Welcome to Dancin’ Around Dance Studio.  We hope that you will find the following information

helpful and that your child will enjoy his/her classes in the weeks ahead. 

 

The purpose of this handbook is to give students and their parents a clearer understanding of the study of dance and the philosophy of the studio’s dance program.

 

Philosophy

The philosophy of our dance program is to teach the basic fundamentals of dance in a safe and sound manner and to instill in our students an appreciation of the arts in an enjoyable atmosphere.  Our main goal is to teach the love of dance as a performing art.

 

As a dancer, you have the unique opportunity to be both an athlete and an artist   With the idea that dance is both a sport and an art form, comes the responsibility of maintaining your ability.  

 

Appearance, Attitude, Attentiveness.  A good appearance means dressing appropriately for the class.  A positive attitude means that you are willing to learn new things along with being supportive of those students who need extra help during classes.   Attentiveness means paying attention to your instructor.  By applying these elements, you are showing respect.

 

Our teaching staff is all highly trained professionals and their goal is to give each student the best possible dance experience, to help them gain poise and confidence, as well as encouraging participation in a healthy physical activity.

 

The annual recital is designed to teach our students what it would be like to be a real performer.  They learn teamwork and stage directions, experience dressing in costume, as well as seeing the working of the theatre.

 

 

Class Requisitions / Levels

All of our instructors follow a set curriculum.  They were established so that each level would have a set lesson plan to be taught.  This ensures a more cohesive dance program and is a benefit to the students and the instructor.

 

Each of our levels for tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, pom pons and tumbling has all been carefully prepared.  Students will be required to understand and perform correctly all of the exercises for that level before moving on to the next.  As the student progresses, they may spend longer in a certain level.  This is because the material is becoming increasingly more difficult and they need to develop the physical and mental skills, which requires more time and patience.

​

Classes for our younger students are geared toward teaching the basics and providing a foundation on which to build.  They will learn rhythm, creative movements, understanding and appreciation of music, the beginning of dance vocabulary and dance etiquette.

 

Ballet is the foundation of all dance, and for that reason, we strongly urge all students to take at least one ballet class per week.  Dancers studying jazz and tap can progress successfully if they have a ballet background.  The benefits include strength, flexibility, posture, and technique, knowledge of dance vocabulary, as well as grace and poise that ballet training can provide.

 

Classes run for 45-60 minutes per class unless prior notice is given. Class enrollment will consist of 10-15 students per class.  Enrollments are based on first come first serve. Dancin’ Around has the right to cancel or combine a particular class if we do not have more than 3 students in a class.

 

Evaluations

At the end of each session, his or her instructor will evaluate each student; as to the appropriate level he/she should take the following session.  The purpose of this is to ensure that our students are participating in classes that are best suited for them.  Just as in any activity, some children develop their dance skills at a faster rate, while others need to take their time.  It is important to remember that it takes many years to train to dance, and even professional performers and teachers continue their education and take classes throughout their careers.

 

Our instructors are extremely careful with their recommendations.  Students who are moved into classes that are too advanced for them can become frustrated.  Serious injuries can occur since their bodies have not reached their required level of muscle strength and flexibility required to participate in that class. 

 

Practicing at Home

Dance is a full time activity, so with only a few dance classes a week, work at home is definitely necessary.  From time to time the instructors may ask students to practice a certain step or move at home.  This is acceptable; however, we strongly urge that other things not be attempted, as they need to be done under the expert eye of the instructor. 

 

The first thing you need to make sure you are doing at home is stretching. Flexibility is at the core of a dancer, and one of the most important elements a dancer needs to obtain. Stretching only a few times a week is not going to increase or even sustain your flexibility. Working on your flexibility every day at home is very simple to do, considering you can stretch while you watch television, work on your homework, or talk on the phone. You do not need a dance floor, mirrors, or a ballet barre to work on your flexibility; all you need is some space.  The more you work on your flexibility and strength at home, the quicker you will recognize the difference at the studio.

 

Besides flexibility and strength, a dancer also needs knowledge about his or her talent. Along with stretches, practicing your dance steps and terminology at home is equally important.   Before entering dance class, be sure the steps from the previous week are clear so that you can move on and are ready to learn more.

 

Basic exercises and other movements that can be harmful if not done correctly should never be practiced away from the dance studio.

 

 

Parent observation

We love parents, but with your child’s best interest in mind, parents are invited to observe the last class of each session.  Our instructors find that their quality of instruction has often been greatly affected by parents and/or sibling distraction, interruptions and various other concerns during class time.  We also feel it is more beneficial for children to have recreational time with their peers.  We encourage parents to wait in the waiting area during class time if your child is under the age of 5 for security purpose and in case your child/instructor requires your attention.

 

Student Behavior

Although part of the philosophy of our program is focused on enjoyment, dance is a disciplined form of art.  For that reason, students are expected to show respect to their instructors and fellow dancers.  Parents will be notified if a student is disruptive to the class.  If a negative behavior becomes chronic, we will strongly recommend that the student discontinue the class until the child is ready to return and adhere to the structure of the class.

 

Class Arrival and Departure

Attendance for all classes is mandatory.  The studio must be notified if a student will be absent from class.  No refund for loss class.  Prompt arrival is encouraged. 

 

Progress is seriously jeopardized when they are chronically absent or late for class.  The beginning of class is devoted to gradual warming up of the muscles in order to prepare them for the dance steps to follow.  It is a crucial segment of class and should not be missed.  If your child arrives more than ten minutes late to class, he/she must sit and watch.  Absenteeism is also difficult for the teachers as well as the student who must struggle to try and catch up

 

Parents will be given a 10 minutes lead time before a charge of $5.00 per every 5 minutes the students is left at the studio without a legal guardian.  That money will go directly to the instructor and must be given to the instructor before the child leaves or it will add on to their tuition.

 

Class Format

Our class format is structured to help increase the student’s ability to learn technique, choreography and at the same time enhance their overall flexibility.  We generally start with a 10-15 minute warm-up then continue to 20-30 minutes of technique and 15-30 minutes of dance combinations and/or choreography.

 

Studio Policy

Attire:

All students must wear proper clothing and shoes for class.  Class attire will be given at the time of registration.  Students will not be permitted in class without the proper and approved dance attire.  NO HARD SOLE SHOES OR STREET SHOES ARE TO BE WORN ON THE DANCE FLOOR.  Hair must be fixed back in a bun or ponytail away from the student’s face. 

 

Food:

No gum, food, candy or pop is allowed in the studio.  You may bring water or purchase bottled water from the studio.  It must be kept in the designated area.

 

Behavior:

Horseplay, foul language or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.   Dancin’ Around reserved the rights to drop or remove any student (s) from class if the policies are not followed or abided by.

 

Cell phone usage:

Cell phone usage is not permitted during class by any student.  Cell phone should be TURNED OFF and put away while in class. 

 

Weather: 

The studio will close when driving conditions are dangerous.  This includes snow and/or ice.  During inclement weather, call the studio first before coming to class.  If class has been cancelled, there will be a recorded message.  This message may be placed only 45 minutes before the scheduled class is to begin.  DADS do not always follow the public school closing due to weather.  No make-up classes will be available for weather related cancellations.

 

Waiting Area: 

A guardian MUST wait in the waiting area if the student is under 5 years old.  Parents will be given a 10 minutes lead time before a charge of $5.00 per every 5 minutes the students is left at the studio without a legal guardian.  That money will go directly to the instructor and must be given to the instructor before the child leaves or it will added on to their tuition

 

Proper Class Attire​

​

• Pre & Beginning Ballet / Tap/ Jazz:  Pink Leotard, Pink Tights, Pink Ballet Shoes, Black Tap Shoes

 

• Ballet I, II, III:   Black Leotard, Black, White or Nude Tights, Any Color Ballet Wrap Skirt, Black or Pink Ballet Shoes

 

• Beginning Ballet / Jazz / Tap  / Tap:   Pink Leotard, Pink/White Tights, Pink Ballet Shoes, Black Jazz Shoes, or Black Tap Shoes

 

• Hip Hop:   Black Leotard, Black Jazz Pants or Shorts/Spandex, White Socks, White indoor gym shoes or Black Dance/Hip Hop Sneakers

​

• Jazz I, II, III:   Black Leotard, Black/Nude/White Tights, Black Jazz Pants or Black Bike Shorts or Black Unitard, Black Jazz Shoes

​

• Acro/Tumbling:  Any color leotard with any color shorts, gymnastics shoes, or no shoes

 

• Tap I, II, III:   Black Leotard, Black Jazz Pants,  Black Tap Shoes, Tights 

​

• Pom Pons:   Black Leotard, White Pom Skirt, or any color shorts, White Socks, White Gym Shoes & White Poms. (Poms ordered by the studio)

​

• BOYS:  Solid color T-shirt, Black pants/shorts, in-door gym shoes or dance sneakers

​

• ADULTS:  Check with your instructor.

 

HAIR MUST BE PULLED NEATLY AWAY FROM THE STUDENTS FACE

 

 

Disclosure

Photographs and video of DADS students and events are property of Dancin’ Around Dance Studio.  DADS reserve the right to use such photographs and videos for the purpose of advertisement and promotion for the studio.

 

Contact Us

If at any time you have questions or concerns, you can always direct them to Vi Donald at 219-237-2666 or e-mail at Dancin_around05@yahoo.com.  You can also visit the Website at www.dancinaround.net to inquire about class schedule, instructor’s bio, tuition, registration and more.  Our mailing address is: 326 Ridge Road, Munster, IN 46321 

​

​

​

​