Handbook

Mission Statement

Center Stage Dance Academy is a studio dedicated to teaching correct dance technique, theory and terminology for beginning through advanced students of all ages. We do not believe in over inflated prices or a lot of shows. We believe in teaching the basics of the art form to provide a solid foundation both mentally and physically. This foundation enables the student to understand and perform dance at any level. It allows the student to appreciate the true beauty of the art form. The teaching staff at Center Stage Dance Academy consists of vibrant and energetic teachers who  understand what it takes to be a good dancer and make it a priority to pass that knowledge on to their students. Our students are our first priority. It is our goal that they receive a positive and excellent education in dance.

Class Structure

All of our classes have a consistent structure, whether it is ballet, tap, jazz, acro jazz, musical theater jazz or hip hop. The instructor begins with barre work or center warm ups. This warm up is not the same as stretching. It is the basis of the specific dance technique the student is learning. Similar to learning to spell, a student first needs to know the alphabet. Each step used in the warm up is used later in the class as part of the center work or part of the work across the floor. For example, pliés (bending of the knees) are done at the beginning of each ballet class. Pliés are then used each time the dancers jump and as preparation for many types of turns. If pliés are done incorrectly, the dancer risks injury. We, therefore, use the beginning of each class to establish correct placement and execution of pliés.

Class Placement:

Classes are arranged first by age, and then by ability. In some cases our levels overlap in age. If you are new to the studio, then you will first be placed in the lower level class according to age.  Ability will be assessed and movement to a higher level will be at the discretion of the teacher.

Returning students will be placed by studio staff. The classes best suited for each dancer will be highlighted on individual registration packets mailed in August. 

Placement in Acro Jazz classes are determined by skill level: 

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Acro 1: A beginning level class for ages 5 and older. 

Acro 2: Students must be able to perform a standing backbend and a cartwheel. 

Acro 3: Students must be able to perform a standing backbend and pull up on their own, a back walkover, and hold a handstand.

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If there are any questions or concerns with your child’s placement, please contact the studio.

Dress Code

It is essential that proper attire is worn to class. The instructor needs to be able to see the body lines of the students in order to ensure proper form and technique is being used. 

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Dress Code for Ages 5 & Under:

• Any Colored Leotard & Tights

• Skirt (attached or separate)

• Dance bags will be brought into the dance room.

• Shoes will be changed in the dance room by teachers.

• Parents are NOT allowed to enter the dance room without permission.

Dress Code for Ages 6 & Up:

• Any Colored Leotard or Unitard

• Leggings or Shorts

• Crop Tops or Fitted Tops

• NO Sweatshirts or Hoodies

• Dance bags will be left in the waiting area.

• NO outside street shoes are allowed on the new dance floor.

• Shoes will be changed in the waiting area.

• Only Water Bottles can be brought into the dance room.

• Phones are not allowed in the dance room, they are to be left in the waiting area in a dance bag.

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All Students:

• Hair MUST be in a high ponytail, in braids or in a bun BEFORE entering the class.  Short Hair needs to be pulled back away from the face.

• Students are not allowed to leave the dance room without permission.

Proper shoes must be worn to ALL classes at ALL times:

Ballet - Pink or White

Tap - Tan Mary Janes

Jazz - Tan Jazz boots

Musical Theater - Tan Character shoes (1.5 in heel)

Hip Hop - Sneakers

Acro - Barefoot

Tuition

Center Stage Dance Academy provides a 30 week curriculum divided into 9 monthly payments. Tuition is due the first week of the month. Tuition is based on the 9-month season from September to May and is not affected by how many times the class meets in any one particular calendar month (5-class month is not extra and a 2-class month is not less). Costumes for our annual recital are included in your monthly tuition. 

Tuition penalties for failure to pay for 9-month school year:

• We do not provide monthly invoices.  It is the account holder’s responsibility to pay tuition on time.  Tuition payments are due the first week of the month and are considered delinquent by the 10th of each month.  A $10 Late Fee will be incurred for each month that payment has not been received by the 10th of the month.

• Accounts more than 60 days delinquent may result in suspension of lessons.  

• We accept CASH, CHECK, PAYPAL,or Venmo for payments.  

• Returned checks are subject to a $25 returned check fee and all payments must be made with CASH for the remainder of the year.

• Accounts must be current before students may receive costumes or participate in performances.

Tuition Discounts

Multi-Child Discount:  Discount applies to multiple students within a single household.

5% off tuition for 2nd child

10% off tuition for 3rd child

15% off tuition for 4th child

Child order is based by age - oldest to youngest.

Code Of Conduct

At Center Stage Dance Academy our primary goal is for your children to have fun while learning dance technique and strong work ethics.  We expect all dancers to show respect to themselves, each other and all instructors.  The following rules will be enforced:

• Be prepared for class with proper dress code and shoes

• Hair must be pulled up

• Be on time

• Do not have frequent absences

• NO cell phones in the dance room

• No gum is allowed in class

• Be respectful and kind to instructors, peers and staff

• Do NOT talk during class unless you are asking a question

• Be willing to try new dance material

• Put positive energy into your dance class

• No sitting in class

• Do not leave the dance room without permission

• Clap at the end of class to thank the instructor

• If injured, tell instructor prior to class - work slowly & carefully or observe

• If sick do not come to class

• If you must leave early, notify instructor prior to class

• No running, yelling or rough play in the studio

• NO obscene language or inappropriate conversations will be tolerated by either parents or dancers.  Everyone is expected to work together as a team and help in the growth of their fellow classmates.

• The use of alcohol and/or drugs is strictly forbidden at Center Stage Dance Academy.

• Each dancer must be respectful to ALL dancers, teachers and faculty both inside and outside of the studio.  This includes refraining from derogatory comments about the studio, director, faculty, fellow classmates and/or parents.  This includes in person, on phone and on the internet or on any social media.

• Gossiping will not be tolerated amongst the students and or parents about other students and parents within Center Stage Dance Academy.

All students are to respect professional decisions and do what is asked of them.  All students and parents understand that Miss April has the Final say about placement and all other matters concerning Center Stage Dance Academy.

Center Stage Dance Academy and staff members hold the right to dismiss any student(s) due to inappropriate or disruptive behavior.  Upon dismissal from class, a parent will be contacted and expected to pick up the student immediately.