Howe Sound Dance Academy

	\| Attendance \| Attitude \| Classroom Etiquette \| Clothing Requirements \| For students and parents \| Dress \| Exam Classes \| Competitive Classes \| Hair \| Liability \| Make-Up Classes, Extra Classes, Class Placement & \| News And Information \| Parent Volunteers \| Performance Classes \| Shoes \| Withdrawals and Cancellations \| Year end Performance \|
	ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY:
		Students are expected to arrive at the studios in sufficient time to be ready for class at start time. Students are expected to call the studio 604 898 1422 or email info@howesounddance.com if unable to attend class. Students that fail to attend class regularly fail to be punctual, and/or display a lack of progress may be excluded from taking exams and/or participating in performances/competitions. Students who miss class put the entire class at a disadvantage, due to the fact that absent students must be taught the missed material while the rest of the class repeats what they covered the week before. This allows restlessness and boredom to replace interest and activity.
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	ATTITUDE:
		HSDA expects that students exhibit a positive and disciplined attitude. Treat others with respect and courtesy. You do not have to be friends with everyone, but you can at least be polite; chronic negativity and bullying will not be tolerated.
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	CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE:
		Attendance and Punctuality Students are expected to arrive at the studios in sufficient time to be ready for class at start time. Students are expected to call the studio 604 898 1422 or email info@howesounddance.com if unable to attend class. Students that fail to attend class regularly, fail to be punctual, and/or display a lack of progress may be excluded from taking exams and/or participating in performances/competitions. Students who miss class put the entire class at a disadvantage, due to the fact that absent students must be taught the missed material while the rest of the class repeats what they covered the week before. This allows restlessness and boredom to replace interest and activity. Attitude HSDA expects that students exhibit a positive and disciplined attitude. Treat others with respect and courtesy. You do not have to be friends with everyone, but you can at least be polite; chronic negativity and bullying will not be tolerated. Dress Students are responsible for wearing the proper dress to class as outlined in CLOTHING REQUIREMENTS. Students not wearing the proper gear may not be permitted to participate in class. Shoes Appropriate dance shoes are required. All ribbons and laces must be tied before class. Hair Styles For ALL classes the student�s hair must be neatly tied back and OFF the face. For ballet classes a classical bun is required. Students will be sent out of class if these requirements are not met. Chewing gum is not allowed, as it is a choking hazard and a sign of disrespect. NO JEWELRY OR WATCHES are allowed in the studios as they can cause harm to both the student wearing them and the other students in the class. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST, STOLEN, OR MISPLACED ARTICLES. Putting garments into a dance bag will greatly reduce missing clothes, shoes and watches. Keeping the reception area tidy will also decrease the misplacement of belongings. Please do not bring valuables to the studio; even when carefully looked after belongings get left behind or misplaced. Note: HSDA maintains a �Lost and Found� box at each location for non-perishable and non-soiled property. These boxes will be emptied at the end of each month and the contents discarded.
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	CLOTHING REQUIREMENTS:
		We recommend purchasing your dancewear at Duck Feet located at 1447 Marine Dr, West Van. 604 925 1131 For all leotards we recommend either the Mondor or Aisleywear brands in the tank style. Creative Dance � Pink leotard, pink tights. full circle skirt and pink gymnastic or ballet shoes. Ballet sweaters are optional. Hair in a bun. Ballet � Pre Primary & Primary � Lilac short sleeved styled Mondor brand leotard, white sock, pink full sole ballet slippers with elastic instep and full circle skirt. Hair in a bun. � Grade 1- Grade 2: light blue tank styled leotard, light blue waist elastic, pink tights, pink full sole ballet slippers with elastic instep and character shoes as required. Hair in a bun. � Grade 3 � Grade 5: navy blue tank styled leotard, navy blue waist elastic, pink tights, pink full sole ballet slippers with ribbons and character shoes. Hair in a bun. � Higher Grades: solid color leotard, pink tights, pink canvas split sole ballet slippers, and character shoes. A short wrap around skirts is optional. Hair in a bun. � Vocational: solid color leotard, pink tight, pink full sole ballet slippers, soft block shoes, pointe shoes. Hair in a bun. � Demi-Pointe/Pointe: pointe shoes are required at the discretion of the teacher. Hair in a bun.. � Competitive Classes: solid color leotard, pink tights, pink full sole ballet slippers, or pointe shoes. Hair in a bun. � Baggy clothing & untidy hair are not permitted in ballet classes. It makes it very difficult for teachers to see correct body alignment and posture. If a student is not properly dressed for class, he/she may be asked to not participate Jazz � Primary Jazz � Jazz Elementary: black fitted Capri pants, dance shorts or tights and a fitted top or leotard. No full length pants. Black and/or tan colored split sole jazz shoes. Hair in a pony tail no bangs � Performance & Competitive classes: black jazz pants, leotard or fitted top and black and/or tan colored split sole jazz shoes. Hair in a pony tail no bangs � Baggy clothing & untidy hair are not permitted in jazz classes. It makes it very difficult for teachers to see correct body alignment and posture. If a student is not properly dressed for class, he/she may be asked to not participate. Modern � Modern 1 & 2 � Navy blue leotard, black tights, bare feet. Hair in a pony tail no bangs. � Modern 3 � Purple leotard, black tights, bare feet. Hair in a pony tail no bangs. � Modern Competitive and Technique � Black leotard, black tights, bare feet. Hair in a pony tail no bangs. � Baggy clothing & untidy hair are not permitted in modern classes. It makes it very difficult for teachers to see correct body alignment and posture. If a student is not properly dressed for class, he/she may be asked to not participate. Hip Hop � This has a more relaxed tone. Students are asked to wear appropriate attire that will enable them to have a wide range of movement. For all levels white indoor only sneakers are required; NO outside shoes are permitted in the studios. For all Competitive Classes: � At competition you will be expected to wear HSDA clothing at the theater and onstage for all awards. If you do not already own HSDA clothing, it will be available for order in September to arrive in time for Christmas.
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	CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
		Student Grooming Students work harder and stay more focused when properly dressed for dance. Students are responsible for wearing the proper dress to class as outlined in CLOTHING REQUIREMENTS. Students that are in violation will not be allowed to participate. This includes dance shoes; all ribbons and laces must be tied before class. For ALL classes the student�s hair must be neatly tied back and OFF the face. For ballet classes a classical bun is required. Students will be sent out of class if these requirements are not met. Please label dance shoes and dance gear with student�s full name. Putting garments into a dance bag will greatly reduce missing clothes, shoes and watches and help keep the studios tidy and clean. Please do not wear dance shoes outside. Student Attendance and Punctuality Students are expected to arrive at the studios in sufficient time to be ready for class at start time. This means arrive BEFORE the start time of class ready to go, earlier if you have to get changed and do your hair. Regular punctual attendance is necessary for good training. Students that fail to attend class regularly fail to be punctual, and/or display a lack of progress may be excluded from taking exams and/or participating in performances/competitions. Students who miss class put the entire class at a disadvantage, due to the fact that absent student must be taught the missed material while the rest of the class repeats what they covered the week before. This allows restlessness and boredom to replace interest and activity. Students with high absenteeism may not be eligible to participate in upcoming competitions, exams and or performances. Full payment of costume fees and outstanding balances will still be due. Please call or email in all absences. Student Classroom Behavior Students are expected to be respectful and attentive in class to teachers and fellow students. You do not have to be friends with everyone, but you can at least be polite; chronic negativity and bullying will not be tolerated. Polite behavior and good manners should always be displayed throughout the class and reception areas. Foul language or actions are not permitted. HSDA is a private studio and reserve the right to dismiss any student who shows inappropriate behavior or upsets the harmony of the school. All students should refrain from hanging on barres or putting hands on mirrors is permitted. Studio Cleanliness and Junk Food I recognize that several HSDA students take more than 1 class per day and may need a snack/meal during their break time at the studio and do homework. In the past the studios have been left messy, particularly with food and drink. It is expected that any mess made (spilling crumbs, food & drink) will be cleaned up promptly by whoever made the mess, and that belongings are kept tidy. Not doing so results in a messy reception area, making it difficult for the next set of students to warm up properly. Spilled crumbs, food and drink can lead to unsanitary conditions and can attract pests. Students are accountable to help maintain studio cleanliness by picking up after themselves and respecting studio property. HSDA maintains a no junk food, no pop in the studio/reception policy. This type of food offers no nutritional value required to sustain a dancer�s physical and mental energy. Make a healthier choice: water instead of pop or �energy drinks�, fruit or raisons instead of candy, yogurt or home-made sandwich instead of chips or pizza. For Parents Please remember that you are responsible for supervising siblings; keep them safe and under control in the reception area. It is expected that any mess made (spilling crumbs, food & drink, writing on walls) will be cleaned up promptly by whoever is responsible for the mess, and that belongings are kept tidy. Please remind students to clean up after themselves and respect studio property. Students and parents should be respectful in the reception area, keeping voices down. Noise travels easily into the studios and is disruptive to the class in session. Please do not crowd the entrance of the dance space. If you would like to watch the class in session, please ask the teacher permission first. When entering the dance space REMOVE your shoes, turn your cell phone to silent, if you bring a chair in take it out with you when you leave. Please encourage dance practice at home. If you would like a practice CD, please ask the teacher and she/he will have one ready as soon as they can. If you are going to be late picking up your child, please let the teacher know. We encourage students to wait inside until being picked up.
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	DRESS:
		Students are responsible for wearing the proper dress to class as outlined in CLOTHING REQUIREMENTS. Students not wearing the proper gear may not be permitted to take class.
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	EXAM AND COMPETITIVE CLASSES:
		Exam classes follow a set syllabus and students have the opportunity to take yearly exams. This requires a more serious student that can commit to extra practices when required. School accreditation is available for certain exams. Students hoping to take Royal Academy of Dance Graded exams should be enrolled in 2 ballet classes a week (only the 3rd Quarter at Primary ballet level) at the appropriate graded level. Closer to exam time there will likely be additional classes that students will be required to attend. ALL EXAM STUDENTS WILL REQUIRE EXTRA PRACTISES. It is realistic to expect 2-5 extra classes would be required. Regrettably, if a student has an extended family vacation, or vacations close to exam dates (Feb-April) she/he may be asked to not participate. If a student is ill or has a medical condition preventing them to dance at the required level she/he may be asked to not participate. Students hoping to take RAD Vocational exams should be enrolled in all ballet classes at the appropriate vocational level and graded level. Closer to exam time there will additional classes, and students may be asked to participate in other appropriate classes for strength and stamina. Regrettably, if a student has an extended family vacation, or vacations close to exam dates (Feb-April) she/he may be asked to not participate. If a student is ill or has a medical condition preventing them to dance at the required level she/he may be asked to not participate. We recommend that in addition to ballet classes, students enrol in the appropriate level Jazz technique class for body conditioning and flexibility. ALL EXAM STUDENTS WILL REQUIRE EXTRA PRACTISES. It is realistic to expect 2-5 extra classes would be required. Regrettably, if a student has an extended family vacation, or vacations close to exam dates (Feb-April) she/he may be asked to not participate. If a student is ill or has a medical condition preventing them to dance at the required level she/he may be asked to not participate. Students hoping to take AIDT exams Jazz Preparatory level or higher, not already enrolled in ballet should enroll in ballet classes. We recommend that in addition to ballet classes, students enroll in Jazz technique class for body conditioning and flexibility. Closer to exam time there will likely be additional classes that students will be required to attend. ALL EXAM STUDENTS WILL REQUIRE EXTRA PRACTISES. It is realistic to expect 2-5 extra classes would be required. Regrettably, if a student has an extended family vacation, or vacations close to competition dates (Feb-April) she/he may be asked to leave the group. If a student is ill or has a medical condition preventing them to dance at a competitive level she/he may be asked to not participate.
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	EXAM AND COMPETITIVE CLASSES:
		Competitive classes are by audition only for students wanting to take their dance experience a step further. Group placement is based on the audition as well as attendance, work ethic, rate of improvement and attitude over the past year. Ability, level, compatibility and age are also been taken into consideration. It also requires the enrolment in core classes (ballet, jazz, modern and/or hip hop). Competitions provide students with an opportunity to perform in an organized competitive environment against students from other schools in the region. We participate in 2 to 3 competitions a year, entry fees are approx $30 per dance per entry. Please note that the competitive classes require a strong commitment. Competing in a dance group is a team effort; students will be relying on one another to make their best effort. Please ensure that you are willing and able to dedicate yourself to your groups and the competitions. This means prioritizing attendance in core classes, choreography classes, rehearsal and performance schedules over other commitments. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the group. Students missing more than 2 choreography classes in a row and/or general poor attendance in core classes or display a lack of progress or poor attitude and disrespectfulness to their respective teacher and other students may have their placement within the group re assessed and may be expelled from the group. Regrettably if a student has an extended family vacation, or vacations too close to competition dates (Feb-April) she/he may be asked not to perform or leave the group. If a student is ill or has a medical condition preventing them to dance at a competitive level she/he may be asked not to participate in the upcoming event. ALL COMPETITIVE STUDENTS WILL REQUIRE EXTRA PRACTISES. It is realistic to expect 2-5 extra classes would be required.
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	HAIR :
		For ALL classes the student�s hair must be neatly tied back and OFF the face. For ballet classes a classical bun is required. Students will be sent out of class if these requirements are not met.
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	LIABILITY:
		Howe Sound Dance Academy is not responsible for personal loss, damage, injury or death from dance programs. Dance programs includes all activities, programs, events, classes and services provided, sponsored or organized by HSDA but not limited to: dance, ballet, yoga, personal training, use of facilities and fitness conditioning equipment, nutritional and dietary programs, orientation or instructional sessions or lessons and all other such related activities. Risks, dangers and hazards include, but are not limited to: � Health: overexertion, dehydration, fatigue, lack of fitness or conditioning. � Premises: defective, dangerous, or unsafe condition of the facilities; slips and falls. Accidents causing injuries caused by falling, collisions with objects equipment or persons; inadvertence of teachers; failure to notice. � Any injuries occurring on Howe Sound Dance Academy premises, including slips and falls, dance accidents and all other such related activities. � Any allergic reaction which may result in accident, injury or death. � Advice: negligent advice regarding these dance programs. � Your conduct and conduct of other persons: such conduct including your negligence and the negligence of other persons including negligence on the part of the Howe Sound Dance Academy teachers, employees, volunteers, independent contractors, sponsors and representatives, may risk the of damage, loss, personal injury or death.
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	MAKE-UP CLASSES, EXTRA CLASSES, CLASS PLACEMENT & :
		Sometimes during the year make-up classes may be held for previous or future cancellations. There is no charge for make-up classes. Extra practices will be required during exam, competition and performance season. There will be an additional fee for any extra exam and/or competition classes. This fee is at the discretion of the instructor. Additional fees are to be paid in advance directly to your teacher. It is difficult to forecast if and how many privates extra classes will be required as students� progress at different rates, 2-5 classes is realistic. This considered private tutoring. The instructor providing the service enters a private service with you and can set their rate with you that they feel comfortable with. Any monies go directly to the instructor. The $25 per � hour estimation is based on the premium so that you know the highest you would have to pay. However, it is up to the individual teacher to determine their rate (you can expect to pay $5-25 depending on how participants, length of lesson and relevant to instructor involved). The idea is that the cost can be shared across all competitive group members, members of an exam set or as semi private or private fees. From time to time, it is necessary to move a student from one class to another allowing her/him to progress more steadily. It is done in the best interest of the students. This will be done at the teacher�s discretion in consultation with the parent(s). Although HSDA attempts to maintain a consistent class schedule, unforeseen circumstances may mandate a change. In these cases HSDA will make every effort to accommodate everyone but sometimes it is not possible. Advance notice will be given for any such changes.
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	NEWS AND INFORMATION:
		Most information is available through HSDA�s website at www.howesounddance.com and the HSDA facebook group site. In order to be more eco friendly HSDA is now emailing monthly newsletters, please confirm receipt of email when requested. Please notify us of any change in phone number, email address and/or mailing address. Newsletters will be posted on interior and exterior notice boards at both studios and scheduling change info will be available as a recorded message on the studio�s telephone greeting. Newsletters will be emailed to parents and distributed monthly by the teacher for those without email. Extra copies of newsletters will be at each studio. Parent Volunteers may be called upon to pass on information with regards to extra classes, rehearsals, show information etc� We encourage parents to come into the studios so that they can see what happens at the studio. Be pro active in finding out if you have extra practices, rehearsals, performances and/or competition details if you have missed a class. If you cannot find the information that you are looking for or need to discuss something then please contact the studio by phone or email. HSDA�s administrative help Mrs. HSDA�s administrative help, Mrs.Ofelia Blanchard will be at the Brackendale studio Mondays and Thursdays 3:30-7:30pm. Given the hours that dance teachers work, the best form of communication for all teachers is to email info@howesounddance.com.
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	PARENT VOLUNTEERS:
		A class mom/dad is required for each class. This entitles you to become a member of the Board of the Parents of Dancers, our non-profit society. You will be provided with a phone list and email list of the students in the class of which you are representing to remind them of various studio and PODS events. You will also act as the costume liaison for this class. It does not mean that you need to be able to sew, just help with the production of the costumes.
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	PERFORMANCE CLASSES:
		Performance classes (non competitive & non exam classes) are for students wanting to dance but are not able to commit to extra practices.
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	SHOES:
		Appropriate dance shoes are required. All ribbons and laces must be tied before class.
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	WITHDRAWALS AND CANCELLATIONS:
		Notification of withdrawal must be submitted to HSDA in writing by one week prior to the respective quarterly fee due date. Word of mouth or non-attendance will not be considered as such notification. Should you choose to withdraw part way thru a quarter there will not be a refund for the remaining of the quarter. Withdrawal of partial classes will be treated equally. Application to cancel a class will incur a $25.00 administrative fee. Post dated cheques will be returned for the respective quarterly payment provided notification, as outlined above, is given; after that, tuition becomes non-refundable. Family credit may be given in the case of prolonged absence of more than two weeks due to illness if accompanied by a doctor�s note. If you have a problem with payments you MUST talk to Miss Blanchard for an alternate payment plan. Notification of withdrawal must be submitted to HSDA in writing; word of mouth or non-attendance will not be considered as such notification. Registration, costume, exam, competition, extra exam and private class fees are non-refundable.
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	YEAR END PERFORMANCE:
		YEAR END SHOW: In June HSDA has its recital, typically story themed. There are 6 shows at the Eagle Eye Theater across 2nd and 3rd weekends in June, and 2 dress rehearsals at the end of May. The studio is divided into 2 casts, A and B, and alternate performing evenings and matinees. Every effort is made to keep students taking multiple classes and siblings all in the same cast; however this is not always possible. Costuming usually starts in the summer, the cast lists are released the first week of classes in September. Students that fail to attend class regularly fail, to be punctual, and/or display a lack of progress may be asked to not participate in these performances.
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	\| Attendance \| Attitude \| Classroom Etiquette \| Clothing Requirements \| For students and parents \| Dress \| Exam Classes \| Competitive Classes \| Hair \| Liability \| Make-Up Classes, Extra Classes, Class Placement & \| News And Information \| Parent Volunteers \| Performance Classes \| Shoes \| Withdrawals and Cancellations \| Year end Performance \|