Elite Academy of Dance & Performing Arts

8111 LaGrange Rd. Louisville, KY 40222  502-425-6700
 
 
  2012 Studio Handbook (Revised Aug. 2011)
 

 Welcome to Elite Academy of Dance & Performing Arts Studio
 

Elite Academy offers a year-round program of dance instruction in Tap, Jazz,
Ballet, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Modern, Contemporary, Technique, Competition/
Performance Groups, Musical Theatre Dance Reviews, Theatre Productions,
Holiday Shows, Year-end Recital, and much more. It’s never too late to register
for classes. We accept new students throughout the year.

We believe quality dance training should be taught in a positive learning
environment where creativity, dedication and self-esteem develop while
emphasizing strong technical skills in an enjoyable structured atmosphere.
The study of dance helps enable the student to develop proper body alignment,
posture, grace, rhythm, coordination, motor skills, strength, flexibility and stamina.
Dance can be used to enlighten, motivate and inspire while providing a creative
outlet for both the physical and emotional spirit of children. We are dedicated to
the needs of each individual student, and strive to ensure that they have the best
possible dance experience while building confidence, self-esteem, character,
respect for self and others, and encouraging talent through a wonderful dance
experience.

Dance is a demanding and complex skill requiring patience and determination
from both student and teacher. While striving for proper and strong technique,
emphasis is placed on creativity, self-expression and music appreciation. We
teach children to follow their dreams, believe in themselves, and work to their
full potential and that through hard work and determination they can reach
their goals. We are dedicated to encouraging, supporting, and guiding each
student to help nurture in each child a joy and passion for dance and the
performing arts.

Parents:
We strive to create a positive relationship with each dance family by communicating,
releasing newsletters and distributing updates. Please keep us informed of what we
are doing right and what we can improve on! Instructive criticism and suggestions
are always welcome. Let us know what we can do to make your dance experience
better.

Mission Statement:
Our mission is to provide each student with the best possible dance experience that
will allow them to excel and reach their greatest potential. We believe this can be
achieved by providing a balance between fun, hard work and excellence and that the
most important ingredient for teaching is building self-esteem and self-confidence
through praise, encouragement and discipline. By providing the finest dance instruction
in an atmosphere of nurturing, encouragement, innovation, professionalism, mutual
respect and fun, we believe our students will excel and reach their fullest potential.

What to look for in a dance studio:
Children need a place for their skills to grow in a positive environment with qualified
instructors. Providing a creative atmosphere that motivates, helps teach self-discipline,
and physically challenges a student to grow in the art of dance and the performing arts
should be the goal of the instructor. Proper flooring is crucial to protecting joints and
young dancers growing bodies.
When choosing a dance studio parents and students should consider:

  • the importance of the instructor’s knowledge and ability to instruct

  • hat smaller classes are better than larger classes (ratio of students to teachers & assistants)

  • that dancers learn best in a class with students of their own age and ability level

  • that a studio have structured classes, be clean, have viewing windows, ample parking,
    ease of road access to the studio, professionalism at the front desk, and an environment
    that encourages respect and consideration for all.

Equally important is that the studio should be equipped with professional floors so that
students are not dancing directly over concrete which can be jarring to the young dancer’s
growing body and put a strain on the joints and bones. Our floors consist of a layer of foam
rubber, 3 layers of wood and a Marley dance surface laid over this “sprung” floor system.

Facility:
There are 2 dance studios with sprung “Marley “ Dance floors & mirrors, and a large
Multi-purpose room with a sprung “Marley” Dance floor that is used for dance, theatre
arts and Birthday Parties. Large viewing windows allow parents and guests to view what
is being taught in the classroom.

Advancement is based on correct placement, skill mastery and instructor recommendation,
not just by age. This means that there may be students of varying ages in certain classes.
Placement will be based on an individual Student’s age, ability, potential, length of study
and experience. The Student’s attitude, interests and goals will also be taken into consideration.
Students will be evaluated throughout each semester to determine if they are in the class that
best meets and addresses their skill and ability level.

Exposure to the arts, including dance education, should play an integral part in the development
of all children. The classes that we offer are age appropriate, structured yet fun-filled, supportive
and nurturing allowing students of all levels and abilities to progress at their own rate.

Classes we offer include Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern/Contemporary, Hip Hop, Musical
Theatre, Drama, Technique Classes, Mommy & Me and classes for Adults. During the summer,
our students have the opportunity to participate in both Musical Theater & Dance Camps.

Registration:
An Annual Registration Fee is due once a year at the time of registration along with a one month
Tuition Deposit which will be applied to cover the cost of the last month of the dancer’s last session
providing 30 days notice has been given. Without notice, the deposit is not refundable. Notice is not
required for the last session of the school year. The registration fee is $25.00 for an individual student
or $40.00 per family. A pro-rated registration fee is available for students beginning mid-year.
Please refer to the registration fee chart.

  • Annual Registration (September – August) $25.00 (Individual) $40.00 (Family)

  • Beginning after February 28 $15.00 (Individual) $30.00 (Family)

  • Summer Only $10.00 (Individual)

***Students & Families enrolling during Priority Registration July 30 thru August 6th will receive
$5.00 off the Registration Fee! The $5.00 discount does not apply with any other Registration Discounts,

Registration Fees are non-refundable.

Tuition:
Tuition is based on a season (Fall/Spring) total which can be paid by the SEMESTER or in
MONTHLY installments. Monthly tuition remains the same regardless of the number of weeks
n the month. Tuition is due on or before the first day of each month. If payment is not received
by the 7th of the month, a $15.00 late fee will be added to the student’s account. The “Late Fee Policy”
for Elite Academy of Dance & Performing Arts will be STRICTLY ENFORCED.

SEASON (INCLUDES THE FALL & SPRING SEMESTERS)

  • FALL SEMESTER - SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER

  • SPRING SEMESTER - JANUARY – MAY

  • SUMMER SESSION - JUNE-JULY

Monthly Class Fees:
Tuition is based on the number of hours taken by the student each week.
Once you determine the number of hours the dancer/performer will be attending class each week
you can use the chart below to determine the monthly tuition cost.

   Hours Per Week/Cost Per Month
  30 minutes  - $40.00
  45 minutes  - $43.00
  1 hour -  $48.00
  1.25 hours -  $60.00
  1.5 hours -  $65.00
  1.75 hours - $70.00
  2 hours  - $75.00
  2.25 hours - $80.00
  2.5 hours - $85.00
  2.75 hours  - $90.00
  3 hours  - $95.00
  3.5 hours  - $105.00
  3.75 hours  - $110.00
  Unlimited Classes  - $115.00
 
 
Family Discounts: We offer Family Discounts of 10% off classes for the second sibling.
Additional siblings attend classes for $15.00 an hour per month! The discount is applied
to the lower tuition amount.  *Pay for the Semester to receive additional discounts.* 

Private Lessons:  Private lessons are available but are not included as part of the Unlimited
Class Plan. If you are interested in scheduling a Private, please speak with Jennifer.

Method of Payments:  We accept MasterCard, Visa, Debit Cards, Checks and Cash. We
do not accept Money Orders or Traveler’s Checks.

Late Fee Policy: There will be a $15.00 charge on Tuition received after the 7th of the month.
In the event of illness or if you will be out of town or miss class on the week that tuition is due
you may mail a tuition check to the studio or call in and pay with a Visa or MasterCard.

Returned Check Fee:  There will be a $25.00 Service Charge on all returned checks.

 Prorated Fees: We will prorate monthly class fees for dancers that begin dancing in the middle
of the month. Tuition WILL NOT be prorated if a dancer misses class for any reason.
Withdrawal Policy:  We understand that a student may be unable to or choose to no longer
continue taking class. A dancer may withdraw from class at any time and return at a later date
IF SPACE IS AVAILABLE. Please notify Ellen if your dancer will not be continuing with classes.
The first month tuition and Registration Fee are non-refundable.

 
 Important Dates & Closings for 2011---2012 Season
  • August 29 First Day of Class
  • September 5 Labor Day – Closed (No Classes)
  • November 23– 27 Thanksgiving Holiday – Closed (No Classes)
  • December 19 – January 1 Winter Break – Closed (No Classes)
  • April 9– April 15 Spring Break – Closed (No Classes)
  • May 20 - Grande Recital
  • May 21 – May 26 Last Week of Classes
 
 
Inclement Weather Policy (Snow & Ice Days)
Elite Academy of Dance & Performing Arts will closely follow the Jefferson County Public
School (JCPS) system’s decision for canceling school and classes. The days we are closed
however, will not always be the same due to the fact that the roads may clear up in the
afternoon or worsen as nighttime approaches depending on when the weather hits. If JCPS
calls for an early dismissal due to weather and/or cancels their evening classes and activities,
we will be closed. If there is a late opening or delay our classes will meet as scheduled. If you
have questions or are uncertain about whether classes will be held please call 425-6700.
We do not pro-rate or deduct from Tuition due to weather, however, all students are welcome
to schedule make-up classes that are missed due to snow. Closures will be posted on News
Web Sites.

Timeliness:
Students should arrive 5 – 10 minutes before the scheduled class start time. Please be prompt
when picking up dancers after class. All dancers are required to remain quietly inside the studio
when waiting to be picked up. No student should leave the studio without a parent or guardian
and should alert their teacher or the office personnel if carpooling.

Attendance:
It is important that dancers attend all scheduled classes. Regular attendance is imperative for
consistent progress and to ensure that the dancer receives the maximum benefit from the class.
This is especially true in group classes where a student’s absence will have an effect on the
formations involving other students and placement in the choreography of routines. It is the
student and/or parents responsibility for obtaining any information missed when absent.

**Remember, tuition is due whether or not a dancer is able to attend all classes in a month.
Credit is not given for missed classes.

Absenteeism:
If a dancer must miss class for any reason please call 425-6700 prior to the scheduled class so
that we may notify the teacher. If a student knows in advance that they will be absent from class,
please let the instructor know before the day of the class. When you enroll in a class that time and
spot in that class is reserved for you and must be paid for regardless of attending the class or not.

Make-up Classes:
When deemed appropriate and feasible, and with the permission of Jennifer, a make-up class
may be allowed for students who have missed their scheduled class time. A missed class due to
illness can be made up but not credited to the student’s account. A maximum of TWO make-up
class per semester will be allowed. Make-ups must be scheduled in advance and will only be
granted if space is available in a class. A Make-up Permission Slip must be filled out and
presented to the Instructor on the day a class is made up. No make-ups will be allowed after
March 15th.

Conferences:
If you would like to speak with the instructor or if you or your dancer has a problem, we will
be more than happy to discuss the issue or situation with you. However, because classes should
begin on time and due to the limited amount of time between classes, it is not always possible to
speak or meet with the instructor during a student’s scheduled class time, therefore we would
need to arrange a time when the instructor can give you their undivided attention. Any major
concerns should always be brought to the attention of Jennifer.

Evaluation and Placement:
We ask everyone to be patient the first month of classes. During this time both students and
instructors will be learning about each other and the class as a whole. Some classes may not
be the size that we anticipated and we will try to move students to different classes or add an
additional instructor to eliminate this problem. Some students, for their benefit, may need to
be moved because of their ability. It is a difficult and exciting time and we ask for your
understanding as we make any necessary adjustments.

Communication:
At Elite Academy of Dance we try to keep our dancers and their families informed. Although
we try to speak to everyone about important information or updates, it is impossible to know
if everyone has received all the latest information. For this reason it is the responsibility of the
dancer and/or the parents to stay informed. If you drop your dancer off or participate in a car-
pool, we encourage you to come in on a regular basis to check the bulletin board and the
information rack for up-dated & important information, upcoming events, schedule changes,
payments due, studio issues and the newsletter. We post new or updated information in the
studio on the Bulletin Board, in the information rack and on the front door. Please check the
Bulletin Board often for new information. We will also send out information via e-mail. Please
verify that we have a valid e-mail for you. Information can also be found on the website under
“News”.

Dance Rooms:
Parents, siblings or visitors are not permitted in the dance rooms unless invited in by an
instructor or on special occasions. Students are not allowed in the Dance rooms until class time.
Please have students wait quietly in the lobby until the scheduled class start time. When it is
time for class, the Instructor will bring the students into the classroom in an orderly manner.
No chewing gum, candy, food and/or drinks are allowed in the dance rooms. Water is allowed
in non-spill plastic water bottles or containers only. Please do not wear street shoes into the dance
rooms! Dance shoes, socks or bare feet only! Please remember that Dance Shoes should never be
worn outside of the Dance Studio!

Visitors/Observation:
Absolutely no parents or siblings are allowed in the dance rooms except on special occasions.
We have large viewing windows into each classroom and at the discretion of the instructor the
blinds may be left open so that you can watch from the lobby. Please ensure that any siblings
waiting for a student remain seated and quiet.

Lobby/Waiting Area:
For the comfort and well-being of our students and their families, we ask that you limit the food
and drinks that you bring into the Lobby. We know that many of you may be coming directly from
other activities, daycare or work and may need to eat quickly before going into class.
* Please keep the food and drink in a confined area and do not share with other children without
the permission of that child’s parent.
* Please DO NOT BRING PEANUT’S or NUTS, or anything containing peanuts of any kind into
the Studio. Several of our students or their family members are severely allergic to peanuts.
* Do not allow children to walk around with food. Please be responsible for cleaning up after your
dancer and siblings. If any area of the studio needs our attention, please let a member of our staff
know immediately. There are windows in the lobby that allow parents to observe class.
* While parents are more than welcome to stay and watch class, the waiting rooms should remain
as quiet as possible in order for our students to have the best learning experience possible.
* Please be sure that any siblings waiting for a student remain seated and quiet.
* Please do not allow children to rough-house, horse-play, or to run up/down the hallway or allow
young children to go to the restrooms alone. Absolutely no children should be left unattended or
unsupervised. The Elite Academy Staff can only be responsible for the students in class.

Performance Week:
During the last week of classes before the Winter Break, parents, grand-parents and immediate family
will be invited into the classroom at the studio to watch a dance that the students have prepared and
a class demonstration. This Performance will take place during the students scheduled dance class.

Grande Recital:
Each year in May we have a Grande Recital that gives all of our dancers and performers the opportunity
to share with family and friends the skills that they have been working so hard on throughout the year.
All students are welcome to participate in the recital, but are not required to do so. Students choosing
to participate in the Recital will need to purchase a costume(s) and there will be a recital fee.

Recital Fee/Tickets:
For those students choosing to participate in the Recital there will be a Recital Fee of $45.00 per individual
or $60.00 per family due by March 1st. This fee includes a Trophy for each participant and 4 tickets for
family and friends. Additional tickets may be purchased for $5.00 each. Children 3 & under are free.
This fee is also used to cover the costs of renting the facility, producing the recital (hiring someone for
the lighting & sound, etc.), and other expenses associated with a producing a quality Recital.

Costumes:
Students choosing to perform in the Recital will be required to purchase at least one costume per class.
Whenever possible, a “two-in-one” costume will be used for the combo classes. Costume costs will vary
depending on the material used, the style, and the size of the costume. The cost of the costumes will
range from approximately $45.00 - $80.00 each. A $50.00 NON-REFUNDABLE Costume deposit per
class will be due in October.
The balance of the cost of the Costume(s) will be due when they arrive. Tuition must be current before
costumes will be handed out. Costume prices do not include tights and shoes.

Be Prepared for Class:
All students are expected to dress in an appropriate manner. Please review our dress code for classes
to find out what to wear and places that you can find dancewear and shoes. Hair should be pulled
back from the face and secured with barrettes and clips and worn in a ponytail or bun for longer hair.
Please use the restroom before class. Change into the proper dance shoes and be ready to enter the
classroom before your teacher comes to get you for class.

Studio Policies on Behavior & Conduct:
All students are expected to be well-behaved, courteous and respectful to instructors, fellow students,
staff and all others. Disrespectful, mean or uncooperative behavior or attitudes will not be accepted
from anyone. Any student or parent displaying any of these behaviors may be asked to consider if
they wish to continue at the studio.

In order to provide the best possible dance experience, the following behavior will not be allowed:

* Disrespectful behavior towards the instructor or anyone else
* Disruptive behavior including excessive talking
* Rough-housing, running or horseplay
* Destruction of property
* Speaking negatively about one another, an instructor, or anyone else
* Comparing abilities or ridiculing another’s abilities
* Harassment or intimidation of any kind, including bullying
* Pushing, shoving or fighting of any kind
* Not respecting other student’s space—KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF!
* All students are expected to behave in a way that demonstrates self-respect and a desire to learn.
If a student displays any behavior that is deemed inappropriate or disruptive, that student may
be asked to sit down fora few moments and watch class. If the behavior continues, the student
may be brought out of the classroom to sit with a parent or office staff until they are ready to
return to class with the appropriate behavior.

We strongly want to encourage our students to:

* Come to class with a positive attitude
* Listen with an open mind when an instructor is giving correction to another student or to yourself
* Keep trying even when it isn’t easy
* Compliment and encourage your fellow classmates
* Work hard so that you can achieve your goals

Classes Offered:

Mommy & Me/Toddler Time – (18 mth to 3 yr.)
A Parent/Caregiver must participate with their child. This 30 minute creative movement class
is specially designed to facilitate the development of fine and gross motor skills, coordination,
balance, social interaction and listening skills through, music, dance, basic gymnastics and
movement activities. Various props such as hula-hoops, balls, mats, tunnels, wedges and
parachutes will be used during the class. Classes offered in the mornings or early afternoon only.

Baby Ballerinas – (2 ˝ yr. to 3 ˝ yr.)
Classes will be 45 minutes long and use a developmental approach for the young dancer
designed to provide a strong foundation in movement, which is essential for subsequent dance
instruction. Basic ballet and tap movements and terminology are introduced in a fun, creative
and nurturing manner. The development of gross motor skills, listening skills, musicality and
movement through space and levels will be explored.

Tutu Cute – (3 ˝ yr. to 4 ˝ yr.)
Each 45 minute class will introduce the basics of tap and ballet. In addition to learning
terminology, during the ballet portion of class, the dancers will work on beginning barre work,
center, and across the floor activities. The tap portion of the class will focus on balance,
musicality, rhythmic exercises and clarity of sound.

Song & Dance - (4yr. – 6 yr.)
This 45 minute class is an Introduction to Musical Theater singing and dancing. An excellent
choice to encourage students to build self-confidence & develop creativity, coordination and
self-esteem through dance activities and improvisation.

Tiny Dancers I – (5yr. to 6 yr.)
Similar to TUTU CUTE, this one-hour class for introduces, and allows the young dancer to
progress in the grace of ballet and the rhythm and sounds of tap. Classes will focus on proper
body position, terminology and progressive combinations to help them advance to the next level.

Tiny Dancer II Combo Classes – (6 yr. to 7 yr.)
This Ballet/Tap/Jazz class is offered for the 6 or 7 year old with at least one year of previous
dance experience. The Dancer will focus on the correct ballet positions, technique, barre and
center work, along with jazz fundamentals, and tap. The class meets for one hour. Students
in this class are encouraged, but not required, to take a one-hour technique class. Instructor
permission or recommendation is required.

Ballet/Tap/Jazz Combo Clases – (6 ˝ yr. – 8 ˝ yr.) (8 yr. – 10 yr.) (11 yr. and up)
One-half hour each of tap, jazz and ballet. Students work on ballet, tap and jazz fundamentals,
terminology, leaps, jumps, turns, progressive combinations and floor crossings. More advanced
classes may work on lyrical dance as well. Students in these classes are strongly encouraged
to take at least one technique class.

Pre-Ballet  & Ballet I – (3 ˝ yrs -5yrs.)
Each weekly class introduces ballet steps, dance vocabulary and technique using imagery
and creative movement. In addition to learning dance terminology and the basic positions,
this class develops creativity, coordination and self-esteem through dance activities and stories.

Ballet Intensive/Modern -
These classes are open to any student ages 6 and older and will focus on proper foot, leg,
arm, hand, head and body position and placement. Classes will consist of a ballet and modern
warm-up, modern dance body isolations, floor work, barre and center work. Students will
learn dance vocabulary, body alignment and progressive dance combinations with a strong
emphasis on ballet technique and modern dance skills.

Technique Classes –
These classes are open to any student ages 6 and older and will focus on proper foot, leg, arm,
hand, head and body position and placement. Students will strive to perfect leaps, turns, kicks,
jumps and progressive combinations with a strong emphasis on both jazz and ballet technique.

Hip Hop – (7 yr. and up)
A funky, fast -paced form of street dancing that combines cutting edge moves with age
appropriate choreography and music!

Drama -
An introduction to basic techniques of performing, including improvisation, character study,
and monologue work. The class will encourage students to grow creatively and expand their
imaginations.

Musical Theatre Dance –
Students will learn Broadway style choreography based on their skill and age level.

Musical Theatre –
Performers of all abilities are encouraged to develop self-confidence for acting, singing and
dancing in a positive and supportive environment. This fun, challenging and engaging
class focuses on character development, vocal technique, presentation and dance skills that
will culminate in a mini Musical Theater production at the end of each semester.

Competition/Performance Classes –
Offers the more serious dancer performance and competition opportunities. Jennifer will be
glad to provide information and requirements for anyone interested in being on a Dance Team.

ELITE ACADEMY OF DANCE & PERFORMING ARTS -
POLICY, GUIDELINES AND HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND RELEASE FORM

I/We have received a copy of the Elite Academy of Dance & Performing Arts Handbook.
The Handbook provides guidelines and information on Studio Policies.
Please initial next to each item after you have read and understood the information provided in
the Handbook.

•Registration and Tuition Fees, Late Fees, Returned Check Fees, Discounts, Methods of
Payment and Payment Due Dates.

• Important Dates & Closings, Inclement Weather Policy, Attendance, Absenteeism and the
studio class make-up policy.
• Policy on Conferences, Communication and Evaluation & Placement
• Visitors/Observation & Lobby/Waiting Area Guidelines
• Performance Week
• Grande Recital, Recital Fees & Costume Fees
• Dress Code, including that dance shoes MUST not be worn outside!
• Studio Policies on Behavior & Conduct

Dancer’s Name(s) __________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian’s Name(s) {Please Print} ___________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian’s Signature(s) ________________________________________________ Date: _______

Class Parent:
If you would be interested in being a Class Parent for your Dancer’s Class, please sign on the line provided.
The Class Parent(s) would be responsible for making sure that all the Parents/Guardians in your Dancer’s
class are kept informed about what is going on at the studio and in class. You would help make sure that
everyone in your dancer’s class is aware of important information and dates especially around recital time.
If you are interested, or would like more information, please let us know!

____Yes, I would be willing to be the class Parent._____________________________________________

Dancer Information:
We are often asked by a Parent/Guardian for a classmate’s phone number, address or e-mail. Sometimes
they want to ask another Parent/Guardian a question. Other times they want to invite the classmate to
a Birthday Party or other function. We will not give out any information without permission from the
Parent/Guardian.
If you would like to give permission for us to give out information to other members of you dancer’s class,
please indicate what information you would allow us to share.

I/We give permission for Elite Academy of Dance & Performing Arts to share the following information
(Please fill in ONLY the information that we may share with the Class Parent and/or Parent/Guardian’s
of students in your Dancer’s class).

Dancer’s Name_______________________________

Parent/Guardian’s Address______________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian’s e-mail _______________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian’s Home Phone_____________________________ Cell Phone ____________________

Parent/Guardian’s Signature______________________________________________________________

_____ NO, DO NOT share any information without first contacting me.
 
 
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