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The first step in becoming a successful dancer and tumbler is making a solid commitment to your classes, rehearsals, and performances. Strong technique is a key ingredient, and class is where you develop that technique. Please come to class prepared to learn and without personal distractions. Class time is your chance to focus on individual goals and improvements. Great progress is made when you can look at each class, rehearsal, and performance as an opportunity to become better at what you love to do. ALWAYS make the most of every class, rehearsal, and performance opportunity.

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ATTENDANCE:

  • Please arrive class-ready 10 minutes prior to start time. Tardiness distracts those already in class but please do not hesitate to come in late if unavoidable.

  • If you are going to be late or absent, please note it in the Jackrabbit app or contact an instructor directly.

  • Students are expected to attend all classes and rehearsals unless an extenuating circumstance arises. In cases of injury, children are expected to still come to class to observe, as observation is beneficial to learning.

  • Absences in ANY technique classes or rehearsals on ANY day in the weeks prior to a competition or performance may cause the student to lose their performance/competition opportunity.

  • Any student not attending required classes will not be able to complete a solo, duet, or trio.

  • It is unacceptable to attend any dance or tumbling classes that you are not registered for and/or the instructor has not placed you in.

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CANCELLATIONS AND CLOSURES:

  • The Studio follows the Havre Public Schools holiday calendar. A notice will be posted if classes are being held during a scheduled school closure.

  • At times, last minute cancellations may be necessary. We try to avoid last-minute cancellations as best we can. For more information, Please refer to the makeup class policy in this handbook.

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STUDENT CONDUCT: Treat instructors, assistants, student teachers and other students with respect. Disrespect and/or poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated.

  • There is NO TALKING in class. Students must raise their hand and be called on.

  • No gum, candy, or food allowed outside the waiting room.

  • No cell phones or devices inside the studio area unless it is approved by the instructor, and is only allowed to record choreography/play music.

  • Please remove street shoes in the foyer, and carry them to your locker or place in your dance bag or place on the provided shelves.

  • Please make sure dancers pick up after themselves at the end of their class or break.

  • No loitering in the bathrooms and absolutely no running in the hallway.

 

BULLYING POLICY: The Studio wishes to provide a safe, inclusive environment that foster's an individual's creativity and love for the dance arts. We do not tolerate bullying of any kind, whether it be verbal, written, or physical. Because bullying often goes unreported due to the concern of retaliation, if you are uncomfortable coming forward regarding an incident, you may report anonymously. We ask that you please write down the details of the incident including the date, the class, who was bullying, and a brief description of the incident and place it in the payment box. Otherwise you are welcome to report any witnessed incidents of bullying to the instructor or a board member. Particularly egregious offenses may result in immediate termination from our program.

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​BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE POLICY: Behavior that The Studio deems inappropriate will not be tolerated. Instances in which a student is not adhering to the Student Conduct or Bullying Policies will result in an incident report to be kept in the student's file. Incident report sheets are available in each classroom and can be reported and documented by instructors, student instructors, parent reps, and board members. Each incident will be accompanied by a form; the parent must return the signed form on the child's next day of dance.

  • First offense - Verbal warning to the student. May be asked to leave class. Incident report filed and sent home.

  • Second offense - Meeting with the student, parent, board member and an instructor.

  • Third offense - Two week suspension from all classes. If the suspension falls within 2 weeks of a competition the student loses the privilege to compete and no refunds will be issued.

​Anyone not following the Student Conduct guidelines, the bullying policy, or the behavior and discipline policy will be instructed to sit out and wait for their parent/guardian. If the behavior continues, The Studio of Dance & Arts will place the offending student on a Performance Improvement Plan; failure to adhere to this Plan may lead to expulsion/termination of student status. The Studio reserves the right to issue consequences as it sees fit, especially if there is a severe discipline problem, a recurring issue, or a serious offense.

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DISMISSAL POLICY: The Studio reserves the right to dismiss a student for reasons including but not limited to:

  • Non-payment or excessive late payment fees

  • Not observing the rules of The Studio

  • Physical or verbal abuse, either by a student or parent, toward another student or parent, a teacher, a board member, a committee member, or a student teacher.

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LOCKERS: Please be considerate of other dancers when using your locker. Lockers have been assigned to students and groups with the majority of their peers.  If you wish to move your child’s locker, please try to keep it with the other dancers in their level.

  • Absolutely no banging of lockers!

  • Once class is dismissed, students will have 10 minutes to get in and out of their lockers.

  • If classes are in session, please keep lockers quiet and limit the opening and closing of lockers.

  • No permanent stickers will be placed on the outside of the lockers

  • A lock may be purchased for your student’s locker at your own expense.

  • Lockers are to be cleaned out and emptied no later than two weeks following recital or their last class. Failure to adhere to this results in any items left in lockers to become the property of The Studio.

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MEDICAL INFORMATION/MEDICATIONS: Please provide a summary of your child’s medical condition(s), along with any medication(s) your child is currently taking. The board will advise your child’s instructor(s) of the condition(s) and inform them of any medication(s). Please be as detailed as possible and inform The Studio of any changes in medication. The information you provide to The Studio is strictly confidential and used solely for your child’s safety.

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STUDENT DEPARTURE: Students must wait INSIDE the building for someone to pick them up. PLEASE make your children comply with this rule, as it is for THEIR SAFETY. Please be there promptly to pick your child up (no later than 15 minutes after their scheduled class is dismissed). Once the next scheduled class begins, there will not be supervision for your child.

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EMERGENCY CONTACTS: Please ensure you have accurate emergency contact information in your Jackrabbit portal. It is your responsibility to make sure information is up to date.

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STUDIO ETIQUETTE: Students, parents, and visitors are expected to clean up after themselves and their children. This includes the hallway, waiting room, and bathroom. Lockers are to be kept clean with no open food left in them. This extends to all Studio organized events.  Many locations in which we perform give discounted rates to the Studio as a nonprofit with the understanding we will be respectful and our students and parents will clean up after themselves.

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CLASS OBSERVATION: Parents and visitors wishing to watch classes will be asked to make prior arrangements with the instructor. The classrooms are not equipped with a viewing window.

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PLACEMENT FOR CLASSES:

  • Placement is derived from many years of teaching experience, is highly individual, and factors that go into each decision is complex. Placement decisions are considered final.

  • All dancers and tumblers must display excellent behavior and listening skills in class and are expected to be role models for all dancers.

  • Dancers and tumblers must be able to accept positive criticism and take and apply corrections from all instructors. Listen to each correction given, whether it's directed at you or another dancer/tumbler. A correction is an honor, it shows how much a teacher or choreographer cares about your progress.

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EXTRA ROUTINES: Students may be permitted to perform solos, duos, trio etc. at their own expense. Students eligible must have a minimum of 3 years (not including toddler levels) of dance experience, and approval from the instructor. They are to make arrangements with their chosen instructor/choreographer in terms of payment and schedule. Instructors are not obligated to choreograph the students' routine. Costume and music selections are at the discretion of the student, parent, and choreographer. Music is to be submitted to the Operations Committee by February 10th to ensure it is ready if the student chooses to attend competitions. For more information regarding costumes, please refer to the Costume section of the handbook. Students must be enrolled in the class genre in which they wish to perform a solo, duo, trio etc. 

 

FACILITY USAGE: Students are permitted to use the studio classrooms outside of regularly scheduled classes. You need to reserve a time through the reservation system that is maintained by the Operating Committee to help ensure there are no scheduling conflicts. You are responsible for cleaning up the space when you’re done. Students are not permitted to use the tumbling space without the approval of the tumbling instructor. 

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ADD/DROP CLASSES: The Studio maintains a strict policy regarding enrollment.

  • Tuition is never prorated

  • Adding or dropping a class must be done so in writing by the 20th of the month PRIOR to when you want the change to take place.

  • There will be no class drops approved (minus extenuating circumstances) after February 1st.

  • If a student is absent for 3 or more classes in a month, they will automatically be dropped from the class unless other agreements with the instructor have been made.  If the class is a required class and they are still attending their other classes, the student will remain in the class and continue to be charged tuition.

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WAITLISTS: At times it may be necessary to establish a waiting list for classes.

  • Waitlisted children will be placed into the class, the order of the waitlist, given registration fees have been paid.

  • If a spot opens you will be contacted by email or BAND app will have 48 hours to respond. In the event you do not respond you will be placed back at the top of the waiting list and the next person will be contacted.

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MAKEUP CLASSES: There is no additional charge for makeup classes.

  • Makeup classes will be held based on the availability of the instructor/classroom space.

  • Instructors have two weeks to make up for a missed class. If there are any concerns, contact the instructor and/or the Board.

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COMPETITION, WORKSHOPS AND PERFORMANCES: As Studio members, you are considered part of The Studio family. The expectation is that you are watching all performances and supporting our dancers/tumblers when you are not preparing for your own performance. We need to show love and support to all our members.

  • You are a representative of the studio and as such, will be expected to behave appropriately.

  • Disciplinary action preceding competition may waive your ability to attend competitions, workshops, or performances.

  • Your child will not be able to attend competitions, workshops, or other activities if your account is past-due or has a significant balance.

  • Competition and workshop fees are non-refundable. You are liable for all fees once your child is registered for a competition or workshop.

  • Fundraising credits earmarked for competitions/workshops will only be applied to group dances or elite small groups selected by instructors to perform. Solos, self-elected duets/trios/ small groups will not receive a fundraising credit.

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RECITAL: The studio typically participates in two major productions each year. The first is the Nicole Alex Memorial Scholarship Fund Gala held in December. The second is a studio-wide recital held at the beginning of June.

  • All enrolled students are expected to perform. Please let your instructor and the board know if your child cannot participate in recital.

  • Tumblers perform in the June recital *ONLY*.

  • Extra rehearsal nearing performance dates, including but not limited to dress rehearsals, will be scheduled. The schedule is at the discretion of the instructor based on the progress/performance of the class.  The schedule will be shared as soon as possible as the event date approaches.

  • Additional performance opportunities for the tumblers will be at the sole discretion and coordination of the tumbling instructors.

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MONTHLY CLASS PAYMENTS: Payments will be posted to each family's Jackrabbit account on the first of the month and are payable to The Studio of Dance & Arts. Payments not made prior to the 10th of each month will be assessed a $15.00 late fee unless prior arrangements have been made. Mailing address is: The Studio of Dance & Arts P.O. Box 2111 Havre, MT 59501 or for your convenience, a payment drop box is located on the information wall outside of the waiting room. Please write the student’s name on the memo line of your check. *A penalty charge of $30.00 will be assessed for each returned check.

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COSTUMES: Costumes are typically ordered twice per year, once for the holiday gala performance in December and once for the June recital.

  • A recital costume deposit of $25 per enrolled class will be assessed and due by November 15th of the current dance season. The $25.00 deposit per costume will be placed towards the student’s final costume invoice. Per vendor policy, any costumes ordered are final sale (including solo/duet/special group costumes). In the event your child needs a size exchange, the studio will facilitate that.

  • Costume deposits are non-refundable unless classes have been dropped due to unavoidable conflict in which the deposit will be applied as a credit to the student account.

  • All costume invoices are due within 30 days of posting to your Jackrabbit account, subject to a $15 late fee per every 30 days of non-payment.

  • Costume fees must be paid prior to receiving the costume, unless there are extenuating circumstances that have been discussed and approved by the Costume Committee.

  • Solo, duet, and special group costumes require payment before they can be ordered and are not subject to any fundraising credits.

  • Fundraising credits will be applied to recital costumes ONLY, and only once per enrolled class.

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FUNDRAISERS: Throughout the year, The Studio hosts many fundraisers. We encourage all students and families to participate in the fundraisers as they help all students at The Studio. Individuals and groups are not allowed to host independent fundraisers. All fundraisers for competitions, costumes, workshops, etc. must be done through The Studio. Since we are a non-profit organization, all fundraised funds must be distributed to each student fair and equitably, per the IRS rules. There will be no Individual Fundraising Accounts.

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COST: The studio strives to offer affordable, fun classes for Hiline families.

  • Tuition: We bill on a per-class basis for dance and tumbling -

    • $50 for one class per month

    • $65 for two classes per month

    • $80 for three classes per month

    • $95 for four classes per month

    • $110 for five classes per month

    • $125 for six classes per month

    • $140 for seven or more classes per month

    • Same-household sibling discounts apply at 50 percent off for the 2nd sibling, 75% off for the third sibling, and the 4th sibling is free

  • Costumes: Costumes are capped at $85 per costume, excluding shoes and additional accessories

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HARDSHIP ARRANGEMENTS: Please contact the Treasurer if you are experiencing a hardship and need to discuss your account.

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REFUNDS: The Studio does not issue refunds or prorate tuition for any reason. If your child would like to drop a class, you are liable for the charges unless we receive an add/drop form by the 20th of the month PRIOR to dropping the class. For example, if your child wishes to drop a class on November 15th, we must receive a written notice or add/drop form by the 20th of September.

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MERCHANDISE AND COSTUMES: Merchandise from the studio store and costumes will be billed to your Jackrabbit account.

  • All posted fees are due within 30 days or a $15 late fee will apply.

  • It is your responsibility to regularly check your account for assessed fees.

  • All sales are final sale.

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UNPAID FEES: Unpaid fees will be subject to stated late fees. We reserve the right to apply payments made to past due amounts first, followed by merchandise, costumes, and competition fees. Accounts with balances will not be able to purchase warmups, participate in competition or workshops, or any of the other "extras" until a payment arrangement is made or the account is made current.

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DRESS CODE: Students are required to have the appropriate dancewear, tumbling gear, and shoes FOR ALL CLASSES. Make sure shoes fit – not too tight, not too loose. We will be strict about uniforms for ballet and pointe classes. ALL children are to have a water bottle of their own. Please make sure your student's name is on all their possessions including leotards, tights, shoes, and water bottles.

  • Ballet and Pointe

    • Hair in a neat bun

    • Black leotard with pink tights, boys a white shirt and black, fitted pants

    • Pink leather split-sole ballet shoes with no ties for the girls, black leather ballet shoes for the boys

    • NO skirted leotards or shorts allowed

  • Tap

    • Hair out of face, bun not necessary

    • Fitted but not tight pants and shirts OR Ballet attire

    • Thin socks or tights

    • Tap shoes: 

      • Bloch "Tap On" Tap Shoes Style S0302 (Toddler/Beginning/Intermediate)

        • Bloch Merry Jane Tap Shoe Style S0352 (Toddler) 

      • Bloch "Respect" S0313L OR Jason Samuel Smith S0361L (Advanced

  • Contemporary

    • Hair pulled back and secured out of face

    • Fitted clothing with pants or capris below the knee

    • Nude FootUndeez or similar style metatarsal protector

  • Jazz/Hip Hop

    • Hair pulled back and secured out of face

    • Comfortable clothing you can move in with bottoms that go below the knees

    • Shoes - Style to be determined by the instructor

  • Tumbling

    • Hair pulled back and secured out of face

    • NO loose or baggy clothing, or clothing with strings hanging (hoodies, untied sweatpants, etc)

    • Fitted clothing or leotard/shorts-style unitard

    • No loose jewelry (stud earrings are acceptable)

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COMMUNICATION: Email and the BAND app are the major forms of communication. It is imperative that we have your current email address and phone number. If any changes occur to your contact information during the year, please notify us of the changes immediately. If you do not have email or are having problems with your computer, it is your responsibility to check with the studio/parent rep for updated information. An information board is located in the hallway outside of the waiting room.

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​BAND APP: Please join our studio BAND app group. Here you will have individual message groups for all of your child's classes as well as a main wall where important information, volunteer opportunities and other communication will take place.

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PARENT RESPONSIBILITY: It is your responsibility as the parent/guardian to ensure The Studio has updated billing and contact information. It is also your responsibility to ensure you belong to our communication apps and regularly check them. These apps are how we communicate and are an essential part of your child's success.

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