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CLASSES CALENDAR AND CANCELATIONS

Our Classes run from September to May and we follow most of Dare

County’s School Schedule with a few exceptions. We have our

‘School Year Calendar’ posted on parents Studio Pro accounts that they can access to view when the studio will be closed. 

Please follow us on Facebook at Outer Banks Dance Academy and our Instagram @OBX_Dance_Academy as we will post reminders about upcoming events.

 

Unexpected class cancelations such as illness of the teacher, or inclement weather will be message out through Studio Pro. Please note we do not always close just because the school closes for weather, if school is closed and you do not have a notification 2 hours prior to class for weather cancelations there will still be class.

 

Makeups are scheduled at the teachers availability. There are no refunds for not being able to make a makeup class. For most makeup classes we have dancers join another class of similar level.

Level placement, music selection, choreography, and spacing of all group routines are at the director’s discretion. These decisions are made from many years of teaching experience. We are passionate about our program and we take pride in every student and every dance routine. 

 

We will always be fair and caring toward our students. All decisions are made in the best interests of the dancers. Inappropriate and demeaning parent and/or student comments will not be tolerated. No one, other than the directors may tell parents or students what levels, parts in a dance or placement they will be in.

 

Due to our studio being on a waitlist and each season for all levels dropping a class is not permitted once registered. If a child drops out without valid Dr. note mentioned above, or is kicked out for breaking a handbook rule the family will still be required to pay the full tuition for the season. This policy is visible prior to registration that all parents sign and agree to prior to registering.

 

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is necessary to maintain steady progress in the class. Poor attendance will result in poor training and this holds not just the child back but puts strain on the class.

 

Privates are charged at the teachers hourly rate plus studio rental time and must be booked through the studio and teacher.

Absences and tardiness can have a negative effect on the entire class. Please make sure to be on time; it is disrupting to a class when a student comes in after the lesson is in progress or needs to leave early. If you are late, come in warm up and get dancing, please do not

interrupt the teacher to explain. Wait for an appropriate moment, or after the class to speak to your teacher about it unless a parent has already emailed or messaged giving notice prior to the class starting.

If you are frequently late or absent, you will be dismissed from the class. Please make this a consideration when the time comes to join another activity. Please understand that by signing up for a class, you are aware that all dance classes and rehearsals for our annual Recital

are a priority.

 

Any student who has more than three unexcused absences afterJanuary 1st will not be eligible to participate in the annual production (recital). Full payment of costume fees and outstanding balances will still be due.

Some pieces are only in one show, if a piece is in both shows it is mandatory that the child does both shows. When we send out the recital information in the spring you will be notified what shows your child's pieces are in.

 

RECITAL

The last couple weeks leading up to our recital is a busy time. We will be sending out information on schedules, sign-ups, etc., as the time comes closer. Our recital date, and all related scheduling is mandatory for each dancer. Only Stage Moms are allowed backstage unless there is an emergency..

Please note all recital days are mandatory, view our calendar and mark all recital days down.

 

VOLUNTEERS

In order for our shows to run smoothly for the children most years we require volunteers. We will post a sheet at the studio as we get closer to performances and notify what we need. As a thank you, volunteers will be provided first pick for ticket purchasing and an early registration

night. Please note; competition team dancer’s must have a parent volunteer at one show.

 

DRESS CODE

Dancers work harder and stay more focused when properly dressed for class.

***Certain shoes are not permitted at our studio due to safety concerns and or quality concerns; Target, Walmart and Stella Brand shoes. Only name brand dance shoes are permitted. If they do not sell the brand on Discount Dance or Dance Supplies please do not

purchase them. Dancers wearing improper shoes will not progress at the desired rate as these shoes restrict movement and proper foot development.

 

Any warm-up attire, or street clothes worn to the studio is not allowed to have any inappropriate wording, or art; or any mention of drugs or alcohol. This will be strictly upheld.

 

Toddler and Pre-k levels: Pink tights, pink ballet shoes preferably from a dance retailer such as DiscountDance.com or Jete in Virginia Beach. These dancers can wear color leotards and skirt.

 

Please make sure the skirt is a slide on not tie skirt. Also, see if your child can get their leotard on and off with ease incase they need to use the bathroom.

 

Red - Blue Level Ballet Classes: Black Leotard pink tights, with tights worn inside the ballet slippers, hair music be in a bun slicked back without pieces falling in their face. If your child’s hair is too short for a bun (does not reach their shoulders) they can wear it pulled back in a ponytail. We will not do dancers hair, they must arrive with it pulled up already for class. Ballet Slippers: Cloth Split sole shoes.

 

Green and Purple Level Ballet Class: The same dress code applies for these levels as above with the exception that the ballet shoes must have ribbons sewn on.

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Pointe classes, same as ballet, but as long as dancers are applying their technique they are allowed to wear Bullet Pointe Brand or an approved skirt in Black.

 

Acro classes must have a bun for safety. Please no donut buns on the top of the head as it restricts rolls. If your child comes without a bun this might limit the activities I can spot them in for that day. Booty shorts must cover the dancer’s body appropriately and can only be worn in classes other than ballet/pointe. Students who forget their attire must sit out and take notes unless otherwise excused by the instructor.

 

- Please be prepared with all attire and carry deodorant in your bag in between multiple classes.

 

Hair must be worn up and out of the face at all times. If a student is constantly adjusting their hair, they will be asked to leave the classroom to fix their hair or secure it in a bun.

 

ALL styles of dance shoes are prohibited from being worn outside the studio floors, this includes Hip Hop shoes. Dancers are to enter the lobby with street shoes, change into their dance shoes for class, then change out once they are done.

 

DANCE SHOES

Toddlers, Pre-k: Ballet - Capezio ‘Daisy’ Leather in pink

Pre-K Tap - Ribbon Tie Tap shoes in black

 

Levels RED and BLUE: Ballet - Pink cloth split sole ballet shoes.

Levels GREEN and PURPLE: Ballet - Pink cloth split sole ballet shoes

with ribbons attached.

All Levels

 

JAZZ: Tan Slip on Jazz Shoes

TAP: Black Lace Up style Discount Dance Theatricals T9500c for

reference if you are unsure of the look. Any brand is approved as long as

they are this look.

ACRO, LYRICAL and MODERN: Barefoot

 

ONLY APPROVED DANCE SOCKS ARE ALLOWED BY THE DIRECTOR

POINTE: Dancers must be professionally fitted at Jete Dance Wear in Virginia Beach until they find their right shoe/ fit.

 

HIP HOP: All levels Black High Top Converse. These run about one full size big. These must be the ones that tie, not slip-on they also cannot be platform or with a black bottom (brown is ok).

Dancers are permitted to wear color leotards and approved shorts/skirts in all elective classes. Elective Classes are classes other than ballet and pointe. Dancers who take additional ballet classes when permitted or who are assisting are allowed to wear colored leotards in those classes.

 

All leotards must be properly fitted. If a dancer is constantly picking wedgies or adjusting their leotard they will be ask to not wear that one again. Please note sometimes you see some of our dancers do photo shoots outside, these are with old shoes that are no longer being used in class.

 

Do not enter the building barefoot or wearing your dance shoes as this carries in oil, dirt and debris such as glass and small rocks from the parking lot and brought into the studio floors and can be hazardous to students dancing and damage our flooring.

 

Please make sure your child’s feet are clean prior to their classes. Some classes we are barefoot and if a child has visible dirt on them they will be asked to put shoes on.

 

SKIN ALIMENTS

If your child has any cuts or rashes they need to be properly covered while at the studio. If your child has a planters wart, they must dance with shoes on, no exceptions. Please check with the instructor on what style of shoe they need on if they are supposed to be barefoot for that class.

 

DANCER BEHAVIOR

Students are to be respectful and attentive in class to teachers and their fellow classmates. Hanging on barres, playing with equipment or putting hands on mirrors is not permitted. Polite behavior and good manners should be displayed throughout the class and lobby

at all times. Foul language or actions are not permitted. Once a class is dismissed please remember to use proper dance etiquette and thank your teacher before exiting the class.

 

Students should not gossip or make their own groups and should work in unison as a class toward a common goal. Good attitude, good grooming, good attendance, and practice at home are expected from each student. We require each dancer to uphold this policy inside and outside of the studio walls. We are an educational school with a zero tolerance against drugs and alcohol. Be aware of how you use social media. Any compromising pictures or

comments from our students will not be tolerated and will result in probation or dismissal.

 

Parents and students are PROHIBITED to bring any sort of alcohol or drugs to any Outer Banks Dance Academy function, or event. This includes parades, fundraisers and our annual recital. This will result in automatic dismissal from the studio. We are a private studio and reserve the right to dismiss any student who disregards studio policy, shows inappropriate behavior, or upsets the harmony of the school.

 

LOCKERS

Lockers are distributed first to competition team dancers. If we have extras we will distribute them to helpers or dancers by age and/or number of classes they take. Lockers cannot have anything permeant put in them and must be taken care of. Please keep them smelling fresh by washing items stored in them.

 

NO open food can be stored in them as this attracts ants.

 

Studio staff has the right to do a locker search if they feel the need to.

 

Dancers with lockers must be respectful of dancers without.  They should not take all available space form others. Please keep this in mind when bringing items to the studio. 

 

 

LOBBY/LOUNGE RULES

Children are not permitted to run around or play in the reception area and dressing room. It is disturbing to other parents as well as distracting for the teachers and students. Please do not allow your children to yell, run or play in the dressing room. We ask that your children have respect for other people’s property and not take anything from another dancer (or rummage in their bags) without permission.

 

No food, drink, or snacks are permitted in the studio, only in the lobby area (dancers

are responsible for cleaning up after themselves). In our new unit we will have a designated waiting area for our Competition Team Middle School, High School and Purple Level Dancers. These dancers spend a large about of time at the studio and we are grateful to finally be able to provide them a space to be able to do homework and relax between classes/rehearsals.

 

There is no eating on the sofa going in there, and dancers that are allowed in that room are responsible for keeping it clean, meaning not leaving food or items laying around.

 

On the certain occasions the room might be opened up for other levels to go in, this will be cleared by Ms. Sabrina.

 

No gum chewing is permitted in the building.

 

We are a “water only” studio. Any liquids, like leftover sodas, soy sauce, snowballs must be thrown out outside the studio in one of the mall trash receptacles.

 

Dancers our lobby is small! Please keep what you bring to the studio to a minimum. Place all bags and shoes in cubbies, under the bench or along the walls.

 

Do not sit in front of the entry door.

 

Older dancers please use your etiquette; if you see a parent coming in with or to pick up a younger child please move out of their way so they can help them get their child ready. Also, a  lot of our younger students parents have babies and have their hands full coming and going, if you can assist them in anyway they will greatly appreciate it.

 

One of the best ways to help is to get the door if you see they are carrying a younger dancer or baby.

 

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

Families on the installment payment plan will have tuition broke into 9 payments that will be drafted by the 25th of each month (August - April).

All families must store a card on file when registering and agree to our auto pay agreement posted in studio pro.  Families who wish to avoid fees can pay the year in full cash or check prior to August 20th.  All other accounts will be automatically set up for the 9 month installment payment option. 

 

DANCER RESPONSIBILITIES

We shall arrive to class on time.

We shall not chew gum or bring food or drink into the studio, the only beverage allowed in the

dance room is water.

We shall bring water to class so we can stay properly hydrated.

We shall not wear dance shoes outside and will carry dance shoes in a dance bag.

We shall label all dance shoes and dance gear with our full names.

We shall dispose of our trash and keep the lobby neat.

We shall not leave unattended open food and drink containers in the lobby.

We shall not leave our water bottles in the studio and/or lobby and take them home each night.

We shall be respectful of others belongings.

We shall keep our cell phones off or on mute in the lobby while in dance class.

We shall have our hair secured off our face and neck before class.

We shall wear a clean and neat uniform for each class, no ripped or dirty tights or leotards.

We shall use a deodorant daily and wear minimal jewelry for class, necklaces are dangerous and

will be removed prior to entering.

We shall keep good conduct and quiet voices in the lobby.

We shall go to the bathroom before class.

We shall keep our hands off the mirrors.

We shall not make unnecessary conversation or noise while in class.

We shall not hang or play on the dance barres or any studio props or equipment.

We shall not sit down during class unless instructed by the teacher.

We shall not miss class except for valid reasons.

We shall practice at home and be prepared for class even if absent the week prior.

We shall be positive and proceed with a “can do” attitude.

We shall politely ask dance-related questions in class.

We shall use strong arms, stretched feet, and proper body placement, and use 100 percent of our

energy while in class.

We shall not gossip or put down other students.

We shall not act as if we are better than other dancers and shall work well and in unison with

other dancers in class. We shall use proper language and show good sportsmanship at all times.

We shall refrain from any and all illegal drug or alcohol use.

We shall wait inside for our ride and bring home all notices and give them to our parents.

We shall act in the manner of a young lady or gentleman at all times.

We shall respect our art, our instructors, and our fellow dancers.

We shall smile, learn, and have fun in each class.

We will not post dance routines, class exercises/ tutorials on social media or other sites without

permission from the teacher.

 

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

We shall get our children to class on time every week since regular attendance is necessary for

good training.

We will be prompt on picking up our children.

We shall remember that if we wish to speak to our child’s teacher, she is obligated to start her

next class on time and not be interrupted during, but will gladly take calls or e-mails. While class

is in session, if the dance room door is closed it should remain closed.

We shall use proper entrance and exits into the mall and will not block traffic in the parking lot.

We shall label dance shoes and gear with student’s full name. (Do not allow your child to wear

dance shoes outside.)

We understand that a dance bag is required for all dance gear and will have our child outfitted

with one.

We shall make sure that our child is properly outfitted for class each week in a clean studio

uniform leotard.

We shall call or send an e-mail in for all absences and make arrangements for a makeup class

if needed.

We shall encourage practice at home under supervision.

We shall not bring food or drink of any kind into the studio rooms. (Only water)

We shall remember that we are responsible for supervising siblings and to keep them safe &

under control in the lobby and at any studio events.

Parents and Students should be respectful in the lobby area by keeping voices down.

We shall remind our children to clean up after themselves and respect the studio and other

students’ property.

Please remind students to keep their jewelry and valuables at home.

We shall check our email for updates and information and responsibly make note for our

dancer(s).

We shall remember to remove our street shoes before entering the studio rooms at all times.

We understand the Lost and Found Box is emptied frequently and will check it if our child is

missing an item.

We shall pay accounts on time. We have read and understood our financial obligations and will

abide by those rules.

We shall avoid being a gossip who may spread misinformation. If we need to discuss a

situation, we will call or e-mail to arrange a mutually convenient meeting time.

We will not post dance routines, class exercises/ tutorials on social media or other sites

without permission from the teacher.

We shall not compare our child to other dancers or discuss such comparisons with other

parents.

We shall treat others children as we wish for ours to be treated.

If we have a question about scheduling or something that might have been e-mailed out we will

check with another parent before contacting Ms. Sabrina or another instructor.

We shall trust our child’s evaluations from their teachers since they are Professional Dance

Educators and only have our child’s best interest at heart.

We shall review the studio policies with our child(ren) to help them understand why it is

important for everyone to follow the studio rules.

If an unwritten event arises during the school year please note that the Studio Directors have

the right to deal with it as they see fit.

Please remember that we value your patronage and support, and want to thank you for

choosing us for your child’s dance education.

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Competition Team Handbook:

The rules and policies listed in this handbook are subject to change at any time. Failure to comply with any of the rules, policies, and procedures of Outer Banks Dance Academy can result in immediate removal from the competition program and school without refund. 

 

Our Competition Team is for our more serious dancers that are here to excel and take their dance education further. We pride ourselves in setting the standard for our hard working artists through technique and discipline.

 

For our dancers...Congratulations on being selected to be a part of our Competition Program. Be proud of your accomplishments! Your hard work has paid off. Always stay committed to your classes, dance full-out, and pay attention to your teachers. Those who listen to every correction and apply themselves in every class and rehearsals shall succeed. Remember to show respect to all faculty members, your parents, and all students at the studio. We are all in this together and therefore you are only working on becoming a better dancer than you were yesterday.

 

For our parents...Our competitive program requires a positive atmosphere from all involved. Cooperation between all parents is expected at all times. Please show respect for teachers, other parents and all dancers. A positive and enthusiastic outlook on this program extends to your child. Negative comments and feedback can be harmful to your child’s progress and education. Please do not compare your child’s progress to another dancer. As their teacher, we will be working on their technique individually.

Most communication among the studio and parents shall be conducted via email. Please be sure to check your email regularly for information and any updates. General information for both our studio and the competition program is also available on our website and our Facebook page. 

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We ask that all parents refrain from any negative comments or critiquing about other studios, dancers, and our own children at competitions. Understand that it is the job of the director to speak with any team member at this time and prepare them for their next number. All comments and suggestions to director and teachers should wait until the proper time, or the next day.

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Last minute withdrawals from any regional and/or national competition will not be tolerated. Serious injuries or family tragedies are the only exceptions. You must provide your child’s costume to the studio if your child cannot for any reason compete as we will most likely need to fill their spot if we cannot re-stage the dance. All entry fees are non-refundable due to each competition’s policies.

 

All competition scheduling is set by the competition itself, not our studio. Any requests to alter specific days and times of performances cannot be accommodated and will not be accepted.

 

Parents are not allowed to contact the competitions. This is prohibited by the competitions. All questions are to be addressed through the studio. Please note, the competitions DO let me know when a parent has contacted them, so please do not try to go around the studio.  This looks unprofessional on both the parents end and the studio for not making sure they were aware of these policies first. 

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Regional Competitions result to going to National Competitions if scores are high enough. We do not attend Nationals as a group, most of these events overlap either our recital or summer intensives away.  If your child would like to attend nationals with a solo performed this season, this is perfectly fine as long as it does not overlap recital.  You must inform Ms. Sabrina asap as a lot of these events sell out. 

 

Competition Dates: 

All competition information is not to be shared with anyone outside of the competition team.  You can obviously invite family and friends to watch your children perform, most of these events are free. No publicly broadcasting location or events, no discussing events, dates, and/or locations with other studio parents.  Please note part of this is actually a safety issue. 

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Attire: Competition Team warm-up jackets are the mandatory uniform for all dancers at all competitions. Team jackets are to be worn for all award ceremonies. Warm-up jackets must be ordered by at the Competition Team meeting for all newly enrolled competition dancers and returning dancers the following year if we see fit. 

 

Please notify me at the competition team meeting if you need a new jacket for this season.  *We do not place orders for jackets each season. Dancers can resell their jacket to another dancer but please make sure jackets are kept in pristine shape.  

 

When attending any event, anyone representing The Academy (this is students, parents and family) must be aware of their attire. Anything that has vulgar images, wording or representation of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted.

 

All dancers are required to purchase stage make-up. All dancers are expected to follow the specific guidelines for the application of their make-up. Make-up that is unsatisfactory will not be tolerated. The studio reserves the right to change and/or update colors and styles of make-up at any time. Dancers are scored on their appearance and if they match. All of our dancers must wear false eyelashes.

 

All teachers reserve the right to do a “group alteration” to any costume. Group alterations consist of reconstructing a costume, adding rhinestones, creating a different style fit for the costume etc. All individual sizing alterations are the responsibility of the parent and must be professionally altered. It is mandatory for all alterations to be 100% completed prior to the first performance.

 

Master Class attire at UBC - Black leotard, pink tights.  Dance socks or barefoot for contemporary class and Ballet shoes for ballet class. The general spread the classes out over two days. 

 

Placement

Level placement, music selection, choreography, costuming and spacing of all group routines are at the choreographer’s discretion and are not up for discussion. These decisions are made from many years of teaching experience. We are passionate about our competition program. We take pride in every student and every dance routine. All decisions are made in the best interests of the dancers. Inappropriate and demeaning parent and/or student comments will not be tolerated.

 

Solos are considered Private classes with the teacher.  Dancer’s will need to pay a studio rental fee for any privates or solo times set outside of the dancer’s assigned spot on the schedule.

 

Grades

 Just like all extra-curricular activities, our Competition Team is required to uphold their school grades. No student is allowed to have anything lower than a C+ on their report cards. We understand the need for education and want

our students to achieve their academic and dance goals. This will help them learn time management, responsibility and good study habits as well.

 

Attendance Policy: Proper attendance is an essential component of the dancer’s education and progress. All Competition classes are dedicated to strictly learning choreography. A dancer who misses rehearsal may hold back the progress of the entire team. 

Dancers should only be absent if it is absolutely necessary and attendance will be monitored closely in all classes. All classes are mandatory. If a dancer is going to be absent, it is required that they or the parent notify the respective teacher at least two weeks prior, with the exception of illness.  If a dancer misses too many rehearsals due to illness they can be pulled from the group dance.  As our policy if a dancer is ever pulled from a group dance their solo is also pulled.  It is MANDATORY that all dancers are in all practices the week prior to a competition.

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Additional Policies 

Dancers are not allowed to take class at other studios without permission and consent from the Director. This is a conflict of interest with our studio.

 

Dancers are not allowed to teach at any other dance studio and/or business organization or run private lessons without the permission and consent from the Director.

 

All dancers are required to attend their group’s photo session with our studio photographer. Please make note on our calendar when our Photo Sessions are so you are prepared.

 

Our Summer Intensive is mandatory for all competition levels.

 

Competition Team Families must have one parent help at our recital, most of these spots will be back stage.  I will give parents the option to select the show they are helping with but their jobs will be assigned. Please note you will get priority registration and early ticket purchasing like the parents who are not on the team who volunteer their time. 

 

Social Media: All dancers and parents must refrain from negative internet postings regarding any relation to the studio, its Directors and its students. Derogatory and/or demeaning comments on any social media site will not be tolerated and will result in immediate removal from the both the competitive program and the studio in its entirety.

 

All dancers are to refrain from posting inappropriate or compromising pictures or comments on any social network. This includes pictures, wording, or implementation of: drugs, alcohol, nudity or bullying of any kind.

 

Being a part of the Competition Team means you a representative at all times. Depending on the severity of the incident, different levels of action will be taken ranging from a probation letter to immediate removal from the studio. If any rules are broken after a probation letter is given, the student will be dismissed from the team and/or the studio.

 

Do not post any dances or choreography until after our final competition as other studios do look for this information.

All pictures and videography of students in classes, at competition, at performances, or at any studio related event may be used for marketing purposes.

 

The use of our studio’s Facebook page or customer contact list (either by phone, email, postal mail or for any type of communication) for the purpose of negative solicitation and/or defamation of character against any Director or any relation to the studio will not be tolerated. 

 

All studio merchandise, logo, social media, name and franchising are not to be copied or imitated. 

 

Use of our contact list for any other purpose i.e. solicitation or promotion for any businesses or organization is prohibited.

 

Such actions can result in immediate removal from the competition program.

 

To ensure dancers are going to commit to the team their is a re-choreography fee.  Teachers/choreographers spend a lot of time outside the studio working on the pieces and when a dancer drops or is removed it causes the teacher/choreographer to spend more time fixing the dance.  If a dancers is removed from or quits the competition team and or studio after committing to the dances they will face a re-choreography fee of $250 per dance, including solos. 

 

Optional Components

 

The following routines all require additional fees from regular recital fees for choreography, rehearsals, costumes and competition entry fees. Please be sure to consider all that is mandatory prior to making your selections for optional routines.

 

Solos dancers may vary year to year. These dancers are chosen by the director based upon their strengths in the style of dance, stage presence, commitment to choreography, requirements listed on the sign up sheet, etc. Please note behavior in class, rehearsals and at competitions will determine eligibility first.

 

Dance styles for these pieces are chosen by their choreographer and are not up for discussion from other dancers and/or parents. Pricing for this is available on our pricing sheet and payable to the TEACHER unless you have Ms. Sabrina then it is payable to Outer Banks Dance Academy.  

 

All soloist who meet the age requirement of 10 and older must assist in a school year class.  Signup class times will be at the competition team meeting.  Please make sure your child meets the age/level and strength requirement for the classes when signing up.  You cannot sign up to assist in a class if the assistant spots are all full. Failure to show up regularly to assist or not showing up at a mandatory event such as dress rehearsal or recital for your group will result in team probation.  

-Team probation can vary from; not being allowed a solo, to be an Elevated Artist, or expulsion from the team. 

 

Small Groups, Large Groups and Production Numbers: These are specialty routines that are decided upon by the director and may vary year to year. Dancers are selected based upon overall technical excellence of the selected subject. Depending upon the style of dance, dancers may also be selected based upon stage presence, commitment to choreography, precision, flexibility, extensions etc. Dancers in these pieces are chosen by the choreographer and are not up for discussion from other dancers and/or parents.

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