Hi Zina...

Diana and I have a sort of "maifesto" we created for all the students interested in being a part of our "sister/student" troupe. If you ever want to see it, I'd be more than willing to share with you.


Leslie

Zina,

The group(s) I'm a part of have rules, and the strictness varies depending on the group. For example, you're allowed to be in the student troupe provided you've taken a certain amount of classes. You don't have to come to every practice, but if you want to perform, you have to show up to at least the practice right before the show. The "pro" troupe is more strict-- you need to attend every practice unless you've got a good damned reason not to. Similarly, our costume guidelines vary. In both troupes, you need to have a choli, pantaloons and a 10-yard skirt, but in the student troupe we let people add whatever else they like, even if it's more cabaret flavored. In pro troupe we make costume decisions based on what the other members have (like what color 25 skirt to buy) and on what will look good on all of us (i.e., no white cholis).

I think it's a very, very good idea to set up guidelines ahead of time. That way there's no surprises, and if someone repeatedly violates a rule (like not attending practice) and needs to be "let go," people will know it's nothing personal. Also, I think it helps to shape the group in a more cohesive unit if all members are in agreement as to how they see the group's... flavor? Same with a name. At the same time, keeping some level of flexibility is good-- if you initially say you're straight ATS but over time want to incorporate ITS (i.e., Gypsy Caravan) moves, well, crap happens and things evolve. But the nuts-and-bolts stuff should be set up ahead of time, I think. Hope this helps.