Art of Dance Policies and Procedures
At Art of Dance, each and every dancer is an important member of the studio. We believe that dancers should be taught in a safe, nurturing, and positive environment. Below, you will find important information regarding our studio, policies, and procedures. Please take your time to carefully review all information with your artist.
Behaviors and Class Etiquette
• Dancers with attitudes of effort, respect, cooperation, and positivity are held in the highest esteem.
• Be prepared for each class. Follow the outlined dress code with specific attention to appropriate footwear. Dance shoes are worn to keep dancers safe.
• Profanity, unsportsmanlike conduct, and or gossip will not be tolerated.
• Students and parents will conduct themselves in an appropriate manner while at Art of Dance and at all performances and events in which Art of Dance is being represented. Proper respect for instructors is expected of all students, parents/guardians, and siblings.
• Bring a good attitude to every class. Attitudes that are disrespectful, uncooperative, or aggressive do not have a place at Art of Dance.
• Parents/Guardians and students will not speak negatively about one another or the teachers.
• Any parent/guardian or student who disrupts class or approaches a teacher, another student, or parent with the intent to cause dissent or fail to comply with the policies and procedures of Art of Dance will be grounds for dismissal.
• Any inappropriate or slanderous remarks about Art of Dance on any social media site will be cause for immediate dismissal from the studio without a refund.
• Student behavior that is disruptive, improper, and/or jeopardizes the safety of the dancer(s) will not be tolerated.
• Promptness is very important! Dancers need adequate time in order to be physically and mentally prepared for the demands of the dance class.
• Dancers and siblings must be under parental supervision when not in class.
Health and Safety
• No food or drink in the dance rooms.
• No snacking during dance time.
• Dancers are responsible for bringing water bottles to class.
• Cell phones are not to be used during class and should be turned off or silenced.
• Handprints on mirrors distract dancers. Please keep hands off mirrors.
• Please do not hang on ballet barres.
• Please use hand sanitizer before and after each class.
Attendance/Absences
• Students are expected to be in class each and every week. Absences or tardiness can have a negative effect on the entire class.
• Make sure you notify the teacher or front desk in case of an absence.
• If attendance becomes a problem, the student’s participation in the recital will be discussed with the possibility of not being able to perform.
• Students may make up classes with the director’s descension. Please have a conversation with the director about attending a make up class prior to showing up at the studio.
• Dress rehearsals are mandatory for recital participation.
• There are no refunds/reimbursements for missed classes.
Class Observation
• We appreciate our dance families and their support but, we ask parents to view their student’s progress from the lobby.
• Sometimes students feel additional pressure and stress when trying to please a parent. It is important for all students to remain focused while in class.
• No visitors are permitted in the dance rooms during dance time.
• If your child needs to be pulled out of class for any reason, ask a staff member for assistance.
Lost and Found
• Please mark all dancewear, shoes, and personal items with your child’s name. We will make every effort to locate and return lost items; however, we cannot be held responsible for any items that your child brings to class.
• Art of Dance is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged property.
Student and Parent Use of Social Media
The use of Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, and other social media outlets is commonplace. This policy is intended to provide parents and students with guidelines for the use of social media regarding Art of Dance.
• Please use common sense and discretion when posting on any social media site.
• Never post anything that could compromise the self-esteem of students who attend Art of Dance.
• Never post negative comments about Art of Dance, our teachers, our staff, our performances, or any related events attended.
• If you post videos of class or rehearsals, do not post any choreography in its entirety. If your dancer is attending any competition, dances should never be posted on social media until after the final competition or recital.
• If it is brought to our attention that there has been improper use of social media, you will be asked to remove the content and if not done so or if this continues to be an issue, it may result in dismissal of the student.
• Please be respectful of other people’s children when posting on social media. We have parents who do not give consent for their child’s photo or name to be published. When in doubt, don’t post or check with the front desk!
Photos
Every now and then we like to post some photos of our classes, performances, and general “studio life.†These photos are used for advertising, social media, and our website. Please notify the front desk if you do not wish for your student to be photographed.
Inclement Weather/Class Cancellation Notification and Procedures
When deciding to stay open or closed during inclement weather or any other unforeseen circumstance, Art of Dance takes many factors into consideration including current conditions, weather forecasts, road conditions, area school and government closings, and the health and safety of dancers and teachers. As soon as a decision is made to close or cancel classes, an announcement will be made via email and social media outlets. To ease the volume of calls during times of inclement weather, please check email, Facebook, and Instagram before calling the studio.
The safety of our teachers, staff, and dancers is always our number one priority. If at any time, you feel you are unable to make it to Art of Dance for class due to illness or inclement weather, we ask that you stay home.
Every effort will be made by Art of Dance to provide make up classes in the case of inclement weather or any other unforeseen circumstance but are not guaranteed.
Enrollment
Class size at Art of Dance is limited and enrollment is on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is an open enrollment period before the beginning of each new session. If your dancer is currently enrolled in a class, there is no need to enroll prior to the start of the new session. Your child will automatically be re-enrolled in the same classes as the prior session. If you are interested in changing or dropping classes, please let the front desk know prior to the beginning of each session. Enrollment in the final session, Session 5, is committing to your dancer being in the recital. This includes all extra recital rehearsals and fees.
Tuition
Tuition for each session will be billed in 8-week cycles at the start of each new enrollment period. All accounts must be paid in full by May 1st for your dancer to participate in the annual recital. Tuition may be paid by cash, with a card, or from a bank account through Dance Studio Pro. Dance Studio Pro parent portal allows you to review statements, review payment history and make payments. Tuition for Session 5 includes all recital rehearsals, the remainder of costume fees, and a recital t-shirt.
Class Description and Attire
Class Descriptions
Advanced-level placement by teacher recommendation only.
Creative Movement
In this class, we work on basic dance steps for ballet and jazz. We explore fun ways to move our bodies and we also get to do a little bit of tumbling. This class is 45 minutes and is designed for students ages 2-3.5.
Dance with Me
This class is an interactive class for 18-month – 2-year-old students. Each dancer is required to be accompanied by a responsible adult figure. In this class, students work on gross motor skills and basic dance steps. Tumbling is also an aspect of this class. Students will learn to roll, jump, balance, and hop.
Lil Picasso Acro
Acrobatics dancers will learn the basics of tumbling, gymnastics elements, and dance. Acro dance is a style of dance that combines classical dance techniques with precision acrobatic elements. It is defined by its athletic character, its unique choreography, which seamlessly blends dance and acrobatics, and its use of acrobatics in a dance context. This class is based on ability and is up to the discretion of the director.
Lil Picasso Ballet/Tap
This class focuses on the basics of ballet and learning the five positions, gaining strength, muscle control, and coordination. For the tap portion of the class, students learn how tap shoes are instruments. Students will explore different steps to make different sounds with their shoes.
Lil Picasso Hip Hop
This class will introduce new and basic hip-hop movements. It is a fun way to learn a new style of dance. Each class will include learning different combinations along with cool, fun moves! (Ages 4 and up.)
Ballet/Tap 1
This class will give your dancer an introduction to basic ballet and tap steps and positions. It will enhance motor skills and coordination with fun exercises. Students will learn rhythms, story-telling with movement, and free dance with various props. Introduce your little dancer to the beautiful art of ballet!
Ballet 2
This class does not require any previous ballet experience. Students will learn the basics of ballet at the barre and on the floor. Dancers will focus on ballet technique and detailed combinations. We prefer for level 2 dancers to take both ballet and tap.
Ballet 3/Teen
This class is at a more advanced level and requires prior ballet experience. Ballet 3 focuses on classical ballet technique through a professional class progression. Barre work, center, and across-floor exercises are designed to build and enhance technique, performance, and confidence. Experienced instructors provide an encouraging environment for dancers who aspire to improve their dancing and artistry.
Ballet 4
This class is for advanced ballet students. Prior ballet experience and teacher evaluation is required. This class will focus on classical ballet technique through a professional class progression. Barre work, center, and across-the-floor exercises are designed to enhance technique as well as performance quality and confidence. This class is for students who aspire to improve their artistry and technique with quality and knowledgeable teaching and encouragement.
Tap 2
This class does not require previous experience. Tap 2 is a continuation of the skills learned in Tap 1. This class is organized to challenge students with more complex rhythms and movements. Dancers will learn intermediate-level combinations and progress with their overall ability and tapping quality. We prefer that our level students enroll in both Tap and Ballet.
Tap 3/Teen
This class is designed to challenge students with more complex tapping rhythms and movements. Dancers will progress from intermediate-level combinations to more challenging movements. They will improve their overall ability and tapping quality. At least one year of Tap 1 or Tap 2 or another previous tap experience is required.
Tap 4
This class is for advanced-level dancers and requires previous experience and teacher recommendation. Tap 4 takes the background knowledge gained in Tap 1, Tap 2, and Tap 3 and combines skills to create new rhythms, beats, and combinations. In this class, students begin to work on improvisation. Tap 4 combines a classic tapping style with the current “street†tap style.
Adult Tap
Tap dance uses the sound of tap shoes hitting the floor as a percussive instrument. Tap dance sharpens reflexes and improves memory skills and coordination. Beginner class works toward establishing fundamental tap movements and vocabulary. Dancers will work on basic rhythms and steps that progress into fun and lively dance combinations. More advanced dancers will learn intricate rhythms and combinations. Tap dancing is a great way to develop musicality, timing, and balance.
Jazz 1/2
This class introduces dancers to the jazz genre and basic technical skills such as jumps, kicks, turns, and leaps. Students will build confidence while working on style, musicality, and the ability to learn choreography. Jazz 1/2 will teach dancers to connect steps and skills together all while having fun!
Jazz 3/Teen
Jazz 3/Teen uses ballet technique as its basis. Because of this, we strongly recommend students be enrolled in ballet and jazz simultaneously. This class combines stylistic movement with intricate rhythms and body isolations. It also includes leaps and turns as well as upbeat combinations of movement. The jazz technique is designed to increase body control and coordination.
Jazz 4
Jazz 4 requires students to have a dance background. This class is an advanced-level class. Jazz will focus on learning proper dance techniques such as body isolations, performance quality, and developing complex rhythms and patterns. Students will be exposed to various styles of jazz such as Broadway, street, and contemporary to help develop a well-rounded dancer.
Hip Hop 1
This class will introduce new and basic hip-hop movements. It is a fun way to learn a new style of dance. Each class will include learning different combinations along with cool, fun moves!
Hip Hop 2
Hip-hop is a street dance style that has evolved as a part of the Hip Hop culture and is primarily danced to Hip Hop music. Hip Hop can include a wide array of styles such as breaking, popping, locking, krumping, and house dance. It includes fresh, innovative choreography influenced by the latest street dance trends.
Hip Hop 3/Teen
In Hip Hop 3/Teen, students will learn the basic principles of Hip-Hop dance along with age-appropriate choreography steps. Each class will focus on combining street dance with funk and jazz, similar to what you would see in TikTok dances and Music videos.
All Acro Levels
Acrobatics dancers will learn the basics of tumbling, gymnastics elements, and dance. Acro dance is a style of dance that combines classical dance techniques with precision acrobatic elements. It is defined by its athletic character, its unique choreography, which seamlessly blends dance and acrobatics, and its use of acrobatics in a dance context. This class is based on ability and is up to the discretion of the director.
Class Attire
Ballet Classes
• Girls
o Ballet pink tights
o Ballet pink shoes
o Leotard over tights
o Dance skirts are permitted over leotards
• Boys
o Black compression pants or tights
o White shirt
o Black ballet shoes
o Shorts are permitted over tights
Jazz / Musical Theater/ Poms
• Leotards and tights are recommended
• Black jazz shoes
• Form-fitting clothing required
Tap
• Black tap shoes for all levels
• Form-fitting clothing required
Hip Hop
• Athletic wear
• Athletic shoes (please wear only on the dance surface, not outside of the studio)
Lyrical
• Leotard
• Shorts, leggings, or tights are permitted over leotards
• Skin tone ballet shoes or lyrical shoes
Acro
• Girls
o Leotard or tight-fitting top and bottom combo. (ie. Sports bra and biker shorts)
o No shoes or socks!
• Boys
o Form fitting top and bottom
o No shoes or socks!
Absolutely no Jeans for any classes!
