FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The OnPointe Productions staff pour their hearts and soul into this team and program. Every dancer is like one of our own. Yes, we laugh, cry, and completely experience all of the same emotions you parents do for every dancer on this team. We love our OnPointe family and dancers and want nothing but the most successful experience and provide the best opportunities for our dancers.

Q: Did OnPointe move to a new facility?

A: OnPointe is rapidly growing and to simple state it – we had outgrown the facility that we were using. Yes, we recently moved to a new space inside Mount Berry Square Mall.  The space required for competition training and routine practice ultimately requires full-stage space. This is due to judges wanting routines to fill and use the entire stage. Some routines require work in the wings and even backstage running from one wing to the other mid routine. Unfortunately, our previous space did not allow us to rehearse properly for competition any longer with a larger team.

Q: Where is OnPointe Productions located?

A: OnPointe Productions is located inside Mount Berry Square Mall in Rome, GA. 

Q: How does OnPointe and the their studio benefit my dancer?

A: This is an exciting opportunity for OnPointe and its dancers.  First, your dancer will be trained by Nationally accredited and award winning instructors including 4-time National Best of the Best Grand Champions.  Our instructors also were competition level National Champion dancers since the ages of 3 years old.  The experience of our instructors is not just studio based.  Our instructors attend industry conventions to learn the newest trends and choreography.  From these conventions with addition of Master Classes, they also broaden techniques, skills, and styles that expand the possibilities for your child to learn.  We teach technique, skills, leaps, and turns on a competition level for ALL our studio dancers regardless if they are a studio or competition dancer.

Our location allows us more space and available rehearsal time. We have two classrooms.  One is larger to replicate a stage-sized space to train with proper spacing for the competition environment.  The second classroom is focused more towards smaller group routines, solos, duo, trios, and recreational classes. We will also be able to rehearse competition routines during the week as that would be the dancers class time. Dancers will learn new competition techniques and skills in that time specific to their genre of dance in their routines. Additionally, we will be able to have one day where the dancers will be in class to specifically learn advanced competition style & techniques, competition level leaps & turns, and strength & conditioning. 

We will also be able to provide an acro class as well for those wishing to advance their style and skills.

Another benefit of our location is the prevention of muscle repetition or muscle exhaustion injuries. This is common in all sports and is a huge concern for us with our dancers. We want to be able to spread our dancers out over a longer period of time during the week. This allows more rest and recovery time for our dancers to perform at their peak at all times and not have to practice exhausted by the end of the day. In our previous location, dancers were dancing all week in studio and then “exam cramming” in all their competition routines during the weekend with little to no physical rest. We identified that as a problem and wanted to quickly fix that for the health of our dancers.

We are spreading out our time is to reduce choreography block. Learning so much choreography in a small amount of time can create confusion and ultimately make teaching routines, skills, and techniques more difficult and timely for the dancers. We want to have our dancer not be in choreography cram mode on weekends.

An exciting note for our dancers is that we will have marley dance floor. This is what the dancers perform on for competition and we will want them to practice on that as well. This is also overall better for our dancers. 

For any dancers looking to dance in college, this facility also allows us to invite college coaches or recruiters to our facility for any private sessions. Being at our own facility and seeing our successes being displayed brings a level of competition professionalism and assurance to the school visiting with a dancer.

Ultimately, our motto is “We Compete to Grow, Not Just Win.” And as we continue to grow, it is not just the lessons learned on stage, we will continue to teach lessons and mentor off stage for life.

Q:  Where are competitions typically held at?

A: We try to minimize overnight travel as much as possible.  Our target cities are Carrolton, Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Birmingham.  From the Rome area, these typically are within daily driving distance to meet call times at the venue.  Due to school schedule conflicts, there are times we have to branch out further such as Murfreesboro, Montgomery, or Carolinas.  We do our best not to have to use those options.

Applause Talent National Championship is in Pigeon Forge, TN from July 6-11 every year and is required for all dancers.  We tell parents at signing day that it is their 10-month notice for planning.

Artist of the year is in July as well but the city changes every year.  We have competed in New Orleans, Chicago (and yes, we competed against an Abby Lee student), and St Louis.  This is strictly a voluntary entry.  Any dancers wanting to perform at this Nationals and Artist of the Year, we will be happy to accompany and support them.  This is a great experience and exposure to various additional scholarship opportunities.

Q:  What does a typical Competition season look like at OnPointe Productions?

A: Our season runs from August to July.  August is an easy month consisting of signing day and possibly a solo or two starting up if the dancer and choreographer have plan already in place.  August is used as time for consultations and discovery.  We are finalizing music and dance genre with the dancer.  This consultation time with the dancers is critical to ensure they like and are committed their genre and music selection.  If a dancer does not like the genre or music, they will not perform their best.  This also allows the dancers to get acclimated with their new school schedules and routines.  July is typically only early in the month.  So dancers have most of July and August off.  

This is a general guideline.  There is a chance that there could be two competitions in a single month depending on availability and schedules.

August - "Signing Day", routine consultations, some routines starting

September - FULL START OF SEASON PRACTICE AND TRAINING

October to December - Practice and Training

January - Practice and Training, Weekend Convention, Showcase

February - Practice and Training, Competition Weekend

March - Practice and Training, Competition Weekend

April - Practice and Training, Competition Weekend

May - Practice and Training, Competition Weekend

June - Practice and Training, Competition Weekend

July - National Champion Week, Artist of the Year

National Championship is in Pigeon Forge, TN from July 6-11 every year and is required for all dancers.  We tell parents at signing day that it is their 10-month notice for planning.

Q: Does my dancer have to only take competition classes from OnPointe?  What if they want to take other classes?

A: We encourage dancers to continue to take classes outside of Competition and we want OnPointe Productions to be your first choice for those additional classes as we offer regular studio classes as well.  If your dancer that regular studio classes outside of OnPointe Productions, the OnPointe Competition classes would be schedule priority. The purpose of this expansion to a new facility is to provide the class time during the week and early weekends to teach and train advanced competition techniques and competition routines. 

Please note that school activities and school teams do come first.  We work closely with our dancers on schedules to create a schedule best for them.

To better understand what we mean by priority is that we will work with all dancers looking to do dual-enrollment with another studio on schedules to have solo’s on days they are not taking other classes at another studio or schedule it to reduce any potential conflicts. Our goal is to allow dancers to have time with their families and the “all weekend” rehearsals are reserved for pre-competition purposes. The only complaint we get is not having a set schedule and constantly changing the schedule. This new facility will allow us to have control on a set schedule for all routines and additional required class time. Our initial goal is to have solo’s and small groups during the week. Then on Saturdays, we would have younger ages in AM, line/productions or mixed large groups in mid-morning, and then older ages early afternoon. With this goal, the younger ages would be done around lunch on Saturday with rest of week off. And the older ages would be hopefully done by late afternoon. Except for weekends before competition, or only as needed, Sundays would be off. 

Example Week Schedule: (THIS IS AN EXAMPLE ONLY!!! FINAL SCHEDULE PENDING!!!)

Sun: OFF (Any routines needing extra rehearsal, as needed, or only weekends before comp, as needed)

Mon: Small Groups and Solos (8 practice sessions, or more if 3rd room)

Tue: Solos (classes would start at 4pm and allowing 8 practice sessions, or more if 3rd room)

Wed: Solos (classes would start at 4pm and allowing 8 practice sessions, or more if 3rd room)

Thu: Turns & Leaps, Strength & Conditioning, Competition Technique (2 rooms, age divided), Acro

Fri: Youth Age Groups

Sat: Youth Age Groups AM, Line/Production, Older Age Groups PM

Note: The day that is determined as technique/skills day would be mandatory for all team members.

Q: What are the classes going to be at OnPointe?

A: There will be two types of classes.  The Competition Team classes will be the actual competition routines for the dancer. This allows the dancers full focused attention at a specific time for their routine. This also allows the choreographer(s) to develop additional advanced competition skills and techniques in that genre of dance that their dance is competing in.  The Regular Studio classes will be traditional dance classes in various styles and ages.

Additionally, there will be a set day that all OnPointe dancers will attend required competition leaps and turns, and strength & conditioning classes. This mandatory day will be critical to the advancement of your dancer and their competition skills and techniques.

We are also looking into having an additional non-mandatory class for Yoga and various other class options. We have done this in the past and was very helpful for our dancers. Many dancers attended and loved the class. It also helps with stretching and flexibility. This Yoga class would be open to dancers, parents, and outside public.

Q: Will OnPointe regular studio classes be similar with other local recital studios?

A: Yes. The difference is that our classes will be taught with Nationally accredited and award winning staff developing dancers with the same competition skills and techniques taught to the Competition team.

Q: What if I am on a school team or I have school activities?

A: OnPointe recognizes school activities and we work hard around those schedules to ensure dancers can participate in their school activities and school teams.  School activities are considered in all schedules and absences from practice.  Competitions are scheduled once school schedules are reviewed to ensure no conflicts.

Q: Can I dance on two competition teams?

A: OnPointe considers this a conflict of interest.  A dancer with OnPointe can only compete with OnPointe during the active season.  This is for the protection of our competition choreography and ensures the dancer has the best interest in our programs success.  The only exception to this is if the dancer is on a High School dance team during their school competition season.

Q: Will there be a recital?

A: We will have our yearly Showcase as we always have. All OnPointe studio classes will be part of our yearly Showcase.

Q: I heard there are auditions for next season?

A: This is correct BUT only for any new incoming dancers. As Vin Diesel would say, we are family. Once you are dancer at OnPointe, you are a part of this family. We will be holding auditions for new dancers to join our team in April and May. We have reached out to local high schools starting programs and surrounding communities. Our goal is to expand the competition opportunity to those who wish to join to further develop their competition skills and goals. We may ask some of our current team to join us that day to help with some choreography and dance along with them to ease the nerves of the dancers auditioning.

You can submit your interest through our website or you can reach our Competition Director:

Tara Ogle at (706) 346-3146 or tara.onpointeproductions@gmail.com.

Q:  How big is the OnPointe Competition Team?

A:  We are currently rostering 20 dancers from 6 years old to 18 years old.  Our passion is to continue to grow each season.   We started with 6 dancers and have gradually grown to 20 over the past couple of seasons.  If you are reading this FAQ, hopefully you will be part of our team next season.

"We Compete Not Just To Win, We Compete to Grow" - come grow with us!!

Q: With OnPointe having its own facility, will the competition schedule change next season?

A: We will continue to provide competition dance skills and technique training and competitions with Platinum Artist of the Year, Platinum Invitational, and Applause Nationals at the end of the season. 

Q: Will there be additional staff at OnPointe with a new facility and growing?

A: Yes. In order for us to launch and provide this new home for our dancers and the future success of this program, we will be adding some key roles within the program. These will not in any way interfere with any operations nor will it cause any conflicts outside our organization. These new roles will only continue to benefit and enhance the OnPointe family and make for easier and smoother operations. And for some, this may provide internship style opportunities as well.

Q: Any new cool additions with this new facility?

A: YES!!! First, since this will be our home facility, we will be able to display all of our trophies and banners that will visibly highlight our current and past success of our dancers, team, and staff.  Being in the mall store fronts, the entire Rome, GA community will get to see the accomplishments of this team.

We will have marley flooring for our dancers. This is exciting for us to be able to provide this. Since the dancers perform and compete on this, it allows them to learn how a marley feels and with practicing on it, how to adjust and perform based on conditions faced at a competition.

We are also excited to announce that we are developing our very own OnPointe Productions app. This will allow all scheduling, routine progression, team information, music, and all things OnPointe to be in one convenient app. We are hoping to roll this app out as soon as possible. It is still in development and testing at this time.

Q: Will OnPointe be holding any summer camps?

A: Yes.  With our award winning staff, we plan to hold some camps in July.  More details to come mid-May.

Q: So what is next?

A: Hit that register button and sign up for auditions.  Or reach out to us to check out our class offerings and register to start your new dance journey with us.  Please contact our Studio Director, Tara Ogle, at:

(706) 346-3146 or tara.onpointeproductions@gmail.com.

Thank you for the continued trust and support for OnPointe Productions. As mentioned before, our OnPointe family support, encouragement, and commitment to their dancers are what make the OnPointe family so special.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to us directly. We look forward to the remainder of this season together and an exciting season ahead continuing this journey together.

With our love and appreciation,

Jeff and Tara Ogle