Artistic Soul’s 2010/2011 Studio Policies
Artistic Soul Studios would like to thank YOU, the parent, for giving us the opportunity to be a part of your child’s artistic journey. We know that as parents, you are very selective with your child’s experiences, and we are honored that you have chosen our program to further enrich their lives. Our program incorporates modules will teach your children not only to be better dancers, but to develop other important aspects of their lives. Our new and improved program incorporates a “health and wellness” component that will teach the students about nutrition and healthy eating habits as well as how to keep their bodies free from injuries.
We have developed specific guidelines for our program that have the students best interest in mind. We ask that you please adhere to all of our studio policies to ensure that your child’s experience with Artistic Soul Studios is a happy and healthy one.
Studio Etiquette:
Basic Guidelines:
• All students are expected to be well-behaved, courteous, honest, and to abide by the rules of Artistic Soul Studios.
• Attitudes that are disrespectful, uncooperative, or aggressively competitive do not have a place at Artistic Soul Studios. Any parent or student exhibiting these attitudes will be asked to leave.
• We expects all members to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful to others and to themselves. They will not make comparisons to each other or speak negatively about one another or the instructors. At Artistic Soul Studios we are all Family. We love and support each other always… We laugh together… We cry together… And we have come to realize that the bonds formed within our walls are ones that you will cherish always.
• There will be no rough-housing, running or loud voices in the building. Any students or family members exhibiting any of these negative behaviors will be asked to leave.
• Studio Members are expected to keep the bathrooms, waiting areas, and classrooms neat and clean. Members and visitors are expected to pick up after themselves.
• We are certainly pet lovers, but to ensure that our facilities remain clean and comfortable for everyone, please refrain from bringing pets into the building.
Cellphones:
There are absolutely NO CELLPHONES allowed in the dance or drama rooms. Cellphones should be kept in you child’s bag and should be set to vibrate or silent. Students will be allowed to check their phones in between classes. Any student that does not comply with our NO CELLPHONE policy will have their phone confiscated and will be available for pick up by the parents only.
Lost and Found:
All clothing and shoes brought to the studio should be marked with the name of the student. A lost and found box will be kept in the studio office. We do have cameras monitoring the facility, however we will NOT be responsible for lost or stolen items.
Class Rules:
• Students should be on time for class. Plan to arrive approximately five minutes before your class, dressed and ready to warm up.
• If students are more than 10 minutes late for class, they may be asked to sit and observe. Latecomers can be a distraction to the other dancers and proper warm-up is important to prevent injury. If there is a scheduling conflict getting to class from school, please notify the Teacher or the Director before the class has started that your child will be tardy. Students who are tardy are to enter the class quietly and warm up on their own until the Instructor asks them to join the class. Parents DO NOT interrupt a class already in progress to explain why your child is tardy you may do so at the end of class.
• No unnecessary talking during class. This applies to both students and observers.
• No gum, candy, food, or beverages (other than water) are allowed in the dance rooms.
• Please bring a water bottle to class if you feel that you will need water. You may also purchase water from the vending machine prior to class. There will be limited permission to leave class to go to the drinking fountain.
• Dancers should use the restroom before class. There will be limited permission to leave class to use the restroom for the older students.
• Parents of younger students should remind their children to use the restroom before the beginning of class.
• There will be no hanging, playing, sitting, or climbing on the wall barres. This is for both the child’s safety and to ensure the longevity of our equipment.
• During class, students are expected to listen closely when an instructor is correcting another student so that they may also learn from the correction.
Attire:
Shoes:
To ensure that our studio rooms and floors last as long as possible and remain in great shape, we ask that you please adhere to this policy.
Do not wear dance shoes outside. Change them at the studio. This will keep your shoes clean and in good condition, and protect the studio dance floor.
Dress Code:
Dance is an art form that places a lot of focus on the physical appearance. Therefore, dress code is very important. An Instructor needs to be able to see the contours of the body to ensure proper placement.
Pee Wee Combination Class: Pink or Blue Leotard, Pink Tights, Ballet Slippers and Tap Shoes. Hair should be pulled back securely out of your child’s face.
Ballet: Black Leotard, Pink Tights and Pink Ballet Slippers. Hair should be pulled back securely in a proper bun.
Modern: Black Leotard, Black Tights. Hair should be pulled back securely in a proper bun.
Jazz & Contemporary/Stretch & Turn & Jump/Acro: Students can wear a variety of dance clothes. Clothing should be tight to the body so the teacher can see the students body alignment (no street clothes). Students can either wear Jazz Shoes or dance barefoot. Hair should be pulled back securely out of the students face.
Tap: Students can wear a variety of dance clothes. Teachers must be able to see the students body placement and of course the feet.
Hip Hop: T-shirt, Sweat Pants and Sneakers. In this class students are encouraged to bring their own personal style to the dance floor.
*A dance bag is recommended for all students. We have our Artistic Soul Studio bags available or the students may bring in their own. Please write your child’s name on everything. We encourage that students leave valuable items at home. If you find that your child is missing something, check with the Instructor.
Student Assistants:
Advanced students may be asked to help with the lower level classes. Assistants will not be teaching the classes, but will be following the teacher’s instructions, thereby helping with the dance education of the assistants as well as enabling the younger students to receive more attention.
Class Cancellations:
Weather:
Artistic Soul Studios follows Miami-Dade County Schools for weather related cancellations. You may also refer to the Studio News page of the website for the most up-to-date information or call the studio. If a class is canceled for weather, Artistic Soul Studios has the discretion to direct students to make up the class in another class, or to schedule additional classes.
Withdrawal/Drop:
We understand issues arise that may require a student to withdraw from class. If this would occur, we require a written notice two weeks prior to their anticipated last class. If a written notice is not received, tuition will not be adjusted. All tuition and costume fees are non-refundable and must be paid in full by necessary dates.
Low Enrollment:
Classes may be canceled if enrollment is not sufficient at Artistic Soul Studio’s discretion. If you are enrolled in a classes that is later canceled, you will be given the opportunity to transfer into another class or receive a refund.
Reserve right to withdraw:
Artistic Soul Studios reserves the right to withdraw a student from class in the event that:
• They exhibit unsafe behavior toward themselves, other students or Instructors.
• They use inappropriate language/behavior around other students, Instructors or Parents.
• They continuously fail to follow directions from an Instructor or staff member.
• A family is more than two months behind in their tuition or costume payments.
• A student or family member refuses to cooperate with the guidelines set forth by Artistic Soul Studios.
Student Pickup:
Students are expected to wait in the building to be picked up. Please do not ask your child to “go downstairs” via cellphone. Students will not be allowed to walk downstairs without an adult.
Studio Closed:
Artistic Soul Studios follows the Miami Dade Public School Calendar. When Public Schools are Closed so is the Studio unless informed otherwise. For specific calendar dates please see Director.
Studio Rentals:
The rental rate for studio usage ranges from $35.00-$75.00 per hour based on number of hours per week and the rental times requested. Please visit http://contact.artisticsoulstudios.com to fill out our contact form to inquire about the availability of the studio space.
Payment Policy:
• Artistic Soul Studios implements an automated tuition billing system. We will continue to accept both Cash and Personal Checks, however all families are REQUIRED to have a credit/debit card on file in order for your child to attend.
• Tuition will be automatically charged on the first of every month. If you wish to pay by personal check or with cash you must do so BEFORE the first of the month, otherwise your account will be charged.
• If there is a change in your child’s schedule it is your job to notify the Director before the 1st of the month to avoid improper charging.
• There will be no refunds or credits to your account for missed classes. If a student is absent, or if the Studio is closed for a Holiday (Christmas Break & Spring Break Excluded), the student has 4 weeks to make up the class. If the same class is not available, then the student can make up in a similar class.
Annual Studio Productions & Recitals:
Recital is an integral part of the student’s Performing Arts education. Presented in a professional theater and setting, it provides an additional extension of the benefits derived from their performing arts training. We will have an Annual Recital that will take place in June at the end of the 2010/2011 season. The recital will be a culmination of your child’s hard work, and will give them the opportunity to shine like the stars they are. It is a chance for family and friends to experience their talent and passion, and a chance for them to show their ARTISTIC SOUL!
Studio Updates:
We strive to have a clear line of communication with our studio family. We try to offer several options to our studio families to keep everyone up to date on what is happening at the studio.
• We have a user-friendly website that will be updated frequently with all the current info parents and students may need.
• Our studio board is updated weekly with all current studio information.
• Also, new this year, we will be sending out a monthly newsletter that is sent to the parents via email that will have all current studio news along with various tips for you and your dancer.
• Parents will also have a direct line of communication with all staff via staff mailboxes which teachers will be required to check twice a week. .
Teaching Methodology:
• Our studio emphasizes the understanding of proper technique and sequential learning. Our program caters to everyone regardless of age, size or talent.
• Our program is unique in our methodology and training. Although students at the beginning level are not required (but strongly encouraged) to take all disciplines. Once students reach the Advanced and Company Levels they will have a rigorous training regimen that will give them the superior technique and artistry that will prepare them for any performance challenge they may face.
• Our teaching method is based on positive reinforcement not old-style negative disciplining. We believe that over the long haul, positive corrections and teaching is much more effective.
• The different performance styles are often called “Disciplines”… and that is exactly what we believe each student will take with them after training at our facilities. If nothing else, the students will walk away having learned that with commitment, hard work and a little faith that they can work to achieve anything they want.
Open Door Policy:
• Our Performing Arts Center has an open door policy with the parents. We want you to be involved in your child’s growth. We welcome your input about teachers and classes and encourage you to ask questions about curriculum and your child’s progress.
• We ask that you respect the Instructors and the children being taught and hold all questions, comments and concerns for before or after class. Parents should never interrupt a class unless there is an emergency. There are NO PARENTS allowed in the Dance Rooms.
• We understand that with Peewee classes the children at times get “the first day jitters”, and don’t want Mommy to leave. However, we ask that parents avoid sitting inside the classrooms as it can be a distraction to the entire class.
• We allow 2 classes for your child to become accustom to the teacher and their new environment if after 2 classes you child is still experiencing separation anxiety then they are not ready to begin their dance experience and should return when better adjusted.
Artistic Soul Studios is commencing it’s 3rd year and are continuously strive to be better. We are always eager to receive feedback from both the students and the parents. We don’t have all the answers but when things don’t go according to plan we work diligently to better the situation as quickly as possible. We are still in our growing phase and are continually learning from all of our experiences. We are blessed to have the love and support of all of our students, and from you, the parents. Thank You for sharing our Journey.
Regards,
Artistic Soul Studios Management