Evonne’s Dance Studio (EDS) Policies
Updated August 3, 2022
REGISTRATION / PARENT PORTAL – All dance class registration is done online through the parent portal. This offers parents/guardians more convenience and access to accounts 24 hours a day. The parent portal allows you to register for classes, update account info, view/download important documents, studio policies, and access dance class music and videos; all the important information that you need. Check it out today! You can access the parent portal at www.dancestudio-pro.com/online/eds . Download my app for easy and quick access to all the websites and info you need at apps.evonnesstudio.net/eds and save to your home screen.
INSURANCE – Evonne’s Dance Studio (EDS) does not carry medical insurance for students. It is required that all dance students be covered by their own family insurance policies and if injury occurs it is understood that the student’s own policy is your only source of reimbursement.
CLASS CANCELATIONS – The studio will USUALLY follow the local schools decision on class cancellation for bad weather. An email and/or text message will be sent by 3:00pm if class is canceled.
HOLIDAYS – There will not be classes for the following Holidays: Halloween (October 31 when applicable), Christmas Break (December 23 – January 4), and Easter Monday will be picture day.
CLASS OBSERVATION – Observation of dance classes at any time is a privilege that is rarely extended by other dance studios. I will be allowing class observation during two practices throughout the year for all classes. (1) Last class before Christmas break and (2) last class before Easter Monday. Observation of classes is from the lobby area only. EDS reserves the right to remove the class observation privilege if any EDS policies are ignored. Students are encouraged to engage with their instructor and classmates in order to become confident and independent with as few distractions as possible.
BEHAVIOR / PROPER ETIQUETTE – Parents, guardians, and students can expect that all staff will respect the well being of each student, treat her/him fairly, and encourage their growth and self-esteem as unique individuals. Should any concern or issue arise, please do not hesitate to speak to me directly. I ask that older students (and parents) be aware that they are setting the example for younger students, and reflect wise choices in both their language and behavior. As dancers, certain behaviors are requested of us in the studio and as we prepare to dance. Complete RESPECT for staff, building and studio, and total politeness to other students is expected from EVERYONE.
EVERYONE ENTERING EDS
Once a class is in session the studio door must remain shut. Please DO NOT DISTURB a class in session. Please do not walk through a class in session or yell into the studio to get a student’s attention for any reason. This is very disruptive to the class and disrespectful to the instructor.
Restroom breaks are allowed ONLY when student’s are switching classes and should be kept quick and to a minimum. Please allow this short time for dancer’s coming or going from class.
As a courtesy to others, classes, and instructor, please keep the noise level to a minimum. Children in the lobby should be under their parents’ control at all times. DO NOT leave your children unsupervised.
Help keep the building clean by remembering to pick up after yourself and use waste containers.
Please walk. No running and please no tapping or tap shoes in the lobby.
Please hang jackets on the provided hooks as you enter the building. Wet/dirty shoes should be left by the door. LABEL belongings, such as shoes, bags, etc.
Video taping of classes is allowed when approval has been obtained by the instructor. Please ask first!
DANCERS
HAVE FUN ☺
Come to class with a POSITIVE ATTITUDE and ready to learn! No Excuses.
Arrive to class early. Older dancers are encouraged to begin stretching and warming up while waiting for class to start.
Stay positive and cheerful and you will succeed! Negative attitudes will not be tolerated.
I’m committed to educating my students, model behaviors, and help dancers grow with love and respect in this program. If for any reason a student does not meet the expectations outlined in our policy, EDS enforces a 3-strike policy with regard to students misbehaving at the studio – in or outside of class.
3-STRIKE POLICY. (1) warning, (2) time-out – length to be determined per incident, and (3) student will be asked to leave the studio. In the case of strike (3) the parent will be contacted (by phone, email, text, or parent portal) about behavior issues.
NEW! 3-CLAP RULE. The instructor may choose to initiate this rule at any time, particularly useful for re-gathering attention. The instructor will clap three times in a rhythm and students are to repeat the claps back – signaling quiet voices and attention to the instructor.
RESPECT for your teacher and fellow students is one of the most important lessons in dance class. Thank your teacher and compliment your fellow dancers for giving their best effort in class. Dancers are encouraged to establish new friendships with students in their class. Learning to work as a team is essential for success. Fail as a team – Succeed as a team. Please practice respect for teachers and other students by giving your full attention to the class and showing full cooperation. Please do not interrupt the instructor during class or have conversations with others. Students are to keep talking to a minimum during class and participate fully in the lesson. 3-strike policy will be enforced when talking without permission.
Dancers must ask permission from the teacher to leave the classroom.
Cell phones are not allowed in the studio during class.
Gum and food is prohibited during class or in the studio. Water bottles are fine to bring.
COMMUNICATION – Evonne’s Dance Studio strives to provide exceptional organization and COMMUNICATION. EDS sends out periodic emails with information that could include upcoming events, new developments, and any pertinent information about the studio. We ask that Parents/Guardians check their email and account bulletin board on a regular basis for important information throughout the season. Please read these emails or notes as they contain helpful calendar reminders, new opportunities for our students, and other important information. EDS sends primary communications via EMAIL. This can include important billing information as well as studio updates. Please make sure your account information is kept current at all times. If classes are canceled due to weather or other foreseen circumstances an email will be sent out, as well as a text or automated call. Important notifications may be posted on our FACEBOOK page as well. You are encouraged to follow us. It is your responsibility to keep up to date by reading e-mails, checking parent portal and websites.
SAFETY - Please make sure your child makes it into the building before leaving. Parents should arrive to pick up their child before the class ends and not left in the studio. Make sure your child knows not to leave the studio without you and not to wait outside. EDS assumes no responsibility for children on the premises before, after, or between their specified class times. Parents/Guardians are responsible for arranging proper supervision of their children if it is necessary for them to stay in the building for periods of time before, after, or in between classes. Parents may want to consider making arrangements with older students or babysitters to ensure supervision of younger students. Assumptions of supervision should NOT be made.
DRESS CODE – Dancers’ should wear dance shoes and appropriate dance attire in class. It is imperative that dancers be able to move freely without inhibition, athletic wear works great. Hair should be securely fastened back out of your face. Students may not wear jeans or jewelry to class. If a student consistently arrives without appropriate attire, they may be asked to observe class instead of participate.
ATTENDANCE – Regular ATTENDANCE in dance class is essential for the development of each student and becoming properly prepared for performances. Frequent absence of a student is unfair to the other students in the class, to the instructor and to the progress of the class. If a student has several non-emergency absences from class, he/she may be removed from our Spring Recitals or their on-stage participation reduced, at the choreographer/director’s discretion. Please speak with me if your student has any non-adjustable conflicts with classes, rehearsals, or recitals at the beginning of the season, as this will affect our choreography. Consistency IS important! Plan your time wisely (homework, extracurricular activities, etc.) so that you can attend all dance classes. Please inform the studio if a child will be absent before 3:00pm the day of class. If a student is injured they MUST have a note from a parent or doctor to not participate in class.
TUITION – $50 (deposit/registration fee) tuition fee is due immediately upon registration. Tuition may be paid in full at the time of registration or by the deadline. When making payments the (remaining) tuition is due August 15th. Payments made on time will receive a discount when the early registration promo code (one use per dancer) is applied. Late fees apply to all past due accounts every 14 days until paid in full. Payments may be made by exact cash, check ($40 charge on all returned checks), or credit card. When making credit card payments a convenience fee will be charged. Automatic tuition discounts are applied for all returning dancers from the previous year. Please note: Tuition, dancewear, shoes, costumes, and apparel items are non-refundable. Please notify me immediately in writing (email is sufficient) if you are withdrawing your student from classes. Thank you for your cooperation. I make my best effort to accommodate your needs and understand that financial difficulties arise. Please speak with me if you have any questions or concerns regarding your bills and payment options. As a small studio, I rely on regular tuition to keep our studio running. In cases with unpaid accounts, students will not be permitted to register for the next season until account balances have been settled. Additionally, students may not be permitted to pick up costumes or perform in recitals or other performances until balances are paid in full. The quality of our facility and faculty depends upon a system of mutual respect and cooperation. I understand anyone may make a late payment from time to time, but please be respectful of my late fee policy and when applicable, graciously include your late fee in your next payment. Thank you.
PERFORMANCES / REHEARSALS / PHOTOS –
DRESS – All dancers should wear their costume including all accessories, which includes nylons and shoes. Wear makeup and hair out of their faces. No jewelry PLEASE. Teams are to look as uniform as possible during all performances. Glitter should ONLY be applied outside. PLEASE DO NOT wear glitter for pictures.
SPRING RECITALS – Our premiere fundraising performance is held the last Friday/Saturday of April. Held at South Central School Gymnasium in Bonesteel SD with shows beginning at 7:30pm each night. Dancers must be in assigned spots by 7:15pm. Actual dates can be found in the parent portal calendar. RESERVED SEATING is for dancers and senior families made by the studio only.
PARENT HELPERS – Parents are assigned to sit with each team, each night. If you are one of these parents you will receive notice in the parent portal and may also find the list in the calendar. Please remember you will be responsible for keeping the dancers sitting in their spots and quiet at all times. Our older dancers will be helping get groups where they need to be throughout the night but you should be aware of when your group needs to be backstage to help out as needed. When backstage, dancers are expected to sit and be quiet while waiting for their turn to perform. As parent helpers please be in the assigned spot for your group no later than 7:00pm on both nights.
HEAD TABLE – Our Senior Families will be our welcoming committee both nights. Be in place no later than 6:30pm both nights. Senior Families will have reserved seating in the front row of chairs reserved by the studio only.
DRESS REHEARSAL / STUDIO PHOTO – Dress Rehearsal for the Recital will be on Thursday the week of Recitals held at South Central School Gymnasium in Bonesteel SD. Times for classes will be posted on the parent portal calendar. Rehearsal usually begins at 5:00pm with younger classes, Studio photo taken with ALL DANCERS at 6:00pm, then remaining classes will rehearse immediately after the studio photo. Dress Rehearsal is MANDATORY for anyone wanting to perform in the recitals. (Dancers who do not attend the dress rehearsal WILL NOT be allowed to perform in the recital.) Account balances must be PAID IN FULL by the last week of classes in order to perform in the recital. This is not only a practice but a full dress rehearsal. Please be sure your child comes prepared in full costume.
RECITAL PHOTOS – Recital photos will be taken Easter Monday in the studio for ALL DANCERS (individual and team photos). Times will be posted on the parent portal calendar. No classes on this day.
OUTREACH PERFORMANCES – Please speak with me if you are interested in performance opportunities, or if you know of new performance opportunities. Use my online class registration to sign up for these events. (1) Bling Fling Competition – for all age groups and (2) ICE Follies Performance – for all age groups!
TIPS – During rehearsals or recitals, please have clean simple food or snacks for the kids. Anything that cleans up easily and won’t stain their costumes. Have them wear an EDS jacket over their costumes! I appreciate everyone’s help cleaning up any and all messes that are made. If your dancer takes their shoes off while in costume PLEASE roll their tights up off their feet to prevent snags, then remember to put them back on their feet when you put the shoes back on ;) For those with tap shoes please DO NOT wear them in the Studio Lobby or on the School floors, carry them and put them on/off in the Studio or backstage ONLY. Also make sure that you have taped your tap shoes before using them in the Studio & before your rehearsal time and keep all tape off the sides. I appreciate all help in keeping all children in their seats and quiet during all our scheduled events. NO ONE should be running around.
USED SHOES – Any used shoes you would like to sell in our shoe program must be brought to the studio or myself at any time. Only recommended brand/style of shoes will be accepted. All shoes must be labeled with the sellers name, asking price, and size. Unmarked items will be given away at no charge to buyers. Checks will need to be made out to the seller of the item. All shoes needed for classes are available for purchase through the studio at reasonable prices. Pointe shoes will need to be fitted and purchased at The Dance Line located in Sioux Falls.
CLASSES – Regular season classes will run on Monday’s beginning mid-late October thru April. Class times can be found on the parent portal. Times are subject to change until 1-2 weeks prior to our first class, after all class registrations are final.
COSTUMES – Costume decisions will be made during class times the 1st and/or 2nd Monday of November. No practice that day for all classes picking new costumes. Costumes at EDS are worn for 2 years. Please check the costume section on the portal to know if your students’ class already has costumes for the upcoming season. If no costume is listed new costumes will be chosen. If new to a class that already has a costume you will be fitted this day also so your costume can be ordered. Sizing is determined using sizing leotards. Dancers should wear fitted clothing if sizing overtop. All costumes must be paid for on that same night. PLAN AHEAD. Dancers and a parent/guardian MUST be present to make decisions for your student.
TRAVEL TEAM PERFORMANCES – Please see Evonne’s Dance Studio (EDS) Travel Team Policies.
NEW! COVID-19 STUDIO SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR IN-PERSON CLASSES – Please be patient with me as I navigate these guidelines and new ways of running our classes. Any new rules that are in effect are for your child’s safety. Please contact me with any questions or concerns. I am ready to welcome students back and greatly appreciate your support!
STAYING HOME WHEN APPROPRIATE – Stay home if you have tested positive for COVID-19 or are showing COVID-19 symptoms. Stay home and monitor your health if you have had close contact with a person who has symptoms of COVID-19 within the past 2 days. If your student is sick or has a 100.4 fever or higher please keep them home.
HAND HYGIENE AND RESPIRATORY ETIQUETTE
Hand washing and hand sanitizer are strongly encouraged.
Cover coughs and sneezes. Immediately wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
Keep your hands to yourself and remain in your space when possible.
Masks will not be required. This is your choice as a family whether or not to have your dancers wearing a mask. Keep in mind that respecting everyone’s choice is very important. Whether it be to wear a mask or not wear a mask. Be respectful.
Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
ENTERING EDS – Lobby will be OPEN! You may choose to wait outside or in your vehicles.
Every student may need checked in online prior to the beginning of class each week if we are seeing an increase of COVID-19 in our area. Dancers temperature may also be screened before entering class.
There will be a hand sanitizer available throughout the studio. Students are encouraged to sanitize on their way in and out.
Students should come to the studio dressed for class.
THANK YOU for your loyalty, support, and cooperation to our procedures at EDS!
