Student Handbook

Studio Policies

Please note the following guidelines regarding all classes:

1.         We require that students carefully observe our dress code as outlined in this booklet.

2.         Any student arriving more than 15 minutes late will be asked to observe the class.  This is for the safety of the dancer, as students arriving after the first 15 minutes of class will have missed crucial warm-ups and stretching that will prevent injury and prepare their bodies for dance.  For your safety and to receive full benefit from your class, please arrange for a make-up class if you expect to be very late.

3.         All students are encouraged not to leave the room once class has begun. Please allow for appropriate restroom use prior to class.  Very young children will be treated sensitively as the need arises. Preschool children may need a parent’s attention from time to time for various reasons including bathroom or behavior issues. Please do not leave the waiting room when very young children are in class without informing the office or having another parent responsible during your absence. We make every effort to have all children feel safe and cared for in a loving and inspiring learning environment.

4.         School age children and teens: please practice respect.  Students are not to be socializing in a disruptive manner during the class with other students.  Please come early or stay late to enjoy friends in the waiting area.  Please honor your teacher and fellow students by giving full attention and co-operation.  You will be advised if we feel any student is not well adjusted to the classroom environment for any reason over time.

5.         During class if a student complains of being ill, or sustains an injury and cannot participate, the instructor will send them to the office were the parents will be notified if not on the premises.

6.         Only students with a pre-existing sickness/injury are allowed to observe class. The parents must notify the office if a student is to observe class.

7.         Attendance is an essential part of our program. Students are allowed up to six (6) absences per class.  However if two (2) or more absences are after May 1^st, the teacher has the right to withdraw or change the placement of the student in the recital dance.  Students are encouraged to make up all missed classes.  Please arrange a make-up class at a time that is convenient for them.  No credit will be given for missed classes.

8.         Out of town guests may request to visit at any time throughout the year.  Please make arrangements with the front office.

9.        We have a closed door policy for all classes.  Please respect this policy as we strive to provide a distraction free learning environment for our students.  Teachers may, at their own discretion, open the doors or curtains during the last five minutes of class for parent viewing.

Dance class is educational and fun, however, an important part of class work is developing an attitude of discipline and respect for teachers and fellow students. We trust that following our classroom etiquette will provide an environment whereby classes at Norwalk Academy of Dance will be a pleasure for all concerned.

SNOW CANCELLATIONS

Dress Code

It’s important for students to abide by a dress code policy for the following reasons:

• For safety, hair must be properly secured and tied up off of the face and neck for all styles of dance.

• For safety, jewelry must not be loose or dangling.

• For safety, gum chewing is not allowed due to danger of choking.

• No loose fitting pants, blue jeans or t-shirts (street clothes) - dance attire only. Street clothes do not allow the dancer to move properly or allow for proper moisture absorption.

• No costumes are allowed in class unless a dress up day is announced by the individual teacher.

• Appropriate dance shoes must be worn in class to prevent foot injury as well as provide for the proper technique.  No street shoes are allowed in the studio rooms at any time.
  
  

For safety and respect of the class, if a dancer arrives without the proper dance attire they will be asked to observe the class for that day.  We understand certain circumstances may arise that may prevent a student from coming to the studio in dance attire, please make every effort to inform the teacher if such an instance occurs.