Rhythm Pointe Dance Academy Policies
MONTHLY DANCE LESSON PAYMENTS
- SORRY, NO CREDITS OR REFUNDS ON LESSONS!
- All lessons are paid for on a monthly basis.
- Whether there are 3, 4, or 5 weeks in a month, tuition will remain the same.
- Classes must be paid for whether attended or not.
- Missed lessons may be made-up.
- Make checks payable to "RPDA".
- Payment envelopes are handed out the last full week of each month and should be returned the following week. If absent the week envelopes are handed out, bring payment the following week with or without envelope.
All payments , with or without envelope, must be paid by the 1st of each month!
A Late Fee of $10.00 will be assessed for payments received after the 10th and an additional $5.00 each week payment is delinquent after that, regardless of absence.
PROPER DANCE ATTIRE AND SHOES REQUIRED AT RPDA
RPDA dress code demonstrates respect for the art of dance. We depend on our students and parents to commit themselves to upholding our standard of dress and conduct. Thank you.
RPDA DRESS CODE
~ CREATIVE MOVEMENT, BALLET AND POINTE CLASSES- Solid colored leotard, ballet pink tights, pink ballet shoes, no attached tutus or excess dance fluff for ages 7-Up. No shirts or cover-ups in class. Hair in bun! No big jewelry! ALL STUDENTS INTERESTED IN TAKING POINTE CLASS MUST HAVE PERMISSION FROM MS MARIA AND PRESENT A DR.'S NOTE BEFORE ENROLLING. NO EXCEPTIONS! MS MARIA WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN YOU ARE ELIGIBLE AND READY.
~ JAZZ, LYRICAL, AND TAP CLASSES - Leotard, tights, fitted dance pants or dance skorts. Hair secured off of face. NO DANCE CAPRI'S.
~ HIP-HOP, BREAK-DANCE, FITNESS, GYMNASTICS / TUMBLING, CHEER, AND POM-DANCE - Comfortable dance clothing. No jeans, no baggy clothes in gymnastics or Pom-Dance, or outside street shoes. Hip-Hop students should purchase a clean white tennis shoe (no outside shoes in dance rooms).
Dance supplies can be purchased at Fanci Footwork's, located on Van Dyke, North of 22 Mile Road
DANCE SHOES - Important! Check with your teacher for proper fit before you wear your shoes in class. Ballet shoes and jazz shoes should have no more than a thumbs width for growth. Please consult with your teacher before purchasing Pointe shoes. When purchasing new Pointe shoes, please have the shoes fit without toe pads (lambs wool would be best). The use of bulky toe pads inhibits proper manipulation of the feet in the shoes and feeling the floor. Although toe pads may be more "comfortable," settling into the shoe occurs rather than pulling up out of the shoe with the legs. Certain structural problems will be individually addressed if necessary. Do Not sew ribbons on pointe shoes until teacher checks for proper fit.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE
1. Be prompt for class. Any student who arrives in class more than 10 minutes after the class has started may be asked to observe that class.
2. Be dressed properly for class. Hair must be properly secured away from face and neck. Proper attire and dance shoes are the only acceptable attire. Watches, necklaces and bracelets must be removed before entering the classroom (small earrings are acceptable). Tap and Aerobic shoes in Room "B" only. NO STREET SHOES IN STUDIO ROOMS.
3. Be warmed-up and ready to dance when class begins.
4. Be attentive and respectful to instructors. Any student who is repeatedly disruptive may be asked to leave the class for a time-out. A parent-student-teacher conference may be arranged, if necessary.
5. Be courteous and polite to fellow students. We encourage students to treat each other as they would like to be treated.
6. Leave gum, food and drink outside the classroom. Water bottles are acceptable. Please dispose of trash in trash cans.
7. Use the restroom before entering class. Parents of young children kindly take the children to use the restroom prior to the start of class.
8. Show respect for the facility and classroom equipment. Classroom equipment includes the Barres, mirrors, corkboard, and any props or costumes that may be in the area. The facility includes the entire building and grounds. To protect flooring, no street shoes are allowed in the studios. The classroom is a learning environment.
LEVEL PLACEMENT POLICY
All students will be placed into levels by ability then age. Advancement is decided by faculty evaluation during the year. Students may stay in one level for several years, depending on the number of classes taken, personal progress and age. Please do not compare dancers. Students progress at their own speed.
OBSERVING CLASSES - Parents must observe from the waiting area. (With the exception of first time Creative Movement dancers). Unless an emergency occurs, please do not interrupt a class that is already in session. It breaks students concentration and disrupts class (and is rude towards the instructor). Company classes will be observed at the teachers discretion. We ask that you observe from the observation areas at both studios, NOT THE DOORWAYS! If you have any concerns, questions or comments, please feel free to approach or contact your child's instructor or the dance director after all studio classes of the day. Please, out of respect do not try to talk to teachers between classes.
RECITAL - Recital is the highlight of the year. After a student has worked hard all year, it is a feeling of personal accomplishment to perform on stage beautifully costumed before family and friends. This special stage experience will be an event that is sure to help any student boost confidence, poise, and personality for a lifetime. This large performance involves all students enrolled in the dance program. Confirmation of a student's participation in this event is requested by October because costume deposits are collected then. NO CREDITS, REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES ON COSTUMES!
Our Recital is held in June with a MANDATORY dress rehearsal & 3 studio rehearsals.
Each class will be ordered a costume (tights, shoes not included). Deposits of $65 for each costume will be due in October. The balance, (if there should be one), will be due in March. Backstage volunteers are greatly appreciated during the recital. NOTE: During the Fall semester, students with excessive ABSENCES ( more than 7 classes ) possibly precludes participation in the Annual Dance Recital.
MATERIALS SENT HOME - From time to time there will be information sent home with the students. Please read and keep these notes handy for easy reference.
ATTENDANCE - There are no refunds, credits, reductions or transfers of classes missed by students or on costume fees.
In the event that a child is sick and cannot attend class, we ask that you call in and let the office know.
Any missed class may be made up in a similar level within two months of the missed class. Please check with your teacher for recommendations on a make-up time. You may withdraw from any or all classes at any time by giving written notice to the office manager, no later than the 10th of the month. If written notice is not received by the 10th, you are obligated to pay the month's tuition payment.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY - In case of severe weather such as snow & ice storms, tornado warnings, and floods, please call the studio after 2:00 p.m. for possible class cancellations. Snow-Day class cancellations go according to Utica School District closings for A.M. classes.
REGISTRATION / RELEASE / EMERGENCY INFO FORM - Each student must have a registration form on file at RPDA. Please fill out the form and return it to the front desk SIGNED.
FOR SERIOUS DANCERS - RPDA ENTERTAINING / COMPETITION COMPANY - Company students must be able to travel, raise funds, make a serious commitment to dance and a a serious commitment to their class mates, have strong parent involvement and be able to handle all aspects of "competition." This is by audition and teacher recommendation only. These students need to study technique along with their separate dance subjects. Our ENTERTAINING / COMPETITION Dance Company will compete regionally and every other year nationally, in dance and talent competitions. They also perform at functions and Fairs throughout the year.
