Regular dance classes run approximately the same as the school year, with classes ending in June.  New students will only be accepted through December. 
To register for fall classes, an enrollment form must be completed and returned with a non-refundable $30 registration fee before a student will be placed in a class.  ($45 family rate for children in the same household, paid by the same person.)

We offer combination classes of ballet & tap or ballet, tap & jazz. Classes will be grouped by age/grade and ability level.
(Groupings listed are approximate):

There's no magic number as to when a student will excel in dance classes, however, before age 3, children's attention span & ability to listen and follow directions has not been established. By age 3, children are usually potty trained, are ready to pay attention to the teacher and cooperate with the others in their class.

In the event of a class dropping below the minimum class size of 7 students, we reserve the right to recommend students to another class.

Students do not move up to the next level according to the amount of years that they have studied dance. They must be able to execute proper technique for each movement for that level. Once the teacher or director has determined that the student is ready to move up, then and only then will they be able to do so. Some students may take several years and others only one, according to natural ability, effort, and practice. Poor attendance will affect progression.

We look for several things in determining placement of our students including sound technical understanding, comprehension of the specific concepts and a strong level of confidence in their dancing. Students are placed with only the best intentions of the teacher and the concern that the student is placed at a level where they will be challenged, not frustrated.

(The above ages and grades are for initial placement only – a place to start.)

The instructor has the final decision on any student’s placement in class.

Tuition this year is based on a 10-month year, guaranteeing at least 32 lessons per year, and can be paid in 3 ways:
Monthly
60 minute group class once a week - $35 monthly payment 
90 minute group class once a week - $45 monthly payment

Bi-Annually
60 minute group class once a week - Two payments of $175 - Non-refundable
90 minute group class once a week - Two payments of $225 - Non-refundable
*Discount - 5% off each payment if paid in full by September 23rd and February 11th. 
(Forfeit 2nd discount if not paid in full by February 11th.)
Annually
60 minute group class once a week - $350 yearly payment - Non-refundable
90 minute group class once a week - $450 yearly payment - Non-refundable
*Discount - 10% off annual tuition if paid in full by September 23rd.

Family Discount - $5 off per month for each additional child in the same household.  All payments must be made by the same person to qualify for the family discount.

There is a $15 late fee added for monthly payments that remain unpaid by the 10th of the month plus an additional $5 for each month it remains unpaid.  A $25  charge will be applied to your account for all returned checks. There are NO REFUNDS for missed lessons.   We reserve the right to hold costumes and/or other ordered merchandise if you have an outstanding balance on your account, including any late fees or returned check charges.

The easiest way for you to make your monthly payment is to put your check in an envelope and leave it at the desk.  If the parent or grandparent writing the check has a different last name than the child, please write the child's name on the check.

 All checks MUST be made payable to Sue Savage.

All cash payments will be given a receipt so please make sure you receive one. 

Please note that the calendar allows for some inclement weather days built in to the year. If your class does not meet 32 times during the year we will either reschedule classes or you will receive a credit for the days missed because of the weather.

Also, please remember that you are paying an annual tuition broken down into 10 monthly payments.  This means you will pay the same amount every month whether there are 2 lessons or 5 lessons in the month.

Piedmont School of Dance is a private business & therefore we reserve the right to dismiss clients that do not adhere to the standards set forth in these policies

Our classroom rules are as follows:

·          Be prompt for class, dressed correctly with hair up and no jewelry.

·          Go to the restroom at home or before or after class.

·          No gum, food or drink inside the building.

·          No running or horseplay in the studio.  Keep your hands to yourself.

·          Mouths and tap shoes quiet while the teacher is talking.

·          Pay attention and be a good listener in class.

·          Wait quietly while others have their turn.

·          Put your trash where it belongs.

·          Keep your belongings neat & in their place - Dance bag in the classroom, all other items under a chair or table in the lobby

·          As a courtesy to the instructors and the other dancers in your class with allergy and/or asthma problems, please do not bring animals into the building or wear perfume to dance class.

·          Do not wear dance shoes outside.

·          Wear a cover-up to and from class.

·          No street shoes on the studio floor.

·         Do not touch any of the fitness equipment.

·      Ask permission before entering the fitness area to use the restroom or get a drink.

Please insist that your child use the restroom BEFORE they come to the dance studio.  If I let one child go to the bathroom during class, I usually end up with half the class needing to go and my attention is split between the child in the bathroom and the rest of the class.  Students may go to the bathroom during our shoe change break but class will resume without them if they are not ready when we continue.  If your child has a medical need to go to the bathroom more frequently, please indicate this on your registration form.

FOOD & DRINK
Parents and students - please DO NOT bring food or drink of any kind into the building.  This includes suckers and other candy.  Anything spilled or dropped on the floor could ruin your child’s or the instructor’s dance shoes. 
Dance students are not allowed to chew gum in the studio.
Also, do not bring water bottles into the studio.  We have a water fountain available for student use during class.

SUBSTANCES
We our proud to state that our studio is substance-free!  We expect that you as parents will support our efforts to make sure our students steer clear of drugs, alcohol and smoking. 
We also ask that you do not smoke in or near our building.  “Lungs at work!”

ETIQUETTE AND RESPECT
In our tradition of teaching and learning, if a student is given a correction, it is considered the highest form of a compliment. Students should realize that their instructor has taken time to help correct them because the teacher cares about their overall technique and wants to help them improve. Corrections are not an opportunity to argue with the instructor, but an opportunity to learn.  Please also note that there will be times when the teachers may employ hands-on adjusting corrections to the students.
We believe that all dancers should develop a sense of respect for themselves, the other dancers in their class, and the instructor. In order to help foster that respect we ask that students refrain from speaking socially during classes and for students to treat others as they would like to be treated. Students are expected to behave in class and listen to the teacher at all times. Teachers will verbally discipline students if necessary and students that are disruptive to the class or who continually act out in an inappropriate manner during class may be asked to leave the class or may possibly be moved to a different level. 
We place a strong emphasis on classroom behavior and manners. These concepts include learning how to take turns, waiting patiently, working together with others, showing respect for self, classmates and teachers and having a positive attitude. All of these skills will be needed throughout a person’s life - in and out of the classroom.

Supplies needed for dance class:

In order to be able to work in a physical environment, one must have the proper dancewear.

Order forms for shoes, tights and leotards are available at the desk. Please ask for one any time you are in need of supplies or download one here. If you need something not shown on the order form, just ask.  
Items must be paid in full before the order will be placed.  
We will only place orders if there is enough interest to make an order. If there is not enough interest to make a full order, a surcharge will be applied to your order to cover the extra shipping charges.
If you need your child sized for shoes or are unsure of sizing on tights or other garments, please make a note on your order form & I will assist you with sizing.

PARENT OBSERVATION

The first class is an important one for young children - for many, it may be their first school experience. It is often harder for you as a parent to leave your child for the first time than it is for the child, but your child can't really establish a trusting relationship with their teacher if they don't think you trust them enough to leave them alone. Also, concentration, focus and understanding are easier for children when the class can proceed without interruption of observers coming in & out.

If your child is frightened in the beginning and does not want to come into the studio, we will allow you to sit in the classroom and watch the class together. Some children may want you to stay for just a few minutes; others may need your presence for a few classes. We will encourage your child to participate but they will need to do so in their own time. As soon as your child feels comfortable to dance on his/her own we ask that you quietly leave the room. Even watching the class by themselves is the first step towards participation. Please do your best to come to class each week and arrive on time - these consistencies are great contributors to a student’s feeling of security. Even if you think it isn’t working, please give your child at least a month to become accustom to the studio and the dance lesson before you drop your child from dance.  Some children will adjust right away, some take a little longer than others, especially if this is their first experience in a structured setting/classroom.

«Once your child adjusts to their new class, our policy is that the viewing windows will be open for parents only to observe during the first week of the month in September, October, November and April. This is for your child’s benefit.  When the blinds are open, they feel they have an “audience” & must entertain you.  They will have a more beneficial class when they are allowed to concentrate without being watched over.  Also, if your child can see you during the lesson, they will never learn to trust me as their teacher.

Having just a few observation days will allow you to see your child’s progress without becoming “numb” to their weekly activities. While observing your child’s class, if you see that the children are distracted by their observers, please step away from the viewing window.  No tapping on the viewing window or trying to talk to your child during class. 

Please remember that the waiting area is NOT soundproof. We ask that you keep your conversations low and be courteous to those in class, even if it is before or after your child’s class, as other children may be starting or finishing their own lesson.  We love babies and children, but since the waiting room is not soundproof, please do not bring siblings to sit in the lobby during class.  Your dancer will get much more out of their class without worrying about who is playing, squealing or crying in the lobby.  Observation days are only for parents.  Please do not use this as a chance to entertain grandma, grandpa, aunts, cousins, friends, etc.  They will all have an opportunity to see your child perform at the recital in June, when your child is ready for an audience.

We reserve the right to ask any disruptions to the class to be taken outside the building.

COMMUNICATION

Our studio newsletter is sent home monthly with the students. Each newsletter contains additional information which is not included in this handbook, upcoming studio events, other studio news and a calendar.  We periodically send other notes home as well.  Please check with your child for notes we have sent home.  I realize we all have busy lives these days, but for your dancer’s benefit, please try to make yourself aware of our announcements & upcoming events.  The notes are also available to view on our website.
If you have a concern with anything from understanding why we plié, to costume choices, or even if something at home is affecting your child, please talk to the instructors.  We cannot know there is a problem if you do not communicate it to us! 
Also, sometimes, students take information out of context or misunderstand things I have told them.  This is why I put as much as possible in writing.  However, if you have any concerns or questions, please come to me and I will give you a full explanation.
Because there is a limited amount of time between classes and I want your child, and all of my students, to get the most out of their class, I ask that you either call me with any questions you may have or leave me a note at the desk and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
As a reminder, please plan your phone calls before 3pm or after 8pm.  Thank you.

ATTENDANCE

Students who attend classes on a regular basis are those that experience the most from their dance education. Often when one student is absent, an instructor will need to repeat an entire lesson plan, arrange an extra rehearsal for the entire class, or at the very least review choreography. Each class can be hindered by poor attendance or can progress nicely with all striving to attend classes regularly.  Also, attendance is taken into consideration when placing students each year. 
Attendance awards are given at the end of the year to students who have been present at every class during the year, not missing more than 10 minutes of class due to tardiness or leaving early.

As a courtesy, please call in advance if your child will not be able to attend a class.  If they are able to and they are not contagious, they should attend class to watch and observe new choreography, even if they are injured or a little under the weather.

Please arrive for class dressed and ready to start including hair pulled back.  Students should put their dance shoes on as soon as they arrive, leaving their street shoes on the rack in the lobby, and be ready to start our warm-up as soon as class begins.  Being consistently late to class and missing our warm-up time is not acceptable.  Students who miss our warm up time will be asked to stand to the side & warm up on their own so that we avoid injuries caused by not warming up properly.

Please do not bring your child more than 10 minutes early.  Our waiting area is too small to accommodate 2 classes of children and the extra noise of people coming in early can disrupt the class in session.   If there is a break before your class starts, please allow the previous class time to get their belongings and get out the front door.  This will make the transition period easier on everyone.  If there is not a break before your class, please come in quietly and as soon as the previous class has ended, be ready to walk in & begin your warm-up. 
Students under age 12 may not be left in the waiting area before their class without their parent.   

To avoid conflict of interest it is a policy of the Piedmont School of Dance that no student shall be enrolled at any other dance school without the prior knowledge and approval of the director.

COMMITMENT

You and your child are making a commitment of finishing the entire dance year to the instructor and the other students in her class.  Part of the dance education your child is receiving includes teaching the idea of commitment and finishing what you start. 
Very often, I see parents allowing their children to quit dance in the last few months before recital.  This makes it very hard on me, as a teacher, to re-choreograph dances at the last minute.  It is also letting down the other students in the class and making them work twice as hard at relearning parts.  As parents, you’ve also put a great deal of money into lessons and non-refundable costumes. 
Completing the year will also give your child a sense of accomplishment at recital; knowing they CAN do it!

Because the re-choreography of dances to accommodate someone who has quit is so labor intensive, please note there will be a service fee charged for anyone who drops after April 1st of $10 for the first week of April plus $5 for each additional week thereafter (ex. If someone quits in the 3rd week of April, the service fee is $20, 3rd week of May the service fee is $40). This fee must be paid in order to receive costumes, even if your tuition is up-to-date.

SNOW & INCLEMENT WEATHER

When Clearwater Public Schools are closed because of snow or other inclement weather, we will usually not have dance classes.  Please call me if in doubt.  I will try to list the closing on the Local radio stations and on www.cancellations.com.  If you have supplied us with your email address, I will also attempt to send an email on questionable days. Since I must travel for classes on Thursdays, if the weather gets bad in Farmington or between Farmington & Piedmont, I will not be able to travel & will have to cancel class. 
Please note that the calendar allows for some inclement weather days built in to the year. If your class does not meet 34 times during the year we will reschedule classes.

REHEARSAL & RECITAL

We present a recital each year. Due to scheduling concerns, this year’s recital date has not been set yet. As soon as we have confirmed the dates we will pass the information along to you.

 Since I do not sell tickets to the recital, I do charge a recital fee to cover the cost of the auditorium, programs, stage decorations, etc. and it also includes one copy of the recital on DVD per family. (If you are paying the family rate for recital fee, you will receive one DVD, even if the children do not live together.) We will provide invitations and you may invite as many people as you wish to the recital.

We believe that performing is a vital part of the dancers’ education and providing opportunities for our students to develop performing skills is an important aspect of our studio goals.

 Keep in mind your child’s commitment to weekly classes and the recital when scheduling ball games, outings & vacations, especially during the months of May and June. It is impossible for your child to learn and polish their dances if they do not come to class regularly in the last weeks before recital and it is not fair to the instructor or the other students in your child’s class. Students that miss lessons during the months of May and June may be required to schedule an extra class, at private class rates, to prepare for the recital.

Please note, all choreography belongs to and is copyrighted by Piedmont School of Dance and the person who choreographed the dance. It may not be used at any performance not in conjunction with the Piedmont School of Dance including but not limited to: any talent show, any other dance recital or in conjunction with any other studio any time in the future without permission. You must obtain written permission from the choreographer and the studio director any and every time the routine is performed.

COSTUMES

 Prices subject to change without notice