Studio Handbook DANCESPECTRUM.NET Motivation & Inspiration to last a lifetime. EST. 1979

Transcription

1 Studio Handbook EST Motivation & Inspiration to last a lifetime. DANCESPECTRUM.NET

2 Welcome to the Dance Spectrum 2017/2018 Dance Season! The Dance Spectrum has been providing Buffalo and Western New York with the finest dance instruction available since We are excited to continue this tradition as we enter our 39th season of dance. Through the arts, we create children who are inspired. We strive to nurture students from the inside out. We are dedicated to giving students great role models and a positive experience. We are instilling confidence, self-awareness, kindness, and motivation into our students. The Dance Spectrum atmosphere is friendly and inviting. We want parents and children to feel like Dance Spectrum is their home away from home. We strive to give families the respect they deserve in a fun, safe, and inspirational environment! Patty Neal, Director patty@dancespectrum.net Faculty and Staff If you have questions regarding your child s dance education, we ask that you discuss them with your child s dance teacher or the director. Additionally, if you have any questions regarding the information distributed, we encourage you to contact the Dance Spectrum office by phone at or by at info@dancespectrum.net. Brittney Broad Faculty brittney@dancespectrum.net Jordan Ryszkiewicz Faculty jordan@dancespectrum.net Liz Wegner Office & Faculty liz@dancespectrum.net Bev Pajak Office & Faculty bev@dancespectrum.net Jennifer Keicher Office Manager jennifer@dancespectrum.net Katie Coyne Assistant Office Manager katie@dancespectrum.net Lauren Blatner Transit Road Depew, NY dancespectrum.net info@dancespectrum.net Marketing Director lauren@dancespectrum.net Wendy Swantek Bookkeeper 14

3 2017/2018 Dance Spectrum Dance Spectrum has an incredibly talented staff of highly trained instructors with experience ranging from age 2 to adults. Each of our teachers is committed to enhancing both their class and each individual s dance experience. 2017/2018 Events Classes Begin Halloween Skating Party September 22, 2017 October 28, 2017 Patricia Neal Studio Owner & Director patty@dancespectrum.net Watch Week #1 November 6 - November 11, 2017 Studios #2 & #4 November 13 - November 18, 2017 Studios #1 & #3 Watch Week #2 March 12 - March 17, 2018 Studios #2 & #4 March 19 - March 24, 2018 Studios #1 & #3 Picture Week April 30 - May 5, 2018 Lynne Johnson Preschool Program Director lynne@dancespectrum.net Recital Tickets Sale Last day of classes Studio Dance Spectrum May 12, 2018 (subject to change) June 11, 2018 June 10, 2018 Lauren Zerkowski Company Program Director LaurenZ@dancespectrum.net Jill McKay Intensive Program Director jill@dancespectrum.net Maddie Wiechec Faculty maddie@dancespectrum.net Dress Shea s Theater Shea s Theater 2017/2018 Closure Dates June 12, :00pm: Children s Showcase June 13, :00pm: Recreational Showcase June 14, :00pm: Competitive Showcase June 16, :00am: Children s Program Showcase 3:30pm: Recreational Program Showcase 7:30pm: Competitive Program Showcase Renee Fitzsimmons Faculty renee@dancespectrum.net Halloween Thanksgiving Break Holiday Break February Break October 31, 2017 November 22 - November 26, 2017 December 24, January 1, 2018 February 18 - February 25, 2018 Lindsay Colbert Spring Break March 25 - April 8, 2018 Faculty lindsay@dancespectrum.net Memorial Day May 25 - May 28,

4 Our Classes Preschool 1 (Boys & Girls - Ages 3-4) A combination of creative movement & beginning pre-ballet skills will be introduced. This 45-minute class is geared toward improving basic motor skills, agility & rhythm. Dancers will perform a Ballet dance in the Children s Program Showcase. Preschool 2 (Boys & Girls - Ages 4-5) Continuing from Preschool 1, this 45-minute class will combine both pre-ballet & beginning Tap for pre-school age dancers. This class is geared toward improving basic motor skills, agility and rhythm. Dancers will perform a Tap dance in the Children s Program Showcase. Acro (Boys & Girls - Ages 5+) Acrobatics uses strength & flexibility to perform gymnastic-based tricks. In this class, students perform conditioning exercises to prepare them for increased difficulty. It is highly recommended that all Acro students take Jazz in addition to their Acro training. Tap (Boys & Girls - Ages 6+) Tap teaches dancers to understand rhythm & timing while working to improve their footwork and agility. Jazz (Boys & Girls - Ages 6+) Jazz is energetic, upbeat and fun while consisting of unique moves, fancy footwork, big leaps, and quick turns. It is highly recommended that all Jazz students take Ballet in addition to their Jazz training. Ballet (Boys & Girls - Ages 6+) The main goal of Ballet is to learn and improve upon one s technique, which will be used as a foundation in every subject of dance. In ballet, dancers learn to execute classical movements with grace. *All Dancers who wish to Perform in the Recreational Program recital MUST take at least one weekly non-performing Ballet technique class. Hip Hop (Boys & Girls - Ages 6+) Hip Hop is a dance style, usually danced to hip hop music, and includes a wide range of styles like breaking, locking, and popping. Lyrical (Boys & Girls - Ages 7+) Lyrical is a combination of both jazz and ballet styles with high concentration on technique. It focuses on fluid and expressive movements, oftentimes with an emphasis on emotion. It is highly recommended that all Lyrical students take Ballet in addition to their Lyrical training. Stay Connected We work hard to make the dance experience organized and fun. Keeping you informed is one of our primary goals. Please read all s, newsletters, text alerts, school bulletin boards and other school information to stay up-to-date with Dance Spectrum. Join DS Text Alerts **New List for the New Season** to to subscribe to our text alert program. This program allows you to received message alerts from the Dance Spectrum as quickly and easily as possible to provide better communication regarding events and important reminders. Regular text message fees from your provider apply! Team App Download Team App in the app store on your smartphone or tablet. Sign up for a new account and find the Dance Spectrum shield by searching Dance Spectrum. Request to join our school under the Studio 17/18 access group. This app will help keep you up-to-date with news, calendar of events, special schedules, and more. We realize our website is not mobile friendly, this will give you the opportunity to view our school information through the use of a mobile friendly app. This program also allows multiple parents per dancer to sign up. Social Media Follow us on our social media platforms. We often post photos and videos of your children. We also post important reminders and events. Find us on Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. Please make sure we have your most up-to-date address on file on your dance account. Newsletters and updates are ed often. Website We are constantly updating our website. Calendar of Events, News, important parent and student information, contact information, and more are available online 24 hours a day. Musical Theater (Boys & Girls - Ages 9+) Parent Portal Musical theater is a combination of dancing and acting, similar to what would be The Parent Portal is available to all current DS families. Access your seen in musicals and Broadway shows. Dancers learn to incorporate a personality account by creating a username and password. The Parent Portal or story line into their dancing. provides you with 24/7 access to your child s information. A Parent Pre-Pointe (Girls - Ages 12+) Portal account allows you to log on at any time to view information Before beginning pointe work, a Ballet dancer must undertake many pre-pointe regarding your family s account, child(s) class schedule, and tuition exercises to ensure they are strong enough to dance on pointe without injury. All information, and allows you to make payments and register for Pre-pointe dancers must take an additional non-performing Ballet Class on workshop classes online. Visit for Saturday mornings, 9-9:45am. Dancers must be 12 years old and have at least 3 instructions on your Parent Portal. 3 years of ballet training before starting the pre-pointe program. 12

5 Medical Information Parents should notify the director, teachers, and/or Dance Spectrum office if their child may be required to use an inhaler or any other medications during their time at the Dance Spectrum. It is also important to inform the director and/or teachers of your child s existing medical conditions or learning disabilities at the time of registration and throughout the school year. If your child obtains an injury that restricts their participation in class, parents must notify the director and/or teachers. Illness Colds, flu, and other contagious diseases occur frequently and spread easily among children. If you observe any signs of illness or contagious conditions in your child, please keep them at home and inform the Dance Spectrum office. If these signs are observed in your child during a class, you will be called to pick up your child. If you are uncertain whether your child should attend class at any given time, please call or visit the Dance Spectrum office. Discipline Policy In order to maintain a happy, healthy, and professional environment, students are taught the importance of being a part of the group. We encourage students to have respect for other students, the teacher and staff, and studio property, and we foster the development of good habits and compliance with rules of conduct. Our staff and faculty are trained to use constructive techniques of discipline to maintain class control and handle individual misbehavior. Children who exhibit unacceptable behavior or attitudes are told what is wrong and directed to a positive alternative approach or behavior. Children who are disruptive will be respectfully asked to stop the behavior. If the behavior is repeated, they will be reminded of it and told how it affects others. If the disruption continues, the children involved will be asked to sit down for a short period of time (usually three to five minutes) before rejoining the class. If a child s misbehavior continues to disrupt the class, the parent or guardian will be called to discuss the matter. Student and Parent Use of Social Media Use of Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Linkedin, blogging, and other online social-media vehicles is commonplace. This policy is intended to provide Dance Spectrum students and parents with guidelines to eliminate any confusion concerning the use of social media. Respect the law, including those laws governing defamation, discrimination, harassment, copyright, and fair use. Parents and students should never post negative comments about other schools or teachers. Also, please do not post negative comments about school activities such as competitions, conventions, and performances or about the directors of those events. Ensure that your social networking conduct is consistent with all of the policies contained in this handbook. Recommended Shoes and Attire Preschool 1 Girls: Leotards, tights (any color) Pink Ballet Shoes Black Ballet Shoes Preschool 2 Girls: Leotards, tights (any color) Black Tie Tap Shoes, Pink Ballet Shoes Black Tie Tap Shoes, Black Ballet Shoes Ballet Girls: Black leotard, Pink or Suntan tights Short Ballet skirts are permitted Pink Split Sole Ballet Shoes (All brands) Competitive Programs: SoDanca Canvas Ballet Shoes Boys: Black form fitting tee shirt, Black joggers Black Ballet Shoes Jazz Girls: Form Fitting Dance Clothes (No Jeans) Ex. Leggings, yoga pants, leotard/shorts Black, slip on or tie up Jazz Shoes Black, slip on or tie up Jazz Shoes Tap Boys & Girls: Comfortable Dance Clothes (No Jeans) Black, One Strap Flat or Hard Sole Oxford Tap Shoes Acrobatics Girls: Form Fitting Dance Clothes (No Jeans) Bare Feet Bare Feet Hip Hop Boys & Girls: Comfortable Street Clothes (No jeans) Clean Sneakers Lyrical Girls: Form Fitting Dance Clothes Bare Feet Bare Feet Musical Theater Girls: Form Fitting Dance Clothes (No Jeans) Bare feet or Jazz Shoes Bare feet or Jazz Shoes 11 4

6 Registration All students should register for classes through the Parent Portal or by contacting the Dance Spectrum office. Dance Spectrum offers a variety of classes for all ages and commitment levels. The Children s Program is designed for our youngest dancers, between the ages of 3 and 8. The Recreational Program is designed for dancers ages 9 and up. We also offer competitive programs for dancers ages 6 and older. Dancers must audition for placement into these programs. To learn more about our programs and available classes, visit the Dance Spectrum office or website. Please also contact the Dance Spectrum office with any questions regarding student class placement. Registration Fee This annual non-refundable Registration Fee guarantees your spot in class, as well as covers all administrative fees and accident insurance for the season. $40-1 Student $70-2 Students $90-3+ Students All students must reside at the same address to receive the sibling registration discount. Tuition Policy Dance Spectrum is based on a 32-week season. We do not prorate for late registrations. Tuition is a course fee and all prices include all holidays. PLEASE make sure we have the most up-to-date address on file. We do send monthly statement reminders for all fees and tuition. Autopay Available - Let the office know if you are interested in signing up for this program. We accept cash, check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. Please write your child s name in the memo portion of the check. If you pay with cash, please ask for a receipt. There are no make-ups or refunds for missed classes. All tuition payments are due on the first of the month. Any tuition payments received after the 10th of the month will receive a $10.00 late fee. A $30 service fee is charged on all returned checks. Students who fall two or more months behind on tuition payments will not be allowed to return to class until the account is brought up to date, including late fees. After 2 checks are returned for insufficient funds, your account must be paid with cash or credit only. Girl Scout/Brownie Dance Badge Dance Spectrum offers a one-time class that meets the requirements for the Girl Scout/ Brownie Dance Badge. Your troop will learn fun warm-ups, perform steps from new dances, and make a dance of their very own! This program lasts one hour. Girls can wear dancewear or loose fitting clothing, bare feet, or socks. If you have any questions contact us for more information about earning a Dance Badge at the Dance Spectrum! Class Assistants Class assistants are present in our weekly classes to provide support to both the teachers and students throughout the year. A dancer s class assistant serves as their resource, friend, and role model as they grow over the course of the dance season. Our class assistants are experienced, well-trained individuals devoted to each dancer s success. General Policies Please feel free to communicate at the front counter of the office. Parents always have the opportunity to view classes from the waiting room on our closed-circuit TVs. Only water is allowed in the studios. No food, drinks, or gum is allowed in class. No cell phones may be used during class time. Please turn ringers on silent as to not interrupt class if a cell phone goes off. Children must be supervised at all times and are not free to run around the lobby or classroom areas. Never speak negatively about teachers, students, or parents from Dance Spectrum or other dance schools. Students and parents should neither claim nor imply that they are speaking on behalf of the Dance Spectrum. Never post anything online that could compromise the self-esteem of students who attend the Dance Spectrum. If you post videos online of class or rehearsals, do not post any choreography in its entirety; the Dance Spectrum owns the copyright to all choreography taught at the school. Weather Cancellations School closures due to severe weather conditions will be announced by 2:00pm on that day. Notifications of weather cancellations will be texted, via the Dance Spectrum notification system to 81010), ed, posted on the website, the Facebook page, and announced on the school s outgoing voic message. Weather cancellations will also be posted on TV channels 2, 4, &

7 Picture Week Class photos will be taken at the Dance Spectrum during regular class times, the week of April 30 - May 5, All Classes will have a group photo in their recital costumes. Please come dressed in your costume, hair, and makeup. Studio 1 will be available for changing costumes. Individual photos are also offered for parents and students who are interested. There is no obligation to purchase photos. Private Lessons For Technique Private technique lessons are available for students who would like to work on their skills outside of their regular class times. These lessons are offered throughout the year. For Choreography Solos, duets, trios, and small group dances for the end of the year recital showcases are available for students who are interested in performing with a smaller group of dancers outside of their regular classes. These private lessons are granted at the discretion of the faculty based on the ability of the dancer and their work ethic and progress in their weekly classes. Detailed information and applications are available in the Dance Spectrum office and on the Dance Spectrum website. Studio Rental Are you looking for a venue to hold a special occasion or event? Do you need ample seating and even a dance floor? Well look no further! Dance Spectrum offers weekday and weekend studio rentals to inquiring participants. With room to fit tables, DS makes the perfect place to hold your bridal or baby shower, anniversary, or birthdays to name a few! Call or visit the Dance Spectrum office for more details! Dance Birthday Parties Let our well-trained and enthusiastic staff at Dance Spectrum take the worry out of planning your child s birthday party! We are proud to offer child friendly themes, a carefully planned itinerary, engaging & varied activities, and a special gift for the guest of honor! Birthday parties are offered in 90-minute sessions on select Sunday s throughout the year. These parties include party leaders, dance instruction, crafts, pizza, bottled water, decorations, and a gift for the guest of honor. When booking a birthday party, you have a variety of party themes to choose from. For theme options, pricing, and additional information, visit the Dance Spectrum website or the Dance Spectrum office. For party availability, visit our Parent Portal and find the available classes link. Then pull up our Birthday Party tab to view all available dates/ times. Tuition Scholarships Family discounts include: 5% 2nd child scholarship 10% 3rd child scholarship 15% 4th child scholarship Families with 2 or more children dancing at the unlimited rate will receive an additional 15% scholarship on their total family tuition. Boys receive 25% scholarship. Students who attend the Dance Spectrum for over 10 years will receive 10% scholarships from their 11th season and onwards. Alumni of Dance Spectrum receive a 25% scholarship When both a child and parent are enrolled during the same season, the parent receives a 25% scholarship on their tuition Costume Fees All costume fees are due no later than November 1, These fees cover the cost of the recital costumes including all accessories (hats, gloves, tights, etc.) This fee does not include shoes which must be purchased separately. Children s Program Costume: $60.00 Recreational Program Costume: $75.00 $10 Late Fees per costume are applied after November 10, 2017 Referral Program Spread the word! Sign your Referral card and share it with a new family joining the Dance Spectrum. When the new family signs up for a full season program (September - June) and presents the card with your name on it, you will receive 50 DS Dollars! The new family must be active for at least 3 months in order to receive your 50 DS dollars! A $50 account credit will be posted to your account on December 1st of the upcoming dance season. This credit can be used on all DS transactions. This card cannot be redeemed for cash. 9 6

8 7 Annual Recital & Rehearsals The recital offers our students a professionally directed performance that allows them to present to their families and friends the results of a year s hard work, dedication, and progress. Our 2018 Recital Showcases will be held at Shea s Performing Arts Center. There is nothing more exciting than stepping onto the stage at Shea's Performing Arts Center. The truly amazing architecture, the state-of-the-art lighting and sound, and the sheer size of the auditorium add an element to the Dance Spectrum's end of the year extravaganza that no other stage in Buffalo can provide. Dance Spectrum is proud to be the only school in Western New York to hold three major theatrical dance productions at the beautiful Shea's Performing Arts Center in Buffalo, New York. Dance Spectrum has three different Recital Showcases in order to fully acknowledge each class and program. The Children s Program Showcase will feature all dancers ages 3 through 8. The Recreational Program Showcase will feature all dancers ages 9 through 18. The Competitive Program Showcase will feature the Intensive & Company Team dancers and adults. Recital Rehearsal Fee $50 per family due no later than April 1, This fee covers: Recital rehearsals at the Dance Spectrum and Shea s Performing Arts Center Digital access to all Recital Showcases & the ability to download the show of your choice Opportunity to purchase DVD s for $20 2 tickets to the dress rehearsal (1 for the dancer and 1 for a parent/guardian) 2 Recital Souvenir Program Books A Studio Rehearsal will be held on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at the Dance Spectrum. This rehearsal allows the students to practice without mirrors, practice entrances and exits in the order of the show, and it gives them a chance to dance in front of their peers. NO COSTUMES for this rehearsal! Dress Rehearsals at Shea s Performing Arts Center will be held the week of the recitals. These rehearsals allow students to become familiar with the theater surroundings and feel comfortable with their performance, costume(s), and being onstage. Lighting, music cues, set changes, and all other logistics for an organized and professional performance are rehearsed so that the students make the best impression possible. For these rehearsals, dancers will wear their recital costumes, as well as practice their stage makeup and hair. Dress Rehearsal Dates are as follows: Children s Program Rehearsal: Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Recreational Program Rehearsal: Wednesday, June 13, 2018 Competitive Program Rehearsal: Thursday, June 14, 2018 The Recital Showcases will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Shea s Performing Arts Center. For Recital Showcases, dancers will arrive backstage in their recital costumes, hair, and make-up. Dancers will remain in their assigned dressing rooms throughout the Showcase. Class teachers, class assistants, and backstage volunteers will be present backstage to assist the dancers throughout the entirety of the Showcase. All classes, with the exception of non-performing classes, will perform in the Recital Showcase. Recital Showcase times are as follows: 11:00am: Children s Program Showcase 3:30pm: Recreational Program Showcase 7:30pm: Competitive Program Showcase More information on our Recitals and Rehearsals will be provided later on in the dance season. Contact the DS office with any questions or concerns. Recital Tickets To create an organized and professional atmosphere, all tickets are reserved seating. Each audience member must have a reserved seat. Only children 2 years-old and under are permitted to sit on adults laps. Our recitals are considered family entertainment and are approximately two hours in length. Tickets to the Dance Spectrum recital showcases go on sale Saturday, May 12, 2018 (date subject to change) at 8:00am at Shea s box office, 10:00 a.m. at Ticketmaster charge by phone at , and online at Father Daughter/Son Dance - June 16th, 2018 The Father Daughter/Son dance is a wonderful opportunity for Dad s (stepfathers, grandfathers, and/or significant men in the dancers lives) to dance with their daughters and/or sons during the recital performance. Together they will learn a dance and perform together in the dance recital at Shea s Performing Arts Center in June. Rehearsal dates, sign-ups, and additional information will be available later on in the dance season. Parent Watch Week Parent Watch Week gives you the chance to step into the classroom and see firsthand what the classroom experience is like for your child. During the in-class observation, please refrain from shouting instructions or distracting your child in any way. Parent Watch Week takes place two times each season, and is spread over two weeks. Studios #2 & #4: November 6 - November 11, 2017 March 12 - March 17, 2018 Studios #1 & #3: November 13 - November 18, 2017 March 19 - March 24, 2018 Please remember to remove shoes before coming into the studios so that we can protect our floors. Also, if possible, leave younger children at home. 8