Baylor Dance Company Constitution
(Revised Spring 2007)

I. Name and Purpose

A. The name of this organization shall be the Baylor Dance Company, hereafter called BDC. It will be housed in the Health, Human Performance, and Recreation Division at Baylor University.
B. The purposes of BDC are:
1) To provide a semi-professional dance atmosphere of training and performing for company members
2) To provide the opportunity for each individual company member to experience performing
3) To promote a higher level dance awareness at the University and in the community through public performances and workshops

II. Membership Description

A. The membership shall be limited to Baylor University students. Guest performers and guest choreographers will be allowed based on necessity.
1) Guest Performer: A guest performer is a person who is not a member of BDC and has a unique talent needed to complete the goals of a BDC choreographer. The guest performer must be approved by the Governing Board before any such person can be utilized by request of the Choreographer.
2) Guest Choreographer: A guest choreographer is a person who is not faculty or a student at the University. This person must receive permission from a Faculty Advisor by request of the Governing Board to choreograph for any scheduled performances.
B. Maximum company membership is 30. Any exception to that rule will be made by the audition judges.

III. Membership Requirements

A. Each member must have had former dance training, be a presently enrolled full time student (12 hours) at Baylor University, and must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 in order to apply to audition for active membership.
1) Each member must be admitted to the company through a regularly scheduled audition in the fall or spring.
2) Each member must maintain good standing by
a. Maintaining good behavior and positive attitude
b. Adhering to attendance policies
c. Fulfilling official responsibilities
d. Paying membership fee by due date each semester
e. Not having been dismissed from any class or rehearsal for disciplinary reasons
f. Abiding by all University Policies
3) Any member not in good standing will be regarded as a disciplinary problem and will be reviewed by the Governing and Faculty Board.
B. Members are recommended but not required to be enrolled in at least one technique class per semester. A list of classes can be provided.
C. Each member must perform in the annual Spring Performance with a minimum of participation in Opener and Closer.
D. Each member must attend company technique class twice a week for 1 ½ hours and attend scheduled rehearsals.
E. Each member must sign a contract agreeing to adhere to the policies and regulations of BDC before becoming a member. This will be done at the first official meeting of the semester, which will be mandatory to all members in the fall and any new members in the spring.
F. Each member must also fill out an application prior to auditioning, detailing availability and contact information.
G. Probation: Failure to adhere to any membership requirements will result in that member’s membership being reviewed by the Governing Board and may be placed on two-week probation. At the end of that period a decision will be made by the Governing and/or Faculty Board.

IV. Membership Auditions
A. Each dancer must fill out an application prior to audition and then pass a scheduled audition.
B. Any returning member in “good standing” must re-audition each fall except for that year’s officers. Auditions will be held at the beginning of the spring semester only if necessary; necessity will be determined by Governing and Faculty Boards.
C. The criteria for acceptance will be determined by the Faculty and Governing Boards.
D. Auditions will be judged by the Faculty Board. Based upon availability, a University faculty/staff member and/or a community guest may be invited to judge with the Faculty Board’s approval.
E. The Faculty Board will have the final say in acceptance of members.
F. The company size will also be determined during auditions based on applications and a natural break in scores. The maximum is 30 members; any exceptions will be decided by both the Governing and Faculty Boards.

V. Company Technique Classes
A. BDC classes will be scheduled twice a week for 1 ½ hours.
B. The Faculty Board will suggest instruction.
C. Only members are required to attend and participate in class. Non-BDC Baylor Students wishing to attend Technique Classes can do so with prior approval by the Governing Board
D. The designated class instructor has the right to discipline and/or dismiss anyone from class. Dismissal will be regarded as an absence. It may also require some additional disciplinary action at the discretion of the Governing Board.
E. Class instructors will be determined at the beginning of each semester based on auditions judged by the Faculty Board. The company members chosen will be placed on a scheduled rotation by the Governing Board along with the designated Faculty instructors.
F. Each member must dress appropriately for class. (Dance/athletic wear, hair restrained, little or no jewelry and correct foot attire) If it is determined by the instructor of the class that a member is not dressed appropriately, then he/she will be asked to leave and not return until properly attired.

VI. Attendance
A. BDC company members are required to attend:
1) All company technique classes held twice a week for 1 ½ hours.
2) All rehearsals for which they are scheduled.
3) All Special Meetings called by the Faculty Board or Governing Board if possible. (no attendance taken)
4) Missing any of the above will constitute one absence. The Secretary will keep an attendance record for company class. Choreographers will keep an attendance record for their rehearsals.
B. Attendance Requirements
1) Three absences allowed per semester, two excused and only one unexcused.
2) An absence must be excused by the President at least twenty-four hours in advance of class time or by Choreographer for rehearsals. Excuses must be submitted handwritten or by e-mail for the Secretary’s records.
3) Unforeseen Absences (death, sickness, injury): If there is some unforeseen emergency, you may be excused after the fact. Written explanations must be submitted to the Secretary within 3 days of absence.
4) An unexcused tardy exceeding more than 30 minutes will be considered an unexcused absence.
5) After more than three absences have occurred, disciplinary actions must be taken by the Governing Board. The Governing Board will place any member on probation on the fourth absence. At the advisement of the Governing Board to the Faculty Board, a member can be withdrawn from company membership. If that were to occur, that person cannot re-audition for one entire semester.
a. A maximum of 2 make-ups will be accepted after three absences have occurred. Make-ups are completed by attending one of the University Dance Courses offered by one of the Faculty Board and must be pre-approved by Governing Board. (List will be provided)

VII. Choreographers, Performance Auditions & Rehearsals
A. Each choreographer must be part of the Faculty Board, a BDC company member, or a designated guest choreographer. Each student or guest choreographer must be approved by the Governing Board and Faculty Board.
B. Each choreographer reserves the right to select dancers by audition or other criteria unless the piece will include the entire company. Auditions are only opened to company members and pre-approved guest performers.
C. Based on sign-ups and auditions, the choreographer with the Governing and/or the Faculty Board members may restrict the number of dancers in a piece.
D. Guest performers auditioning must fill out an information sheet detailing contact information and availability to the choreographer for each dance piece they audition for.
E. All dance pieces must be approved by the Faculty Board. Each choreographer must be prepared to discuss style, music, costuming, lighting, props and any special needs with the Faculty Board.
F. Audition and rehearsal spaces will be posted; choreographers shall sign up for their rehearsal times. Any conflicts may be resolved with a rotational schedule.
G. Dancers’ rehearsal times for each dance piece will be posted at least one week in advance and are subject to change when necessary.
H. Each dancer is required to attend all scheduled rehearsals. Dancers must be excused by the choreographer in order to miss a scheduled rehearsal. Choreographers are responsible for notifying the Governing Board of any disciplinary problems concerning attendance. Any problems may result in dismissal from performing in that dance piece.

VIII. Government
A. HHPR Advisor
1) Shall be a Baylor University HHPR employee
2) Shall be appointed by Baylor University HHPR Department chair
3) Shall choose the BDC Faculty Board each year
B. Faculty Board
1) Shall consist of Baylor University Dance Faculty; fulltime and part-time.
C. Governing Board
1) Officers will be selected by BDC membership by written ballot each year.
2) Elections will take place in the spring. If an officer is unable to continue to serve, an election will take place immediately for that office.
3) Offices for Governing Board:
a. President
b. Vice-President
c. Secretary
d. Historian
e. Treasurer

IX. Financial
A. Dues will be $15.00 per semester due at the first official meeting of each semester. Failure to pay after one week of that meeting will result in probation until payment is made.
B. Fundraisers: workshops, clinics, etc. will be included in annual budget made by President and Treasurer and later approved by Faculty Board
C. There will be an admission charge for formal performances.
D. All compensation for guest choreographers, BDC class instructors, judges, and theater expenses will be made according to annual budget.
E. BDC bank account will be opened under the names of the President, Treasurer and a Faculty Board Member.

X. Meetings
A. Meetings will consist of:
1) Faculty Board Meetings held at least once every other month or as needed
2) Governing Board Meetings at least once a month
3) Special Meetings as needed
B. All BDC members are required to attend the first official meeting of every semester. Attendance will be taken. Members must be excused not to attend.

XI. Elections
A. Governing Board
1) Qualifications:
a. Must be a member in “good standing”
b. Must be willing to organize and plan through the summer
c. Should have been a member for one semester
d. Must be a full time student (minimum of 12 semester hours) at time of election and while serving
2) Nominations will be made for officers by members in good standing
3) At least 75% of company must be present to nominate and vote
4) Officers will be selected by BDC members by written ballot. A majority vote is necessary to be placed in office. Votes will be counted by one member not in election and at least one Faculty Board Member.
5) Newly elected officers shall assume responsibility at the end of the spring semester
6) If a member is unable to remain in office within a given semester another election will take place immediately to fill the vacancy
7) Each member can hold an office for a maximum of 2 years

XII. Responsibilities of Officers
A. The Governing Board (officers) shall:
1) Be a positive representative for BDC at all University dealings
2) Meet at least once a month
3) Maintain all regulations and procedures of BDC
4) Review all disciplinary problems with the Faculty Board
5) Be responsible for general management of BDC
6) Stay in good standing or be removed after consideration by Faculty Board
B. The President Shall:
1) Be the chairperson of all meetings
2) Be the spokesperson and main correspondent of BDC
3) Coordinate the recruitment of new members during the Fall, Spring and Summer
4) Organize, schedule, and notify members of all rehearsals, auditions, meetings, and other events with the assistance of the Faculty Board and/or Governing Board
5) Organize, plan and make contacts in the summer months for the Fall
6) Assist in opening the BDC bank account
7) Determine the budget with treasurer to be approved by Faculty Board
8) Make sure Governing Board members are informed and fulfilling their responsibilities
9) Address any member not in compliance with the procedures of the Constitution and bring them before the Faculty Board
10) President will aid other officers and/or assume specific responsibilities if needed
C. The Vice President Shall:
1) Fulfill all the duties of the President in her absence
2) Be in charge of all dealings with Student Activities including necessary approvals
3) Assist President with correspondence and representation
4) Arrange and keep a record of contacts needed for annual performance
5) Organize and coordinate BDC special events such as workshops, clinics, or additional performances
6) Handle any member grievances or complaints and bring them forth to the Governing Board
D. The Secretary shall:
1) Maintain attendance records for technique classes and meetings
2) Maintain a written report of all excused absences
3) Report any attendance problems with class, rehearsals, and meetings to the Governing Board and Faculty Board
4) Notify members when they have 2 excused absences
5) Notify the Faculty Board and the Governing Board when the member has exceeded 3 absences
6) Keep a record of any member who is not in “good standing”
7) Maintain a current BDC membership information roster of addresses, telephone numbers, e-mails, etc. and keep online roster updated for Student Activities
8) Maintain an up-to-date record of member GPAs and notify the Governing and Faculty Boards if a member falls below 2.5
9) Aid President with contacting company members when needed
E. The Historian shall:
1) Create, promote, and maintain a positive public image for BDC and promote a better understanding of the purposes and goals of this organization
2) Write, distribute, and post all media releases (newspaper, radio, television, fliers, posters, etc.)
3) Design t-shirts and show programs
4) Maintain an up-to-date website with important dates and other information
5) Maintain archives of BDC media and other valuable records
6) Be in charge of company pictures and keep an updated album from year to year
F. The Treasurer shall:
1) Maintain financial records including all bank transactions, invoices, receipts, and reimbursements
2) Distribute approved funds/payments
3) Oversee all monetary transactions (fee allocations, membership dues, guest class and workshop fees, fundraisers, etc.)
4) Organize and coordinate necessary fundraising events
5) Collect membership dues at the first official meeting of each semester
6) Have name placed on BDC bank account and deposit all money within one week of collection
7) Prepare and maintain an annual budget with the President
G. The Faculty Board shall:
1) Serve in an advisory capacity to BDC
2) Be responsible for establishing and maintaining the artistic integrity of BDC
3) Suggest instruction for technique classes and/or teach
4) Have the authority, as an instructor of class, to address any disciplinary problem in class and dismiss any individuals
5) With the permission and suggestion of the Governing Board dismiss any dancer from a dance piece
6) Have the right to withdraw any member from the BDC membership due to disciplinary problems
7) Approve all BDC performances
8) Attend Governing Board meetings as needed
9) Review disciplinary actions from Governing Board for members on probation

XIII. Amendments
An amendment must be submitted in writing to the Governing Board by a BDC member. Upon receipt of the proposed amendment, the Governing Board will review and submit to Faculty Board for review and they will give approval for voting by company. The proposed amendment will be discussed and voted on at the next scheduled meeting. A 2/3 vote is required.

XIV. Bylaw
Due to any discrepancy in this document concerning any BDC issue, the Governing Board and/or the Faculty Board will make any final decisions.