NEW DANCER INFORMATION
Common Q&A
Q. How do we differ from other dance schools?
A. As for other dance schools, we can’t comment on the teacher or procedures, but we have several distinct differences form most other dance schools. Our facility is one of our major differences – our professional floating marley dance floor offers additional cushioning and support to help prevent injuries and fatigue. We offer competitive and recreational classes meaning we teach dancers from beginner to advanced. We can take your dancer to NYC for Dance Nationals or we can keep them in the studio and solely work on technique- the choice is yours and we have it if you want it! We also limit our class sizes, have state of the art facilities, and we NEVER require our students to fundraise to cover dance school activities.
Q. Can I sit in on my child’s dance class?
A. We have an observation area in our lobby where parents can watch by closed circut television. If the parents are sitting right there, it is too distracting for both the students and the teacher. There are too many authority figures and the children either lose class time looking for Mom and Dad’s approval, or they act out to see what reaction they will get. We occasionally invite parens in to watch a routine or before some holiday breaks!
Q. My child has taken dance at another studio. Can they be placed into a higher-level class?
A. Because the programs at other dance studios can vary greatly, your child should still go into the first level we offer for their age. After seeing your child’s skills, if they are not placed in the appropriate level, we will change their level if needed.
Q. How do you choose costumes and/or music?
A. Costumes and music are chosen by the instructor and director. They are intended to be age appropriate.
General Information
A. You, the parents and students, may be assured that your classes are instructed and disciplined in a manner keenly associated with proper and correct dance education.
B. It is our desire to provide you with excellent results and we demand understanding and cooperation between parents, students, and teachers.
C. We will be happy to discuss progress with you but please understand our instructors need to start and end classes on time. Therefore, the best way to discuss is typically via email.
D. We expect respect and proper discipline at all times; we are not responsible for any injuries sustained while in class or on premises; We are not responsible for lost articles; We reserve the right to dismiss any student who upsets the harmony of the company.
E. Street shoes must be worn when entering the studio. Dance shoes only are to be worn on the dance floor!
Tuition Policies
A. All students must be fully registered before they will be accepted in class. If payment info is not given at time of registration, the student's spot will not be held.
B. Monthly tuition, which is a flat rate, is charged on the first day of each month. Tuition must be paid by automatic bank account, debit or automatic credit card payment. Tuition will be debited from your account on the 1st day of each month, with the exception of your August registration date and then from September through June. Dancers will not be registered until billing information is provided.
C. There are two snow days figured into the monthly tuition. If a class is canceled due to inclement weather a makeup class will NOT be scheduled. If more than two classes had to be canceled a makeup class will be scheduled. Please note: We do our best to inform you of any cancellations, however, we are not always able to make a decision until three hours prior to class start time. Use your best judgment on the driving conditions. We do not want anybody to come if you are concerned about your safety. Some of the surrounding areas have different weather conditions than us so please check the road conditions prior to leaving.
D. There are NO refunds, transfers, credits or deductions for missed classes or holidays; there will not be ANY exceptions to this rule, regardless of the reasons.
E. Statements will NOT be sent; it is your responsibility to keep your tuition to date. We recommend keeping track of charges/balances on your Dance Portal.
Footwear and Uniform
Please keep in mind that all shoes and equipment must be fitted to use now – not to grow into. Dance shoes may be purchased through the studio and are only required if your child is on dance team. Target is one great affordable store to purchase dance practice clothing.
Acro/Tumbling:
Barefoot or any color Jazz Shoes
Uniform: Athletic clothing- any color
Ballet 1,2,3,4:
Split-Sole Ballet Shoe, either canvas or leather (Ballet Pink for girls; Black for boys)
Uniform: Girls: Leotard, Tights (Ballet Pink) NO LOOSE CLOTHING
Boys: Fitted Men's Ballet White T-shirt, Black Shorts or pants
Creative Movement:
Black Jazz Shoe
Uniform: Athletic clothing- any color
Hip Hop & Jazz Funk:
Black jazz shoe or white sole dance sneaker (depending- See Mr. Scott)
Uniform: Girls: Athletic clothing- any color
Jazz:
Black Jazz Shoe
Uniform: Athletic clothing- any color
Lyrical/Contemporary:
Pirouette Shoe (leather or canvas)
Uniform: Form fitting athletic clothing- any color
Tap:
Tap 1 and Combo Tap/Jazz Class: Beginner Tap Shoe
Tap 2: Lace Up Tap Shoe
Tap Team: Jason Samuel Bloch Tap Shoe
Uniform: Athletic clothing- any color with the exception of Tap Team: All black form fitting clothing.
Observation Room Conduct
Children are not permitted to run around the lobby areas. It is disturbing to the other parents, as well as distracting for the teachers and students. Please do not allow your children to walk on chairs, stand on furniture, play in the bathroom, or in changing rooms. We ask that your children have respect for other people's property and to behave here as you would like them to in your own home. Please be responsible with your food and drinks and clean up any messes!
Parent's Responsibility to be Aware of Dates and Events
It is the responsibility of the parent or adult student to be aware of all studio activities, such as recitals, extra classes, and dates the studio is open or closed. The studio will post notices on the studio bulletin board as well as send out updates via notes and in some cases email. It is the parent's responsibility to regularly check these resources to ensure they are informed. It is the responsibility of the parents or adult student to inform the studio of any address, e-mail, or telephone number changes.
Care of Students
The studio is not responsible for providing before and after class care for students. Students are not to be left at the studio for excessive time before or after class. Please be mindful of staff as they cannot always wait for rides to come!
Injuries
Parents, legal guardians of minor students, and adult students waive the right to any legal action for any injury sustained on studio property resulting from normal dance activity or any other activity conducted by the students before, during or after class time. If an injury occurs at class, we will do our best to care for the dancer and a parent will be notified.
Photo Release
The studio is hereby granted permission to take photographs and videos of the students to use in brochures, websites, posters, advertisements and other promotional materials the studio creates. Permission is also hereby granted for the studio to copyright such photographs in its name.
Performances and Studio Activities
There will be a year-end Dance Concert/Recital scheduled for the beginning of May or end of April.
Our studio also schedules a date in December to perform a small performance for the residents of a local nursing home. One parent per family is permitted to accompany the dancer(s). The main goal of this performance is to bring Holiday Cheer to the residents. Parents are welcome into the studio on the last practice prior to the performance where they may bring grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, etc.
Occasionally, students are afforded the opportunity to participate in extra shows for civic affairs, and notices will be sent home if they do come up. Competition teams have first priority for extra performances.
For all performances and studio activities, hairstyle will be specified. EVERYONE must wear makeup – makeup must be worn heavier than usual, as the stage lights "wash" faces out. All costumes are to be clean and pressed or steamed. All shoes are to be clean with no stains. Dancers must be present at their mediatory rehearsal in order to participate in the recital. If they are not in attendance for their rehearsal, they will not be permitted to perform at recital.
Costumes
The recital requires the use of professionally made costumes that are chosen by the instructor and director. Please budget approximately $75 per costume for your child.
Dance recital tickets will be for sale at the studio in April.
Competition Teams
Students ages 5 and above, or by invitation, are welcome to be on a competition team. This entails taking a specific class that focuses on details in that style. Being on a competition team requires talent, commitment (both from parents and students), and team spirit. It requires regular practice outside of class. Please contact us for additional information on competition team requirements.