Policies
Star Baton and Dance Company
Handbook 2008-2009
STAR Baton and Dance Company Policies and Procedures
Dance Exams and Baton Twirling Badge Testing
STAR Baton and Dance Company
The objective of this organization is for boys and girls to twirl and dance at their best potential and to receive the best possible education from top-notch coaches and instructors. Instruction includes discipline and commitment, body and mind coordination, fair play and sportsmanship.
Star offers 3 dance education options:
Ø Session classes (Creative movement, Hip Hop) – Not in year end recital
Ø Weekly lessons (Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Acro, Musical Theatre, Baton Twirling, Cheer Leading)
Ø Weekly lessons (Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Acro, Musical Theatre, Lyrical)
Ø Technique Classes (Pre Pointe, Pointe, Turns Kicks and Leaps)
Ø Weekly lessons (1+ hour each: technique and choreography – Jazz, Tap , Ballet)
5% GST will be added to all costs. GST # 890931462RT0001
Hip Hop Sessions (10 – week course, 45 min once a week) $85.00/session
Adult Sessions (10 – week course, 45 min once a week) $85.00/session
Recreational Acrobatics, Dance or Baton (45 min once a week) $420.00/year
Recreational Acrobatics/Cheer Leading (1 hour once a week) $440.00/year
Competitive Dance (1 hour once a week) $440.00/year
Accelerated Classes (2-3 hours/week) $960.00/year
Technique classes (1 hour once a week) $280.00/year
Part Time Students (3 hours / week) $1050.00/year
Full Time Students (Unlimited classes) $2600.00/year
Full Time Families (Unlimited classes for students in the same family) $5500.00/year
Yearly payments include a minimum of 33 lessons per class for the 2008 – 2009 season. To make payment easier for parents, lesson costs can be paid monthly in 10 post dated cheques dated the 1st of each month (or at registration for the year) Sept - June
(All costume deposits are due Nov 30th, Balances on costumes will be due in May)
$55.00 – $70.00 (approximately) – For each recreational level class (Deposit $70.00 + GST)
$85.00 - $100.00 (approximately) – For each competitive level class (Deposit $100.00 + GST)
$100.00 – $130.00 (approximately) – For each accelerated level class (Deposit $130.00 + GST)
Per Student $20.00/year
Please note: all of these costs are optional.
Pictures $10.00 +
Year End Performance Tickets $10.00
A 10% discount will be applied to students prepaying their tuition for the entire year
When multiple students from the same family register, a 10% discount will be applied to the family tuition (June lessons for free). Discount maximum: 10% / family.
All returned cheques will be subject to a $25.00 processing fee. Accounts more than 15 days overdue will be subject to a 10%/month late charge. Students will be asked to leave class if the account is more than 60 days past due. Any account with 2 NSF cheques will be on a cash only basis.
Withdrawing From Class
You must give one month written notice before dropping a class. Charges will apply if written notice is not received. Students dropping class after November 30th will be responsible for costume charges. Students dropping class after December 31st will be subject to a $50.00 administrative charge.
Star Baton and Dance Company’s office is located at the far end of the Airdrie Recreation and Wellness Centre hallway. Our office hours are Monday – Friday 4:00 – 7:00pm. The office will close during some competitions and other studio related activities. If the office is closed, a drop box (located right outside the office) is available for your convenience. The office email is Admin@Starbaton.com the office phone number is 948-9999. As a courtesy to our office administrator, please do not approach our administrator outside of the office during class, competitions or special events, regarding studio related concerns.
Students must have hair neatly up and out of the face in a ponytail, pigtails or a bun. Students in accelerated classes will not be permitted in class without proper attire.
Combination Classes
All Classes (Batons are supplied)
Girls – Black tank style leotard and ‘Ballerina pink’ tights
Boys – Black T-shirt or tank top and black shorts
Ballet
Recreational
Girls – Black tank style leotard and ‘Ballerina pink’ tights (Hair must be in a bun for ballet class)
Boys – Black T-shirt or tank top and black dance pants or shorts
Competitive / Accelerated
Girls Pre Primary – Primary – Light pink tank style Mondor brand leotard with a pinch and ‘Ballerina pink’ tights. Light pink plain Mondor band ballet skirt. (Hair must be in a bun for ballet class).
Girls Junior 1 – Junior 4 – Navy tank style Mondor brand leotard with a pinch and ‘Ballerina pink’ tights. (Hair must be in a bun for ballet class).
Girls Accelerated Grade 1 – 6/Major Exams – Black “Mirella - M407LM Wide strap camisole leotard” body suit and ‘Ballerina pink’ tights.
Boys – Black tank top or T-shirt and black dance pants, tights or shorts
Tap / Jazz
Recreational / Competitive
Girls – Black tank style Mondor brand leotard with a pinch and beige tights. Black Capri style dance pants or shorts may be added. (Long pants are not permitted)
Boys – Black tank top or T-shirt and black dance pants or shorts
Accelerated
Girls - Black “Mirella - M407LM Wide strap camisole leotard” body suit and black tights. Black Capri style dance pants or shorts may be added. (Long pants are not permitted. Body suits must be worn during preparation for exams).
Baton Twirling/Cheer Leading/Musical Theatre/Lyrical
All Classes
Girls – Black tank style Mondor brand leotard with a pinch and beige tights. Black Capri style dance pants or shorts may be added. (Long pants are not permitted)
Boys – Black tank top or T-shirt and black dance pants or shorts
Black “Mirella” body suit and black tights. Black Capri style dance pants or shorts may be added. (Long pants are not permitted. Body suits must be worn during preparation for exams).
Hip Hop
All Classes
Girls/Boys – Comfortable dance wear
Acrobatics
All Classes
Girls – Black tank style leotard and black dance Capri style dance pants or shorts (long pants / Footed tights are not permitted.)
Boys – Black tank top or T-shirt and black dance pants or shorts
Dance attire and shoes can be purchased at:
East Side Sports in Airdrie 805 East Lake Blvd, Airdrie (403) 912-3012
Twizzle Picks #3, 521 2 Ave SE, Airdrie (402) 948-7509
Classique Dance, Bay 16, 6624 Centre Street South, Calgary, AB (403) 263-4828
Final Goal #109, 3424-27 St N.E. Calgary, AB (403) 291-1090
Masque Costumes Ltd #5 McLeod Plaza 9250 McLeod Trail SE (403) 230-3306
**Prices listed are retail prices at East Side Sports in Airdrie. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Tap, Jazz, Acrobatics (Must have both):
Block Full Sole Ballet slipper (girls – pink, boys – black) $24.99 - $26.99
Bloch Student Tap shoe (black) $39.99
Ballet, Jazz, Baton:
Block Full Sole Ballet slipper (girls – pink, boys – black) $24.99 - $26.99
All Classes - Choice of:
Bare Feet
White Acrobatics Shoe $10.00
Bloch Foot Thong (nude) $19.99
All Classes -
Bloch Split Sole Leather Ballet slipper (girls – pink, boys – black) $37.99
All Classes - Choice of:
Bloch Split Sole Jazz Shoe (Girls beige, Boys black) $47.99
Edura Tech Reinforced Bloch Split Sole Jazz Shoe (Girls beige, Boys black) $57.99
Accelerated Jazz: must have both, black and beige jazz shoes
Baton Twirling classes must also have:
Baton $29.99
Cheerleading
All Classes:
Clean indoor running shoes (white)
All Classes:
Bloch Foot Thong (nude) $19.99
Musical Theatre
Recreational / Junior – Intermediate Competitive:
Block split sole beige jazz shoe $47.99
Senior:
Healed MT shoes – style/color TBA Approx cost $80. NOTE: This cost is in addition to the costume fee.
Hip Hop
Recreational:
Competitive:
Shoe will be decided on by teacher in February. Approximate cost $60.00. NOTE: This cost is in addition to the costume fee. (Any clean indoor shoe can be worn for the first part of the year.)
Recreational:
Bloch Student Tap Shoe(black) $39.99
Competitive / accelerated:
Primary - Jr. 3 classes:
Bloch Student Tap Shoe(black) $39.99
Accelerated:
Angelo Luzio, Black, Style 925L, $100. Taps & rubber must be added.
Boys
Lace up tap oxford (Black) $79.99
*ALL shoes need to fit the dancer’s foot…shoes that are too big will not be acceptable.
All students are expected at all lessons. Instilling these principles in young people will benefit them in learning and keeping good values throughout their lifetimes. Please inform your coach/instructor if you cannot attend a lesson. No refunds will be made for missed lessons. All statutory holidays will be observed. Students in Competitive classes may not miss more than 3 classes in any discipline before the Christmas break. Students in Accelerate classes may not miss more than 4 classes in any discipline throughout the season. Attendance is a factor for future recommendations.
Parents are invited to watch on designated watching days (see the ‘Year at a glance’ for dates on our website www.starbaton.com). Out of respect for your child’s class, please insure that young siblings watching do not become a distraction to the class.
All costumes will be designed by your child’s teacher. We ask that one parent from each group volunteer to be the coordinating costume parent. You do not need to be a seamstress to help out with this job! We understand that not everyone has the knowledge and/or the time to be sewing costumes, so we strive to find the most efficient way for each class, depending upon the age, size, and experience of the children (and the parents!) in each group. Approximate cost for each costume is $55.00 - $70.00 for recreational level classes, $85.00 - $100.00 for competitive classes and $100.00 - $130.00 for accelerated classes. All costume deposits are due November 30th. Competitive/Accelerated dancers may be required to attend fittings outside their class times. Tights are not included in costume prices. Students will be required to purchase tights for performances.
At the end of May, class photos will be taken by a professional photographer. You may purchase class photos if you wish. Cost of the photo is approximately $10.00 and includes an individual and group photo. The dates and times will be announced in April. Please try to attend the picture day even if you do not intend to make a purchase, as we appreciate photos of all the students for our archives. Order forms will be available from the office in May.
This exciting annual event is held in June. Friends and family are invited to come and watch a recital showcasing the year’s work as well as guest performers! STAR will hold rehearsal for the gala in June, and the performances will be held in June (Dates TBA). Students will perform in at least two shows. All students who attend full season classes will be performing in the recital and will be required to purchase a costume, including Pre School, Acrobatics, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Baton Twirling, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Cheerleading and Competitive Hip Hop. Students in 10 week sessions will not be in the recital. (ALL Students are expected at rehearsal and ALL performances for their class(es)) Tickets will go on sale in May for approximately $10.00 each. The 2009 Year End Performance will be held in June Dates - TBA at the Bert Church Theatre in Airdrie. Please check the website for updates on dates.
All students in competitive classes are expected to be at all of the competitions their class is attending. Students attending competitions are responsible for coach’s travel and expenses. Fundraising options may be available to help offset the costs of traveling. (See Fundraising) Parents of competitive athletes will be asked to volunteer throughout the year, and especially during competition season.
All students in competitive classes are expected to attend all of the dance competitions their group is entered in. Groups are usually entered in two to four competitions each year. (Group routines are choreographed for all class members, and it is very important that all class members attend the competitions) Dance competitions are often held during the day on weekdays; students may have to miss school for competitions. Competition entry fees usually cost $30.00-$40.00/competition/student; competitive students will receive invoices for competition entry fees in January.
Auditions for solos, duets, and small groups will be held in early September. Private lesson costs, extra practice costs, costuming, and entry fees are the responsibility of each student.
Stage rehearsals will be arranged for all students involved in competitive dance groups. All students in competitive groups are expected to attend stage rehearsal in preparation for the competitive season. Students will be invoiced for stage rehearsals in late January (Approximately $15.00/student/competitive class).
Fundraising
Participating in fundraising is only open to athletes in Competitive Dance. Participating is completely optional.
“Star Dance Parent’s Society” is a not-for-profit organization that raises funds to help offset costs for competitive dancers. A board of directors is elected and sets policy for fundraising and how to spend the money that is raised. Board meetings are open to all parents who choose to participate in fundraising. Meeting dates and times will be posted on www.starbaton.com. (Examples of costs that could be off set are: Stage Rehearsals, competition fees, camps and travel expenses.)
Parents of Athletes in the competitive dance program have the option of joining “Star Dance Parent’s Society”. If you choose to participate in fundraising, you must participate in 2 fundraising activities / year and 2 volunteer shifts / year per athlete. A $100.00 cheque post dated for the 1st of June will be collected by “Star Dance Parent’s Society” at the beginning of the season. Families that opt to participate in fundraising but do not fulfill their fundraising commitments will have their cheque cashed in June.
*Please note: the Star Baton & Dance Company office/staff are not able to answer questions regarding the Parents Society…Please contact the Society board members.
At Star, we believe that examinations are an important teaching tool, which greatly benefits our dancers and twirlers. Star Baton and Dance Company instruct under the following syllabi:
Ballet classes at Star Baton and Dance Company follow the Ceccetti syllabus. Some students in competitive/accelerated ballet classes will prepare for and have the option to take Ceccetti exams (class teachers will notify students who are ready to take examinations). Extra practice costs and exam costs will be the student’s responsibility. Exams usually take place in November and March. Students wishing to take exams Grade 1 Ceccetti and higher must take the Exam Syllabus Class to be eligible to take exams (Accelerated Program). Approximate cost to enrol in exam: $150.00.
Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers (ADAPT)
Star Baton and Dance Company follows the ADAPT syllabus for all Tap and Jazz classes. Some students in competitive/accelerated dance classes will prepare for and have the option to take ADAPT exams (Class teachers will notify students who are ready to take examinations). Extra practice costs and exam costs will be the student’s responsibility. Exams usually take place in December. Students wishing to take exams higher than Junior Two ADAPT Jazz or Tap must take a ballet class to be eligible. Students wishing to take Exams higher than Junior Three ADAPT Jazz or Tap must be enrolled in exam syllabus classes and a ballet class to be eligible to take exams (Accelerated Program). Approximate cost to enrol in exam: $150.00.
Canadian Baton Twirling Federation (CBTF)
All students in Star Baton and Dance Company’s Baton Twirling programs will prepare for and have the option to take baton twirling badge exams. Badge testing costs $10.00/badge, and is the responsibility of each student.
Do you have questions about a policy?
Call the office at 948-9999 or email at Admin@starbaton.com or Mandy@starbaton.com
Check out our website for lots of cool information on Star Baton and Dance Company.
www.starbaton.com