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  2007-2008 Studio Guidelines

 

 
Tuition:

Tuition is based on a season total, which are paid in monthly installments. The monthly payment is the same regardless of the number of weeks classes are held each month. All classes must be paid for in advance. All tuition will be due the first week of every month. If your tuition is paid after the first week, a $10.00 late fee will be added to your monthly payment. All late fees MUST be paid in full, before participation in the recital is allowed. Vacations do not change when payments are due. If your child can no longer continue classes, please notify Stacy or someone in the office. You will be responsible for payment of all classes until we have received notification.

Return Check Fee:

There will be a
$25.00 return check fee. If there is more than one  returned check from the same individual, you will be asked to pay with cash or money order for the remainder of the year.

Class Pricing - Monthly
  (Classes meet once weekly/4-5 weeks per month)

             
   1 hr - $50.00             2 hrs. - $75.00
   3 hrs. - $95.00           4 hrs. - $110.00
   5 hrs. - $125.00         6 hrs. - $140.00
   *7 hours - $155.00   


Each additional group/class/child after the third one will be
  $15.00 per hour
Solo - $60.00*         Duet/Trio - $40.00 ea. person

*These classes are based on
30 minute sessions.*

Registration Fee:
         
All registration fees are due according to the following  guidelines:
    
Open registration, August - June,  is $25.00 for the 1st child, $35.00 per family.   
Open registration, March - July  is $10.00 per child.

     
       
Attendance:

             
To ensure that your student receives the maximum benefit from each class, regular attendance is encouraged. If your student must miss class for any reason, please call 
292-1861 prior to their scheduled class time to notify our office. There are limited places reserved in each class to ensure a beneficial student/teacher ratio. Students who miss more than two (2) classes consecutively without notifying our office may be replaced in order  to maintain a proper class size. Should a student miss a jazz/ballet technique class, that class must be made up in order for that student to participate in competition and/or recital. Please see your respective instructor for all make-up dates and times. A missed class due to student illness can be made up but not credited to the individual account.
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Absenteeism:
             
When you schedule classes, either group or individual, and a particular time is reserved for you, tuition must be paid in full. We will provide make-up times when feasible. There are no make-ups for privates, unless a teacher  cancels the class.

            
Snow or Ice Days:

             
If in doubt as to whether or not classes will be held,
please listen to the radio, watch for closing information on WHAS 11 or call the office at
292-1861 and a message will be left on the answering machine about any cancellations. The days we are closed do not always coincide with the local schools,  as weather tends to worsen as evening
time approaches. We
do not deduct from tuition due to weather; however,  all students are welcome to make-up classes that are missed in another class. Please schedule these times accordingly.
             
Scheduled Vacations/Holidays:

             
Labor Day                 September 1, 2008
Halloween                October 31, 2008
Thanksgiving           November 27 - 28, 2008
Christmas Break      December 23 - Jan. 6, 2008
Spring Break             April 7 - 12, 2008
Derby Day                  May 3, 2008
Memorial Day           May 26, 2008

             

Conferences:
             
If you or your child has a problem or concern, we will be more than happy  to talk with you and work toward an amicable solution. Your instructor and I will schedule a conference time that is suitable to everyone's needs.We do ask that everyone be patient during the first month of classes. Some classes may be larger than anticipated or have a wide range of talent. It may become necessary during this first month to move some students to different classes. We will work to accommodate all students and their parents to eliminate all problems. Once again, thank you for your patience during this time.

             
Visitors:

             
Visitors are not allowed in the dance room during class. This must include all parents as well. We will have one night a month set aside for parents to observe their child's progress. This policy will be strictly enforced due to the fact that visitors are distracting to ALL students. Because each teacher is their own individual person, they may use  their discretion when allowing visitors into their classes.

             
Communication:

             
It is necessary for all parents, students, and teachers to communicate weekly in order to stay up-to-date on current events, payments new issues, etc. It is the customer's responsibility to stay informed because of limited time between classes.
           
The following are some of the many ways you and your child can stay informed:
* There are information boards in the lobby
* Monthly newsletters are available in the studio a
* Parents are invited to observe class the first of each month  and meet with other group parents to discuss group issues, questions, and concerns. This is an excellent time to ask questions, pick up a newsletter and view your student's progress.
* You may e-mail any of the staff/faculty members via our
website at www.dancedesignslou.com
* Check out the rest of our website to view class schedules,
teacher bios, upcoming events Dance Designs apparel,
competition info, the guestbook and much more!
* You can call our voicemail at 292-1961 outside of normal
business hours and someone will gladly return your call
Any updates which are not posted in the newsletter will be given in class or over the phone.

Lobby/Waiting Area:

             
Cleanliness is a must! Please be responsible for your mess and the mess of your students and their siblings. If any area of the studio needs our attention, please let the office know immediately.  We ask that you not rearrange the lobby furniture. It has been placed in an orderly fashion to keep pathways clear in case of an emergency and to comply with all federal fire regulations.
*Please note: Smoking is prohibited in the dance studio.

             
Dance Rooms:

             
All students, parents, and staff members are asked to be respectful of all dance areas. We ask that there be no food, soda, or gum permitted in the dance rooms. We encourage the use of water,  Gatorade, or any sports drinks that will be beneficial in the hydration of all dancers. Parents and siblings are not allowed in the dance rooms while class is in session.
             
Due to the fact that we can't be responsible for watching students and siblings while not in class, we ask that all children remain in the waiting area with their parent(s). We ask that there be no horse play in the studio as this causes a distraction to those in class and can result in injury. Respect for all instructors and their students is of the utmost importance in and out of class, therefore,
if an instructor notices that their students are becoming distracted, for any reason, the observation windows will be shut. Very young dancers must be focused in order to obtain the  greatest benefit. Again, we thank you for your cooperation in these endeavors.

Dress Code:
              
All Dance Designs students must follow the dress code (including shoes) assigned for each class.

Ballet/Jazz Technique:
Leotard/Sports bra/Fitted tank top (any color) and black tights with tight black shorts over.  NO BAGGY SHORTS!
Split sole ballet shoes and black slip-on jazz shoes required Hair pulled back and secured in a ponytail for all classes.
Recreational Tap/Jazz:   
Black slip on jazz shoes/black lace up tap shoes.
Leotard/Sports bra/Fitted tank top (any color) and black tights with tight black shorts over. Any suitable dance attire.
Kinder Dance:
Ballet/tap shoes (black patented leather) or teacher specified. Leotard and tights (color optional)
Boys will need fitted t-shirt and shorts with appropriate shoes
 

Class Placement:

Dance is a learned discipline and takes many years to master. Upon registration and/or audition, your child will be placed in a class most suitable for their skill level and maturity. A trial period is given at the beginning of the season, which will determine whether  that class is the best choice for your child. After the trial period,  a place will be reserved for your child for the rest of the
dance season.
         
Recital:
              
Each year, sometime during the month of June, a dance recital is held in order for the students to showcase the progress they have made over the course of the year. Participation in the recital is strictly optional for all recreational and kinder dance students. It will be necessary, however, for your child's teacher to be notified of your intent by the first week  of October. This is very important, as we must order all costumes by the end of the month. The recital fee is $60.00 for your   first child and $15.00 for each additional child. This fee includes a program book, a trophy, and
unlimited number of guests you wish to invite.

Recital Photos:
            
There will be a designated week within the month of March for studio pictures. This is designed to enable us  to have a picture for the recital program  book and for your own personal benefit of having pictures of your children in their respective costumes. There will be a minimum order requirement put into effect by Elita Photography. This requirement will be posted at a later date, but well  in advance of picture week.
         
Recital Program Book:
               
Each year in February we start compiling, with the help of  each class mom,  a lay-out of all groups, duets/trios, and soloists within the studio. This lay-out is our guide for putting together a recital program book that is like no other.
             
As in years past, the cost of the pages is as follows:
              
Full page ad: $80.00      Half page ad: $45.00
                    
This may be paid for out of pocket, divided among group members, or  through a business or individual sponsor.   If your page is sponsored by a business they will have advertisement via their business card on your respective page(s). You will be able to look at previous years books to see the finished product and to help you design your individual page(s).
         
Recital Video:
            
Due to the fact that we have in place a professional videographer that does all of our recital work, we ask that you refrain from making your own videos during recital. You will, however, be allowed to video at dress rehearsal. The cost of the recital video will be based on each individuals desire to pick which type of video you purchase. All options will be posted months in advance so that you can make your choice. More information will be made available as recital time approaches.

Costumes:
              
All costume fees vary depending on the discretion of  each individual teacher and their desires for each class. We do, try to keep these costs minimal. Costumes will     be ordered when all music and routines are established for each class. The costumes will be used in competitions and recital. Whenever feasible, we try to use a two-in-one costume for combination classes. Costume prices      do not include tights, shoes, or accessories. Shoes can be modified to achieve the desired color and texture based on the discretion of the individual teacher.  Again, tuition must be current before costumes will be ordered for your child. All costume fees are due at the tune the order is placed, sometime during the month of November.

Dance Curriculum:
        
Ballet
-
Dance Designs offers ballet classes to students ages 6  and up. These one hour classes are given in levels according to age and experience. Our ballet classes are disciplined and structured. The focus of ballet is to ensure proper  arm placement, bodylines, spinal alignment, turnout, and vocabulary. Beginners and the most advanced dancers will benefit greatly from ballet.


Tiny Tot Ballet
-
This class is structured around a 45 minute program   that offer an introductory insight into ballet and its disciplined training. This class focuses on the young dancer's ages 4-5 years of age and will give them a wonderful head start toward their dancing aspirations.


Technique
-
These classes are offered to students ages 6 and up and
are a requirement for all Dance Designs competitive teams. Floor exercises, turns, leaps, stamina, strength, and flexibility are the primary focus of these one hour classes. Dancers who are serious about advancing their skills participate in ballet as well as jazz technique.

Kinder dance -
Preschoolers love our kinder dance classes, which are a combined one hour tap, ballet, and creative movement class. Monthly and seasonal themes are implemented to encourage beginners to explore the world around them. Classes are offered to student's ages 2 1/2 to 5 years old.

        
Hip Hop
  -
These classes are the most popular this year! Incorporating funky moves and urban style, these one hour classes are offered to any level student age 6 and up.

Lyrical - This is a combination of slow jazz  and ballet dance and stresses technique and expression through music. These classes are offered to ages 6 and up. These classes make and excellent addition to any recreational or competitive team class.
        
Recreational Tap/Jazz
-
These classes are ideal for beginners ages 6 and up wanting a general introduction to tap, jazz, basic ballet, and strengthening exercises. All recreational classes are one hour long, during which time students learn one to two routines to be performed at the year end recital. The instructor, upon registration, determines proper placement.

         
National Competition Teams (Dream Team)
-
These classes are specifically designed for the advanced dancer  and offers 2-3 regional competitions, one dance convention,  and one national competition each year. All pricing and dates will be posted when made available to the studio. This program consists of tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, and lyrical, depending on the student demand for classes.  Competitive team members are required by the studio to purchase a  Spirit Pack which includes:

         
Dance Designs wind suit, t-shirt, dance pants, and dance bag
.
                
The price of the spirit pack will be approximately
$180.00.         
This price includes the studio name, student's name, and logo. This will be due during the month of October. Competitive students are required to take two hours of technique per week in addition to their choreography classes. Members of Dance Designs competitive teams commit a full year, including all classes and performances, to enhancing their dance training and experience in the field. Placement of students ages 6 and up are made by the instructor.

              
*Age levels are as follows

Kinder-dance Ages 2 '/z - 3 Years Old   
*
Please note:
Depending on the attention span of this age group,
it is the instructor's decision to make this a 45 minute class with one routine to perform at the recital.*
             
Kinder-dance - Ages 2 1/2 -5
Tiny Tots Hip Hop - Ages 5 & Up
Minis- Ages 6-8
Junior - Ages 9-12
Teens - Ages 13--15
Seniors - Ages 16-18
College Level - Adult - Ages 19 and over
              
*
Please note:
These age requirements are strictly for guideline purposes only.  The decision for placement, irregardless of age, lies solely with the instructor and the studio director. Placement is not confined to age but rather in their individual dancer's ability. **

** New classes and dance styles are constantly being added to our program. We have added pilates and ballroom to our program and will be pursuing a yoga class as well.

Thank you for being a part of the Nationally Awarded Dance Designs Studio!