DANCE ACADEMY POLICIES
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Class Advancement and Placement Policy
At The Culture House we take great care and concern in making sure that each student is in a class where they will be challenged, but not overwhelmed, as well able to execute new dance movements without injury or instilling bad patterns. Different than other arts techniques, dance is a form that can only be practiced at a studio and under close supervision. One of the most serious mistakes a student can make is to push to be in a level that they are not ready for. This can impede their ability to grow, cause injury and seriously effect a student's motivation and sense of confidence. It is the exclusive decision of the Director of the School of Dance and the teaching staff in deciding the appropriate classes for each student.
Annual Spring Production
Since 2000, The Culture House Dance Academy has provided students with an exciting performance experience through its productions. An annual tradition of dance schools worldwide, the production is an important rite of passage for young dancers, giving them a chance to shine in front of family and friends. The experience helps build self-esteem and contributes to a sense of confidence. Although performance opportunities can help prepare some students for a possible career in dance, they also contribute to better school presentations, improved social skills, and strong communication skills. The rehearsal process is also a tremendous learning experience, helping students develop their retention skills and team cooperation. All students enrolled in the TCH School of Dance are required to participate in this process. Dedication to production commitments is the responsibility of both the students and their parents. The information below is an effort to clarify what we expect from you in terms of commitment and responsibility to the annual production, the school, and other students and parents. All students enrolled in dance classes are required to participate in our annual dance production. Our production is an extension of the benefits derived from the dedication of dance training. As part of their participation in the show, students learn showmanship, teamwork skills, memorization of patterns and how to express individual personalities.
Production Planning and Communications
Production information and updates will be posted on The Culture House website, at www.culturehouse.com, in the newsletter, on the school bulletin board and sent to your email address. Please make it your responsibility to keep abreast of this important information and to note any deadlines. The production is not a one-day activity. It is our goal to make the production experience as organized and exciting as possible but it’s a team effort; students, parents, teachers, and the staff are all key players in the success of the show.
Costumes Policy
A dance costume is required for each class the student is enrolled in. We spend many hours determining the correct costumes for each class, making sure they are age-appropriate and of the highest quality possible. The Costume fee is a rental fee per costume. All costumes remain the property of The Culture House and must be returned at the end of the performance. If students are enrolled in more than two classes the 1st two Costume fees will be due at the 1st Parent Meeting in November and any additional fees will be billed in the month of January. All costume fees must be paid in full before construction begins. Accessories, such as headpieces and gloves, are included in the costume fee. Additional costs such as tights and shoes are the responsibility of the student and parent and are not included in the costume fee. We recommend that the student’s name be placed on all shoes, hair nets, hair pin bag, accessories, and tights. Pack accessories in a clear plastic bag with your child’s name on the bag and on each individual item. Costume Committee: At the beginning of the school year, a Costume Committee will be organized, comprising of parent/seamstress volunteers to help make the costumes. This volunteer committee is very important as purchasing readymade costumes is extremely expensive and they are often of a very inferior quality.
Dress Rehearsal
Dress rehearsals allow students to become familiar with the auditorium and to feel comfortable with their costume(s) and their performance on stage. Lighting, music cues, set changes, and all other logistics for an organized and professional performance are rehearsed. Participation in the dress rehearsal is mandatory. One parent or guardian may accompany each student to the dress rehearsal(s). Please, no siblings. We recommend making a checklist of your child’s routines and gather all accessories, shoes, and makeup several days in advance so you’ll know if something is missing or isn’t right before going to the theater. Parents or guardians should bring the students and sign them in and out of the greenroom, where they will be placed under the supervision of their teacher and/or their class mom(s). Parents or guardians must remain in the auditorium until their students have been dismissed. Parents who are not working in the greenroom are not allowed in after the students have been checked in for the rehearsal and/or the show. Students will be informed about any make-up requirements so that they can arrive ready to participate. Uniform hairstyles are required. Students will pick up their costume in the greenroom and may change in the dressing room.
Auditorium rules
Students will remain in the greenroom/dressing rooms with their class during dress rehearsal and the production when they are not onstage. Parents are not allowed to take their child into the auditorium during the performance. Greenroom & Dressing room etiquette: Each class will be supervised by the teacher and/or a class mom. Students must respect other students’ space and property in the greenroom/dressing rooms. The students will spend more time in the greenroom/dressing rooms than onstage so please do your best to keep them organized and clean. Due to allergies, no peanut products are allowed in the greenroom/dressing rooms. Backstage: Family members and friends don’t belong backstage or in the dressing rooms during rehearsals or the production. Please understand that this is a private dressing area. The same applies during intermission and after the show. Students in the show should stay in the greenroom between their pieces. Please remind your family and guests to be respectful of these areas. Those who wish to greet a performer after the show or present flowers should do so after the last finale. We ask that Flash photography not be used. Flashes can interrupt concentration and endanger the performers.
Production Volunteer Information
Volunteering is a fun and positive way to support your child in their efforts; many times the entire family may be able to participate. In keeping with The Culture House’s Child Protection Policy, all volunteers will be required to complete a volunteer packet and to attend an orientation meeting. All volunteers must abide by the policies set forth by The Culture House’s Child Protection Policy and its Volunteer Handbook. All volunteers will receive an identification badge at the dress rehearsal, which must be worn in the theater at all times. Please do not bring guests, including children while you are volunteering. If you are interested in volunteering or heading up one of the committees please let us know as soon as possible. All volunteers are required to submit to a background check.
Fees
Production Fee- $45.00 per student
Costume Rental Fee- $45.00 per costume
Refunds
No refunds will be made if a student withdraws from class after costume materials have been purchased.
Parent Meetings
At least one parent of every student participating in the spring performance must attend all parent meetings. It is at these parent meetings that parents will be informed of volunteer opportunities, receive information regarding ticket sales, multi-show family tickets, rehearsal schedules, costumes and much more. Missing these meetings could put parents and students at a disadvantage and jeopardize the overall process of the production. Please make a note of the time and dates of these meetings on the TCH calendar and plan now to attend.
CLICK HERE FOR GENERAL ACADEMY POLICIES