CDT SOLOISTS AND PRIVATE LESSON PROGRAM

CDT soloists are selected for their commitment and passion for dance. These students will further their training to solidify their technique and skills. Soloist lessons are 30-minute classes that run throughout the calendar year, rather than following the school term like regular lessons. This means that during the breaks between terms (e.g., between terms one and two, two and three, and three and four), students will still have lessons.

During school holidays, these lessons are combined into one-hour training sessions.

Please note: Any January lessons or additional sessions are at an extra cost. Payment must be made at the time of booking to secure your spot.

You can book your holiday sessions here:

The primary focus of this class is on developing technique and skills. Being a CDT soloist also involves competing in dance competitions with a solo routine at a specific level. Once the required skills have been achieved, students will learn their routines in a style chosen by their teacher.

HOLIDAY PRIVATES

OTHER TRAINING

CDT soloists are expected to attend all their CDT training classes. It is also expected that CDT soloists participate in our holiday workshops. Additionally, we encourage dancers to take part in workshops and experiences outside of CDT, provided they do not clash with CDT commitments.

There are two particular events we would like our soloists to attend:

The Dream Experience
Light The Way and/or ADF

These events provide wonderful opportunities for dancers, and we highly recommend that CDT soloists get involved. We understand these events may be costly; however, for ADF, group packages are available. If your dancer is planning to take part, please let us know.

Participating in these events helps dancers broaden their skills, try new things, gain new experiences, improve their ability to pick up choreography (in a variety of styles), grow their repertoire, and perform in front of choreographers and industry professionals.

About the Private Lesson Program

Each dancer receives a personalised training program devised by the CDT directors, tailored to the dancer’s individual strengths, areas for improvement, and overall progress. This program is reviewed during each holiday period and adjusted as needed.

Each private lesson student will have their own BAND chat with their teacher, where the teacher will regularly update the dancer and their parent on progress, practice tasks, and other important information.

Dancers in the private lesson program are expected to complete any homework tasks assigned by CDT teachers to support their development. If these tasks are not completed, class time may need to be used to catch up on this work.

This is so your dancer has continuous improvement and is consistent in their training.

EXPECTATIONS

FOR STUDENTS:

Students are expected to commit fully to their classes and training.
Maintain a high attendance rate.
Embrace the CDT culture by helping make the environment welcoming, encouraging, and a positive experience for everyone.
Show respect to all teachers and peers.
Complete any homework assigned by CDT teachers.
Appreciate dance as an art form. Competitions are not about winning or competing against others but about putting yourself out there, growing from the experience, shining on stage, and receiving feedback.
Be kind to others and respectful to organisers at events—this is a great opportunity to make friends in the dance world!
Represent CDT with pride, including wearing the CDT uniform and taking care to have neat hair for all classes.
Most importantly, have fun!

FOR PARENTS:

Avoid getting caught up in the competitive side—CDT values a positive environment, and excessive competitiveness can become toxic.
Be respectful and encouraging toward others.
Lead by example.
Communicate with CDT about upcoming solos, workshops, or any issues or concerns.
Trust and respect the decisions made by CDT staff.
Celebrate your dancer’s growth and achievements!

FOR BOTH STUDENTS AND PARENTS:

Understand that joining CDT means becoming part of a team, where respect for all members at the studio, events, and beyond is expected.
Support each other and maintain respectful attitudes at all times.
Trust the process established by Complete Dance Training. We focus on age-appropriate development to ensure dancers can enjoy a long, fulfilling journey in dance. Our goal is to create versatile, well-rounded dancers who are prepared for the performing arts industry without risking burnout.

These expectations are non-negotiable. Please review them with your dancer and discuss what they mean.

"Comparison is the thief of joy."
Every dancer is on their own unique journey, and this should be celebrated and appreciated. Any behavior contrary to this will not be tolerated.

ABOUT SOLOS

When a private lesson student is ready, CDT staff will determine the appropriate time for the dancer to learn a solo routine.
This is a routine the dancer performs individually at competitions (eisteddfods), performances, and other events.

There are a variety of styles a dancer can learn for their solo, and the CDT staff will select the style that best suits the dancer’s strengths.

Please note, solo routines are separate from private lesson time, which is scheduled as a 3-hour block (or 2 x 1.5-hour sessions).

CDT dancers participate in solo competitions to gain experience, build confidence, receive feedback, and grow as artists. While we acknowledge the importance of being held to a high standard, we do not support the toxic side of competitive culture. We will never push a dancer beyond their limits just to win trophies.

We are deeply committed to ensuring our dancers do not experience burnout, which can happen when they take on too much at a young age. Our goal is for them to dance for as long as they want and to truly love it.

We always keep the bigger picture in mind—whether they pursue a career in dance or not. Excelling at competitions does not guarantee a career in dance. However, being versatile, working well in a team, and being open to feedback are the qualities that will pave the way for success.

Costs of a Solo

The rate for the block solo lesson to learn the routine is $400.

This includes:

A 3-hour lesson to learn the routine
Personalised cut music
Costume ideas and a vision board
Additional cleaning time

This payment must be made prior to the solo routine lesson. If payment has not been made, the solo lesson will be void.

Please note: solos cannot be booked if accounts aren't up to date.

ENTRY:
Each competition will have a different entry cost. You get to choose which ones to enter, so this will vary.

COSTUMES:
The amount you spend on costumes is entirely up to you. Some people choose to purchase costumes from Facebook groups at a low cost, others opt for custom-made and personalised costumes, and some prefer to hire. The decision is yours.

DANCE COSTUME
Once your dancer gets their first solo, it’s never too early to start looking for a costume. It’s important that the costume is relevant to the style and theme of the dance. Before purchasing, costumes must be approved by CDT directors. If you need assistance, we are happy to help.

When deciding on a costume, it’s also important to ensure hair, shoes, stockings, etc., have been discussed, decided upon, and purchased, as they are just as important. Since it is the soloist’s dance, it’s essential they feel comfortable and confident in their costume choice while keeping the dance style in mind. Costumes should not be restrictive and must be age-appropriate.

Here are some resources to help with costume shopping:

Facebook Groups:

The Industry Dancewear And Fabrics
Dance Costume Garage Sale

WHAT IS AN EISTEDDFOD?
An eisteddfod is a dance competition typically held in school halls, performance venues, or arenas. Each competition is organized by a different committee under a unique name (e.g., DecaDance, Showcase, iDance, Wollongong Spring, etc.), and every competition has its own set of rules, which must be read and followed.

Soloists are selected by teachers to represent the studio and perform routines. Competitions are usually divided by style, age group, and levels into sections and sessions.

Some competitions start at the Specially Restricted level. After placing in this level, dancers move up to Restricted, and once they win in Restricted, they progress to Open. Other competitions use terms like Novice and Open. As dancers move up through levels, the competition becomes more advanced.

Competitors are grouped by style (e.g., jazz, lyrical, contemporary), age, and level to ensure fairness. Each section is assigned a number and title indicating the level, age group, and style.

Adjudicators or panels of judges evaluate dancers, usually scoring out of 100. Placements are awarded (1st, 2nd, 3rd, Highly Commended), and dancers receive feedback from the judges.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE EISTEDDFOD?
Soloists are provided with their competition number and a program that indicates their session time (morning, afternoon, or evening), the session start time, and their performance order.

Important Tips for the Day:

Arrive with plenty of time to warm up, stretch, and rehearse. Always assume the competition may run early.
Upon arrival, notify the desk of your attendance. Note that spectators may need to pay an entry fee.
Avoid moving around the venue while someone is performing on stage.
Ensure your music has been uploaded or sent in advance. If not, locate the music desk to provide your track.
Familiarize yourself with the venue layout, including how to enter the stage and where to store your belongings.
Monitor which section is currently running and how many are left until your turn.
Be respectful to other competitors—applaud their performances and be polite. You might even make new friends!

When your section is called, competitors wait backstage until it’s their turn. Dancers will be announced (e.g., "Competitor number 4" or "Our next competitor, Jessica"). Typically, the adjudicator rings a bell or signals when it’s time to begin. After performing, dancers curtsy or bow before leaving the stage.

At the end of the section or session, results are announced. Some competitions present awards on stage, while others distribute ribbons or written feedback at a designated desk. Verbal feedback may be sent via email or through the competition's online account.

Note: At most eisteddfods, performances can be professionally recorded. Pricing varies, but recordings typically need to be ordered before the section begins.

Some competitions offer regional, state, and national levels. Placing in earlier rounds may qualify dancers for these higher-level events.

HOW DO YOU ENTER AN EISTEDDFOD?
There is a Facebook group called NSW Eisteddfods and Competitions where organizers post information about upcoming competitions, closing dates, and registration details. Some organizers may ask you to leave your email to receive a syllabus, while others provide direct registration links.

Another option is the website Comps Online, where you can enter competitions.

Please note, teachers do not select competitions or dates; families can choose competitions based on their availability.

IMPROVISATIONS
Improvisations (impros) are highly encouraged for our soloists. They are a fantastic way to build confidence on stage. In these events, dancers listen to a song backstage, then perform a routine they create on the spot. Impros last for one minute and are judged on musicality, originality, stage use, and style. This is a fun and valuable exercise for developing creativity and quick thinking!

Any questions?

Reminder:

Please do not hesitate to contact us.

We are here to support the journey of your dancer. We are working on continuous development for your dancer.

Dancers will progress at the right stage.

We aim to give our dancers the 'complete' dance training.

Trust the process.

While solo competitions are fun and valuable, they are not the be-all and end-all of a dancer’s training. We do not focus all our training on winning competitions for a reason—competition dancers are not necessarily employable dancers with successful careers. We train our dancers with the bigger picture in mind. There are countless opportunities in the dance and performance world that can help a dancer grow.