Ovation Dance Company Contract 2016-2017
The purpose of this Company contract is to provide dancers and parents with the expectations, rules and regulations necessary for Company to function properly. Please remember that being on the Company is a privilege and that we do offer many recreational classes if you do not wish to abide by the items set forth in this contract.
Overview: Our Company program is student-centered and our teachers keep focus on the individual progress of each student. All of our teachers encourage each student to do their best by offering constructive criticism and teamwork training. It is very different from the Dance Moms show you see on television! Our teachers are mindful of the messages being portrayed when it comes to age appropriate music and tasteful costuming. Joining a Company gives each student an outlet to challenge themselves and to learn more about dancing from their teachers, peers, judges, competition score sheets, DVD critiques, and dance workshops. Company classes are more challenging than recreational classes and will focus heavily on dance technique, flexibility, jumps, turns, choreography and other performance aspects. We may attend 1- 3 competitions in and around the Southern Idaho area, depending on other events going on at the studio that year. The Companies are also invited to perform at other community events throughout the year.
Commitment: All dancers commit to Ovation Dance Company for the entire dance year July 2016–May 2017. Mandatory Company Camp will be held July 6th-8th and a Team/Parent meeting will be held July 5th from 5:30-6:30pm at Ovation Dance. Company Contracts will be due by July 6th. If no contract is turned in then it is assumed you will not be participating in Company. Company members are not allowed to compete for any other dance studio. Company members are not allowed to dance under the independent title at any competitive events however they may perform at school functions. Being a part of Ovation Dance Company requires much additional time besides the dancer’s weekly classes so please be sure that the time commitment works with your entire family’s schedule. While we can advise you what specific weekends you must be available for performance events, we will not know the time until approximately 5 days prior to the weekend in question. As such, the dancer must be available the whole weekend. If you cannot make this commitment, please do not join a Company.
Focus and Decorum: Company members are to be considered "role models" of the studio and will be held to a higher standard of behavior, participation, and dedication. We expect all Company members to be supportive of each other and to exercise respectable sportsmanship at all events, being respectful of the rules, other dancers, choreographers, judges, etc. We also expect a higher level of responsibility in regard to care of costumes and preparation for performances. All members are expected to wear Ovation Dance Company Jackets or other Logo items to events, to arrive 1 hour before the first scheduled dance time, and to stay through the applicable Awards ceremony. The Company will elect a spokesperson that will represent the Company in accepting awards.
Dance Season Classes: To be eligible for Company, students must attend their “Company Class” and are REQUIRED to take a Jazz/Tap technique class and Ballet/Lyrical or Contemporary Ballet. No Exceptions. We may also schedule additional Choreography/Rehearsal Sessions during the weekends or School Breaks.
Attendance: No member may miss more than 5 classes or practices throughout the Company season. Any student absent more than 5 classes (excluding "excused" absences) must make up the missed class with a 1/2-hour private class at a cost of $30. Any student who does not make up the missed class in a timely fashion will be excused from the Company. Dancers must be able to commit to the entire dance season without over-committing themselves in other areas (sports, cheer, etc.). A dancer who is tardy to any class or practice more than 4 times will also be required to do a private make-up class at a cost of $30. Excused absences are very limited but may include: contagious illness/doctor's excuse, a death in the family, CERTAIN school functions. You MUST contact the director in advance (as much as possible) for any excused absences. Absences that are not excused include: other practices/games/events (sports, cheer, etc.), lack of transportation, appointments, simply "not feeling well", and injuries (for the latter two, the student must attend class and take notes/watch). We understand things happen and we will take individual circumstances into account, but the Company teacher and director have the final say on whether the absence is excused. PLEASE USE YOUR 5 ABSENCES VERY CAREFULLY (or not at all)!
Costs: Monthly Tuition: Company Class + 2 required classes = $110/month Add a class~$20 per class
Costumes/Hair/Shoes: Members of the Company will learn dance routines/pieces for each genre of dance chosen. NOTE: Company members will also learn another dance in each of the technique classes they take. These dances will be performed at Recitals and other showcases. A costume will be required for each routine at reasonable costume costs. Hairstyles and makeup requirements will be determined by instructors and communicated in advance of the first performance. Ovation Dance and its instructors do not provide makeup or hair accessories so please come prepared with the designated items. Company members are required to have matching shoe styles. Items will be ordered through Ovation Dance or through designated retailers.
Competition Fees: Competition fees are generally $20- $40 per routine, per competition. Duets run around $65 each and solos are around $80 each. We plan to take Companies to 1-3 Regional (local) competitions as they offer more performance/self critique opportunities for our Companies. Competitions are mandatory. If you cannot commit to these, you will be excused from the Company.
Fundraising: Companies may decide to hold a few fundraisers to earn money toward competition fees and/or costumes. Only those who participate in the fundraisers will reap the benefits.
Solo, Duet or Trio: Any Company members who wish to do a solo, duet or trio choreographed by an Ovation Dance Instructor will have to sign a Studio Contract and participate in private classes. The student must choose a style of dance, as well as several music options. The Director and student will mutually agree on the final song selection. You must advise us no later than January 1st if you wish to do a solo, duet or trio. All solos and duets are required to practice on their own time outside of their private classes. For more information please ask your Instructor.
Tentative Performance Dates for 2016-2017
Here is a list of possible performance dates. These dates are tentative as events sometimes have to change venues and dates due to scheduling conflicts. SAVE THESE DATES! The Companies are also invited to perform at other community events throughout the year and we will inform you in advanced if we will be attending.
Festival of Giving- December
Ovation Dance Winter Recital- December 9th
Dance Fierce Competition- Burley- April
Relevé Dance Competitions-Burley-April
CANYON RIM DANCE CLASSIC Competition - Twin Falls- April
Ovation Dance Spring Dress Rehearsal and Recital-May 16th & May 17th
Dancer Obligations:
ü I agree to attend all of my scheduled dance classes each week. I acknowledge that instructors have been asked to strictly enforce the absence policy, whereby any student missing more than 5 unexcused classes, will be excused from the Company.
ü I agree to come to class on time, in proper attire and footwear, including hair tied completely off of my face and with a positive attitude. If I do not follow the classroom rules I understand that I can be asked to sit the class out and will need to take a "make-up" class in addition to risking expulsion from the Company. I will have the appropriate attire and shoes no later than October 1st and my performance make-up, accessories and TIGHTS by November 1st.
ü I agree that I will behave appropriately in the classroom and acknowledge that Company classes are hard work and require that I give the instructor my complete attention at all times. I acknowledge that technique is an important component of my performance training and agree to practice skills and choreography at home as directed by the teachers. I understand that friends and significant others are not allowed to come in and observe class without prior teacher approval.
ü I acknowledge that electronic devices (e.g. phones, cameras, laptops) are not permitted during practices unless it is teacher approved. Teachers reserve the right to take these devices away from students until the end of class. I acknowledge that instructors may use a recording device to film practices as part of the training program.
ü I agree to attend any and all rehearsals and performances Ovation Dance chooses to attend. I agree that I will behave appropriately and in a sportsmanlike manner at all events. I understand that if I am rude or disrespectful to staff, other students or businesses, I will have to attend a parent/teacher conference before being allowed to return to class. I agree that if I use slander towards Ovation Dance, staff, students or volunteers in person or on social media, it will not be tolerated and I will be asked to leave the Company.
ü I agree to take care of and manage all components of my performance costumes/accessories/equipment/props. I understand that if I lose costumes/accessories/equipment/props I am responsible for purchasing new items (if time allows) or I will be removed from those routines.
ü I understand that if I am found to be under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substance I will be automatically suspended from the Company. A parent/teacher conference will be held with my parents and the Director to determine the consequences. I understand that if I am suspended from school for ANY reason I will be temporarily suspended from dance until a meeting is held with my parents, teacher and Director.
ü Students are not allowed to leave the studio between classes to buy food or for any other reason unless the permission slip at the bottom of this contract is filled out and signed by a parent. In addition, the student will have to ask permission each time she/he goes and must always go with a friend. Students who leave the studio to pick up food are expected to be quiet and respectful at the businesses they are purchasing food from. Remember you are representing Ovation Dance with your actions.
ü I understand that if a Company class is not working up to its potential, the Director and the class teacher have the right to pull the dance from a performance/competition. In addition, if a student does not know the routine well and is holding the class back due to lack of effort, poor attendance, or a poor attitude, the student will not be allowed to perform.
Parent/Guardian Obligations
ü I acknowledge that I am expected to discuss this contract with my student and help them to follow the rules and procedures throughout the year.
ü I acknowledge that I am required to pay class instruction fees, costume fees and performance/competition entry fees. I agree to pay these fees either in whole, or through a mutually acceptable payment plan negotiated with the Ovation Dance Administration. I understand that I am expected to purchase the appropriate dance attire needed for class including the proper shoes no later than October 1st and the required performance supplies listed on the "Checklist" including TIGHTS no later than November 1st.
ü I acknowledge that it is important for my dancer to attend class, be on time for each class and attend all performances. Student's who are habitually late or absent from class may be ineligible to perform and/or ineligible for Company the following year. I acknowledge that the absence policy will be enforced, whereby any student missing more than 5 unexcused classes will be excused from the Company without refund. I acknowledge that if my student is going to be late or absent, I the PARENT should call the studio and leave a message.
ü I acknowledge that dancers may be asked to leave the Company program, without any refund issued, due to persistent behavior or attitude problems, which may include: inattention during class, lack of respect for teacher/teammates, any negative social media slander, unsportsmanlike conduct or lack of effort at practice and performances.
ü I acknowledge that instructors or members of Ovation Dance may use a recording device to film practices as part of the training program. Ovation Dance will not share these recordings with anyone external to the Ovation Dance Company. I further acknowledge that I will raise any safety concerns related to the filming of my student.
ü I acknowledge that performances are sometimes run on school days/nights and it may be necessary for my student to miss a half day or more of school to participate. I acknowledge that I must keep performance days AND rehearsal days open. I understand that Ovation Dance will not receive the performance schedules from the events until 1 week before the actual event and will inform me of dates/times and changes as soon as possible.
ü I agree to remain with my student at any dress rehearsal and during performances (unless arrangements have been made) to ensure my student is properly supervised at all times. I agree to ensure my student has all components of his/her performance costume at all performances. This includes all pieces of each costume. I understand that if my student loses costumes/accessories/equipment/props I am responsible for purchasing new items (if time allows) or my student will be removed from those routines. I understand that hairstyles and makeup requirements will be determined by instructors and communicated in advance of the first performance. I understand that Ovation Dance and its instructors do not provide makeup or hair accessories.