Studio Policies:
Updated August 2010.
Dancemakers LLC is a limited liability corporation.
LIABILITY DISCLAIMER: Dancemakers and its instructors are not liable for personal injuries or loss or damage to personal property. Since dance is a physical activity, injuries may occur. Each student may decline to participate in any activity which is harmful and is also responsible to inform the instructor of any physical limitation which may prevent full participation in class.
SECTION 1: TUITION AND FEES
TUITION PAYMENTS: Monthly Automatic Credit / Bank Card Withdrawal: Dancemakers charges tuition much the same as a gym does with membership to a credit or debit card on file upon the 1st of each month. All credit / bank card transactions are 100% secured and guaranteed. We accept Visa or MasterCard. In the event a student or family chooses to discontinue classes, automatic deductions for tuition will cease upon the conclusion of the month in which the studio is notified by the family. Dancemakers LLC charges class tuition for the months of September through the month of June.
CHECKS: As of June 2009, Dancemakers no longer accepts checks as a means of acceptable payment.
CREDIT CARDS: Dancemakers accepts Visa or MasterCard for payment to any dance related costs or charges. We apologize but due to high transaction costs, we do not accept American Express or Discover.
FAILURE TO OBTAIN FUNDS: It is the family’s sole responsibility to notify Dancemakers of any changes to debit or credit cards on file such as card expirations, or canceled, frozen, or closed accounts. Late fees will not be reversed for the aforementioned causes.
DELINQUENT TUITION AND LATE FEES: In the event Dancemakers is unable to secure payment on the 1st of each month from the credit or debit card on file for any reason, a $20.00 late fee will be applied to the family account. For every week Dancemakers is unable to capture the agreed tuition amount thereafter, an additional $10.00 charge will be assessed. If Dancemakers is unable to acquire tuition within 3 weeks of the outstanding balance’s originating date, the student will not be permitted to participate in class. Family accounts and all outstanding balances must be paid in full for students to participate in the annual recital. Contact the office team to resolve any tuition issues! We will work with you!
ANNUAL PAYMENTS: Tuition paid in full upon registration in September will receive a 5% discount. Students enrolling after the month of September are not eligible for the annual discount.
RECITAL COSTUMES: Recital costumes range between $65.00 to $75.00 each. Students will need to purchase a performance costume for each class. (With the exception of Ballet III as only 1 costume is required.)
The following class costumes will be $65.00 each:
Kinderdance
Kinder Tumble
Combo I, II,
Joyful Noise Dance Classes
Kids Tumbling I, II
Tumbling I
Hip Hop Beg Age 6 - 8
The following class costumes will be $75.00 each:
Ballet I, II, III, IV
Jazz I, II, III, Video Jazz IV, Teen Jazz I-II, Adult Video Jazz
Contemporary I, II
Tumbling II, Tumbling Teen Beg
Hip Hop Beg - Int Age 9 - 12, Hip Hop Teen Adv, Hip Hop Teen Beg, Adult Hip Hop
COMPETITION COSTUMES: Adrenaline costumes for group pieces, solos, duets, trios will be $100.00 each. These costumes are ordered from higher quality, more expensive catalogs, and are designed to last for multiple uses versus the single use recital costume.
RECITAL TIGHTS AND SHOES: Some classes such as kinderdance, combo classes, and ballet classes require tights in good condition for live performances. Tights will be on sale during the spring semester. Shoes purchased for class are acceptable for performance provided they are not worn or have holes.
RECITAL FEE: Our recital fee of $75.00 is accessed April 1st of each season and includes 3 tickets to the recital, a digital copy of your student's corresponding class music emailed, and our DVD. The recital fee is charged once to each family. Additional tickets or DVD’s are available for an extra cost. Parents who volunteer to work the recital as class parents, or production staff will have their recital fee waived but will need to order their DVD separately.
ANNUAL PHOTOSHOOT: The annual student photo shoot will held in the beginning of June. A detailed schedule will be provided upon the release of the recital packet in March. Students are not required to purchase any of these photos but we do require students to be in attendance so that those students who are purchasing these photos can have a class picture with all classmates in attendance. Package prices vary depending on the items and sizes selected.
ABSENCE: Absence from class is not refundable. There are no pro-rated fees for missed classes or holidays. There will be no refunds for classes missed due to illness or injuries. Payments may not be reduced in order to accommodate family vacations or school conflicts. In the event a student chooses to discontinue class attendance, tuition payments will cease at the end of that month. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the studio if they are dropping a class. Students with consistent attendance earn the right to a clean and well rehearsed piece without mistakes for presentation for the end of the year showcase; therefore, Dancemakers reserves the right to exclude any student who has erratic attendance from class recital choreography.
DROPPING CLASSES: In the event a student chooses to discontinue class attendance, tuition payments will cease at the end of the current month. It is the family’s responsibility to notify the studio if they decide to discontinue classes with Dancemakers. Tuition payments will continue until that notification has been received as space is still being reserved for your student.
REFUNDS: No refunds are given for missed classes, closings due to inclement weather or driving safety, or for classes attended, or withdrawing from classes mid month. No refunds will be given for costumes even if they are omitted from the recital due to poor attendance.
CLASS PRICING: For specific tuition information such as class prices, please contact us at the studio. (207) 892-2655
STUDENT REFERRAL PROGRAM: Students or parents of current students who refer another student to enroll in one or more classes at Dancemakers are eligible for one month of free tuition for one class. The referred student must remain enrolled for three months after the student has registered. The free months tuition will be refunded at the end the new students third month. This offer is for free tuition only and may not be substituted for costumes, Summerdance tuition, recital tickets, competitive entry fees, or studio merchandise. Must be approved by Tyler.
SECTION 2: ANNUAL RECITAL SHOWCASE, DRESS REHEARSAL, AND PHOTOSHOOT
RECITAL AND DRESS REHEARSAL: Our annual student recital is held during the month of June. Official dates to be announced in the early fall once the school system finalizes their own internal needs for the auditorium. Recital participation is not required to enroll in classes at Dancemakers, however performance it is a critical part to a complete dance education and therefore it is highly recommended. Dress rehearsal will be held same day as the recital during the morning hours. Dress rehearsal is required for students who are participating in the showcase as this rehearsal is essential for blocking, staging, lighting run-throughs and more.
COSTUME ALTERATIONS / SIZE EXHANGES: In some limited cases, recital costumes may require alterations or size exchanges. This is due to a number of factors, such as growth spurts or when a student’s measurements fit between a variety of sizes according to the costume companies sizing outlines. The class teacher will stipulate any alterations that need to be done to costumes including, taking in, letting out, etc; therefore, it is imperative that a parent be present during the class fitting when costumes arrive to receive teacher instructions in the event your student’s costume requires alterations. Size exchanges cost a small fee depending on the company.
RECITAL PACKET: Our recital packet is a complete guide to our annual student recital. It contains all information families and students need to know for the performance. It is essential that both students and families read this packet and refer back to it often during the course of the spring season. The packet will be provided via email.
RECITAL / PHOTOSHOOT MAKEUP: Students are required to wear makeup for both the recital performance and the photo shoot. A list of required colors will be released in the recital packet. Makeup is not required for dress rehearsal. We offer makeup kits which include sample packs for 2 applications, (Photo shoot and Recital,) for the cost of $10.00 each. Students are not required to purchase these kits, however we do require students to be in the exact same colors, shades, and types as listed within the recital packet.
RECITAL / PHOTOSHOOT HAIRSTYLES: A list of required hairstyles will be provided upon the release of the recital packet in March. Students are required to have these hairstyles for the recital performance and photo shoot. Hairstyles are not required for dress rehearsal.
AUDITORIUM POLICIES: School policies must be adhered to at all times during our use of the auditorium during the recital and dress rehearsal. These policies will be outlined within the recital packet. If we do not heed these administrative guidelines, we will lose the privilege of hosting our performances within that venue.
VIDEOTAPING AND PHOTOGRAPHS: During live performances is strictly prohibited.
PEEK WEEK: Will be during the month of May. It is during this week that students will receive their recital costumes and will try them on for fitting and alteration requirements. Teachers will also demonstrate how to complete required hairstyles to parents.
SECTION 3: CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE
PHYSICAL CORRECTION: At Dancemakers we commit to only housing a professional dance faculty for the maximum development of each and every child. Instructors and choreographers main focus is to conduct their class. From time to time, verbal and physical corrections will be made to students, which is standard in the dance education field. Examples of verbal corrections can be explaining to students to quiet down, to pay attention, or to move the placement of body in various directions if they are incorrect. Examples of physical correction would be the instructor placing the hands on the child to help them move their body into the correct placement, which is usually done at ballet barre, jazz classes and spotting for tumbling classes.
CLASS BEHAVIOR: We all want your child to enjoy dance class, however, it is very important that the class dynamics remain in control. Students are expected to behave respectfully to fellow students as well as the instructor. Students who are disruptive during class will be asked to either take "time out" within the class room or, depending on the situation and age of the student, be asked to leave the room for the duration of the class. If difficulties persist, a meeting may be requested to determine what would be the best possible long-term solution. Younger students such as those enrolled in the Kinderdance and Combo classes must be able to focus on the class and the tasks presented for the entire 45 minute period. We do however understand that some days are better then others when considering this age group and we look at the overall class experience versus one or two particular incidents. Students are expected to clap and to thank the instructor upon the conclusion of each class.
CELL PHONES: Cell phones are not to be brought into the dance room. Please turn your cell phone off before coming into class.
BREAKS: will be taken only in classes over 60 minutes. During this time students may use the restroom and get a drink. If it is necessary to leave during class time, ALWAYS ask permission of the instructor.
WATER: A dancer may take water into the dance room. Water bottles that are left will be discarded.
GUM OR FOOD: is NEVER allowed in the dance room. It is allowed in the students break area.
PLACEMENT AND PROGRESSION: For our classes in our Children’s Dance Program (classes for ages 3 - 8) we offer classes appropriate for individual ages rather than class levels. Class leveling begins at age 8.
Students do not move up to the next level according to the amount of years that they have studied dance. They must be able to execute proper technique for each movement to the fullest for that level. Once the teacher or director has determined that the student is ready to move up, then and only then will they be able to do so. Some students may take several years and others only one, according to natural ability, effort, and practice. POOR ATTENDANCE WILL AFFECT PROGRESSION. Progression is determined by the director or instructor only. Please keep in mind that when a teacher requests the dancer go down a level it is only in the best interest of the student and not because the student is unwanted in the class. Dancers enrolled in levels above what they are prepared for not only threaten their progression as a dancer, but also put themselves at risk for serious injury. If you have any questions please direct them to Tyler.
SECTION 4: STUDIO COMMUNICATION
QUESTIONS / CONCERNS / FEEDBACK: At Dancemakers, communication with our students and their families is very important to us. If in the event a problem or concern does arise, or you would like to provide feedback about any of our classes or operations, please contact Tyler. By policy instructors are to remain focused on their class and the development of their students and may only be interrupted in the event of an extreme emergency.
EMAIL: All of our external announcements and communication to families regarding student affairs at Dancemakers is distributed through email. Therefore it is imperative that families update the studio in the event of any email address changes.
NEWSLETTERS: are distributed three times annually via our website and by email only, once in the fall, the winter, and again in the spring. These newsletters outline important developments involving the studio and potentially your child. Please read them. They contain important information that you will need to know during the dance season.
CLASS CANCELATIONS: During the season, classes will inevitably be canceled for a host of reasons including periods of inclement weather, or for instructor illness. In the event class is canceled due to dangerous driving conditions and inclement weather, we will post notifications by 12pm on our website and studio voicemail. We will also report weather cancellations to channels 6, 8, and 13. Students may make up canceled classes by attending another class of the same format at a later date. For classes with more than 3 storm cancellations, a make-up classes will be scheduled.
MEDICAL CHANGES: The studio must be notified immediately of any changes relating to a student’s overall health. This includes allergies to any foods or medications, or newly developed ailments. Please provide our front desk for this information is it may be critical information in the event of an emergency.
CHANGES IN CONTACT INFORMATION: We require all families to update their contact information including newly changed telephone numbers, home addresses, etc as this information would be required in the event of a emergency.
SECTION 5: DRESS CODE
DRESS REQUIREMENTS: Dress requirements for classes at Dancemakers are strictly enforced for the safety of both the student and the instructor. Students without the proper attire will not be allowed to participate in classes. Required shoes must be purchased for certain levels and classes. Dance clothing and shoes (with the exception of pointe shoes,) may be purchased at the studio. We highly recommend Finer Pointes Dance Shop located in Portland for Pointe shoes and fittings.
JAZZ: Black Dance Shorts, Black Pedini Jazz Shoes, Form fitting tank top or t-shirt.
CONTEMPORARY: Black Dance Shorts, Dance Paws, Form fitting tank top or t-shirt.
TUMBLING: Leotard, Black Dance Shorts
HIP HOP: Clothes should be oversized and baggy. Sweat pants, basketball shorts, hooded sweatshirts, zip-up sweatshirts, t-shirts, tank tops, white sneakers, UGGS.
BALLET / POINTE: Leotard, pink tights, pink canvas split soles ballet slippers. Skirts are optional for ballet.
KINDERDANCE: Leotard, pink tights, Pink canvas or leather ballet slippers. Skirts are optional.
COMBO CLASS: Leotard, pink tights, Pink canvas or leather ballet slippers, black jazz shoes. Skirts are optional.
ADRENALINE SENIOR COMPANY: Black 2.5’ High Heels, Black Dance Shorts, Black Pedini Jazz Shoes, Dance Paws, Leotard, Pink Tights, Pink Canvas Split Sole Ballet Slippers, Dancemakers Logo Wear: Tank, T-shirt, Sweatpants, Team Jacket.
ADRENALINE JUNIOR TEAM: Black Dance Shorts, Black Pedini Jazz Shoes, Dance Paws, Leotard, Pink Tights, Pink Canvas Split Sole Ballet Slippers, Dancemakers Logo Wear: Tank, T-shirt, Sweatpants, Team Jacket.
HAIR REQUIREMENTS: For safety reasons, students must wear their hair in the appropriate hairstyle for classes.
BALLET: (Levels 1 – 4) Secure Bun
JAZZ: (Levels 1 – 3) High Ponytail
JAZZ: (Level 4) High Ponytail. Students will be asked to wear their hair down for choreography and performance purposes.
CONTEMPORARY: (Levels 1 – 2) High Ponytail.
HIP HOP (Levels 1 – 2) High Ponytail.
HIP HOP (Level 3) High Ponytail. Students will be asked to wear their hair down for choreography and performance purposes.
TUMBLING: (Levels 1 - 2) High Ponytail.
COMBO JAZZ / BALLET: (Levels 1 – 2) High Ponytail or Secure Bun.
KINDERDANCE / KINDER TUMBLE: High Ponytail or Secure Bun.
DANCE SNEAKERS: We feel as though these sneakers because of the thickness of the sole, prevent students from utilizing their feet to the fullest and make it difficult to execute proper technique. Therefore Dancemakers does not allow these shoes in our classrooms.
JEWELRY: (with the exception of small earrings) is not appropriate for dance class. Take it off before coming onto the dance floor. Absolutely no jewelry allowed during performances unless provided as apart of the costume.
SECTION 6: PERSONAL ITEMS
LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS: Dancemakers is not responsible for student’s personal items such as dance bags, dancewear, general clothing, cell phones, jewelry, wallets, purses, and all other items of personal or monetary value brought into the studio or left on site. All items found by the studio will be placed in our “lost and found bin” located in our lobby. The studio donates all unclaimed items twice annually to local nonprofit charities, once in December over the holiday break, and again in June after the recital.