Welcome
Monthly updates are addendums to this handbook. If you are not receiving emails of these newsletters, please let us know. These updates will include changes and information specific to the trimester. We also would love to recognize any student's accomplishments as they progress in arts, academics, and athletics. You can forward any information or pictures through email, so they can be shared in our newsletter or our Facebook page. Reminders are also given through these modes, as well as through text messages.
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Trimester System
Why we moved to a trimester system:
- Cheaper option for parents
- Easier time commitment for student's involved in multiple activities
- More accessible to year-round dancers
- More performance opportunities
Each trimester is 4 months with a performance to wrap up the season.
Winter Trimester - January, February, March, April
Spring Trimester - May, June, July, August
Fall Trimester - September, October, November, December
*Winter Trimester's performance is a full costume. Spring & Fall Trimester's performances will have adaptations of their standard/general required class attire as their costumes. This allows for a clean performance with minimal out of pocket for families.
Winter Trimester - January, February, March, April
Spring Trimester - May, June, July, August
Fall Trimester - September, October, November, December
*Winter Trimester's performance is a full costume. Spring & Fall Trimester's performances will have adaptations of their standard/general required class attire as their costumes. This allows for a clean performance with minimal out of pocket for families.
Genre & Class Descriptions
Acro
Acro contains technical dance movement that has elements of acrobatics.
Ballet
Being the foundation of dance technique, Ballet, is very precise. It is also strong, yet elegant.
Clog
Similar to Tap, Clog is performed with metal taps on the feet. It is difficult initially, however, the vertical energetic movement lends itself to an easy and enjoyable workout. Clog is generally less intricate than Tap in movement and more involved in formations.
Contemporary
The most popular performed dance genre currently, Contemporary, can be a mix of other genres.
Hip Hop
Usually to a strong beat, Hip Hop is generally hard hitting or fast movement. It also incorporates waves through isolation of different body parts.
Jazz
Depending on the style within this genre, jazz can contain bursting movement and/or strong smooth movement. Jazz closely follows ballet in precision.
Lyrical
Lyrical is a form of expression that evokes emotion using mainly a combination of ballet and jazz.
Modern
Often included in Contemporary dance, Modern is a grounded movement that focuses on the torso and energy pathways.
PreDance
Though their titles may vary, PreDance classes have the same curriculum. Title differentiation is used to help determine days/times for each class group. PreDance focuses on song and dance to help teach the basics of music and movement to aspiring dancers.
Acro contains technical dance movement that has elements of acrobatics.
Ballet
Being the foundation of dance technique, Ballet, is very precise. It is also strong, yet elegant.
Clog
Similar to Tap, Clog is performed with metal taps on the feet. It is difficult initially, however, the vertical energetic movement lends itself to an easy and enjoyable workout. Clog is generally less intricate than Tap in movement and more involved in formations.
Contemporary
The most popular performed dance genre currently, Contemporary, can be a mix of other genres.
Hip Hop
Usually to a strong beat, Hip Hop is generally hard hitting or fast movement. It also incorporates waves through isolation of different body parts.
Jazz
Depending on the style within this genre, jazz can contain bursting movement and/or strong smooth movement. Jazz closely follows ballet in precision.
Lyrical
Lyrical is a form of expression that evokes emotion using mainly a combination of ballet and jazz.
Modern
Often included in Contemporary dance, Modern is a grounded movement that focuses on the torso and energy pathways.
PreDance
Though their titles may vary, PreDance classes have the same curriculum. Title differentiation is used to help determine days/times for each class group. PreDance focuses on song and dance to help teach the basics of music and movement to aspiring dancers.
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning.
But for children, play is serious learning."
-Fred Rogers
PreGenre
Introducing dancers to the basics of specific genres, PreGenre uses creative imagery to help students embody basic techniques. Class title examples include: PreBallet, PreJazz, PreTap, etc.
Tap
Rhythmically creating music with percussion of the feet, Tap mentally stimulates student's musical understanding.
Yoga
Vinyasa and Hatha yoga are the styles included in our studio. Yoga is a great cross-training physical activity for dancers. It also helps combat anxiety and improves mental focus.
Introducing dancers to the basics of specific genres, PreGenre uses creative imagery to help students embody basic techniques. Class title examples include: PreBallet, PreJazz, PreTap, etc.
Tap
Rhythmically creating music with percussion of the feet, Tap mentally stimulates student's musical understanding.
Yoga
Vinyasa and Hatha yoga are the styles included in our studio. Yoga is a great cross-training physical activity for dancers. It also helps combat anxiety and improves mental focus.
Policies
Attendance
Please arrive on time. Tardiness may result in student observation. This policy is in place for safety reasons, the body needs to be warmed up properly to dance, as dance is a physical activity.
There will be no credit given for missed classes. Our version of "make up classes" is included in our online content. This is available for student's to practice at home. This material can be found under the "My Account" tab of our navigation bar on our website. We encourage student's to ask questions during class if they don't understand something.
If you know your child will be absent, please let us know in advance so our teachers can prepare any necessary changes to lesson plans. (Call 406.781.5653)
If you plan to drop class during a trimester, please let us know 1 month prior.
*We base our schedule off of GFPS. If Great Falls Public Schools close due to weather, we will most likely be closed too. Reminders will be sent out, if this is the case.
*PreDancers that struggle to enter class independently from their parents, that's okay. They may just need more time and can try dance classes again at a future trimester. We do not want a negative association with dance classes for any child. Please make sure you officially drop class through the main office.
*Often, if we do not have enough students in a class, we will close that class.
Please arrive on time. Tardiness may result in student observation. This policy is in place for safety reasons, the body needs to be warmed up properly to dance, as dance is a physical activity.
There will be no credit given for missed classes. Our version of "make up classes" is included in our online content. This is available for student's to practice at home. This material can be found under the "My Account" tab of our navigation bar on our website. We encourage student's to ask questions during class if they don't understand something.
If you know your child will be absent, please let us know in advance so our teachers can prepare any necessary changes to lesson plans. (Call 406.781.5653)
If you plan to drop class during a trimester, please let us know 1 month prior.
*We base our schedule off of GFPS. If Great Falls Public Schools close due to weather, we will most likely be closed too. Reminders will be sent out, if this is the case.
*PreDancers that struggle to enter class independently from their parents, that's okay. They may just need more time and can try dance classes again at a future trimester. We do not want a negative association with dance classes for any child. Please make sure you officially drop class through the main office.
*Often, if we do not have enough students in a class, we will close that class.
Dress Code
Standard/General requirements are appropriate hairstyle with hair secured off face (short hair off face using small hair tie elastics), midriff covered, face masks (ages 5 & up) and correct footwear. Females - black leotard (in lieu of underwear) with convertible ballet pink tights (under leotard) or black leggings (over leotard). Males - white T-shirt, black jogger sport pants (tight at ankle).
See PreDance/PreGenre/SMILE/Livestream for exceptions.
Standard/General requirements are appropriate hairstyle with hair secured off face (short hair off face using small hair tie elastics), midriff covered, face masks (ages 5 & up) and correct footwear. Females - black leotard (in lieu of underwear) with convertible ballet pink tights (under leotard) or black leggings (over leotard). Males - white T-shirt, black jogger sport pants (tight at ankle).
See PreDance/PreGenre/SMILE/Livestream for exceptions.
All general requirements apply.
Acro
Hair: Braids (tucked).
Footwear: Bare feet. No shoes.
Ballet / PreDance / PreBallet / SMILE
Hair: Bun or braid hairstyles.
Footwear: Ballet shoes - Pink (Females), Black (Males). Please square knot your ballet shoe ties (not too tight around foot) and cut/tuck. Pointe shoes if approved by teacher. See your class notes online for Pointe Test.
Specific Clothing: Black leotard with attached skirt (Females). No socks
Additional clothing: Shrugs and Leg warmers (optional).
Hip Hop
Footwear: Specific High top sneakers - metallic gray (females), black (males). These shoes are specific and can be found in our store.
Additional Clothing: white T-shirt, black pants that are tight at ankle, and break dance beanie.
Lyrical
Footwear: Lyrical half soles (foot undies).
Additional Clothing: Black leggings/joggers that are tight at ankle.
PreDance / PreGenre / SMILE / Livestream
Exceptions: Hairstyles and outfit color/material may vary. Please own color specific standard/general required attire for Fall & Spring Trimester performances.
Modern / Contemporary
Footwear: Bare feet. No shoes.
Additional Clothing: Black leggings/pants that are tight at ankle. Leggings are worn over leotards. Beginners in modern may use dance knee pads.
Specific Clothing: Contemporary classes may wear socks if desired.
Tap / PreTap / Clog
Footwear: Solid black slip on tap shoes (unless otherwise specified).
For Clog, we recommend buck jingle taps. You can purchase these separately and have a cobbler install them, or find them online. Please solid black shoes. No tennis shoes with glued on double taps. Regular tap shoes are allowed if you do not wish to purchase clogging shoes.
*We recommend labeling your dancewear and shoes. (Initial the inside tag)
*Dance Shoes are Indoor shoes. Please keep clean.
*Jewlery/watches are not allowed in dance classes. Safety pins are also not allowed.
Special Dress-Up (Optional)
*Monthly dress-up is always the first week of classes for the month. This allows every student the opportunity to dress up regardless of no class days.
*If older students do not desire to dress up, they can wear colors/patterns that are different from the usual dress code.
*Special Dress-up days still require dancewear. You may add T-shirt, attached/secured accessories, vests, sweats, onesies, and jeggings/leggings. No jeans, coats, dresses, or floor length skirts. Thank you.
*Hygiene Notes - We no longer accept used shoes. No refunds/exchanges for tights and leotards. Please see our sizing charts and submit student measurements for each trimester.
Hair: Braids (tucked).
Footwear: Bare feet. No shoes.
Ballet / PreDance / PreBallet / SMILE
Hair: Bun or braid hairstyles.
Footwear: Ballet shoes - Pink (Females), Black (Males). Please square knot your ballet shoe ties (not too tight around foot) and cut/tuck. Pointe shoes if approved by teacher. See your class notes online for Pointe Test.
Specific Clothing: Black leotard with attached skirt (Females). No socks
Additional clothing: Shrugs and Leg warmers (optional).
Hip Hop
Footwear: Specific High top sneakers - metallic gray (females), black (males). These shoes are specific and can be found in our store.
Additional Clothing: white T-shirt, black pants that are tight at ankle, and break dance beanie.
Lyrical
Footwear: Lyrical half soles (foot undies).
Additional Clothing: Black leggings/joggers that are tight at ankle.
PreDance / PreGenre / SMILE / Livestream
Exceptions: Hairstyles and outfit color/material may vary. Please own color specific standard/general required attire for Fall & Spring Trimester performances.
Modern / Contemporary
Footwear: Bare feet. No shoes.
Additional Clothing: Black leggings/pants that are tight at ankle. Leggings are worn over leotards. Beginners in modern may use dance knee pads.
Specific Clothing: Contemporary classes may wear socks if desired.
Tap / PreTap / Clog
Footwear: Solid black slip on tap shoes (unless otherwise specified).
For Clog, we recommend buck jingle taps. You can purchase these separately and have a cobbler install them, or find them online. Please solid black shoes. No tennis shoes with glued on double taps. Regular tap shoes are allowed if you do not wish to purchase clogging shoes.
*We recommend labeling your dancewear and shoes. (Initial the inside tag)
*Dance Shoes are Indoor shoes. Please keep clean.
*Jewlery/watches are not allowed in dance classes. Safety pins are also not allowed.
Special Dress-Up (Optional)
- First week of Jan - Trolls (colorful outfits and crazy hair)
- First week of Feb - Fairies & Dragons (color Fairy/Dragon and add wings)
- Feb 7 – Ballet Day (wear tutu)
- Week of Feb 14 – Happy Valentine’s Day (wear purple/pink/red)
- First week of Mar - Developmental Disabilities Awareness (Crazy Socks)
- Week of Mar 17 – Happy St. Patrick’s Day (wear green)
- First week of Apr - Pop Stars (colorful/sparkly outfit, fun hairstyle)
- First week of May - My Hero (choose outfit color, add a cape)
- First week of June - Pirates (add a ragged vest and an eye patch)
- First week of July - All American (wear red/white/blue)
- First week of Aug - Career Week
- First week of Sep - Trip to the Library (dress up as book/movie character)
- First week of Oct - Royalty & Breast Cancer Awareness (wear pink, add a crown)
- First week of Nov - Ninjas & Spies (wear all black)
- First week of Dec - Holiday Cheermisters (festive colors/patterns, "Who" hair, and pajama pants)
*Monthly dress-up is always the first week of classes for the month. This allows every student the opportunity to dress up regardless of no class days.
*If older students do not desire to dress up, they can wear colors/patterns that are different from the usual dress code.
*Special Dress-up days still require dancewear. You may add T-shirt, attached/secured accessories, vests, sweats, onesies, and jeggings/leggings. No jeans, coats, dresses, or floor length skirts. Thank you.
*Hygiene Notes - We no longer accept used shoes. No refunds/exchanges for tights and leotards. Please see our sizing charts and submit student measurements for each trimester.
Please use inches for girth/height measurements.
Terms of Service
Dance Design Studio does not store credit/debit card or bank information. That information is kept through our payment processor Stripe.
Many dancerwear items not available can be purchase ordered through our store. Orders are made directly after the first week of monthly classes. If you desire the item(s) to be ordered outside of group orders, shipping charges will be applied to your account.
Many dancerwear items not available can be purchase ordered through our store. Orders are made directly after the first week of monthly classes. If you desire the item(s) to be ordered outside of group orders, shipping charges will be applied to your account.
Accounts & Balances
If an account is left unpaid for two months, the student will be dropped from class. If there are extenuating circumstances, please let us know so we can try to work with you.
Payment Options:
Trimester Fees
$40/Month Tuition OR $30/Month if Trimester Tuition is paid in full
$25/Family Recital Fee (We do NOT ticket our events)
Specific to Trimester:
Conditional Fees:
*All unpaid account balances must be reconciled before funds are directed towards costume.
*No refunds, transfers, or exchanges.
If an account is left unpaid for two months, the student will be dropped from class. If there are extenuating circumstances, please let us know so we can try to work with you.
Payment Options:
- Cash (Get a physical receipt)
- Check (Make checks out to Dance Design Studio with Dancer's name in lower left memo line)
- Direct Withdrawal (Bank account)
- Online payments (Credit/debit card)
Trimester Fees
$40/Month Tuition OR $30/Month if Trimester Tuition is paid in full
$25/Family Recital Fee (We do NOT ticket our events)
Specific to Trimester:
- Winter Trimester - $25 Nonrefundable Costume Deposit, Full Costume Fee (this includes deposit) $50-70
- Spring Trimester - $10 Costume Deposit (This is for accessories & props)
- Fall Trimester - $10 Costume Deposit (This is for accessories & props)
Conditional Fees:
- $10/family Initial Setup Fee (one-time fee for new family registrations)
- $25/Trimester Processing Fee (tuition paid by cash/check) This fee does NOT apply to Direct Withdrawal or Trimesters paid in full.
- $5 Late Fee (charges to unpaid accounts on the 12th of every month)
- $2/minute Chaperon Fee (for children left unattended outside of class time)
*All unpaid account balances must be reconciled before funds are directed towards costume.
*No refunds, transfers, or exchanges.
Procedures
Dance Area & Class observation
We are working on setting up Livestream. This will be used in cases of quarantine or class observations. We would love to use it every class, however, at this point, we are unsure how involved the setup will be each time. In-Person classes are otherwise closed lessons. No street shoes allowed in dance area. We do not allow visitors in class, instead we have class observation days.
We are working on setting up Livestream. This will be used in cases of quarantine or class observations. We would love to use it every class, however, at this point, we are unsure how involved the setup will be each time. In-Person classes are otherwise closed lessons. No street shoes allowed in dance area. We do not allow visitors in class, instead we have class observation days.
Class Placement
Generally dancers are assigned classes within their own age groups. However, we want to facilitate appropriate opportunities for growth to each of our student. Advancing a student is a decision initiated by the teacher and agreed upon by the parent. We want the best experience for all our dancers.
Generally dancers are assigned classes within their own age groups. However, we want to facilitate appropriate opportunities for growth to each of our student. Advancing a student is a decision initiated by the teacher and agreed upon by the parent. We want the best experience for all our dancers.
Levels
- PreDance (Ages 3-5)
- Level 0 (Ages 4-6)
- Level 1 (Ages 6-8)
- Level 2 (Ages 8-10)
- Level 3 (Ages 11-14)
- High School (Ages 15-19)
- Adult (19 & up)
- Seniors in Life (Ages 65+)
Additional Notes
Parents
Be respectful & polite. Support your child and others. Encourage your child(ren) to practice at home. Have a synergistic mindset. Celebrate other's successes. Direct any concerns directly to owner through online suggestion box.
Please be careful when driving in the parking lot and surrounding areas. We have many different ages of students and siblings. Always exercise caution and encourage your children to do the same. Please make sure your child gets inside safely. Also, keep unattended cars locked. Pedestrians have gone around checking doors for unlocked vehicles before.
Safety is our number one priority. Please be aware of your surroundings, so everyone can be safe.
Parents
Be respectful & polite. Support your child and others. Encourage your child(ren) to practice at home. Have a synergistic mindset. Celebrate other's successes. Direct any concerns directly to owner through online suggestion box.
Please be careful when driving in the parking lot and surrounding areas. We have many different ages of students and siblings. Always exercise caution and encourage your children to do the same. Please make sure your child gets inside safely. Also, keep unattended cars locked. Pedestrians have gone around checking doors for unlocked vehicles before.
Safety is our number one priority. Please be aware of your surroundings, so everyone can be safe.
Student Expectations
- Be a Good Learner
- Listen, be polite, raise hand to ask questions
- Follow directions the first time given
- Be positive
- Seek to understand and be wise
- Come prepared -
- Use the bathroom and water fountain before class
- Student Dance Bag: Water bottle, Dance Footwear, Two thick hair ties (even for males), Dry erase marker (Level 2 & up classes)
- Be a Good Dancer
- Be willing to try and keep working hard
- Remember dance, practice outside of class (this helps immensely with memory retention)
- Be safe and take care of yourself
- Be appreciative and respectful
Being a good dancer isn't referring to talent, it means you do your best to progress forward.
An example of both a good learner/dancer would be practicing in a safe open area with floors conducive to your movement.
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Studio Owner Resources
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