2024-2025 Student Handbook
Studio Philosophy
At Peacock’s Performing Arts Center we offer dance, music, and art instruction in a wide variety of styles. Our goal is to provide quality instruction in a positive and encouraging environment. Students will follow a structured sequence of classes intended to increase a student’s technical skills, stamina, and discipline in accordance with their age and physical development. Our focus is to prepare our students for their future in the arts and in life.
STUDIO ENVIRONMENT
Peacock’s Performing Arts Center is committed to providing a safe environment. PPAC is a drug free zone. The discussion, use, or possession of drugs, tobacco, or alcohol is strictly prohibited. Any person who does not adhere to this policy will be banned from Peacock’s Performing Arts Center and all connected events and subject to legal action. Our studios are designed with the dancer, musician, and artist in mind. Our facility has 3 dance studios, each with suspended floors to help prevent injury. We also offer 3 private music rooms, a dressing room, 2 bathrooms, 2 waiting areas and a lost and found bin. We convert one of our spacious dance studios into our art room for art class. To keep up to date on studio announcements please look for our monthly email newsletter, information on our bulletin board, scrolling tv announcements, and social media posts. We also offer a closed-circuit observation television.
TEACHING STAFF & PARENTALINVOLVMENT
The teaching staff at Peacock’s Performing Arts Center is chosen with great care. All of our instructors have experience and education in their field. All Teachers have completed a background check and Georgia Mandated Reporter Training. We believe that teaching is an art and we encourage and support our teachers in the classroom. Our teachers strive to give each student the individual attention and instruction he or she needs to reach their potential. Each of our teachers brings a unique perspective, personality and skill set to the classroom environment. At Peacock’s we have a mentoring program for students who are interested in pursuing a future in teaching dance. These students work one on one with a qualified teacher to learn skills such as developing lesson plans, classroom management and implementing correct terminology in a fun and positive environment. Our teachers make Peacock’s Performing Arts a great place to learn! We encourage parents/guardians to stay up to date with all studio news and events. Please be sure to read our monthly newsletter that covers all pertinent information about the studio. You may also receive text messages periodically. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to be notified of studio news. Parents are required to pick up your student if they have a break longer than 30 minutes.
REGISTRATION & CLASS PLACEMENT
Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Returning students are given priority. All registrations are processed in the order received. Class size limitations will be strictly observed, and we do not hold spots for returning students, so please register as soon as possible. After the priority registration, all registrations (for new and returning students) are processed in the order received. We require a minimum number of students to run a class. Classes are divided into levels based on a student’s ability and age. Unlike grade levels in school, students do not necessarily move to the next level each year. We have a great deal of curriculum to cover in each level and we want to make sure that the student is comfortable, strong, confident, and technically proficient before moving up. Some students may train in a level for a greater length of time, while others may move through a level more quickly. The determination of advancement is made on an individual basis by the instructor. Each student progresses at his or her own pace. Students advance to more challenging levels as they safely master the skills and techniques, not specific combinations. Please be patient and encouraging with your child. Dance is an art form and cannot be rushed. We believe that it is important for a student to be placed appropriately so that he/she can get the most out of the class. Our instructors take a personal interest in each student. Initial student evaluation involves determining a student’s present ability considering previous dance experience, individual skill, and muscle development. New students age 8 and younger should register for a class according to our age guidelines. All placement decisions are made final by the Artistic Director.
CLASS STRUCTURE
All of our classes have a consistent structure, whether it is ballet, tap, jazz, modern or other styles. The instructor begins with barre work or center warmups. Each step incorporated in the warmup is used later in the class as part of the center work or part of the work across the floor. For example, plies are done at the beginning of each ballet class. Plies are then used each time the dancer jumps and as preparation for many types of turns. If plies are done incorrectly, the dancer risks injury. We use the beginning of each class to establish correct placement and execution of plies. From barre work or center warmups, the class will then begin work across the floor. This portion of the class allows students to take the information they were given at the beginning of class and put it into action in space. Finally, the class will end with center floor choreography. Here dancers are challenged to take the skills they have learned and perform them through choreography. Musical Theatre classes will have a more varied class structure as they will work on dance, vocal and acting skills. We give our teachers the autonomy to vary from this class structure as needed. It may be that dancers need additional time for stretching or recovery. Our teachers are aware of the needs of our students and make the necessary adjustments.
STUDIO POLICIES
Inclement Weather
The safety of our students, teachers and parents is our primary concern. We typically follow the recommendation of the National Weather Service; however, the weather and roads may clear in time for our afternoon classes. We will do our best to schedule a make-up class on a Friday, Saturday, or Virtually for classes missed due to weather closures. Refunds will not be offered for classes canceled due to weather. Please check social media sites or call the front desk for inclement weather updates.
Waiting Area & Parking Etiquette
We ask that parents and siblings who are waiting in the lobby area do not run, yell, or chase. Please be courteous with personal cell phone calls and tablet use. No parking is allowed at the front door as it disrupts traffic and affects the safety of others.
Lost Items
Please label all belongings. The studio will not be responsible for lost items. If an item was left, please check the lost and found. All valuables should be taken into the classroom with you. All items in the lost and found will be donated to Goodwill at the end of each month.
CLASSROOM POLICIES
Class Discipline
Teachers are responsible for handling disciplinary issues with students in class. First, our teachers will give students a warning to correct behavior. Second, students will be asked to sit and take a break. Lastly, students will be excused from class. Students who are asked to leave will not be offered a refund or make-up class.
Tardy Policy
All students are expected to arrive on time and in the appropriate attire. Classes are designed to warm up muscles slowly and properly. Jumping into a class that has already started may cause injury. If you are tardy, please see the instructor, ask him/her whether you can join the class or need to warm up independently. Please respect your instructor’s decision in this matter.
SICKNESS POLICY & ABSENCES/MAKEUP CLASSES
Sickness Policy
For the protection of all students, staff, parents and siblings of students, please adhere to this policy. If a student becomes sick during class, your student will be isolated and the family will be promptly notified. Sick parents/guardians or siblings are not permitted in the studio. Please keep your student home for any of the following reasons: covid-19 symptoms, fever 99.9 degrees or higher, cold with green/yellow discharge, constant runny nose, phlegmy or persistent cough, persistent sneezing, stomachache, stomach flu, diarrhea, pink eye, head lice, or other contagious illnesses. Students must be free of fever and contagious symptoms at least 24 hours before returning to class. Peacock’s Performing Arts reserves the right to ask students, parents, or siblings to leave the facility for the health of others.
Absence/Make-up Classes
We encourage consistent attendance. The curriculum is ongoing and cumulative. If a student misses too many classes, he/she will fall behind. We understand that conflicts or illness may cause students to miss a class and we have established a make-up policy to address this situation.
Make-up class for dancers:
Students can attend the same or lower level on a different day if space permits. Please check with the office before attending a makeup class.
Make-up class for musicians:
Parents of music students would need to discuss a make-up class directly with the student’s instructor. If your dance or music student has excessive absences (Feb - May) they may need private lessons in preparation for recital. Parents will be notified, and an additional fee will be paid to the instructor.
TUITION & UNENROLLMENT
Tuition and Payment
Tuition payments are due the first week of the month or on the 15th if enrolled in auto draft. Should you fall behind on payments, parents are required to schedule a meeting with Owners to discuss the payments missed. If families are 2 payments behind your student will not be able to attend class until the account is up to date. Should continuous late payments occur, students may be removed from participation. Parents will still be required to pay the balance in full for the items and classes taken prior to the date of dismissal. All fees must be paid prior to the dress rehearsal in May in order for students to perform in the recital.
Unenrollment
Should you decide to unenroll from classes at Peacock’s Performing Arts Center you will need to notify studio owners in writing. Once we have received notice of your student(s) unenrollment, the student account will be noted. A tuition payment will be required for the following 30 days after receiving notice. If a dancer decides to unenroll before November 15th, your costume and production fees will be refunded. Should you unenroll after November 15th, your production fees and costume fees are nonrefundable.
RECITAL COSTUMES
Costume and production fees are due by November 15th. Your costume fees will be non-refundable after the costume is ordered. Students will be measured in November to ensure the correct size is ordered. When costumes arrive, students will be asked to try on their costume(s) in class. Once all costumes have been tried on and approved by the Artistic Director, they will be sent home. The Artistic Director needs to be notified of any issue with costume(s) within one week of the costume being sent home. Every effort will be made to exchange costumes, however, we can only exchange costumes based on the availability of the costume company. Any and all alterations that need to be made are the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
DRESS REHEARSAL & RECITAL
Dress Rehearsal is scheduled the Saturday prior to the recital (pending facility availability) and is designed to help the dancer/musician understand the expectations for the performance. This helps the student get his/her bearings on stage, develop a level of comfort in front of an audience and allows teachers to set and finalize blocking. Dress rehearsal is mandatory for every performer. You will have a scheduled arrival and performance time. Parents are allowed to watch during the rehearsal. After your student has performed, they will need to be signed out by the parent or guardian who brought the student. Parents/guardians will not be allowed backstage. Performance for the end of the year showcase will be the Saturday before Houston County School System graduation. Students will be asked to arrive one hour before the performance in costume. A parent or guardian will need to sign in student(s) at drop off. Students will stay backstage during the entire performance. Once the performance has been completed, parents/guardians will need to sign their student(s) out for dismissal. Parents/guardians will not be allowed backstage. Tuition must be paid in full in order for students to participate in the recital.
RECITAL PARTICIPATION
We conclude each year with a performance showcase. The performance consists of short dances choreographed from steps that the students have been working on throughout the year. We will also have musical performances from our music students that choose to participate in the showcase. Students begin learning the dances and music in January. Once your child has committed to the recital, we expect the student to attend class on a regular basis. Good dance classroom attendance is vital to the choreography of the piece and to developing a strong working relationship with the other dancers in the class. This relationship helps the student feel comfortable, confident, and relaxed on stage. Only a portion of class time is dedicated to learning the recital dance. If you choose not to participate in the recital, please continue to attend class as we will continue to introduce new material from the curriculum. Additionally, those students who choose not to participate in the recital will still learn the dance with the entire class. Learning choreography helps the dancer understand sequencing and timing. While participation in our showcase is not mandatory, we find that the chance to perform is a rewarding and confidence building experience. Please notify the instructor and the office in writing by November 15th if your dancer will not be participating in the showcase. Music students use the class time to prepare and polish their performance pieces to ensure confidence when on stage.
PRIVATE MUSIC INSTRUCTION POLICIES
Private lessons are an important way to grow as a musician! At Peacock’s Performing Arts Center we offer music lessons for students age 6 and up. We encourage our students to explore the world of music and express themselves through music. Whether your goal is to go perform in front of a sell out crowd or just to sing for the joy of singing, Peacock’s has a place for you.
Students are matched with one of our trianed instructor for one on one sessions. Instructors will schedule students in agreed upon time slot based for a particular day and time. Music students have two performance opportunities one in December and one in May.
Each student is expected to arrive promptly to each lesson with all necessary materials in hand (music, lesson books, assignment notebook, etc). If students are late to their lesson, the instructor cannot run into another student’s lesson time. Students are expected to devote regular practice time between lessons. Students must silence all cell phones off while a lesson is in progress.
Missed Lessons:
Students are required to notify their instructor at least 24 hours prior to the lesson to be guaranteed a makeup lesson. Lessons missed due to instructor cancellation will be made up by the teacher.
Tuition will be charged based on studio calendar of instructions. Any adjustments need to be handled at the studio office.
DRESS CODE
Mini Movers
Hair: must be properly secured in a bun
Attire: White Leotard Skirt must be attached (skirt is not required) Pink footed tights
Shoes: Pink, leather full sole or split sole Ballet Shoes with NO drawstrings Parents need to wear workout clothing so they can move easily.
Twinkle Tots
Hair: must be properly secured in a bun
Attire: Pink Leotard Skirt must be attached (skirt is not required) Pink footed tights
Shoes: Pink, leather full sole or split sole Ballet Shoes with NO drawstrings
Broadway Babies
Hair: must be properly secured in a bun
Attire: Purple Leotard Skirt must be attached (skirt is not required) Pink footed tights
Shoes: Pink, leather full sole or split sole Ballet Shoes with NO drawstrings
KinderCombo
Hair: must be properly secured in a bun
Attire: Blue Leotard Skirt must be attached (skirt is not required) Pink footed tights
Shoes: Pink, leather full sole or split sole Ballet Shoes with NO drawstrings
Tan, slip on Jazz Shoes or Black, tap tyettes
Primary (Ballet, Tap, Jazz)
Hair: must be properly secured in a bun
Attire: Black Leotard Ballet Wrap Skirt or Fitted Biker Shorts (any color) Pink transition tights
Shoes: Pink, leather or canvas or split sole Ballet Shoes with NO drawstrings
Tan, slip on Jazz Shoes Black, oxford tap
Ballet (Level 1 - 4, Pre-Pointe and Pointe)
Hair: must be properly secured in a bun
Attire: Black Leotard (Level 4 may wear any color) Ballet Wrap Skirt or Fitted Biker Shorts (any color) Pink transition tights
Shoes: Pink, leather or canvas or split sole Ballet Shoes with NO drawstrings Pointe shoes, approved by instructor
Jazz (Level 1 - 4)
Hair: must be properly secured in a ponytail or braid.
Attire: Black Leotard Fitted Biker Shorts (any color) Tan transition tights Leggings Sports Bra
Shoes: Tan, slip on Jazz Shoes
Tap (Level 1 - 4)
Hair: must be properly secured in a ponytail or braid.
Attire: Black Leotard Fitted Biker Shorts (any color) Tan transition tights Leggings Sports Bra
Shoes: Black Oxford full sole tap shoes.
Shoes may be one of the following: o SoDance TA 47, Bloch Audeo Tap, Capezio Roxy, Bloch Jason Samuels
Contemporary, Lyrical or Modern
Hair: must be properly secured in a ponytail or braid.
Attire: Black Leotard Fitted Biker Shorts (any color) Tan transition tights Leggings Sports Bra
Shoes: Bare feet or Foot Undeez
Hip Hop (Level 1 - 4)
Hair: must be properly secured in a ponytail or braid.
Attire: Any color or style leotard Dance or Workout Top Athletic pants, hip hop pants, leggings or shorts Tan transition tights
Shoes: Black, Dance Hip Hop Sneakers. Brands may be (Capezio, Bloch, or SoDanca)
Musical Theatre
Hair: must be properly secured in a ponytail or braid.
Attire: Any color or style leotard Fitted Biker Shorts (any color) Fitted Capri or Leggings Dance or Workout Top Tan transition tights
Shoes: Tan, slip on Jazz Shoes
Boys
Hair: must be properly secured away from face.
Attire: Fitted White Shirt Black Shorts Black Dance Pants Dance belt as needed
Shoes: Ballet: Black, leather split sole flats with NO drawstrings
Jazz/Musical Theatre:
Black, Slip on Jazz Shoes
Tap: Black Oxford full sole tap shoes. Shoes may be one of the following: SoDance TA 47, Bloch Audeo Tap, Capezio Roxy, Bloch Jason Samuels
IMPORTANT DATES
The studio will be open, and classes will be in session unless stated below.
August 5: Classes Begin
September 9 - 13: Parent Orientation
October 7 - 11: Fall Break
October 28 - November 1: Costume Dress Up Week
October 31: Closed for Halloween
November 4 - 8: Costume Measurement Week
November 25 - 29: Closed for Thanksgiving
December 9 - 13: Holiday Dress Up Week
December 16 - January 3: Closed for Christmas Break
January 6: Classes Resume
January 27 - 31: Parent Watch Week
March 19: Summer Registration Opens
March 24 - 28: Bring a Friend Week
March 26: Picture Day Schedule Posted
March 31 - April 4: Closed for Spring Break
April 19: Picture Day
May 1: Recital Tickets on Sale
May 10: Dress Rehearsal
May 17 & 18: Recital
May 19 - 23: Try a Class
May 21 & 22: Competition Team Auditions
Tuition Payment Weeks
Aug. Tuition - at registration
Sept. Tuition - week of Sept. 2
Oct. Tuition - week of Sept. 30
Nov. Tuition - week of Nov. 4
Dec. Tuition - week of Dec. 2
Jan. Tuition - week of Jan. 9
Feb. Tuition - week of Feb 3
March Tuition - week of Mar 3
April Tuition - week of April 7
May Tuition - week of May 5
** All events are subject to change.