" Dance Center Handbook" UPDATED 07/20/08
"Civic Dance Center"
Peach Tree Central – 6341 Central Avenue
Portage, IN 46368
219 764 0099
Director: Natalie J. Kolosci
Greetings! And welcome to the Civic Dance Center. We are into our fourth year of business and how exciting it has been to meet new people and see old faces. We are focusing on sharing the wide spectrum of dance - from classical to contemporary. We are asking for your assistance to increase the awareness of what we are trying to build here in the Portage, Indiana area - The Civic Youth Dance Company. This in turn will lead to others getting involved and sharing the vision of a dance company for this great area.
As Artistic Director and Instructor of Civic Dance Center, I am here to shed light and understanding and a pathway for each student in the classroom. I feel blessed with the chance to enlighten and liberate each student, through dance and movement. My goal is to reach each student with the light of instruction, as I recognize my responsibilities to his/her potentil.
Our Purpose is to facilitate the promotion of the Arts by way of Civic Dance Center throughtout the community in the fields of fundraising, advertising and education
Our Goals are to bring dance, theater quality productions and special performances to the community and schools.
Our Desire is to serve others with integrity and morality, leading by example and remaining above reproach.
Our Mission Statement/Belief - Being a dancer is not only a physical activity - it is a state of mind. The longer one studies, the more each of the attributes is developed. The gifts of ballet training forever enrich who we are and remain with us throughout our lives.
Classes Offered:
Ballet – Pointe – Partnering – Choreography - Tap – Jazz – Hip Hop – Musical Theater – Tumbling - Toddler through adult
Group and private classes are available. (See Class Schedule for tuition prices)
Class Requirements: Please note that these are only guidelines for class placement. It is up to the discretion of each teacher to make proper appointment of each student into the proper classes. Please do not compare your child with other students; each student matures and advances at different levels; no more and no less will be expected from him/her.
Levels:
Toddler Creative Movement (age 2.5 - 3.5) includes mat skills, basic dance steps, games, learning tempo with music, basic ballet skills; .
Pre Dance (ballet/tap) syllabus introduces your child to the basic positions and steps,(ballet/tap) syllabus introduces your child to the basic positions and steps, terminology, and classroom procedure, while learning to move to different tempos of music; through repetition, the student learns and retains the material taught; we offer three classes, according to experience;
Basic Tumbling skills are learned and perfected with proper training and technique
Intermediate Tumbling advances the student to flips,aerials and use of low beam.
Classical Ballet, Pointe, Jazz and Tap. These levels are determined not only by age, but number of years of previous experience; technical abilities are also taken into consideration. Some students have studied one venue of dance longer than others which will also determine class placement.
Ballet is the foundation of all dance and is taught to help strengthen, produce flexibility, improve posture, as well as to educate the student with the knowledge of (French) terms, grace and poise;
Adult classes are for those 18 years or older. The adult classes are conducted in the same manner as with our younger students. They will learn technique as well as performance capabilities, while keeping fit and having fun;
**Beginner Teen ballet/tap, follow same general rules as basic leveled classes; age 12 to 17 years of age with little or no experience;
Choreography consists of composition of dance routines. This class is for higher level students, comprising their dance education into actual dance themes.
Variations will consist of ballet "routines" from various repertoires, solo and group, and will consist of ballet "routines" from various repertoires, solo and group, and original contemporary pieces.
Dance in Motion is a Christian song and dance class which allows participants to express their faith creatively with music and motion.
Conditioning includes a blend of an exercise program designed to give you strength, relax you and burn fat as you "let go" with free style dance steps and combinations.
Class attire. The art of dance etiquette is also taught at our center. It is imperiative that the student's dress code be maintained. Your preparation for class reflects our business - and I want our customers to be proud of our dance center.
There are many styles of dance clothing and shoes, but each dance school prefers to establish its own identiy with what is expected at its school. All students will be required to wear the following; however, for any and all performances, the student may be required to purchase a different style and/or color to match with costuming. You will b given two weeks to obtain correct class apparel/shoes.
Toddler : Pink leoard, pink footed tights, pink leather ballet slippers
Pre Dance: Pink leotard, pink footed tights, pink leather ballet slippers, tan tap shoes
Level I: Lavender leotard, pink footed tights, pink leather ballet shoes, tan tap shoes, tan jazz boot
Level II: Light blue leotard, pink footed tights, pink leather ballet shoes, tan tap shoe, tan jazz boot
Level III: Burgundy leotard, pink footed tights, pink leather ballet shoes, tan tap boot; short matching wrap skirt for ballet.
Level IV: Hunter green leotard, pink footed tights, all appropriate dance shoes; short matching wrap skirt for ballet.
Level V: Imperial blue cami leotard with matching short wrap skirt; pink convertible tights; pink canvas or leather ballet shoes; pink pointes; black tie oxford taps; black jazz sneakers
Senior/pre-professional: Any style black/blue leotard, pink or black tights, pink ballet shoes, pink pointe shoes, black oxford or sneaker tap shoes, black jazz sneaker; short black wrap skirt (optional); warm ups/cover ups for barre use only;Recreational classes (Hip Hop, adult) Black jazz pants, capri's or unitard, PLAIN white top (T shirt, tank, camisole), black and/or beige jazz boot;(see instructor for more details)
Adult classes dark colored pants and top OR dark bottoms and white top; black tie tap shoes, pink ballet slippers; optional black, pink or nude tights, black leotard.
Male dancers Tight fitting white T shirt (short sleeve or tank), black jazz pants or boys/men’s tights, dance belt, white socks, appropriate black or white shoes;
Musical Theater Black T strap character shoes, mid-calf length wrap skirt may be required, along with the Grecian sandal.
Class structure is specifically designed by each instructor to prepare the student with the appropriate level syllabus, to include warm ups, center combinations and choreography. It is imperative that the student arrives on time to participate in the warm-up section of class so no injury occurs. If a student is more than 10 minutes late, he/she will be asked to observe the class, rather than participate. It is also important for the child to be picked up on time, as other classes are taking place and a baby-sitting service is not provided.
Customer (Parent) Observation. It is more beneficial for the student and teacher when the parents are not directly in the classroom week after week. On the first day of class, after the student has been introduced to his/her instructor, it is suggested that the parent either wait in waiting area or leave and come back to pick your child up after class. We do have "Watch Week" in November, March and August.
Proper Classroom Standards and Etiquette:
1. The Civic Dance Center is not a 'play school' or day care center. You are here to learn! All classes are taught with organizatin, discipline, authority and respect. As each teacher produc es these qualities to her student, the same is expected from each student.
2. No one is to enter the classroom until it is YOUR classtime. Your instructor will escort you in and out of the classroom.
3. Absolutely NO loose fitting clothes for any class! (See Handbook for more info)
4. Hair is expected to be up in a secured bun. NO ONE should enter the class room with their hair flying around.
5. No jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or watches should be worn to class.
6. Write your name in all your shoes;
7. Absolutely no gum, candy or drinks allowed in the classroom area. Only plastic water bottles permitted.
8. No inappropriate chatting permitted in the classroom.
9. Each customer has 2 weeks to purchase appropriate dance wear for class.
10. Customers, please make sure your dancer is dressed appropriately for class. It is important that all dancers follow the dress code; there will be no exemption to this policy; discipline starts here in the classroom!
11. If a student becomes disruptive or continues with negative behavior we will recommend the student to discontinue the classes until he/she is ready to adhere to studio policies;
12. We reserve the right to suspend or dismiss any student whose attitude, attendance or conduct is unsatisfactory
13. We understand how busy everyone is and want to try to make the dance center as comfortable and informative as possible for all involved. To keep customers informed with the information needed, we will e mail you a monthly Newsletter and post a copy on bulletin board at dance center. Please take a moment to read through the information provided so there will not be any surprises!
Tuition/Dues:
1. Class tuition is required at the end of the month PRIOR to the next month’s tuition (i.e. January tuition will be paid the last week of December);
2. It is YOUR responsibility to be sure payment is made on time. There will be a $10.00 late fee if tuition is not paid on time; this includes payment on the first week of the month of class.
3. All audition classes are charged at a single class rate, unless the student registers for a monthly term, then said amount will be applied.
4. A term is considered as four (4) weeks
5. A charge of $30.00 will be made for returned checks. After one returned check, cash will be required. There will be an additional charge of $10.00 if payment is made after 7 days from the date of the returned check.
6. All tuition is non-refundable unless serious or long-term illness, in which case a physician's certificate is required. All refunds will be charged a $20.00 administration fee.
7. Registration fees. $25.00 for new students; $20.00 for returning students; $30.00 per family (new and/or returning). All 1/2 year previously paid registration will end at the end of the summer season (August) and a full year registration fee will be paid at the beginning of the fall season.
8. A registration form must be filled out before any student will be permitted to participate in a class
9. Absences from classes should be reported at least on day in advance to the director and scheduled to be made up in another class within said month term.
10. Any unused classes will become null and void; no classes will be credited for the following month.
11. Scholarships are available for specific cases.
12. Again, tuition payments and registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. No credits or refunds will be given for missed classes or withdrawal from classes.
Costume Information. (Summer Showcase)
1. Dancers are measured for their Showcase costumes prior to the order being sent out. Costume sizing is based on the dancer’s measurements as compared to each individual costume company’s size chart. Please note that sometimes adjustments are needed for your individual costume, which will be your responsibility to make;
2. A $25.00 per costume deposit is due by December 10th. Costume balances are due - IN FULL - by January 15th If remainder of costume money is not paid at this time, your costume will NOT be ordered and your $25.00 deposit will become null and void for a refund, exchange or cancellation. All costume orders are final3. All tights and dance shoes are to be purchased at the dance center. When the students are having a cast photo or performing as a group, they MUST look the same; and I’ve found it best for me to place the order to be sure that all students are appropriately dressed.
We want to thank you for choosing Civic Dance Center as your home to your dance education. As a dancer, you are a "special" person. The Art of Dance changes lives:
a. Through enhanced academic achievement;
b. Improved thinking abilities;
c. Likelihood of pursuing higher education;
d. Better discipline;
e. Increased self-confidence.
We don’t expect everyone passing through our doors to become professional dancers, but we do expect them to be appreciative of what they have learned and all the people they have met, to be an asset in their lives at some point in time.
The Dance Ensemble is always looking for localities to provide their dance knowledge. So, if you ever are in need of entertainment for social or civic functions, school activities, lecture/demonstrations, please feel free to contact the dance center at 219 764 0099.
"Thank you for blessing me with the opportunity to teach you and carry on my dance education with another generation of young people."
Dancingly yours,
Natalie J. Kolosci
Owner/Director