Erin’s Danceworks

Enrollment Information 2010-2011

686-3746

Class Schedules

Combination classes in Ballet and Tap are offered for dancers age 3. Jazz class may be added for dancers 4-8. A Hip Hop combo class will be offered to only those dancers in the more advanced combo classes and is determined by the teachers. Combo classes will be 30 minutes each with dancers taking a minimum of any two classes. At age 7-8 dancers who are ready will move into regularly structured classes of Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and/or Hip Hop. Contemporary, Pointe and Dance Tricks classes are offered to more advanced levels. Regular classes are 45 minutes each. Classes are geared towards having fun while developing grace, poise, and proper posture while learning the proper technique of the dance. Dancers attending regular classes should always spend at least 15 minutes warming-up before coming into class.

Class Structure

Combination classes are focused on introducing the basic steps to dancers, while developing coordination. Dancers will learn how to count music, enter and exit a stage, and the art of performance. Additionally, they will be introduced to straight legs, turn-out, and stretched feet.

Regular classes…

Ballet is the most important discipline of dance. Ballet class will begin with exercises at the barre to develop the muscles and technique needed to execute not only ballet, but most other dance steps. Using the barre allows dancers to focus more on the individual muscle to be worked instead of keeping their balance. Once the dancer has mastered the exercises at the barre, they will begin work on the same exercises in center floor. In center floor they will begin to learn steps in a progressive manner. As each new step is learned, dancers will be asked to step forward to execute the step, or to do the step across the floor with one or two other dancers.

Pointe is an extension to ballet training. Dancers perform the same ballet steps on the tips of their toes, instead of the balls of their feet. Special shoes are required for this discipline. Dancers must be at least 12 years old, have taken ballet technique classes for at least two years, and have teacher approval to begin pointe. The first few months of pointe class will be nothing more than doing exercises to strengthen the feet, legs, and ankles. Pointe classes may not have a dance in the recital for the first few years, depending on the class’ abilities. Pointe is a discipline only for dancers who practice very often and are patient enough to learn correctly. Dancers en pointe are more likely to get injured because they are in a hurry to do too much.

Tap is a discipline all of its own. Tap is an art of rhythms and shading. There are several different styles of tap, each will be introduced to the dancer throughout the year. Dancers will begin class at the barre or center floor (depending on the age and coordination of the class) to learn the eleven basic sounds of tap. After the basics are mastered, those eleven sounds are put together in countless different ways to form tap steps. Not only do the dancers need to learn the steps, but will need to master the correct technique, sound, rhythm, and speed of the steps.

Jazz is a stylized form of dance where much of the technique is taken from ballet. Jazz dancers will develop charisma and showmanship along with dance technique and strength. In jazz dance it is very important to have a solid ballet background. Jazz class will begin with a short warm-up and stretch, will move on to exercises, and will end with learning basic steps.

Hip Hop is a high energy, fun style of dance. Dancers develop great coordination, along with having a wonderful outlet for self-expression. It is also a wonderful form of aerobic exercise. Does your dancer want to develop dance skills for a social setting? This is the class for him/her!

Contemporary is a class where the time is split between two forms of dance- Modern and Lyrical. Although the dances are very different in style, the basics are very similar. Both require control, flexibility, and ballet training. Classes are focused on stretching to obtain maximum flexibility. Lyrical is a slower form of dance focused on telling a story through emotional execution. Modern is focused on creating pictures with the body. Many of the steps are done off the center of balance, which is very difficult to achieve. Dancers will develop creativity in their movements and find new ways to use their bodies for performing. Contemporary class is usually recommended for the intermediate/advanced dancers.

Dance Tricks is a 1 hour class for working on flexibility, leaps, turns, and any other dance “trick”. This is for intermediate/advanced dancers who are enrolled in Ballet and Jazz class.

Grouping of Classes

Class groups are split first by age. After the ages are broken down, dancers are grouped by ability. The more advanced dancers may move up into the higher age levels. Although age is taken into consideration, ability is the deciding factor.

Tuition Policy

Once you have registered your dancer, you will be required to pay tuition each month, regardless of whether your dancer is in class or not. There are no make-up classes available as we only have one section of each class. If you do not pay tuition and/or you do not come to class for two weeks and do not contact me, your dancer will be dropped from the class. If tuition is not paid by the first week of the pay period, there will be a $10 late fee for each week you are late added to your balance. There are absolutely no refund or transfer of fees.

Tuition Rates

Combo Classes

Dancers must take at least two of the ½ hour segments, but ages 4 and up can choose any variety of the classes.

First two ½ hour classes                                      $45

Any three                                                              $60

Any four                                                                $70

Regular Classes

1 Class                                   $40                        

2 Classes                               65

3 Classes                                85

4 Classes                               100

5 Classes                               115

6 Classes                               125

Dance Tricks                        $15 flat fee per month

Tuition will be paid in four -week increments. The due dates are August 30, September 27, October 25, and November 22.

Class will end December 16, 2010 for Christmas Break

There will be no classes held September 6 and November 24 & 25

Returned Checks

There will be a $40 fee for any check that is returned for insufficient funds. If you have more than one check returned in a year’s time, you will be required to pay in cash.

Dress Code

Dancers will be required to wear a leotard, tights, and the correct dance shoes to each class. Dancers may wear jazz pants in tap, jazz, hip hop and a ballet skirt in ballet, pointe, or contemporary. They will need to have their hair secured off their face and neck. Jewelry will not be allowed in class. Too many times dancers lose or break their jewelry in class, or leave it behind at the studio. Gum chewing is not allowed.

Snack Policy

Dancers who spend many hours at the dance studio may want to bring a snack or a drink to class. However, snacks and water bottles are to be kept in the dance bag and all dancers are responsible to clean up after themselves each night. Please do not bring open topped drinks!

Discipline Policy

The rules of the studio are designed for your dancer’s safety as well as to provide a successful learning atmosphere. The rules of the studio will be posted on the bulletin board in the lobby. I realize that most of the dancers are young and will have minor problems. In the younger classes, discipline problems will be handled in this order; a warning, sit up front for one minute, sit up front for two minutes, loss of sticker at the end of the day with a note home or call home to parents. In the older classes, discipline problems will be handled in this order; a warning, assignment of an exercise that will not only provide discipline, but allow them to develop muscles at the same time. In the lower level classes I begin with 10 and will work up to 20 (in increments of 5) before I send a note home to parents. In the higher level classes I begin with 25 and work my way up to 100 (in increments of 25) before I send a note home to parents. I have found this is the most successful form of discipline over the years.

Drop Off and Pick up Procedure

Dancers should arrive no more than 10 minutes prior to the start of class and should be picked up no later than 10 minutes after the class ends. Dancers must be supervised before and after class. Please wait in the waiting room when dropping your child off and picking them up. If the studio doors are closed, you will need to wait with your dancer in the waiting room or outside until they are opened. We ask dance parents to NOT wait in the lobby area so it can be quiet for those who need to conduct business. If you are consistently late picking up your dancer, there will be a late fee charged. Anytime the dancer is not in class, they will need to be supervised in the lobby.

Additional Responsibilities

There will be a one-time $25 registration fee for all new dancers to Erin’s Danceworks. If you are a returning student there will not be a registration fee as long as you are registered by June 17^th. Parents will be required to supply their dancer with the correct dance shoes and attire for class. Dancers who are participating in recital will be required to purchase costumes, tights, etc. Once you have made a payment there are no refunds. Dancers are responsible for their own belonging. Erin’s Danceworks is not responsible for lost/broken items.

All paperwork and fees must be handed in before a dancer may start classes

You will also be responsible to read all of the handouts that are given to your dancer. If your dancer is absent, please check the lobby bulletin board for the information. Do not take my copy from the bulletin board. All information will be posted on the bulletin board and some on our website, www.erinsdanceworks.com.

Studio Hours

Regular class hours are Monday through Thursday. If you need to contact Kelli or me during operating hours you will need to call and leave a message or leave a note at the desk. We will do our best to get back to you by the next afternoon. There will be no parents allowed in the dance rooms unless invited by the teacher. Please do not enter class during class time. This cuts down on the time spent with parents and allows us more time with your dancer. If you need to contact us after hours, please visit our website at www.erinsdanceworks.com or if you do not have a computer, call us at 686-3746 and leave us a message.

Fall Schedule will be posted on the website as of August 23, 2010.

Fall Class Duration

Fall Classes will begin on August 30^th and will run through December 16^th. If we’re having a winter show information will be announced at the start of classes.  All tuition and other payments must be made in order to take part in the show.

Competition Team

We will be forming our 2010-2011 Competition Team in the middle of August. This is by invitation only, so if you are interested please let Erin or Kelli know and join us for the Intensive Camp/Competition Team Audition August 9-13, 2010. Once our team is formed for the year we usually do not add dancers to it. We have a flat fee for competitive dancers; $150 per month for dancers in 1-3 competitive dances and $160 for dancers who are in 4 or more competitive dances. This would allow dancers the option to take all the types of classes including the Dance Tricks class, and covers the costs for the mandatory 1 hour exercise class every Wednesday, and all regularly scheduled competition practices.

Dancers/parents of dancers who think they may be interested in team for upcoming years may ask the teachers’ advice regarding what skills the dancer needs to achieve in order to qualify for team.