2008 ~ 2009 Handbook ~ What to Expect During The Dance Season
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Welcome to The Medway Dance Authority This handbook will help you to understand the policies and procedures that have been established by Jennifer Narducci, owner and director of The Medway Dance Authority. By working with Miss Jennifer and her staff of teachers, administrative assistants and parent volunteers, you have chosen to begin or advance your experience into the wonderful world of dance. We all look forward to helping you achieve your goals! We are a studio where the individual counts. We depend upon you to work with us to enhance your learning experience and your enjoyment of the classes. By working with the teachers and students in class, we hope that our students will learn not only the fine art of the dance, but also teamwork, discipline and poise. And all of this while building strength, confidence and having a good deal of fun! We look forward to sharing our time and expertise with you. More importantly, we are excited to begin another season building friendships, relationships, & making memories that we will treasure for years to come. The Medway Dance Authority’s Objective The objective of The Medway Dance Authority is not only to teach dance and self-discipline, but also to teach each student to love the art of dance. Dance will be used to build self-confidence and self-esteem in each student. Students will work together as a team to encourage creativity and to accomplish group goals. Success Statement At The Medway Dance Authority, we do not equate success with the number of awards a student wins, the number of times a student’s name appears in our recital program, or by a solo performance. Success is accomplished when students meet the goals established by themselves and in class by our instructors. Instructors and Staff The instructors, staff and volunteers for The Medway Dance Authority are: Owner, Director, Instructor: Jennifer Narducci Office Staff: Suzanne MacDonald Andrea Moores Chrissie Ryan Denise Wahl Instructors: Lindsey Chassie Ceurvels Jennifer Narducci Kelly Rondeau Assistants: Janine Ehramjian, Amanda Dickson, Rachael Lemmler, Emma MacDonald, Kristin Martinis, Sarah McNulty, Lauren Melanson, Amber Paturzo, Daisy Rush, Chrissie Ryan & Ariel Wahl Recital Ticket Committee Head: Paula McNulty About the Classes Classes are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Students are placed in a particular class based on age and dance experience. On average, students will spend two to three years at each class level. (ie: Level 1, Level 2, etc.) Our instructors have been trained to work with students at each level. The instructors will evaluate each student on a continuing basis. Advancement through the class levels will be strictly at the discretion of the instructor. Although many children will advance with other members of their first dance class, many will not. Each child comes to us with different levels of physical ability and commitment to dance class. Throughout the year, they will be evaluated on their physical condition and ability to perform the steps and movements at their current level. If the instructor has seen that the student has mastered the challenges of their current level and shows the physical ability and attitude befitting the next higher level, it will be recommended that the child advance. Advancement is based on the combination of physical ability, attitude and behavior in class. It is possible for a child to be in class with many students either older or younger than they. It is problematic to move a child who cannot meet the physical demands into a more advanced class. Injuries can occur when a child’s body has not yet built the strength and endurance necessary for a more advanced class. The child’s safety is of utmost concern to us. Attitude and behavior in class is also considered when placing a child in class. All classes require the student to know the names of the steps and movements required in the class and show that they can perform them properly to avoid injury. A child who cannot focus during instruction disrupts the class and makes it difficult for their fellow students and instructor. Discipline is learned and built upon as the students advance through the class levels. If a child is physically ready, but cannot keep focus to work at the next higher level, they will remain in their current class until they have matured enough to handle the demands of that next level. Each child will be placed where they have the best chance of achieving success at their individual level of ability. Progress Reports Progress Reports will be distributed by instructors in January. They will cover the areas of effort, attendance, behavior, general comments and ways in which each student should focus to improve as a dancer. These comments are not criticisms. As stated before, each student has a different physical ability and different commitment to class. These comments are made to help each student become aware of his/her strengths and weaknesses in dance. We distribute progress reports in January, rather than the end of the year, to enable our students to improve on certain areas such as behavior, technique, terminology, etc. over the next months. Class Size Preschool – 12 students KinderDance – 14 students Level 1 through Advanced – 14 - 16 students Dance Production – Unlimited (the more the merrier!) Registration Current students may register for classes during the 1st two weeks of April before we open enrollment to the public on April 15th. Since this is a small studio, and classes are generally offered after school and on weekends, there are only so many classes that we can offer. We will do our best to place students in as many classes as they would like to attend, but availability of instructors and having enough students interested in a new class will determine if new classes are offered or if current classes continue year to year. A non-refundable $25.00 single student or $40.00 family Registration Fee is due along with the completed registration form at the time of registration We will not enroll a student without the completed registration form AND registration fee. In order to register for the next season all tuition payments must be up to date. Students will not be allowed to enroll for classes if they carry an outstanding balance for tuition, costumes, etc. Attendance & Make Up Classes Attendance is taken at each class. Students should plan to arrive approximately ten minutes prior to class time. Students may begin stretching, putting on shoes, pulling back hair, etc. in preparation to start class on time. AttenDance Awards are given each year to students with perfect attendance. If a class is missed from September through April, a make up class can be attended within one month of the missed class. Although we would like to see every student receive the AttenDance Award, please consider the health of your classmates when you are sick. If a child is ill and concerned about their attendance, please call the studio and we will arrange a make up class. In the months of May and June, no make up classes are available as we are focusing on recital dances. Attendance is critical unless the student is ill or attending a mandatory school function. At this time the class focus is on the recital dance and intense attention is directed toward helping the whole class perfect their parts in the show and with each other. Please make every effort to attend these last few classes. 2009 – 2010 Season Rates (September 1, 2009 – May 1, 2010) Our Season for 2009 – 2010 will run from September 12, 2009 – May 30, 2010 Rates are based on the season, NOT by month 30-Minute Classes - $400.00 season or 10 $44.40 monthly installments (September 1st – May 1st) 45-Minute Classes - $450.00 season or 10 $50.00 monthly installments (September 1st – May 1st) 60-Minute Classes - $500.00 season or 10 $55.56 monthly installments (September 1st – May 1st) If not paid in full at the start of the season, tuition payments are due BY the first day of each month (September 1, 2009 – May 1, 2010). Payments can be brought directly to the studio & placed in the tuition box at the desk. Our mailing address, should you prefer to mail your payment is: Medway Dance Authority P.O. Box 150 Medway, Ma 02053 Late payments are subject to a $10.00 late fee (We will not honor discounts if payments are made late). In order to be considered on time, payments must be received at the studio by the close of our business day on the first of each month. Payments are late as of the 2nd day of the month. There is a $20.00 returned check fee for any returned checks – absolutely no exceptions! If a family has more than one check returned to the studio, that family will then need to continue paying for classes in cash rather than by check. They will also not be able to attend classes/register for the next season until their payments are up to date. A Multi - Class Discount of 10% is available for families with more than one student or a student taking 2 or more classes. Late payments will NOT receive discounts and will also receive the $10.00 late fee. A five percent discount is available if payments for the full year are made by June 15th . Season Tuition, less five percent. The 5% discount can be added to the multi-class discount of 10% (if eligible) for a total savings of 15%. Please see Andrea Moores or Miss Jennifer with any questions. Costume Payments All students will participate in recital on May 23, 2010. (Levels 3, 4 & Advanced also have Senior Showcase on May 22, 2010) All students will have 1 costume per class (except, Dance Production has 2 costumes). Costumes are $60.00 each. Payments are due in full by October 15, 2009 Do NOT include this payment with tuition. Please make a separate check made payable to The Medway Dance Authority and note in the memo section “Costume”. The instructors will measure the students for their costumes in October during class time. If in doubt, we size up. If a child’s measurements are close in the charts, we always go up a size. We can always alter a costume by taking excess fabric in; we cannot let them out. We have found that parents prefer taking a tuck here or there rather than have a costume that is too snug. Although it may seem early, it is imperative to order the costumes by mid-November to ensure delivery in time for tailoring and applying miscellaneous pieces that are not assembled at the factory. Even ordering this early, we have occasionally experienced late deliveries with the costume companies. Many companies take at least four months to manufacture costumes and cannot guarantee matching fabrics as costumes are cut from different lots of fabric. A late order may result in a costume being cut from a different lot or the costume not arriving in time for pictures or the show. We must have your payment on time to place the orders together with the class. Any costume payments that are received late resulting in a need to have express delivery charges added onto the order will result in that cost being passed on to the student. We cannot delay the class order for late payments. Dress Code (We suggest using Dancers Warehouse at Kohl’s Plaza in Milford) A SOLID BLACK LEOTARD is required for all students. (No unitards or bike shorts) Hair must be slicked tightly back off the face in a bun, braid, etc. Please use secure hair elastics to hold the hair tightly. Scrunchies are not secure enough and fall out. This is a distraction to the dancers causing them to play with their hair throughout the class and can pose a danger if hair accessories fall on the floor. Preschool & KinderDance – Bloch Pink Ballet Tights, Shiny Black Tyette Tap Shoes, Bloch Pink Leather Ballet Slippers Level 1 – Advanced Jazz – Bloch light tan full footed tights, Capezio Caramel Jazz Boot – Style #CG05 or CG15 Level 1 – Advanced Tap – Bloch light tan full footed Tights, Bloch Tan Buckle Tap Shoes SO302 Level 1 – Advanced Ballet – Bloch Pink full footed Ballet Tights, Bloch Pink Leather split sole Ballet Slippers Hip Hop – Bloch lt. suntan tights, Black Capezio Dansneaker DS03 Dance Production Bloch lt. suntan tight, Capezio Caramel Jazz Boot CG05 or CG15, Capezio Tan Character Shoe (1 – 1 ½inch heel) Modern – Bloch adaptoe light suntan tights (use for Jazz too) Students may wear form fitting DANCE SWEATERS (Not school sweaters!) and sheer (see through) dance skirts. NO sweats, baggy pants, t-shirts, pajama bottoms, etc. – they hide the body and make it difficult for the instructors to see if the students are placing their bodies properly during class. Pants and shorts must be BLACK and FORM FITTING! Awards Each year students have several opportunities to earn one of the awards offered by The Medway Dance Authority. Students are encouraged to do their best throughout the year as the instructors are always on the lookout for exceptional students and those who are trying their best to improve. Among the awards offered are: AttenDance Award Given to students with perfect attendance for the year. This award is a ribbon given out during the last week of classes before the recital. 5 Year & 10 Year Awards Given to students who have completed five years of dance with The Medway Dance Authority - Not with other schools (Do not have your own trophies made with the Medway Dance Authority name on them – it is NOT appropriate for parents to use The Medway Dance Authority name or have it printed on awards!) This award is a to acknowledge the students’ accomplishment at The Medway Dance Authority over a five year or ten year period and is given out at the recital. Dance Princess This award is given to one exceptional student each year and is always a difficult choice because we enjoy so many exceptional students at the Medway Dance Authority! The Dance Princess is chosen as the student who has shown a steady improvement in her dancing. An understanding & mastery of the technique and discipline required for their dance level as well as an outstanding and positive can-do attitude will help the student earn this award. A consistent level of excellence throughout the year and previous years, a respect for her fellow students and instructor will be considered when choosing the Dance Princess. The Dance Princess will be announced at the recital and crowned on stage. She will receive a plaque recognizing her achievements as well as tuition for two styles of dance for one season at the studio. The Dance Princess will also perform a solo dance in the recital for the following year and have her plaque displayed in the studio. Susan Labousier Scholarship Like the Dance Princess, the winner of the Susan Labousier Scholarship will demonstrate an exceptional dedication and understanding in her area of dance. She will be considered a fitting role model for other dancers at the studio and will show a high level of excellence in dance, an outstanding and positive attitude, and must be admired by her instructors and her peers. The Susan Labousier Scholarship is in honor of Miss Jennifer’s most respected and admired dance teacher and the winner of this award will show the same dedication to the art of dance. The winner of the Susan Labousier Scholarship will be named at the recital. She will receive a plaque recognizing her achievements as well as tuition for two styles of dance for one season at the studio. The Susan Labousier Scholarship winner will also perform a solo in the recital the following year and have her plaque displayed in the studio. Assistants Although not technically an award, Miss Jennifer may offer assistants’ positions to students who display an exceptional understanding & ability in dance. These students will have a wonderful attitude and show true dedication and effort in their classes. They will also be students who can take direction and be trusted with the responsibility of assisting younger students. This is not a guaranteed offer to every student and must be earned and taken quite seriously. This position is a job at the studio where the assistants are available to help the instructors with classes of younger students. The assistants must be reliable, dependable and have a good relationship with younger students. They must be mature enough to handle the responsibility of attending not only their regular classes but also the classes in which they are assisting. These positions are only offered to students who meet the demanding criteria established by Miss Jennifer and must have parental approval before being considered for the assistant position. Senior Showcase (Saturday Evening) & Senior Showcase Rehearsal (Friday Evening) In response to requests for an additional show, several years ago we have added an abbreviated program called the Senior Showcase. Students attending Level 3, 4, Dance Production, and Advanced classes will perform their recital dances in a program the night before recital on May 22, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. Since these students are older and more experienced, we feel they can handle the commitment of an additional show without compromising their performance at the recital. Soloists and assistants also perform. No additional costumes will be required. All of the rules regarding backstage behavior and expectations will apply. Tickets quantities, prices, and sale dates for Senior Showcase will be announced at a later date. This additional show will offer the families and friends of our older students an opportunity to see the girls and their progress while freeing up some seating at the recital. Many families have responded that they would prefer unlimited tickets to a shorter program showcasing their older students and would not need as many tickets for the recital. The rehearsal for the Senior Showcase will be Friday, May 21, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. at Woonsocket High (arrive by 4:30). No costumes. Students performing in Senior Showcase will still attend the rehearsal for the recital. No exceptions – it is the one weekend we require everyone to attend. Recital – An Overview The recital, held on May 23, 2010 at 1 p.m.at Woonsocket High School Auditorium, is the culminating event used to show family and friends what the students have learned this year. It is our goal that the recital be a fun and exciting day for the students and their families. The recital is a major event and requires the help of many people to run smoothly. The location & date of the recital each year is dependent on the availability of a stage/auditorium large enough to hold our many families and friends. Again, there are many groups vying for these facilities every spring and we spend massive amounts of time and energy scouting the area and trying to reserve the best facility to suit our needs. Every effort is made to book the show on a convenient weekend for the majority of our students and their families. However, we are limited in our options and ask for your understanding if the date is not the most convenient for everyone. Because of the limited seating capacity of the auditoriums and the growth of the studio, it has become necessary to limit the number of recital tickets available to each family. In the interest of fairness, each family will be limited to a certain number of tickets (generally 4 - 6) for the recital. If possible, we will make available extra tickets for the soloists’ families. We believe that the Dance Princess and Susan Labousier winners have worked extra hard over an extended period of time and should be allowed to invite a few extra supporters on their special day while performing their solos. We again ask for your understanding in this area. Although we would prefer to let each dancer invite as many friends and family as they wish, there is just not enough space in the auditoriums available to us. We are learning each year what works best and are trying to find the most acceptable compromise in a difficult situation. Although some folks have suggested adding another show to the recital weekend, we have researched the possibility and feel that at this time, it would not be a working solution for all students. The dancers and their families should enjoy the show as a fun part of their weekend. A second show would place an extra burden on the younger girls and their families! Recital Tickets We have instituted a reserved seating policy, by lottery, for the recital. Based on where the recital will be held, we will announce how many tickets each family will be guaranteed for the recital and for Senior Showcase. The following format will be used for our reserved ticketing policy: 1. Reservation forms will be drawn randomly to select placement order for the reserved seating lottery. PLEASE NOTE: Studio employees, graduates and the two scholarship award winners will be allowed to reserve their seats first. This has been studio policy since 1996. 2. Families will be notified of their lottery placement and the time to attend the seating selection. Ticket sales will take place in April; date TBA. Payment for tickets is due at this time. Any family who is not available to choose their seating may give the studio written permission to choose for them. 3. ALL TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE Please direct any recital ticket questions to Paula McNulty at 508-528-8026. Dress Rehearsal for the Recital (Saturday of Recital Weekend) Dress Rehearsal for Preschool & KinderDance is always at 10 a.m. They will be released by 11 a.m. (arrive by 9:30 a.m. in full dress) Dress Rehearsal for Levels 1 – Advanced is at Noon (Arrive by 11:30, Released by 2:30, however, they’re free to go once their dances are done) Dancers should treat the dress rehearsal as they would the actual recital and arrive dressed in costume with hair and make-up done. All students are required to attend – no excuses! We try our best to run through the dances as they will be seen during the show. This is our chance to work out any kinks based on unforeseen problems with the stage or dance. It may be necessary for some classes to do a bit more work to get the dance just right for the big day. Again, we ask for your understanding and cooperation while we try to work out any problems. We want the students to be proud of what they’ve accomplished and comfortable with their knowledge of the dance and stage when they have their moment in the spotlight! Although we will try to be as brief as possible, this is our only chance to work together with all the students for one complete run-through. Parents should plan to be in attendance for the dress rehearsal. This is your time to take photos and videos. Classes are dismissed after each dance is performed but students who are done with their dances are always welcome to stay & watch the rest of rehearsal! There is a lot of information given prior to dress rehearsal regarding the recital. Please follow the instructions for bringing dancers to the recital and picking them up. It will help your child feel more comfortable upon arrival and help the back stage area run smoothly. The Back Stage and Welcoming volunteers must also be at the dress rehearsal to meet the other Back Stage Committee Members and receive directions and paper work necessary for the recital day. Miss Jennifer and the teaching staff are usually quite busy at dress rehearsal dealing with many unforeseen issues that creep up. Please deal with questions about costumes, make-up, tickets, etc. in the weeks leading up to the recital weekend so that they can give you their complete attention. Rehearsal and recital days are for concentrating on the students, their dances and keeping the energy and enjoyment levels way up! Recital – Getting Ready (Sunday of Recital Weekend) Please bring the dancers to the auditorium 60 minutes before show time. Our Back Stage Volunteers will be ready to help the girls find their places and get ready for the performance. Volunteers and Backstage help will not be available to greet students any more than 60 minutes before show time. Dancers must arrive in full make-up & hair done and dressed in their first costume for the show. They should be dressed ready to walk on stage and have some fun! They’ve worked hard to get to this day and we really want them to enjoy it. We also find that if the children arrive prepared and fed, they enjoy the experience so much more than hungry kids who’ve been sitting in costumes for too long before the show. Thus, arriving 60 minutes before the show is sufficient. Before leaving for the auditorium, check to see that all the pieces to each costume are together and with your child. Tights, shoes and undergarments should be labeled with the child’s name. Back Stage Moms are dealing with many issues and it always helps to know that the children can find everything they need when their big moment has finally arrived. It also helps the children relax when they are prepared. Weeks before the show, each dancer will receive a sheet of instructions regarding the proper lipstick, tights, etc. they will need for each dance. Please review it as soon as possible, well before show time to avoid any last minute tension. Dress rehearsal is a great time to go over everything once again. For your convenience, recital tights can be ordered through the studio in January. Recital – Back Stage Protocol Food is not allowed back stage on recital day. It’s hectic back stage and the volunteers are not necessarily aware of the children’s food allergies, etc. Nerves and butterflies can cause interesting reactions to otherwise easily digested foods – thus, please feed the children at home. We will provide water, but the show moves quickly and we find that the children easily make it through if they’ve had lunch first. No parents or friends will be allowed back stage on recital or dress rehearsal day. Our Back Stage Volunteers have been instructed to turn away even the most well-intentioned parents – and if we do see anyone back stage without the committee ribbons, they will be escorted from the area. There are no secrets back stage, but there are many children whose safety we value and are determined to protect. We want the girls to feel comfortable while they prepare for the show. We again need your understanding and cooperation in this area. Please also let your guests know that this is our policy. Backstage Volunteer Moms are assigned to Preschool through Level 3 classes. We truly cannot run the show without them! Greet & Grab Moms and Back Stage Moms help to keep watch and assist the older girls as well. Please help us by helping your children understand that these ladies are there to help them. The children should treat all of our volunteers as well as their fellow students with the proper respect. Again, it can be hectic back stage and the children should be prepared to use their best behavior. Each class is assigned an area to change and wait. Back Stage Moms will supply entertainment. The children should be ready to listen for instructions from the Back Stage Crew so that they will be ready for their big moment. Back Stage Moms will plan accordingly and take children to the restroom. Recital – Arriving on the Big Day (Sunday of Recital Weekend) Please arrive with the dancers 60 minutes before show time, not any earlier! Dancers and parents will be advised at the dress rehearsal where to drop off dancers. Volunteers will be available to watch the children beginning 60 minutes before show time. Earlier arrivals must keep the children with them for safety reasons. No students will be allowed back stage until the Back Stage Crew is ready for them. Student’s mothers must come sign in their children and will receive a wristband at this time. This wristband will be necessary for picking up your child after the show. Ticket holders will be allowed into the auditorium 30 minutes before show time. Earlier arrivals will be instructed to wait outside until the doors are ready to open. We will have an assigned seating policy to avoid the chaos of long lines and over exuberance in the lobby. Nobody will be allowed into the auditorium until the doors are ready to open. Please advise your guests as well. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation! Recital – After the Show When the show has finished, the children still need to be kept backstage. Again, guests will not be allowed back stage. We have instituted a pick up policy similar to the drop off policy. Complete instructions will be given before dress rehearsal. Last year we instituted a wrist band system for moms to go backstage to pick up children after the show which worked beautifully! We will use the same system in 2010. Recital – Back Stage Volunteers We are truly grateful to the wonderful group of Back Stage Volunteers we have been blessed with at The Medway Dance Authority! Every year we are more impressed with their professionalism and willingness to help. And, every year we find we can use more help! Volunteers must be available to meet before the recital to go over responsibilities they will have at the show and be introduced to other volunteers. A meeting date will be arranged prior the recital. If you would like to help put on the show and assist with the children, here is a sample of the volunteer positions we currently need. Welcoming Committee – Greet and Grab Moms Lovingly referred to as the ‘Greet and Grab’ Committee. These moms arrive early to the show. They check to make sure the Back Stage Moms have arrived and are ready for the children in their groups. They know where each class should meet before the show and escort the children to the proper spot. They will do a lot of running back and forth around the back stage area, bringing dancers to their groups, etc. The Welcoming Committee is the first line of defense in keeping the children safe from any unauthorized people entering the back stage area. They will be at the drop off door and escort the children and assist any parents delivering forgotten items to the stage door. Welcoming Committee Volunteers will keep watch for Back Stage Moms and be alert to any situations with security and students in need of assistance. The Welcoming Committee will check in with the Back Stage Moms. Student lists will be provided for the Back Stage Moms to confirm arrival of the students. Once the show begins, Welcoming Committee Moms are free to sit in the auditorium and enjoy the show. At intermission, the Welcoming Committee will also help with the pick up procedures for preschool classes that are released at that time. They will continue to police the back stage doors during intermission and again after the show for student pick up procedures. Back Stage Moms These moms volunteer to stay with the younger classes for the entire show. They will arrive early to set up and be ready when the dancers arrive. These moms should be familiar with the students in their care and may be asked to stay during class time leading up to the recital so that the younger children are comfortable with them. They will keep the class together and assist with costumes and bathroom trips. These moms have the pleasure of sharing their time and patience with our youngest stars. They will help the Welcoming Committee take attendance of their group and know if any students are missing or late to the show. Back Stage Moms always help the class their own child is in. They watch dress rehearsal from the audience and watch their child’s dance/dances from the wings recital day. Stage Moms The Stage Moms help the show go on like clock work. They will gather the classes in time to line up back stage and help keep things quiet in the wings. They will assist the students getting to their places on stage and again in filing off stage in an orderly fashion. These moms are available to assist the older students when necessary and keep order back stage. They keep the show moving and get to watch from the wings. Raffle Volunteers These folks will be available before the show to run the concession stand and raffle sales. At intermission they will be especially busy! They sell the snacks and take care of any money collected during the show. Lobby Volunteers These volunteers will arrive early to the recital to be available for the ticket holders. They will help keep order in the lobby before the show and help the lines form and run smoothly. They will man the doors to the auditorium and lobby, collect tickets and be in tune to any problems that may occur in the lobby prior to the show. They will help ticket holders find their seats and work with the Welcoming Committee in directing parents to student drop off areas, etc. These folks will also help direct people to the flower pick up areas, video sales area and raffle/concession sales area. Once the show begins, they are free to watch from their seats in the auditorium. There’s More to Dance Than the Recital! Although a lot of preparation has to be done for the recital, during the class season there are many happenings to be aware of. The following is a monthly breakdown on what can be expected at the studio. Every month Tuition is due BY the first day of each month. $10.00 Late fee and no discounts after the 1st day of the month Attendance is taken at each class – any classes missed should be made up by arranging a make-up class with the instructor. Remember, no make up classes are available in May. If you know you will miss a class, for vacations, school trips, etc., try to make it up prior to the missed class. June Full Year Payment: Full year payments for current students are due if you would like to receive the 5% discount. You also may take advantage of adding your 10% family discount (for a total of 15%) if you are currently paying for more than 1 class. Payment is due by June 15th! Purchase Dancewear We highly recommend Dance Crossroads in Norwood and Dancer’s Warehouse in Milford because of their honesty and knowledge. Please be sure to purchase the type or brand of required gear for your particular class as stated in the dress code. September September 12th Classes begin for the season. September 19th Sign ups/Meeting for the Christmas Show (See Times on Newsletter or Website) October Recital Costume payments of $60.00 each are due by October 15th. Each class has one costume (Except, Production has two!!!) Columbus Day – no classes Monday, October 12th. Halloween Dress Up will be conducted from October 26th – October 31st during class time. We plan to have lots of fun and show off our Halloween costumes. Dress up and be prepared for some fun! NO snacks please! Order Holiday Gift Items (bags, shirts, jackets, etc.). Order forms will be sent home with the students. Please note the deadline dates that forms must be returned in order to receive items in time for the holidays. These items can also be ordered for birthdays, etc., any time throughout the year. November Thanksgiving Break – no classes Wednesday, November 25th – Sunday, November 29th December Reindeer Food Sales. This is one of our most popular fund raising events. Reindeer food is a fun little item that we produce and sell at the studio during the month. $2.00 per bag Christmas Show – Saturday, December 5th at 4:30 p.m. at the Medway High School Auditorium Studio Holiday Party Sunday, December 13th from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Franklin Elk’s on Pond Street in Franklin Holiday Break – No classes December 20th – January 3rd January Classes Resume – January 4th Recital Tights Order Time. For your convenience, order forms will be sent home to order the appropriate recital tights. It is not mandatory to order tights through the studio, but please be sure to buy the specific tights required for each dance you will be performing at the recital. February February Break – no classes February 14th – February 21st March Registration Packets for the 2010 - 2011 Season will be sent home to be filled out and returned in April 1st – 14th. Prince Charming’s Ball Dress up & join us on Saturday, March 20th from 7 – 10 p.m. for a night with your dad or another special “Prince Charming” t the Elk’s Hall in Franklin for an evening of dancing and special memories. Details to be announced soon. April April Break – no classes April 18th – 25th Bring A Friend Week – Bring a friend to class April 12th – April 17th Dad’s Dance Sign-up Time! The Dad’s Dance is a fun addition to our recital each year. Miss Jennifer will choreograph a special dance for the Dads to perform for the recital. Miss Jennifer will announce the rehearsal times. Dads must be prepared to commit to the rehearsal dates and be available for the dress rehearsal and recital. It takes a lot of work for the Dads and Miss Jennifer to bring together a ‘professional’ looking dance, and it’s very difficult to work with missing people each week. Please consider your availability and commitment to the times required before signing up. Usually, we must limit the number of people who can participate and it is unfair to keep another Dad from joining us if you cannot fulfill the commitment. Registration begins for the next dance season. A $25.00, non-refundable registration fee per student or $40.00 per family is due with your registration form. We will announce the deadline date for current student early registration. After that date, available spaces will be open to students from outside the studio. Classes filled first come, first serve. Cast T-Shirts. Each year we design a t-shirt to follow the theme of the recital. All students’ names are printed on the shirt along with the appropriate theme design. This is an optional product we offer for purchase as a memento of the recital. Prices will vary each year based on the design and manufacturer’s pricing. Order forms are sent home with the students and must be returned by the order deadline date. We generally order only enough shirts to fill the orders – order them big and enjoy them for years! Recital Tickets We will hold our recital ticket lottery and inform you of your designated purchase time and date May Memorial Day – Classes will be held on Memorial Day! Recital Pictures. Class dates and times will be distributed in the spring. ‘Team’ Shots of each class will be taken, as well as our traditional individual shots. We will notify you with your assigned class time and date. The Medway Dance Authority does not require you to purchase Recital pictures. This is a service we provide for your convenience. Photography is done by Shooting Star Photography. Individual recital pictures are taken during ‘Team’Shots slots. Please arrive in costume/make-up for your session. This moves the process along to avoid long lines/waiting. Sibling photos may be taken during your designated slots. Bring Home Costumes – Hang ‘em up! When you receive the recital costumes, hang them up so that any wrinkles will fall out. Also, make sure that any alterations are done early and any pieces that need sewing are completed before the recital weekend. Flower Orders. For your convenience, we will arrange for Francis Flowers to have flower arrangements delivered to the auditorium the day of the recital. Order forms will be available at the dance studio. Payment in advance is required by the florist and should be made out to the florist. The cutoff date for orders will be in time for the florist to order the necessary flowers and arrange delivery – no orders will be accepted after that date. This is not required, but it is a convenient way to provide a fresh flower arrangement for your dancers – delivered directly to the recital for pick up when you arrive for the show. Recital Volunteer Meetings As the recital date approaches, we will arrange for all the volunteers for the recital to meet for instructions. Class moms will be designated. You can choose which area you feel most comfortable working in. We have been very fortunate to have repeat volunteers each year who have helped define the spots needing help. If you have questions about what you can do or where we need more help, please call the Back Stage Coordinator for advice. We’ll be happy to place you in the spot most appropriate for your special talents! Pick Up Pictures. You will be notified when pictures are ready for pick up at the studio. Please make arrangements to pick up the photos within the allotted time to avoid any damage or loss of pictures. Video Orders. DVD’s of the recital will be made available for sale. Order forms will be provided by Video Assurance Company before recital weekend. Prices and order dates will be announced. Delivery of tapes will be approximately 8 weeks after the recital, when appropriate editing and copying can be completed by Video Assurance. 50/50 Raffle. Chances for the 50/50 Raffle will be sold at the Senior Showcase and the recital. This raffle is a chance to win cash by simply buying a ticket. Half the money collected during the ticket sales will go to the lucky winner, the other half is used by The Medway Dance Authority to offset the costs of events and parties offered by the studio. The raffle payout will depend on the number of tickets sold. Tuition Raffle. Chances for the Tuition Raffle will be sold in the weeks leading up to and the day of the recital. The winner receives free tuition for one student in one style of dance for the 2010/2011 season. Senior Showcase Rehearsal Friday, May 21, 2010, no costumes (Only Levels 3 – Advanced participate in Senior Showcase) Senior Showcase Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 5:00 p.m., (Senior Showcase Lunch at 2:45 after Recital Rehearsal) Dress Rehearsal for Recital Saturday, May 22, 2010 ~see Dress Rehearsal instructions in handbook Dance Recital- Sunday , May 23, 2010 at 1 p.m. ~ All students participate! June, July and August Summer Classes and Workshops and Private Lessons. Times and costs will be announced. Information will be posted at the studio when available. Rules and Safety Regulations NO ANIMALS ALLOWED AT STUDIO: As much as we love your furry little friends – not everyone feels comfortable. Please keep in mind that some people have allergies or fear animals. TARDINESS: Students who are tardy miss valuable class time and interrupt the class time of fellow students when walking in late. Warm up exercises are done at the beginning of each class to warm up a dancer’s muscles properly. If a student misses these exercises, she may injure her body. All students should be to class at least 10 minutes early to prepare for class! PARENTS MUST WALK STUDENTS INTO THE STUDIO: All students must be accompanied by a parent when entering or leaving The Medway Dance Authority. This rule is in the best interest of your child! Please be sure that your child is in the dance studio with an instructor before leaving. Please be punctual when picking up students. NO GUM OR HARD CANDY ALLOWED: Students are not allowed to chew gum in the classroom. Students may choke or get gum on floors in the studio. All gum/candy must be thrown away before entering class! LISTEN TO YOUR TEACHER: All students must follow instructions in and out of the classroom. Students who disrupt class will be asked to leave class. Students who constantly disrupt class may be asked to leave the studio permanently. Parents should discuss proper listening skills with their children. While we want to have fun in the classroom, we are primarily at dance class to learn to dance. NO HITTING, PUSHING, KICKING, ETC.: Any student caught hitting, pushing, kicking, pinching, etc. WILL be dismissed from class or may be permanently expelled from the studio. This behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated! NO FOWL LANGUAGE: Swearing will NOT be tolerated in the studio. Any student caught swearing will be asked to leave class. Any student caught teasing or harassing another student will also be asked to leave the studio. We are at the studio to work as a team. Please respect yourself and your classmates! NO JEWELRY OR VALUABLES: Please leave any valuable belongings at home. The Medway Dance Authority is NOT responsible for any lost or broken valuables. SUPERVISE YOUR OTHER CHILDREN!!! Please do not allow your child in the locker room, lockers, bathrooms, dance rooms or parking lots unattended! RESTROOM: There are 2 restrooms in the studio. Please remind children to use the restroom BEFORE the start of class. NO RUNNING OR ROUGH HOUSING: Running and rough housing will not be tolerated in the studio. Students should quietly enter the classroom and sit on the floor to stretch and wait for the instructor. NO HANGING ON BARRES OR TOUCHING MIRRORS: Both could result in injury. Barres are used to maintain balance during exercises. OPEN DOOR POLICY Please call the studio at any time at 508-533-9171. Please understand that your instructor will return your call when she can allow enough time to address your particular issue. This may not be possible in the short time between classes. We will do our best to handle any concerns or problems as they arise. However, if you see a problem or have a concern that you believe needs our immediate attention, please inform us. We appreciate your cooperation in working with us. Miss Jennifer and the instructors have limited time between classes. Class times are very close and must be adhered to in order to run on time throughout the day. Again, if there is a situation that requires our immediate attention, by all means inform us. However, a telephone call to the studio or private meeting may be the better way to handle many concerns. We will do our best to return calls in a timely fashion. Please feel free to call the studio number (508-533-9171) at any time to leave a message. Miss Jennifer and her staff will listen to the machine regularly and promptly return calls. Vacation Days/Holidays: There will be NO CLASSES on the following: Columbus Day, Monday, October 12th Thanksgiving Break, November 25th – November 29th Winter Break, December 20th – January 3rd February Break, February 14th – February 21st April Break, April 18th – April 25th Snow Days Please call the studio 1 hour prior to your scheduled class for studio closings. If the Medway Schools are closed due to SNOW we will cancel morning Preschool classes. Please call 533-9171 for updates to studio closings. Property and Equipment at The Medway Dance Authority is for our business use only. Please show respect for the waiting rooms and items within the studio. The reception area, desk, and phone are for instructors and staff use only. Please do not allow children to climb or play near the desk and reception area. Honor the barriers that are in place. Please provide quiet entertainment and supervision for siblings that must wait in the reception area during class time. Parking Spaces are available at the right side of the building & in the lot to the rear of the building. Please don’t block entrance & exit areas near the door and honor the no parking areas as posted. Please drive slowly PRIVATE LESSONS SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS $25.00/HALF HOUR SESSION Great Holiday Gift ~ Gift Certificates Available Private ~ Semi-Private Lessons are available. Please see our office staff if interested in scheduling Private Lessons BIRTHDAY PARTIES $215.00 for 2 Hours or $165.00 for 1 ½ hour PRINCESS, LUAU, SLUMBER PARTY, HANNAH MONTANA, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL & SOCK HOP AVAILABLE OR CREATE YOUR OWN THEME Let us do the work! We supply set up, clean up, crafts, dance, games, decorations, & paper goods! Come join us for some fond memories and let us take care of the work! $50.00 Non-Refundable Deposit, Balance due at the party! PRINCE CHARMING’S BALL Saturday, March 20, 2010 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Elk’s Hall, Franklin Tickets: Price To Be Announced Dress up and enjoy a night of dancing & games with your special Prince Charming. Girls may choose to bring dad or another special male figure in their life. Details to follow after the holidays! |