Competition/Showcase Expenses
Please note that the costs for dancing in a competition/showcase include the following and are in addition to the student's actual competition entry fees, hotel, costumes, lessons, and any preparatory coaching the student pays for. Expenses incurred by students dancing in any pro/am competition include the costs for the professional partner or teacher’s participation. Competition expenses for professional teachers customarily include the following:
1) Teacher's time. Teachers are paid for their time directly. The time and cost of each teacher must include loss of studio time and fee for each dance.
2) Teacher's travel expenses are paid directly to the teacher before the competition takes place. These costs can vary greatly. Usually your professional teacher will help you organize your fees and try to bring several students when possible to share costs.
3) Teacher or student can send the application forms along with fees payable to the competition before the due date.
4) The student will reimburse the teacher for all out-of-pocket expenses related to the competition trip. These expenses can include: the teacher's airfare; train; ground transportation; parking fees; car mileage; any other transportation costs. Several days of competition could include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Students are responsible for the teacher's admission to the ballroom as well. Expenses not included that are the teacher's responsibility are alcohol, personal items, and entertainment. Teachers will make every effort to keep expenses at a minimum and give the student a good faith estimate prior to the competition.
5) Fees payable to the competition must be paid in advance by the date due and arranged through your teacher or manager.
6) If the teacher has several students or competition commitments, etc., a pro rata share of expenses should be worked out between the parties involved that are using the teacher's services. This should be agreed upon in advance of the competition. Your teacher will organize this.
7) Coaching is Mandatory before entering a competition or showcase. There are various options available. Coaching fees are in addition to regular teacher fees. Please see your teacher for the details.
Gifts/ Tips/ Sponsorships
Gifts, Tips, Sponsorships, & Social Interactions
Gifts and Tips
Gifts between one student and another are between those parties should not be exchanged in the studio for any reason. It creates an environment where if the gift is unwanted, an unpleasant sentiment for the gift giver or the recipient could become an unpleasant place for both. Keep in mind that a Dance Studio is a business.
Gifts/Tips are traditionally given to one's Teacher or Coach, or from a Teacher to a Student or other Teacher, or any combination thereof must never be personal. Birthday or Holiday gifts or even a gift intended as a "Thank You" for hard work and effort are best given in a generic form of cash/gift card/check-in a generic Holiday, Birthday, or Thank You card, without fanfare. All too often, the gift giver may mean something perfectly innocent but others may feel bad either because they cannot afford to give a gift, or they perceive favoritism or a relation of the recipient can take offense. Teachers and Coaches must also be conscious of this.
Sponsorships
Many who have been around Competitive Ballroom Dancing recognize the high costs to participants - Professional, Amateur, and Students. In some cases, generous individuals may wish to sponsor an individual or a couple. Discretion is required. If you want to contribute in this way please do so without fanfare by contributing under the title of "? Sponsorship award for dancer_____ (fill in the name)" in Check, Cash, or Gift Card, either given to the studio to pass on or directly. Do not offer to buy costumes or other items. This action may serve to make the individual feel that you have to approve of their choices.
Social Interactions
Invitations and solicitations to attend social events, weddings, private parties, or any outside function should not be made. Students to Teachers, Teachers to Students, Teachers to Coaches, Coaches to Teachers, or any combination thereof on studio premises is discouraged. The ONLY exception to this rule is when everyone attends as a group. When we travel as a team, we create spirit motivation. Teachers are available for paid performances and dance host events for a fee. Please inquire with the studio for booking.
Dress Code, Group, Private Policies
Dress Code Strictly Enforced
The dress code for boys includes black Latin pants, a black or white T-shirt, or a tie with a dress shirt. Wear dance shoes and black socks for all ballroom and Latin classes.
The dress code for girls includes black leotards with long skirts for ballroom and short skirts for Latin. Dance tops are optional as long as dance trunks or dance shorts matching the skirt under the skirts. Latin or Ballroom shoes or appropriate dance shoes for the style of dance is a requirement. HAIR MUST BE PULLED BACK.
The appropriate clothing for hip-hop classes for boys includes a sports T-shirt, sports shorts or pants, clean white/black socks.
Options for girls include any leotard, dancewear, or yoga pants. Long hair must be in a bun or pulled back. No hair flying around or in the face will be allowed.
What do I wear if I'm new to dance? Wear comfortable attire that is flexible to move in. If you are a competitive or showcase dancer, you should be investing in practice wear, such as long skirts for ballroom and short skirts for Latin. Latin pants and tight-fitting clothing for men are required.
Group classes are 45 minutes in length unless otherwise specified. A minimum of 4 people is required for the class to be considered a group. Class schedules and teacher assignments are subject to change without notice.
Personal Property
Please make sure not to leave your belongings behind.
We are not responsible for loss or damage to personal property.
