SOLOS | WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Solo lessons and etiquette
It is really important to note for all new solo parents that there is a commitment required to all solo lessons and so we please ask that you follow the below guidelines to get the most out of these private lessons. Please make sure you go through these with your dancer so they are aware of what is expected as well.
- Arrive early: The solo lesson is MORE than the 10 or more minutes on the day. It is always expected that the dancer arrives at least 10-15 minutes early to warm up and prepare for the lesson.
- We do not have space in the timetable for lessons to run over time, if you run 5 minutes late for a 10 minute solo lesson you will only get 5 minutes of teaching. We cannot accomodate or push other students later.
- Be waiting outside studio door: Students must not have to be found around the studio, be waiting at the door to go into your solo lesson on time.
- Bring device into the lesson: Your filming device should be brought in at the beginning of the lesson so it is ready for filming. If possible, ask your child to have someone ready to film towards the end.
- Uniform: Have the correct attire for the genre of dance, we expect ballet tights and shoes for all Classical, Character and Neo genres.
- Bring USB: For practice make sure you bring your USB so the teacher can record the music and then at home download it onto a playing device so your dancer can listen and practice regularly.
- Practice, practice, practice: Most teachers will teach the choreography for a section and work on this section with corrections so it is fully in the body before adding more. It is imperative that students practice the section AND corrections prior to the next lesson.
PLEASE READ OUR BLOG ON HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR DANCER PRACTISING AT HOME.
Solo competitions 2025
This year JOKSOD dancers must enter their solos in Phoenix Festival of Dance and West Gippsland Festival of Dance.
There will be specific pages set up for each of the competitions with passwords. Click below to access the pages where you will find:
- Entry instructions
- What you need to bring
- Information about the festival
SOLO CONCERT
Our annual JOKSOD Solo Concert is a much-loved highlight on our studio calendar. This special event gives our dancers the exciting opportunity to debut their newly choreographed solos in front of an audience for the very first time — before they step into the competition arena.
It’s a valuable and rewarding experience for each performer, allowing them to showcase their routines in full costume and in front of a live, supportive audience. This event helps build confidence, stage presence, and provides that all-important first run in a real performance setting.
It’s a valuable and rewarding experience for each performer, allowing them to showcase their routines in full costume and in front of a live, supportive audience. This event helps build confidence, stage presence, and provides that all-important first run in a real performance setting.
Volunteering at solo concert
We love giving our dancers the opportunity to experience what it’s like to work behind the scenes at a dance event. Taking on responsibilities in running the event offers valuable insight into the industry and helps build important skills beyond the stage.
We ask that all seniors and older intermediates sign up for one of the roles listed on the sheet provided. Younger Intermediates are also welcome when all seniors and inters are performing.
The event program is below so please take a moment to review it. This will help you plan your time to allow for warm-up, costume changes, and performing to the best of your ability.
Thank you for being such a supportive and capable team!
Volunteer opportunities for "SOLO Concert 2025 - volunteers" are now open.
Props for solos
All props will be required to bring on the day of the solo and taken through to backstage before the section.
Some shared props such as tables and chairs that are used for multiple solos can remain at the theatre backstage for JOKSOD dancers. It is the responsibility of the dancer to make sure all props are there and ready for their solo performance on the day.
Solo costumes
All families should start preparing themselves for solo costumes as it is your responsibility to organise your own costumes. Please download and read the solo costume information document in full and contact Suzanne Lindsey if you have any specific questions.
SOLO MUSIC
For both competitions this year the system to upload solo music is called Music Uploads! All families will need to create an account and sign up to upload their music.
Step 1: Set up an account on Music Uploads
Step 2: Choose your 3 month plan. Most families will only need the Casual Plan as this gives you access for 1 performer and up to 5 tracks to upload. Any students doing more than 5 solos or families with more than 1 dancer will need the Elite Plan.
Step 3: Choose plan duration, you will only need 3 months.
Step 4: Pay for your plan, it should only be a few dollars.
Step 5: Watch the videos below to see how to upload music and transfer to the comp!
