Travel information
Pre-departure Checklist:1. Double check that you have a passport with a valid expiration (valid for 3 months beyond the date of your return). For questions about passports, see the Passports & Visas section.
2. Make sure that we receive any outstanding supplemental items and your final payment no later than June 10, 2010.
3. Make sure that you have finalized and confirmed all your travel arrangements as soon as possible
4. * If you are traveling on the round-trip group itinerary, please review the itinerary and make sure you have arrangements to travel to the group departure point.
5. * If you are traveling independently, make sure we have your updated Travel Profile with your full travel itinerary. We will need to finalize arrangements and know exactly when and where you will meet the group.
6. Review our packing list to begin planning the items you will bring
7. Review the section about Medical Insurance.
Passports & Visas:
Passports
If you do not have a valid passport, please be sure to apply for a new passport as soon as possible (long delays are common). We recommend that you make a clear photocopy of the title pages (the one with your photo on it). We also recommend that you travel with two (2) extra copies of your passport photos. This will help greatly if the original is lost or stolen.
Visas:
To our knowledge, Countries that are part of UE (Austria, Belgium, Italy, France, Germany, Bulgaria, Denmark, United Kingdom, Spain, Sweden, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, etc.) do not require a Visa to visit USA for less than two (2) months.
If you have any questions, please be sure to check directly with the consulate of the country in question. If you are a citizen of another country that is not the UE, please be sure to inquire about the necessity of obtaining a visa and keep us posted about your progress. It is vital that you begin working on your visa as soon as possible. We are ready to provide you with any necessary assistance.
If you are coming from outside of United States, you will NEED to apply for an ESTA.
ESTA is an online application system developed by the United States government to pre-screen travelers before they are allowed to board an airplane or ship bound for the United States. Starting on January 12, 2009, any person entering the United States under the visa waiver program is required to hold an approved ESTA Travel Authorization.
Please visit: http://www.esta.us/
Important Travel Advisories:
All students should review these travel advisories very carefully:
1. Confirm your flights 72 hours prior to departure.
2. Make sure you have all your tickets (and receipts for any electronic tickets). If you are unsure of any ticket information regarding group flights, please contact us immediately.
3. Do not forget your passport!
4. Please do not be late and do not miss any connections - give yourself enough extra time for traffic jams, parking, lines, transfer between terminals, additional security checks, etc. Our itinerary includes several legs: if you miss one, we will have to work very hard to try to find another seat for you on the later flights (because it's a busy season, there normally are not many seats left). Generally, arrive at least three (3) hours prior to a domestic, and four (4) hours prior to an international flight
5. Remember not to pack any sharp objects in your carry-ons (knives, tweezers, scissors, razors, etc.) and not to put any locks on your luggage. For new regulations, you will aloud to have one luggage and one carry on entering in USA. If you will have more than one luggage, you will pay a fee.
6. Also, any liquids, gels and aerosols that you want to put in your carry-on are subject to new regulations by the Transport Security Administration (TSA). We recommend putting as many of these items as possible into your checked luggage. Any liquids, gels or aerosols that you need to put in your carry-on must meet the following requirements:
* Each item must be three (3) ounces or less
* All these items must fit in ONE (1), ZIP-TOP, CLEAR PLASTIC BAG
* Each person is permitted ONE (1) plastic bag, and it must be taken out of your carry-on at the security screening point to go through the scanning machines
7. Please bring a printed copy of your program’s travel itinerary and a printed copy of this web page, along with all helpful contact information.
For questions and information about prescription medications, please go to this website:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1059.shtm
Immigration:
During the flight the attendant will give you a form to fill it out and ask for the address accommodation. Remember to print a copy of your Hotel and address. You will present it to the immigration when you will enter in the USA airport, together with your passport.
What Happens Upon Arrival:
Upon arrival in the host country, our staff must coordinate the various groups and independent travelers arriving, ensure everyone's luggage has arrived and get all students onto the charter bus taking us to the Hotel. Please print a copy of you Hotel destination and the address of it.
Preparing for the Trip:
Money
The program fee will cover all of your necessary expenses throughout the program, including meals, lodging, classes, planned activities, and more. The only additional money you may want to bring is for personal expenses, such as shopping, eating in restaurants, non-program activities, etc.
When in USA you should also carry a calling card and a few important numbers on your person at all times.
We strongly advise against bringing large amounts of cash. There are many safer methods of bringing money: credit cards, Traveler's Checks, and ATM cards.
It is prudent to save all the receipts and check your account statements carefully when you return home: billing errors, double-charges and other omissions are more common with international transactions.
Clothes
Los Angeles has a hot dry weather. Usually is very hot during day time but a little chilly in the evening, so bring a jacket with you. In Europe, museums and cathedrals generally require visitors to wear clothing that covers the knees (i.e. no short skirts or short shorts) and that covers the shoulders (i.e. no tank tops).
Please refer to the Packing List below for more specific recommendations on clothing.
* Class, costumes and equipment list: This is just a general list of things to you will need for the LA Dance Dream’s programs. Please try to bring as much of the following items as possible. This will make preparing for and shooting your video much, much easier. And don’t worry if you don’t have all the items. We will help you with additional items. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Sneakers for hip hop (NO street shoes please)
* Black jazz shoes (slip-on or lace-up, but not jazz sneakers)
* Foot thongs/paws are optional for class
* Black tank top/camisole and/or leotard
* Black fishnets and/or tights
* Tight, long-sleeved black turtleneck
* Short, simple black skirt or dress you can dance in
* Black jazz shorts (a.k.a. “booty shorts” or “boy shorts”)…and any other color you might have
* White long-sleeved button-down shirt (like a men’s dress shirt)
* White tank top
* Bright, solid-colored sweatshirt (zip-up, pullover, hooded, etc.)
* Baggy pants, and any other fun bottoms for hip-hop
* Bright colored t-shirts and tank tops
* Tube socks
* Accessories, accessories, accessories!
* High-heels for “heel” class (girls)
* Hats
* Jewelry
* Belts, gloves, ties, suspenders, bandannas/scarves
* Make-up and hair supplies for video shoots (please be sure you have your own foundation, mascara, blush, eyeliner, lipstick, hairspray, bobby pins, etc.) just in case. You will have a make artist but better to be safe.
* If you have an iPod bring it! You may need it for rehearsal (optional
Personal Medication
If you will be using medicine during the program, please be sure to bring along an ample supply, as well as a back-up one and a copy of the prescription.
Documents (put in your carry on)
* Passport (and a passport belt)
* Tickets (for independent travelers; for group travelers, we will have your group tickets)
* Regular ID
* If you are planning to drive, an International Driver License
Laundry
The Hotel will provide a Laundry room.
Miscellaneous
* Swimming suit and beach sandals
* Beach towel and sun block (waterproof recommended)
* Swimming accessories (e.g. goggles, if desired)
* Sunglasses (if you bring "dressy" shades, consider bringing a second pair that can withstand wear from hiking, beach play, water sports, etc.)
* Sun Cream
* Dance apparel and equipment (dance clothing based on your dance program, dance shoes, based on your dance program)
* Alarm Clock (battery-operated)
* What required for the shot/performance on the Dance Shot section.
Schedule and Programs
You will receive via e mail three (3) weeks before to leave, a detailed schedule about your dance classes (based on your program), trips and any kind of info you need. We reserve the right to make any changes on the time classes, on the teachers during the program or any kind of schedule changes we need to make.
When you will be in your accommodation, one of our Supervisors will bring you all the info and pass you will need to have for your staying.
Accomodation
Accomodation will be either Hotel or Apartment. It's NOT possible to reserve one or the other. If you want to reserve a Hotel sigle or double room it's possible but it will be an extra charge for it.
Practical Information
Telephones:
Public Phones: If you are coming from out USA there are several ways of making an international call to your Country. The best and cheapest method is to buy an international calling card.
Cell Phones: It is highly recommended not to use your regular cell phone. You can buy a prepay phone for 50 dollars and ask for an international plan.
Safety Rules
California is very strict for some things. If you don’t follow the rules you can be in serious trouble. Europe is usually more understanding, California is not! LADD DOES NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY for any kind of bad behavior of our students.
Here are the most serious violations of safety rules:
* Alcohol abuse
* Drugs abuse
* driving without an regular international driver license
* Entering the private residence of any stranger
State Department Safety Advisory
For your information, the following URL will direct you to the State Department's travel and safety advisories:
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