1. INTRODUCTION
Dear Parents,
WE ARE SO EXCITED TO BEGIN OUR 2019-20 DANCE SEASON!
It is our pleasure to welcome you at Dance A Lot. Whether this is your first time, or you are a returning student, we'd like you to know that we are looking forward to growing and enjoying the art of ballroom dancing together. We have created this handbook to shed some light on how things will run throughout the year as well as answer a lot of questions you may have before or during the dance season. Please take the time to read this information carefully and keep your handbook in a safe place to refer to as you need. This handbook will also be available on the Dance A Lot site.
At Dance A Lot we love questions so don’t forget that our friendly staff is always here to help to answer all your queries.We know this is a lot of info, but please read to the end to answer any questions, and to see any changes in our studio.
QUICK REFERENCE STUDIO INFORMATION
Address: 7-19 Fair Lawn Ave, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
Phone: 201.663.4336
Email: info@dancealotballroom.com
Website: www.dancealotballroom.com
Find us on Social Media!
Facebook: Facebook.com/dancealotballroom
Instagram: @dancealotballroomstudio
Twitter: @dancealotstudio
2. STUDIO MISSION & VISION
Our MissionTo share the art of ballroom dancing and our professional knowledge with our studentsTo help you Find The Dancer In You!To improve the quality of life of our dance students – physically, mentally & sociallyOur VisionWe aim to be a leader in social, recreational and competitive ballroom dancing. We believe that anyone can learn how to dance, even people with "two left feet" and that ballroom dancing truly helps people improve their social, physical and mental health as well as reduce the stress of everyday life.
3. REGISTRATION
All new students/parents must fill out or registration form and sign a liability waiver for insurance purposes.
All students who are enrolled in the multiple payment plan must have an active credit card stored on file which will be processed on the payment due dates.
We offer an early bird discount of 30 % off your next year registration when you register and pay IN FULL before August 1, 2020 for the 2020 - 2021 season.
SIGN UP A FRIEND:
Sign a friend up for dance and get a $50 studio credit
**Have them add it to their “notes” when they register or bring them in and tell us!
4. COMMUNICATION
Our primary means to communicate with you during the dance season are email, text, Facebook and Remind.
Please ensure we have an up-to-date email address that you check often so that you don't miss any reminders, specific class info, and ALL studio updates! If you are not getting e-mails, talk to a staff member. We can include multiple email addresses per family if you'd like your correspondence sent to numerous recipients. Don’t forget to add our email address info@dancealotballroom.com to your contacts so we don’t end up in the unpleasant Spam folder!
We often use REMIND Teacher Messaging System to send updates, studio newsletter, alerts when the studio is closed and remind students about upcoming events.
Text @dancealot to 81010 to sing up and start receiving messages.
NEWSLETTERS:
Newsletters will be emailed each month and will be posted online on all our social media - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
5. IMPORTANT DATES:
Winter Ball - Sunday, December 15, 2019.
Dance A Lot Challenge Competition - Sunday, March 8, 2020
Trophy Exams - Week of April 6, 2020
Show Dress Rehearsal for all children - Saturday, June 7, 2020
"Dancing Stars" Annual Showcase - Sunday, June 14, 2020.
Get ready for a great party for we celebrate our 10th year Show Anniversary!
6. CLASSES SCHEDULE (tentative)
Classes begin Monday September 9th, 2019
All classes are 40 minutes long except for the Rising Stars Class which is 30 minutes.
Tentative Class Schedule:
Mondays 6 pm - Intermediate Class (ages 7-16)
Tuesdays 3:45 pm - Rising Stars (ages 3-5)
Tuesdays 6 pm - Beginner Class (ages 5-11)
Wednesday 6:00 pm - NEW! Partner Free Class (ages 7-16)
Thursdays 6:00 pm - Silver Level (ages 7-16)
Thursdays 6:45 pm - Competitive Booster Class
Friday 6:00 pm - Beginner Class (ages 5-11)
7. CLASS DESCRIPTION
Rising Stars (ages 3-5)This 30 minute class is geared toward the little dancers 3-5 years old. Children enjoy learning new skills and we focus on developing their love of music and dancing as well as a large and fine motor skills, listening skills, and social skills. That will prepare them for the next step which is more structured training.
Beginner Children Ballroom (ages 5-11)The class is geared toward dancers from 5 to 11 years old. It's designed to teach the fundamentals as well as some advanced steps and techniques. The curriculum covers steps 1 - 7 in all 10 dances. Children will learn in a great social atmosphere while having a lot of fun. No dance experience required.
Intermediate Children Ballroom Class (ages 7-16)This class is geared toward children from 7 to 16 years old, and it covers the full syllabus in all 10 dances at the Bronze Level. More advanced techniques, steps and style are presented. Some dance experience required
Advanced Class (ages 7-16) This class is geared toward children from 7 to 16 years old who take their dancing seriously. It covers the full syllabus in all 10 dances at the Bronze, Silver and Gold Levels. Advanced techniques, steps and style are presented. Dance experience required.
Competition Booster Class (ages 7-16) This class is available for Bronze, Silver and Gold Level students who like to compete and have a dance experience. It is designed to boost the dancer's dancing skills and offer them a feel of the competitive atmosphere, to improve their floor craft, stamina and flexibility.
8. FREE TRIAL CLASS
Your First Class to Dance A Lot is on us! Trying something new can be nerve-wracking for both the parent and the child, so we're here to help. If you're not sure if you're child will like our classes we offer a no obligation free trial class ($25 value for regular classes and $20 for Rising Stars Class.)
Class must be appropriate for child's age and level.
To schedule a class simply call the studio at 201.663.4336 and fill out our online form.
Show up 10 minutes before your class to check in (let us know you're a first timer) and get settled in our studio!
New students Only. Limited to one class per child.
9. STUDIO ETIQUETTE GUIDELINES
To ensure the smooth, safe and enjoyable experience by all at Dance A Lot the following are our etiquette guidelines.
If any of the outlined requirements are unclear please contact the owners to share your questions or concerns.
Following a formal meeting, we do reserve the right to dismiss or take disciplinary action on any students or parents who breach our etiquette on multiple levels.
Families who do not comply with their tuition or costume payment obligations may be charged a late fee, and/or excluded from performances.
External debt collection may occur when payments remain overdue and this will be at the expense of the client.
Costume expenses are the responsibility of the parent, and costumes will not be issued to students with unpaid balances. Performing IS optional.
FOOD/DRINK - No food or drink in the studio. You can bring water bottles. As a courtesy Dance A Lot provides a free water station. Please use paper cones and not foam coffee cups for water. We don't allow children to use hot water. There're NO water brakes during classes accept in rear cases by the permission of the teacher. Absolutely NO GUM!
KEEP STUDIO CLEAN - We make sure Dance A Lot is a pleasant and clean place for all students. In case your drop or spill something on the floor, chairs or on the tables, please clean it or throw it away. If you need an assistance, please ask an available staff member to help you.
FLOOR - Only dancers are permitted on the dance floor. Dirty or wet street shoes are not permitted on the dance floor.
HYGIENE - Keeping a healthy hygiene is as important to the student as it is to his peers and his teacher/s. Sweating is normal when someone exercises so please use a deodorant as a courtesy to the people around you. A good habit is to wash your dance clothes often. Always wash your hands after you've used the restroom.
RESTROOM - Please make user your child uses the bathroom BEFORE the start of the class so it doesn't disturb the learning process of the child and of the class. Parents and guardians are allowed to use the restroom, preferably not during class.
LANGUAGE - We strive to use only clean, respectful language in the studio. Cursing, using inappropriate and sexually explicit words as well as blaspheming is not allowed.
TIME - Please make sure your dancers are dressed and ready for class at least 5 minutes before class starts.. Please also make sure you pick your dancers up on time.
CLASS INTERRUPTION - Parents are not to approach teachers or students during classes (including private lessons) UNLESS it is an emergency. If the student is in need of food/drink/medication, he'll be allowed to leave the class and go his parent/guardian for help, after a verbal permission by a Dance A Lot staff member. All parents must wait in the social waiting areas or outside of the studios until classes have been dismissed.
DISRESPECTFUL BEHAVIOR - In the rare case of a parent or student showing disrespect or defamation to any parent, staff member or student, a meeting will be called immediately and dismissal may be considered at the discretion of the owner.
BULLYING - Physical, mental, emotional or cyber bullying by parents, staff or students will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from the studio.
MISSING ITEMS - Dance A Lot takes no responsibility for any stolen or misplaced property on the studio premises. Please avoid bringing valuable items to the studio whenever possible.
COMPETITIONS - Students of any level are permitted to enter dance competitions with the permission of their parents and their teacher/s.
COPYRIGHT - Choreography, costuming and studio policies are the intellectual property of Dance A Lot and may not be reproduced or sold by any students, parents or staff without the explicit permission of the owners.
10. TUITION & PAYMENTS
Tuition is based on number of classes and number of payments.
More classes + less payments = lower prices per class.
Fees - Annual Registration Fee - $35 for all students per school year
Dance Costume Payments - $60 costume deposit due at registration. Balance due amount depends on class level. Final payment due end of November 30th, 2019
Enrollment Policy - No refunds. No exchanges. No credits. No transferring of classes. No refunds for missed classes. Discounted tuitions can be paid in maximum of 3 deposits.
Please read our full enrollment policy agreement.
Make-ups - Can be made during regular scheduled classes within 2 weeks of absence and not later than June 5th, 2020. Class must be appropriate for the child’s level.
Payment Plans (41 Weeks of Classes)
Payment Due Days - 1st Payment – due at registration;
2nd Payment – due by end of November 30th, 2019
3rd Payment – due by end of January 30th, 2020Please add $95 (the sum of $35 registration fee and $60 costume deposit) to the total amount of the first payment;
Payment Methods - We accept check, cash, Visa and Master credit/debit cards;3 % service charge will apply to all credit card charges.
11. CLASS ATTIRE
This year all students will be required to wear practice dance outfits.
This dress code will:
Encourage discipline
Improve attendance
Eliminate inappropriate outfits and showing of skin or underwear
Allow for full dance movement
GIRLS ATTIRE:
Girls should wear a ballroom practice dress*. Any color. Leggings and tights are optional.Shoulder length or longer hair should be pulled up in a pony tail. Please make sure your daughter always has an extra hair ribbons and pins.No jewelry or extra head pieces are allowed - it's for children's safety as well as not to distract them from the main purpose of the lesson.Boys need to wear dark dance pants* and a tee shirt.
BOYS ATTIRE:
* Dance outfits can be purchased online or at the studio. Ask at the front desk for our catalog.
Ballroom dance shoes are mandatory for both boys and girls and can be purchased in the studio.
12. ATTENDANCE
Your child’s attendance in class is very important to them, their peers and our teaching staff. As a member of the team, it is a commitment for you to ensure your child attends their classes on time each week and attends all lessons planned for them.
Absences or tardiness can have a negative effect on the entire class. Not only do absences impact the show routines we create, it also impacts the social and confidence-building principals we work hard to foster in each class.
Please let the staff know ahead of time if your child will be absent due to holidays/vacations, commitments, school trips or sickness.
In the unlikely event that Dance A Lot needs to cancel a lesson we will schedule a catch-up class.
There will be no catch-ups for studio being closed due to an inclement weather.
13. PARKING
Parking in Fair Lawn is free but many streets have a 2 hour limit. The public parking area in the Chase Bank parking lot across the street is available until 5 pm. After 5 pm, the entire Chase Bank parking lot is available.
When planning your arrival time please consider the high traffic volume, which is between the hours of 5 and 6 pm.
14. CLASS OBSERVATION
We appreciate our dance families and their support, and we understand that parents want to monitor their child's progress. For that reason we've installed a TV in the social area and we ask parents to use the TV to view their children.Please stand away from the two sliding doors so the students are not distracted. Sometimes students feel additional pressure and stress when trying to please a parent. It is important for all students to remain focused while in the classroom.
No visitors are permitted in the dance room during class time unless they're trying a class.
15. VIDEO RECORDING & PICTURES
Video recording during classes is prohibited. The classes, teaching methods and choreography are the intellectual property of Dance A Lot and can't be recorded, copied, reproduced or shared publicly by parents, guardians and/or students.
Pictures are allowed on rare occasions with the permission of the owners.16. SAFETY
Dance A Lot is equipped with a few security cameras that ensure the proper behavior of students, staff and parents.
When you first register your child, you'll be given to read and sign a Liability Waiver allowing us to proudly use images and video footage of your child for advertising and promotional purposes. Should you have any concerns whatsoever with signing this waiver, please see our reception staff who'll happily assist you.
Children are not allowed to leave the studio by themselves because Fair Lawn Ave has heavy traffic and can be dangerous. Parents MUST come into the studio to pick up their children. If someone else is picking up your child, the studio must be notified in advance.
Please be courteous and make sure you pick up your child on time. We have regular lessons scheduled right after each class and cannot provide after care services. In rare cases of emergency, we'll make sure that the child is looked after until the parent / guardian arrives.
If you have any concerns about your child's safety please contact the owners as soon as possible.
17. PRIVACY
We only collect information directly from our students or their parent/ guardians primarily for the purpose of providing services and products to them and to administer and manage invoicing and debt collection.
The information may include names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, medical information, perhaps credit card or bank details, details of the products and services we provide to you as well as the status of your enrollment.
We will never sell or pass on any of your information to third parties unless required by government authorities or in the event of debt recovery.
Any information passed on will be done so with appropriate privacy and confidentiality protection.
Information is stored securely in paper or electronic form and is accessible only by authorized personnel.
18. TROPHY EXAMS
As a studio who values the growth and commitment of our dancers from all ages, it’s our pleasure to offer exams to all our students.
Our vast experience shows that formal exams present a unique opportunity for the children to display and take pride in how hard they work and are able to progress in their classes. Our exam students always find their exam experience to be uplifting, beneficial and rewarding.
This year, our exams will be held in April, with the prices and the exact date to be confirmed at a later date via Email/Facebook/REMIND.
19. COSTUME & MUSIC SELECTION
We recognize that inappropriate songs with sexist, explicit, violent, racist or criminal content may influence and have a negative impact on our dancers and/or audience and we strive to avoid using such music.
At Dance A Lot we are committed to making sure our dancers look and dance age appropriately and we restrict costumes that project sexuality, contain explicit graphic or textual content.
Parents are welcome to come and see costumes before they are ordered, as well as to listen to the music we use and observe the choreography we teach.
20. PRIVATE LESSONS
The 40 minute in length one on one individual sessions are a must for students who are serious about their dancing and would like to improve beyond the group class.Single Private Lesson consist of one student and one teacher. Semi-Private (Student/Student) Lesson consist of up to three students and one teacher. These lessons are a great budget-friendly option for students at the same level to share the price of a single lesson.One teacher equals one lesson, two teachers equal two lessons.Due to the complexity of finding available personal and studio times between three parties (two families and the teacher) the Student/Student Private Lessons are standing appointments that can not be rescheduled or cancelled. The lesson is charged as taken even if one or both partners are not present on the lesson.
21. STUDENT & PARENT USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Dance A Lot’s Social Media Policy refers to all social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), video/photo sharing sites, blogs, micro-blogs, podcasts, forums, instant messaging and geo-spatial tagging (for example, Facebook check-ins).
Please see below for our guidelines regarding Social Media and feel free to contact our office staff if you have any questions.Please remember that your anonymity on Social Media is never guaranteed and to exercise common sense and discretion when posting images or videos identify children in your care.Never post anything that could compromise the self-esteem of students who attend Dance A Lot.Any comments or posts perceived to be obscene, defamatory, threatening, harassing, discriminatory or hateful towards Dance A Lot' staff, students or families may subject the owner to disciplinary or legal action.Should you wish to engage on Social Media while identifying as a studio volunteer or employee, you may only do so with integrity, respect, and adhere to privacy and confidentiality policy.Any content revealing or referring to sensitive studio information is not allowed to be shared online.If it is brought to our attention that there has been improper use of social media, you will be asked to remove the content and if not done so or if this continues to be a problem, it may result in dismissal of the student.
22. END OF THE YEAR SHOW
This year we celebrate our 10th Show Anniversary (yey!) and we're preparing very special program. The show will be held on Sunday, June 14 at the George Frey Performing Arts Center. All dancers are expected to perform on that day.This is the highlight of the year for our dancers as they are given the opportunity to wow family and friends and show off all of their hard work.
Rehearsal Day: Saturday, June 7 from 11 to 12:20 pm. Drop-In only. No parents are allowed that day.
23. STUDIO HOLIDAYS
We follow the Fair Lawn School District calendar.
**Check the calendar online for all holiday dates
24. OUR TEACHERS
Finally, we're excited to welcome a few new members to our Dance A Lot team. Our enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated teachers are thrilled to be a part of your family’s dance journey this year. We are truly looking forward to growing together to mold this generation of talented, confident, sincere and unique performers.
Thank you for being part of our Dance A Lot family.
We are certain we'll have absolutely AMAZING year together!
Best,
Dance A Lot Ballroom Studio Management