LEAP OF FAITH PERFORMING ARTS, LLC
Leap of Faith Performing Arts is an independently owned and operated Christian-based dance and cheer facility. You may know us by our previous name “Pirouettes Dance and Cheer Academy”. We are located in Bryson City, NC. We take pride in providing dance and cheer instruction to children/adolescents, while incorporating Christian values into their experiences with us.
We offer a wide variety of recreational dance classes that focus on ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, tap, musical theater, and tumbling. Our studio is also home to the Smoky Mountain Fencing Academy, and Training the Older Adult (TOA). In addition to recreational dance, fencing, and TOA, we also offer competitive team dance and cheer opportunities. We have competitive dance teams and competitive cheer teams who travel to numerous competitions during their respective seasons. Competitions are very exciting and a great learning experience, but are expensive as well.
Leap of Faith Performing Arts does NOT tolerate negative behavior, jealousy, bullying, drama, name calling, being disrespectful towards one another, and lying! This will result in immediate removal from the studio. When we are attending anything associated with Leap of Faith Performing Arts we are representing the studio, therefore we ask that you conduct yourself in a respectable manner. Please refrain from drinking alcohol and using inappropriate language.
FOR ALL STUDENTS
Our student's success and progress depends on the student, teacher and parents dedication. Working together, practicing at home and attending class will determine what kind of dancer you will be. All of the elements needed to become a successful dancer will be available at Leap of Faith Performing Arts. A successful recital is simply determined by the attendance, application and diligence to your team throughout the season. Sickness and injuries are expected to arise occasionally but making the extra effort to attend if you are hurt to just watch will keep you up to date with the choreography. As a student you are expected to be fully dressed, on time and stretched for every class. Come to each class without personal distractions (absolutely no cell phones in any classrooms). If your parents have an emergency they can call the main phone number (828-788-6058). Class time is your time to focus on yourself, leave your concerns and worries at the door. Be ready to learn and love what you do! Be able to take constructive criticism from your instructors. Remain quiet and keep our dance floors a positive environment. We are a team in the spotlight together. You have a responsibility to your team to practice timing, choreography, pushups, sit-ups and stretching at home. Solos are given as an opportunity to shine as an individual AND SHOULD BE VIEWED AS A PRIVILEGE THAT CAN BE TAKEN AWAY AT ANY MOMENT! Staff members, instructors and owners will not be disrespected by students or parents. Listen to each correction given, whether it is directed at you or another dancer. A correction is an honor, it shows how much a teacher cares about your progress as a dancer. Nothing can stop you if you apply yourself and appreciate your teacher’s knowledge and experience. In the case a parent or student disrespects a teacher you will receive a verbal warning the first time. The second time this is done there will be consequences following your actions. The third time this happens you may be asked to leave and you could be banned from the property. This is something we do not take lightly. If you have a problem with a staff member or other student you may schedule a meeting with Mrs. Brittany for discussion. You are not to confront another parent or student any other way.
FOR COMPETITIVE DANCE AND CHEER TEAM MEMBERS
These teams are selected by the staff of Leap of Faith Performing Arts and it is a privilege to be part of these teams. Competitive teams will travel to events and compete in competitions. In our routines we will be performing and wearing costumes that are respectable, but keep in mind that we cannot be responsible for what other dance academies are wearing or performing. We ask that you be aware of this and if this is something that you may not agree with, please do not try out for these teams as your full cooperation and attendance is expected at all fundraisers, events and competitions. If a team member does not fulfill their current year in all competitions they may be placed on a 1 year probation period from being on a competing team. The competitive team relies on all members to attend each competition. Attendance is crucial, therefore the only absences that are excused will be planned vacations, family death, or sickness with a doctor’s excuse. Three unexcused absences will result in removal from the team.
FOR THE PARENTS
We believe your support and positive reflection on the entire class and teachers will reflect on your child’s success. Your commitment will make a great difference in your child’s dance and cheer education. Here at Leap of Faith Performing Arts we appreciate everyone and respect everyone. While you are on this property your participation in keeping this studio a positive, professional and supportive atmosphere is expected. As a parent or guardian you will be an example in how one should act in a professional setting. It is your responsibility to make sure you and your child have all equipment ordered and tuition paid on time. Costumes need to be paid for on time and if costumes and uniforms are delayed due to back order, we cannot help this problem. You will be informed through email when your items have arrived. All receipts should be kept in case of any kind of miscommunication. However, if you do not have your receipt and our system shows a past due balance it is not our responsibility to fix your problem. In this kind of occurrence a disrespectful confrontation to our staff will not be tolerated. The office manager has the authority to have you removed from the property if you disrespect or cause a scene. Oftentimes, other staff cannot take time away from the class to tend to individual needs. If you have questions or concerns, contact Mrs. Brittany directly to schedule a meeting. You are expected to drop off and pick up your child within the appropriate time frame. Parents and teachers may look at a child’s progress from different perspectives. However we should share the common goal of positive training both physically and mentally. Respect among teachers and a student’s parent provides the children with the ultimate care and education. Not all students will progress at the same rate, even if they experience the exact same training. It is important to encourage children to focus on themselves, give their all and be satisfied with their own accomplishments. Making negative comparisons distracts children from focusing on their own dancing experience. In addition, speaking negatively about your child’s teacher/fellow students can result in children imitating this behavior with others.
Unfortunately, due to distractions and limited space, parents will NOT be allowed to observe classes. You will be expected to drop your child off with the Leap of Faith Performing Arts staff and exit the building until your child’s class time is finished.
REMINDERS FOR PARENTS
-Tuition is due on the 1st day of every month and will be collected via auto-pay that you will set up during the registration process. The auto-pay system will automatically be charged on the 1st of every month, and if for some reason the payment is rejected, you will be notified via email. The system will try the charge again on the 5th of the month, and again if the payment is rejected you will be notified via email. The system will try the charge again on the 10th of the month, but if it is rejected again your child will be removed from all classes.
-It is your responsibility to keep all receipts for tuition or attire and be able to provide them for any kind of editing on a past due balance.
-If you choose to pay your tuition for the full year a 10% discount is given. This is nonrefundable.
-NO REFUNDS are given for costumes, dance attire, shoes or tuition for classes missed.
-Make up days are only given if WE have to cancel a class.
-Encourage practice at home.
-Students should do push ups and sit-ups at home daily especially competition students
-Email will be the PRIMARY method of communication so make sure these stay up-to-date in your dancestudiopro account.
-Please go over the policy with your children and promote the importance of following all rules within.
CLASS PLACEMENT
We take a lot of time to observe skill, maturity, technique and strength and their understanding of class curriculum. A general rule of thumb for advancement in a class is 3-4 years. Keep in mind that each student progresses at a different rate based on their dance experience, CLASS ATTENDANCE and whether or not they PRACTICE at home. Technique can be taught but strength is extremely crucial in dance and requires you to maintain a daily routine of pushups and sit-ups at home. It is not fair for current students to slow down class pace for a new student that is not prepared. We are concerned about every child’s care, confidence and education. We want every student to come through the studio doors ready to be challenged and eager to learn. When parents and dancers understand that advancing too early will result in struggle and the importance of being in the appropriate class will result in a more focused, stronger dancer. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being placed in the same level from season to season and will only ensure that they are fully prepared for the next level. A graduation to a new level is a time to be proud of because it will be an earned accomplishment for everyone.
CLASS ETIQUETTE
Be respectful and bring a good attitude to every class. We expect all students to be observant and respectful to teachers, staff and fellow class members. We expect all students to work together efficiently as a group. Remain quiet throughout class and DON’T ASSUME AUTHORITY OVER FELLOW CLASSMATES. Leave corrections to authorized instructors and please abide by the following rules.
-No food or drinks in class (only water);
-Eat in the locker room only and clean up your mess;
-No cell phones;
-No profanity;
-Be motivating and encouraging to other students;
-No talking loudly;
-Hair is to be up during class;
-Do not touch mirrors or windows;
-No gum in class;
In the case that a teacher has to step out you are to remain quiet, do not talk or disrespect one another;
Do not talk about one another or start drama (THIS IS NOT DANCE MOMS!)
BE NICE TO ONE ANOTHER!!
LOST AND FOUND
We recommend labeling all dancewear, shoes and personal items with your name. We will have a lost and found box in the locker room, however we will not be responsible for any items you bring to class.
STUDENT AND PARENT USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
-Use of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media outlets is commonplace. This policy is intended to provide parents and students guidelines for the use of social media that may/could reflect on Leap of Faith Performing Arts. Please use discretion when posting comments, pictures or anything else on these sites.
-All students at Leap of Faith Performing Arts that have any social media accounts should be cautious of the content that they display on their account. Each student represents our team and you may be dropped if you have any inappropriate content on your accounts.
-Never post any negative comments about Leap of Faith Performing Arts, students, teachers, our performances or any events attended.
-Never post anything that could compromise the self-esteem of students who attend Leap of Faith Performing Arts.
-COMPETITION TEAMS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO POST VIDEOS OF THE ROUTINES UNTIL THE LAST COMPETITION OF THE SEASON!!!
The improper use of social media according to this policy will result in a request to remove the content and if not done within a timely manner or if this continues to be a problem, it may result in dismissal of the student.
END OF YEAR SHOW
There will be a recital at the end of the year. The date, location and time for both of these will be determined at a later date after which parents will be notified. This is a very important time for our students who are eager to share what they have learned with family and friends. Once you are given arrival times you are expected to be on time, dressed and ready to go. You will get further instructions closer to the show date.
PICTURE DAY
This date is to be determined. Parents will receive an email stating the time they are to arrive on picture day. It has worked out best to have pictures on the student’s class day. You will get instruction on how the teacher wants hair and makeup.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Students and parents will act in an appropriate manner while at any performance affiliated with Leap of Faith Performing Arts (competitive teams: while at competitions you will treat your competitor how you wish to be treated and will not laugh at, make fun of, or start trouble with any other competitor). If students/parents come into a classroom during class or outside of the classroom to approach a teacher or student with intent to start a fight you will be asked to leave immediately. Any negative, inappropriate or slanderous remarks used on social media regarding Leap of Faith Performing Arts by students, parents or teachers will result in permanent dismissal.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
In consideration to Leap of Faith Performing Arts registering me for this and subsequent years, the undersigned acknowledges and agrees that:
-The risk of injury from this activity, although nominal, is present and while training and instruction may reduce this risk, the risk to injury does exist: and
-I knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown and assume full responsibility for my participation and/or my child(ren): and
-I, for myself and/or my child(ren) and behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, hereby release and hold harmless Leap of Faith Performing Arts, its agents or employees, and if applicable, owners, lessors of the premises used to conduct the dance activities (lessees) with respect to any and all injury, disability, death, or loss to person or property.
