POLICIES
1. CLASS ATTIRE:
Proper attire for class must be followed. Students not prepared and dressed appropriately for class will be asked to sit and observe the lesson. Proper attire is essential for proper instruction, as bodylines and placement are imperative to dance education. Class attire is as follows:
Creative Movement , Combo Classes:
Leotard of color of choice; pink or white tights; skirt is optional
Ballet Level I - Advanced Pointe:
Black Leotard; Pink tights; Skirt is optional
Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Irish Dance, Musical Theater:
Leotard in color of choice; pink, white, black, or tan tights; skirt, shorts, jazz / yoga pants are optional
Acro:
Leotard in color of choice, shorts. No tights please.
Hip-Hop:
Leotard in color of choice; pink, white, black, or tan tights, shorts, Capri pants, jazz / yoga pants are all acceptable.
Boys:
Creative Movement, Ballet/Tap Combo, Ballet:
White T-Shirt (no print); Black Sweatpants, Track Pants, or Shorts
Tap, Jazz, Musical Theater, Hip-Hop:
T-shirt in color of choice; Sweatpants, Track Pants, or Shorts
Adult Classes: Students enrolled in Adult classes may wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. No jeans or restrictive clothing please.
Warming the muscles is an important function of the body to enable stretching and choreography. At instructor discretion, “Warm-ups” may be worn during the warm-up and/or barre portion of class. Warm-ups include: legwarmers, arm warmers, jazz/yoga pants, close-fitting long-sleeve shirts, close-fitting hoodies. Please consult with the studio if you have a question on what is appropriate to wear.
Dance Attire may be purchased at local dance retailers, such as Finer Pointes (140 Preble Street, Portland) or online. Great sites for dancewear are www.discountdance.com or www.dancedistributors.com.
2. FOOTWEAR:
Dance shoes for class may be purchased at the studio. If you opt to purchase your shoes at a local dance retailer, please consult with the studio before you do, so that all students’ footwear is appropriate and functional.
SHOES FOR CLASSES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Dance shoes for class may be purchased at Drouin Dance Center.
Creative Movement I, II: Pink Leather Ballet Slippers
Ballet/Tap Combo I, II: Pink Leather Ballet Slippers, Tan Mary-Jane Buckle Tap Shoes
Ballet/Jazz Combo I, II: Pink Leather Ballet Slippers, Black Jazz Shoe (Slip-on, no ties)
Ballet Level I - Pointe: Pink Leather or canvas Ballet Slippers (Pointe classes have soft shoes & Pointe shoes)
Lyrical: Tan Jazz Shoe (Slip-on, no ties)
Tap: Black Oxford Tap Shoe with Capezio or Bloch taps
Musical Theater: Tan T-Strap Character Shoe
Irish Step Dance: Ghillie Irish Shoes
Jazz: Black Jazz Shoe (Slip-on, no ties)
Hip-Hop: Black Low-Top Dance Sneaker
(Boys are same, except black ballet shoe)
Dance shoes should NEVER be worn outside. Please carry your shoes to and from class in a bag to keep them clean and prevent tracking dirt, salt and sand into the dance studios.
*Some Creative Movement Lessons will require bare-feet. The instructor will notify the class in advance, so that you may prepare your student to dance without tights and shoes.
**Pointe students must be approved by the studio and placed in the appropriate level before beginning class. Preparation Pointe and Beginning Pointe Students work to dance en pointe and will be advised by the instructor as to when to be fitted for and purchase shoes. All students MUST consult with the instructor before purchasing any pointe shoes. Outside classwork of strengthening and stretching is required of all Preparation Pointe Students.
(Boys are same, except black ballet shoe)
3. HAIR & JEWELRY:
Hair must be secured back off of the face into a ponytail or bun, with a hair elastic. Longer ponytails MUST be wrapped into a bun, as the hair tends to whip students in the eyes while practicing turns and jumps. Please make sure your student’s hair is secure enough to withstand the entire class and does not need to be readjusted during class.
Excessive jewelry is not allowed during class. This includes long necklaces, bracelets, dangling earrings (studs and small hoops are allowed), watches, and any other pieces that would disrupt the movement of the student or become distracting.
4. TUITION:
Tuition is due on the first class of every month from September through May. We do not send out statements. A late fee of 10% is charged each subsequent week until the monthly tuition is paid.
5. FOOD & BEVERAGES:
No food or beverages are allowed in any classrooms. Water in a covered/capped water bottle or thermos is allowed and encouraged. Absolutely no gum is allowed in any classrooms and during class. Please be considerate of snacks that you bring into the studio and discard of any waste.
Restrooms must be used by all students prior to entering the classroom. Classroom breaks are not held, and students may leave the classroom for ugent matters only.
6. CLASS PLACEMENT:
Please consult the studio regarding your student's class placement before registering your student for classes. We understand that some students have prior dance instruction and we will place your student in the appropriate class to exercise their maximum potential.
7. STREET SHOES:
No street shoes will be allowed beyond the designated area. Sand, salt and dirt becomes embedded into the dance floors and uncomfortable for all students and staff.
8. WITHDRAWALS:
Students that withdraw from class must do so by written notice to the studio. Students will be responsible for any unpaid tuition, fees, or costume fees due up to when the written notice is received.
9. REFUNDS:
There are no refunds for tuition, shoes, dancewear, tights or costumes. Tuition is not prorated. Shoes may be exchanged for the proper size or re-sold at the studio. Registration fees are non-refundable.
10. MAKEUP/SNOW DAYS:
All cancellations due to inclement weather will be posted on the studio answering machine (phone:854-2221) WCSH 6, WGME 13, and WMTW 8. All classes are allowed one snow day. Any additional snow days will incur a make-up class, scheduled for Spring. Students will be advised by the Instructor as to what classes they may attend to make-up any classes lost to snow days.
11. STUDENT OBSERVATIONS:
Parents, Guardians and Friends are allowed to view their students classes during the first week of classes during the months of October, December, February, and April. Observation is not allowed at any other time unless approved by the studio.
12. PERSONAL SAFETY:
The Dana Warp Mill is a large building with many various businesses. All students junior high age and under should be dropped off and picked up from class inside the studio by an adult. All other students should travel to and from the 3rd floor in pairs or small groups. Young students should not be picked up outside, and should be picked up inside the studio. There is an elevator in the building, at the ramp entrance for those who have trouble walking the stairs. We understand that this may be an inconvenience for some, but our priority is safety for all of our students.
13. PARKING:
Free Parking is available in the spaces directly in front of the mill, and in the parking lot adjacent to the mill on Bridge Street. Overflow parking is available at St. Anthony’s Church on Brown Street, next to Portland Pie Company on Main Street and behind CVS on Main Street.
14. BULLETIN BOARD & CALENDAR:
Communication is the key! We update our Studio Bulletin Board and Calendar regularly. These are both posted in our waiting area. (You can’t miss them!) Please make sure to check both when you drop off and pick up your students, to keep up with What’s New, Notices, and Events. We also have a monthly Studio Newsletter, Website Updates and regular email updates to keep you and your student updated and informed of all goings-on.
15. CLASS PICTURES:
Class Pictures, with each class in their recital costume, will be taken in May. Specific class times will be announced. Each student is required to participate in the Class Picture, however, students are not required to purchase any picture packages.
16. RECITAL:
Performing is an integral part of a dance education. Dance education involves technique, choreography, and performing opportunities. ALL September-June Session students are required to perform in the Annual Recital held in June. This requires the purchase of a costume, accessories and tights for each class, all ordered by the studio. Fees and Costs are listed under Tuition & Fees. All students are also required to take part in the Dress Rehearsal for recital and have their picture taken with their class during our Picture Weekend in May. Dates and Times will be announced as soon as they become available.
Workshop Students will not be required to participate in the Recital and Picture Weekend. Workshops will be announced throughout the September-June Session and are generally 6-8 weeks in length.
17. ATTENDANCE:
Attendance in all scheduled classes is mandatory. Please contact the studio if your student is going to miss class.
18. LOW-ENROLLMENT OR FULL CLASSES:
We require a minimum of 3 students to be enrolled in a class to keep it open. If a class experiences low enrollment, it may be combined with another class, scheduled for another day and/or time. Should your class experience low enrollment, you will be notified as soon as possible.
Some class sizes are limited, due to the nature of the class and/or student ages and ability. Registrations are taken on a first come/first served basis, secured by the Registration Fee. Should a class fill to capacity, it will be "closed" and alternate classes will be recommended for the dancer.
19. REGISTRATION:
New registrations for the September-June Term will not be accepted after Thanksgiving. Alternate workshops and classes will be recommended for all students who register after Thanksgiving.
20. INJURY:
We at Drouin Dance Center make every attempt to provide our students with proper training and a safe environment, but realize that accidents do happen. The American Red Cross certifies all of the Instructors at Drouin Dance Center in First Aid and CPR. Students and their parent/s and/or guardian/s assume the risk involved with any injuries that may occur as a result of taking part in a dance class. Should an injury occur, the Instructor will make every attempt to assist with the injury and the contact listed on their Registration Form as the Emergency Contact Person will be notified. The Emergency Contact Person should advise the Instructor if an ambulance should be called in the event of an extreme injury.
21. DISCLAIMER:
Drouin Dance Center reserves the right to amend, or revise any of these policies at any time. Should you have any questions regarding the aforementioned policies, please do not hesitate to contact us.
