The Art of Dance Policy Handbook - Part Three

SOCIAL PROGRAMS

Some programs offered by the government or other agencies that subsidize dance fees in part or in full are recognized by The Art of Dance. Dance fees must be paid in full by the parent or legal guardian before The Art of Dance will sign any subsidy forms. Once the studio has been reimbursed, the parent or guardian will be refunded the monies. For further details, please check with the front desk.

COMPETITIONS AND FESTIVALS

Various companies and organizations hold dance competitions and/or dance festivals in our area. It is our philosophy that dance is a performing art and that any opportunity to enter the theatre is advantageous to the training and self-development of our students. All students from Grade 1 and up will participate in one or more competition or festival with their group. Parents will be required to complete the Group Competition/Festival contract and submit this along with their registration form at the beginning of the year. Because a great deal of work and effort goes into each routine, dancers must commit to classes and practicing at home. Teachers will advise parents as to which competitions the class will be participating in, and exact performance times will be posted on the bulletin board. It's important that parents make sure to note performance times and have their child at the appropriate venue in full costume and makeup one hour before. Competitions and festivals are often held during weekdays, and students may be required to miss a few hours of school in order to participate depending on the schedule. Schedules are set by the organization holding the competition, not by The Art of Dance and we are unable to make changes. If for any reason your child will be absent for a competition, please notify the teacher as early as possible.

We encourage healthy competition in that students acknowledge their own accomplishments and respect the decisions of the adjudicators and learn from their critiques. Recommendations to enter competitions and festivals are made by the teachers and Director. Additional costs are incurred on a per student basis for entry fees, private lessons (for solo or special groups), as well as for costumes. Classes that are entered as a group are taught the choreography within their respective class times. Competition fees are normally due November through January and can be paid in 3 instalments if so desired. Fees range from $15 to $30 per student for each competition/festival entry for group competitions. Solo fees are higher. At the discretion of the teacher, costumes will either be ordered pre-made, or material will be purchased, a demo costume prepared, and parents will be briefed on costume preparation and given all required materials. They can then decide whether to make the costume themselves or hire a seamstress to make it (the studio may suggest a seamstress for those in need, but the rates will be set by the seamstress independent of the studio).

Solo Policy

Students that show consistent progress in their technique and performance ability will be recommended for solo routines in the year's competitions/festivals as determined by their teacher and/or the Director only. A solo recommendation form will be sent home for the parent's approval and choice of competitions. Please note that choreography and rehearsals will take place during private lessons, the times for which must be arranged with your child's teacher. Your child's solo must be worked on individually and not take up regular class time.

Fees for solos, special groups and extra coaching classes are based on an hourly rate that varies per choreographer or teacher. Payments must be made at the front desk prior to the private lesson times or when an invoice has been issued. Please check with your choreographer for your scheduled times. Solo costumes are the full responsibility of parents, but can be discussed with the teacher or choreographer. Other parents may have recommendations for seamstresses if you don't know of any.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND TROPHIES

At the year-end recital, The Art of Dance and The Art of Dance Parents Association (ADPA) reward various students with scholarships and trophies. The awards acknowledge student talent, dedication, and consistent progress in various disciplines and age categories.

STUDIO PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

Professional studio photographs are taken of each individual and/or group during regular class times near the end of the dance school year. These are taken by Tim Schultz Photography, and they can be purchased soon thereafter. Order forms will be provided and you will be notified when the pictures are available for ordering.

YEAR-END RECITAL

We are please to present our year's accomplishments in a final performance at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in June. This is a time to acknowledge all of our dancers and the achievements made throughout the year. All classes will participate, choreography will be taught in class time, costumes will be required, and a dress rehearsal will be held for all groups (usually in April). Tickets for the recital must be purchased and will be available at the front desk--note that depending on the venue, there may be a limit placed on ticket sales on a per student basis. All preschool children are escorted to and from dressing rooms at the recital, and supervision is provided while there. As soon as they are finished their performance, they will be escorted back to the Main Lobby where they are to be met by their parents or guardians. Parents are encouraged to assist their children with any costume changes in order to help the show run smoothly.  NOTE: No flash photography is allowed during any stage performance because it is a safety hazard and may momentarily blind the children. As the recital draws near, a full performance schedule will be provided in family envelopes. Please ensure your child arrives in full costume and makeup an hour before their first performance is scheduled.

Please also refer to our information sheet for parents and detailed dress code requirements for additional information.