Lifesong DANCE Studio - Information, Policies & Descriptions
2008-2009 Season 3
Updated 07-18-08

Initial placement in dance classes is determined at registration and is based on the student’s age, experience and ability.  Our staff will evaluate students during the first few weeks of class to ensure proper placement.  Guidelines for appropriate dress in class:  comfortable, non-restrictive, modest.  Hair should be up and out of the dancer’s face for all classes.  Shoe requirements are listed below.

Pre-Ballet Class

This ½ hour class is for 2 year old beginners.
Tuition:  $35 per month
Spring Recital Costume Fee:  $65
Shoes:  pink ballet w/pink elastic

Ballet, Tap & Tumbling Combo Class

This 1 hour class is for dancers 3-5 years old.
Tuition:  $50 per month
Christmas Recital Costume Fee:  $45

Christmas Recital Fee:  $20
Spring Recital Costume Fee:  2 costumes @ $65 each ($130 total)
Shoes:  pink ballet w/pink elastic, black patent tap

Ballet, Tap & Jazz Combo Class

This 1 ½ hour class is for dancers in Kindergarten through 5th grade.
Tuition:  $65 per month
Christmas Recital Costume Fee:  $45

Christmas Recital Fee:  $20
Spring Recital Costume Fee:  3 costumes @ $65 each ($195 total)
Shoes:  pink ballet w/pink elastic, black patent tap, black slip-on jazz

Individual Classes

Dancers may begin taking individual classes at 8 yrs old.  Class placement is based on age and ability.  See class descriptions below. 
Tuition:  $50 first class / $25 each additional class; maximum dance tuition for individual students is $175/month; maximum dance tuition per family is $275/month.

Technique Classes (not a recital class - no costume fee)
Ballet Technique, Leaps & Turns, Drill Team Technique

Recital Classes (Spring Recital Costume Fee $75 per class)
Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, Clogging, Hip-Hop, Modern, Pointe

Competition Classes (Spring Recital Costume Fee $85 per class)
Participation in a competition class is by invitation only, requiring a higher level of commitment.  It may also include enrollment in Ballet Technique and/or Leaps & Turns.  Dancers will be advised of specifics upon enrollment in the class.

Shoe Requirements for Individual Classes

Ballet Technique:  pink ballet w/pink elastic ~ (leotard and tights required, any color)

Leaps & Turns:  jazz shoe, foot thong or pedini

Drill Team Technique:  jazz shoe or pedini

Jazz:  black pedini

Lyrical:  tan pedini

Tap:  black, hard-sole, lace-up oxfords

Clogging:  white lace-up oxfords w/Stevens Stompers clogging taps

Hip-Hop:  white tennis shoes

Modern:  no shoes required

Pointe:  instructor will advise

Costumes & Spring Recital Fees
Our Spring Dance Recital will be sometime the end of May or beginning of June.  Specific dates will be given out at a later date.  This is the event the students will be working toward throughout the entire year.  It is not mandatory but strongly encouraged.  The recital is a great opportunity for students and allows them to fully experience the benefit of all their hours of training.  Recital fees and costume fees are non-refundable.

Costume Fees
The costume fees (including tights) not only cover the cost of the actual costume, but also other behind-the-scenes expenses such as alterations, ordering, sorting, etc.

Combo Classes:  $65 per costume

Individual Classes:  $75 per costume

Competition Classes:  $85 per costume

Costume fees are due on or before November 1, 2008

Recital Fee
The recital fees are used to offset the costs of auditorium rental, programs, awards and other expenses associated with the recital.

$50 first family dancer

$30 each additional dancer in the family

Recital fees are due on or before February 1, 2009

Attendance & Make-up Classes
In order to progress personally as a dancer as well as keep up with the class, regular attendance is strongly encouraged.  Absences not only affect the individual, but also affect everyone else in the class.  If you must miss class for any reason, please call and notify the studio office.  There are no refunds for missed classes, although make-up classes may be scheduled.  See the front desk or talk to your instructor for makeup class options.

Observation of Classes
The viewing windows will be open for parents to observe during the first week of the month.  Parents may take pictures and video tape during observation week.

Private Instruction
Our staff is available for private instruction as needed based on studio and teacher availability.  Privates are handled between the instructor and the student.

INDIVIDUAL CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Ballet technique is foundational for all forms of dance and is strongly recommended for all dancers. This class teaches the traditional style of ballet, which stresses the academic technique developed through the centuries of the existence of ballet.  Extensive barre work, center floor and across the floor exercises allow the dancer to focus on body placement, balance and proper technique.

Leaps & Turns is a technique class that gives the dancer the opportunity to perfect their leaping and turning skills.  Extensive focus is on stretching and flexibility.  Across the floor combinations are designed to challenge the dancer.  This class is great for all dancers and is especially recommended for those wanting to improve their technique.

Drill Team Technique is a preparatory course to familiarize the student with the requirements to audition for High School Drill Team or Dance Team. This class includes focus on stretching, flexibility, basic dance terminology, basic leaps and turns, traditional High Kick technique, and splits. This class is designed to prepare and develop any level of dancer for their Drill Team or Dance Team audition.

Jazz dance is a stylized and technical form of dance that requires a ballet foundation.  In order to steadily build on our dancer’s repertoire, a wide range of technical elements and combinations are presented during class.  From traditional to commercial jazz, this ever-broadening form of dance allows students to develop a strong sense of artistic expression.

Lyrical dance is a contemporary dance form which fuses the techniques of modern, jazz and ballet.  This class, while emphasizing excellence in technique, focuses on the artistry of the movement and the interpretation of the music.  Dancers are encouraged and inspired to connect the emotion of the lyrics with the art of movement.

Tap is a stage dance in which rhythmic patterns are sounded by the toes and heels striking the floor.  Tap is a style of American theatrical dance using precise, rhythmical patterns of foot movement and audible foot tapping.  This class is fun and challenging for dancers at every level.

Clogging is characterized byflat-footed, stomping steps and percussive, enthusiastic footwork.  This high-energy class is not only fun, but a great workout!

Hip-Hop is a class focusing on a “street” style of dance and teaches the newest moves that are popular with young people today.   Hip hop dancing is evolving in many different directions, heavily influenced by the evolution of hip hop music and music videos.  Music and movement used in Lifesong’s hip hop classes are carefully chosen to be content and age appropriate.

Modern:  Modern is a class that concentrates on use of breath, proper and efficient dynamic alignment, oppositional energy, and fall and recovery from a variety of modern dance styles and techniques. Partnering and improvisation are also explored.

Pointe:  Sur les pointes, or "on pointe," is on the tips of the toes--literally. Children should not be allowed to go on pointe until the bones of their feet are fully developed. This classical form of ballet is geared towards the more serious, technically trained dancers.