Ms. Karin’s Spirit in Motion Dance
Teams
Being a part of competition is beneficial to a child
for several reasons. Dancing at a competitive level
not only helps a dancer improve dramatically at a
very rapid rate, but it also teaches a dancer
important lessons of team work, commitment,
sportsmanship, and self-dedication.
Although we think competitive dancing should be
taken very seriously, first and foremost we feel
that it should be a fun, positive experience for
each dancer.
In this handbook you will find what is required of
your dancer in order for them to be a part of a
competitive team and you will also find the
answers to most all of your questions regarding
the competitive season.
We are constantly updating our handbook, so if
you have any questions that you feel are not
addressed please feel free to ask Ms. Karin.
Time Commitment
It is very important for everyone to clearly understand the time commitment required to
be a successful competitive dancer. Although we have made a conscious effort to keep
everyone’s busy lifestyles in mind, being a competitive dancer does require a lot more of
your time than being a recreational dancer. In addition to the required classes there will
also be extra practices, dress rehearsals, competitions, traveling, etc. that will be asked of
you. Extra practices during holiday breaks should be expected, as well as required
classes during the summer months.
I understand that if my child is chosen for the competitive team that it becomes a top
priority. Unexcused and excessive absences could result in my child being removed from
the team. Initial: __________
Financial Commitment
Competitive dancing can become expensive. There are competition fees, costumes fees,
warm up fees, traveling expenses, workshops, etc. The majority of these fees will be
determined and presented to you at our teams’ first orientation meeting. However, please
understand that additional fees may occur. We will always offer opportunities to
fundraise to help you balance some of these expenses. It is crucial to keep a calendar of
your child’s competition team events and activities and set aside the funds needed
plenty in advance, as last minute financial preparations can be stressful on
everyone. It is imperative that your payments be made on time, due to costumes being
ordered and the competitions deadlines. Please be aware that we have done our best to
make this as cost efficient as possible.
I understand that competitive team is a financial responsibility and that meeting financial
deadlines is crucial to the team meeting their event deadlines. Initial: __________
Attendance and Class Requirements
Consistent attendance is an absolute must for a competitive dancer. We understand that
unexpected events occur, therefore please try to save your absences for these types of
events. If for some reason, you will be tardy or absent please call the studio to
inform Ms. Karin. Please do this in advance and not during the time your child is to
be in class. At that point it is considered unexcused, as Ms. Karin will be teaching
and not get your message until the end of her rehearsal day.
All team members, regardless of age, are required to take Ms. Karin’s core class
requirements. All competitive dancers are required to rehearse on Saturdays when
requested. No team member is allowed to miss the practice directly before a
competition, as well as the month before. NO exceptions will be made to this rule.
Please understand that excessive absences could result in your child’s dismissal from
team. Excused absences are at the discretion of Ms. Karin. Absences for technical classes
and dances will be considered excused if a makeup class is attended. If we feel at any
time that a child and/or parent is taking advantage of our absences allowance a
conference will be held first, and then the child will be removed or moved to the
appropriate places do to the amount of extreme absences. It is mandatory that a note be
written to Ms. Karin to let her know in advance that a class or rehearsal will be
missed.
I understand that calling in absence the day of rehearsal is considered an unexcused
absence, unless it is a family emergency. My child will be considered unexcused
otherwise. I understand the responsibility of my child’s attendance to class and rehearsal
and also the effect their absence will have on the other team members.
Initial: _______
Dress Code
Please refer to the studio class dress code. It is important to follow these guidelines as a
team member because your child now becomes a role model to the recreational dance
students and is now looked up to. All students must have the appropriate shoes for all
classes. Hair must be pulled back for all classes. Jewelry and sloppy clothing is not
acceptable. Your child will not be allowed to wear socks to class or their bare feet. Your
child MUST have their proper shoes for each class. We have been quite lenient about
our dress code in the past, we no longer will be.
I understand the above expectations. Initial: ______
Rules & Etiquette
Each parent and student on our competitive team represents Ms. Karin’s Spirit in Motion
Dance Studio. Through time and experience please be aware that we will take this
very seriously. You are expected to treat all dancers in our studio, competitive or
recreational equally. There will be no division in our studio between competitive or
noncompetitive dancers or within the competitive teams. Ms. Karin expects our
competitive dancers and parents to set the example for all other dancers and
parents. The highest level of class and respect is expected and nothing less will be
tolerated. Parents and students should understand that as a member of our team you are
always representing our studio. Whether it is at competitions, showcase/recital, on social
media, or in the studio, parents and students are expected to always portray respectful and
mature representations of Ms. Karin’s Spirit in Motion Dance Studio.
Absolutely NO gossip or drama will be allowed, every student or parent will be
given one warning before dismissal. Ms. Karin is more than willing to sit down with
anyone to address any questions or concerns, therefore, please come to Ms. Karin with
any issues that may arise. However, please be respectful of her class time with students.
If you cannot speak with Karin, Shawn Mizell (Karin’s Husband) is also available to fill
in. During times of discouragement parental support is critical. In these days of
instant gratification dance is one art form that requires continued hard work and
discipline. The discipline required by dance comes not only from the dancer, but
also from his/her parents. Sometimes a child becomes discouraged by their own
progress, but we must encourage them and let them know that all good things come with
time.
Before your child fully commits to the team, we all want to have a common
understanding of how decisions regarding dances, dancers, costumes, and competitions
are made. These decisions are left to Ms. Karin there will be no tolerance for
discussion on how dancers and dances should be divided. If you have a question or
concern regarding your child please address this with Ms. Karin only.
Every competitive student must bring a copy of his or her Birth Certificate for Ms.
Karin to keep on file. We are required to take these to every competition in case of an
age dispute.
I clearly understand the value of the rules and etiquette guidelines set for Ms. Karin’s
Spirit in Motion dance studio. Initial: ____________
Tuition
Tuition for all competitive teams will be $15 a month, per child, on top pf their regular
class tuition fees. Please keep in mind that there are several more requirements for Ms.
Karin to properly train a competitive student. The hours spent on competition entries,
choreography, music editing, costume designing, paper work, etc. are extensive.
Competition tuition is always full price, but you are not charged for extra practices. If
your child is a part of the Blazing Stars they will be chosen to do a solo, duet, trio or any
other small groups according to their hard work and development in class. It is under
Ms. Karin’s discretion if your child is ready for such a responsibility. They must be
chosen and approved by Ms. Karin. With the new year we will be starting fresh. As,
we have learned from the years past what works and what does not work. If your child is
chosen to do a smaller number, private lessons will be necessary. Private Lessons are $20
per half hour. All private lessons must be paid in advance. The entire fee for
choreography and learning will need to be paid up front, a week before the lesson
can take place. Ms. Karin will no longer accept payment after the private lesson has
taken place or the day of their first rehearsal.
I understand my tuition commitment to the competition team: Initial: ________
Competitions
Your child should arrive at the venue at least two hours ahead of their scheduled time to
perform dressed and ready to begin rehearsing. The only exception to this is if you are
scheduled to be one of the first dances of the competition. In this case you need to be
there when the doors open, dressed and ready. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Competitions can run early and you are expected to be ready to perform when your
number is called. All dancers must make an effort to watch all of the dances from our
studio; however they are only required to stay for the awards ceremony for the
dances they compete. This teaches great sportsmanship and team support.
Students must wear a cover up over their costume at all times so as to not distract from
the dancers on stage or reveal the dance before it is on stage. Each dance requires the hair
to be styled the same and our studio makeup will be the same. We will have a class prior
to the first competition to teach everyone the hair and makeup designs for each dance. All
dancers are expected to wear their Spirit in Motion warm up while on stage for awards.
Team in Training (TNT)
The Team in Training is a program designed to help students make the transition from
being a recreational dancer to a competitive dancer. Tuition for this program is $15 per
month. They are required to order a Competition warm up. TNT participants are highly
encouraged to take part in all camps offered at the studio, including any intensive camps
or camps with special guest instructors. The required classes will vary by age. They will
also learn one to two competitive dances. They are required to attend the competitive
dance classes associated with this routine and any extra rehearsals scheduled for it. TNT
participants are considered to be a very valuable part of the team. They will be
required to attend all competitions whether they participate or not. Watching
competitions and the awards ceremonies is a valuable learning experience for both the
student and their parents.
Pee-Wee Team
The Pee-Wee program is designed for the child from 4-6 years of age that wishes to begin
their competitive dance experience. This is a smaller version of the older competitive
team. These students, when old enough and with continued hard work and dedication will
advance directly into the Blazing Stars. Tuition for this program is $15 per month. They
are also required to buy the competition warm up. Pee Wee participants are highly
encouraged to take part in all camps offered at the studio, including any advanced level
camps that are appropriate for their age level. The required classes will vary by age. They
will also learn at least one, but possibly two competitive dances. This year small groups,
duets, and trios may be introduced to the Pee Wees who are showing confidence on the
stage, in class and are picking up steps quickly in all rehearsals, including class routines.
Pee Wees are required to attend the competitive dance classes associated with all of their
routines and any extra rehearsals scheduled for it.
STFYI

If your child withdraws from the competitive team after September 30th, you will
owe a $100 cancellation fee. This is to help the dancer that must step in and
fulfill your child’s commitment.
I clearly understand the guidelines set for Ms. Karin’s Spirit in Motion dance studio.
Initial: ____________

Fundraising is allowed, and encouraged. However, postponing payments in
anticipation of fundraising money will not be allowed. This year we will no
longer be allowing parents to take home their earnings. We would like you to
please turn your all earnings along with details on your earnings, as we will log
them in each students fundraising account.

Competitions do not allow any form of videotaping during the competition.
Please remember that your studio or dance can be disqualified from the
competition for breaking this rule.
I clearly understand the guidelines set for Ms. Karin’s Spirit in Motion dance studio.
Initial: ____________

No parent is allowed to contact a competition or convention for any reason
before, during or after a competition or convention. If there is something
that needs to be discussed with the competition this needs to be done by Ms.
Karin.

If your account is not up to date when costumes are ordered and competitions are
entered Spirit in Motion will not pay these fees for you. Please be respectful of
due dates and the stress it puts on Ms. Karin.
I clearly understand the guidelines set for Ms. Karin’s Spirit in Motion dance studio.
Initial: ____________
Competitive Fees
Competition Warm up -Due September 1st
All competitive dancers are required to purchase a competition warm up. These warm
ups will be worn on stage during every awards ceremony as well as any public events
that we participate in. If your child quits the team and is given a warm up, it is up to the
parent to help their child understand that only dancers who are current members of the
team are permitted to wear the warm ups to the studio, competitions, and studio events.
Warm ups are-- $120
I clearly understand the guidelines set for Ms. Karin’s Spirit in Motion dance studio.
Initial: ____________
Costume Fees-Costumes can become an expense. It is very important to plan ahead for this cost. Ms.
Karin will do her best to keep the cost down as low as she can. Most costumes will be
$70-$80 for one outfit. They do vary, but remember that does not include the cost of
shoes and tights.
During competition students are never allowed to wear their costume to or from a
competition and they must wear a cover-up when in the audience.
Competition Fees- Solo: $70-$110
 Duet: $80-$115 per child in routine
 Trio: $90-$120
 Any group larger than 3 students will split the cost of a routine ranging from
$155-$255
Competition Tentative Dates-Florida Dance Masters – Coral Springs, FL~ TBA (April)
On Stage America- March (TBA)
On Stage America Nationals- Orlando
 Dates: Summer (TBA)
 Solo $125-$130
 Duet/Trio $110-$120 All groups larger than 3 dancers~$50-$60
~Please put extra money aside for these expenditures for hotel plus food and gas. ~
Detailed fees will vary per child. Once the dance year begins again, we will meet and
narrow down your child’s exact fee. Please plan ahead and set the money aside in the
meantime.
Camps and Conventions-Camp Pulse- Orlando Ages (7-13)
 December 12-13
 $175-$210 due June 22nd
Pulse- Orlando Ages (13 and up)
 December 12-13
 $205- 240 due June 22nd
Dance Revolution-Orlando Ages (7-13) Junior (13 and up) Senior
 November 20-22
 $195-$210 due September 1st
Florida Dance Masters Spring Convention- Coral Springs, FL
 Dates: April (TBA)
 $175-$185 (Subject to change) due February 22nd
NOTE: Can only compete if attending convention
~Please set extra money aside for hotel and travel expenses. ~
Please note that there will be a Team meeting scheduled to discuss questions about fees
expected for events, camps, and competitions planned for the year and fundraising that
needs to happen to reach our goals.
We will also add this handbook to the web page and inform you when new information is
added.
By signing below I am stating that I have read and agree to the Spirit in Motion
Competitive Handbook. I’m also stating that if I, for any reason, cannot complete
my commitment for the entire 2015-2016 competitive season, I am willing to pay the
early termination fee of $100.
Parent Signature______________________________________
Ms. Karin Signature________________________________________