DANCE CENTER STAGE HANDBOOK
269-689-2040 WWW. DANCE-CENTER-STAGE.COM
PLEASE READ AND REVIEW ALL OF THIS INFORMATION. IF YOU HAVE ANY
QUESTIONS PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO ASK QUESTIONS.
Website: Please visit the website to stay current and up to date with any upcoming events and
news. Tuition Dues and other fees throughout the year have been posted on the homepage
calendar, and any studio closings will be announced on the website. The site is also a great way
to stay in communication with Miss Anne or any of the other teachers; just select the ―instructor
tab on the homepage.
General Procedures: Students should be dropped off and picked up at the studio at their proper
class-time. Studios are closed to observers, but open during designated watch weeks (see
calendar). If a parent has not arrived at the closing of class and the student is 6 years old and
under, they will be placed in their dance room by the mirror until a parent arrives. The parent
will need to come into the studio to retrieve the student. Students are not allowed to wait outside
for rides; they need to remain in the studio or waiting area. The staff and teachers are not
responsible for watching, observing or monitoring students left waiting at the studio. Please
make sure that you pick up your student on time. Their safety is important to us.
Attendance:
Students need to attend all classes unless there is an illness or family emergency, as absences
affect the class as a whole. Weekly reinforcement of dance technique is imperative to keep the
student advancing with the remainder of the class. Poor attendance hampers the student's dance
education. Parents and students are responsible for contacting the studio office to find out any
information they may have missed during an absence.
Class Etiquette: Every student is to be appropriately dressed for dance and is expected to
behave throughout the facility in a disciplined, responsible, and courteous manner. Excessive
talking or unfriendly behavior is not conducive to a healthy learning environment. Dance Center
Stage and all its employees reserve the right to suspend or dismiss any student whose attitude,
attendance, or conduct is found unsatisfactory.
Parking: Please be very careful in the parking lots when entering and exiting.
Studio Closings Due to Bad Weather: In the event of bad weather, we ask that you call the
studio. A message will be on the answering machine for your convenience. We do not always
follow the Sturgis or LaGrange school closings; please call or check the website prior to coming
to class if weather is inclement. Each class is allowed one snow day without a make-up class. If
more than one snow day occurs, a make-up class or alternate class time will be given for a makeup. Classes will not be pro-rated. Waiting Room: There is a waiting room in the studio, however
please realize we have a limited amount of space. If small children need to accompany you,
please keep them quiet. The noise from the waiting room carries over into the studio and other
businesses. Remember to be courteous with your cell phones while in the lobby area. Please do
not peak through the door while a class is in progress; you can watch during designated watch
weeks. Please remember that we are not the only business in the building; horseplay and running
in the halls is not permitted.
Parent Watch Week: Parent Watch Weeks are stated in the ―Dance Year Calendar. During
Parent Watch Weeks, please do not bring other small children. Space is limited. Small children
can be disruptive to the class in progress. Please do not talk while class is in session. During
watch weeks you are allowed to videotape and take pictures. Please remember street shoes are
not allowed in the dance studio – this applies to students, parents and guests. Please do not ask to
watch a class any other time than the designated watch week.
Payment Procedure: Monthly tuition is based on a nine month dance semester with
approximately four classes per month. For your convenience tuition is payable monthly. There is
no extra charge for months with five lessons nor is there a reduction or refund for any classes
missed or holidays. You may not sit out a month and then pick back up the next month. Tuition
is due the first of every month. If the studio is closed or your dancer misses, class tuition is still
due on the first of the month. There is a tuition box in the lobby for your convenience. Tuition is
non-refundable. You are responsible for monthly tuition until you notify the studio of your
intent to withdraw from a class. Charges will continue until we receive notification of drop from
a parent. We DO NOT send out monthly statements. Statements are only sent a few times a year.
If you have a question or concern about your account you may request a copy of your account as
well as an account history report. We accept cash and check and payments through PayPal on
our website (you must add a 3% convenience fee to use this service). All checks returned are
subject to a $25.00 bank fee. After the second returned check, you will be required to pay in cash
or with a cashier’s check or money order. If your account is not cleared by recital, your student
will not be allowed to perform. Any account over 60 days past due is subject to an 18% interest
charge. A family registration fee of $30.00 is assessed to each family with multiple students at
the beginning of the dance year. A $20.00 registration fee is assessed to single student families.
This includes the recital fee of $10.00. Recital fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. The recital fee is
used to help defer the cost of the production and shows your commitment to the performance.
You receive 1 free recital ticket per student as long as the recital fee has been paid. Tickets for
recital will go on sale May 1st. The recital is at the Sturges-Young Auditorium. Doors will open
30 minutes prior to performance and seats are available at a first come first serve basis.
General Performances Required: Depending on the amount of students and number of recital
dance, there may be more than one recital night. All classes will have one performance. Some
Advanced level classes may perform in more than one show.
Costumes: DANCE ACCOUNTS MUST BE UP TO DATE IN ORDER TO HAVE RECITAL
COSTUMES ORDERED FOR YOUR DANCER(S). Costume Deposits are Due November
1st. We require this by this date to help with the cost of Christmas. Costume deposits are
considered late on December 18th. Late costume deposit payments will incur a $20 late fee.
This deposit is non-refundable. Once your deposit is made, you are committed to the purchase of
the costume, even if you choose to discontinue the class or not participate in the recital. If your
deposit is not received prior to the Holiday Break, (December 18th, 2008) no costumes will be
ordered for your child. Costumes need to be ordered at this time (no later) in order for us to get a
shipment guarantee before our recital in May. If it is necessary for your child’s costume to be
ordered after the required date of December 19th these orders will all be separate from the
original order and you take the risk of not having your costume in time. You will also incur any
additional charges dues to express delivery. X-Large Child and X-Large Adult sizes may incur
an additional charge. Students will be measured between November 26th and December 19th by
a staff member while students are in class. If your child is not in class on the day of the
measurements, it is your responsibility to bring them to the studio to get measured. The
remainder of the costume cost will be due by March 1st.
Dance Dress Code: Hair must be pulled up out of the face and held securely for all classes. A
dress code is an important part of the discipline instilled in a young dancer. Cover-ups need to be
worn at all times outside the studio. Dance tights need to be worn to all classes. Please see the
dress code section of the website for more information. No costumes are to be worn as
dancewear to class. Please make sure your student does not wear anything that may cause
distraction.
DANCE ETIQUETTE RULES TO REMEMBER: *All dance shoes should be labeled. *No
underwear to be worn with dancewear. *No gum allowed in dance studio. *All students should
visit the restroom prior to class *Be courteous to other students. *Tap shoes need ¼ elastic
looped and sewn. *All ballet shoes must have elastic straps. *All hair should be pulled into a
bun, ponytail or half up/half down, if short. *Students should not correct other students in class.
*No hanging on ballet bars. *Rude behavior toward teachers, fellow students, or adults in the
dance studio may lead to removal of class. Remember—the dance studio is every dancer’s
―home away from home, be nice.
Personal Property: Be sure to label your dancewear and bags so we can return them to you if
left at the studio. We are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged articles of clothing, jewelry,
or other personal property. Please check the lost and found, as it will be cleaned out periodically
throughout the dance season.
Recital: Essentials for Rehearsal and Recital: Costumes – Deposits due Nov. 1st, Balance due
March 1st. Dance shoes – correct style and color Tights – A list will be given to you in the spring
of the exact
style, color and type of tights needed. Optional Purchases for Recital: Professional Dance
Photographs Professional Video Tapes Recital T-shirts Flowers and Gifts.
Dress Rehearsal: Dress rehearsal is mandatory in order for your student to participate in the
recital. These are held at the Sturges-Young Auditorium. Please make sure that you are available
for all the days needed.
Room Moms: We will need one mom to volunteer to be the room mom for each class for recital.
The room mom will act as liaison between the teacher and other parents. If interested please let
your teacher know in the spring.