Dance Arts Cherry Hill Company Contract/Code Of Conduct THIS CONTRACT PROVIDES ESSENTIAL QUALIFIYNG INFORMATION REGARDING PARTICIPATION IN DANCE ARTS CHERRY HILL DANCE COMPANIES AND SUMMARIZES THOSE MAJOR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES RELEVANT TO STUDENTS, PARENTS AND GUARDIANS. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS CONTRACT IS NOT ALL INCLUSIVE OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS THAT GOVERN PARTICIPATION. DANCE ARTS CHERRY HILL RESERVES THE RIGHT, WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE, TO CHANGE, DELETE, SUPPLEMENT OR OTHERWISE AMEND AT ANY TIME THE INFORMATION, REQUIREMENTS, AND POLICIES CONTAINED IN THIS CONTRACT OR OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATED TO COMPANY MEMBERSHIP. Members of the Dance Arts Cherry Hill Dance Company are selected for participation on an annual basis through audition only. No student of Dance Arts Cherry Hill is required to be a member of this Company, therefore; participation is considered a privilege and an honor. It is imperative that students selected as Company Members, and their parents/guardians, understand the Dance Company contract and rules herein. Pg. 1 of 14 REV. 05.07.2015
PURPOSE and MISSION Purpose The Dance Arts Cherry Hill s Dance Company Program provides an opportunity for students to receive extensive dance training while also learning the value of discipline, commitment, and teamwork. Company members serve as role models for the school and the community. They must not only have the desire and dedication to give their best effort during each practice and performance, but they must also serve as exemplary students in behavior and technical achievement. The Dance Arts Cherry Hill Dance Company is a competitive athletic activity. The purpose of the Dance Company is to promote teamwork; dedication; strong work ethic; discipline; respect; technical development; and character. The Dance Company will promote and maintain school spirit through performances as a Company at various events and competitions as well as live webcasts and the annual recital. Mission The mission of the Dance Arts Cherry Hill Dance Company is to bring a diverse group of individuals together as one unit and strive for a common goal of excellence through dance. Company members will gain confidence, develop disciplines, responsibility, and character through performances, competitive achievements, and Company spirit. The Dance Arts Cherry Hill Dance Company will always strive to meet any challenge! Pg. 2 of 14 REV. 05.07.2015
COMPANY MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS Qualifications The Dance Arts Cherry Hill Dance Company is a challenging, competitive Dance Company that requires physical endurance, financial commitment, and the ability to manage multiple activities during the entire school year while putting in numerous after-school hours of practice. Therefore: 1. In order for a student to become a member of the Dance Arts Cherry Hill Dance Company, he/she must be physically and emotionally capable of dancing extensively. 2. All members are required to attend supplemental classes throughout the school year as per Supplemental Class Requirments setforth herein. All members of the Company must be able to accommodate the Company class schedule by taking the required classes all year. 3. All members are required to attend rehersals during June and September. 4. The Dance Company member and his/her parents/guardians must be fully aware of the expenses associated with the Company and able to meet all financial obligations in accordance with payment schedules. Payment must be made timely to keep in good standing on the Dance Company. 5. Uniform balance must be paid IN FULL in order to participate in events and competitions. Any payments turned in will be applied to any existing uniform balances FIRST. 6. Participating in other activities that may interfere with rehearsal, class time or competition is prohibited. Attending other dance studios or companies while participating as a company member may result in removal from Dance Arts competition team. Pg. 3 of 14 REV. 05.07.2015
LEVEL PLACEMENT Students are assigned to a specific level based on their overall performance which takes into account dance skills and teacher recommendations. Final placements will not be discussed with students or parents. Phone calls, letters, and emails regarding placement will not be answered. Students and parents will respect teacher s decisions and allow us to give your child the proper dance education needed. We will help each child develop through discipline, structure, constructive criticism, and confidence during all our classes. Competitions Being selected to compete and perform with the Company is a privilege, not a right. The main purpose of Company is not to compete, but to learn the art of dance. If you are cut from a competition please refer to the reasons listed below under NON-PERFORMERS. Dancers may be selected to perform/compete one or all of the routines. It is solely at the discretion of the directors as to which dancers will perform/ compete which routines. There are absolutely no guarantees as to which dancers will perform which routines. Pg. 4 of 14 REV. 05.07.2015
2015-16 SUPPLEMENTAL CLASS REQUIREMENTS Requirement of weekly classes for all Team levels: Level 1-1 Ballet class, 1 Technique class, and Team class Level 2-2 Ballet classes, and Team class Level 3-2 Ballet classes, 1 Technique class, and Team classes Level 4-3 Ballet classes and Team classes Level 5-3 Ballet classes, 1 Technique class, and Team classes *All Elite Team Members must take 3 ballet classes and 1 technique class POINTE CLASSES AND BALLET COMPANY CLASSES ARE NOT PERMISSIBLE AS REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL CLASSES WE SUGGEST ALL COMPANY DANCERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR UNLIMITED CLASSES TUITION OPTIONS. Pg. 5 of 14 REV. 05.07.2015
MEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT A member of the Dance Arts Cherry Hill Dance Company is expected to adhere to the Dance Arts Cherry Hill Dance Company Code of Conduct as outlined below. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive. A member who does not adhere to the Code of Conduct will be subject to suspension or dismissal from the Company at the discretion of the Dance Director. Each Dance Arts Cherry Hill Dance Company member, Parent, and Guardian: 1. Must take pride in being a member of the Company, always display school spirit, and be a positive representative of the Dance Arts Cherry Hill Dance Company. 2. Must display good sportsmanship in class, rehearsals, practices, performances, and competitions. 3. Will follow all rules and regulations of the Dance Arts Cherry Hill Dance Company Contract including but not limited to Class, Practice, Performance & Competition, Attendance, and Uniform procedures. 4. Will always give 110% during all classes, practices, and performances. 5. Will meet all Supplemental Class Requirement(s) as directed. 6. Will seek additional dance instruction on their own time to master the required Company routines. 7. Dancers and Parents/Guardians must be respectful of Dance Company Director; Dance Company Assistants; School Staff; Companymates; chaperones; and all other faculty/administrators/personnel associated with Dance Arts Cherry Hill. 8. Must display a good general positive attitude regarding the Dance Company, Dance Arts Cherry Hill, and others. Adversarial, argumentiative behavoir and comments will not be tolerated. 9. When wearing any Dance Company apparel in or out of school dancer will act with class and dignity so as not to discredit herself, the Dance Company, or Dance Arts Cherry Hill. 10. Will not use cell phones during any class, practice, or performance without the direct permission from the Dance Director. Pg. 6 of 14 REV. 05.07.2015
11. Will treat all Dance Arts Cherry Hill staff, and chaperones with respect and follow any given instructions without comment. 12. Parents/Guardians and Company Members will be responsible for checking our website and email, and staying informed of all Dance Company activities and deadlines. 13. Will respect all Dance Company, school, and other Company member property. 14. Must not engage in any unfavorable, questionable, or illegal manner through electronic media (i.e. websites, personal home pages such as My Space or Facebook, blogs, text messages, chat rooms, or similar websites) or use electronic communication devices (i.e. cell phones, camera phones, digital photos) in such a way as to bring discredit, dishonor, or disgrace on the Dance Arts Cherry Hill Dance Company or Company members - including yourself - or any other Dance Arts Cherry Hill student. 15. Will not engage in any vulgar or inappropriate conduct, or use vulgar language, while representing Dance Arts Cherry Hill and the Dance Company while in uniform or Company jacket. This includes class, practices, performances, events, and competitions on or off school property with or without the Company. 16. Will never speak disrespectfully to or about any Companymate. 17. Be responsible for ensuring the lobby, and dance studios are clean and presentable following all team classes/events. Pg. 7 of 14 REV. 05.07.2015
CLASS & PRACTICE PROCEDURES In order to ensure that practice runs as efficiently and effectively as possible, certain guidelines must be followed. During each practice/class, all members will: Dressed in appropriate uniform and be ready to begin on time. Wear their class/practice uniform appropriately along with the assigned footwear. Use of phones and electronics devices is prohibited in class or practice. If it is an emergency you may use front desk. Have their hair pulled back into a neat, tight ponytail or bun unless otherwise instructed by the Dance Director. Be attentive and listening at all times, following the directions of the Dance Director, assistants, and officers without comment. Master all counts; routines; and performance numbers. Display an appropriate attitude and behavior. Not talk in class or practices until the Dance Director has given a break. Understand and accept that class and practice times are not me times they are Company times. Be responsible for ensuring the lobby area and dance studio are clean and presentable following all Company classes/events. Pg. 8 of 14 REV. 05.07.2015
PERFORMANCE & COMPETITION PROCEDURES To ensure that each performance will run smoothly and successfully, all members will adhere to the following rules: 1. Arrive 15 minutes early prior to the designated time for all events to begin warming up and practicing. 2. Arrive in uniform, performance make-up, and hair done ready to perform as instructed. 3. Bring the necessary uniforms and props including headgear and footwear. All dancers must attend award ceremonies at competition out of respect to teammates and teachers. Members will properly participate in all warm-up routines prior to a performance and will follow the Officer/Assistant/Dance Director instructions during warm-up without comment. Parents/Guardians must listen and follow all Officer directions without comment. Members are not allowed to eat or drink (except water) in uniform unless given permission by the Dance Director. There is to be absolutely NO food or drinks (except bottled water) placed in your Dance Bag. Dancers must follow all chaperone instructions and respect all chaperones with polite responses. Be responsible for ensuring the practice area, dance room, and dance locker room are clean and presentable following all team classes/events. Pg. 9 of 14 REV. 05.07.2015
BENCHING / NON-PERFORMERS: Just like parents need a discipline system within thier family structure we need a system to insure that dancers carry their weight and strive to improve. Each time we compete/perform we will re-access skills and make a determination of who will perform. At times dancers may be temporarily "benched." Parents are expected to be supportive of our "cut" system as it has allowed us to achieve the high level of excellence which has become standard for our program. Dancers must EARN their way onto the performance floor. Directors and Staff are always up front with dancers as to where they stand. Not all dancers will dance in every competition. Those not performing (alternates) - or BENCHED/NON-PERFORMER members - must still attend all required classes, rehersals and competitions, dress in uniform and travel with the Company, but they will sit out during the actual dance/performance. The following is a list of reasons why a Company member could be designated as a NON- PERFORMER: Lack of knowledge of a routine. Lack of ability to perform at required skill level for said routine. Lack of improvement shown over time in a given routine. Missing a class, practice, or performance (excused or unexcused) related to any scheduled event. Failure to attend any dance class, practice, or performance without appropriate prior notice given. Tardiness to any dance class, practice, or performance. Disruptive behavior during class, practice, or performance. Member or parent/guardian disregards the code of conduct and the rules and guidelines governing partiicipation. Failure to submit timely payment for costums, entrance fees, class tuition and/or accessories. NON-REFUNDABLE late fees will apply. Pg. 10 of 14 REV. 05.07.2015
COMPANY ATTENDANCE / ABSENCE POLICY All classes, practices, performances, and competitions are mandatory. Company Members are responsible for attending all company Classes, Rehearsals, and Supplemental Classes, and Competition/Events or you may Benched or Dismissed from Company. Consistent absence will result in Benching (NON-PERFORMER) or dismissal from company. The Dance Company cannot reach it goals if members are late or absent. It is imperative that the monthly calendars be referenced before doctor appointments, work, or vacations are scheduled. Members will not be released early from any class, practice, or performance for any reason except for a family emergency. Examples of excused absences are dancer illness, physical injury, death in family, and religious events. Examples of un-excused absences are doctor or similar appointments, Saturday/Sunday school, tutoring, attending another activity or sport instead of class/practice/performance, work. Tardiness to any class, practice, or performance will be unexcused. If a member is going to be late a voice mail must be left for the Dance Director. If a dancer misses a practice they may be benched from the related competition/event. It is not possible to make up the work they missed from the practice they missed. If a dancer knows they will be absent from class/practice/performance due to a scheduled event i.e. religious, pre-planned vacation, etc. a written note from the parent is required no less than two weeks prior to the absence. All decisions and consequences regarding dancer absences/tardiness are at the discretion of the Dance Director. Pg. 11 of 14 REV. 05.07.2015
GENERAL COMPANY PROCEDURES There will be occasions when additional practices are called or a practice time is changed. The Dance Director will attempt to give everyone as much notice as possible at these times. It is the dancer s responsibility to keep parents informed however, it is also the parent s responsibility to read weekly Dance Company emails, return forms as requested, and refer to the Dance Company website for additional information. The Dance Company committees will publish and distribute information as it becomes available and strive to publish monthly calendars in advance to keep all parents well-informed of the Dance Company news. In order to ensure all parents/guardians receive Company information in a timely manner, it is the parents responsibility to keep mailing addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers up-to-date with the Dance Director. For the safety of your dancer and in the event emergency treatment it is necessary to keep the Dance Director informed of any and all your dancer s physical injuries and illnesses as well as all prescription medications she must take. DISCIPLINARY ACTION Failure to follow the Dance Arts Cherry Hill Company Code of Conduct may result in but is not limited to the following actions: Sitting out a practice, performance or competition. Suspension/Probation from Company. Dismissal from Company. Depending on the infraction, we reserve the right to immediately dismiss the dancer from the Company. Pg. 12 of 14 REV. 05.07.2015
DISMISSAL FROM THE COMPANY A Dance Company member will be dismissed from the Company for any - or a combination - of the following in addition to infractions of the Code of Conduct: Continual disruptive/disrespectful behavior in any dance class, practice, or performance. Excessive absences/tardiness to class, practice, or performances Continual infractions of the contract. Inappropriate behavior. Failure or inability to follow instructions and/or master required routines. Negative attitude that affects the Company as a whole or any individual Companymate. Failure to pay for Company uniforms and/or meet other Company financial obligations as scheduled. REFUNDS Please be advised that any deposits/payments put toward fees, tuition, uniforms, warm- ups, t-shirts, registration fees, competition fees or any other item is NON- REFUNDABLE. Prorating and Refunds will not be issued at any time other than an injury or medical situation with a doctor s note. This is regardless of whether a Company Member is Benched/NON- PERFOMING or not. PLEASE KEEP A COPY OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT AND THE PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT FOR YOUR RECORDS AND TURN IN THE FOLLOWING SIGNATURE PAGE Pg. 13 of 14 REV. 05.07.2015
Company Member s Name I, the parent/guardian of the above named, have read the Dance Arts Cherry HIll Company Contract/Code of Conduct and understand all of the requirements expected of me put forth therein as well as the ramifications if this contract is broken by either myself or my child. I fully comply with all rules and regulations within this Dance Company Code of Conduct. I understand I am required to be present for parent meetings or have someone present on my behalf. Parent/Guardian Signature Date As a member of the Dance Arts Cherry Hill Dance Company, I have fully read the Code of Conduct and understand what is expected of me to remain a member in good standing. I will keep myself knowledgeable and informed of all rules, and realize the consequences of poor behavior or inappropriate actions may be severe. I will do all I can to uphold the honor and tradition of Dance Arts Cherry Hill and respect my team members, school, and directors at all times. Company Member Signature Date Should I (Dancer's name) choose to participate in another sport during the dance season, I will notify the Company Director and the coach of the sport I have signed up for. An agreement must be reached by both coaches, my parents and I, acknowledging that there is dual participation, and that any conflicts in practice times or events must be discussed with all parties involved - resolution agreed upon in writing or I understand that termination from the Dance Company will be deemed necessary. If I am selected to compete with the Company I understand that there will be no exceptions made and I MUST be present for ALL practices in their entirety in the weeks leading up to a competition. Company Member Signature Pg. 14 of 14 REV. 05.07.2015