B

Ballet: see Classical Ballet.

Ballet Slippers: Pink canvas slippers are acceptable for class work in the Advanced Beginner and above levels. Leather slippers are required for performances. Split or full sole slippers are acceptable.

Beginner: First level of the Main Division. Freda coral ballet leotard, Freda coral modern unitard. Usually ages 8-12. A beginner wants 3+ classes a week in the basic lessons of classical ballet and modern dance. Continues the development of creative movement, technique and alignment. Must learn personal responsibility, discipline, and variations on basic locomotive movements. Opportunities to perform in The Nutcracker are possible.

Benefactor: Generous person or family that donates to the scholarship fund, supports a promising student, or sponsors Ensemble performances.

Blocking Rehearsal: Rehearsal for dancers to mark their spacing for entrances, exits, and formations.

Bun wreath: Flowered head piece that wraps around bun, required for Spring Concert ballet demonstration pieces. Bun wreath must include flowers the same color as dancer's leotard. Available at DAC for $10.

C

Call Board: Bulletin board for performers to read updates in rehearsals, fittings, photo shoots, performances, and other related information.

Cancellations: DAC reserves the right to change or cancel courses and times according to enrollment. Cancellations due to inclement weather are rare, and will be announced on DAC's answering service by 7:00 a.m. for classes between 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and by 1:00 p.m. for later afternoon and evening classes. Classes missed due to inclement weather may be made up before March 31.

Casting Decisions: Casting Decisions are at the sole discretion of the choreographer and are made with the production quality in mind first, then the students' abilities second. Students who are given a role must be prepared to accept the role and cast to which they are assigned without questioning, bragging, or gossiping, otherwise dismissal from the concert will result. Failure to accept a particular role or cast will result in not being eligible to audition for future roles for one year.

Character: Form of ballet dance performed in boots, clogs, or character shoes that usually features national dances (Polish, Hungarian, Spanish, Italian, and Russian) and is found in many 19th century ballets where they frequently provide a lively and exotic contrast to classical dancing. Dress code for girls is classical ballet attire with knee-length character skirt, character shoes, and hair in a bun. Dress code for boys is classical attire with black stretch pants and character shoes. Class offered after the beginner level for an additional fee per year.

Classical Ballet: For students 8-adult, it is fundamental to the art of dance. The Vaganova Syllabus from Russia, the Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD) method from England, the Bournonville method from Denmark, and the Checcetti method combine to form the basis for our curriculum. Essential to the technique of ballet is the development of the body as an instrument of expression. Barre combinations develop student strength and flexibility through traditional skills. Equally important are the center patterns and progressions through which students extend their discipline and improve their placement and control. Pointe work and classical repertoire is reserved for elementary to advanced students. In order to maintain a coherent level of training, beginning, advanced beginner, and elementary students meet two to four days a week, intermediate and advanced students meet four to six days a week.

Class Reports: Each time a class meets, the instructor writes a class report which is submitted to the Director for review. Students' development will be noted in the report, as well as progressions, regressions, work habits, and attitudes. The purpose of these reports is to help gauge student needs.

Conduct: Each of us who works, studies, volunteers or otherwise participates in DAC is expected, at all times, to demonstrate respect for others and for the facilities and to promote an environment that is safe and welcoming of diversity. Classroom etiquette includes accepting a correction as a gift from the instructor with a simple polite response, showing respect for the teacher and classmates by listening instead of talking in class, and attending to personal needs prior to class.

Conferences:

Student assessment: Parent, student, and teacher conferences are held in January for dancers in the advanced beginner level and above. Class progress, areas for improvement, and summer dance plans are discussed. Future class placement is not discussed at this meeting.

Students entering the Main Division: These conferences are held with the Director to prepare the student and parents for the expected standards of DAC.

Costumes: Most costumes are owned and maintained by DAC. Regular class attire, not costumes, is worn in the demonstration portion of the Spring Dance Concert. There is no costume fee for Ensemble members.

Creative Movement: Youth Division level of dance education that is a precursor to pre-beginner level. Ages 4-7. Dress code for girls is pale pink leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet slippers. For boys, white t-shirt, black stretch pants, and black ballet slippers. This class inspires children to develop natural movement instincts through activities appropriate to their innate creativity and physical skills. The class provides an opportunity for children to express themselves primarily through movement, but also through complementary music and drama activities. A variety of hands-on materials in related arts and sciences are incorporated to enhance each child's learning experience.

D

Dance Bag: For class, a dance bag should include the appropriate dance footwear, hair supplies, a sweat towel, extra tights, water, safety pins, tissues, band aids, alcohol wipes, and emergency phone numbers. For performances, the dance bag should also include a smock or bathrobe, house slippers, hair pins, bobby pins, hair nets, hair brush, hair gel, hair elastics, makeup box, and sewing kit.

Dance Journal: Every main division dancer keeps a dance journal to regularly record his or her corrections, combinations, and thoughts about class progress and dreams.

Dancing Arts Academy: Day school for promising dance students in grades 4-12 based on curricula for distance learners. Please speak to Director for details.

Demonstration: Part of Spring Dance Concert that showcases students' class work. Regular class attire for ballet, plus matching 12" skirt and bun wreath for females, cummerbunds for males, or class unitard for modern, and class attire specified by the instructor for jazz are worn.

Dress Code: All students are expected to keep a neat appearance and to abide by their specific dress code (see specific level). Failure to do so may result in the student being asked to leave the class. All dancewear should be cleaned frequently, an extra pair of tights should be carried in dance bags, and all outerwear must be removed prior to the beginning of class. Long hair must be worn in a bun for ballet, or in a braided ponytail for modern and jazz, and short hair must be secured off the face. No underwear is ever permitted under a leotard! For the safety of the students, only simple stud earrings are permissible. No other jewelry is safe. Leg warmers or other warm-up gear are not permitted in class. If you are recovering from an injury, warm-up clothes may be worn with the instructor's permission. Outerwear should be worn over dance clothes when entering and exiting the building. Tie and tuck in, or cut off, the drawstrings of ballet slippers. Dance shoes should never be worn outside the building. Please write your child's full name and level in all dance clothes, shoes, and bags.

Dress Rehearsal: Rehearsal where dancers wear full dress, hair, and makeup, and perform with all stage effects and timing as if it were a public performance.

E

Elementary: Main Division level above Advanced Beginner. Dress code: Freda Lavender ballet leotard, Freda Lavender modern unitard. Usually ages 12-16. An elementary student grows to 5+ classes a week (3+ in ballet, 2+ in modern). Continues the development of all previous levels with more speed, accuracy, and variety. Jazz class and possibly pointe work adds to the program of studies. Begins to learn basic pedagogy. Opportunities to audition for the Ensemble touring company may be possible.

Email:

DAC Director is accessible by email at dancingartscenter@gmail.com.

To receive the weekly announcements by email send a request to dancingartscenter@gmail.com.

DAC registrar is accessible at dancingarts.registrar@gmail.com .

DAC Communications Director is accessible at dancingarts.PR@gmail.com .

Ensemble manager is accessible at dancingarts.ensemble@gmail.com.

Enrollment:

First Time Students: First-time student may enroll at a level appropriate to their previous experience anytime during the year if there is an appropriate class with space. New students are advised to call ahead to schedule a placement class. Tuition is prorated for those who enroll mid-semester. All students must enroll by mail or at DAC. Phone registration is not accepted.

New Students: Enrollment begins in July for classes starting in September, and in February for class starting in June/July. Enrollment is on-going through the year in all classes and programs. A conference with the Director is required.

Returning students: Returning students receive their fall class placement with application materials in June. They have priority placement until July 15th. Priority placement means that only the returning students will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis until July 15th. Due to the high number of students wishing to enroll in DAC, there is risk of losing a space in the class for which you have been recommended if you do not respond by the July 15th priority date. New students are accepted after the mid-July deadline. After this deadline, both new and returning students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ensemble: Dance company of the Dancing Arts Center. From September to December, the Ensemble provides the main roles for The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Little Match Girl cast and other holiday pieces. In January, Ensemble I (touring company) and Ensemble II (studio company) are selected through an audition process. The touring company performs at area elderly homes, community events, and festivals during the Spring. Both Ensembles perform in the Spring Concert. Strict attendance guidelines apply for all rehearsals and performances. Parents of touring ensemble members are expected to volunteer 6 hours of their time (usually in driving and supervising performances or costume-making), or pay a fee of $315. The Ensemble maintains its uniqueness as a professional youth company. Members are chosen by audition and required to sustain a high level of technique and artistry, as well as a professional schedule of training. The members gain much formal performance experience and work well with seasoned dance professionals.

Evaluations: A written assessment for all youth division students is prepared in January and June by their instructors. Growth, changes, and areas for improvement are recorded. All main division students fill out a self-evaluation in January for each dance discipline they are studying, which is then revised and commented upon by their instructor. At the end of the year, another evaluation is prepared by the instructor for each student which includes recommendations for class placement for the summer and fall.

F

Favorite Day: Takes place the week after Peek Weeks for Youth Division classes. Parents participate during the last 10 minutes of class on Favorite Day.

Financial Assistance: Families currently receiving unemployment benefits qualify for a tuition reduction of 50%. Tuition for multiple family members is reduced by 10% for the second family member registered and 20% for the third. Additionally, work/study programs are available. Please speak to Karyn Edison, Director.

G

Garment Bag: Required of touring Ensemble members to safely transport costumes to and from performances. Bag must be closed on the bottom to protect costumes. Must have student's name very visibly written on the outside of the bag.

Grease Makeup: Foundation, blush, and eye shadow in an oil-based or cream stick or smudge pot.

H

Holiday Dance Concert: Performed at Sorenson Theater on the campus of Babson College in Wellesley, includes performances of students in ballet, modern, and jazz classes and features The Nutcracker, Cinderella, or Little Match Girl and other contemporary pieces. Usually performed the third weekend of December.

Holidays: DAC is closed Memorial Day, Independence Day, Monday through Sunday of the February and April school vacation weeks, Tuesday through Sunday of Thanksgiving week, and during the late December/early January school vacation. Regular classes and rehearsals are held the first weekend of school vacation weeks.

Hygiene: Proper personal hygiene at DAC includes: daily shower or bath, including washing hair, daily use of deodorant, clean dancewear every day for all disciplines, and regular and thorough hand washing throughout the day.

I

Illness: Please do not send your child to class with a fever, cough, or even clear runny nose. Do call the studio to notify teachers of the absence. Classes missed due to illness may be made up when the child is well again (must be fever-free for 24 hours). If a student is not contagious, but just not feeling 100%, he or she should try the class, but may end up observing if he or she is not able to dance.

Intermediate: Main Division level above Elementary. Dress code: Freda Light Blue ballet leotard, Freda Light Blue modern unitard. Usually ages 14-17. An intermediate student cannot live without class every day (4+ in ballet, 2+ in modern and 1+ in jazz). Partnering may add to the program of studies. Opportunities to audition outside DAC may be possible with instructor's permission.

J-K

Jazz: For ages 12-adult, this form of dance encompasses many styles of movement. The curriculum blends the modern styles of Horton and Limon with the lyrical jazz styles of Luigi, and the styles of Afro-jazz, funk, hip-hop, Latin, and theatrical jazz. Jazz incorporates isolations and contractions within the center warm-ups, progressions, and combinations set to jazz, ethnic and popular music. Ballet and modern training is required in conjunction with jazz training.

L

Late Policy: Once the studio door is shut and the class has begun, students should not enter class. In the main and adult divisions, students may enter class late when there is a pause in the music with the instructor's permission.

Leotard: The stretchy body suit worn to cover the torso in dance classes. Main division dress code is Freda wear (see specific color under each level). Youth division students may wear any pink leotard without ruffles or attached skirts. Adult division students may wear any plain color leotard.

Lockers: Available for rent for $2/week, $5/month, $40 for September-June, or $10 for the summer.

M

Main Division: Levels of dance including beginner, advanced beginner, elementary, intermediate, and advanced intermediate. Two peek weeks per year are scheduled: the first week of classes and again in January. All main division students with good class attendance are eligible to perform in the Spring Concert and audition for Ensemble.

Makeup: Theater makeup is generally required for performances (other specific requests may be made by individual choreographers): grease foundation, translucent powder, grease blush, clown white grease, grease eye shadow (blue or neutral tones for younger dancers), mascara (brown/black), liquid eye liner (brown/black), lipstick, and deodorant (10 years old and up).

Make-up Classes: Each exciting lesson is integral to the progress of every student. Regular attendance is very important to the students and teachers. Students enrolled in a program may attend another class of the same or lower level to make up a missed class, with permission of the instructor marked on the Absence Form (see "Forms" at end of handbook). The instructor will schedule a make-up class at the time when they excuse an absence on the Request for Absence form. Non-excused absences may not be made up.

Modern Dance: For students 8-adult, our curriculum is eclectic and draws from the styles and philosophies of Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, Jose Limon, and Lester Horton. The modern warm-up, progressions, and combinations are interesting and challenging, and are learned through creative improvisations and technical development. The focus of modern is on exploring traditional phrases, new images of sequences, and clarifying movement quality, direction, and dynamics.

Movement Experiences: First level of Youth Division for 3-year-olds only. Dress code is pale pink leotard, pink tights, pink Capezio ballet slippers for girls and white T-shirt, black tights or stretch pants, and black slippers for boys.

N

Newsletters: DAC publishes monthly newsletters called Dance Lines and DanceLines, jr. with topics of interest for parents and students. DanceLines is for students and families of the Main and Adult Divisions; DanceLines, jr. is for Youth Division students and families.To contribute an idea, please speak with the Director. Your copy of the newsletter can be picked up at the studio during the first week of each month.

NYC Field Trip: Each February vacation, the Director selects a few advanced students to go to New York for master classes, performances, and auditions. By invitation only.

O

Observation: See Peek Week. Parents are not allowed to observe any rehearsals.

Outreach Programs: DAC extends its programs beyond the studio to bring classes and/or performances to preschools, after-school programs, park and recreation departments, retirement communities, and community centers.

P-Q

Payment: The Dancing Arts Center accepts cash and personal checks. Tuition plus the annual application fee and registration form are due when applying. DAC sets tuition at affordable and competitive rates and may be paid in two lump sums or, if desired, in four quarterly or eight monthly installments. The first payment is due at time of registration. Those who choose to pay in installments will receive bills for subsequent payments. A non-refundable $17.00 processing fee will be charged for the four-installment option and a non-refundable $34.00 processing fee will be charged for the eight-installment option. Please make checks payable to DAC or the Dancing Arts Center. Any outstanding balance over 15 days will be billed an additional $15.00 to cover administrative costs. Any outstanding balance over 60 days will result in dismissal from classes until the account is paid. This may jeopardize your child's future placement in the school and participation in any DAC program or production. Year-end student evaluations and placement information will not be distributed if tuition has not been paid in full. All returned checks will be assessed a $25.00 charge.

Peek Week: Five times during the year for the youth division and twice during the year for the main division, DAC opens its classroom doors to family and friends and invites them to observe class. Cameras are welcome. Main division students should wear their skirt or cummerbund in ballet class, and regular class attire for other disciplines during peek week. At no time should a student's attention be diverted from the class without consulting the instructor first. All parents should observe the first class of the year (this is the first "peek").

Performances: Students meeting the eligibility requirements enjoy the opportunity to participate in rehearsals for performances and to audition for outside performances with other companies (with permission). The artistic staff of DAC casts students in performances based on technical and expressive abilities, height, and size requirements for the costume department. DAC produces five concerts per year and tours as an Ensemble in the fall and spring. The Holiday Dance Concert (including The Nutcracker) is presented at Sorenson Theater at Babson College in December. Students who are interested in choreography, production, and stage management produce the Student Dance Concert in the Studio Theater in October. The Senior Concert is for graduating seniors and will be held in the Spring. The Spring Dance Concert is performed at the Sorenson Theater at Babson College in June by most students in the beginner to advanced levels of the main division, as well as Ensemble members. The Summer Dance Concert is presented in the Studio Theater in August by some of the students in the summer workshop programs. Parents should be aware that these performances require extra rehearsals both at the studio and at the theater.

Placement: Children are placed into levels at the sole discretion of the DAC faculty. Placement is dependent on student aptitude, attitude, and maturity. Continuing students are notified of their placement for the following year in a packet received the last week of classes. New students are placed after a screening/placement class.

Pointe: Method of classical or contemporary dance with the dancer wearing toe shoes. Instructors will recommend and prepare dancers for pointe on an individual basis. Beginning pointe usually starts at the elementary level.

Pre-ballet: For students 6-9, this class includes introductory barre work, creative movement, center exercises, progressions, and simple combinations, in addition to the study of 4 ballet productions through story, discussion, and dramatization. Ballet history is introduced.

Pre-Beginner: Youth division level of dance education for ages 6-9. Includes pre-ballet and pre-modern. Attire consists of black leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet slippers for girls or white t-shirt, black stretch pants, and black ballet slippers for boys. A pre-beginner wants 2+ classes a week in the fundamental program of pre-modern and pre-ballet. Continues the development of creative movement and introduces simple technique and alignment. Begins to learn studio conduct, some personal responsibility, and the history and legacy of ballet and modern dance. Enjoys participating in activities that develop independent and cooperative skills, the proper alignment of the body, and the concentration and discipline to advance to beginner ballet and modern.

Pre-modern: Youth division level of dance education for ages 6-9. Preparation for modern dance, includes introductory floor work and spatial awareness patterns, locomotor combinations, and explorations with resistance and gravity.

Preliminary: Youth Division level of dance education for ages 3-7. Includes Movement Experiences and Creative Movement I and II. Preliminary students start with 1+ class(es) a week and begin to learn class etiquette and structure, explore basic movement levels, directions, shapes, tempos, dynamics, musical phrasing, and dramatics, at first separately, then in combination.

Press Releases: DAC regularly sends press releases to local newspapers for publication. Most of these serve to give credit to students participating in performances or being accepted to prestigious summer programs, faculty news, or DAC awards. Student pictures may be included. DAC maintains a mailing list of local newspapers; please check with the director to make sure your local paper is included. Each parent must sign a release form so that student names, ages, pictures, images, and likenesses may be published without compensation.

R

Recital: See Winter, Spring, Summer Dance Concerts.

Refunds: DAC regrets that there can be no refunds of the enrollment fee or processing fee unless a class is canceled. Students canceling their summer enrollment before May 1st or fall enrollment prior to August 15 will receive a full tuition refund (less the registration fee and processing fees) without penalty. Once enrolled, students are responsible for the full amount of tuition for the year. Tuition refunds will not be given after two-thirds of the program is complete, except in case of a serious illness or injury documented by a doctor's explanation. Main Division students are charged an early withdrawal fee. No deductions or refunds from DAC's fixed charges may be made for lessons missed.

Repertoire or Rep: Special class where students can learn and develop an understanding of traditional choreography, not necessarily for performance.

S

School Vacations: Classes and rehearsals are generally not scheduled during public school vacation weeks (Monday through Sunday), but regular classes and rehearsals are held the first weekend of those vacation weeks.

Security: Please do not leave young children or valuables unattended. Many people go in and out of DAC in the course of a day. DAC is not responsible for lost or stolen items or the supervision of your child outside of class. To secure your belongings, DAC recommends the use of lockers available at the studio.

Senior Graduation Concert: Held in May to honor and showcase graduating seniors.

Shoe/Slipper Recycle Bin: Each studio has a box for used shoes and slippers. Please donate your outgrown footwear, and feel free to adopt a pair when you need to.

Snacks: Please bring healthy snacks to the studio: Luna bars, sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, yogurt, salads, nuts, seeds, etc. Students are responsible for proper disposal of all snacks and/or wrappers. Water is the beverage of choice.

Spring Dance Concert: Performed at Sorenson Theater on the campus of Babson College in Wellesley, includes ballet, modern, and jazz demonstrations of all pre-beginner through advanced level classes of the main division. All students with good attendance are encouraged to participate. The concert also features Ensemble and repertoire class performances.

Student Dance Concert: Performed at Studio Theater, purely student choreographed, produced, performed, and managed. Usually presented in late October.

Studio Company: Part of Ensemble that may perform for the Winter and Spring Concerts, but does not tour.

Summer Dance Concert: Performed in the Studio Theater in August by some dancers in the summer workshop programs.

Summer Program: DAC offers a number of summer workshops for 2 to 8 weeks, depending on level. Information is generally available in January. Evening classes are also available.

Supervision: No formal student supervision is provided before or after classes. All students must be supervised in the waiting area by a parent until students reach elementary level.

T-U

Technical or "Tech" Rehearsal: Rehearsal for sound technician, lighting designer, light operators, stage manager, and stage hands with dancers. Designated dancers wear costume for lighting purposes.

Tickets: Tickets for DAC productions can be ordered in advance for a discount. Further discounts apply to advance orders for groups of 15 or more. Tickets may also be available to purchase at the door upon availability. Two complimentary tickets per student are available for the Summer Concert only, but an order form must be submitted by July 1 to receive them.

Touring Company: Part of Ensemble that performs on tour.

Tuition Credits: DAC only issues tuition credits for mid-year withdrawal, long-term illness or injury when the student presents a note from a physician or nurse. Credit will be issued for the number of lessons missed after the date the Center is notified of the student's inability to take classes. The enrollment and processing fees cannot be refunded or credited, and a withdrawal fee is assessed to Main Division students.

V

Volunteers: Volunteers are always needed. Eight volunteer hours are required for parents with children in Ensemble. Some opportunities include performance day help (concessions, tickets, ushering, backstage supervision), dress rehearsal help (costume changes), costume sewing, driving for Ensemble performances, etc. Please speak with the Director.

W-X

Waiting List: If, after submitting your application form, you are notified that the class or program you selected is filled, you will be put on the waiting list for that class. Your tuition deposit, registration and processing fees will be processed to hold your place on the waiting list. You will be notified immediately when a space becomes available, at which time subsequent invoices will be mailed.

Withdrawal: If a student withdraws from the Dancing Arts Center, it is necessary to submit a formal withdrawal request to the registrar's office to ensure that the account is properly closed. A student withdrawing from the preliminary or preballet program will receive a refund according to the date when the withdrawal request is received. However, we ask parents to encourage their child to try at least six consecutive classes before withdrawing, as it takes this long for children to adjust to a new situation. A student withdrawing from the main dance division prior to two-thirds of the program being completed for a non-medical reason will be assessed an early withdrawal fee, then a refund according to the date when the withdrawal request is received. This fee is waived in the case of a serious illness or injury documented by a doctor's explanation.

Work/Study: If you have a professional talent that DAC could put to good use in exchange for full or partial tuition, please speak to the director. Work/study opportunities are also available in exchange for weekly studio cleaning.

Y-Z

Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP): international dance competition that DAC dancers may participate in by invitation.

Youth Division: Levels of dance including movement experiences, creative movement, pre-ballet, and pre-modern classes. This division has five peek weeks for parents per year, but usually does not perform in any concerts, except the pre-beginners.