JK's Dance Company Code of Conduct & Handbook
- Dates and/or expenses listed in this handbook are subject to change. Please check the studio website at www.revolutiondancecenter.com, the company website at www.jksdancecompany.com and the Company board each week for updates.
- Arrive at performances at least one hour prior to the scheduled time, unless otherwise advised by your teachers.
- Be sure you are properly warmed up.
- Present yourself in a professional manner, with costumes pressed, shoes cleaned, hair and makeup done as directed, and all accessories accounted for.
- Always act professionally – respect your teachers, parents, other dancers (including those from other studios) and the competition or performance officials.
- Go out there and show the audience how much you love to dance!
- True progress is made when you look at each class, rehearsal, or performance as an opportunity to become better at what you love to do.
- The financial support of your student is important, but of equal—perhaps even greater—value is your emotional support.
Class or Choreography Placement
The RDC faculty meets regularly to discuss the dancers’ progress and/or placement. It is our policy to offer appropriate opportunities to every child.
Placement decisions are derived from many years of teaching experience. Not all dancers progress in all styles of dance at the same rate. Sometimes, dancers will be placed in different levels for different styles of dance. Often a child is placed in a particular group or class where he or she will feel confident, in order to promote the development of self-esteem. Some dancers who are placed in a higher level become discouraged, only to lose their passion for dance. Others respond to the challenge of being in a class with dancers who are more proficient by pushing themselves to work harder. Placement is highly individual and the factors that go into the decision are complex. Rest assured that our faculty has the best interest of your child at heart in making placement decisions. Our faculty’s goal is the best development for each dancer. Ultimately, class and choreography placement is up to the teachers/choreographers. Please see Julie Kay if you have questions or concerns about your child’s placement.
Dos and Don’ts
Some parents may compare their child’s progress or class or choreography placement to that of others in the program. Watch for this behavior in your children as well, and encourage them to focus on their own accomplishments. Looking to others for inspiration is a good thing; however, a negative focus or comparison distracts from the energy that could be focused on becoming a stronger dancer. In addition, speaking negatively about your child’s teachers, fellow dancers, or other parents in front of your child––or other students––could result in problems far beyond your original concerns. Often children will react to their parents in a way that imitates the parent’s behavior with other adults or authority figures.
Children learn important lessons from their teachers and parents, acquiring important behavior patterns through their example. Our school’s faculty takes that responsibility seriously. It’s our philosophy to encourage our students to feel, think, and act respectfully to their peers, the adults in their lives, and themselves.
Be proud to be a non-gossip parent; spreading gossip or rumors creates a downbeat atmosphere and influences negatively on productivity both in and out of the classroom.
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s dance education, don’t panic––and please don’t talk only with other parents when questions arise. Make an appointment to speak directly to your child’s teachers or Julie Kay. Please conduct all communication through a mutually agreed upon time with the teacher or Julie Kay rather than approaching your child’s teacher, choreographer or Julie Kay between or during classes or rehearsals or calling them at home.
If you do request a conference, please listen carefully to what your child’s teachers have to say. They spend a significant amount of time with your child and can offer expertise in the field of dance education.
- Class placement of students is highly individual and the factors that go into the decision are complex.
For Dancers and Parentsnts
-
Image
The children and parents involved in JKs Dance Company participate in many outside activities, each of which becomes a reflection of RDC’s philosophy.
Please keep the following in mind:
- We are always considerate of other dancers when we are at RDC, an outside performance or competition.
- We never speak negatively about teachers, dancers, or parents from RDC or any from other studio.
- We never create conflict with the directors or judges of events in which we participate.
- We never actively recruit dancers from other studios.
- Julie Kay handles all communication with the directors of our outside activities.
- No parent or dancer may call or question the directors of any event. If you have a concern, please contact Julie Kay.
TIPS: Dress Code Requirements
GIRLS: Ballet Classes Regular Classes - Pink tights and leotard according to level. Booty shorts and ballet skirts are optional. Pointe, Pre-Pointe, Turns & Leaps, Contemporary, Variations – any color leotard, pink tights. Booty shorts and ballet skirts are optional.
All other classes – Booty shorts, Capri pants, jazz pants (length should be at ankle so teacher can observe the feet) and dance top, T-shirt or leotard. NO JEANS AT ANY TIME.
BOYS: Sweatpants, jazz pants, or shorts and a T-shirt. Boys ages 13 and over may be required to wear tights for ballet class.
All team members should have shoes appropriate for their class. Specific shoe styles may be required for particular competition dances; please check on the costume section of the website. Each dancer should have a clean pair of each kind of shoe for competition or performances.
- Company Members are required to wear appropriate shoes for all classes and rehearsals. Make sure shoes are clean and in good repair (no holes) for each performance.
Classes
All dancers are expected to attend their regularly scheduled classes in addition to all rehearsals and performances. If you cannot attend a class, you must call RDC and provide the reason for missing class. We share your parents’ commitment to education. For those dancers in middle or high school, class attendance during final exams is optional but you must call the studio to let us know you will not be attending class. Any team member with poor attendance may be dismissed from the Company.
Dancers have already received a class schedule for this season. The program includes ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical. Ballet is the foundation of dance. Therefore, your regular ballet class is your most important class. If a dancer is cast in a jazz, lyrical or tap number – they must attend that type of class regularly. There may be additional classes, including master classes, in which it is expected that all intermediate and/or advanced team members will participate. There may be an additional charge for some master classes.
All dancers must show respect for their teachers and other students at all times. Inappropriate behavior could result in dismissal from the company.
Rehearsal and Other Information
Rehearsals are an important part of the commitment to JKs Dance Company. All dancers are expected to focus, work hard and arrive early enough to give themselves time to warm up. Rehearsal times are one hour or less, which is not much time to learn or clean choreography. The 2007/2008 rehearsal schedule is attached at the end of this handbook.
Standard Sunday Rehearsal Schedule12:30 MAD WORLD/REVERSE
1:00 SWAN LAKE/ADV. JAZZ/LOVE BOAT
2:00 JOKING/WORKS HARD FOR THE MONEY/ME AND MY BABY
3:00 TV LAND
4:00 - 4:30 MR. POLICEMAN
4:30-5:00 AFRICAN BEAT/POWER OF THE DREAM
5:00-6:00 WITH OR WITHOUT YOU
6:00-7:00 HALLELUJAH
Lunch and drinks are provided for Company members each regular Sunday rehearsal that lasts more than 3 hours. Company members are expected to be respectful of their teammates schedules so that all Company members have a chance to eat. Company members must clean up after themselves during rehearsal.
Additional rehearsals may be scheduled at the discretion of the teacher/choreographer during the year. The attached schedule does not include rehearsals for Nationals. Those will be scheduled at a later date, but will be in June 2008. No company dancer may miss more than three rehearsals during the season . A season starts in September and ends after the national competition in July. There will be no exceptions to this rule. Dancers who need to be excused are required to notify Julie by e-mail well in advance of the scheduled rehearsal, including the reason for the absence. Very few absences will be excused. Any dancer excused from a rehearsal is responsible for learning any missed choreography prior to arriving for the next rehearsal. If you have an excused absence, have your parents or a friend video tape the rehearsal so you can learn what was missed.
All company dancers must attend rehearsals in proper dance attire and appropriate shoes. Female team members are required to wear their hair pulled back or in a bun for all rehearsals.
- It is expected that all dancers will be on their best behavior during rehearsals and work as team players at all times.
Tuition and Expense Policy
Each company dancer has two accounts (RDC Class and Company) – both of which are managed through RDC. Part of the commitment to the JKs Dance Company is being up-to-date with all accounts.
We understand the commitment and expense of participating on Company. As a result, we offer a discount to all company members and their immediate families for dance classes. Please do not discuss these discounted rates with any other studio dancers as we are unable to provide it to all RDC dance students. As with other students, RDC’s tuition, registration fees, recital fees and costumes fees are due according to RDC’s published policies. Late charges will apply to amounts not paid by the 15 th of each month.
Attached is an estimate of the costs for participating in group numbers with JK’s Dance Company. These are only estimates. If your dancer is also doing solos, duets or trios, additional expenses will be incurred. We will be ordering costumes for group numbers in late August/early September. As a result, a deposit equal to 50% of the estimate for the number of group dances is due on or before August 26, 2007. The remaining 50% will be due on or before January 7, 2008. The deposits will be credited towards your JKs Dance Company account and will be used to pay for rehearsals, costumes, entry fees, competition fees, accessories, and other company related expenses. If you are participating in a solo, duet or trio, an additional deposit of $100 for each of these extra dances is also due on or before August 26, 2007. We will let you know if you need to add additional funds to your Company account during the year. A summary of your company account can be printed at RDC’s front desk at any time.
- If your accounts are not current, you may not be allowed to participate in a competition. Please refer to the competition schedules included in this handbook.
Private Lessons
Private lesson fees for solos, duets or trios are paid directly to the choreographer. RDC’s front desk facilitates the payment by keeping track on each dancer’s specialty dance card. If a private lesson is scheduled and the dancer is a NO SHOW, 50% of the private fee is due to the choreographer. Privates are $50 per hour. If you cannot make a scheduled private lesson, you must contact the choreographer directly via cell phone and e-mail. Cell phone and e-mail information is contained in the appendix to this handbook.
Disciplinary Measures
The following are some of the reasons that you may be subject to discipline –
- Missing or late to more than three rehearsals
- Missing mandatory rehearsal
- Disrespect to teacher (after a warning)
- Disrespect to other dancers (after a warning)
- Going into other people’s lockers without permission
- Taking other dancer’s belongings without permission
Specific discipline is up to Julie Kay and may include loss of specialty dance (solo, duet, trio), loss of placement in group dance, suspension from a competition (for groups or specialty dances or both), or dismissal from Company (with no refund of monies paid).
The Focus Is Not Simply on Competition
Since it is our goal to instill a passion for performing rather than merely the desire to win awards, company dancers have performance opportunities other than competitions. Last year, company dancers performed in a number community and charity events. We believe the lessons learned through concert performances are just as valuable as the competition experience.
Our solid reputation for quality reflects our attitude toward competition and our goal to develop in each student a genuine respect for dance as an art form. We consider participation in competitions not simply part of our students’ training as dancers; it’s also an important part of how we influence them as people. With the right focus, the experience gained in competition can be an excellent source of self-confidence. If the dancers feel good about a performance and understand that they become better each time they go onstage, they are truly growing through the competition experience. Hitting that stage and doing the best they can is what it’s all about; whether they win––or which award they win––is secondary
Through participation in competitions, we hope to instill in our students an appreciation for other dancers and studios. We hope to motivate both students and faculty by exposing them to the highest caliber of talent available and encourage each dancer to do their best on each occasion. Only then can we produce the best dancers and teachers possible. For us, competition is an education!
- We believe the lessons learned through community performances are just as valuable as the competition experience.
MPETITIO
Attendance
When a competition runs over the entire weekend, we expect our Company dancers to attend as much of the event as possible to support their teammates. We work as a team, always available to support each other .
Dress Code
All Company members are expected to wear their Company jacket and black jazz pants to competition and on stage for the awards ceremonies. You must wear your Company jacket on top of your costume if you are watching other routines in the audience. Spilled food or drinks can ruin your costume just before you perform.Independent Entries
No dancer may compete in any competition as an independent entry.
Cash Scholarships
Soloists and dancers who perform in duos or trios will receive their prize money once is has been received by RDC.
Cash scholarships awarded to group numbers will be used to offset the costs of master classes, guest choreographers, and other activities, including the annual Academy Awards.
During Competition
Dancers are expected to be on their best behavior during competitions. Be aware of the competition schedule. Arrive at least 1.5 hours before your scheduled performance time, in full costume, make-up and hair. When you arrive, check in with Julie Kay. Make sure you are backstage 8 numbers before your performance number and STAY WITH YOUR GROUP. If you have a solo, duet or trio, you must sign in with the competition’s backstage manager at least 8 numbers before your dance. Most competitions do not allow dancers who are not about to perform backstage. If you go into the audience to watch, sit with your teammates and make sure you let Julie Kay, Rebecca or Melissa know where you are going and where you will be sitting. Stay with a buddy at all times. If you leave the competition for any reason, let Julie Kay, Rebecca or Melissa know.Annual Calendar – Please see Appendix
- Please attend all meetings, read all newsletters and check the RDC and Company websites regularly to keep updated about any additional commitments.
Competition Entry Fees and Entry Forms
Comp.
Solo
D/T
S. Group
L. Group
Other
Prod.
KAR
$75
$96
$30
$30
$30
$30
Encore
$70
$80
$25
$25
$19
$30
Am. Dance Awards
I Love Dance
$55
$65/$70
$20
$20
$22
All group entry forms will be filled out by RDC. All solo, duet and trio entry forms must be completed by the dancers and turned into RDC’s front desk by the required deadline. If the solo, duet or trio entry is late, an additional $15.00 federal express charge will be added to the dancer’s account and acceptance of the entry is not guaranteed.
- Entry fees and forms for solos, duets and trios are due to the RDC front desk 5 weeks prior to each event.
Additional Admission Charges
Some competitions charge admission.
Event
Admission
Detail
Tremaine Convention
$150 – Junior dancer
$170 – Teen dancer
$170 – Senior dancer
Convention – no admission for parents without a ticket
6/15 Recital – Dare to Dream
$15 Reserved Seats
$10 General Admission
No admission without a ticket
June Academy Awards- Dancer Awards Banquet
$35 per person (including dancer) – Dancer and parents only
All School dancers must attend; parent attendance optional
Costumes
Costume payments are the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian. The average cost of a costume is $65.TIPS: Costume Common Sense
- Always have a second pair of tights available.
- Place costumes in a garment bag for travel.
- Carry hats in a hatbox or container to prevent them from damage.
- Hang and press costumes before each performance.
- Place your name in all costumes and shoes.
Who should I direct my questions to?
Class and choreography placement – Julie Kay (she will bring in other teachers if needed)
RDC Accounts – Darrell or Melissa
Company Accounts -- Melissa
Missing rehearsals – Julie Kay (via e-mail)
Missing class – RDC Front desk
Scheduling or rescheduling Privates – specific teacher
Competition Information and Due Dates – Julie Kay or Melissa
A Final Note
WELCOME TO JK’s DANCE COMPANY! We are so excited to have you as part of our family and we look forward to a fun year
Appendices:
2007-2008 RDC Studio Calendar
2007-2008 Cast Lists
2007-2008 Estimate of Group Dance ExpensesContact List
JK’s DANCE COMPANY
A Guide for Students and Parents
About This Handbook
For over seven years, Julie Kay has been a leader in dance education in the Los Angeles area (and many years before in Arkansas). She strongly believes that her success comes as a result of providing solid dance training, commitment to each and every dancer and quality service. In 2006, Julie and her husband Darrell opened their own studio, Revolution Dance Center, to ensure that her beliefs and commitments were the basis of not only her dance company, JK’s Dance Company, but also the dance studio where she taught. Since opening, Julie and Darrell have built a very strong faculty and staff that share their beliefs and commitments to their dancers and the art of dance. We have created this handbook to offer our dancers and their parents a clear understanding of their commitments and responsibility to JK’s Dance Company and Revolution Dance Center.
Our Philosophy
At Revolution Dance Center, we believe that dance enriches life. Dance develops poise, instills discipline, encourages goal setting and achievement and promotes an active lifestyle. It also instills an appreciation of dance as an art form. . . . A dancer is an athlete of the arts. Our mission is to develop each student to his or her fullest potential by nurturing them in a positive and loving atmosphere and instilling our love and passion for dance, while helping them learn to appreciate themselves and others as unique and amazing individuals.
For Our Dancers
Congratulations! You have been accepted into JK’s Dance Company. The first step to becoming a successful dancer is making a solid commitment to your teammates, classes, rehearsals, and performances. Strong technique is a key ingredient and class is where you develop that technique. Come to each class prepared to learn and without personal distractions. Class time is your chance to focus on yourself, so try to leave your concerns or worries at the studio door. True progress is made when you look at each class, rehearsal, or performance as an opportunity to become better at what you love to do. Dance full out, stretch a little further, become more aware of your technique, and make the most of every class.
Respect for the teachers and choreographers you work with is essential. Listen to each correction given, whether it’s directed to you or another dancer. A correction is an honor; it shows you how much a teacher cares about your progress as a dancer. Always say thank you when a teacher or choreographer offers you constructive criticism. Nothing can stop dancers who apply themselves in every class and appreciate their teachers’ knowledge and experience.
All rehearsals are dedicated to learning or “cleaning” the choreography. A dancer who misses or is late to a rehearsal holds back the progress of the entire group. Repeating the choreography from a previous session for those who were absent takes up valuable rehearsal time, which could result in a performance that is not up to par. When we clean choreography, we may also change it. Dancers who miss a cleaning session may not be properly prepared for the upcoming performance and could end up letting themselves or their team down.
Performances and competitions are your opportunity to show the world the results of your dedication and hard work. To make the most of this opportunity:
Locker Room/Study Room
Because you are at the studio so much, all JK’s Dance Company members are provided a locker in the locker room. It is your responsibility to buy a combination lock and provide a copy of locker number and combination to the front desk in case we need access to your locker for any reason. Keep your locker closed and locked at all times. Keep your locker clean – NO OPEN FOOD. Keep the locker room clean or you may lose the locker privilege. If your locker is not clean or is not locked, you may lose your locker privilege. Do not bring valuables, money or electronics to the studio unless you lock them in your locker. RDC is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Attached to the locker room is a Company Study Room. Please be considerate of your fellow teammates who are studying in that room. No screaming, yelling or roughhousing. If the front desk gets any complaints, you may lose your locker privileges.
For the Parents: “We’re in this together”
We believe that children’s success depends on the support of their parents or guardians. Because your commitment to the process makes an enormous difference, we encourage you to be a part of your child’s dance education.
Our program relies on a positive atmosphere for our faculty, company members, and their parents; it promotes a positive learning experience for all involved. Cooperation between all parents is expected. Showing respect for the other parents, along with the students (including dancers and parents from other studios) and faculty, makes an important impression on the children. You are a role model for your child in how to interact with others in a professional setting.
Your child’s presence on time at all classes, rehearsals and performances is imperative. The spirit of teamwork and the lesson of dedication are a big part of RDC’s educational process. Arriving late or unprepared shows a lack of respect to the teachers and your teammates.
Parents and teachers may look at a child’s learning from different perspectives. However, they share a common goal: to assure that every child receives the best possible training, both physically and mentally. Mutual respect between our faculty and our dancers’ parents provides the children with the ultimate care and education.
Understanding Dance Education
As a parent, the financial support of your student is important, but of equal—perhaps even greater—value is your emotional support. Encourage your child to be the best that he or she can be without regard to what others may achieve. Dance is an individual art form; each child needs to achieve at a pace that’s comfortable for him or her. No two students will progress at the same rate, even if they experience the exact same training. It’s important to encourage the children to focus on themselves, give their all, respect and be supportive of their teammates, and be satisfied with their own accomplishments.
Dance education encompasses far more than technique or the steps your children will learn. We believe the discipline of dance training gives young people a better understanding of commitment by offering them the chance to learn, experience the spirit of teamwork, and understand what hard work can accomplish. Our goal is to educate the minds, bodies, and souls of our students, to teach them the skills needed for a successful life, whether or not they stay involved in dance.
