Welcome to Laura’s Studio of Performing Arts

Dance Company Rules

Competition is a great way for children to learn.  Children learn what competition truly means at Laura’s Studio.  We promote competition as a great learning experience based not solely on winning top awards but by promoting children to do the best they can and to use their talents to the best of their abilities and to support their teammates.

Our goal is to have the dancers be proud of who they are and of their talents.  We feel we have accomplished a great competition when children come off stage and feel they have done the best they can and are happy about their performance.  Children learn how to compete respectfully and to always encourage other dancers, not only on their teams but also to encourage their competitors.  Children learn the importance of practicing; ultimately working hard for what they desire in not only dance, but also everything they do in life.

Children learn constructive criticism in a positive environment; as well as develop courage and confidence just by getting up and competing in front of judges on stage where they may not develop this type of confidence anywhere else.

We look forward to a wonderful and successful competition year!

Mrs. Laura

COMMITMENT

Participation in Dance Company is a great deal of fun but it also requires a significant commitment to dance and a good deal of time and effort.  Both students and parents should decide if they have the time to commit to Dance Company before deciding to be on the team.  No matter how talented a student is, if they do not have time to put dance and the team first or they do not have enough parental support, they may be better off on the Recreational Team or non-company classes.

We are also offering a Recreational Team for 10-19 year olds.  This is a walk on team for any dancer who wants to compete for fun and recreation.  Recreational Team will not have as many classes required and will have less of a financial commitment.  There will be no audition required for this team; however you must let Mrs. Laura know by May 29 if you plan on dancing on this team.   

AUDITIONS

Dance Company auditions will take place on Sunday, June 5, 2011. 

Mini and Junior team auditions will be 2pm. 

Teen/Senior will be 2pm. 

Any returning member who has been on Dance Company (Mini, Junior or Teen/Senior) for one year does not have to audition.  However, they must let Mrs. Laura know by May 29 if they intend to stay on Dance Company for the 2011-2012 season.  All those wishing to return or audition MUST have a ZERO account balance at the time of auditions – NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

Dress for girls is black leotard, booty shorts, hair pulled back.  Have jazz shoes, tennis shoes and ballet shoes (if you have them). 

Dress for guys is tank top and shorts.  Have jazz shoes and tennis shoes.

A copy of the audition requirements is available on the website.

The team placement will be posted on www.laurasstudioofperformingarts.com on Sunday night.  Dance Company classes will start Monday, June 6, 2011.

SUMMER REQUIREMENTS

Summer session runs from June 6 – July 14, 2011. 

Dance Company is required to take Ballet (1 or 2 hours), class of your choice, and Dance Company (2 hours). Recreational Team is required to take Ballet (1 hour), Jazz (1 hour), and Rec. Team (1 hour).

TEAMS

Mini Team – 6 year olds – beginning 9 year olds or have competed 2 years on Petites

Junior Team – Advanced 9 year olds – beginning 12 year olds

Teen/Senior Team – Advanced 12 year olds – 19 year olds

An Advanced 9 or 12 year old is someone who has competed for at least 2 years.

Recreational Team – 10-19 year olds

These teams could possibly change if auditioning or returning members in one particular age group is small.

All ages are based on the child’s age on January 1, 2012.

REQUIRED CLASSES

Mini Team – 6 hours a week (7 hours if in Ballet II)

$130/month tuition

Ballet

Tap

Jazz

Acro

Dance Company (2 hours)

Junior Team – 8 hours a week

$150/month tuition

Ballet (2 hours)

Tap

Jazz

Lyrical

Acro

Dance Company (2 hours)

Teen/Senior Team – 8 hours a week

$150/month tuition

Ballet (2 hours)

Tap or Hip Hop

Jazz

Lyrical

Acro

Dance Company (2 hours)

DANCE COMPANY UNLIMITED:  There will be a flat tuition rate for each Dance Company Team.  You must register for your required classes, but then you can attend any other classes you want that are at or below your level (or with Mrs. Laura and the instructors permission), at no additional charge.  You may attend these classes weekly or just when you want to.  However, if you plan on doing recital in an additional class you must register (let the office know to add it to your schedule) and pay for the recital costume.

Recreational Team – 4 hours a week

$100/month tuition

Ballet (1 hour)

Jazz

Lyrical

Dance Company (1 hour)

RECREATIONAL TEAM TUITION:  This reflects a discount on tuition.  If you want to take any additional classes it will cost you the fall schedule tuition amount minus $10.

SIBLINGS:  If there are siblings on Dance Company and/or Recreational team the second child (or the recreational member) will receive a 25% discount on tuition.  Their registration fee will be $10.

CONVENTION AND COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS:

There will be two group dances and possibly a production number for each of the teams.

Mini Team:  1 convention/competition and 3-4 competitions

Junior Team:  1 convention/competition and 3-4 competitions

Teen/Senior Team:  2 conventions/competitions and 3-4 competitions

Recreational Team:  3-4 competitions (this group will not do a production or recital opening number)

SOLOS, DUETS AND TRIOS

It is recommended that team members wait until after their first season on Dance Company to compete a solo, duet or trio.  The increase in the amount of time dedicated to classes as well as learning two competition dances (three if we do a production) will be a big change for most new members.  We recommend a year to adjust before adding an additional dance.  Solo class is not required but highly recommended.  Recreational Team members may not do a solo or duo/trio.  Extra practice time for solos and duets will be available free of charge during the week.  There will be a sign up each week with ½ hour time slots that you can sign up to work either with your choreographer or by yourself.  Choreographer fees will still apply, however there will not be a room fee.  There will be a room fee for after hours (after studio has closed) use of the room or weekend use of the room.  This fee will be $15 per hour.

STUDIO RULES:

A copy of the studio rules is included in the back of this book.  Dance Company members are expected to follow all studio rules and to set an example for other students.

ATTENDANCE

Class attendance is imperative.  Missing group practices are discouraged but understood within reason.  Additional practices also maybe held before competitions. You are allowed to miss three Dance Company classes during the competition season unless otherwise discussed with your instructor.  All other missed mandatory classes must be made up.  We understand that things happen, but we do not want to be unfair to the rest of the team.  If for any reason you have to miss a class, please notify the office or discuss it with Mrs. Laura ahead of time.  It takes time away from the class if Mrs. Laura has to go to the office to have missing dancers called.  It is important to come to class on time.  If you are more than 15 minutes late, the instructor reserves the right to ask the dancer to sit out and watch the class rather than disturb the class already in progress.

CLASS OR CHOREOGRAPHY PLACEMENT

It is our policy to offer appropriate opportunities to every child.  Placement decisions are derived from many years of teaching experience.  Often a child is placed in a particular group or class where he or she will feel confident in order to promote the development of self-esteem.  Some dancers who are placed in a higher level become discouraged, only to lose their passion for dance.  Others respond to the challenge of being in a class with dancers who are more proficient by pushing themselves to work harder.  Placement is highly individual and the factors that go into the decision are complex.  Please see Mrs. Laura if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s placement in classes.

Class Dos and Don’ts

Some parents may compare their child’s progress, class, or choreography placement to that of others in the program.  Watch for this behavior in your children as well, and encourage them to focus on their own accomplishments.  Looking to others for inspiration is a good thing; however, a negative focus or comparison distracts from the energy that could be focused on becoming a stronger dancer.  In addition, speaking negatively about your child’s teachers, fellow dancers, or other parents in front of your child, or other students, could result in problems far beyond your original concerns.  Often children learn important lessons from their teachers and parents, acquiring important behavior patterns through their example.  Our studio’s faculty takes that responsibility seriously.  It’s our philosophy to encourage our students to feel, think, and act respectfully to their peers, the adults in their lives, and themselves.  If you have questions or concerns about your child’s dance education, please make an appointment to speak directly to the teacher between classes.  If you do request a conference, please listen carefully to what your child’s teacher has to say.  They spend a significant amount of time with your child and can offer expertise in the field of dance education.

DRESS CODE

As a member of the Dance Company it is important to always observe the dress code.  Remember, you are setting an example for the non-company dancers and your younger teammates. 

Dress Code:  All dancers must come to class in the proper dance attire and shoes.  Hair should always be pulled back off the face.  If students show up to class not properly dressed or without the proper shoes they will be given one warning the next time they will be asked to sit out of class.

Ballet:  GIRLS:  Solid color leotard, black booty shorts, pink or suntan tights, leather or canvas ballet shoes (pointe shoes-see instructor if you have this class).  Hair must be pulled back off the face and in a bun, if possible.  NO dance pants or half tops for this class.  BOYS:  White t-shirt or wife beater, shorts or cut-off sweat pants.

Jazz & Lyrical:  GIRLS:  Sports bra top, jazz pants or booty shorts, jazz shoes, dance paws, foot undeez, or pedinis.  NO t-shirts.  BOYS:  White t-shirt or wife beater, shorts or cut-off sweat pants.

Hip Hop:  GIRLS AND BOYS:  Tennis shoes or dance tennis shoes, comfortable hip hop clothes such as sweats, cut off sweats, t-shirt, baggy , etc.

Tap:  GIRLS:  Tap shoes, leotard, sports bra, booty shorts, jazz pant.  NO t-shirts.  BOYS:  White t-shirt or wife beater, shorts or cut-off sweat pants.

Musical Theatre:  GIRLS AND BOYS:  Street clothes and jazz shoe.

Tumbling/Acro:  GIRLS:  Leotard, booty shorts, bra top or dance top.  NO t-shirts or shoes.  BOYS:  tight fitting shirt or wife beater, shorts or cut-off sweat pants.

Cheer:  Tight tank top, soffee short, and tennis shoes.

Strength and Flex:  GIRLS:  Sports bra top, jazz pant, sweatpants, or booty shorts, tennis shoes (they will be running outside when weather permits).  NO t-shirts.  BOYS:  White t-shirt or wife beater, shorts or cut-off sweat pants.

LOCKERS

Lockers are available for dance company members to rent.  The fee is $50 for the whole time you are continuously on a competitive team.  If you are interested in a locker please stop in the office.

COSTUMES

We purchase our costumes from high-end costumers or from an outside seamstress.  They are custom made to our specifications; however, slight alterations may be necessary.  They vary in price by costume, we do, however, attempt to keep the costs reasonable.  A $75 per costume deposit will be due September 1, 2011 ($150 total).  If this deposit is not made by September 1 there will be a $10 late fee added to your account for each costume.  These costume deposits are NON REFUNDABLE and may not be applied to other balances.  This ensures that the number of costumes that must be made does not overwhelm the seamstress or that all purchased costumes arrive prior to the first competition and can be fitted accordingly.  The instructor selects group costumes.  The dancer and parent select solo costumes and can find their own costumes, however, the costume should be discussed with the instructor for appropriateness and to make sure it goes with the song selected.   All costume fees must be paid before the costume will be released to the dancer’s parents.

CHOREOGRAPHY

There will be a fee for every dance that is choreographed whether it is an outside choreographer, a teacher at the studio, or Mrs. Laura.  The total for two group dances and opening number for Dance Company will be capped at $200.  This includes the choreography as well as additional rehearsals.  This will also include production if we choose to do one.  The choreography fee for Recreational Team will be $125 for two group dances.  The choreography fee will be due August 1, 2011.  If not paid by this date a $10 late fee will be added.  (Please remember that we are not in classes at this time)

RECITAL

An additional opening number costume will be required for Dance Company (not Recreational).  We do everything we can to keep this costume reasonable.  We usually use the recital t-shirt (included in the recital fee) and blue jean shorts for the closing number. 

There is also a headshot or photo taken for each member on Dance Company and Recreational Team for the recital book, the fee for this picture is $25.  If this is not paid by the due date a $10 late fee will be added.

At recital time there is a lot of work to prep, set up for and tear down the set.  As a dance company or recreational team parent we are requiring each family to volunteer 3 hours of their time.  A sign up will be posted closer to recital time. 

COMPETITION, TRAVEL AND MUSIC FEES

We will do our best to post a full competition schedule as soon as possible.  We hope to have it posted by mid October with all of the dates giving you plenty of time to work out conflicts.  Competition fees vary and due dates will be set by the studio.  A late fee of $10 per competition will be charged when competition fees are not paid by the studio deadline.  When these fees are not paid on time it takes us longer because we have to call those who have not paid.  It also takes longer to adjust entry forms so that we avoid a team wide late fee from the competition.

If you can’t make a competition you will need to pay the competition fee for the stand in that Mrs. Laura has chosen.

A Competitive team fee of $100 will be charged to each dancer.  This fee is used to offset the cost of travel for myself and other teachers who may attend competitions, as well as music editing, and other miscellaneous costs.  This $100 fee is due by November 2, 2011.  A $10 late fee will be charged if not paid by this date.  Everyone will receive a CD of all the competitive music.

All of the above fees are NON REFUNDABLE and may not be applied towards any other balances.

PROPS

Props may be necessary for some of the dances.  The cost of the props will be included in the costume cost.  However, the cost of hauling the prop to the competitions will be the responsibility of the individual group. If a lot of props are needed (production numbers) then a prop fee will be charged to cover the cost of hauling the props.  At the competitions, recital and local events it is the responsibility of the parents of that group to make sure the prop gets on and off stage. 

BUDGET

This year we are offering a budget payment plan.  If you pay your monthly payment you will not receive late fees or be bothered remembering when fees are due.  You will receive your costumes and be entered into competitions.  At anytime you may stop in the office and get a printout of your account status, find out exact numbers for costumes, fees and choreography.  We have estimated the costs of being on the various competitive teams and have divided it equally by 10 months.  The first payment would be due July 1st and due the first of each month through April.  In April we will evaluate everyone’s account and any balance will be added to May’s tuition and any credit will be credited to May’s tuition and we will send you a statement for May.

 

Approx. Monthly Returning                 New Member          Returning Member               Returning Member

Budget Amount             Member                        (includes wind suit)                     with Duet                                with Solo

Mini$287.75$297.25$311.75$330.25

Junior    $312.75$322.25$336.75$355.25

Senior    $335.75$345.25$359.75$378.25

Recreational$205.50$215.00

All payments are due the first of the month and a late fee of $10 will be added the 16th of the month this will be applied no matter if the 15th falls on a Sunday or holiday.   If your payment and late fee are not received by the last day of the month your child will be asked to sit out until payment is made.  If you miss 2 payments your child will be dropped from the team.  Please see budget worksheet /agreement for breakdowns.  Your budget amount may be somewhat different depending on how many recital costumes you put in the budget.

TUITION AND COSTUME PAYMENTS

You may choose to “pay as you go” monthly instead of the budget; however delinquent payments on accounts over 30 days will result in the suspension of that student’s participation in the Dance Company and dance classes.  Delinquent accounts over 60 days will result in your child being dropped from the team.  Your child will not be entered into any competition that has not been paid for and late fees will be added for any fees not paid by the due date set by the studio.  No student will participate in a competition until all regular tuition, competition fees, late fees, NSF fees, and costume fees are paid.  We will be making all due dates the 1st of the month so fees can be paid with tuition.  We do not want to deny any student the opportunity to dance but at the same time cannot allow a student to get too far behind on their payments.

COMPETITION RULES AND ETIQUETTE

Company dancers and parents are expected to support and encourage each other at all times, especially at competitions.  Support of your team as well as the other company teams is vital to our success. 

Company dancers, without exception, are expected to treat each other, teachers, parents, employees in any capacity, competition judges and fellow students from other studios with the highest level of respect at all times.  Dancers are always expected to represent themselves and the studio with class and dignity.

Company dancers are expected to exhibit good sportsman like behavior at all times regardless of their score at competitions.  This includes thanking the judges, applauding and congratulating the other dancers at awards and accepting awards on stage gracefully and with gratitude.

Please arrive at the competition site two hours before you dance.  However, if someone on the team is dancing earlier, then you are highly encouraged to come and support them.  Remember that competitions sometimes run ahead of schedule and if you are running late, your child may miss their dance.  If you are running late please call and make us aware of the situation.

Parents please make an effort, when possible, to bring your child to the competitions to support and encourage the other teams or members from all the dance companies.  It means so much to the dancers when they have more than a handful of family members cheering for them.

Company members must wear Dance Company cover up at all times when in the audience and when on stage for awards.

During a dance, please refrain from leaving your seat or talking.  Always enter and exit the audience during a break between dances.

ON STAGE AT COMPETITIONS

All Dance Company members must have a Dance Company wind suit which must be worn on stage at awards ceremonies.  No drinks, no cell phones, no chatter, and no snacks permitted on stage.  Pay attention and applaud each award, and congratulate the other teams, and especially your teammates.

PARENTS IN THE AUDIENCE AT COMPETITION

Please try to present a united front for our dancers, as we are asking them to behave as a team.  We as the leaders of our families and more should present a team-like appearance by sitting together, supporting each other’s children, and wearing Laura’s team wear if at all possible.

UNDERSTANDING DANCE EDUCATION

Encourage your child to be the best that he or she can be without regard to what others may achieve.  Dance is an individual art form; each child needs to grow at a pace that is comfortable for him/her.  No two students will progress at the same rate, even if they experience the exact same training.  It’s important to encourage the children to focus on themselves, give their all, and be satisfied with their own accomplishments.  Dance education encompasses far more than technique or the steps your children will learn.  We believe the discipline of dance training gives young people a better understanding of commitment by offering them the chance to learn, experience the spirit of teamwork, and understand what hard work can accomplish.  Our goal is to educate the minds, bodies, and souls of our students, to teach them the skills needed for a successful life, whether or not they stay involved in dance.

Laura’s Studio of Performing Arts

Competition Team Contract

Parents and Dance Company Members:  Please read the following carefully.  It is imperative that both parent and student understand the commitment, time, rules, and expense that are required to be a successful and contributing member of this team.

I understand that attendance at practices and performances are mandatory.  I will make every effort to schedule work, doctor appointments, and other activities around practice and performance times (unless I have prior approval from Mrs. Laura).  I will make these sacrifices without complaint because I am part of a team, and my actions and choices will affect my entire team.  Every effort is made to schedule all classes and practices to make it efficient for each member of the team.

I will follow all of the Studio Policies for Laura’s Studio of Performing Arts and the additional rules set forth in the Laura’s Studio Dance Company Handbook.

I commit to representing the Studio and Dance Company at the highest level at all times.

I commit to maintain my grades and attend school regularly.

I and/or my parents will be responsible for all expenses incurred for costumes, conventions, competitions, tuition, music, travel, recital and late fees.

I understand that being a part of the Dance Company requires hard work.  I will be expected to handle personal critiques and criticism and will work toward perfection of routines and technique.  The bonds that members form with each other are very strong and I understand that if I am new, I will not “fit in” right away.  If I am a returning member, I will welcome new members warmly and will make them feel as comfortable as possible.

We have read, understand and agree to abide by the rules listed in the Studio Policies and Dance Company Handbook.

____ Dance Company                 _____Recreational Team

_________________________________________________ Date ______________________

Dancer Signature

_________________________________________________ Date_______________________

Parent Signature

Returning members please sign and return by May 29, 2011

Recreational members please sign and return by May 29, 2011

New members please sign and return at the audition, June 5, 2011