The Art of Dance Policy Handbook

WELCOME TO THE ART OF DANCE!

The purpose of this handbook is to provide useful information to our clients and to ensure a close working relationship between parents/students and staff. We hope that the policies presented in this handbook will allow for better communication and present guidelines on our procedures to ensure that your concerns are addressed accordingly. We hope that each student's dance education is safe and enjoyable, and want to assure you that each member of our staff is dedicated to bringing "the art of dance" into your lives. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the studio by telephone at 459.8588 or send us an email with your telephone number so we can call you. Please make sure to review our information sheet for parents as well as the required dress code for your child's classes.

Sherri Urkow L.I.S.T.D.
Director

MISSION STATEMENT

"In Pursuit of Excellence"... It is our goal at The Art of Dance to provide every student with the highest quality of dance education by recognized and qualified instructors. Our instruction follows established systems of training that include The Imperial Society of Dance (ISTD, Ballet, Modern, Jazz and Tap) as  well as the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD, Ballet).

Along with quality instruction, we are committed to provide an opportunity for each student to express themselves through trust, respect, and to gain self-confidence with each endeavour they may undertake to achieve their individual personal bests.

CLASS TIMES & SCHEDULES

Classes run Monday to Thursday, 4:15 pm to 9:30 pm, and Saturday 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. Occasionally classes will run on a Friday to make up missed classes from a holiday Monday or any extra lessons that are required. Information about changes in class times (e.g., competitions and/or extra lessons) will be sent home with the student and also posted on the bulletin board. Please note that all information will be placed in the family envelopes (located in the storage unit beside the front desk in the lobby). It is important for parents to check envelopes on a weekly basis!

OFFICE HOURS

Our front office staff will be in the office Monday through Thursday, 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm and Saturday from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. Inquiries can be made during the day by calling the studio and leaving us a detailed message. Your call is important to us, however, please note the office hours to ensure you can speak with someone directly. To respect our staff's private time, we strongly suggest that you contact the studio if you wish to speak to a particular staff member. Please do not phone their homes or email private addresses. Every effort will be made to ensure the appropriate staff member receives your message.

ATTENDANCE & DRESS CODES

Regular attendance and punctuality is important to ensure each student progresses as well as they can and is present to participate in warm-ups at the beginning of each class to avoid injury. Please call our front office at 459-8588 to let us know if a student will not be attending a particular class or classes. Our teachers will also be monitoring the attendance and if a student misses two consecutive classes, will contact home for information and may suggest some class time to make up any missed instruction. Students registered in the Professional Program must not miss more than two classes per month in the choreography classes. Parent/student consultation with the teacher and/or Director will be required if classes are frequently missed.  A detailed list of dress codes and possible suppliers is available for your convenience. Please make sure to check the dress code before making any purchases as there are specific requirements for each discipline and level.

ACCIDENTS & ILLNESS

As in any sport-related activity, accidents may occur. Every effort will be made to contact the parent first with respect to medical attention. In case of emergency and if the parent is unavailable, students will be taken to the Sturgeon Community Hospital in St. Albert.

PARENT CONCERNS—PARENT/TEACHER APPOINTMENTS

Any concerns regarding a student's placement and/or studio policy should be discussed with the student's teacher and/or the director only. Please feel free to contact The Art of Dance staff at any time with questions or concerns regarding your child. Appointment books are available at the front desk to set up a meeting with the Director. It is our goal to work together to ensure the best possible training for your children.

Please note that it is important to remember that student progression through our training system does happen individually as different bodies develop at different rates. We encourage children to develop at a rate that is specific to the appropriate age and development with specific attention to injury prevention. Individual assessments may be arranged by request with the Director.

STUDENT CONDUCT

Students at The Art of Dance are encouraged to conduct themselves in a respectful manner towards teachers and other students, as well as to their surroundings. Socialization is a part of learning and working together as a team., however, must not distract from the class teaching or students learning. Students that fail to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner or show disrespect to others will be asked to leave the class, or in serious cases, withdraw from the program. Parents will be contacted if a persistent problem occurs.

REGISTRATION

Pre-registrations are usually accepted from the last week of May until the last week of classes in June. All currently registered students are strongly advised to pre-register as this will help to ensure your spot in upcoming classes and assists us in planning the class schedules. Full registration usually is scheduled from the last two weeks of August until the end of September. Classes usually start the week after Labour Day.

Registrations forms are available online but must be completed and turned in to the front desk (adult registration forms are here). A non-refundable registration fee of $20 per family must be submitted at the time of registration.