PIROUETTE DANCE STUDIO 2017-18 STUDIO INFORMATION HANDBOOK Welcome to Pirouette Dance Studio and our first year under the ownership of Devon Hackett. We have a new name and a new look, but our goals for our dancers remain the same: to encourage hard work and commitment, to help our dancers achieve their goals, and to do so in a caring, safe, and fun environment. We are proud to offer a range of programs and options for all dancers, from pre-schoolers and once-a-week dancers up to advanced company dancers competing in festivals and taking exams. The highlight of the year for the whole studio is the Year-End Show, which is held each spring at the UVic Farquhar Auditorium, and which represents the culmination of the year s work and achievements. Attendance at the Dress Rehearsal is mandatory, because it is important for each class to have a chance to rehearse their piece in advance on stage, to achieve the best performance possible at the Show. Please reserve the dates now, and let us know immediately if any conflicts arise during the year. DRESS REHEARSAL: SUNDAY MAY 6, 2018 8.30-12.00 SHOW: THURSDAY MAY 17, 2018 7.00 PM Both events are held at UVic s Farquhar Auditorium Note for parents of younger dancers (under 8) we strive to place all our younger dancers in the first half of the Show, so your dancers will only be expected to attend about the first hour and a half of the Dress Rehearsal, and the first hour of the Show. We have a professional DVD made of the Show each year. Because we want to make sure that all dancers can see their own and the other dances, one copy per family is included in fees. Additional copies can be ordered at Show time. LOCATIONS Our main studio is located at 2033 Belmont Avenue. We have a large studio space with barres, mirrors, and a marley dance floor. There is ample parking in the lot behind, two dressing rooms, and a parent waiting area. We share the building and communal hall (including bathrooms) with another organization. Our section is secured with key-pad locks; the code will be given out in September each year, and it is very important that dancers and parents know the code. We also run some classes at a second studio location, St. Barnabas Church Hall, located at 1525 Begbie Street (at Belmont). This is another large space with mirrors, barres, and a marley floor, and is within easy walking distance of the main studio. ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS At Pirouette Dance Studio, we welcome all dancers of a variety of ages and abilities. We recognize that our students come from all walks of life, so we offer programs that accommodate a range of needs and goals. Many of our dancers start with one or two classes per week, and then move into taking multiple classes and dance styles; however, we are always happy to accommodate dancers who wish to train in one style, or who have a number of other activities and want to continue including dance without a huge time commitment. For those who wish to advance their training, we offer further opportunities in exams, pointe work, and invitational company classes. We offer ballet, tap, and modern exams through the RAD and the ISTD. Exam opportunities are offered from a young age, giving dancers an opportunity to try an exam out and see if it is a path that they wish to follow. Many dancers find that having the specific goal of an exam helps them achieve a higher level of technique and performance. It is not necessary to take an exam to move on to the next level, because we train all of our dancers to achieve the skills required in each grade. Further details on exam offerings and scheduling will be available in the fall. Pointe work is offered to female ballet students starting in the early teen years. Dancers must be taking two ballet classes per week in order to be considered for pointe, and must be physically and mentally ready to take on this challenge. Your dancer s teacher will discuss with you when your dancer is ready to start pointe. TIPTOES PERFORMING COMPANIES Our three company groups, collectively known as Tiptoes, are made up of
students who show exceptional promise in performance and technique, and who have proved their dedication and commitment to the studio through their attendance, attention to class discipline including dress code, and hard work in class. Students are invited to join in June of each year, and will be placed according to ability and age in Junior, Intermediate, or Senior Company. Dancers are then expected to maintain the same high standard, particularly of behaviour and attendance, in order to continue on in the program in future years. Tiptoes dancers work with a variety of teachers, and prepare one or more dances to perform in local Festivals and the Show. REGISTRATION AND DATES Registration opens in early June and continues through September. New students will be accepted in most classes until early January at a pro-rated fee. Early-bird discount: we love to get early registrations, so as a thank-you for registering before June 30, please take off the $25 registration fee. Please fill out the registration form and return with payment to the studio dropbox (near the front door), or by mail to: 979 Cloverdale Avenue Victoria BC V8X 2T4 Families with multiple siblings at the same address will only be charged one registration fee, but please use a separate registration form for each student. Addresses and parent information only need to be provided on one of the forms, as long as they are submitted together. We offer a variety of payment options to suit different needs. Fees can be paid in two ways the whole year (dated September 1, 2017), or monthly (10 payments from September 1, 2017-June 1, 2018). Monthly payments: these can be by 10 post-dated cheques, or by e-transfer. E- transfers are quick and easy to use, but unfortunately can t be set up as preauthorized payments. We will send reminders, but if you choose this option the onus will be on you to make payments on time each month. Full-year payments: these can be paid by cheque, cash, or e-transfer by September 1, 2017. Full-year payments save 5%; this can be combined with the early-bird discount. ADDITIONAL FEES: Each registration (per family) will be charged the $25 registration fee, unless you take advantage of the early-bird discount. Each class a dancer registers for will be charged a $25 costume deposit. This can be spread out over the first four month s payments, particularly for those in multiple classes. This is designed to facilitate the early ordering of costumes, and to help spread out the cost of costumes during the year. Note: this fee is not applicable to Ballet Technique classes. NSF cheque/non-payment charge is $10. The grace period is 3 business days after the first of the month. Students whose fees are one month or more overdue are subject to cancellation of registration. CLASS CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS Dancers are expected to commit to a full year of classes and to participate in the Year-End Show. We are happy to accommodate class changes through September, because we fully realize that the start of a new school year can present unexpected changes to schedules. It is our goal to have students settled into the appropriate classes by early October. Occasionally circumstances arise that require cancellation of some or all classes. For the sake of the teachers and the other dancers in the group, the last day to receive a refund for the remainder of the year is December 1, 2017 (a $50 cancellation fee will apply). Remaining post-dated cheques will be returned; if you have paid the full year up front, we will issue a refund for the remainder of the year. After December 1, 2017, all class fees and costume deposits are non-refundable; if costumes have been ordered or are in the process of being made, the full costume fee will be charged. Cancellations must be received in writing and will be effective the date they are received; you can email pirouettedancestudio.victoria@gmail.com, mail to the address given above, or place a note in the studio drop-box.
Dancers in the Mini Dancers program register by the term. If it is necessary to cancel a registration mid-term, this must be done in writing (as above). The remainder of the term will be refunded, minus a $15 cancellation fee. We value your communication and are always happy to discuss any issues. Our goal is to try and resolve situations with support and understanding, while maintaining the traditions and discipline of dance training. The studio email account is checked regularly, and we will endeavour to return emails within 48 hours. MAJOR DATES TO NOTE (please also see the full list of Dates to Remember on page First day of classes Monday September 12 Last day of classes before Christmas break Monday December 18 First day back after Christmas break Monday January 8 Last day of classes before Spring Break Saturday March 17 First day back after Spring Break Wednesday April 4 Last day of classes before Summer break Monday June 18 MISSED/CANCELLED CLASSES AND SNOW DAYS It is our goal to avoid cancelling classes whenever possible; however, occasionally circumstances arise that leave no other option. We do everything we can to reschedule classes that have to be cancelled due to sudden teacher illness, long exam days, or other unexpected events. In some cases, you may be given the option to bring your child to another class for a make-up class. Classes that are missed by the dancer are not rescheduled by the studio, but dancers are welcome to take a make-up class as appropriate. Snow day policy: We will close the studio if there is enough snow on the ground to prevent the safe travel of our families and teachers. We will normally make the decision by noon, and it will be posted on the website home page, as well as on social media accounts. A Tuesday-Saturday snow day will not be rescheduled, but dancers are welcome to attend a make-up class. A Monday snow day will be rescheduled, probably by using the first Monday in Spring Break. If the same day has to be cancelled more than once, we will do our best to reschedule the second one. FEES The Fees table is located on the back of the Registration Form. Determine your fees by adding up the number of hours your dancer is registering for, and finding the appropriate amount on the fee table. Simply follow the directions on the Registration Form to enter it in the correct space, and add costume deposits and registration fee as required. We strongly encourage our dancers to take multiple classes, so each class that is added to a dancer s timetable is at a discounted price. The discount also increases as more hours are added. Once a dancer has reached 6.25 hours of classes, fees are capped and the dancer can register for unlimited classes, subject to teacher approval. These dancers can also take extra classes on a dropin basis, as appropriate. We love to see siblings of our dancers joining the studio family, so we also have a discounted rate for multiple family members at the same address. Generally the sibling who is taking the most classes is considered the First sibling on the fee table. We have a family maximum fee as well, after which additional or drop-in classes for all the siblings are included, as appropriate. MINI DANCERS PROGRAM We are pleased to introduce a new program aimed at preschoolers and toddlers, Mini Dancers. The program is designed to bring the youngest dancers into the studio family, through classes developed just for them. We are starting off by offering Parent & Tot Music and Movement for 18 months-3 years, as well as Mini Ballet for 3-5 year olds. Both classes are based on content developed by the Royal Academy of Dance to foster imagination, co-ordination, a sense of performance, and a love of movement and music. These introductory classes are offered at a special rate, and are run in three terms September-December, January-March, April-June. The Mini Ballet group will be invited to perform in the Year-End Show; however, the Music and Movement group is a bit too young to be on stage without parents!
COSTUMES Most of our costumes are custom-made by Ellswear Dance and Activewear. We are proud to support a local business which does beautiful work. Because all costumes are custom ordered, dancers are required to purchase the costumes for their dances. Whenever possible, we re-use pieces from previous years, or include a costume piece that can be worn again, such as dance shorts or a bodysuit. Depending on the dance, however, this may not be possible it s hard to be a wild animal or a garden gnome, for example, in everyday dance attire. Our average prices are $50-$100 per costume; the higher price range is usually for our more advanced groups, for Tiptoes, or for a group participating in Festival. DRESS CODE and ATTENDANCE Dance is an art form that requires a great deal of discipline, and good grooming is an intrinsic part of dance education. We have a carefully laid out dress code for all classes, and we expect our dancers to follow it. A lot of thought goes in to establishing the dress code, and we ask our studio families to respect it. Coming to class in correct attire, with hair suitably done, sets the dancer up to get the most of his or her class. No class time is wasted doing hair or lecturing on dress code, and dancers who have taken the time to prepare for class have also prepared their minds for learning and working. The Dress Code is available on the website and in this booklet, see Appendix A. Any item listed in the Dress Code may be required for costuming purposes. Regular attendance is also extremely important. No dancer can expect to succeed if she or he does not attend class. Working in a group environment also means that each class becomes a team. It is important for the whole group that the entire team is there as much as possible. While we certainly understand that things come up that require dancers to miss class on occasion, we do become concerned if extensive numbers of classes are missed. Teachers take careful attendance each class, and the lists are recorded and monitored. If your dancer must miss class, please notify Devon by that day (even is class is already over) by email, text, or phone, and she will let the appropriate teacher(s) know. DATES TO REMEMBER This list is also available for printing on the website. Monday September 11 First day of classes, studio re-opens Saturday-Monday, October 7-9 Thanksgiving weekend, studio closed Monday November 13 Remembrance Day observed, studio closed Monday December 18 Last day of classes before Winter break Monday January 8 First day of classes, studio re-opens February-March (dates TBC) RAD Ballet exams Monday February 12 Family Day, studio closed Saturday March 17 Last day of classes before Spring break Wednesday April 4 First day of classes, studio re-opens April (dates TBC) Spring Showcase for Festival Dancers; GVPAF and DanceWorks Festivals April/May (dates TBC) ISTD Tap/Modern exams Sunday May 6 Dress Rehearsal, 8.30-12.00 Thursday May 17 Year-End Show, 7.00 pm Thursday May 17-Monday May 21 studio closed; Victoria Day Tuesday May 22-Monday May 28 photo week (subject to change) Monday-Saturday, June 11-16 Bring a Friend Week & Registration week (subject to change) Monday June 18 Last day of classes July 16-20 & August 13-17 summer intensives and camps (subject to change)
OUR TEACHERS Full bios and pictures available on the website Devon Hackett, Owner & Artistic Director (RAD RTS, AISTD) Allison Frith Elizabeth Tinga Suzy Vining Sydney Rowe Justine Nakazawa Krysta Gmitroski (PDS Teaching Mentorship, 2017-18) Ainsley Willcox (PDS Teaching Mentorship, 2017-18) APPENDIX A DRESS CODE All dance wear can be purchased at Ellswear (3180 Harriet Road) or Toes n Taps (1733 Cook Street); both shops have our dress code on file. BALLET: ALL LEVELS: hair secured in a bun with hairpins and hairnet or bun warmer; short hair to be worn with a headband secured at the sides with bobby pins. Ballet shoes must be purchased at the dance store to ensure proper fit; if in doubt, bring shoes to your teacher for approval before wearing. Mini Ballet, Primary 1, 2, & 3: -light pink short-sleeved bodysuit (style: So Danca D6096 or Mondor 40035), light pink sheer mock-wrap skirt mid-thigh length (Ellswear style "EW Mock-Wrap Skirt"), pale pink ballet socks -pink leather full-sole ballet shoes Grades 1 & 1/2: -lilac tank-style bodysuit (style: Mondor 1645), matching waist elastic, ballet pink tights -pink leather full-sole ballet shoes -Character shoes and skirts may be required please see your teacher before purchasing Grade 2 & 3: -dark purple (aubergine) tank-style bodysuit (style: Mondor 3523), ballet pink tights note: dancers entering Gr. 2 can continue to wear their lilac bodysuits until they are outgrown, or until an aubergine bodysuit is required for an exam or costume -pink leather full-sole ballet shoes -Character shoes and skirts may be required please see your teacher before purchasing Intermediate Foundation: -black spaghetti-strap or tank-style bodysuit (plain back, high or low), ballet pink tights -pink canvas split-sole ballet shoes Advanced: -black spaghetti-strap bodysuit (other colours/styles may also be worn for class), ballet pink tights -short wrap skirt may be worn -pink canvas split-sole ballet shoes MODERN: All levels: -lilac, dark purple or black bodysuit (as for ballet dress code); fitted black dance shorts; bare legs or footless/convertible tights (Advanced: bodysuit or fitted tank top in appropriate style); bare feet -hair in a ponytail, or other appropriate style (off the face and neck) TAP: Hair - all levels - in a ponytail, or other appropriate style (off the face and neck) Grade 2: -light pink short-sleeved or lilac tank-style bodysuit (as for ballet dress code), fitted black dance shorts, white or black ankle socks (pale pink ballet socks are fine also) -black tap shoes, Mary-Jane style, in matte leather (Capezio 3800) - NO oxford-style lace-up tap shoes or patent leather
Grade 4: -lilac or dark purple tank-style bodysuit (as for ballet dress code), fitted black dance shorts (optional), white or black ankle socks or tan tights -black tap shoes, oxford-style lace-up (NO split-sole shoes) Intermediate: -dark purple or black bodysuit (as for ballet dress code), fitted black dance shorts, white or black ankle socks or tan tights -black tap shoes, oxford-style lace-up (NO split-sole shoes) COMBO CLASSES: Tap/Jazz Combo: -bodysuit or fitted tank top (any colour), fitted black dance shorts -black tap shoes, Mary-Jane style, in patent or matte leather; black jazz shoes optional for Tap/Jazz Combo -hair in a ponytail, or other appropriate style (off the face and neck) MUSIC & MOVEMENT comfortable clothes that dancers and parents can move in, including sitting on floor; dance attire/shoes optional JAZZ: Hair - all levels - in a ponytail, or other appropriate style (off the face and neck) Level 1: dance shorts, leggings, or dance pants -black jazz shoes Levels 2, 3 & 4: dance shorts, leggings, or dance pants -tan leather jazz shoes Advanced & Alumni: dance shorts or leggings -tan leather jazz shoes or Foot Undeez; tan jazz shoes are optional, but may be required for show costume LYRICAL: dance shorts, which can be worn with footless (or convertible) tights in ballet pink or tan if desired -bare feet or Foot Undeez -hair in a ponytail or bun, or other appropriate style (off the face and neck) HIP HOP: -sweatpants and t-shirt, or other loose-fitting attire -INDOOR runners, black or with black soles (to avoid marking floor); no bare feet -hair in a ponytail, or other appropriate style (off the face) TIPTOES: Hair - all levels - in a ponytail, or other appropriate style (off the face and neck) Junior: -lilac or dark purple bodysuit (as for ballet dress code), to be worn with tan or pink tights, and fitted black dance shorts or leggings -tan leather jazz shoes Intermediate and Senior: -fitted dance top or bodysuit, to be worn with tights, leggings, or shorts -tan leather jazz shoes may be required for Festival/Show STRETCH & CONDITIONING: -fitted dance top or bodysuit, to be worn with tights, leggings, or shorts; bare feet; hair in a ponytail or bun (off the face and neck) NOTES: 1) Any bodysuit, tights, dance top, shorts, or wrap skirt purchased as part of a costume may be worn for class wear as appropriate 2) Please ensure that underwear and bra backs & straps do not show 3) Dancers may wear ballet wrap sweaters or fitted long-sleeved tops at the beginning of class, but these must be removed when student is warm, and/or at the request of the teacher 4) All dancers age 10 and up (or those in multiple dances) are strongly recommended to own a skin-tone nude suit (with skin-tone straps NO clear straps please) for costuming purposes, which may also be worn for class if desired