Northern Dance Academy, LLC Policies and Procedures
147 E. Aqua Circle #3, Dalton Garden, ID 83815 *www.northerndance.com* 208-762-4631
We at Northern Dance Academy are happy that you have chosen our studio for your child’s dance instruction.
Welcome to the family!
We pride ourselves on offering professional dance instruction by well-qualified teachers in a fun and friendly environment. We appreciate this opportunity to give your child a quality dance foundation that promotes respect, discipline, and an understanding of the art of Dance.
We are dedicated to helping each child develop into the best dancer they desire to become and will help and encourage them to reach their goals. We believe that hard work and commitment produce achievement, by instilling the self-discipline in each student that will aid them in all aspects of life. We seek excellence from our students appropriate to their age, level, and interest. To achieve these ends requires the full cooperation and support of the students, parents, teachers, and staff at the school.
The following policies have been developed carefully to aid in understanding our philosophy of dance education and to reduce any possible confusion. Please familiarize yourself and your child with this information. After reading through these policies, please contact us if you still have any questions.
Please note that these policies and procedures must be followed at all times.
NORTHERN DANCE ACADEMY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TUITION
• There is an annual registration fee of $25 (per family) which is due upon registration at the studio (after any trial class has been taken). The registration fee will be re-applied if the student takes a break from dancing for more than 90 days.
• For new students, we have a “try a class risk-free” policy. If you decide not to enroll after taking the first class, then you owe us nothing. If you do enroll, you will be charged for all classes taken (including the trial class).
• IMPORTANT: As of our fall/winter 2023-2024 season, all tuition must be paid using autopay and will be charged on the first day of each month. You must connect a bank account for ACH payments (no fees) OR a credit card (3% fee) within your parent portal.
• Once enrolled in classes, tuition will be charged automatically. If you wish to stop for any reason, you must inform us via e-mail or in person at least 2 weeks before withdrawing from classes.
• If your payment fails for any reason, we will contact you via e-mail so that you may fix the issue. A late payment fee of $10 may then be added to your account.
• Accounts more than one month in arrears will be frozen and the student will not be allowed to participate until the account is brought up to date. If special payment arrangements need to be made, please contact the front desk. We will be happy to work with you if possible.
• Tuition fees are calculated based on the entire season of dance from September through June and are averaged to be the same each month, including those months shortened by holiday and/or weather closures. Months with fewer classes are not prorated.
• If you attend any portion of the month, you are responsible for the full monthly tuition fee (new students joining mid-month will have the first month’s fees pro-rated).
• A 3% surcharge will be applied to all credit or debit card payments.
• A $30 fee will be charged for any returned checks.
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
Although not mandatory, we strongly recommend that your child take at least one ballet class. We believe that ballet builds the core foundation for most other styles of dance. Many techniques required for tap, jazz and lyrical are based on ballet technique. A foundation in ballet and concurrent enrollment in a ballet class is required to take any lyrical, modern, or contemporary class. Class placement for new students who have previous dance experience is by assessment of an instructor at Northern Dance Academy.
We offer classes in many different styles of dance. These include:
• Ballet
• Pointe Work
• Jazz
• Jazz Progressions
• Contemporary
• Lyrical
• Modern
• Tap
• Hip-Hop
• Irish
• Acro
• Combination Classes for our younger students
• Musical Theatre
• Technique/Turns
• Ballroom/Social Dancing
• A complete schedule of classes may be found on our website, www.northerndance.com, and at the studio.
DRESS CODE
No jewelry (except for studded earrings), including watches, is permitted in ANY class. This is for the safety of all students.
Please Note: Any student without the appropriate hairstyle for class will be asked to leave the classroom and return once the hairstyle is corrected.
COMBINATION CLASSES
Students are required to wear a leotard, (either light pink or black), and pink ballet tights; ballet skirts are optional. Tutus and tutu dresses are allowed on the last class of the month (everyone wants to be a Princess!). Ballet shoes and tap shoes are required. Long hair is to be tied back and secured in a bun and bangs pinned out of eyes.
BALLET CLASSES
Students are required to wear a leotard and ballet tights (please see colors below). Ballet shoes, either canvas or leather, (preferably split sole) are required for class. Hair is to be tied back in a neat bun and firmly secured, bangs to be pinned out of the eyes. Ballet skirts may be permitted for the younger or teen classes.
Legwarmers are permitted during the wintertime for barre work only. Sweaters are also permitted in the wintertime but must be removed as soon into the barre work as possible.
Pre-Primary – Grade 2 Ballet: Light Pink leotard with pink ballet tights
Grade 3 – Advanced Ballet: Black leotard with pink ballet tights
Beginning Teen & Adult Ballet Classes: – Any color leotard with pink ballet tights
JAZZ CLASSES
Students are required to wear jazz pants, leggings, dance shorts or tights with a leotard (any color), tight fitting tank top or t-shirt. Jazz shoes are required for this class. Long hair is to be tied back in a bun and firmly secured, bangs to be pinned out of eyes.
MODERN CLASSES
Students are required to wear jazz pants, leggings, dance shorts or tights with a leotard (any color), tight fitting tank top or t-shirt. Jazz shoes are required for this class. Long hair is to be tied back in a bun and firmly secured, bangs to be pinned out of eyes.
LYRICAL CLASSES
Students are required to wear footless/convertible tights, tight fitting cropped leggings or dance shorts with a leotard (any color) or tight-fitting tank top or t-shirt. Lyrical shoes are required. Hair is to be tied back in a bun and firmly secured, bangs to be pinned out eyes.
CONTEMPORARY CLASSES
Students are required to wear footless/convertible tights, tight fitting cropped leggings or dance shorts with a leotard (any color) or tight-fitting tank top or t-shirt. Bare feet or Lyrical shoes can be worn. Hair is to be tied back in a bun and firmly secured, bangs to be pinned out eyes.
HIP-HOP CLASSES
Students are required to wear loose fitting sweatpants, leggings or dance shorts and a tank top or t-shirt. Black Hip-Hop shoes or dance sneakers are required. CLEAN street sneakers may be worn initially. Hair can be worn up or down, bangs to be pinned back out of eyes.
TAP CLASSES
Students are required to wear jazz pants, sweatpants, tights or leggings with a leotard, tank top or t-shirt. Tap shoes are required. Long hair is to be tied back and secured, bangs to be pinned out of eyes.
JAZZ PROGRESSIONS, & ACRO CLASSES
Students are required to wear jazz pants, leggings, dance shorts or tights with a leotard (any color), tight fitting tank top or t-shirt. Jazz shoes are required for Progressions, bare feet for Acro. Long hair is to be tied back in a bun and firmly secured, bangs to be pinned out of eyes.
PIROUETTE & STRETCH, TECHNIQUE, & CONDITIONING CLASSES
Students are required to wear jazz pants, leggings, tights or dance shorts with a leotard, tight fitting tank top or t-shirt. Jazz or ballet shoes are required. Hair is to be tied back in a bun and firmly secured, bangs to be pinned out eyes.
BOYS’ CLASSES
Students are required to wear sweats or shorts with a tight-fitting t-shirt or tank. We recommend that boys also wear a jockstrap underneath their dance attire. For lyrical class: bare feet or lyrical shoes, Ballet class: black ballet shoes, Tap class: tap shoes are required. Long hair must be tied back and secured.
BALLET/TAP COMBINATION CLASS GUIDELINES
• Students must be at least 3 years of age.
• Students are required to wear a light pink or black leotard and pink ballet tights. Ballet skirts are optional. Tutus and Tutu dresses are permitted on the last class of every month (everyone wants to be a Princess!)
• Ballet shoes and tap shoes are required. We do have shoes at the studio to loan for the first few classes. Once your child is committed to class, please acquire your own.
• Long hair is to be tied back into a bun with bangs pinned out of the eyes.
• No jewelry is allowed (with the exception of studded earrings).
• All combination classes are 45 minutes long.
• Please ensure your child has used the restroom before class begins to minimize disruptions during class time.
• Parents are NOT allowed into the studio. If your child is upset or needs the restroom the teacher will escort your child out of the classroom to you.
• Please observe the safety rules of the studio. No child can be allowed to enter the dance studio without a teacher present, no running anywhere in the studio.
• We also have courtesy rules, such as listening to the teacher, not interrupting in class, pushing in lines, invading another child’s space etc…
• We certainly understand that many children have separation anxiety, but dancers typically overcome their fear quickly and enjoy their dance classes immensely. This will require some trust on the part of the parents, so that the children know they are safe with us.
• We have viewing windows at the studio, which allow you to watch your child during class. Sometimes this can be a distraction to the children. You know your child; if you feel they would be distracted by you through the window then please move back. You will still be able to view the class from a distance.
• Please bear in mind, in some instances, even though your child may love to dance at home, they may not be ready for a structured classroom environment. If the teacher thinks that this is the case, then it will be discussed. Your child may need to wait another six months before they are ready for this kind of structured activity.
• Continued behavioral issues will be brought to the parents’ attention. If behavior problems persist the child will be asked to leave the classroom. If ongoing, they will be asked to leave the studio.
• If you have any questions at all, please ask. We will answer all of your questions as best we can.
CLASSROOM ETTIQUETTE
• Students are expected to be respectful of all instructors and other students at the studio.
• Excessive talking or other misbehavior in class will not be tolerated and may result in the student being asked to observe class instead of participating. In extreme cases, students may be removed from the class.
• All students must respect the structure and teaching style of their instructors.
• No sweatshirts, school or street clothes are permitted in class as they hide technical flaws that a teacher cannot correct if hidden.
• No street shoes are allowed in the studios. Outside dirt can damage the surface of the studio floors and create sticking or slipping hazards. Bring your dance shoes with you and change into them at the studio.
• No dance shoes are to be worn outside.
• No gum is permitted in the studios.
• Students are encouraged to bring water in closed containers to class; no other food or beverage is permitted inside the studios.
• No cell phones are permitted in the classroom. Focus must be on the class.
• If your child needs to leave the class early, please inform the instructor before the class begins.
• No student is allowed to enter the classroom without an instructor present or without the instructor’s permission.
• Correcting your child in class sometimes requires physical touch to ensure that the student feels the correct placement. Please understand this is a normal part of good dance instruction and teaching.
STUDIO ETTIQUETTE
• Children or siblings not participating in class must be under the supervision of a parent or guardian at all times. Please respect the learning environment by removing excessively loud children from the area.
• Please do not allow your child to run around the studio or in the store area.
• Disrespecting any instructor, student or parent will not be tolerated. Proper respect of all instructors, students and parents is expected at all times.
• Attitudes that are disrespectful, uncooperative, or aggressive do not have a place in our studio and will be dealt with appropriately.
• Any parent/guardian or student who disrupts class or approaches an instructor, student, or other parent with intent to cause dissent or contravene these policies and procedures will be asked to leave the studio.
• Any inappropriate or slanderous remarks about Northern Dance Academy, its instructors or students on any social media site will be cause for immediate dismissal from the studio.
• Students may be dismissed from the studio at the sole discretion of Northern Dance Academy, LLC at any time when such dismissal is determined to be in the best interests of the studio and/or its students. We will make every effort to resolve issues in order to avoid dismissing a student but reserve the right to do so should we deem it to be the best course of action.
• If dismissed from the studio, any or all siblings may also be dismissed, again at the discretion of the studio.
• If a parent or student has been given the private cell phone number of a teacher, it is for their use only. Please do not share private cell phone numbers of teachers with other parents or students without the express permission from the teacher.
• All studio-related inquiries or concerns must be directed to the studio email address or phone number, please do not text or call the teachers individually.
• If your child is sick, for example, has vomited, had a fever or diarrhea within the last 24 hours, please do not bring them to the studio. We make every effort to prevent the spread of illnesses. Please do contact us to let us know.
PARENT ETTIQUETTE
• It is our philosophy that the purpose of dance class is to teach the students and give them the best instruction in dance possible. Please keep in mind that even the quietest observers can distract students and make them self-conscious or apprehensive.
• Although the physical design of our studio allows parents to watch at any time, please DO NOT enter the classroom for any reason, unless invited by an instructor.
• Please be mindful of your conversations when in the waiting or viewing area. We have a lot of young ears at the studio who may be listening to your conversation.
• We ask that you please do not approach an instructor with questions or concerns between classes. Most classes run back to back and valuable class time will be lost. If your questions or concerns cannot be answered at the front desk, then an appropriate time will be arranged for you to speak to the instructor or owners.
• It is the responsibility of the parent or adult student to be aware of events or activities, such as rehearsal dates, recital dates, holiday closing dates etc… Emails will be sent out and/or notices posted in the studio. In addition, there is a calendar of events containing this information on our website. Please check your email, our website, and the notice board regularly to ensure you are fully informed.
• We do have a calendar of events listing events/closures, etc. on our website at https://northerndance.com.
• If your home address, email address or telephone number changes, please update your information in your portal.
• Please be sure to have your current cell number on file in your parent portal; important information is often sent via text message.
• If you have any concerns or grievances, please speak to the front desk. They will do their best to assist you or to connect you with the studio director for assistance. We will do our best to resolve any issues promptly.
PLACEMENT POLICY
Our staff are experienced, and careful consideration is taken when choosing the correct level of class for each student. It is important to remember that all students are individuals with very different talents, skills and ability levels; they will not all progress at the same rate. In order to maintain a high-quality dance education, while at the same time ensuring the safety of each student, it is often impossible to keep the same students together in the same class year after year. The most important thing is that the student is comfortable in their learning environment, not inhibited. Northern Dance Academy prides itself on having a friendly, family-like atmosphere with strong instructors, able to help each student develop into the best dancer he or she can and WANTS to be. To this end, we strive to ensure that all our students are challenged in whichever class they are placed. Below are a few things to keep in mind.
• Our teachers continually assess the students’ progress to ensure that each child is placed in the most suitable class for their development and current skill level. If students apply themselves and take correction, they will progress. Please remember this when suggesting that your child change to a different class. Class placement is at the discretion of the instructors and is assessed on an individual basis. We cannot stress enough that since every child has a different ability and learning style in dance, they may not all progress at the same rate.
• If your child’s class name does not change that does not mean they will not learn anything new. The class names are simply a way of identifying the classes for business and scheduling purposes. We have limited classroom space at the studio, so it is impossible to have a different class name every year.
• Keep in mind that pushing a child beyond their capability or interest may cause frustration with their dancing, could lead to injury, or even make them want to quit, not realizing that dance is supposed to be fun!
• The instructor’s judgment must be respected first and foremost. It is normal for parents to view their child as exceptional, but remember the teacher is looking at your child through trained, expert eyes. If your teacher’s judgment is not respected in all areas of your child’s training, their dance education will be compromised.
• From time to time, our teachers must make decisions whereby certain students are chosen for special parts in performances. These choices are very carefully considered. Parents and teachers must work together to help students understand that not all students can be chosen. We want our students to be happy and supportive of each other. We encourage students to learn from each other and to be motivated by one another.
• We urge all students to work hard to become the best dancers they can be, but they must work at the level most suitable for them. Many students are easily discouraged when they are placed in too difficult a class.
• Correct class placement is extremely important for the welfare of your child to minimize the risk of suffering an injury in class.
ABSENCES & TARDINESS
• When you enroll your child in a class, you are paying us to hold a place in class for your child, therefore regular attendance of each student is expected.
• In the case of continued absences from class your child may not be allowed to participate in our end of year performance.
• Regular attendance is critical to be prepared for our June performance. Please make every effort to avoid missing classes. Teachers will not slow the pace of their classes to accommodate a student who does not attend class regularly.
• Invariably, the dancer who attends class regularly performs the best and makes the most steady and rapid improvement. Absences not only hurt the progress of the individual but inhibit the progress of the entire class.
• Students should arrive at least 10 minutes before class so they will be ready to begin on time. Entering class after it has begun is disruptive to the teacher and other students.
• Students who arrive to class more than 15 minutes late may be asked to observe class; this will be at the discretion of the instructor.
• If a student is late for class they must wait until an appropriate time to enter the classroom, i.e., at the end of an exercise.
• If your child will be missing class, please report it along with the reason for the absence in your parent portal. Multiple days/classes can be reported at once. You may also call or e-mail the studio prior to the class to let us know.
• No make-up classes will be scheduled for missed lessons unless absence is due to a serious illness. In this situation, a doctor’s note will be required to attend a make-up class.
• We are unable to refund or prorate classes missed due to school activities, band trips, sports/family events, family vacations etc…
• Whenever possible, we will allow students to make up a class by taking an additional class the following week (as available and appropriate).
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
The studio will provide a substitute teacher if a regular teacher is ill or otherwise unable to teach classes. In the unlikely event that the class is cancelled a make-up class will be arranged or account credited accordingly.
ENROLLMENT
If class enrollment is too small, Northern Dance Academy may cancel a class or combine it with another appropriate class. Any unused tuition fees in the event of class cancellation will be fully refunded.
EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS
If the studio must cancel classes due to extreme weather conditions or events beyond our control, no make-up classes will be scheduled, and no refunds or credits will be given. Northern Dance Academy follows the CDA school district weather closure decision at these times.
PERSONAL ITEMS
• Please bring all personal items in a bag that closes securely. Loose items are liable to get lost or picked up accidentally by another child.
• Please label all personal items with your child’s name in permanent ink to cut down on lost items. If your child misplaces a belonging, please check the lost & found.
• Northern Dance Academy will not be held responsible for any lost or stolen items.
• DO NOT BRING VALUABLE ITEMS TO THE STUDIO.
END OF YEAR RECITAL
• Our recital is held at either the Schuler Performing Arts Center, North Idaho College or The Salvation Army Kroc Center. It is typically held on Friday & Saturday toward the end of June.
• There are TWO or THREE performances. ALL students perform in ALL shows except the young students in the combination ballet/tap classes, who will be assigned to perform in only one of the shows.
• Rehearsals for the recital are MANDATORY. Please ensure your child is available on all rehearsal dates; there will be no exceptions to this rule. This is for the safety of your child and all other students performing in the recital.
• If you cannot commit your child to these rehearsal dates and recital date, please do not register your child for the recital.
• Two mandatory rehearsals are held. The first is at the studio on Friday one week prior to the recital. Photo day, also at the studio, is held the following day, Saturday, one week prior to the recital. Photos are optional but encouraged. Final dress rehearsal is held at the Performance Venue the day before the recital. This rehearsal is also mandatory for participation in recital.
• There is a non-refundable recital fee of $45 (2024 rate) per student.
• Costume Fee deadline dates will be posted in the studio and an email sent out. This cost is in addition to the recital fee. Once costumes are ordered, this charge is non-refundable.
• Costume fees not paid in full by the deadline date will not be ordered and your child will not be allowed to participate in the recital.
• Tickets for the recital are sold separately and are not included in the recital or costume fees.
• A complete breakdown of the recital schedule will be available at the studio. It will also be sent out via email. Please note we do not post the recital schedule on our website for the safety of our students (please ensure your email information is up to date at the front desk).
• Costumes ordered after our initial costume order has been placed will incur an added cost of $35 per costume. This is to compensate for the extra shipping costs and ordering process.
Northern Dance Academy reserves the right to make any changes or addendums to these policies and procedures at any time.
Thank you for dancing with us!
We are excited to have you as part of the Northern Dance Academy family!
We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.
Nicola Hanson, RTS-RAD
Owner/Director, Northern Dance Academy, LLC