The Art of Dance Policy Handbook - Part Two

PROGRAMS

All students are important to us at The Art of Dance, from 3 years to adult. Each program provides a consistently high quality of instruction.

Preschool Program

Offered to students aged 3 to 5 years, our preschool program establishes the basic coordination skills to provide them with the ability to enter the Junior Program. This program is geared towards students learning to enjoy dance. Our preschoolers enjoy being able to perform in the year-end recital in their first dance costumes!

Junior Program

The Junior Program is offered to students 6 years of age and over from Primary to Grade Two dance levels. Introduction to the ISTD set syllabus in ballet, modern/jazz and tap will be established with recommendations for examination provided (see Syllabus). The program also continues the essence of "fun" with the addition of a set curriculum. All students in the Junior Program are involved in choreography to be performed in our year-end recital and/or competitions and festivals. It will be at the discretion of the teacher and/or Director as to which Junior classes will be entered into competitions/festivals (see Competitions).

Festival Program

This program is offered to students with three years or more experience and are approximately 11 years of age or older who are dedicated to their chosen discipline. The Festival Program encourages the students to enter performing outlets with an emphasis on enjoyment and building self-development and confidence. Classes are loosely based on the ISTD syllabus to continue quality training while introducing techniques used for choreography purposes. Examinations are not offered in these classes, however, assessment forms may be done for individual students who wish to follow their progression. Festival competitions will be offered to these students--every entry is adjudicated based on the group's performance and receives a medal or standing according to the performance level as judged (as opposed to competition where usually only the top 3 groups get recognition). Currently registered students in the Festival Program who wish to progress into the Professional Program are encouraged to add a Syllabus and/or Technique class into their schedule. Program changes should be made according to recommendations made by the Director.

Professional Program

This program is offered to students from the Grade 4 level and up who wish to excel at their particular level and discipline. Entrance to the Professional Program must met the particular requirement for age and dance discipline. In some cases, an assessment class and appointment may be required in order to properly place students. ISTD syllabus classes are required separately from the choreography classes in ballet and jazz only (not tap). This is to ensure that the level of training is maintained throughout and examinations are prepared for appropriately. Note that the set syllabus and choreography will be taught within the same class for tap.

If your child is registered in the Professional Program the following classes are mandatory:

• Junior Level:


• 1 ballet syllabus class (Grade 4) with choreography taught in-class
• 1 ballet technique class (RAD)
• 1 jazz choreography class
• 1 jazz technique class
• Optional classes include 1 tap class, 1 lyrical class, 1 stretch & strength class


• Senior Level:


• 2 ballet syllabus classes
• 1 ballet choreography class
• 1 jazz choreography class
• 1 jazz technique class
• Optional classes: 1 tap class, 1 lyrical class, 1 pointe class, 1 ballet technique class (RAD), 1 stretch & strength class

SYLLABUS AND TECHNIQUE CLASSES

These classes are offered in ballet, modern, and jazz and are open to any student regardless of program enrolment. Festival Program students may wish to improve his/her technique and work towards the Professional Program by adding syllabus or technique classes to their schedule. A student in the Professional Program is required to attend the syllabus classes and may progress with the completion of their examinations. It is recommended that Professional students attend a technique class to enhance their abilities.

TUITION FEES

Fees are based on 36 lessons within the school season. The costs are divided into equal monthly payments from September until June, or by lump sum payment with a 2% discount if received on or before the first lesson. Payment can be made via credit card or post-dated cheques. If using post-dated cheques as payment, the first cheque must be for the sum total of September AND June fees, and the remaining eight cheques for October through May must be dated the first of each month. All post-dated cheques must be submitted by the first lesson, and a service charge of $20 will be applied to all late and NSF cheques. A valid credit card must also be provided at the time of registration to cover any overdue fees as necessary. Student and Adult fee schedules are available from the front desk.