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Welcome to Dancin’ Around Dance Studio, LLC.  We offer classes in Munster, Indiana; Homewood, Illinois; and Midlothian, Illinois.  We hope that you will find the following information helpful and that your child will enjoy his/her classes in the months 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 encourage participation in 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 see 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 on a certain level.  This is because the material is becoming increasingly more difficult and they need to develop 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, 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 4 students in a class.

 

 

Evaluations

At the end of each year, his or her instructor will evaluate each student; as to the appropriate level, he/she should take the following year.  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 those other things not to 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 through the glass window from the waiting area.  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 their child is under the age of 5 for security purposes 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. If notified, one make-up class will be permitted per month at the discretion of the class instructor, if your child should miss it.  No refund for the 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 the 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.  If a student is chronically absent, they will not be permitted to participate in our annual recital.

 

Parents will be given 10 minutes lead time before a charge of $5.00 per every 5 minutes the students are 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, and 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/MARKING 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.

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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 right to drop or remove any student (s) from class if the policies are not followed or abided by.

 

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

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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 the class has been canceled, there will be a recorded message.  This message may be placed only 45 minutes before the scheduled class is to begin.  DADS does not always follow the public school closing due to weather.  No make-up classes will be available for weather-related cancellations.

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Waiting Area:  A guardian MUST wait in the waiting area if the student is under 5 years old.  Parents will be given 10 minutes lead time before a charge of $5.00 per every 5 minutes the students are 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 be added to their tuition

 

Tuition / Fee Structure

Registration fee/processing fee (non-refundable):  Registration is taken online at Dancinaround.net.  A registration/processing fee 7% processing fee will be added to the tuition.   The registration fee/processing fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.  Dancin’ Around has the right to cancel or combine a particular class if we do not have more than 3 students in a class.

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The tuition for our dance program is calculated based on the dance year, which encompasses the months of September through December and/or January through May when both sessions are combined. It's important to note that the tuition amount remains unchanged, regardless of the number of weeks in a month, weather-related cancellations, or a student's absence. We offer convenient online payment plans for tuition. In case of a declined auto-withdrawal, a $35.00 NSF fee will be applied to the account. To ensure smooth operations, we kindly request that all tuition payments be settled in full one month prior to the conclusion of each session.

 

Please be aware that the tuition payments do not cover costume expenses, class attire, dance shoes, recital participation fee, recital tickets, portraits, or video orders. Students with outstanding balances will unfortunately be denied access to classes. Additionally, we would like to emphasize that tuition, registration fees, costume payments, recital tickets, and merchandise are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.​​​

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Small Class Sizes and Cancellations

Our classes are structured to train 4 or more students within the set times.  Should at any time the attendance drops below the minimum, the following rules will apply.

 

For 2-3 students, the class will be cut by 15 minutes

For 1 student, the class will be canceled and made up at another time or a different class pending the instructor's approval

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Class Transfer, Withdrawals, or Drops Fees

Participation in our Recital/Showcase sessions represents a commitment to a long-term dance program, which includes a financial agreement. Tuition payments are expected to be made until the balance is fully settled. In the event that a student or parent wishes to transfer, withdraw, or drop from the program, the following fees will be applicable.

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For the first occurrence of a transfer to a different class, no fee will be charged. However, on the second occurrence, a transfer fee of $25.00 will be added to the student's account. For the third or fourth occurrence, a transfer fee of $35.00 will be applied.

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If a student decides to withdraw or drop from a class, the entire tuition amount is due at the time of the withdrawal/drop. Additionally, all withdrawals and drops must be made by the third week of each session to avoid a withdrawal/drop fee of $50.00 being added to the student's account.​

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Vacation Dates

Classes will not be in session during the following breaks/holidays.  Check with the studio with specific dates.

 

             Labor Day

             Thanksgiving Break (dates to be announced)

             Christmas Break (dates to be announced)

             Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

             President’s Day

             Spring Break (dates to be announced)         

             Memorial Day

 

DADS follows some public school vacation calendars.  However, DADS does not necessarily follow all individual holidays.

 

Tuition remains the same regardless of the number of weeks in a month, cancellations due to weather, or a student’s absence.

 

Proper Class Attire

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• 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

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

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• 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 

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

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

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• ADULTS:  Check with your instructor.

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HAIR MUST BE PULLED NEATLY AWAY FROM THE STUDENTS FACE

 

Christmas Show & Annual Recital

The Christmas showcase takes place in December, while our annual Summer recital is held in June. Specific dates and times for these events will be communicated at a later time. Please note that if your child is enrolled in either the annual recital session or the Christmas showcase session, their participation in the performance is mandatory.

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Attendance at all scheduled dress rehearsals is a requirement for students participating in our annual recital/showcase. These rehearsals provide an opportunity for students to practice together, mentally and physically preparing themselves for the grand finale. Missing any rehearsals will not only lead to confusion and chaos but also diminish the student's confidence.

 

Christmas Showcase Participation Fee Includes:

• $145.00 Performance/Participation Fee

• Portrait Session

• Dress Rehearsal

• One Recital T-Shirt

• Link to view the video

• Snacks/drinks on show day

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Annual Recital Participation Fee Includes (Summer):

• $195.00 Performance/Participation Fee

• Dress Rehearsal

• Portrait Session

• Includes 2 General Admission tickets to the show (Upgrades Available)

• Link to view to the video of the recital

• One Recital T-Shirt

• Snacks/drinks on show day

• Student Award (if applicable)

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Tickets for the recital/showcase will be available for purchase 2-4 weeks prior to the performance. The ticket prices range from $25.00 to $48.00 per ticket during the pre-sale period. Please note that tickets purchased at the door will be subject to a $5 increase per ticket. It is important to adhere to the policy that children aged 3 and under are allowed free entry as lap seaters, and this policy will be strictly enforced.

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All students must arrive at the venue 1.5-2 hours before the showtime. Parents are kindly requested to drop off their child at the designated "stage door" entrance and are not permitted to enter that area. Parent volunteers will be available at the door to provide assistance if needed. It is mandatory for all performing students to remain at the venue until the conclusion of the performance, unless prior written notification is provided to the director or in the case of an emergency.

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Students should be fully dressed in their first performance number. If they are participating in multiple numbers, they must bring their remaining costumes, shoes, and other necessary items in a garment bag labeled with their name. It is crucial to avoid carrying or stuffing these items in a plastic bag, as it may lead to loss or damage.

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After the performance, students will be released to their guardians through the same "stage door" exit. All students are required to stay behind the stage throughout the entire performance. In the event of an emergency requiring early release, please inform a parent volunteer or staff member who will handle the situation appropriately.

 

Costumes

The studio will order the costumes and the instructor will measure the students during class time. The instructor will determine the correct sizes based on the measurements. If the wrong size is ordered, the studio will handle the situation at no additional cost to the parents. However, if parents strongly suggest a certain size and it turns out to be incorrect, they will be responsible for replacing the costume at their own expense. It is recommended that the student's names be placed on the inside tag of all costumes for identification purposes.

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Please note that all costume payments are non-refundable and non-transferable, as the costumes are ordered specifically for each student and cannot be returned. The costume fee, which is $95.00 per costume, does not include tights or dance shoes. The production of the costumes takes approximately 6-10 weeks before they are shipped out to the studio. If the costume payment is not made by the due date, a late charge of $20.00 will be added to the balance.

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Following the annual recital, students are allowed to keep their costumes. However, if the costumes have not been picked up by the start of the next session, they will then become the property of Dancin' Around Dance Studio.

 

Dance Portraits (if applicable)

Dance portraits are taken annually, with group class pictures being mandatory but the purchase of portraits being optional. Typically, the portraits are captured at Dancin' Around Dance Studio about 1-2 weeks before the recital. The prices for the portraits may vary. On the day of the portrait session, order forms will be provided. Once the portraits are ready, you will receive an email notifying you to pick them up at the studio. It's important to note that we are not responsible for any portraits that are not collected within the designated timeframe. If you encounter any issues or discrepancies with the portraits, please reach out to the photography company directly, rather than contacting Dancin' Around Dance Studio. Remember to keep all your payment receipts, orders, and photography-related information for your records.

 

Disclosure

Photographs and videos of DADS students and events are the property of Dancin’ Around Dance Studio.  DADS reserves 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 Ms. Vi Donald at

219-237-2666 or e-mail at Vi.dancinaround@gmail.com.  You can also visit the Website at Dancinaround.net to inquire about class schedules, instructors, tuition, registration, and more.  Our mailing address is:  326 Ridge Road, Munster IN 46321 

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