Prince William County. Department of Parks and Recreation Dance Program. Our Commitment to Our Dancers

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1 Our Commitment to Our Dancers The Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation Dance Program is dedicated to offering quality teaching, a family environment, and a fun experience. [.] The program will give your child confidence and an appreciation for the art of dance. Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation Dance Program

2 PARENT WELCOME PACKAGE- DANCE PROGRAM Welcome Parents, We thank you for choosing the Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation for your child s dance experience. PHILOSOPHY It is our goal for every child to reach their full potential as a dancer. We hope to inspire them with dance in such a way that it will stay with them for a lifetime. This development will give your child confidence and an appreciation for the art of dance, as well as develop strength, flexibility, poise, and coordination. It is our commitment to view each child uniquely, and offer individualized attention. As performing is the culmination of dance studies we offer and encourage the performance opportunity to develop the dancer whether for fun or a professional endeavor. Our staff is trained and committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment for your child as well as providing a quality programs and activities. As the Dance Coordinator, it would be my pleasure to meet with you personally at any time to discuss any part of your child s training or your experience there. In this handbook you will find the necessary information pertaining to our dance policies and procedures. PLEASE FILL OUT AND SIGN THE LAST PAGE. Please make sure to visit our web site at You will find information pertaining to our dance program class descriptions, calendar, program forms, parent handbook and much more. Our on-line payment process is very easy to use we encourage you to take a moment to explore this option. Also, make sure to keep your household information up to date we frequently use the contact numbers and addresses you provide to communicate necessary program updates and/or send you specific program information pertaining to your child s participation. We look forward to an exciting year of dance. Sincerely, Miss Cynthia Kiehnau Program Dance Coordinator ckiehnau@pwcgov.org 1

3 DANCE FACILITY LOCATIONS For any general related questions, please contact the Program Dance Coordinator, Cynthia Kiehnau at or call Any specific facility related questions, please contact the facility representative. Ben Lomond Community Center Attn: Jane England, Center Manager Copeland Drive Manassas, VA Phone: (703) Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center (SBDCRC) Attn: Mike Tiller Recreation Specialist I Minnieville Road Dale City, VA Phone: (703) ext mtiller@pwcgov.org Veterans Memorial Park Attn: Leslie Stone Park Manager Veterans Drive Woodbridge, VA Phone: (703) lstone@pwcgov.org CHINN AQUATICS AND FITNESS Attn: Tammy Taylor Chinn Park Dr. Prince William, VA Phone: (703) ttaylor@pwcgov.org 2

4 INTRODUCTION DANCE COORDINATOR Ms. Cynthia began dancing in San Francisco with the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance. She moved to NYC where she trained with some of the most well- known teachers: Marjorie Mussman (Joffrey Ballet), Benjamen Harkarvy (Royal Netherlands Ballet). In NYC, she danced for 4 years with the Windemere Ballet Co both as corps and soloist and The Long Is Ballet Theatre as corps. After moving to Va, Ms. Cynthia danced with the National Ballet of Md for 4 years as corps and soloist in classical ballets such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Copelia, and The Nutcracker as well as contemporary ballets. She performed at the Kennedy Center with Asaph Ensemble, as well as local touring performances. While Ms. Cynthia raised a family, she finished her Cecchetti Dance teacher certification to the advanced level. (The Cecchetti method, or the Italian method, is the oldest classical methodology of dance.) Ms. Cynthia then formed Crossroads Dance Project (formerly Ballet East) to perform in schools for children. She toured with her troupe, under the management of Young Audiences, for ten years throughout the state of Va performing as many as 60 shows a year. Crossroads Dance Project also performed modern works as a resident company of Arlington. Ms. Cynthia formed Virginia Civic Ballet, a professional dance conservatory in Fauquier County. VCB produced the only full length ballets in Warrenton, performed at numerous local venues, and toured to NYC. Ms. Cynthia joined Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation in 2010 as the Dance coordinator. STAFF TRAINING Our staff is hired based upon skills and love for dance. Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation take their training very seriously and are one of the few studios that offer such an all-inclusive teacher training. Instructors are required to undergo an extensive teacher training before the start of the year. Their training includes an in depth comprehension of the curriculum as well as developing tools for teaching dance technique. For example, one tool for teaching is hands on placement for correct alignment and placement. Each instructor is required to attend the teacher training courses throughout the year. CURRICULM Our 9 month program is geared to develop a specific dance genre using a set curriculum, interactive games, and dance theory. Each level has a specific curriculum with exercises to refine and fine tune the dancer, so that each advancing level layers upon the level before. For example, students would have to learn how to do a marching turn before adding a more complex turn. Our curriculum builds a strong foundation in every genre to develop technique and create artist. Using a layer teaching method guarantees that our students all receive the same dance education at any particular level or class. The curriculum is open for viewing upon request. 3

5 TUITION: Tuition reflects the nine month program. The fee is split into three payments. Tuition is due in full at the time of registration. Students may enroll until Oct 20 th for the first semester. The last day to enroll is Feb 1st. There will not be any pro-ration for late enrollment. Students may make-up any missed classes in a comparable level class which must be completed by October 31, 2014 (for the first semester) and February 28, 2015 (for the second semester.). Please see below for registration dates and payment due dates for each semester. CANCELLATION AND REFUND If cancelling from a class a 7 day notice must be given and confirmed prior to the start of the class/program you are a cancelling from. A $10 fee will be charged. Failure to give proper notice will result in the forfeiture of all fees. ABSENCES & TARDINESS No refunds will be given for Absences & Tardiness. You may make up a missed class by attending another class at the equivalent level. For approval you must Ms. Cynthia (ckiehnau@pwcgov.org) so that she can inform the teacher(s) of a drop in student. We encourage students to make up missed classes and attend on a regular basis for your child to receive the most benefit from the classes and to encourage teamwork. PLACEMENT The Dance Coordinator will place the students into the class that is appropriate to each individual s level of strength and ability and upon the year end evaluation. This is determined by ages and the number of years of dance training a student has acquired. Students will continuously be monitored and moved into a different level if needed. The Dance Coordinator does 1 on 1 evaluation and parents meeting at the end of the dance year (June). ELITE COMPANY only at Ben Lomond Community Center Our Elite Performing Company offers multiple performances and lead roles for the more experienced student, ages For more information ckiehnau@pwcgov.org. PWC PERFORMING COMPANY (AT BLCC ONLY): Ben Lomond s performance companies are wonderful opportunities for the young dancer to the pre-professional dancer to take their skills to the stage. Dancers will have multiple performing opportunities. A rehearsal with the Dance Coordinator and guest teachers gives the growing artists a chance to refine their skills and develop their creativity. 4

6 RECITAL All students are invited to perform in the December Holiday Recital (must register by October 1 st ) and/or Year End Recital (must register by February 1 st ). There will be minor dance attire expenses (for example: ballet skirt or t-shirt) for the holiday show. There will be a costume fee for the recital in June that will be due on March 1 st. Tickets will be sold for the holiday and year end performances/recital. There will be additional rehearsals associated with the December and Year-End Performances/Shows (no additional cost for the rehearsals). Parents and siblings are NOT allowed backstage during the performances or rehearsals. CANCELLATIONS (Inclement Weather) Inclement Weather Policy: Dance classes will be cancelled if PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED due to inclement weather. If Prince William County School activities are cancelled on Saturday, due to inclement weather, please call the center where your child takes class to determine if classes will be held. If PWC public schools are delayed in the morning due to inclement weather, all morning dance classes that are held before 12(noon) will be cancelled. If PWC public schools cancel evening classes due to inclement weather, all evening dance classes will be cancelled. We will attempt to make up cancelled classes; it is not a guarantee. There is no refund issued for classes cancelled due to inclement weather, as there are 4 snow days built into each semester of the program. We do not close for teacher work days. GENERAL SAFETY AND PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES Participants only in the studio; (no siblings or parents.). Parent observations will be announced in advance. Please keep cell phones off during class or observation. No food or drink except water in the studios. Respect each other. Raise your hand to talk. If you are more than 15 minutes late, it is at the teacher s discretion to permit any student to attend. All participants at all locations need to be signed in and out of the program. If a student 12 and up are given permission to sign herself/himself in and out of the program the parents need to sign a release form. Pick up Policy and Bathroom Breaks: All students under 12 years old MUST be picked up by an adult over 18 years old. Students 12 and up may be picked up downstairs. Any student who is 6 or under must be accompanied by an adult (18 & over) to the bathroom. Students who are 7 to 13 years old can go to the bathroom with a class buddy. DISCIPLINARY PROCESS At no time are Instructors permitted to physically discipline children. It is our philosophy to utilize positive, constructive, and age appropriate behavior management techniques. Please Note: The Dance Coordinator will reserve the right to request a meeting with the parent to discuss behavior and options. 5

7 INCLUSION Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation programs are inclusion based activities. We make every effort to work with families to mainstream children with special needs into any of our programs. If you are requesting any type of accommodation for your child, you must submit a written request form (found online at our camp website at the site your child is attending. At minimum, this must be received, at least 15 business days prior to the start of the program. Dependent upon the request and/or type of accommodation required, participation in dance may be dependent on scheduling and/or contracting specialized staff, which could impact days/times and dance. We take your child s safety and experience seriously. We want everyone to learn, grow, have fun, and achieve his/her personal goals. To accomplish this, we ask that you explain the above rules to your child/children. The program is curriculum based; that means that every class is choreographed and layered to achieve the best results in a fun and nurturing environment. The dance coordinator s is ckiehnau@pwcgov.org Please feel free to call ( ) or or place a note in the box at the front desk. No question or comment is insignificant. 6

8 YEARLY DANCE CALENDER DAYS/DATES Mon, Sept 15 Mon, Oct 13 Tues, Oct 14- Sat, Oct 20 Mon, Oct 20 Tues, Nov 11 Thurs, Nov 27-Sat, Nov 29 Sat, Dec 6 Mon, Dec 8-Sat, Dec 13 Fri, Dec 12 Sat, Dec 13 & Sun, Dec 14 Mon, Dec 15-Sat, Dec 20 Mon, Dec 22-Sat, Jan 3, 2015 Mon, Jan 5 Mon, Jan 19 Mon, Feb 16 Mon, Mar23 Sat, Mar28 Mon, Mar 23 Mon, Mar 30-Sat, Apr 4 Mon, Apr 27-Sat, May 2 Mon, May4 Mon, May 25 June Recital DESCRIPTION Classes begin Columbus Day- no class Parent Watch week No more registrations accepted Veteran s Day- no class No Classes Thanksgiving Break No Class, staging rehearsal at the Ferlazzo Building (see rehearsal schedule for details) No classes, Rehearsal onstage for Holiday Jazz & The Nutcracker Jazz Performance The Nutcracker Parent Participation & Holiday class. Make-up week No Classes, Holiday Break Classes resume (New semester) No classes, MLK Day No classes, President s Day Parent Watch Week No more registrations accepted No classes, spring Break (Potential Make-up times for snow Dates) Make-up week Third semester No classes, Memorial Day Dates TBA 7

9 DRESS CODE Tutu Toddler & Tiny Tapper Angelina Ballerina Tap & Twirl Pink leotard and pink tights, pink ballet slippers, black tap Shoes. Pink or blue leotard and pink tights, pink ballet slippers, black tap shoes. Budding Ballerinas/Tappers Budding Ballerinas Beginning Ballet I Light blue leotards, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, black tap shoes. P light blue leotards, pink ballet slippers. Black leotard, pink tights, pink split sole ballet slippers. Ballet 2 Intermediate/Advanced Ballet Beginning Tap/Jazz I & Petite Tap Burgundy leotard, pink tights, pink split sole ballet slippers. Any shade lavender leotard, pink split sole ballet slippers, black or pink tights. Black leotard, black tights or black jazz pants, black tap shoes and black jazz shoes. Jazz Broadway Jazz & Competition Broadway Jazz Any color leotard, black jazz pants or shorts, black jazz shoes. black exercise Teen to Adult Contemporary Any color leotard; black jazz pants or black, tan, or pink tights or black exercise shorts, tan jazz shoes. Hip Hop Musical Theatre Adult Dance Boy s Attire 8 WHAT NOT TO DO!!! No Satin Ballet Slippers! No Dangling Earrings or Excessive Jewelry! Any attire that allows the student to move freely. Black hip hop sneakers or black jazz shoes. Any color leotard, black jazz pants or tights, black jazz shoes. Any attire that allows free movement. Black tap shoes (tap), pink ballet slippers (ballet), black or tan jazz shoes (jazz). White t-shirt and black jazz pants, black ballet slippers, black tap shoes, black jazz shoes. WHAT TO DO!!! Hair MUST be in a Bun or Ponytail!

10 CLASS DESCRIPTION TUTU TODDLERS & TINY TAPPERS: Ages 2-3. No experience required- 50 minutes. This class will use creative movement that explores the world of dance. They will dance out story ballets using the creative movements they learned. Then, they will have fun learning rhythm and steps tapping to nurse rhymes. ANGELINA BALLERINA TWIRL & TAP: Ages 4-6. No experience required- 50 minutes. Young dancers will use games to explore the concepts of dance such as direction, rhythm, space, shapes, etc. They will use the moves they learned to create story ballets and they will begin a center ballet barre. Then, they will learn coordination and rhythm having fun learning tap steps to upbeat music as they learn a tap dance. BUDDING BALLERINAS: Ages 5-7. Five year olds must have one year prior dance experience; 6-7 no experience required- 60 minutes. Budding dancers will begin simple ballet exercises at the barre. In the center, they will learn basic steps, simplified and made fun to begin learning the foundations of ballet. In addition, they will use dance games to explore dance and develop creative skills. BUDDING BALLERINAS AND TAPPERS: Ages 5-7. Five year olds must have 1 year prior dance experience; 6-7 no experience required- 60 minutes. Budding dancers will begin simple ballet exercises at the barre. In the center, they will learn basic ballet steps, simplified and made fun to begin learning the foundations of ballet. Then they will learn rhythm and coordination as they learn tap steps to upbeat music. PRE-BALLET 1: Ages 7 to 9. No experience required. Students will begin learning the first level of classical ballet according to the Cecchetti (Italian) syllabus. The focus will be on the posture, coordination, and musicality of the foundations of ballet technique. BALLET 1: Ages No experience required, but preferred- 60 minutes. They will learn the first level of classical ballet according to the Cecchetti (Italian) syllabus. Students will perfect those steps learned in Pre-Ballet 1; attention will be given at this level to begin to instill the finite details of the first year syllabus and the correct execution of those steps. BALLET 2 & older Beg Ages One year prior dance experience preferred- 60 minutes. Students will complete level 1 of the classical Cecchetti (Italian) method and begin level 2.They will work on increasing their flexibility, technique, and turnout. This class prepares students for pointe work. This class is also geared for the older beginner (12 to 15); this will allow an older begiiner to take class with students comparable in age. BALLET 2 & POINTE: Ages minutes. One year prior experience in ballet required. It is the teacher s discretion to determine if a student is prepared for this class. Students will complete level one and learn the syllabus of level 2 of classical ballet according to the Cecchetti (Italian) syllabus. Beginning pointe work will be offered. (Recommended that students also take Ballet 2 & older beginner class.) 9

11 INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED BALLET: Ages Three years prior dance experience required- 90 minutes.. Students will learn levels 5, 6, and 7 of the classical Cecchetti (Italian) method. They will also be exposed to other classical style (Russian method) and learn theory.. This class includes pointe, variations, and partnering exercises. Students will begin to learn audition techniques and choreographic skills. JAZZ/TAP 1: Ages No experience required- 60 minutes. Students will begin the basics of Broadway style jazz, starting with a jazz center barre and moving on to basic leaps and turns. Then, they will begin the foundational steps of tap. Students will learn a jazz dance and a tap dance in class for fun. BEG. BROADWAY JAZZ: Ages 8 to 11, no experience required. 60 minutes. Students will learn Broadway style jazz. They will work on flexibility, center exercises. Then they will work on jazz steps and a dance routine. BEG BROADWAY COMPETION JAZZ: Ages 8 to 11, no experience required. 60 minutes. Students will learn Broadway style jazz, the foundations of jazz. They will work on center exercise, turns, and leaps. This class will focus on preparing students for a competition in the spring. PETITE COMPANY TAP: Ages 6 to 9. No experience required. Students will learn the basics of tap and increase tap skills throughout the year. Students will have the choice to enter their dance in a competition in the spring. KIDZ HIP HOP: ages 6 to 9. No experience required. Students will begin with an aerobic workout, learn basic hip hop steps and a dance routine. Clean music is used. This class is for fun and recreation. BEG TEEN HIP HOP: Ages No experience required. Students will work on stretches and an aerobic workout. They will learn basic hip hop moves and increase their skills throughout the year. Dance routines will be taught. This class is for fun and recreation. SR. BALLET/JAZZ COMPANY: Ages 12 to 17. Acceptance is by audition only. Minimum 3 years dance (ballet & jazz) experience. This is for the serious dance, either the pre-professional or dancer who those who want to achieve the advanced level. Students will have solos in competitions, lead roles in the ballet performances, and additional performance opportunities. JR. BALLET COMPANY: Ages 10 to 16.Minimum 2 years prior ballet experience. Acceptance is by audition only. Class meets twice a week. Students learn level 3 & 4 of the classical Cecchetti (Italian) syllabus. Pointe & variations included. This company class offers additional performance opportunities, leadership roles in performances, and some solo work. The company is for students who would like to increase their skill level in classical ballet. JR. JAZZ COMPANY: Ages 10 to 16. Minimum 1 year dance experience. Acceptance by audition only. Includes 2 classes (one ballet & one jazz). This is for the dancer who wants to participate in competitions. Dancers will also be offered additional performance opportunities and leadership roles. 10

12 ADULT CONTEMPORARY: Ages 17 & up. No experience required. This class will include stretching for flexibility; learning the basics of correct posture with a center barre work. Then the class will advance to moves across the floor and finish with a dance routine based on lyrical ballet. This is a great workout for the older beginner & adult. ADULT BALLET: ages 17 & up. No experience required. Stretched will be learned for flexibility & strength. A basic ballet barre will be taught. Students will learn the basic moves of c ballet (adagio, turns, and leaps). Students will be offered the opportunity to perform. 11

13 PLEASE FILL OUT THE INFORMATION BELOW Child/Children s Name: Class/classes your child/children are enrolled in: Adults who have permission to pick up your child/children from dance class: Please provide the following contact information: Phone: Address: City, State, Zip: I have read and understood the information packet and rules. Parent/Guardian Name: Parent/Guardian Signature: 12

New for ! Morning Sessions for Parent/Child & Pre-Ballet/Tap 1&2

New for ! Morning Sessions for Parent/Child & Pre-Ballet/Tap 1&2 New for 2017-2018! Morning Sessions for Parent/Child & Pre-Ballet/Tap 1&2 These classes are a great way to introduce children to the world of dance. Parent/Child is for dancers ages 2.5-3.5 and a caregiver.