FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WE ARE HERE TO HELP.
Please read our frequently asked questions below, as we are confident the information you are looking for can be found here! Use the buttons below to jump to a specific section.
If you still have questions, please contact us by emailing choreoconnect@tribe99.com.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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CHOREO-CONNECT is a choreography agency created by TRIBE 99 to connect potential clients with experienced, professional and reliable choreographers in the dance team industry. Beginning in 2017, we have been connecting teams to our choreographers world-wide. All choreographers are hand-selected by TRIBE 99 and uphold the standards that encompass the TRIBE vision.
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Our choreographers create in most dance team styles including Pom, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical/Contemporary, Team Performance, Game Day, and more. We will connect you with a choreographer who specializes in your requested style(s).
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We had two major goals when creating these two categories of choreographers within CHOREO-CONNECT.
Our goal is that EVERY client is able to find the RIGHT choreographer for them. Each program has different expectations, skill levels, goals and needs when hiring a choreographer. Therefore, the level of experience required by the choreographer will vary.
The future of this industry is really important to us! Through our Apprentice program, we are training and developing the next generation of choreographers so the dance team industry can continue to progress and have INCREDIBLE choreographers that are available to work with.
An Apprentice choreographer would be a GREAT fit for you if are looking for a choreographer that can grow with your program. They typically have lower rates than Pro choreographers, but their passion and dedication to their craft is second to none. We are very confident in our custom matching process. Regardless of the category of choreographer, the expectations to deliver an amazing and memorable experience to our clients remains consistent.
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Choreography- We can provide custom custom competition choreography in jazz, hip hop, pom game day and team performance. We work with dance teams as well as studios! We also provide pep rally sideline and any other performance choreography!
Masterclasses- Not only do we have incredible choreographers on our staff, but we also represent incredible teachers. We can get you set up with our staff to train in specific styles through masterclasses.
Intensives - Our staff can work with you to create an intensive schedule and connect you with a choreographer to fit your needs! Our choreographers can challenge your team with additional classes that focus on hip hop skills, technique, strength and conditioning, acro work, combos, game day routines, and more.
Consultations - Our leading consultants can provide feedback on a routine either in person or via video conference.
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Submit Choreography Request
Approve Choreographer Proposal
Set Dates
Sign Contract
Book Travel
Collaborate on Creative Vision
Learn Choreography
Wrap-Up
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We take great pride in the exceptional staff we have the privilege of representing! Annually, we conduct a thorough hiring and training process to ensure we showcase the finest choreographers in the industry. Please read more about our staff at this link!
making a request
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Whether you are booking competition choreography, a performance routine, an intensive or even a solo, you can use this link to get started: Book a Choreographer!
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Unfortunately, no. Each request is unique, so it is challenging to share availability or rates until we complete onboarding for the new season’s staff which is typically completed by the end of February.
We act as an agency representing the choreographers, so they each manage and set their own rates per project.
Additionally, it is also important to have your team's unique request details including full competition list, requested choreography dates, budget, style, etc. to ensure we are providing the best match for your program!
We recommend setting important details based upon what is best for your program, and we will also do our best to accommodate your request as soon as possible! -
For any school dance team or all star program, we will need a full competition schedule, including divisions of competition, prior to connecting you with a choreographer. This helps us in connecting you with a choreographer who does not have any conflicts of interest (i.e. choreographing for a competing team within the same division), and ensures that your team has a choreographer's full attention.
For studio pieces or solos, we will not need your full competition list in advance!
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January 15th - Request Forms Open
February 24th - Matching process begins for Returning Clients
April 1st - Matching Process begins for New Clients
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✨Full Competition List, inclusive of divisions
✨Choreography Budget, not inclusive of travel/meals/lodging/music
✨What you're looking for this season in a choreographer
✨2-5 Team Video Links on YouTube Unlisted or VimeoPlease note, submitting your requests without this information will significantly delay the process!
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Yes - each season, we are about 90% booked by May. The bulk of our requests come in between February 1st-April 30th. We will do our best to accommodate your request if you come in later and we will always be transparent if we do not have a choreographer for your specific team needs.
Submitting your request as soon as possible is incredibly important!
the choreo-connect process
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SUBMIT CHOREOGRAPHY REQUEST — Fill out your choreography request form with all details
APPROVE CHOREOGRAPHER PROPOSAL — Review your choreographer and rate
SET DATES — Meet your choreographer & set dates for choreography
SIGN CONTRACT —Make it official!
BOOK TRAVEL — Book Travel and plan other logistics!
COLLABORATE ON CREATIVE VISION —Work with your choreographer on any creative details such as music, technique, etc.
LEARN CHOREOGRAPHY — Choreographer is on-site working with your team!
WRAP-UP — Check-in with your choreographer throughout the season for feedback and support!
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Every choreography request is unique, and our dedicated staff meticulously reviews each match. We are proud of our 97% highly satisfied rate with this personalized approach.
Our matching process involves a thorough internal review, with no automation.
Our staff genuinely invests time in understanding your program's distinctive needs, discussing suitable matches internally, and ensuring there is zero competition/division list overlap before making a recommendation.
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Each competition in the dance team industry is run by independently owned and operated event producers, companies, and state-level associations. Division breakdowns are defined independently at each competition. All entities have the right to modify, change or combine divisions at their events. While we will do our best to research and stay up to date on competitions rules, TRIBE 99 does not control nor manage any of the competitions, and that division changes made by these competitions could result in a client competing against a team with the same choreographer. TRIBE 99 will communicate any updates as soon as possible.
As always, regardless of competition/division your team is competing in, each of our choreographers will ensure that your team is given a unique experience catered to your program!
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We want to make sure we are connecting YOU with the right person! As there are many details to review, please allow a minimum of two-four weeks depending on when in the booking season you request.
Keep in mind, we onboard our new season of choreographers at the beginning of the year. If possible, we would LOVE to get to each request within a few weeks of submission.
Every choreography request is unique, and our dedicated staff meticulously reviews each match. Thanks for your patience!
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Giving the exact competition names, dates, and divisions will ensure that we connect you with a choreographer who will only be choreographing for your team at that same competition within that division. This helps to remove any conflict of interest in advance, and ensures that your team has a choreographer's full attention.
As always, regardless of competition/division your team is competing in, each of our choreographers will ensure that your team is given a unique experience catered to your program!
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Unfortunately, no. We will do our best to accommodate every request and review each request thoroughly.
It is very rare, but in the case we don't have a choreographer that we feel matches your description and/or isn't available in your category, we are transparent in our communication with you.
Ultimately, your team's success and your happiness is our number one priority.
rates
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We currently do not have one set rate for choreography, as many variables may factor into the rate including minimum rates set by the choreographer, number of dancers, level of competition(s), demand, time of year, length of routine, number of routines, etc. We will do our best to work within your budget range and accommodate your request!
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When our choreographers set their rates, they are typically keeping in mind items such as charging for their time, the opportunity cost of working with your program, taxes as independent contractors, their expertise, the expenses included working on your project, the results they are giving you, and their continued education and training.
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Many of our choreographers are proficient in multiple styles, so we will do our best to accommodate your request! Occasionally, we may believe it is best to connect you with two separate choreographers due to the unique needs of your team and the availability of the choreographers. If we do this, it is because we believe it will give you the best overall experience. Discuss these requests in your Choreography Request Form.
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It is a typical practice in most industries to raise yearly service rates at an average of 4-15%. When a choreographer raises the rate, it generally reflects yearly living expense inflation as well as the increase of choreographer experience level and education. As each choreographer continues to gain experience nationally in the dance team industry, the choreographer may choose to increase their rate based upon demand and successes.
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Consulting or cleaning session rates will be set directly by the choreographer you worked with this season. Once you work with a CHOREO-CONNECT Choreographer, you will be able to continue communicating with them throughout the season to ask any cleaning or choreography questions. If you would like the choreographer to come back in to work with your team at a later date, the choreographer may choose to charge an hourly cleaning rate dependent upon the nature of the request.
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Each choreographer sets his/her own individual rates based upon his/her level of experience, education and training, competitive successes, etc. As the choreographers are located all around the nation, there is a chance that the choreography rates could be higher than your local choreographer.
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Each proposal is unique and tailored to your specific request. It's possible that the choreographer best suited for your routine has a rate that differs from what you initially input in your request form.
Our aim is to thoroughly consider every aspect of your request to ensure the best match, even if it means adjusting the rate based on the selected choreographer.
Our goal is to provide you with the most fitting and fulfilling experience that aligns with your expectations! If you have any specific concerns or preferences, feel free to discuss them with us, and we'll work together to find the best solution for your needs.
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Thank you for considering our choreography services for multiple routines! At this time, we treat each individual routine independently regardless of the choreographer. Each routine has its own unique demands, and the pricing will reflect the work that goes into each creative piece. If you do book one choreographer for multiple routines, you may find savings in areas such as travel, food, etc.
While we don't offer any discounts, we're open to working through a customized package that suits your needs. Please reach out to our staff to discuss options tailored to your preferences and budget. We are committed to providing you with a seamless and rewarding experience with our talented choreographers.
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Consulting or cleaning session rates will depend on the rate given by the requested consultant, number of hours, and the demand of the review being requested. If the team is asking for tips on cleaning the current state of a routine, this tends to be less demanding than giving feedback to re-choreograph entire sections that may not be maximizing the scoresheet. Fill out an inquiry form and discuss your goals with the project manager to determine the best next steps.
additional expenses
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Each program will be responsible for the choreography/consulting fee, hotel, travel, meals, transportation, and music (if applicable). Choreography/consulting rate is separate from travel.
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TRIBE 99 places a strong emphasis on the importance of securing all travel-related items, including airline tickets, car rentals, and hotel reservations, directly with the originating companies and NOT through third party websites such as Expedia, Priceline, etc.
This is because in the rare case the dates need to change for your choreography experience, you are able to adjust flights and hotel at minimal cost to your program.
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This will vary from project to project as there are many variables that factor into total expenses including plane ticket pricing, when you book travel, choreographer rate, type of music mix, lodging expenses in your city, per diem rates in your city etc.
Unfortunately, TRIBE 99 cannot control or offer specific recommendations as these variables can change daily. However, we can assist you in planning by providing an investment worksheet. For more details, please email our staff after you submit your request form.
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TRIBE 99 strongly recommends purchasing travel insurance and/or opting for options that are either refundable or provide the flexibility to change reservation dates.
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While we cannot guarantee that we have a choreographer available within driving range, we will do our best to accommodate your request. We will connect you with the best-matching choreographer based upon the unique needs of your team, and we will let you know if they are out of your travel range. We will give you and your team the chance to decide if you would like to move forward with booking before sending the contract.
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Each choreographer will let you know if they foresee any scheduling conflicts before the job begins and when it ends.
Example: the choreographer works full time as a teacher and can only get PTO on Friday, so she can arrive on Thursday evening after work hours and needs to depart Sunday evening to be back to school on Monday.
Example: the choreographer is from Atlanta, but is coming from another choreography job in Las Vegas to work with your program, and then flying home after working with your program.
All Travel can be discussed directly with the choreographer via email. Although the flight may be more expensive up front, it is possible that the expense on hotel and meals would be less, so make sure you are considering the investment in entirety.
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Coaches will meet with the choreographers via email to discuss the best travel options. Each choreographer will have their own preferences and suggestions based upon where they are traveling from. Once the travel option is approved by the choreographer, the choreographer will send the necessary travel information including DOB, TSA Known Traveler Number, Frequent Flyer Miles, etc. The team is responsible for booking and paying for all travel.
travel & transportation
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While we understand that you are working within a budget, our choreographers may work late through the nights choreographing when they are not with your team. Due to this, having time and space at a hotel to decompress and gather their creative energy is greatly appreciated so they can deliver the highest quality experience to your team.
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We kindly ask that the hotel is a four star rating or higher. Our choreographers are frequently traveling to new places. Booking the choreographer in a safe and comfortable hotel will help the choreographer focus on the task at hand - giving your team the full attention they deserve. Hotel chain suggestions include Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Wyndam etc. Please work with the choreographer directly to confirm the hotel before booking.
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We treat all choreography jobs similar to traveling business in other industries and kindly ask that our choreographers are fed during travel, as well as during the duration of the job.
Meals can be done one of four ways:
Per Diem on invoice*: We can include the federal per diem rate on the choreography invoice; You can check this website for the IRS federal per diem rates. *Please note, an administrative fee will apply for any fees included on the TRIBE 99 final invoice.
Pay Per Diem in Cash OR Pre-Loaded Visa Card: The teams will pay the per diem to the choreographer upon arrival based upon the federal per diem rate. We've seen teams pre-load a Visa Gift Card and require the choreographer to turn in the card + Receipts at the end!
Pay for all meals: Teams can opt to have meals with the choreographer and pay for the choreographer's meal at the same time as the team. Please keep in mind to reimburse for travel meals and any meals where the choreographer may not be eating with your team.
Meal Reimbursement: The choreographer can save all receipts and send in an expense report to be reimbursed separately from the choreography payment. These payments will go to the choreographer directly instead of paying through TRIBE 99.
Money Saving Tip: Look for hotels that include breakfast to help save on meal expenses.
HOTEL & meals
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While it is not required to pay for a checked bag, we do kindly ask to make sure that your airfare tickets include a carry-on bag. Many airlines are charging additional fees for carry-on bags, which may be misleading when seeing cheaper fare airfare. Please look closely at the details section and confirm the flight with the choreographer prior to booking.
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We ask that each team provides transportation to and from the airport, to and from the school/hotel, and to and from restaurants for meals (if restaurants are not within a reasonable or safe walking distance to the hotel). It is up to you if you would like to provide all rides yourself as the coach, arrange Ubers/Lyfts, or arrange for a rental car. Please discuss this directly with your choreographer.
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Each choreographer will have his/her own preferences and suggestions based upon where they are traveling from, as well as any scheduling conflicts before the job begins and when it ends (For example, a choreographer works full time as a teacher and can only get PTO on Friday, so she can arrive on Thursday evening after work hours and depart Sunday evening to be back to school on Monday). This can be discussed directly with the choreographer via email.
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Each institution has different requirements in regards to vendor expenses. We strongly recommend that the coach/institution book all travel. In the case where it is a policy to not purchase travel, it is up to the choreographer to determine whether they feel comfortable ‘fronting the expense’. Our staff will work closely with the choreographer and coach to determine the best plan moving forward.
Reimbursement Process:
If onsite expenses, such as meals, are on a reimbursement basis, TRIBE 99 kindly asks to have schools reimburse the choreographer directly.
Our choreographers will track expenses via a spreadsheet and collect all itemized receipts.
All receipts and the TRIBE 99 expense spreadsheet (inclusive of the choreographer’s address) will be submitted via email within one week of the job being complete.
Client is asked to reimburse the choreographer directly within 30 days of submission.
*Please note, an administrative fee will apply for any fees included on a TRIBE 99 invoice if the school is not reimbursing the choreographer directly.
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Fundraising is a HUGE part of setting up a successful year, and we know that this is not always an easy task! We recommend joining the National Dance Coaches Association and network with hundreds of coaches who have mastered the art of fundraising for ideas and suggestions!
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Typically the coaches take the lead on choosing/designing a costume. However, our choreographers are absolutely open to giving costume design and vendor suggestions!
REIMBURSEMENTS, FUNDRAISING, & COSTUMES
music
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Music prices can vary depending on the provider, the number of songs, the amount of edits, the amount of time spent editing the mix, the experience level of the provider, and additional variables that may change the price. We recommend for you to speak with your choreographer for suggestions on music providers or conduct your own research on a music provider that works within your price range.
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Organizations hosting competitions or state associations might mandate a 'compliant mix' for your music. To meet these requirements, you'll need a music editor to secure the necessary licensing for your performance. For detailed information, please refer to the guidelines provided by the National Federation of High School Sports or Varsity Brands.
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Typically, the coach and choreographer will discuss the intended vision you may have for your team or the choreographer will work with you on creating a new vision.
Once the creative direction of the overall routine is set, the choreographer and coach will work together on selecting the final song(s). Then a list of song(s) is sent to a music provider to create an edited music for choreography.
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While the choreographers in CHOREO-CONNECT are acquainted with each other, they operate independently in their creative processes. Each professional ensures confidentiality for the details exchanged with or created for their teams, including music. TRIBE 99 doesn't mandate choreographers to seek approval for their creative choices, as we emphasize and trust in creative independence, guiding through mentorship and training at their discretion.
As a result, it's possible that different teams may have similar themes or song choices, akin to what occurs in various dance competitions during the season. When working with your choreographer to select music for your program, prioritize a theme or song that best complements your dancers' strengths for that season.
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Choreography takes a special skill set and training to be successful, as does editing an impactful music mix to accent your choreography. Music providers specialize in their craft and have taken the education and training to know how to create a unique mix for your team.
Music providers also carry the required licenses to legally edit music to comply with music copyright laws, which are strongly enforced at most competitions.
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TRIBE 99 CHOREO-CONNECT Choreographers are aware of the music rules and regulations that have been released over the last few years. However, each competition has different rules.
It is up to the coach to ensure the choreographer is aware of any needs that you may have with your music.
We recommend that the coach sends any rulebooks to the choreographer in advance before beginning to work with any music editing companies.
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Each music provider works on a different timeline; however, most music providers typically take 6-10 weeks to complete a mix during peak seasons. Work closely with your choreographer to “nail down” music details as soon as possible!
Schedule
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Each choreographer has their own scheduling preferences, including suggestions for how long it takes for a team to learn the choreography. After we connect you with a choreographer, you will discuss the exact dates/times directly with the choreographer. The choreographer will already know your date preferences from your choreography request form, and will let you know which dates/times work best for them. Once you set the choreography dates, the choreographer will send the project manager the exact dates to draft the contract.
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While we will book choreography jobs with one day timing, we highly recommend working with your choreographer within their suggested time frame for learning. Setting choreography over a few days allows for a more comprehensive approach to your routines. This gives the dancers time to settle into the choreography and gives the choreographer time to tweak the routine until it is exactly right for your team.
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The exact choreography dates will be set by the choreographer and the coach together.
As far as the number of days and hours, we encourage our choreographers to work closely with the coach to create a suggested timeframe for learning the routine. The choreographer will review your request and discuss your team’s learning style with you. They will then make suggestions on the number of days. Setting choreography over a few days allows for a more comprehensive approach to your routines. This gives the dancers time to settle into the choreography and gives the choreographer time to tweak the routine until it is exactly right for the team.
payment terms
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Absolutely - for your convenience, we do offer the option to pay via credit card! However please note that credit card fees will apply.
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Make the check out to: TRIBE 99
Please send the check to:
TRIBE 99
P.O. Box 739970
Dallas, TX 75373
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We do accept purchase orders however payments must still be due in full by the last day of choreography to our Dallas office. If paying with a purchase order or through a booster, the client will provide paperwork well in advance of the date of services.
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Payments are due to our Dallas office in full by the last day of choreography. Late fees will apply if the payment is not received within a two week grace period. Payments are non-refundable.
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Late fees are included and enforced during our contracted projects as we need to pay our choreographers in a timely manner, especially after all routine deliverables are complete. Each of our choreographers works as an independent contractor and rely on these payments for their daily livelihood. We appreciate your attention on paying in a timely fashion!