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 requirements for all classes include: 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.
*Dance Shoes are Indoor shoes. Please keep them clean.
*No jewelry/watches, safety pins, or jeans.
Class specifications are listed below.
Acro
Hair: Braids (tucked). Hair elastics, no bobby pins. Leotard and leggings
Clothing: Leotard or tucked in t-shirt. Leggings or dance shorts.
*Bare feet only (No: shoes/footed tights/socks).
Ballet
Hair: pinned off of the back of the neck in a bun or braid.
Ballet pink ballet shoes. Leotard with a matching ballet skirt/tutu. Convertible tights (we have props for foot strengthening exercises). Pointe shoes if approved by teacher. See your class notes online for Pointe Test.
Warmup dancewear (optional): shrugs, leg warmers, and dance booties.
PreBallet examples (Any colors, pattern, print or material):
Levels 1-4 examples (Black and Ballet Pink):
Males: Black ballet shoes. Long sleeved or T-shirt tucked in. Any shirt for PreBallet. White or Black shirt for levels 1-4. Black knee length dance shorts
*No socks. See below on how to tie Ballet shoes.
Ballet / Jazz Combo
Hair: bun, braid, or ponytail.
Ballet pink ballet shoes. Leotard, biketard, or unitard. Tights with dance skirts/tutus (optional), or leggings/jazz pants. Both options should coordinate with the color of the leotard. Black leggings go with most colors.
Warmup dancewear (optional): shrugs, leg warmers, and dance booties.
Color combination examples (Any colors, prints, and materials):
Males: Black ballet shoes. Long sleeved shirt or T-shirt tucked in with knee length black dance shorts or black capri sweat pants. Any shirt color for PreBallet, solid color shirt for levels 1-4.
*No socks. See below how to tie Ballet shoes.
Clog
Hair: Tied back in ponytail or braid.
Footwear: Tap shoes are allowed, but clog taps are recommended. For Clog, we recommend buck jingle taps. You can purchase these separately and have a cobbler install them, or find them online already installed (black shoes). No tennis shoes with glued on double taps.
Additional Clothing: Any color T-shirt. Darker color dance pants, leggings, or joggers (tight at ankle).
Hip Hop
Hair: Boxer braids, ponytails, messy buns
Footwear: Specific High top sneakers - metallic gray (females), black (males). These shoes are specific and part of the costume. They are also indoor shoes for class and can be found in our store.
Specific Clothing: Loose or side tucked T-shirt. Joggers or jeggings. (Any colors, patterns, and materials).
Additional Clothing: Sweatshirt, sweat pants, hat (beak dance beanie, baseball cap, etc.), or flannel button up/zip up jacket tied around the waist.
Lyrical
Footwear: Lyrical half soles (foot undies).
Clothing: Same attire as "Ballet / Jazz Combo".
PreDance
Footwear: Leather Ballet shoes as pictured below. Please square knot your ballet shoe ties and cut.
Clothing: Same dress standards as "PreBallet"
Modern / Contemporary
Footwear: Bare feet. No shoes.
Clothing: Leotard, biketard, unitard, or shirt with tucked in undershirt. Leggings, joggers (tight at ankle) or sweat capris. Beginners in modern may use dance knee pads.
Specific Clothing: Contemporary classes may wear socks if desired.
SMILE Tap
Footwear: Black slip on tap shoes.
Clothing: T-shirt, sport shorts, or sweats (tight at ankle).
Tap & PreTap
Footwear: Solid black slip on tap shoes (unless otherwise specified).
Clothing: T-shirts, sport shorts, or sweats (tight at ankle).
*Leotards are worn in lieu of underwear. Tights are worn under leotards. Leggings or Jeggings are worn over leotards.
Standard requirements for all classes include: 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.
*Dance Shoes are Indoor shoes. Please keep them clean.
*No jewelry/watches, safety pins, or jeans.
Class specifications are listed below.
Acro
Hair: Braids (tucked). Hair elastics, no bobby pins. Leotard and leggings
Clothing: Leotard or tucked in t-shirt. Leggings or dance shorts.
*Bare feet only (No: shoes/footed tights/socks).
Ballet
Hair: pinned off of the back of the neck in a bun or braid.
Ballet pink ballet shoes. Leotard with a matching ballet skirt/tutu. Convertible tights (we have props for foot strengthening exercises). Pointe shoes if approved by teacher. See your class notes online for Pointe Test.
Warmup dancewear (optional): shrugs, leg warmers, and dance booties.
PreBallet examples (Any colors, pattern, print or material):
- Green leotard with a sequin floral dance skirt and tan tights
- Leotard with a ballerina printed on the front, tights, tutu, and striped leg warmers
Levels 1-4 examples (Black and Ballet Pink):
- Black leotard with ballet pink tights
- Black leotard with white tights
- Black leotard with black tights
- Ballet pink leotard with white tights
Males: Black ballet shoes. Long sleeved or T-shirt tucked in. Any shirt for PreBallet. White or Black shirt for levels 1-4. Black knee length dance shorts
*No socks. See below on how to tie Ballet shoes.
Ballet / Jazz Combo
Hair: bun, braid, or ponytail.
Ballet pink ballet shoes. Leotard, biketard, or unitard. Tights with dance skirts/tutus (optional), or leggings/jazz pants. Both options should coordinate with the color of the leotard. Black leggings go with most colors.
Warmup dancewear (optional): shrugs, leg warmers, and dance booties.
Color combination examples (Any colors, prints, and materials):
- Classic look of black leotard with ballet pink tights.
- Soft lighter color (lavender, light blue, ballet pink, seafoam green) leotards generally go with white tights.
- Primary and Secondary colors go well with tan tights.
- Deep color (forest green, maroon, navy) leotards with tan tights.
- Neon color leotards look best with white or tan color tights.
- White leotards and tan tights.
- Black leotards with white tights.
Males: Black ballet shoes. Long sleeved shirt or T-shirt tucked in with knee length black dance shorts or black capri sweat pants. Any shirt color for PreBallet, solid color shirt for levels 1-4.
*No socks. See below how to tie Ballet shoes.
Clog
Hair: Tied back in ponytail or braid.
Footwear: Tap shoes are allowed, but clog taps are recommended. For Clog, we recommend buck jingle taps. You can purchase these separately and have a cobbler install them, or find them online already installed (black shoes). No tennis shoes with glued on double taps.
Additional Clothing: Any color T-shirt. Darker color dance pants, leggings, or joggers (tight at ankle).
Hip Hop
Hair: Boxer braids, ponytails, messy buns
Footwear: Specific High top sneakers - metallic gray (females), black (males). These shoes are specific and part of the costume. They are also indoor shoes for class and can be found in our store.
Specific Clothing: Loose or side tucked T-shirt. Joggers or jeggings. (Any colors, patterns, and materials).
Additional Clothing: Sweatshirt, sweat pants, hat (beak dance beanie, baseball cap, etc.), or flannel button up/zip up jacket tied around the waist.
Lyrical
Footwear: Lyrical half soles (foot undies).
Clothing: Same attire as "Ballet / Jazz Combo".
PreDance
Footwear: Leather Ballet shoes as pictured below. Please square knot your ballet shoe ties and cut.
Clothing: Same dress standards as "PreBallet"
Modern / Contemporary
Footwear: Bare feet. No shoes.
Clothing: Leotard, biketard, unitard, or shirt with tucked in undershirt. Leggings, joggers (tight at ankle) or sweat capris. Beginners in modern may use dance knee pads.
Specific Clothing: Contemporary classes may wear socks if desired.
SMILE Tap
Footwear: Black slip on tap shoes.
Clothing: T-shirt, sport shorts, or sweats (tight at ankle).
Tap & PreTap
Footwear: Solid black slip on tap shoes (unless otherwise specified).
Clothing: T-shirts, sport shorts, or sweats (tight at ankle).
*Leotards are worn in lieu of underwear. Tights are worn under leotards. Leggings or Jeggings are worn over leotards.
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.
- 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.
Privacy Policy
Dance Design Studio does not store credit/debit card or bank information. That information is kept through our payment processor Stripe.
Waivers
I hereby release and hold harmless Dance Design Studio, it’s staff members and volunteers from any and all claims, causes of actions, suits or liability, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorney’s fees) arising out of, or in connection with any loss, personal participation in classes, events, performances, and private lessons with Dance Design Studio LLC. I expressly assume the risk associated with dancing and choreography and all other events, programs, performances, and participation in all activities and classes. In an emergency, I authorize Dance Design Studio LLC to take temporary measures as Dance Design Studio LLC deems appropriate. I hereby give permission to Dance Design Studio to take photographs and/or videos of students listed above that will become permanent sole property of Dance Design Studio LLC. I consent to the use of such materials for promotional purposes by Dance Design Studio LLC. I agree to pay my account in full when due. I also agree to pay any and all fees associated with the collection of any outstanding balances on my account; including, but not limited to, recital and costume fees. I understand that all tuition payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. I understand that Dance Design Studio LLC does not give credit and/or refunds for class(es) missed due to holiday, vacation, illness, weather, etc. I understand that disruptive behavior (rude comments towards students, parents and Dance Design Studio staff members, physical contact with other students, the lack of discipline during class, failure to follow dress code, etc.) may require the instructor to dismiss a student from class or have them sit out to observe class. I further understand that there are specific risks of physical or property damages, losses, or injury that may result from me or my child’s participation with Dance Design Studio, and I voluntarily assume the risks associated with such participation. I understand it is my responsibility, as a parent or legal guardian, to be present (or have someone serve as proxy) to safely transport my child to and from Dance Design Studio LLC classes and events. I also understand it is my responsibility to keep up to date with studio information through my online account at www.dancedesign.org. Information can be found on the lobby bulletin, the online bulletin (parent updates), and monthly email. I have carefully read Dance Design Studio LLC policies and I will follow the rules and procedures therein. I agree to abide by all Dance Design Studio policies and will direct any comments or suggestions to the online suggestion box, or directly to the owner. I understand that payments delinquent for 2 months will result in dismissal of student and possibly being sent to collections.
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.
Our store is available for dancewear. Many 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.
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)
- Autopay - Direct Withdrawal (Bank) or Card
- 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 Autopay 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)
- Shipping charges (if your order is not within studio group order and you want to receive it earlier)
*All unpaid account balances must be reconciled before funds are directed towards costume.
*No refunds, transfers, or exchanges.
Our store is available for dancewear. Many 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.
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)
- 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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