The Factory Dance Productions

Dancer and Parent Handbook

2017-2018

Mission Statement:
The Factory Dance Productions is a vibrant arts community devoted to professionalism
and excellence in dance classes, faculty, administration, annual performances, and general
operations. We share in the joys and challenges of dance education in a disciplined, yet positive
environment that encourages the development and full self expression of each dancer,
regardless of age and experience.

Code of Ethics:
We the dancers, faculty and staff of our dance studio are a community of people who
have a high regard for each other, the art of dance, and the respectability and value of the work
we do. All who participate are requested to demonstrate the willingness to be held accountable
to uphold the values and ethics we declare as the fundamental guidelines stated below. In all of
our love of dance, we show respect to the parents, our peers, the staff and faculty of our dance
studio and all of the wider dance community, including our competition. We consider it a
privilege to participate in a worldwide community for the performing art of dance exemplifying
the values of integrity, character, leadership, responsibility, and professionalism.

Integrity: To conduct oneself with honesty, courtesy, and respect. To express consideration for
ones fellow dancers, educators, parents, staff, and competitors. To be a person who leads by
example and honors commitments.To be a person other people can count on.

Leadership: To guide , direct and influence people in achieving their highest goals and ideals.
By setting an example through ones actions and speech. To inspire and serve the people of
your class, team, or community through full participation in all dance related activities.

Responsibility: To respect and adhere to the policies and procedures of the studio. To be a
person who interacts with peers and authority figures in a mature manner. To question authority
in a respectful manner. To speak of any issue or grievance to the person who is able to resolve
any concern. To be willing to receive coaching and direction when deemed appropriate. The
willingness to be a team player for the good of all.

Character: To be a person who represents high levels of personal integrity, leadership, and
responsibility for oneself and others. A person who has the courage and willingness to face
issues and concerns with maturity and dignity. To avoid gossip, criticism, or denigrating
comments for any member of the dance community, parent, or, peers.
Professionalism: To respect the dance profession and uphold our values and standards of
conduct. To support and encourage one another. To voice opinions and initiate change that will
elevate the dance community. To recognize oneself as a role model at all times. To love the
study and performance of dance as a universal art form.

Typical Non-Tuition Expenses:

- Shoes ($25-$75) - Dancers will need to have new, clean, presentable shoes for all
performances, including competitions and recitals.
- Tights ($15) - Dancers will need to have new, clean, presentable tights (no rips, runs, or
tears) for all performances, including competitions and recitals. They will also be required to
wear presentable tights during ballet classes.
- Costume (price varies with routine) Competition costumes tend to be a little more expensive
than recital costumes, but they will not exceed $100. Recital costumes will be $60 each.
Competition Team Only:
- Jacket ($70) - Dancers are not required to buy a new jacket each year. If they are happy with
the condition and fit of their previous jacket, they may wear their used one.
- Convention Fee (for 2-day workshop) averages $180
- Competition Entry Fee (per routine) averages $40
- This does not include solos, duos, and trios, which tend to run around $80 each
- Hotel Expenses (varies)
- You are not required to stay at the recommended or host hotels. These hotels usually
include Sheraton, Westin, Radisson, and Marriott.
- The conventions usually provide a discounted block of rooms, but not always.

Appropriate Attire For Class:

- Ballet
Black Leotard
Pink Tights
Pink Ballet Shoes
Hair in a tight bun (no flyaways)

- Tap
Dance wear
Including, but not limited to, boy shorts, leggings, tight-fitting tops, etc.
NO ATHLETIC SHORTS (i.e. Nike Shorts)
Tap Shoes
We require black tap shoes for performances, so we recommend you buy the black
tap shoes to wear to class to avoid buying another pair before performances.
However, you may wear any color tap shoes you like to class.
Hair pulled back (i.e. pony tail or braids)
- Jazz
Dance wear (same guidelines as tap attire)
Jazz Shoes or other footwear assigned by the teacher (this can include dance paws,
socks, pedinis, etc.)
We most often require tan jazz shoes for performances. We recommend you buy tan
jazz shoes to wear to class to avoid buying another pair before performances.
However, you may wear any color jazz shoes you like to class.
Hair pulled back (i.e. pony tail or braids)
- Contemporary
Dance wear (same guidelines as above)
Dance paws, socks (only if assigned by teacher)
Hair pulled back (i.e. pony tail or braids)
- Hip Hop
Anything comfortable to move in
Sneakers, Converse, or Combat Boots
NO SOCKS OR JAZZ SHOES
Hair pulled back (i.e. pony tail or braids)
- Acro
Tight-fitting active wear and NO SHOES
Hair securely pulled back in either a bun or a pony tail
- Combo Classes
Anything they can move in
This can include leotards, shorts, leggings, etc.
Ballet Shoes (Pink)
Black Mary Jane Style Tap Shoes
Tan Jazz Shoes (if applicable)
Hair pulled out of their face (we understand their hair may be too short to pull into a pony
tail, so pinning it out of their faces is perfect)

Expected Class Behavior

Our classes are specifically structured by Nohe to prepare students with the appropriate level
syllabus, to include warm-ups, center combinations, and choreography. It is imperative that
the student arrives on time to participate in the warm-up exercises so no injury occurs. If a
student is more than 15 minutes late (without prior instructor knowledge), he/she will be asked
to observe the class, rather than participate.
Each dancer must be respectful to all dancers, teachers, and faculty, both inside and outside
of the studio. This includes refraining from derogatory comments about the studio, director,
faculty, and fellow teammates. This includes personal and online interactions.
Dancers and parents must be respectful of the fact that the choreographers have the sole
discretion to place dancers in their choreography and formations however they may choose.
 First and foremost, dancers are here to learn! All classes are taught with organization,
discipline, authority, and respect. As each teacher produces these qualities to her/his student,
the same is expected from each student.
No one is to enter the classroom until it is time for class. Your instructor will escort you in and
out of the classroom.
Absolutely no parents are allowed in the classroom unless explicitly invited by the instructor.
This helps your child maintain focus in order to learn as effectively as possible.
All students are expected to maintain personal hygiene (i.e. deodorant, foot spray or powder,
etc. as needed per individual student).
Hair must be pulled back away from face for ALL classes. Students will be asked to fix hair
before entering the classroom.
Absolutely no gum, candy, food, or drinks allowed in the classroom area. Water (contained in
bottles with a lid) may be brought into the dressing hallway. All other food and drinks must be
kept in the lobby and hallway before the bathrooms.
No cell phones are allowed in the classroom.
No excessive or inappropriate chatting is permitted in the classroom.
When the teacher is giving advice and corrections to other students, every student would do
well to listen. All students can learn from the corrections of others.
We are not responsible for lost or stolen items, so be sure to write your name in all shoes and
dance apparel and keep them in personal bags.
If a student takes more than one class per day, he/she will have enough time between classes
to change shoes, go to the bathroom, and take a short water/snack break. Students should
not be leaving the classroom in the middle of a class to use the bathroom.
We reserve the right to suspend or dismiss any student whose attitude, attendance, or
moral/behavioral conduct is unsatisfactory.

Attendance Policy
Each dancer must attend ALL practices after January to learn recital choreography. You
will not be refunded or reimbursed for missing classes due to illness, injury, or other personal
matters. Make-up classes are available if you miss class. It is your responsibility to refer to the
make-up schedule posted on the website and in the welcome packet. You are required to pay
your usual monthly tuition unless the studio closes for an excessive amount of time due to
weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Costumes and recital fees will still be due if you un-
enroll past the due date. Make-up classes are offered when the studio closes due to holidays,
weather, etc.

Pick-ups and Drop-offs:

It is important for your student to be picked up on time as other classes are taking place
and childcare is not provided. We are only responsible for watching your child during his/her
allotted class time. It is not fair to the directors or instructors to have to wait after classes have
been dismissed for the student to be picked up.
 Students get out of class on time each week. You will be charged $5.00 for each 5
minutes you are late, beginning 10 minutes after the class has been dismissed in order to cover
the payroll of the staff member who is staying with your child. It will be charged at the time you
pick up your student.
Arriving Early: We love that The Factory is your dance home. However, please do not
arrive more than 30 minutes early for your classes. We are not able to watch all children
adequately outside of the classroom.

Showcases
The Factory is proud to offer many performance opportunities throughout the year. Our Spring
Showcase is tentatively scheduled for May 19. This is subject to change, but we will know
definitively by the first week of September.

Complaint Policy
If a parent or student has a complaint about the studio, a teacher, another parent/student, etc.,
please ask the office for a Complaint/Suggestion form to fill out. We created this system to more
effectively handle situations like this. This will help us to set up the appropriate meetings in order
to resolve any issues.

Payment Options
- You may choose to pay with check, cash, card, or automatic withdrawal by the 5th of each
month.
- If payment is not made by the due date (5th of each month for tuition) that is outlined on the
Factory Calendar, it will be subject to late charges. Tuition fees are subject to $35 late fees,
and other fees are $5.
- If The Factory receives two checks claimed insufficient, we reserve the right to no longer
accept checks from the customer.
- Credit cards that are on file will be charged if fees are more than one month late. The late
charge will also charged to the credit card.

Inclement Weather and Holidays

The Factory follows the City School Systems schedule for holidays and breaks. If
inclement weather occurs, we will follow the policy of the school systems. We try to implement
these policies as to operate our business in a professional manner. Please discuss this
handbook with your student and encourage him/her to follow all the rules. We are so excited
you have decided to enroll your dancer at The Factory! We are so looking forward to a fantastic
year filled with creativity and positivity!
 Competition Handbook
*the following only refers to the competition team*
Each competition dancer must attend all competition practices, workshop classes,
choreography intensives, competitions, mandatory rehearsals, and at least two master
classes. If you must miss a class due to personal matters, contact Nohe at
thefactorydance@gmail.com. This is the only form of communication that will be
accepted for class excuses.
All missed classes must be made up by attending another class. You may only carry 3
absences that do not have to be made up.
Each competition dancer must attend traditional dance instruction at The Factory. This must
include one ballet class, technique, stretch & strength, and the company classes for the
dances you are assigned.
If you would like to take a class in a style that you were not assigned, please refer to the
recreational dance classes on the schedule.
Each dancer must attend weekend practices when Nohe indicates need for additional
rehearsal to prepare for an upcoming competition. An effort will be made to set a weekend
time slot that is convenient for everyone. The choreographer will proved a two-week notice for
these rehearsals. These practices are equally (if not more) important as the ones held during
the week.
Each dancer must attend a full dress rehearsal prior to the first competition.
It is the students responsibility to have the teacher of the class they are taking as a make-up
inform Nohe of their attendance.