Dancin' Around Dance Studio
 

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Welcome to Dancin’ Around Dance Studio, LLC.  We offer classes in Munster, Indiana; Homewood, Illinois; and Midlothian, Illinois.  We hope that you will find the following information helpful and that your child will enjoy his/her classes in the months ahead. 

 

The purpose of this handbook is to give students and their parents a clearer understanding of the study of dance and the philosophy of the studio’s dance program.

 

 

Philosophy

The philosophy of our dance program is to teach the basic fundamentals of dance in a safe and sound manner and to instill in our students an appreciation of the arts in an enjoyable atmosphere.  Our main goal is to teach the love of dance as a performing art.

 

As a dancer, you have the unique opportunity to be both an athlete and an artist   With the idea that dance is both a sport and an art form, comes the responsibility of maintaining your ability.  

 

Appearance, Attitude, Attentiveness.  A good appearance means dressing appropriately for the class.  A positive attitude means that you are willing to learn new things along with being supportive of those students who need extra help during classes.   Attentiveness means paying attention to your instructor.  By applying these elements, you are showing respect.

 

Our teaching staff is all highly trained professionals and their goal is to give each student the best possible dance experience, to help them gain poise and confidence, as well as encourage participation in healthy physical activity.

 

The annual recital is designed to teach our students what it would be like to be a real performer.  They learn teamwork and stage directions, experience dressing in costume, as well as see the working of the theatre.

 

Class Requisitions / Levels

All of our instructors follow a set curriculum.  They were established so that each level would have a set lesson plan to be taught.  This ensures a more cohesive dance program and is a benefit to the students and the instructor.

 

Each of our levels for tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, pom pons, and tumbling has all been carefully prepared.  Students will be required to understand and perform correctly all of the exercises for that level before moving on to the next.  As the student progresses, they may spend longer on a certain level.  This is because the material is becoming increasingly more difficult and they need to develop physical and mental skills, which requires more time and patience.

 

Classes for our younger students are geared toward teaching the basics and providing a foundation on which to build.  They will learn rhythm, creative movements, understanding and appreciation of music, the beginning of dance vocabulary, and dance etiquette.

 

Ballet is the foundation of all dance, and for that reason, we strongly urge all students to take at least one ballet class per week.  Dancers studying jazz and tap can progress successfully if they have a ballet background.  The benefits include strength, flexibility, posture, technique, knowledge of dance vocabulary, as well as grace and poise that ballet training can provide.

 

Classes run for 45-60 minutes per class unless prior notice is given. Class enrollment will consist of 10-15 students per class.  Enrollments are based on first come first serve. Dancin’ Around has the right to cancel or combine a particular class if we do not have more than 4 students in a class.

 

 

Evaluations

At the end of each year, his or her instructor will evaluate each student; as to the appropriate level, he/she should take the following year.  The purpose of this is to ensure that our students are participating in classes that are best suited for them.  Just as in any activity, some children develop their dance skills at a faster rate, while others need to take their time.  It is important to remember that it takes many years to train to dance, and even professional performers and teachers continue their education and take classes throughout their careers.

 

Our instructors are extremely careful with their recommendations.  Students who are moved into classes that are too advanced for them can become frustrated.  Serious injuries can occur since their bodies have not reached their required level of muscle strength and flexibility required to participate in that class. 

 

Practicing at Home

Dance is a full-time activity, so with only a few dance classes a week, work at home is definitely necessary.  From time to time the instructors may ask students to practice a certain step or move at home.  This is acceptable; however, we strongly urge those other things not to be attempted, as they need to be done under the expert eye of the instructor. 

 

The first thing you need to make sure you are doing at home is stretching. Flexibility is at the core of a dancer, and one of the most important elements a dancer needs to obtain. Stretching only a few times a week is not going to increase or even sustain your flexibility. Working on your flexibility every day at home is very simple to do, considering you can stretch while you watch television, work on your homework, or talk on the phone. You do not need a dance floor, mirrors, or a ballet barre to work on your flexibility; all you need is some space.  The more you work on your flexibility and strength at home, the quicker you will recognize the difference at the studio.

 

Besides flexibility and strength, a dancer also needs knowledge about his or her talent. Along with stretches, practicing your dance steps and terminology at home is equally important.   Before entering dance class, be sure the steps from the previous week are clear so that you can move on and are ready to learn more.

 

Basic exercises and other movements that can be harmful if not done correctly should never be practiced away from the dance studio.

 

Parent observation

We love parents, but with your child’s best interest in mind, parents are invited to observe through the glass window from the waiting area.  Our instructors find that their quality of instruction has often been greatly affected by parents and/or sibling distraction, interruptions, and various other concerns during class time.  We also feel it is more beneficial for children to have recreational time with their peers.  We encourage parents to wait in the waiting area during class time if their child is under the age of 5 for security purposes and in case your child/instructor requires your attention.

 

Student Behavior

Although part of the philosophy of our program is focused on enjoyment, dance is a disciplined form of art.  For that reason, students are expected to show respect to their instructors and fellow dancers.  Parents will be notified if a student is disruptive to the class.  If a negative behavior becomes chronic, we will strongly recommend that the student discontinue the class until the child is ready to return and adhere to the structure of the class.

 

Class Arrival and Departure

Attendance for all classes is mandatory.  The studio must be notified if a student will be absent from class. If notified, one make-up class will be permitted per month at the discretion of the class instructor, if your child should miss it.  No refund for the loss class.  Prompt arrival is encouraged. 

 

Progress is seriously jeopardized when they are chronically absent or late for class.  The beginning of class is devoted to the gradual warming up of the muscles in order to prepare them for the dance steps to follow.  It is a crucial segment of class and should not be missed.  If your child arrives more than ten minutes late to class, he/she must sit and watch.  Absenteeism is also difficult for the teachers as well as the student who must struggle to try and catch up.  If a student is chronically absent, they will not be permitted to participate in our annual recital.

 

Parents will be given 10 minutes lead time before a charge of $5.00 per every 5 minutes the students are left at the studio without a legal guardian.  That money will go directly to the instructor and must be given to the instructor before the child leaves or it will add on to their tuition.

 

Class Format

Our class format is structured to help increase the student’s ability to learn technique, and choreography and at the same time enhance their overall flexibility.  We generally start with a 10-15 minute warm-up then continue to 20-30 minutes of technique and 15-30 minutes of dance combinations and/or choreography.

 

Studio Policy

Attire:  All students must wear proper clothing and shoes for class.  Class attire will be given at the time of registration.  Students will not be permitted in class without the proper and approved dance attire.  NO HARD SOLE/MARKING SHOES OR STREET SHOES ARE TO BE WORN ON THE DANCE FLOOR.  Hair must be fixed back in a bun or ponytail away from the student’s face.

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No gum, food, candy, or pop is allowed in the studio.  You may bring water or purchase bottled water from the studio.  It must be kept in the designated area.

 

Horseplay, foul language, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.   Dancin’ Around reserved the right to drop or remove any student (s) from class if the policies are not followed or abided by.

 

Cell phone usage is not permitted during class by any student.  Cell phones should be TURNED OFF and put away while in class. 

Weather:  The studio will close when driving conditions are dangerous.  This includes snow and/or ice.  During inclement weather, call the studio first before coming to class.  If the class has been canceled, there will be a recorded message.  This message may be placed only 45 minutes before the scheduled class is to begin.  DADS does not always follow the public school closing due to weather.  No make-up classes will be available for weather-related cancellations.

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Waiting Area:  A guardian MUST wait in the waiting area if the student is under 5 years old.  Parents will be given 10 minutes lead time before a charge of $5.00 per every 5 minutes the students are left at the studio without a legal guardian.  That money will go directly to the instructor and must be given to the instructor before the child leaves or it will be added to their tuition

 

Tuition / Fee Structure

Registration fee/processing fee (non-refundable):  Registration is taken online at Dancinaround.net.  A registration/processing fee 7% processing fee will be added to the tuition.   The registration fee/processing fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.  Dancin’ Around has the right to cancel or combine a particular class if we do not have more than 3 students in a class.

 

Tuition is based on the dance year from September through December and January through May.  Tuition remains the same regardless of the number of weeks in a month, cancellations due to weather, or a student's absence.  Payment plans are available online.  A $35.00 NSF fee will be added to the account if the auto-withdrawal is denied.  All tuition must be paid in full one month before the end of each session.  Tuition payments do not include costume payment, class attire, dance shoes, recital fee, recital tickets, portraits, or video orders.  Students will past due balance be denied access to a class.  Tuition, registration fees, costume payments, recital tickets, and merchandise are non-refundable and non-transferable. 

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Small Class Sizes and Cancellations

Our classes are structured to train 4 or more students within the set times.  Should at any time the attendance drops below the minimum, the following rules will apply.

 

For 2 students, the class will be cut by 15 minutes

For 1 student, the class will be canceled and made up at another time or a different class pending the instructor's approval

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Class Transfer, Withdrawals, or Drops Fees

Recital/Showcase sessions are considered a long-term dance program commitment with a financial agreement, tuition is expected to be paid until the balance is paid in full.  Should a student/parent feel the need to transfer, withdraw or drop occurs, the following fees will be applied.  

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Students will be allowed to transfer to a different class without a fee on the first occurrence.  A $25.00 transfer fee will be added to the account on the second occurrence.  A $35.00 transfer fee will be added for the third or fourth occurrence.

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Should a student withdraw or drops from class, tuition in full is due at the time of the withdrawal/drop.  In addition, all withdrawals and/or drops must be made by the third week of each session, or a withdrawal/drop fee of $50.00 will be added to the student's account.

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Vacation Dates

Classes will not be in session during the following breaks/holidays.  Check with the studio with specific dates.

 

             Labor Day

             Thanksgiving Break

             Christmas Break

             Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

             President’s Day

             Spring Break          

             Memorial Day

 

DADS follows some public school vacation calendars.  However, DADS does not necessarily follow all individual holidays.

 

Tuition remains the same regardless of the number of weeks in a month, cancellations due to weather, or a student’s absence.

 

Proper Class Attire

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• Pre & Beginning Ballet / Tap/ Jazz:  Pink Leotard, Pink Tights, Pink Ballet Shoes, Black Tap Shoes

 

• Ballet I, II, III:   Black Leotard, Black, White or Nude Tights, Any Color Ballet Wrap Skirt, Black or Pink Ballet Shoes

 

• Beginning Ballet / Jazz / Tap  / Tap:   Pink Leotard, Pink/White Tights, Pink Ballet Shoes, Black Jazz Shoes, or Black Tap Shoes

 

• Hip Hop:   Black Leotard, Black Jazz Pants or Shorts/Spandex, White Socks, White indoor gym shoes or Black Dance/Hip Hop Sneakers

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• Jazz I, II, III:   Black Leotard, Black/Nude/White Tights, Black Jazz Pants or Black Bike Shorts or Black Unitard, Black Jazz Shoes

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• Acro/Tumbling:  Any color leotard with any color shorts, gymnastics shoes, or no shoes

 

• Tap I, II, III:   Black Leotard, Black Jazz Pants,  Black Tap Shoes, Tights 

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• Pom Pons:   Black Leotard, White Pom Skirt, or any color shorts, White Socks, White Gym Shoes & White Poms. (Poms ordered by the studio)

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• BOYS:  Solid color T-shirt, Black pants/shorts, in-door gym shoes or dance sneakers

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• ADULTS:  Check with your instructor.

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HAIR MUST BE PULLED NEATLY AWAY FROM THE STUDENTS FACE

 

Annual Recital & Christmas Showcase

The Christmas showcase is held in December.  Our annual Summer recital is held in June.  Dates and times will be given at a later date.  If your child is enrolled in our annual recital session or Christmas showcase session, they are required to participate in the performance.  

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It is required that students attend ALL scheduled dress rehearsals to participate in our annual recital/showcase.  Dress rehearsal is the time for all the students to practice together and prepare themselves mentally and physically for the big finale.  Missing any rehearsals will only cause confusion, and chaos and decrease confidence in the student.

 

Christmas Showcase Participation Fee Includes:

• $95.00 Participation Fee

• Link to view the video

• Dress Rehearsal

• Recital T-Shirt

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Annual Recital Participation Fee Includes (Summer):

• $195.00 Participation Fee

• Dress Rehearsal

• Portrait Session

• Includes 2 General Admission tickets to the show (Upgrades Available)

• Link to view to the video of the recital

• Recital T-Shirt

• Student Award (if applicable)

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Tickets for the recital/showcase will be for sale 2-4 weeks prior to the performance.  Tickets prices ranging between $20.00 per ticket to $35.00 per ticket (pre-sale).  Tickets purchased at the door will be increased by $5 each per ticket.  Kids 3 & under are free (lap seaters) - strictly enforced.    

 

The students will be required to be present at the venue 1.5-2 hours prior to showtime.  Parents are requested to drop the student off that the designated “stage door” entrance and will not be able to enter that area.  There will be parent volunteers working at the door, should you need help to get to the student.  All performing students are required to stay until the end of the performance unless written notification is given to the director or an emergency arises.

 

Students must be fully dressed in the first performance number.  If they are performing in multiple numbers, they must bring the remaining costumes, shoes, etc. in a garment bag with their name on it.  If these items are carried in or stuffed in a plastic bag, they often get lost and/or damaged.

 

At the end of the performance, the students will be released at the same “stage door” to their guardians.  All students are required to stay for the entire performance behind the stage.  If an emergency should arise and the students need to be released early, a parent volunteer or worker should be notified, in which the situation will be properly handled.

 

Costumes

Costumes will be ordered by the studio and students will be measured by their instructor during class time.  The instructor will determine costume sizes, as it is easier for the instructor to determine the correct sizes with the student’s measurements.  If the wrong size is ordered, the studio will properly handle the situation with no additional cost to the parents.  If parents strongly suggest a certain size, the parent will be responsible to replace the costume at their own expense.  We strongly recommend that the student names be placed on the inside tag of ALL costumes/pieces for identification purposes.

 

All costume deposits and payments are non-refundable and non-transferable as costumes are custom ordered and non-returnable.  Costume fees are added to your tuition invoice.  Costumes take anywhere from 6 -10 weeks in production before being shipped out to the studio.   The costume fee is $95.00 per costume and does not include tights or dance shoes.  There will be a $20.00 late charge added to the balance of the costume if not paid by the due date.  

 

Costumes are the students’ to keep after the annual recital.  If costumes have not been picked up by the season’s June Recital date; costumes then become the property of Dancin’ Around Dance Studio. 

 

Dance Portraits (if applicable)

Dance Portraits will be taken each year.  Group class pictures are mandatory but purchasing the portraits is optional.  Pictures are normally taken at Dancin’ Around Dance Studio 1-2 weeks before the recital.  Picture prices will vary.    Order forms or an online link will be available at least 2-3 weeks prior to the day of the portrait.  Portraits will be mailed or emailed directly to you approximately 4-5 weeks after picture day.  Any discrepancies with the portraits should be directed to the photography company NOT Dancin’ Around Dance Studio.  Retain all your payments, orders, and photography information for your records. 

 

Disclosure

Photographs and videos of DADS students and events are the property of Dancin’ Around Dance Studio.  DADS reserves the right to use such photographs and videos for the purpose of advertisement and promotion for the studio.

 

Contact Us

If at any time you have questions or concerns, you can always direct them to Ms. Vi Donald at

219-237-2666 or e-mail at Vi.dancinaround@gmail.com.  You can also visit the Website at Dancinaround.net to inquire about class schedules, instructors, tuition, registration, and more.  Our mailing address is:  326 Ridge Road, Munster IN 46321 

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