Thursday, March 27, 2014

Dancing with the Houston Stars


Hello Dancers,

Thank you so much for agreeing to dance with our local celebs this year for dancing with the Houston Stars. DWTHS is a major event for us as a company because it raises a large portion of our operating budget, it allows us to connect with local dignitaries, and brings a new audience to learn more about our programs. I thought I would list some best practices here so that the expectations are clear and this is fun for everyone involved.

Revel Reception: Please plan to attend the Reveal Reception this Sunday March 30, 2014 at 4pm at HMAAC.  Houston Museum of African American Culture. 4807 Caroline Street. 4pm

What's next? Today you will be connected with your partner to start the conversation about your experience. Please be prepared to discuss: Rehearsal Schedule, Song Selection, Costumes, Expectations. (mixed in with some getting to know you chatter)

Rehearsal Schedule: After speaking with your partner please submit to hguy@urbansouls.org your  wish list for rehearsals from now up until May 3, 2014. I will work to find spaces for you and get that right back to you.If you have access to your own space! That is GREAT! and if it's free that's even BETTER! ;-)

Song Selection: After speaking with your partner it's a good idea to lead the conversation on song selection and overall idea. Remember you are the expert and you have to sound like it, without making them feel like they are not involved. Just smile a lot and say "great idea" that normally works. once you pick a song let me know! We want to make sure we have a good variety!

Costumes: We can link you all to places to get costumes. We will take care of yours and the celeb is responsible for getting theirs.

Expectations of stars: The Stars are expected to raise $2000 through all of the resources we provide them. So that everyone goes into the competition with $2000 points. If more money is raised it will be included on the back end of tallying the score. Any money collected will go toward their overall score with the exception of tickets to the event. Ticket sales will not be included in the scoring.

Expectations of USDC dancers: You all are expected to be professional at all times. Be transparent and clearly communicate with your partner in a timely and effective manner. Remember that we want each star to fall in love with USDC! (bats eyes) Make them work hard and have a good time at it. Be involved in their fundraising efforts! Remember you are a team. Come up with a team name. Make it fun fun fun!!!!!!

How to handle fires:  If something should go wrong (prayerfully not) keep them calm and positive and notify me immediately so that I can Olivia Pope the situation.

Our theme for this year is..............
The BEST event we've ever had:
The MOST money we've ever raised!

Help us to make this mantra come true in every way!

What's in it for you? All dancers will receive a $250 stipend for your participation along with an expression of thanks from the gala committee. You also get to have privilege of knowing you have personally contributed to the growth and success of USDC!

All questions welcomed! Let's have a blast!

-H