What Class Should My Child Take? :
True Talent Dance Studio encourages dancers to try several different classes the first week of dance to allow students to gain a better understanding of the different styles available. Teachers will assist the dancer and the parent in correct class placement at that time. However, after the first week an official placement must be made and tuition must be paid on fee collection night. We strongly recommend ballet for everyone as ballet builds strong technique, body lines, posture and control. Students who are taking two or more styles should have ballet in their class schedule if possible.
Placement/ Class Sizes:
Students are placed carefully by age and ability. Instructors may recommend that a student move to a different level after an assessment. This is a reflection of caring teachers who want to find a class that best suits each child’s physical, mental and social needs. All bodies (muscles, tendons and bones) develop at different rates as well as every student has their own level of commitment and dedication. These factors are taken into consideration when placing students in the correct class. There will be times when specific levels are not available and if this occurs, the teacher will do their best to keep the student challenged at their level within the class that is available. Students who are joining a class that has had more training may require private classes to help their progress and may not be ready to attend all of the events in which the class participates, however the student will participate in the year end show. Correct class placement is vital to ensure safety in growing bodies and to prevent injuries.
Classes must have a minimum of 5 students to operate and will not exceed 20 students (unless special circumstances are warranted). Large classes do have student teachers to assist so that each student gets the attention they need. We do prefer our groups to be larger as they are very dynamic for the students and are very entertaining on stage.
Late Enrollment :
Tuition will be prorated for the month. But remember students who start later require more attention in class to catch them up for missed classes and may be asked to attend a few extra private enrichment classes to help them feel secure with missed material.
Withdrawal from Enrollment:
As classes are planned for certain numbers of participants, space in class is created and reserved especially for you at registration. The syllabus of instruction is designed for 43 weeks of attendance and stable class dynamic. It is, therefore, understood at registration that you intend to complete the full 43 weeks of instruction. True Talent Dance Studio offers a trial period of 10 days post registration. If a student withdraws from the program before the trial period, the person responsible for the student must: inform the Studio Director in writing and complete a withdrawal notice which will be provided by the studio via email TrueTalentMiami@gmail.com. There will be no refund for the registration fee, however season tuition will be waived if withdrawal occurs during the trial period.
Questions about your Account :
Accounting questions are welcome! Please allow 3 business days for us to check for account balances or research account history. Account adjustments can take up to 30 days to process.
We do our best to make one deposit of all checks on or close to the 5th of each month. If you have closed an account or made changes, please notify us as soon as possible to avoid NSF charges. Please note we are human and mistakes do happen on the odd occasion. Please be patient as we do our best to correct the situation.
Class Attendance and Absences :
Progress is built upon regular weekly attendance to class. In addition to this, the class as a whole is working on the performance skill of group unity. It is MANDATORY that the student attends their classes consistently to maintain a high level of progress and group commitment. If the dancer is unable to attend class due to illness or extenuating circumstances, please call to inform the studio prior to class. Please do not send word with friends. There are no tuition adjustments for absences and monthly installments will be charged for the full amount.
Class Cancellations :
On occasion a teacher may need to cancel a class due to illness or other circumstances. Teachers will do their best to make up for missed classes, however this may not be possible all the time. The studio will notify you through email or phone call regarding the make-up date for the missed class. Classes will be cancelled on legal holidays. If school is cancelled or busses are not running due to bad weather, dance classes will be cancelled as well. We follow the Miami Dade School Schedule if there's no school, there's No DANCE.
Reports of Progress:
Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s progress with the teacher. We ask that you make an appointment with the teacher after classes are done in the evening or throughout the day before classes begin. We also encourage students to take Inter-School Exams. These exams take place at the beginning of November in which a guest examiner is invited to view a student’s progress alongside their classmates. This progress is reported and the student receives the written progress sheet, a certificate and medal of completion for the level entered. These achievements are wonderful additions for resumes and build confidence, performance skills, strength and character. Entry fees are required and exams are scheduled outside of class time on Friday evenings & Saturday. Entry forms are handed out at the end of September. Inter School Exams are done every year.
Some ballet students, if ready, can also participate in True Talent Dance Exams, which are world recognized. These exams are more difficult to prepare for and students must attend ballet twice a week. The teacher will notify you if your child is ready for this experience. Additional fees are required for these exams as well.
Parents can also view their child’s progress through our viewing windows the 1st week of each month except for January and April. Windows will be closed the duration of the month in order to minimize disturbances and maximize students’ confidence to perform certain dance movements.
Competition Costume/Costume Down Payments :
True Talent Dance Studio orders costumes for each dancer for Competitions & Year End performances. We have found this to be the best and easiest method. Each dancer is measured, the costumes are then selected and ordered. When costumes arrive, each dancer is fitted to see if any alterations are required, if needed alterations are made. These costumes are not made for street wear – they are simple costumes meant for stage. Please note that teachers put in many hours to carefully pick costumes best suited for the choreography, the age and size of the dancers. Our costumes always look very professional on stage and enhance our dances and dancers. No costume refunds.
Competitions/ Performances:
Students have the opportunity to participate in 1 to 3 competitions. These competitions will allow students to practice and enhance their performance skills. Dancers will be selected by the True Talent Dance Studio staff to perform in competition, and at True Talent Dance Studio show(s), i.e. Studio Showcase. Teachers determine the competition for which the class is ready. Students begin attending one competition at the age of 6, and may be asked to attend more competitions once they reach the age of 8. Competition participation is not mandatory. We do, however, ask that all dancers participate in the year-end show as this is a part of the educational component of the curriculum. Competition entry fees must be paid by November 17th, this is required for participation in competitions. Any cash award that is given at competition will go toward the growth of True Talent Dance Studio. Additional information regarding competition is distributed in October. “Showcase” – our end of year celebration takes place early May and requires a dress rehearsal and 1 or 2 shows. Dancers must attend all rehearsals and shows. This performance takes place in a theater equipped with technicians, sound / lighting systems and janitorial staff. Teachers are busy working to run the theater performance smoothly from backstage. We will ask parents to sign up to supervise dancers in designated areas. Tickets are sold in April and the cost will range from $20 to $50. Each dancer has to purchase and/or sell up to 10 tickets/seats In addition, each dancer must pay a recital fee of $200 which covers theater rental, technician fees, janitorial fees, program / ticket production cost and administration fees. Remember you are watching an entire professional performance, not just your child. Each year our shows receive rave reviews - it is a show worth watching!!
Studio Pictures :
Pictures, both individual and class, are taken in the month of February by a professional company. Parents can order pictures at the same time for a very reasonable price.
Communication :
Please read our bulletin boards as you enter our studio. These boards will have information about upcoming events and class announcements. We also distribute a monthly newsletter at the beginning of each month. “The Flyer” has a calendar of all important dates, deadlines and studio happenings. Please ask your child for the newsletter. Newsletters will be posted on the bulletin boards and will be e-mailed to those providing an email address.
Please like us on FACEBOOK!! We will post information regarding events, dance cancellations, registrations, workshops etc.
All Newsletters and announcements will also be posted on our website www.truedancetalentdance.com. Please check the website for recent information frequently.
We welcome your comments, suggestions and questions. Our office staff is available during office hours (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 4-7 at TTDS) to meet your needs or you may call us at 305.814.2567 and leave a message. You can also email us at truetalentmiami@gmail.com Your message will be returned within 2 business days. Please Download the Band APP to see our weekly rehearsals and class schedule.
S.T.E.P (Student Teacher Education Program):
This program is for students interested in assisting classes and for those considering a future career in teaching dance. Junior members must be 12 years of age to begin and will assist the teacher as well as demonstrate various dance techniques to the students as they are learning. Students who stay in the program through high school can attain high school credits as they progress into learning more about teaching skills. The program is taught by Mr. Geo and students develop an understanding in different learning styles, warm-up and stretching techniques, muscle anatomy, dance history, teaching correct dance technique, choreography skills and classroom management skills. Those interested should inquire with Mr. Geo.
Studio Guidelines:
1. Students must come to class appropriately dressed, wearing the studio leotard with hair in a bun for ballet classes or in a secure and neat ponytail for other classes. No dance pants allowed. Please wear a bodysuit (no tank tops) and tights. Older students may wear dance shorts to class. No T-shirts or baggy clothing (excluding Hip Hop). No jewelry. Younger students should not wear costume tutus to class. A chiffon dance skirt is acceptable. It is very important that teachers can see the dancer's body to ensure that steps are being correctly executed.
2. Please arrive 10 – 15 minutes prior to class to allow your child to warm up and get organized. Being rushed is no fun for anyone.
3. No food or gum in class. Water bottles are encouraged to be brought to class but please take your bottle home with you after class. The studio is not responsible or liable for items left in the studio.
4. Upon entering the studio, a positive and professional attitude is expected by all students and their parents.
5. We ask that you please label all dance shoes with the student’s name.
6. Students and parents will be respectful to each other and the Faculty.
7. No profanity, unsportsmanlike conduct, bullying or gossip will not be tolerated by students or parents. The Director reserves the right to ask you to leave the building and possibly be removed from the program permanently.
8. Cell phones are not permitted in class and should be turned off when in the building and left in a safe location.
9. Boyfriends and girlfriends may come to watch during viewing weeks only, otherwise we ask that you stay in the waiting area.
10. TTDS is not liable for lost or stolen items. You are leaving your items in the cubbies at your own risk. If you choose to bring electronic devices, you may set them on Mr. Geo's desk while attending class.
11. Parents and students should be respectful of the waiting area and the building. No screaming or yelling in the facility. Parents are responsible to supervise siblings and keep them controlled and safe.
12. Students are not allowed to post videos or pictures of the studio or waiting area, of the dancers or routines on social media (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, SnapChat, etc) without Mr. Geo’s permission! Inappropriate material that is posted will be asked to be removed. Students who do not follow this rule could be asked to leave the studio.
13.Students must clean up after themselves and respect studio property. Parents please remind your children of this.
14. Please pick up students on time. For younger students please arrive early as it helps to alleviate separation anxiety. Students should be properly covered up when leaving the studio.
15. I Understand Tuition Is Due On THE FIRST OF (1ST) DAY Of Each Month. To Avoid Any LATE FEES, Please Pay By THE FIFTH (5TH) DAY Of Each Month. Once Registered For Classes. I Am expected To Pay Monthly For The Year Entirely. And Agree to all terms to this Parent/Dancer Handbook.
Dress Code:
BALLET AND POINTE: Studio leotard, pink tights, pink ballet / pointe shoes.
JAZZ AND CONTEMPORARY: Studio leotard, studio sport bra & shorts / leggings, black jazz shoes or black socks.
BALLROOM: Studio leotard with ballroom skirt and tan ballroom shoes.
ACRO, TAP AND SILKS: Studio leotard, studio sport bra & shorts, black tap shoes.
HIP-HOP: Any comfortable street clothing, sneakers or boots.
COMPANY REHEARSAL: Studio leotard, studio sport bra & shorts / leggings, black jazz shoes or black socks foot paws.
Materials Needed:
Yoga Mat
Stretch Bands
Yoga Fitness Blocks
Ankle Weights