FOOTNOTES
August 2006
WELCOME TO THE DANCE FACTORY
CLASSES BEGIN TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th, 2006
We would like to welcome you to The Dance Factory. We are beginning our 25
Anniversary season and looking forward to this milestone year.
Pleases retain this booklet as it contains information you will need during
the season.
INTRODUCING OUR 2006-07 TEACHING STAFF
MRS. SANDY SLEMP (PRINCIPAL, Tap/Jazz )
Mrs. Sandy Slemp has been teaching and owner/operator of The Dance
Factory for 24 successful years with many credits to her name. She is a
fully accredited dance teacher with the ADAPT Syllabus as well as a
member of the WRDAA and ADEA dance associations. Sandy is always
upgrading and keeping her skills up to date with the ever-changing dance
world. She has done adjudicating at various competitions in BC. Sandy
has been the recipient of numerous choreography awards, as well as her
students having received top honours at many competitions, as well as
exams.
Over the 24 years she has seen students’ progress in the studio and
become very competitive in the dance world, achieving goals at an early
age. Dancers from The Dance Factory had the honour of performing in
Disneyland at “Disney Magic Music Days” on five different occasions.
With plans now underway for 19 students to travel to Spain the summer
of 2007 where they will be performing at various summer festivals.
Some of the studios former students are now working as professional
dancers in the US, Cruise Ships and Europe, with other former students
teaching dance throughout the city. We were also proud to have six of
our dancers who appear in the ADAPT teacher training video.
The Dance Factory has exceptional results in exams; with the ADAPT
exam system of dance considering The Dance Factory to be one of there
top studios in Canada who do there exam system in Tap and Jazz, an
honour the teachers at The Dance Factory are proud of. Each year the
outstanding competition work and results our students receive is
something everyone if very proud of. The Dance Factory gives every
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student the tools, and technique that develops exceptional dancers. The
studio has a proven track record to be able to make this statement.
Introducing you to the exceptional staff that makes The Dance Factory
the success that it is.
MRS. KAREN WICE (Tap/Jazz/Musical Theatre/Lyrical/Tiny Toes)
Miss Karen is starting her 17th year at The Dance Factory on the
teaching staff with over 20 years of dance experience. This gives her the
patience, understanding and discipline that makes her an exceptional
teacher.
Miss Karen is a tremendous asset to the studio with her passion she
has for dance as well as outstanding teaching skills and award winning
choreography. Miss Karen has received numerous awards and top
honours at many competitions
with her innovative & creative
choreography. Her students always achieve outstanding results in both
exams and competition with Miss Karen’s exceptional training.
Karen is a fully accredited teacher of ADAPT and a member of the
WRDAA dance association. Karen keeps her teaching skills upgraded by
attending teacher’s courses, as well as classes with today’s top
choreographers to keep up with the ever-changing world of dance. Miss
Karen runs each summer the very successful summer dance camp.
Miss Karen welcomes back her former students and gives a big warm
welcome to all her new students.
MRS. LINDA YAP A.R.A.D., F.I.S.T.D. (Ballet)
Mrs. Yap has been with The Dance Factory for five season’s and now
starts her 6th season. Her devotion to dance began at an early age with
ballet lessons in her native Malaysia. As her interest in dance grew she
decided to make it her profession.
After several years as a professional dancer, Mrs. Yap found her love
in dance to be in the area of teaching and education. Thus began her
teaching career that has since covered three countries around the world.
Mrs. Yap has been a member of the Royal Academy of Dance for over
40 years and has received her lifetime membership with the Academy.
With the exceptional results her students have received in all aspects of
ballet, whether it be in an exam or on stage at competition or a show, it is
top notch.
Many of Mrs. Yap’s past students have followed her into the dance
profession and are now established dancers and teachers in countries
around the world.
Mrs. Yap welcomes all her new students and looks forward to her year
and sharing her dance knowledge & love of ballet with all her students.
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MISS JENNIFER ZACHARIAS
(Tap/Jazz/Hip Hop/Musical Theatre/Lyrical/Tiny Toes/Kinder Kombo)
Miss Jennifer is beginning her 7th season at The Dance Factory as a
member of one of our teaching faculty. Jennifer still attends classes in
Tap and Jazz and holds her Advanced ADAPTJazz Certificate.
Jennifer is a fully accredited teacher of the ADAPT syllabus as well as
a member of the WRDAA Dance Asscoiation. With her fun and
energetic classes, she has had many successes with her students in exams
and competition.
Many of Jenn’s young students have taken home top honours at various
competitions with her innovative choreography. Miss Jenn has received
numerous awards for her choreography as well.
Jennifer is excited to be back teaching in the fall and looks forward to
sharing her knowledge and love of dance with her students. Along with
her enthusiasm for dancing, her classroom has a dynamic and lively
atmosphere that all of her students will enjoy.
CARA ADELMAN (Hip Hop / Street Jazz)
The Dance Factory welcomes Miss Cara back for her 4th season at The
Dance Factory.
Cara teaches all her classes with great enthusiasm and energy and a
love for teaching and choreographing Hip Hop. Cara studied tap, jazz
and ballet all during her dance training years. She also spent seven years
as a member of the Young Canadians of the Calgary Stampede,
performing in Grandstand Shows each summer.
Miss Cara has a passion for Hip Hop, she loves the energy and
excitement of it. She has educated herself by attending numerous Hip
Hop classes here in Calgary and abroad.
Miss Cara has been awarded numerous choreography awards at various
competitions; in 2005 one of her pieces won 2nd place overall at the Candance Competition.
Cara is excited to start the new season, and looks forward to sharing
her energy and innovative style with all her students.
MISS ASHLEY REID (Tap / Jazz / Ballet/ Tiny Toes / Kinder Kombo)
We are excited to have Miss Ashley back to the teaching facilty for
her 2nd year. Miss Ashley was in our student teacher program for three
years, and has been a dancer at The Dance Factory for 15 years.
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Having completed her Al Gilbert Tap Grade 9 exam, as well has her she
holds her ADAPT Intermediate 3 Tap certificate and Intermediate 3 Jazz
certificate.
Miss Ashley spent a week this summer in her 2nd year of the 3 year
ADAPT Teacher Training Program in Moose Jaw, Sask. It was a week
filled with hours of intense learning of the ADAPT syllabus.
In addition to Miss Ashley’s teaching she dances full time as well as
pursuing her Education Degree at St. Mary’s College. Miss Ashley and
Miss Kayley are co-directors of the TDF Birthday Party’s that are offered
at The Dance Factory.
Miss Ashley is extremely excited to start the new season at The Dance
Factory and will also be working part-time in the office. She is looking
forward to meeting all of her new students and welcome’s back her
former students and can’t wait to share her love of dance with them all!!
MISS KAYLEY VAN DE POL (Tap/Jazz / Ballet/Tiny Toe/Kinder
Kombo)
The Dance Factory is excited to welcome back for her 2nd year as part
of the teaching faculty Miss Kayley. Having completed 15 years of dance
training at The Dance Factory herself as well as 3 years as a student
teacher, Miss Kayley is very excited to be part of the teaching faculty.
Miss Kayley has completed her Al Gilbert Tap 9 exam, ADAPT
Intermediate Three Tap and Intermediate Three Jazz exam. Kayley
finished her 2nd year of the 3 year Teacher Training Course with the
ADAPT system this summer in Moose Jaw, Sask. Attending a week long
course studying the ADAPT syllabus as well has refining her teaching
skills.
In addition to teaching Kayley still dances full time while pursuing a
Communications Degree at St. Mary’s College. Miss Kayley and Miss
Ashley are the co-director of the TDF Birthday Party’s that are offered at
The Dance Factory.
Miss Kayley is looking forward to her 2nd year on the teaching faculty
and will also be working in the office part-time this season. Her
enthusiasm and love of dance will rub off on each and every student who
walks into her class each week.
MR. CHRIS ZACHARIAS (Hip Hop)
The Dance Factory welcomes Mr. Chris to the teaching facilty. Chris
has been a dancer at The Dance Factory for 11 years and this season will
start team teaching along with Miss Jenn in the Hip Hop classes. Chris
just completed his week in Moose Jaw at the Adapt Teacher Training
School completing his 2nd year in the course. Mr. Chris is looking
forward to working with the students at TDF.
The Dance Factory welcomes Chris to the teaching faculty.
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MANDATORY DRESS CODE
2006-07 season
Proper dance attire and footwear is expected at all dance classes.
Dancers who do not have appropriate attire may not be permitted
into class.
TINY TOES - KINDER KOMBO & PRE BALLET
 Ballerina pink cotton lycra tank bodysuit (Mondor)
 Ballerina pink tights without seams
 Pink ballet slippers ( Kinder Kombo ONLY: need both Tap and Ballet
shoes)
 Hair tied back off face
BOYS ATTIRE – ALL LEVELS – ALL CLASSES
 White T-shirt, black or navy jogging pants, or dance pants
 Appropriate shoes
TAP / JAZZ / LYRICAL
Junior Levels
 Purple lycra tank suit (Mondor)
 Black seamless tights (Mondor Micro Fibre #310)
 Hair pulled back so off the face and neck.
SHOES:
Tap: Black patent with beginner taps or teletone taps (Junior three
must have teletone taps)
Jazz: Black ballet slippers with black elastics
Pre-Intermediate & Intermediate Levels
 Black Cotton tank suit (Mondor, Capezio or Gilda Marx )
 Black seamless tights (Mondor Micro Fibre #310)
 Optional to wear black shorty shorts over top of bodysuit and tights
 Hair pulled back the face and neck.
SHOES:
Tap: Black or beige oxford shoe or cubin heel, all with teletone taps
Jazz/lyrical: Black split sole jazz oxford
Advanced Levels
 Dance top or bodysuit
 tights, leggings or jazz pants
 Appropriate dance attire
Shoes
Tap: Black oxford tap shoes
Jazz/lyrical: split sole oxford with or without laces or jazz sneakers.
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TEEN CLASSES
▪ Black bodysuit (any style), with black jazz pants or leggings
Shoes:
Tap: Black oxford or cubin heel shoes with teletone taps
Jazz: Black split sole jazz shoes
MUSICAL THEATRE
 6 – 9 years Purple lycra tank Bodysuit (Mondor or Capezio) with black
tights
 10 years and over: Black Cotton or Purple Lycra tank bodysuit
(Mondor or Capezio) with tights
SHOES:
 Black ballet slippers or black jazz oxfords
 Hair tied back off face and neck
ADULT TAP/ HIP HOP
 Comfortable attire
appropriate footwear
HIP HOP / STREET JAZZ
Black jazz pants or sweat pants
tank top or t-shirt
indoor runners or jazz runners (NO OUTDOOR FOOTWEAR
ALLOWED IN THE STUDIOS)
BALLET CLASSES
►Pre Ballet, Pre-Primary & Primary
 Ballerina pink cotton lycra tank suit
 Ankle socks
 Pink cotton ballet skirt (available at Bodythings approx. $15.00)
 Pink ballet slippers with elastics
 Hair in a proper ballet bun, secured tightly
►Grade One and Two
 Pink tank cotton bodysuit
 Preferred bare legs with ankle socks (tights in winter if needed)
 Pink ballet slippers with elastics
 Black character shoes, canvas style
 Black character skirt
 Hair in proper ballet bun, secured tightly
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►Grade Three, Four and Five
 Navy or a dark solid coloured ballet bodysuit
 Ballet pink tights
 Pink ballet slippers with elastics
 Black character shoes, canvas style
 Character skirt
 Hair must be in a proper ballet bun
►Grade Six, Seven and Eight
 Ballet leotard (if in doubt, ask Mrs. Yap)
 Ballerina pink tights
 Canvas or leather, full or split sole ballet slippers
 Short chiffon ballet skirt (optional)
 Character shoes, canvas or leather with cubin heel
 Character skirt
 Hair must be in a proper ballet bun
►Major Levels
 Dark coloured ballet leotard
 Ballet pink tights only
 Pink ballet slippers, and/or soft Blochs
 Pointe shoes (when advised by the teacher to purchase)
 Hair must be in a proper ballet bun
Character Skirts: Available at Bodythings without ribbons: Junior
size $35.00 Senior size $45.00.
Should your child be chosen for an RAD ballet exam, they will be
required to purchase an RAD exam outfit. This purchase is not
compulsory until your child is chosen to do the examination. Shoes
should be next to new for the exam as well.
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LOCAL DANCE SHOPS AND SUPPLIERS
All dance outfits, shoes and tights may be purchased at any dance
supply shop in Calgary.
Bodythings
Classique Dancewear
Joelle Dizzigns
Final Goal
Masque Costumes
Address
Avenida Place
12445 Macleod Trail South
Centre Street South (New
location)
By appointment only
3424 – 27 St. NE
#5, 9250 MacLeod Trail
South
Phone
278-5440
263-4828
949-2578
291-1090
230-3306
OFFICE HOURS
Monday thru Thursday from 3:45 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.
Friday’s 3:30 – 6:00 P.M.
Office closed Saturday & Sunday
Teachers do not have time between classes or on their breaks to assist you
in the office.
STUDIO HOURS
When classes are held during the daytime when office in not open, the
doors will be open 10 minutes prior to classes starting. If arriving prior to
that you will find the doors locked.
 When the office closes at night, sometimes the teachers may
lock the inside front door. Should you arrive and find it locked
please use the doorbell that is on the wall at the INSIDE door.
Parents are asked to pick up children on time after classes are
finished, especially if it is the last class of the day.
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RESCHEDULING OF CLASSES
The Dance Factory will schedule a dance class to another time if it should
not meet the standard class capacity. If the enrolment for your dance
class drops during the season, you will be notified in advance. In the
event The Dance Factory cancels your class, it will be rescheduled. In
the event of unforeseen circumstances that results in classes being
cancelled. All make-up classes will be left to the discretion of The Dance
Factory.
MANDITORY DRESS CODE
All hair must be tied back neatly off the face and neck at all times, either
in a bun, ponytail or headband. All hair must be in a proper ballet bun for
all ballet classes. Excessive clothing such as T-shirts and sweatpants, .are
not acceptable dance attire. All dancers must come dressed in
mandatory apparel for dance class or they will not be allowed to join
in. Proper footwear is required for dance classes as well. NO
OUTDOOR SHOES ALLOWED IN THE STUDIO. For dancers not
dressed properly a reminder notice will be sent home by the teacher.
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENTEEISM POLICY
If your child is not able to attend a class because of illness, etc., please
notify the office prior to class. All missed classes can be made up at
another time by calling the office and making arrangements.
PAYMENT
Any customer paying bills in cash must do so only during office hours
and must obtain a receipt to cover their payment. This is the only way a
lost payment can be traced. Please refer to your policy letter for further
payment policies.
VALUABLES
Dancers are asked NOT to leave valuables lying around. Please take
them into the studio with you OR best to leave at home. Valuable
runners, shoes, winter boots and coats should be looked after in the same
manner. Please ensure your name is on all of your articles. The Dance
Factory is NOT responsible for any items that are lost or stolen from the
studio. Please note that the changeroom, reception area and boot rack are
not supervised.
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HOUSEKEEPING ITEMS
To help keep the studio cleaner, we have boot racks at the front door.
Dancers and parents are asked to leave street shoes and boots on these
racks before proceeding. Street shoes are not permitted in the change
areas, or studios, dance shoes only. NO tap dancing on the floor in the
change room OR lobby.
No chewing gum in class and no food or drinks are allowed in the
dance studios. Please be aware that food and drinks are only allowed in
reception area, not in back change room.
Dancers are asked to bring their own water bottles if they feel it
necessary, as drinking fountain is not provided. It is recommended that
the bottles be filled with water to best quench the thirst and replenish the
body properly from the workout.
COSTUMES YEAR END SHOW
It is expected that each student will participate in The Dance Factory’s
year end show. See calendar for dates. There are extra costs for
costumes as well as tickets for the performances. Attendance is very
important to dance classes in order to be able to participate.
Your child’s teacher will design a costume for the Year-end Show. All
items with the exception of tights will be gathered that are necessary for
the costume. We realise that not everyone has the knowledge/and or the
time to sew costumes, so we will strive to find the most efficient way for
each and every group, depending upon the age, size and experience of the
children within each class. Approximate costs for the Year-end Show can
range from $70-$100 for each child in the group. We order most
costumes from various suppliers and most costumes come ready to wear.
All orders MUST be placed as a group to enable us to get the best price
for all supplies. Fees for Year-End costume will be due in February.
COMPETITION
Competition work will begin in mid. November. Students who are
interested in joining our competition program or adding numbers, watch
for details for auditions that will be held October . Competition work is
not for every student as it does require a lot of extra work and time.
Ballet should be considered if you want to do group competition work.
All competition work is in addition to regular classes at additional costs.
►Ballet must be taken if performing a solo or duet. Dancers competing
for The Dance Factory may not compete for any other dance studio.
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EXAMS
The Dance Factory offers exams in Tap, Jazz and Ballet. Students
selected for exams will be sent a form home the end of November. Fees
for exams are charged, but are minimal for lower grades.
Any dancer being considered for a ballet exam MUST be attending two
classes per week and be in a syllabus class. This applies to grades two
and up. Any dancer doing an Intermediate or higher jazz exam must be
taking at least one ballet class per week and be attending on a regular
basis two jazz classes.
WORKSHOPS
Various dance workshops take place throughout the season with various
Dance Masters from Canada and the USA. It is recommended that
dancers who wish to partake in the ADAPT Jazz exams, attend the
ADAPT workshop in October.
MESSAGE BOARD/LOST AND FOUND BOX
There is a message board on the wall in the change room. The teachers
hand out numerous notices over the year. Should your child miss a
handout, it will be put on the message board. If your child is too young to
check the board, then we ask that a parent periodically check.
Lost and Found box is kept in the change room. Each year it is
overflowing with items. Please check it if your child has lost something.
December break and Summer break the lost and found items are placed
in a donation bin.
ADDRESS/TELEPHONE CHANGE
If over the course of the season you should have an address or telephone
change, we ask that you notify the office immediately.
INJURY
Should a dancer be injured during dance class or rehearsal teachers will
do their best assessment by the following procedures.
1. Assess the injury by talking to the dancer
2. Phone the parents/guardian immediately (1st home number 2nd cell
number 3rd alternate emergency number)
3.
Call an ambulance. Only if this is necessary and an ambulance
be called the expense of the ride is the responsibility of the
parents/guardians.
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PARKING
DO NOT park in the areas with 10 minute parking signs unless of course
you are only going to be 10 minutes. More parking can be found around
the north & south sides of the building or across the street on the street.
Please pull into a parking stall when dropping off and picking up. This
will ensure that dancers crossing the parking lot will be able to do it
safely.
S.T.E.P TEAM
Student Teacher Education Program. You will see these young dancers
around the studio daily. They volunteer their time at the studio in
assisting teachers with various dance classes, being role models for all the
dancers at the studio by sharing their dance knowledge with the dancers
at The Dance Factory. The program helps guide and develop dance
instruction skills and builds character. Look for the many contests and
events the STEP Team holds each season. Or dancers if you ever need
extra help over the season these young ladies would be thrilled to work
with you on a one on one basis.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Are you looking for something different for your child’s birthday party?
The Dance Factory now offers a unique experience for your child’s
birthday. Make it a memorable one by planning on having a TDF
Birthday Party. We offer various packages that include dance games,
crafts and a dance combination. Contact the office and ask for the
birthday coordinators Miss Kayley or Miss Ashley.
TDF PARENTS ASSOCIATION
The Dance Factory is home to a parents organization in which they
provide an opportunity for parents and dancers of The Dance Factory to
come together for the primary purpose of fundraising. Also, to give the
dancer’s additional opportunities to enhance their dance training.
Information and registration forms are on the bulletin board. Check it out
for more information on the association.
Understanding Dance Education
As a parent, the financial support of your student is important, but of
equal-perhaps even great-value is your emotional support. Encourage
your child to be the best that he or she can be without regard to what
others may achieve. Dance is an individual art form; each child needs to
achieve at a pace that’s comfortable for him or her. No two students will
progress at the same rate, even if they experience the exact same training.
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It’s important to encourage the children to focus on themselves,
give their all, and be satisfied with their own accomplishments.
Dance education encompasses far more than technique or the steps your
children will learn. We believe the discipline of dance training gives
young people a better understanding of commitment by offering them the
chance to learn, experience the spirit of teamwork, and understand what
hard work can accomplish. Our goal is to educate the minds, bodies and
soul of our students, to teach them the skills needed for a successful life,
whether or not they stay involved in dance.
Dos and Don’ts
Some parents may compare their child’s progress or class placement to
that of others in the studio. Watch for this behaviour in your children as
well, and encourage them to focus on their own accomplishments.
Looking to others for inspiration is a good thing; however, a negative
focus or comparison distracts from the energy that could be focused on
becoming a stronger dancer. In addition, speaking negatively about your
child’s teacher, fellow dancers or other parents in front of your child – or
other students-could result in problems far beyond your original concerns.
Children learn important lessons from their teachers and parents,
acquiring important behaviour patterns through their example. Our
school’s faculty takes that responsibility seriously. It’s the Dance
Factory’s philosophy to encourage our students to feel, think, and act
respectfully to their peers, the adults in their lives, and themselves. If you
have questions or concerns about your child’s dance education, don’t
panic—and please don’t talk only with other parents when questions
arise. Make a phone call or appointment to speak directly to your child’s
teachers. Please conduct all communication through the school office
rather than approaching your child’s teacher or Miss Sandy (director)
between or during classes or calling them at home.
If you do request a conference, please listen carefully to what your child’s
teachers have to say. They spend a significant amount of time with your
child and can offer expertise in the field of dance education.
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NEWSLETTERS
Newsletters are published every two months. This season we are going to
have the newsletter available on our website instead of a paper copy that
gets lost in the dance bag. First newsletter will be online in November,
with a reminder sent out for you to check out our website for the latest
news. For those who do not have access to a computer paper copies will
be left on the desk.
QUESTIONS
If you have any further questions regarding your child’s progress over the
year, please feel free to call the studio at 278-1817. Your teacher will
return your call at there earliest convenience. We ask that you handle
your problems and concerns at the 278-1817 number and not your
teacher’s personal number. We would like to remind you that teachers do
not have time to handle grievances between or during classes. Please do
not pass your grievances on to the ladies in the office. Please leave a
message and your teacher or the Principle would be happy to call you
back to discuss matters at a quieter moment and time convenient for both
of you. We can also be reached via email @ dancefactory1@shaw.ca
Enjoy your season at The Dance Factory, we know it will be fun!.
Vist our WEB site!
www.thedancefactory.ca
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2006 – 2007
CALENDAR
August 26
Office Opens
September 5
Classes Begin
September 18 -23
Meet the Teacher Week
October 7 & 9
Thanksgiving (STUDIO CLOSED)
October 14
Competition Auditions
November 4 & 5
Triple Threat Dance Convention
November 11
Remembrance Day (STUDIO OPEN)f
November 18
Competition Rehearsals begin
December 24–January 7
Christmas Holiday (STUDIO CLOSED)
January 8
Classes Resume
January 22- February 3
Open House - viewing of classes begins
February 15, 16 & 19
Teachers Convention & Family Day
(STUDIO OPEN)
February
Costume Meetings for Year-end Show
March
Tap and Jazz Exams (to be announced)
March – May
Ballet Exams (to be announced)
May 21st
Victoria Day (STUDIO CLOSED)
May 26
Competition Show
June
Dress Rehearsal’s Year-End Shows
(location /timeTBA)
June 3
Junior Show (Strathcona Tweedsmuir)
June 23
Intermediate & Senior Year-End Show’s
(Maxbell Theatre)
June 22
Last day of classes for the 2006-07 season
ALL DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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