DANCE LIKE NOBODY'S WATCHING
DROUIN DANCE CENTER
HomeAbout UsProgramsPolicies2010 2011 Class ScheduleAdult ClassesSummer 2010ZUMBA!Tuition & FeesCalendarContact UsDIRECTIONSNEWSLETTERBIRTHDAY PARTIESTAP PROGRAMFun EventsTHE DANCE COMPANYPHOTO GALLERY

POLICIES
1. TUITION: Tuition is due on the first class of every month from September through May. We do not send out statements. A late fee $10.00 is charged on all late tuition payments. 
2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. REFUNDS:
There are no refunds for tuition, shoes, dancewear, tights or costumes. Tuition is not prorated. Unworn Shoes may be exchanged for the proper size or re-sold at the studio. Registration fees are non-refundable.

7. 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.

8. 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. 
9.  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.  
10. 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.
 
11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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 May. 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.

14. ATTENDANCE:
Attendance in all scheduled classes is mandatory. Please contact the studio if your student is going to miss class.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

Perfect Attendance Award Policy 
Every year at our June recital, we recognize those students that have attended every one of their dance classes throughout the September-June dance session. Below are the policies and guidelines for dancers who wish to receive the Perfect Attendance Award Trophy: 
1.             Dancers are required to attend all sessions of all of the dance classes they are registered for, including if they take multiple classes per week. 
2.           Dancers may miss up to 4 classes during the September-June session, but must make up each class, assigned and approved by their instructor.  The 4 classes missed must be due to illness, family, or school event. Please call the studio and let us know of the absence. The 4 absences encompass all classes taking. Students MUST make up all missed classes by April 17th.  
3.           Tracking attendance begins at their first class and runs through the end of month of May. (If students register later than the first week of classes, they will not be penalized). 
4.           Students late for class, or leaving early from class on a regular basis (2 out of 4 per month) are considered tardy and not eligible for Perfect Attendance. 
5.           To keep everything fair for all dancers, there are absolutely no exceptions to the above rules. Please do not ask for an exception, it will not be granted. 
Classroom Rules 
  1. Arrive to class on-time and ready to dance in attire, with shoes on, and hair secure.
  2. Please leave street shoes, bags, jackets, etc in the cubbies in the waiting room. Dance shoes only in the classrooms, please.
  3. Please visit the restroom before class. Should young students need to use the restroom during class, we send them out to the waiting room for parents to bring them to the restroom.
  4. Please do not bring valuables to Drouin Dance Center. DDC is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  5. Please be dressed in dance attire and follow the dress code. Dancers not dressed in proper attire will be asked to sit and observe the class.
  6. Always treat your instructor and fellow classmates with respect
  7. Do not speak when the instructor or fellow classmates are speaking
  8. No food, drink, or gum in the classroom; water bottles only and encouraged to stay hydrated
  9. Please do not bring cell phones to dance class.
  10. Parents, Families and Friends are not allowed to observe classes each week- we schedule Observation Days throughout the year.
  11. Please call the studio before your class is scheduled if you or your dancer is going to miss class. There are possibilities for make-up classes, please ask your instructor. We also give Perfect Attendance Awards at the end of the year to those students who have made it to every class all year! Please see our Perfect Attendance Policy for more information!
How to Make the Most of Your or Your Child's Dance Experience 
1.       Arrive to class a few minutes early to ensure that you or your dancer is ready for class on time. This ensures that classes run on schedule, avoiding any conflicts. Being ready for class = proper attire, shoes, hair secure, bathroom visited, and no gum. All students must remain outside of the classroom until the previous class has exited the room and your instructor allows the next class to enter.   
2.      Encourage your dancer to practice at home: Bring in a blank CD to have their recital music burned onto it, or purchase one at the reception desk. 
3.      Discuss the progress of your dancer with his/her instructor. Our instructors offer Private Lessons, if needed (or wanted) starting at  $40.00/hour. 
4.      Be Positive. Dance is an art form studied over a number of years, requiring discipline and hard work. Baryshnikov did not become a ballet star overnight! 
5.      Keep in touch. We work hard to keep the lines of communication open between our dancers, parents, and friends- through our website, emails, this newsletter, and class notes. If you have any questions or feedback, please do not hesitate to ask!  
6.      Know what to expect. We realize that for many of you, the world of dance is a new experience. We strive to keep all informed of tuition due dates, shoes, attire, costume payment due dates, picture day, recital information, and any other events and goings-on. Again, if you are not completely sure of something, please ask.    
FAMILY & FRIENDS OBSERVATION WEEKS:A FEW GUIDELINES TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND ENJOYMENT OF CLASS FOR OUR DANCERS:
 1.       Please do not bring any food or drink into the classrooms, as our dancers, staff, family and friends may slip and fall on any spills or crumbs. Water or covered cups/bottles only, please. 
2.      Please turn all cell phones to vibrate or silent- should you need to answer a call, please exit the classroom so as not to disrupt the class. 
3.      If you have toddlers and other young children, please try to keep them close to you, seated, and not let them run around, for their safety and the dancer’s safety during the lesson. Children should not be allowed to wander throughout the classroom. 
4.    If you wish to videotape, please stay out of the way of the teacher and dancers. We only have a few outlets in the classrooms, so please keep that in mind- we do not allow cords to run across the dance floor as that is a hazard to all.  
5.    Please keep in mind that being observed, for most dancers, is a change from their regular class and the “4th wall” is broken by the visitors. Dancers do not always behave or act as they usually do in their dance classes, and some younger, shy dancers are very apprehensive to take part and participate in class when observed by others.  
6.    Please do not arrive late, as the entrance disrupts the concentration of the class and connection between the instructor and students.