HANDBOOK & POLICIES

General Policies

ATTENDANCE
Students or parents are asked to email in all absences.  There are no makeup classes, credits, or refunds for missed classes. 

CLASS CANCELLATIONS
Occasionally we must cancel classes due to unforeseen circumstances, illness, or emergencies. Every effort will be made to reschedule the canceled class within a reasonable amount of time. There are no refunds for dancers who are unable to attend rescheduled classes.
DSDW is closed for snow/inclement weather when the Council Rock School District is closed. There are no makeup classes or refunds for inclement weather closings.

BIG BALLET 
DSDW is the only dance studio in the area to perform a full-length ballet in addition to traditional dance numbers at our annual recital. Our recital consists of three acts: Act 1 (The Big Ballet), Act 2 (Recital Dances) and Act 3 (More Recital Dances). The Big Ballet changes each year but is usually a show that is appealing to families and children. Examples of past shows include Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and the Wizard of Oz. Our youngest dancers typically do not perform in The Big Ballet, as it is more demanding in terms of rehearsal time on weekends in May and the week of the show in June. Big Ballet classes begin at Ballet/Jazz B and up, and all Ballet Workshops.  If you are unsure if your dancer will be in The Big Ballet, please ask. Dancers learn their Big Ballet routine as part of their Ballet/Jazz class or Ballet Workshop and that is the recital dance for that class. Dancers in a Ballet/Jazz combo class will also learn and perform a jazz number.  Dancers in the Big Ballet must attend Big Ballet Rehearsals in addition to their weekly classes. Big Ballet Rehearsals will take place at the studio the last 6 Saturdays of the year (5/2-6/13).

DRESS CODE

It is important that our dancers are dressed professionally and appropriately for classes. Dress code and hair requirements are strictly enforced. 

Hair must be pulled back in a tight, secure, high bun for all ballet classes. Hair must be pulled back and out of your face for all dance classes. 

Shoes
Ballet Shoes: Pink Canvas Split Sole, Boys: Black or White Canvas Split Sole
Tap: Black Oxford Type, Split Sole
Jazz: Tan Split Sole Jazz Shoes
Contemporary/Lyrical: Half Shoes or Bare Feet
Hip Hop: Any sneaker
Pointe: Pointe Shoes 

All Ballet Workshops A, B, C and Ballet/Jazz B, C, D, E, & F will be required to wear a studio uniform to class (one per class). Each level will have their own color.  The leotards are $28 each and must be worn to class each week with pink tights and pink ballet shoes. This will be strictly enforced.

Please submit payment to the studio upon registration with desired size and quantity.  Size Chart is in the handbook.

PLEASE REFER TO THE HANDBOOK FOR MORE SPECIFIC DRESS REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH CLASS.

Tuition
Tuition is due the first week of every month and can either be paid with cash, check, or venmo (@debrasparks5678).  Checks should be made out to Debra Sparks Dance Works.  You will receive a statement in your email as to how much you owe for the month.  Cash Discount: 5% off monthly tuition if paid in CASH before the 10th.  Payment can be handed in at the front desk, or left in the lock box to the right of the window.  More tuition details can be found in the handbook.

Late Fee:
All payments received past the 10th of each month will incur a $30 late fee each week late.  This will be enforced.  All returned checks will incur a $45 return fee.

Inclement Weather:
The studio will be closed when public schools are closed due to inclement weather.  Please refer to Council Rock School District information for snow closing.  We also will close if the governor issues a state of emergency.  There are no make-up classes or refunds for inclement weather days.

Costume Deposits:
Costume deposits are due in November.  The initial deposit is $50 per costume.  The balance is due before the holiday break in December.  Costumes are $85 each.  Please pay costume deposits and balances with a separate check (not with tuition).

There are no refunds for costume deposits for any reason.