole person" training. We hone the complete package, going beyond the physical instruction to feed our dancers' hearts and minds.
Baypac technical company
BAYPAC Technical companies train in the styles of ballet, jazz, acro and lyrical/contemporary. Technical companies require the most commitment throughout the week/year, since these dancers are training in multiple disciplines. Technical companies compete in 3-5 competitions/year, some of which are conventions for our Pre-Pro companies. *Auditions for technical Company will be held at PAAM on Saturday, June 1st 2024.*
Baypac Crew
Crews train in the style of hip hop, and have significantly less time commitment throughout the year. BAYPAC Crews also compete and attend conventions, as well as have exclusive access to guest hip hop workshops and choreography. Many dancers in Technical companies are also on Crew, but it is not required. *Auditions for Crew will be held at PAAM on Tuesday, June 4th 2024.*
What is the commitment for BAYPAC?
Time commitment varies depending on the company. Our technical companies have the most weekly class requirements (between 5 - 11 hours/week) and Crew has less with 1.5 hours/week. There are two mandatory choreography weeks (September & January), plus other mandatory rehearsals and events throughout the year, that are clearly laid out upon acceptance into the Company.
What is the financial commitment for BAYPAC?
Membership fees for each of these Companies vary, but are very clearly laid out upon receiving your BAYPAC invite after auditions. Your BAYPAC Membership investment includes your class tuition, choreography/guest artist fees, costumes for all required dances, and Company gear.
MY DANCER IS NEW/INEXPERIENCED TO BAYPAC. CAN THEY STILL AUDITION?
Yes! Anyone can audition, and our goal is to find the perfect place where your dancer will be successful with like minded peers for the year.
I WANT TO JOIN BAYPAC, BUT I CAN’T ATTEND ALL THE CLASSES/PERFORMANCES. CAN I STILL BE IN BAYPAC?
We understand that students are involved in many extracurricular activities, and that’s great! If you cannot commit to the full year program, we suggest enrolling in BAYPAC classes within the BAYPAC ITP, and wait until you are able to fully commit to the program before being in the Company. Our BAYPAC and PAAM faculty can assist with curating a dance schedule that works best for your dancer for the year.
PAAm squad
WHAT IS PAAM SQUAD?
PAAM Squad is our noncompetitive performance team that is for the dancer that is interested in performing more throughout the year, and might have just one to two styles they would like to focus on primarily. Our squads meet for their weekly class and rehearsal, and perform at local PAAM events (including our annual Pumpkin Bash, Holiday Show, and Spring showcase) throughout the year, and allow for additional activities and sports if the dancer has multiple hobbies. PAAM Squad is offered to dancers ages 7 - 12, and dancers can choose to be on Jazz Funk, Lyrical, or Acro Squad. Dancers can choose to be on one, two, or even all three Squads! Dancers and families who "take the leap" with PAAM Squad value excellence in dance training, and most of all, the importance of the journey. *Tryouts for PAAM Squad 24-25 will be held at PAAM on Friday, May 31st 2024.*
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT FOR PAAM SQUAD?
PAAM Squad is a year round commitment, but has significantly less of a weekly & annual commitment compared to BAYPAC. Each Squad is required to be enrolled in their weekly one hour class and 30 minute rehearsal based on their style. The more squads a student is involved in, the more weekly requirements.
WHAT IS THE FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT FOR PAAM SQUAD?
PAAM Squad’s membership investment varies depending on how many Squads a student is a member of. Membership investment includes all required weekly training for the year, rehearsals & choreography, costumes for required dances, and personalized Squad gear. Membership fees are clearly laid out upon acceptance onto Squad.