PARENT MEETINGS:  We have 2 parent meetings a year (August and January).  It is required that each student has a parent at the meeting. ­      

TUITION:  Monthly tuition will be debited on the 5th of each month.  If you would prefer to pay cash on your account please set that up through the Amy.  Payment will be due by the 1^st or the card on file will be debited.  A $10 late fee will automatically be added to the tuition amount of those accounts with an inactive or declined card.  In the event payment under this agreement is not made at the time and in the manner required, the undersigned agrees to pay all cost of collection, including court cost, attorney fees, including charges and collection agency fee which would be 35% of the balance assigned, with or without suit.    

• Teeny Co.               $95         2.5hr/wk
• Mini Co.                 $110       3.5hr/wk
• Junior Co.              $125       5.5hr/wk
• Express Co.            $125       5.5hr/wk          
• Elite Co.                  $150       6.5hr/wk minimum              (this will be the unlimited amount for the year) 

As of August 2009 Studio 56 will NO longer accept checks except for in a situation of a fundraiser.  A $25 returned check fee will be added to all checks returned due to ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­insufficient funds.                      

PAYMENT PLAN:  Each "company team" will have their entire year organized into a payment plan.  This payment plan will include all costume, camps, entry fees etc.  It will not include the first of the year order, extra tights or shoes, parent entry fees to competition, picture packets, dvd orders, additional party fees or sister gifts.

SCHEDULE:  Dancers are required to take a minimum schedule of classes including Ballet, Jazz, Tech and Tumbling.  You may also pick up Hip-hop for an additional $20 to your tuitionSEVERAL ADJUSTMENTS MADE FROM LAST YEAR!!  PLEASE REFER TO SCHEDULE IN THE WAITING ROOM OR ON LINE AT www.studio56dance.com   

NEWSLETTERS Current newsletters are posted on the web at www.studio56dance.com and emailed the last week of each month.  Updates and reminders will also be emailed or delivered by the presidency phone tree.  

CLASS ATTIRE:

• JAZZ/CHOREOGRAPHY- fitted dancewear must be worn or a class outfit with nothing over the top will fall in place.  Dance shoes must be worn for proper technique.  Hair should be pulled back from the face. 
• BALLET- For this class you will be REQUIRED to wear a BLACK leotard and pink tights. Ballet shoes must be worn. Your hair must be pulled back in a bun. 
• TUMBLING/HIP HOP- Comfy shorts and a t-shirt can be worn come in tennis shoes you may be wearing them or be bare foot.
• COMBINED REHEARSALS/EXTRA PRACTICE- pink halter practice top and black bikers with proper shoes 

COSTUME REQURIEMENTS:  One class outfit is required and will be worn to the first performances (approx. $40).  Travel suits (approx. $150 every 2 years) and dance bag (approx. $50) are required.  Performing costumes for choreography are also required for competitions, performances, and concerts.  There will be approx. 3-4 costumes required for the year (each about $100-150).  Dancers must have pink ballet shoes and footundeez (other shoes may be required as needed for costuming, ex. hip hop shoes).  Correct shoes and outfits must be worn in all classes.  Jewelry is to not be worn to class or at performances.  Small studs are acceptable in class.  Please plan accordingly to pierce your ears.  

MAKE UP KIT:  Every COMPANY student is required to have a STUDIO 56 make up kit.  The cost is $45.  Refills may be purchased in August and January each year.  Colors may vary, depending on costumes.  Please make a separate check to Amy Simkins.  

CAMP/WORKSHOP:  Two DANCE CHALLENGE camp/workshops will be required during the year.  This exposure to acclaimed teachers and choreographers is invaluable to a dancer and makes our dancers stand out from the rest.  Winter DANCE CHALLENGE will be in OCTOBER (approx. $100). Summer DANCE CHALLENGE will be in JUNE. (approx. $150) Everyone has been given these dates in advance.  Camps are configured on attendance.  You will be charged for these camps regardless.  Express Company will also be required to attend a convention of the director’s choice.  Please see COMPANY parent meeting handout for details. At this time they may or may not be competing.  

PERFORMING/COMPETING:  Performing is a wonderful opportunity for your child to demonstrate their accomplishments.  All “performing” STUDIO 56 members will follow the rules of professionalism.  The Director makes all final decisions concerning who participates in performances.  Dancers have a variety of opportunities to perform and compete during the year.  Dancers are expected to be at all performances and competitions unless prior arrangements have been made with the director.  Remember this is a team effort and all dancers need to keep the TEAM in mind. Entry fees are approx. $16-18 per competition per routine.  We usually do about 3-5 competitions each year.  Entry fees must be paid by the deadline or a $10 late fee is added.

CHRISTMAS/SPRING CONCERT: STUDIO 56 generally performs in 2 Christmas shows a year and will also participate in our Spring Concert in June.  At this time you may have to miss a portion of school.  There will also be the possibility of extra practices required.  Additional fees such as costumes, entry fees and tickets sells will be applicable.  IF YOU ARE NOT AT THE DRESS REHEARSAL YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PERFORM.  

CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE FEE: Tickets for the Festival of Trees and Dance for Life may be “pre ordered” each performer will need to purchase a minimum of 2 tickets to ea. Show in advance.  Additional tickets for family and friends may be purchased at this time. This fee will NOT be figured into the Company Payment Plan.

CONVENTION TEAM:  Jr/Express/Elite will be having a training year this season.  They will have a schedule similar to last year’s required hours.  We will be incorporating Pilates into their weekly regiment, along with having guest teachers monthly to work with the girls. They will be required to attend 4 conventions throughout the year, along with our WDC and XSDC.  These events will all be local and spread out on weekends throughout the year.  We will be doing our NYC trip, Christmas Benefit and Festival of the Trees, Xtreme Danzz Stage Competition along with Spring Concert.  We will be spending the year focusing on excelling our skills.  The costs will be collaborated into a Company Payment Plan similar to last seasons.  Teeny’s/Mini’s will have the option to attend a convention per the director’s choice. 

CONVENTION/COMPETITION TEAM:  If you are on Jr/Exp/Elite there is the option to be part of a Competition team that will meet on either Friday or Saturday’s.  This will be a mixture of the dancers from these classes. They will participate in approx. 4 competitions.  There will be an additional cost for this team.

HOLIDAYS:  We observe the same holidays as public schools unless otherwise indicated.  We will be closed for approximately 2wks at Christmas.  Every student will receive a Holiday observation handout, please keep it in a visible spot.  Any changes will be announced in the monthly Newsletter.  

MUSIC/VIDEO:  We highly suggest you get involved by videoing routines and recording the music to be practiced at home. You may inquire with you child’s teacher when it would be best to come to class and record.  Please bring in a blank cassette tape and we would be more than willing to copy it for you.  We will be selling Competition CD’s with all competition music for $3.

PICTURE S:  Team pictures in the fall are required.  A minimum package will be offered.  Costuming will be announced at the 1^st meeting of the year.  

GROOMING:  Grooming is essential to our professional image both in class and at performance.  Dancers who feel beautiful behave beautifully.  Dancers are expected to wear correct class outfits and shoes and always have hair pulled back away from face (for ballet hair needs to be in a bun).  Dancers who are not dressed correctly may not be able to participate in class.  Dancers always wear Travel Suits to and from all performances.  Visible bra straps are UNEXCEPTABLE, every dancer in need of a bra will be required to have a clear strap bra.

ATTITUDE & DISIPLINE:  Discipline and a positive attitude are key elements to any successful program.  Our STUDIO teaches excellent dance technique and valuable life skills while building self-esteem.  We use Assertive Discipline to teach dancers to manage their own behavior.  Parents and dancers must have a positive attitude towards the program, teachers and school.  Problems should be directed to Amy.  To insure that every student has a positive experience, the following class rules will be enforced:   

STUDIO 56 Class Rules:

1. Always demonstrate a great attitude of enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to work together as a team. 
2. Always wear proper class attire ONE warning then you will be asked to observe
3. Always wear hair pulled away from the face in either a ponytail or a bun. 
4. Never chew gum in class
5. Be punctual in arriving for class and performances.  

DEMERIT SYSTEM:  All company members will be on a demerit system.  This system involves positive and negative demerits.  10 demerits result in probation and 20 result in dismissal from the team.  All demerits are encouraged to be worked off in a timely manner.  Negative Demerits will be given for tardiness, absences excused/unexcused, proper attire etc.  Positive Demerits may be earned by attending workshops, shows, extra classes, solo’s and cover girl.

PARENTAL SUPPORT:  Studio 56 is respected as entertainment professionals.  To maintain this reputation, the Company/Troupe program requires structured rules and promotes PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE.  It is imperative that we have parents who are supportive of their daughters and the program.  If any parents cause problems for the team or instructors, their daughter will be dismissed from the team.  This can be an exciting opportunity for the ENTIRE FAMILY to meet many wonderful people, professional and personal, and be involved in the “glamour” of performing and traveling with the COMPANY/TROUPE.  We invite you to become involved and enjoy the program as much as you daughter will! _

PARENT COMMITTEE:  Each parent needs to sign up for a COMPANY parent committee.  Each committee will have certain jobs.  Sign ups will be at the first parents meeting of the year.  Here is an idea of the committee’s we will have: Party Planners, Prop Parents, Costume Moms, Lucky Ducks, and Fundraiser Team  

COMMITMENT:  This is a one-year commitment (Aug 3^rd 2009 thru the end of July 2010 that will be a wonderful learning and growing opportunity for each dancer.  (Unless you are a High School senior, your commitment ends with High School graduation or Concert which ever comes last.) Dancers will develop many positive skills.  Parents and Dancers must be willing to make a firm commitment to the team by attending all classes, performances, rehearsals, competitions and workshops.  The rules and guidelines are designed to insure each dancer has a successful and positive experience.  If dancers must miss class for any reason, pleases call the studio and let the teacher know in advance.  Dancers may not miss their choreography class the week prior to performance or competition.  Dancers who miss class will be spaced out of numbers for performing and competitions.  We will be having a demerit system in effect this year.  

TECHNICAL ABILITY:  It is the responsibility of each COMPANY member to maintain sharp technical skills in ballet and jazz dance through 100% dedication in class and during performances.  You may be required to take extra classes to maintain the level of technique on your team.  

STUDIO POLICIES:  Studio 56 provides a beautiful and safe facility for our students to learn and grow.  The following policies help students learn respect, courtesy and keep our studio in excellent condition: 

1. NO FOOD OR DRINKS ALLOWED.  Bottled water may be kept in the waiting room.ABSOLUTELY no food, drinks or gum in the dance room. 
2. When dropping off or picking up your child, DO NOT park in the driveway.  It stops traffic on the main road.  Please wait for your child on the south curb only.  NO STUDENTS should be crossing the street.  Small children need to be picked up inside the lobby after class.  Please be sure to talk to your child about the safety of staying inside until their ride comes in to get them.  
3. NEW STUDIO POLICY-At the end of the PM younger classes we will be walking the children out front where they will need to be picked up curbside.  They will remain with a staff member until a parent/pick up person comes.  At this time we will assist them to your car.  Please be on time, our staff needs to return to class promptly.  If you need to come in to pick up your child please park accordingly to help the curbside pick up run smoothly. 
4. Please have students arrive 5-10 minutes prior to the start of their class.  This will insure that no class time is wasted.  Students must be picked up within 15 minutes of the end of class.  Students are never left alone.  If any staff member has to wait for students to be picked up after the studio closes, there is a $10 charge for every 5 minutes.  PLEASE BE PUNCTUAL!! 
5. Students are expected to pick up after themselves, keep all personal items in bags and display respect and courtesy to all studio property, fellow students and staff.  Put names on everything!!! 
6. Parent observation is the 1^st lesson of the month.  You may video tape or record music for home practice if you would like.