Policies

2010-2011

General Studio Info-

Suzanne’s School of Dance began in 1992 in the Bryan/College Station community. With over 350 students attending weekly classes, Suzanne’s School of Dance is a growing community of dancers and instructors that strive for excellence in every way. Suzanne’s desire is that each student experiences dance in a way that is set apart for God’s Glory. Suzanne and her staff are always striving to provide each student with the highest quality of instruction and a variety of genres of dance. Currently, we have a total of 3 dance rooms in use Monday through Friday. These rooms enable us to offer a variety of different weekly classes. We offer Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Leaps/Turns/Progressions and Pilates for ages 2-adult. Our studio provides a safe and loving environment that does not compromise integrity or values.
Suzanne’s School of Dance is the home of Company and Apprentice AbunDance and PraYze Hip Hop Crew. All Companies perform locally and in surrounding cities. These opportunities include performances in venues such as churches, festivals, workshops and community organizations. Every performance is seen as a ministry opportunity. Company AbunDance has had the privilege to be a part of Project Dance New York since 2002. This is a dance outreach in the heart of Time Square. Company auditions are held annually every spring.
We offer online registration on our website: www.suzannesdance studio.com

Other info about studio:

• Class costs:
 Registration Fee (non-refundable)- $25/year (family maximum of $75)
 50 min class per week- $45/month
 1hour class per week- $50/month
 1 hour 15 minutes – 1.5 hour class per week- $55/month
 every class enrolled in after the main class is $25
 Family discounts available for siblings of two or more students (2nd child is $5 off total monthly tuition. Three or more students – ½ off tuition)
 Unlimited classes per student $177.50
 All “Privates or Semi Privates” must be booked through the studio. Fees vary with instructors and payments are made to Suzanne’s.

• Payment Policies-
 Tuition payments are made by automatic funds transfer (AFT). You merely need to fill out a form and attach a voided check. You will have the option of two dates for the withdrawal to be made.
 All monthly payments are due by the 15th of every month. A late fee of $10 will be added on the 16th towards each student.
 Semester payments will be 5% off the semester total(Sept.-Dec) and (Jan.-May)
 Yearly payments will be 10% off the full year payment (Sept.- May)
 Full tuition is due every month regardless of attendance and/or CSISD holidays. Tuition for the 2010-2011 dance season is divided into 9 equal installments. Payments do not vary due to holidays or the number of weeks in a month. Suzanne’s guarantees a minimum of 33 classes during the session. Any additional classes are considered “free bonus” classes.
 There is a returned check fee of $25.
 If the studio finds it necessary to cancel a class for the semester, a refund of all unused classes will be issued.
 Any billing questions should be directed via e-mail to Gina Beyer. You can direct your questions to suzannesbilling@yahoo.com

Additional Fees-
 Recital Costume Deposit- $20 per costume due in December 1st. Each recital costume ranges in price from $50-$65. The remaining balance for all recital costumes will be billed in January. For example: If you have one child taking 3 disciplines (ballet, tap, jazz) you will pay $60 by last day of fall semester.
 All fundraising credit will be used towards costume balance in January. If your child will not be returning in the spring, your candle fundraising credit will be transferred to another student of your choice. No refund checks will be issued.
 Recital Fee- $25 per child is due in April. This fee is used to help with rental for rehearsals and performance times, program production, printing, stage staff, etc.
 All accounts must be paid in full by the last dance class in May. A monthly late fee of $25 is charged to accounts with unpaid balances.

 Appropriate Dance attire: all classes will be expected to follow the following guidelines for attire. No mid-drifts should show in any classes, hair should always be pulled back away from the face in a ponytail (bun for ballet) and only small jewelry accepted. Underwear should not be visible if worn under leotard.
General Rules:
T-shirts – only allowed in Hip Hop and Tap classes – no exceptions
Shorts – Sofee style shorts can be worn in all classes except ballet
Camis Shirts– may be worn over leotard – except for ballet

 Tiny Tots: Ballet pink tights, solid pink, purple or black leotard (skirts are optional), black tap shoes with elastic (no ribbons) and pink ballet shoes.
 Pre Primary: Ballet pink tights, solid pink, purple or black leotard (skirts are optional), black tap shoes with elastic (no ribbons) and pink ballet shoes.
 All Primary Classes: Ballet pink tights, solid pink, black, or purple leotard (skirts and jazz pants are optional), pink ballet shoes, black tap shoes with elastic (no ribbons), black jazz shoes
 All Secondary Classes: ballet pink tights, any solid color leotard (skirts and jazz pants are optional), pink ballet, black jazz shoes.
 Intermediate Classes: ballet pink tights, any solid color leotard (skirts and jazz pants are optional), pink ballet, black jazz shoes.
 Lyrical/Contemporary: any solid color tights and solid color leotard, lyrical shoes or Foot Undeez (skirts and jazz pants are optional.)
 Syllabus classes: hair must be in a bun, black leotard, pink tights, no skirts, pants, or shirts allowed
 Hip Hop: comfortable/movable clothes such as sweatpants, t-shirts, long shorts, gaucho style pants or capris. Athletic shoes such as tennis shoes are required. No jeans are accepted. Leotard must be worn under shirt.
 Secondary, Intermediate and Advanced Tap: Leotards and tights are not required but are welcomed. Jazz pants, athletic style pants, capris, or shorts with t-shirts are acceptable. Black Oxford style tap shoes are required.
 Jazz: Solid color tights and solid color leotard dance shorts or capri pants must be worn
 Pilates: Leotards and tights are not required but are welcomed. Comfortable/movable clothes such as sweatpants, t-shirts, long shorts, gaucho pants or capris may be worn over leotard. There is no shoe specification required (barefeet, socks, Foot Undeez)
 Modern: Leotards are required. Comfortable/movable clothes such as sweatpants, t-shirts, long shorts, gaucho pants or capris. There is no shoe specification required (barefeet, socks, etc.)
 Boys: any class- white crew neck t-shirt, black shorts or sweat pants, black socks and appropriate shoes per genre. All shoes are black.

 Where can I purchase appropriate dance attire?
 A Dancer’s Trunk is the dance apparel store located within Suzanne’s School of Dance. A Dancer’s Trunk offers everything our dancers need from the youngest dancer to adults. Leotards, tights, skirts, jazz pants, ballet shoes, tap shoes, jazz shoes, lyrical shoes, and more!
 Each enrolled Suzanne’s School of Dance student receives a 10% discount on every purchase!
 A Dancer’s Trunk is open Monday-Thursday 12-6 & Friday 12:00-4:30. 979-694-7463

 Annual Studio Performances
 Christmas in the Park- Primary level and above (all combo classes and other selected classes) will perform at Central Park. Date TBA (usually first weekend in December.)
 Recital/Spring Show: We now have two separate recitals. Both are held the 3rd week of May. All companies will perform at both recitals. Recital 1 will be divided into 2 shows.
 Recital 1- Tiny Tots, Pre Primary, & Primary Levels: Saturday, May 21 1:00 & 3:00pm
 Recital 2 – all Secondary Levels and higher: Sunday, May 22nd, 2:00pm at Rudder Auditorium
 Professional Dance Portraits and Dance Videography- Individual dance portraits are optional and available to purchase (information will be available at a later date).
 Recital videography by Memoir Photography will be available to purchase.
 Dance Portraits – taken at the studio by Steph Lee Photography

 Studio Use:
 Students: Must schedule through office for availability. Fee – use is $15 (up to one hour) $25 (up to two hours). Use not to exceed 2 hours. Must have adult present if under age of 16.
 Non SSD teachers or students: Studio rental for anyone other than students and SSD teachers ~ $20 per ½ -1 hour. By availability only.

 Costume and Recital Meetings: Meetings are held in April. The meetings are mandatory. These meetings are very informative concerning all details for costumes and recital information. Moms or a responsible adult must attend. At this time, you will receive a packet including registration information for the 2010-2011 dance year.

 Costume Fundraiser
 We hold a yearly Recital Costume Fundraiser in October-November. All of your profits from the fundraiser will be applied to the recital costume fees. All remaining money raised from the fundraiser will be applied towards tuition. (Franklin Candle Sales)

 Ballet Syllabus:
At Suzanne’s we use a ballet syllabus in all of our ballet classes. Students can take ballet once a week, and will not be required/able to take the exam. However, in order to move up, students will be required to take and pass the exam, and therefore the second ballet class per week. Sonja Staines, or another qualified teacher she sends over, will come and give the exam and give written feedback. If you do not take two classes per week (one syllabus class) and do not test, you can still move up by taking the same level for three years. Please contact the office of more information.

 Discipline: Discipline is one of the foundational principles in the success of all dance students and classes. It is very important that the students are ready and prepared for class by the time their class begins. During class time, students are expected to pay attention to the instructor and maintain suitable behavior for their age. A student who fails to do so will be disciplined in a manner consistent with his or her age and maturity. For the younger dancers, we will have a “time out” spot in the room. Older students may be excused from participation in class. For a student who continually disrupts class, parental involvement will be called upon. We cannot have children hindering the learning process of others who are there to learn. Tiny Tots, Pre-Primary and Primary classes are rewarded with lollipops and stickers.

 Cell Phones: All cell phones are prohibited in class.

 Attendance and Punctuality: Each student is expected to be dressed and entering into the studio room ready to dance at their class time. Students who are late for class should enter the classroom quietly and without disturbing the class that is already in progress. If you are having a hard time getting your child to class on time , please notify the student’s instructor. We will try to assist with a possible better time.

 Inclement Weather Policy and Make Up Classes:
 Suzanne’s School of Dance will follow the College Station ISD public school closings due to inclement weather. The studio also reserves the right to cancel classes due to weather upon any new upcoming weather knowledge. Please watch news for school closings.
 Unfortunately, we may be unable to make up classes missed due to inclement weather. Please contact the studio for more details. We also cannot give refunds due to illness or vacations.
 It is far better to observe a class than to miss the class altogether when a student does not feel well, as long as the student is not contagious or has a fever.
 Make up classes are optional, not a requirement. Missed classes may be made up in a similar class- your child’s instructor can give you the best class to attend for a make up class. Refer to schedule for make-up class options.

 Withdrawals
While we hope that you will not find it necessary to withdraw your child from Suzanne’s School of Dance, we ask that you please notify the studio by written note immediately if you find you must do so. By not providing proper notice to us, we continue to reserve your child’s place in class. This means another child on a waiting list is kept waiting. By not providing proper notice to us, your child’s account will continue to be billed. Non-attendance is not considered proper notice. Written notice (or e-mail notice) must be received no later than the 15th of each month and will be considered effective on the 1st of the following month. If notice is not given until after the 15th, your account will be billed for the following month.

 Awards
Awards for dancing at Suzanne’s for 5 consecutive years, and 10 or 15 years total dancing (including other studios) and for graduating senior will be presented at the opening of recital. Other awards of honor and service are also given at that time.

 Student Placement

 Older students with little or no experience may be placed in an age appropriate introductory level for their first year of study. Placement is based solely on the recommendation of the staff for the benefit of each student. We seek to place them in class levels according to their ability and character. Records for each student placement will be on file in the office.
 For more information on class levels and placement, please see our web-site at www.suzannes-school-of-dance.com
 Each student will receive an evaluation from each of their classes at the end of the fall semester. This encourages the student so they know what to work on for the spring semester.
 Suzanne’s School of Dance evaluates students’ level during the first month of classes and will notify parents if a change needs to be made in level.

 Schedule Changes: In the case that any schedule changes are necessary or desired, the parent/guardian must fill out the proper form and submit it to the office one month prior to the change desired. This must be cleared through the instructors and approved by Miss Suzanne before the change will be made. Students may not begin a new class without written change. All changes will then be made in our system.

 Studio Etiquette: We encourage our studio parents to observe your students’ classes, however, it is very important to maintain an atmosphere in the viewing areas that is not distracting to the students or teachers. Here are some ways to help:
 A toy box for siblings is located in the dressing room. Children are welcome to play, but we ask for your help in keeping the toys picked up after use.
 Please keep all children near you- no running or loud yelling/screaming
 Please keep all students and children outside of any unused studio rooms (noise can be heard in classrooms)
 Please keep a short distance between you and the viewing windows
 Please do not wave/draw attention away from the instruction
 No food, drinks or gum allowed in dance studios (water bottles only)
 Please dispose of all dirty diapers in the outside trash can
 Please dispose of all personal food or drinks
 No excessive talking during class
 Proper attendance – cover ups worn to and from class
 Please have good attendance
 Take all belongings with you when you leave studio room
 Enter quietly if late
 If over the age of 11 – please wear deodorant
 Arrive at least 10 minutes early to appropriately prepare for class. If late, wait for the exercise in progress to be over before entering
 If a student needs to leave early, he/she must ask the teacher’s permission before class begins. Please leave discreetly so as not to disrupt class.
 Photography and videography are permitted during class time to help aid in progress. Please consult your child’s teacher for the best time to film during class.

 Snacks and Drinks:
 Students can bring snacks to place in the snack room/fridge if desired.
 Drink machines are located in our studio snack room. Drinks are $1.25
 Full size refrigerator and microwave are available for students that may eat dinner between classes.
 All leftovers in refrigerator will be thrown away at the end of the week.
 Please help keep snack room clean and be responsible to dispose of trash.

 Student Assistants: Our wonderful student assistants are chosen out of many young and talented dancers. They are required to show character, leadership and good conduct in the classes they attend. They are chosen by invitation only and are given the unique opportunity to pour into young lives and train under the qualified teaching staff. If a student is interested, they may send their request in written form. Assistants receive discounts on monthly tuition. Age requirement varies.

 Senior and Company Gala- March Performance
 Graduating high school seniors who have danced with Suzanne’s School of Dance for the past three consecutive years or more have the option of performing and participating in the Senior Gala. Here they can perform a solo, share a slide show and display a table of memories/awards/ pictures.We encourage our seniors to take part and invite their families to this special ceremony and event.
 Ticket sales will benefit the Company AbunDance fund.
 All Company members will also perform choreography from the current season.

 Communication: There will be three forms of communication from the studio to you:
 First: we will e-mail every announcement and upcoming event. For example: holidays, important dates, reminders etc.
 Second: we will post the e-mail inside the studio on the bulletin board in entry.
 Third: handouts will occasionally be sent home
 Please inform office staff if you are not receiving e-mails or if you have an e-mail address change.

 Parking: Please use the parking areas in the front and in the rear of the studio. DO NOT park in parking lot spaces in businesses on either side until after 5:30. It is important that we are courteous to our neighbors!  Please be careful in the parking lot and always look for dancers coming and going.

 Student Drop Off and Pick Up: Please supervise any child drop off in front of studio. For pick up, younger students must wait for parents inside studio at all times.

 Parent-Teacher Conferences: Our staff is available to visit concerning you child’s progress and to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. Please e-mail us if a conference time is desired.

 Birthday Parties: The studio is available for birthday parties. Princess Package ~The entire facility to yourself for 2 hours. One of our talented Company AbunDance members will teach the girls a dance for 30 minutes. You may choose between ballet, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, etc..We provide the music and stereo system, plus a trunk full of costumes and props. A $10 gift certificate for the birthday girl to A Dancer’s Trunk! Assistance of Company member for 1 hour to help facilitate class and dress up time Cost: $85 or Prima Ballerina Package ~ The entire facility to yourself for 2 hours. One of our talented Company AbunDance members will teach the girls a dance for 30 minutes. You may choose between ballet, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, etc. We provide the music and stereo system, plus a trunk full of costumes and props. A $10 gift certificate for the birthday girl to A Dancer’s Trunk! Assistance of Company member for full 2 hours to facilitate class, dress up time, cake and presents and any other games or activities. Cost: $115

 Christmas parties are held the last week before the break during class time. The students will have the opportunity to participate in an ornament exchange and enjoy punch and cookies.

 Contact us:
 suzannesschoolofdance@yahoo.com
 979-485-8277 or 979-694-7463
 211 Rock Prairie Rd. College Station, 77845
 our web site: www.suzannesdancestudio.com
 Studio office hours are Monday-Friday 12-6:00
 Closed on weekends

 Office Staff
 Owner/Director: Suzanne Moreau
 Bookkeeper: Gina Beyer
 A Dancer’s Trunk Manager: Morgan Blake
 A Dancer’s Trunk Staff: Katy Templin & Hannah Lee
Studio Manager: Shelly Templin
Director Company & Apprentice AbunDance: Suzanne Moreau
Assistant Director Company & Apprentice AbunDance: Jennifer Blessing
Director PraYze Hip Hop Crew: Connie Templin
Assistant Director PraYze Hip Hop Crew: Bonnie Roye

v  Studio Faculty

Jennifer Blessing

Sarah Kitterman

Suzanne Moreau

Michelle Robicheaux

Connie Templin

Katy Wells

Callie Cunningham

Taylor Wedgeworth

Andrea Sheridan

Arlina Pletcher

Bonnie Roye