Policy Handbook

Aberdeen Recreation and
Cultural Center Dance Program
Student Information and Registration
Handbook
2016-2017
Table of Contents
Activity Assistance…….………………………………………....…page 7
Attendance Policy…………………………………………...….....page 8
Attire for Purchase……………………………………………..…..page 14
Attire Requirements……………………………..……….….....page 12
Billing…………………………………………………………………..…...page 5
Calendar……………………………………………………………..…...page 4
Class Cancellation……………………..........................page 8
Company Class……………………………………………….……..…page 19
Etiquette and Discipline………………………………..……....page 10
Instructors………………………………………………………..…..…page 21
Observation Days…………………………………………….…...….page 9
Philosophy………………………………………………………..........page 3
Recitals…………………………..……………………………………..…page 16
Recital Costumes…………………………………………………....page 18
Registration Information……………………..……………...…..page 5
Seniors…………………………………………..…………………......page 20
Tuition……………………………………………….……………...……..page 5
Withdrawal from Classes…………………..……………...……..page 7
Contact information:
Aberdeen Parks Recreation and Cultural Center
225 3rd Ave SE
Aberdeen SD 57401
(605)626-7081
arccdance@aberdeen.sd.us
www.aberdeen.sd.us/dance
www.facebook.com/arccdance
Page 2
Philosophy
Our philosophy is to provide affordable
recreational and educational experiences in
dance for people of all ages and abilities.
Students will receive quality instruction in a
positive environment and experience
teamwork, self-discipline, and physical and
emotional growth. Flexibility, strength,
endurance, balance, rhythm, coordination,
cooperation, musicality, memorization,
creativity, knowledge, and self confidence
are all life-long skills and attributes
fostered in each ARCC dance class.
Page 3
Calendar
Classes are held on the same day at the same time each
week. The schedule of the ARCC Dance Program does not
follow the school calendars.
All classes cancelled due to weather may be made up on
holidays.
Sign up for Notify Me to receive email and text alerts for
both cancelled and make-up classes.
ARCC Dance Calendar 2016-2017
September 12-15: First week of classes/Orientation
October 10: Native American Day, No Classes
November 16: Thodos Dance Performance, No Classes
November 23-24: Thanksgiving Break
November 29: Moscow Ballet Nutcracker, No Classes
December 26– January 5: Christmas Break
January 9: Classes Resume
February 20: Presidents Day, No Classes
March 1-7: Observation Days
March 14-16: Spring Break, No classes
April 13-18: Snow Days/Easter Break, No classes
April 24-27: Last week of non-recital classes
May 12: PreSchool/Kindergarten Recital
May 15-18: ARCC Dance Recitals A and B
Page 4
Registration and Tuition
Registration for classes begins late August and continues
until classes begin. Registrations can be made in person at
the ARCC, by phone or online.
Late registration may be permitted until October 31, space
permitting. After October 31, admittance to a class is by
permission only.
Registration for classes is for the academic year. You will
be billed for each month regardless of attendance.
Payments
Tuition for dance classes is an annual fee that is paid in
nine monthly installments, plus sales tax.
Non– recital bound classes are paid in 8 monthly
installments.
Other classes are paid per session.
Payment Schedule:
Payment A: Upon Registration
Payment B: September 20th
Payment C: October 20th
Payment D: November 20th
Payment E: December 20th
Payment F: January 20th
Payment G: February 20th
Payment H: March 20th
Payment I: April 20th
Page 5
Registration and Tuition
Payments can be made in person, over the phone or online
at www.aberdeen.sd.us/dance.
1.
Click on “Register for Activities and Passes”
2.
Login to your account
(if you don’t know your username and password,
give us a call! Every registered household has one.)
3.
Select “My Account” on the left hand side.
4.
Select “Pay Old Balances” and proceed to checkout.
LATE FEES A $5 late fee will be assessed on the last day of
the month for each class not paid.
COSTUME FEES A costume fee of $18.00 plus tax for each
class will be added to the account by February 1st. These
fees can be paid anytime, and are due on April 20th.
Bills are mailed only when the account is past due.
Past Due Accounts
30 Days Past Due Participants will receive a notice stating
that the account must be paid in full (one missed payment
+ current payment + late fees) by the 20th of the following
month or the student may not be allowed to return to
class. (i.e. October 20th payment not paid by November
20th.)
60 Days Past Due– If the account becomes 60 days past
due, the participants will receive a notice stating that the
student will be expelled from the program unless the
balance is paid in full. (two missed payments + current
payment + late fees)
You are liable for unpaid fees. Failure to pay your account in full could result in
the loss of participation in other Parks, Recreation and Forestry activities.
Page 6
Discounts, Activity Assistance, Withdrawal
Discounts
There is a discount given for students enrolled in more
than one dance class. The first class a student is enrolled
in is at full price. For each additional dance class the
student takes, there is a $5.00 per class discount.
Activity Assistance
Reduced fee tuition is available for youth 17 years of age
and under from qualified low-income families. Youth who
are eligible to participate in the program may sign up for
any department activity, class or season pass at a 70%
discount. Verification of income and applications can be
made in the Parks, Recreation and Forestry main office,
located in the ARCC complex.
Withdrawal from Classes
You may withdraw from any or all classes at any time by
completing a Class/Drop Transfer form. Forms are
available at the ARCC Front desk.
Tuition may be credited or refunded for students who have
dropped. Household credit and refunds may only be given
for months with a zero attendance. No refunds for session
classes after the session has begun.
Any student who does not attend class for 4 consecutive
weeks without giving notification may be dismissed from
the program. The household will receive a cancellation
notice in the mail.
Page 7
Class Cancellation, Attendance Policy
Class cancellations may occur due to weather, instructor
illness, etc. In case of inclement weather we ask that
parents listen to local radio stations. Emails and texts
will be sent via the Notify Me service for those signed up
for this service on our website: www.aberdeen.sd.us/
dance For other cancellations an attempt will be made to
contact parents by phone as soon as possible.
Any missed class may be made up in a similar level within
one month of the missed class. Please check with your
instructor for recommendations. No refunds or reductions
are made for missed classes. Out of courtesy, please notify
the instructor of any absence, scheduled or unscheduled.
Please call the ARCC at 626-7081 and leave a message.
Any student who does not attend class for 4 consecutive
weeks without giving notification will be dismissed from
the program. The household will receive a cancellation
notice in the mail. Re-registration may be permitted on a
space available basis.
It is important during recital season (January-May) that all
students are rehearsing together as a group. We realize
there are many activities that demand a student’s time,
however, students who have missed classes compromise
the quality and safety of the entire group. After January
1st, any student who misses 2 consecutive classes may
not be allowed to dance in the recital. Students and
parents are encouraged to speak with their instructor
about excessive absences to find an agreeable solution.
A student who is more than 5 minutes late for class may be
asked to observe rather than take the class. The final
decision is at the discretion of the instructor. This is not a
disciplinary measure, but is done with the student’s best
interest in mind– especially where higher-level classes are
concerned. A student who misses the first exercises at the
barre runs the risk of injury by not being properly warmed
up.
Page 8
Orientation/Observation Days
Orientation day is the first day of class. Parents are
encouraged to attend with their child to meet the
instructor and learn about the expectations for class.
The first class in March is an Observation Day. This is a
great opportunity for parents to see what their child is
learning. Information about the recitals will be handed out
and discussed at this time.
Out of consideration for the students and the instructor,
please be quiet and attentive while in the dance studio.
Page 9
Studio Etiquette and Discipline
This policy is provided to allow our dance students the
most positive and productive dance experience possible
here at the ARCC. Please be assured that ARCC instructors
are dedicated to fairness for all students, nurturing all our
aspiring dancers, and creating a warm, supportive,
structured environment within the dance studio. These
guidelines allow both parents and students to understand
clearly what behavior is expected of our dancers and what
steps will be followed if these expectations are not met.
Dance is a fun yet disciplined art form and we hope that
through our guidance all of our students will leave the
studio each week with a heightened sense of self
confidence and self control.
1. Before class students will sit quietly in the hall (with
parental supervision if necessary) waiting until their
dance instructor opens the door to the studio and
invites them in to dance. Bags, coats, street shoes, etc.
should be secured in a locker.
2. Students should use the bathroom and get a sip of
water before they enter the studio for class. Bathroom
breaks will be permitted on an emergency basis only.
3. Students will quietly enter the dance studio wearing
appropriate dance attire and shoes with hair pulled
back from their faces and necks. If a student chooses
not to wear appropriate attire, the next class time s/he
arrives without proper dance attire, s/he will be asked
to only observe the class. S/he may rejoin the class
and actively participate the next week if proper attire
is worn. Dangling jewelry will not be permitted. Food,
drink, and gum are not allowed in the dance studio;
water is permitted in a spill-proof container.
Page 10
Studio Etiquette and Discipline Continued
4. Students should not wear their dance shoes outside the
building. Tap shoes should be checked for loose screws as
they can gouge a dance floor and ruin it.
5. Students will participate for the entire class period. If
an injury (stubbed toe, scraped knee, etc.) or illness
(stomachache, headache, etc.) causes a student to sit out
of an activity then s/he will observe for the rest of the
class period. Appropriate first aid will be administered if
necessary (bandages, ice packs, etc.) Parents will be
informed immediately following class if possible of their
student’s condition and participation level.
6. Students will follow the teacher’s instructions
throughout the class period. Chatting, roughhousing,
running, sliding, hanging on the barres, and any other
disruptive behavior is not permitted.
A student who chooses not to follow these guidelines will
be given a verbal warning and instructed how to change
his/her behavior. After two verbal warnings if the student
continues to be disruptive, s/he will be asked to leave the
dance studio and sit with the class assistant until the end
of class. The dance instructor will meet with the student
and his/her parents to discuss the student’s behavior and
options for changing his/her behavior in the future.
Further disciplinary action will be pursued if the student
continues to disrupt the dance class. These actions could
eventually lead to suspension from the ARCC Dance
Program.
Page 11
Attire Requirements
Students are required to wear the appropriate dance attire
as listed on the next page. The dress code will be
enforced.
Attire can be purchased at the ARCC, any dance attire
company or department store.
Used pairs of shoes that have been donated to the ARCC
are available for loan. Contact the front desk for more
information.
•
Hair must be secured away from the face and neck at
all times.
•
No jewelry allowed.
•
Ribbons and laces should be tucked into ballet shoes.
•
No sweatshirts or baggy clothing.
•
All street clothes, shoes and other personal items
should be stored in the hallway lockers.
•
Mark all shoes, bags and personal belongings with the
student’s name.
Pointe
Students accepted into Beginning Pointe are required to
purchase Pointe shoes. Once shoes are fitted by the
instructor and a size has been selected, payment in full
is made and the shoes are ordered. Pointe shoe
accessories can be purchased at the desk with
instructor recommendation.
Page 12
Attire Requirements Continued
Mommy and Me:
Comfortable clothes which are easy to move in.
Creative Movement:
Comfortable clothes that are easy to move in. Ballet shoes
are recommended but not required.
PreSchool, Kindergarten and Ballet:
Girls– Pink ballet shoes. Solid colored or black leotard, pink
tights.
Boys– Black ballet shoes. Plain white t-shirt, black tights or
solid color sweat pants.
PrePointe: Pink ballet shoes. Solid colored or black
leotard, convertible pink tights.
Clogging and Tap:
Black tap shoes.
Comfortable clothes which are easy to move in. Ankles and
feet should be seen. T-shirt and shorts or capris are
recommended. No jeans.
Broadway, Jazz, Modern and Rhythmic Gymnastics:
Broadway: Black character shoes
Jazz: Black jazz shoes
Modern and Rhythmic Gymnastics: No shoes
Girls– Solid colored form fitting attire, such as a leotard
and tights or unitard.
Boys– Solid colored or Black fitted t-shirt and jazz pants or
shorts.
Hip Hop:
Comfortable clothes which are easy to move in. Clean
tennis shoes or sneakers for studio use only.
Page 13
Attire for Purchase
Shoes
Split Sole Ballet– Pink or Black
Child sizes 9-13 1/2 Adult sizes 1-10
$14.00
Pointe
$89.00
Student Tap– Black
Child sizes 11-2 1/2
Adult sizes 3—13 medium width
$24.00
$24.00
Leather Tap– Black
Adult sizes 5-12 medium width
$51.00
Split Sole Jazz– Black
Child sizes 13– Adult size 14
$24.00
Character– Black
Adult sizes 6-11 medium width
$27.00
Dance Paws
Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large
$17.00
Accessories
Hairnets– Blond or Brown
One size fits all- pkg. of 3
$2.50
Hairpins– Blond or Brown
2 1/2”– pkg. of 12
3”– pkg. of 12
$7.50
$8.00
All prices are subject to change.
Page 14
Attire for Purchase Continued
Tights
Supplex Tights– Pink or Suntan
Child sizes Toddler, S, M, L
$6.00
Adult sizes S, M, L, XL
$7.00
Transition Tights– Pink or Suntan
Child sized S, M, L
$7.00
These tights have a transitional foot for students who
need to change between classes with shoes and no shoes or
PrePointe class.
Body Tights– Pink and Suntan
$21.00
Adult sizes S/M and L/XL
These tights have a transitional foot and are typically used
for all upper level classes.
Leotards
Short Sleeve Cotton/Nylon/Spandex– Black
Child sizes Toddler, S, M, L
$14.00
Adult sizes Petite, S,M,L,XL
$17.00
Long Sleeve Cotton/Nylon/Spandex– Black
Child sizes Toddler, S, M, L
Page 15
$16.00
Recitals
All recitals will be held at the Aberdeen Civic Theater
May 12-18, 2017.
FRIDAY SHOW performs Friday, May 12, 2017
PreSchool, Kindergarten, ARCC Dance seniors, Dance
Exploration, Adaptive Dance and other selected classes
dance in this show.
SHOW A– performs Mon, May 15 and Wed, May 17, 2017
All PreLevel, Level II, and Levels IV-V perform. ARCC Dance
seniors and Adaptive Dance also dance in this show.
SHOW B– performs Tue, May 16 and Thur, May 18, 2017
All Level I, Level III, and Levels IV-V perform. ARCC Dance
seniors also dance in this show.
Creative Movement, Mommy and Me, Pre Pointe, and
Ballet Technique classes do not participate in any recital.
Participation is encouraged but not required for Adult
classes.
Page 16
Recitals
Photos and dress rehearsal dates are May 8-11, 2017.
Final dress rehearsals are May 12-13, 2017.
A complete informational brochure, including rehearsal
schedules will be mailed to each household in the spring.
This packet contains information on costumes, photos,
DVD’s, flowers, rehearsal schedules, tickets sales, and
parental volunteer opportunities.
The ARCC Dance Recitals are a chance for dance students
to perform. Dance is a performance art, therefore the
recital is a valuable component. It is important during
recital season (January-May) that all students are
rehearsing together as a group. We realize there are many
activities that demand a student’s time, however, students
who have missed classes compromise the quality and
safety of the entire group. After January 1st, any
student who misses 2 consecutive classes may not be
allowed to dance in the recital. Students and parents are
encouraged to speak with their instructor about excessive
absences to find an agreeable solution.
Page 17
Recital Costumes
All recital costumes are furnished for the dance student to
use for a $18.00 plus tax per class rental fee. This fee is
added to the household account by February 1st and is due
by April 20th.
A late fee and/or a full costume replacement fee is
charged to the household account for any costumes not
returned after the last performance of the recital.
Costumes will not be distributed if there is a balance due
on the household account.
Occasionally, a class will provide part or all of their
costume. Typically this means jeans and a t-shirt. In this
case, the costume fee will be adjusted accordingly.
All students need to provide their own tights and shoes.
Students through level II will need the following colors of
tights:
Ballet– Pink footed tights
Tap– Suntan footed tights
Jazz– Suntan footed tights
Modern– Suntan footless tights
Rhythmic Gymnastics– Suntan footless tights
A list of tights requirements will be posted in early
February for all other classes.
Page 18
Company Ballet
Auditions will be held
September 22, 2016 at 6:30 in Studio 3.
The ARCC Company Ballet is for those students in grades 9
through age 24 who wish to take their studies to the next
level.
Participation in this class is by audition only. The audition
is open to all ballet students currently enrolled in Ballet IV
or V and Pointe. Students accepted into Company Ballet
will be notified with a phone call following auditions.
Company Ballet classes will begin October 6, 2016.
Requirements:
♦
enrolled in Ballet IV or V, and Pointe
♦
A thorough understanding of ballet technique and
terminology.
Audition:
♦
Students must be properly attired in solid colored
leotard, pink tights, pink ballet and pointe shoes.
Hair must be up in a tidy bun with no hair/bangs
hanging below eyebrow level. No shorts, skirts or
camisoles. No jewelry.
♦
Students will be expected to demonstrate their
knowledge, skills and artistry at the same time as
the other students.
♦
Students may be asked to demonstrate a solo
combination given by the audition judges.
♦
The audition will consist of non-pointe and pointe
sections and may involve barre and au milieu.
All Company Class students will be expected to work hard
and be serious about their studies. Class members will be
pushed to develop their skills and artistry to the utmost
ability and will be expected to display respect and proper
behavior in the studio at all times. Three infractions of
improper behavior may lead to being relieved of the
student’s position with the Company.
Page 19
Seniors
Students who have danced with the ARCC until their senior
year in high school may be eligible for an ensemble or solo
in the ARCC Dance Recital.
Senior dances are granted based on the following:
Number of years the student has danced
Ability and Attendance
Length of recital
Number of other seniors
Options may include:
Solo within a group number
Senior group number
Duet or trio with other seniors
ARCC Dance Seniors will receive information in the mail
regarding preferences and rehearsal options.
Page 20
Instructors
Ashton Bjur started dancing at the ARCC in 2000. Over the past
16 years she has developed a love for many different genres of
dance. She has passed student Grade V in the Cecchetti method
of ballet. Ashton started assisting classes in 2011 and this will
be her third year as an instructor.
Gwen Briscoe, TCCA has been teaching dance and gymnastics
for 30 years. She has passed Cecchetti Ballet Teachers exams for
grades I-III. Gwen also teaches dance at Northern State
University, and coaches Groton's performance groups Sugar
Babes, Sweet Sensations and Spice Girlz. She enjoys teaching
dance of all sorts. Watching students progress is her
highlight. Gwen relaxes with yoga and cats.
Gwyn Fischbach, TCCA has danced since the age of 5 in the
genres of ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, and character and is a
graduate of Johnny Cavelle dance studios. She has passed the
Cecchetti Ballet Student exams Grades I-III and Cecchetti Ballet
Teacher exams Grades I-II. Gwyn received a Bachelor’s degree
in Music Education from Northern State University.
Victoria Georgoff started dancing with the ARCC when she was 4
and continued through graduation. She continued her dance
career in college, earning a minor in dance while getting the
opportunity to work with several dance companies out of
Chicago. She previously taught at a Just for Kix Dance Studio in
St. Cloud, MN and is excited to return for a second year of
teaching at the program that first gave her a love of dance.
India Klipfel has been dancing for 16 years and teaching for
8. She has passed Cecchetti Ballet student exams Grades I-IV and
has attended numerous workshops in various genres throughout
the country. Tap dance is her first love and she also enjoys
Broadway and Jazz.
Ivori Moser is in her senior year at NSU, majoring in
Communication Studies with a minor in Digital Design. She
started dancing with the ARCC in 1998 and has been involved in
ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, contemporary, and Broadway
dances. Inspired by our program's classes and instructors, she
grew passionate about dance and began teaching in 2012.
Page 21
Robin O’Neill, ACCA Grew up in Tulsa, OK, learning the
Vaganova ballet technique from Ballet Russe dancers Roman
Jasinski and Moscelyn Larkin. Since moving to Aberdeen, Robin
has become accomplished in the Cecchetti method of ballet. She
has passed the Cecchetti Ballet Teacher's Grades I-V and is the
Secretary of the Northern Plains Cecchetti council.
Kris Orr danced in Grand Forks with Judy Rae Dancers for 9
years. She has been teaching at the ARCC since 2006.
Arionne Reiter has studied with the ARCC Dance Program for
over 14 years. She became an assistant in 2014, and a teacher in
2015.
Jennifer Ring, ACCA graduated from the Johnny Cavelle Dance
Studio where she studied ballet, tap, jazz, character, pointe,
Irish, and modern. Jennifer continued her dance education in
college studying ballet, pointe, modern, and classical jazz. She
has passed the Cecchetti Ballet Student Examinations for grades
I-V, and Cecchetti Ballet Teacher Examinations in grades I-V.
She also teaches dance in the Theatre Department at Northern
State University. Jennifer holds a Doctorate degree in physical
therapy, and completed an internship in New York City with the
physical therapists at the New York City Ballet. In addition, she
is certified through the PhysicalMind Institute in New York for
Pilates mat work.
Kirsten Shishnia studied with the Johnny Cavelle dance studios.
She has been teaching and dancing at the ARCC for the past 15
years.
Molly Taylor has worked with the ARCC dance program for over
10 years. She designed the Dance Exploration class so that
dancers of all abilities can enjoy performing on stage.
Brigette Weisenburger has over 25 years of performing arts
experience. She is certified through the PhysicalMind Institute
in New York for Standing Pilates and Pilates mat work. In
addition to coordinating the dance program and teaching
Pilates, Brigette teaches Suzuki piano in her home.
Page 22
Manners for Dancers
Dancers show respect for themselves by:
1. Being prompt for class
2. Being dressed properly for class in assigned attire,
without underwear under leotards, and shoestrings
tucked in or knotted and cut off
3. Having their hair up off the neck
Dancers show respect for others by:
1. Keeping their hands to themselves during class.
2. Waiting quietly for others to have a turn and for
instructions from the teacher.
3. Waiting to talk to one another until outside the
classroom.
Dancers show respect for their teacher and the art form
they are learning by:
1. Being properly dressed and ready for class on time
2. Listening when the teacher speaks
3. Always standing in a “proper dance stance” while
listening to the teacher give instruction or
corrections
4. Being prepared for their turn
5. Always asking before leaving the room for any reason
and upon returning enter quietly and go around to
the back of the room, never through the dancers who
are dancing
Dancers show respect for the studio by:
1. Leaving gum, food or drinks outside
2. Never hanging or leaning on the Barres
3. Never running or doing gymnastics in the studio or
hallway
4. Always keeping personal belongings in a locker
Parents show respect for the dance class, teacher and
studio by:
1. Having students ready for class before entering the
classroom
2. Having students at class on time and picking them up
promptly after class