Dance Team Commitment Contract

 

Welcome to the 2024-25 competitive dance experience at Reel U Dance Center ! For the dancer who loves to perform, our program provides an opportunity to learn, advance, showcase, and compete. Team activities include competing in dance competitions, and performing at other venues during the year, in addition to team bonding experiences such as team rehearsals, dinners, planned activities and lock-ins.

Competition team requires a higher level of commitment for both the dancer and the parents than the average dance class. This packet has been put together to hopefully outline what is expected of the competitive dancer and their families. The following are policies necessary for a smooth and productive year.

It is of the utmost importance that each dancer and guardian read and understand the agreement before making a decision to participate on the Star Attraction Competition Team.

Please make all family members aware of our policies to avoid conflicts during the year. This includes anyone who may drive the dancer to and from practices/performances, pay for tuition/fees, or attend performance events.

Once you make the decision to participate, you will be expected to abide by the following rules for the remainder of the 2024-25 Competition Season.

 

 

 

 

Guidelines for being a part of the dance family are as follows:

​1. By enrolling in any of our Dance Teams you agree to attend all weekly classes at scheduled times for each dance team your student is enrolled in. In the case of planned absenses, please notify us by emailing, calling or Facebook messaging us at least 24 hours ahead of time. If your child is absent due to an immediate emergency then please make sure to notify us ASAP. Each student has up to 4 no show, no call unexcused absences before they are to be put on probation or are exited from the team.

* Terms of probations will be determined by the coaches, this could include but is not limited to: Exclusions from upcoming events or competitions.

Reel U Family Values

 

Competition Team Code of Conduct, our goal is to provide quality dance education in a supporting and caring environment. Our Competition Team program is intended to support this goal, while also giving students additional opportunities to perform as well as learn teamwork, dedication, and responsibility. The following outlines our expectations of Competition Team dancers.

 

1. Be a good teammate-including to dancers not on your own team.

 Congratulate each team member by name after performances, offer to do their hair during a quick change, or lend them your mirror! Small things like that go a long way towards building team spirit.

2. Be a good Team Sister/Brother!  This year each dancer will be paired with another to be Team Sisters! Leave your sister/brother encouraging and supportive notes throughout the year (not just the first two weeks). Watch all of your sister’s performances at competition. Cheer for her, and help her backstage. Hang out outside of the studio, and share stretching tips, or ab exercises. You have a lot to learn from each other!

3. Be respectful of others! In the studio. Outside the studio. At competitions. Wherever. Say please and thank you to your teachers, staff at competitions, etc. Hold the door. Be quiet backstage. Don’t enter and exit a theater during a dance. Don’t talk during anyone’s performance. Don’t hog backstage space. You represent not only SADAC, but also yourself and your parents. Have good manners, and be respectful.

 4. Don’t direct your teammates. In rehearsals, sometimes it’s tempting to tell the person next to you that they’re turning the wrong way, on the wrong foot, off the counts, etc. As teachers, that’s our job. Chances are-we noticed. Maybe we’re deciding if we want every other person to do the opposite side, maybe not. It doesn’t matter. It’s our job to make corrections, not yours. No matter how helpful you’re being, it undermines the team spirit to take corrections from another dancer. As teachers, we also have a broader picture than you might. Maybe we know that Sally knows she was on the wrong foot.

 5. Speak kindly to your teammates. This one explains itself, but sometimes I feel like our dancers spend so much time together and know each other so well that you think you can say whatever you want to each other. Think before you speak.

 6. Ask for help if you need it. From your teammates and teachers.

7. Clean up after yourself ! I love that the studio feels like home to so many of you! But remember that it’s also home to a hundred kids beside you. Pick up all your bobby pins and throw away your trash, it’s just good manners.

 8. Be prepared ! For class, competition, performance. Be early. Have your hair and makeup done. Stretch and warm up. Be ready to work.

9. Be a role model! Demonstrate good teamwork and good behavior on and off the dance floor

10. Language, language, language ! Use clean and appropriate language at all times. Don’t gossip. The studio is a public space. I know it’s tempting to talk about something someone did at school, and hey, they’re not there, right? Nope. It’s mean-spirited to talk about people behind their back. And you don’t know-maybe their cousin’s best friend’s sister is at the studio too. Don’t gossip. Don’t be mean. Don’t be judgmental.

11. The lobby is a public space! Talk softly.

12. Social media. This is a tough one and I don’t want to police your online presence. Please be aware that nothing you share on social media is private. Use clean language and do not post anything inappropriate. If you post team pictures, make sure everyone is included/tagged. Don’t leave people out/crop people out of pictures, etc.

13. Social interactions. Again, I can’t really tell you what to do outside of the studio. But don’t invite 9 out of 10 teammates over to your house. It’s not nice and your team will suffer for it. The 10th person will find out, trust me. Be inclusive of everyone. Be careful what you say (again especially on social media and in text/email).

 

Please remember that a lot of communication is lost when the person you are talking to cannot hear your voice and read your body language. Being sarcastic via text message sometimes comes across as being mean. Think about what you write, and how it might be received. In Competition Team, we hope to provide you with the opportunity to learn, grow, perform, and make life-long friends!

Please help us achieve these goals. Remember that your behavior reflects on the studio, and if it is not acceptable, you will be removed from the team.

We have high standards for our team members and believe that together you can do amazing things! We have zero tolerance for any behavior such as bullying, being exclusive of other team members, inappropriate language or conduct, or unsportsmanlike and unsupportive behavior. Such behaviors will be dealt with immediately and you may be removed from the team immediately without warning depending on the severity of the offense.

14. School Comes First. Please be sure to work hard to complete all school assisgments and keep a 2.0 GPA. If your GPA falls below a 2.0 you will be asked to sit out until your grades come up

  Please work together to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible on Competition Team! I have read and agree to the Code of Conduct, and understand that any inappropriate behavior may result in my immediate dismissal from the team.

 

Please go over the Panda Family Rules with your child and sign below 

4. You agree to follow the agreed payment schedule, and any understand that any failure to make a payment on scheduled dates may cause the child to be dismissed from the Dance team(s). Note: you have till the 5th of every month to pay that months tuition, other fee dates will be posted on our private facebook page.

*Should there be any complications or known delays in payments please reach out to a coach, we'd be happy to work with you.

5. Also, understand that if you or your child causes serious injury (emotional or physical) to another child, parent, or staff member, said persons may be immediately removed from the program and may not be granted re-entry into the program. We do not tolerate Bullying.

Please sign to agree, It is mutually understood that should the parent or child fail to meet the responsibilities as outlined in this agreement, that your child can be removed from the Dance Team(s).

**We want to confirm with you now so there is no confusions later that for One Dance Team membership with Reel U Dance Center is a set tuition of $75.00 a month for Adult Team and $125 for youth and senior 

​*NOTE: It is at the sole discretion of the Reel U Dance Center to add a student to a second or third Dance team,or select a student(s) to perform a solo, duet,or trio during the season. This is by invitation only and only temporary unless said other wise. An agreement between Parent and Coach will be added to your child's file and account indicating any special class attendance. (Additional fees may be applied).

If you have any question or concerns, please don't hesitate to call, email, text, Facebook message, or stop by and talk to the Director Tavia

COMMUNICATION IS KEY!

GO Reel U !

Dance Team Family Commitment

By paying your monthly tuition of $75.00 for Adult Team and $125 for Youth and Senior you are enlisted into a membership, meaning if you fail to bring your child to any practices or events held that month or should any practices be cancelled, we are NOT entitled to give out any refunds or credit to your account. Each active student will be enrolled in ONE Dance Team, Students may have opportunities to be invited into a second or third dance team based on the sole discretion of the coaches (additional fees may apply). Students may also have oportunities to do solos, duets and/or trios at any upcoming Competition, this is an Option and a privilege given to the student by a coach, and based on the agreed practice time set aside for your child additional fees may be required.

1. FULL YEAR COMMITMENT. Dance team members are committed to a full dance season when they sign on to be a competition team member. Quitting mid-year is detrimental to everyone on the team, so please consider this carefully before committing to the program. A tentative schedule of events is included. Our year begins August 1st and ends July 5th after Nationals.

 

 2. EXCLUSIVITY POLICY - IMPORTANT

For all competition level dancers- “Competition Level” students are representing Reel U and may not perform or compete for any other studio, competition team or dance company unless discussed with the instructors.

Taking Master classes, Workshops, or strictly technique classes elsewhere is acceptable, WITH PERMISSION, as long as students aren’t performing, competing or representing another studio, and as long as they are meeting all of their class requirements at our Studio. We feel that it is a conflict of interest for any student to represent two studios simultaneously. Conflicts could arise if the two different teams had incompatible practice schedules or competitions on the same weekend. We practice the week prior to a competition and conflicts could occur at that time, as well. Please be sensitive to this issue as you have others on the teams who have dedicated their time. Please clear any other classes taken with Coach T.

 

3. ATTENDANCE.

The most important issue for team members is attendance. We understand that things do happen– a dancer gets hurt, there is a family emergency, etc. but a family emergency is not a birthday party, an outing to the zoo, or another family member’s sporting or other event. If you are not at a team practice, the whole team suffers. If you miss a team practice, you are not improving your skills, and you will fall behind the other dancers on the team. If you miss a team practice, you are not learning the routine. Partnering, formations, synchronization, and all other components of the routine can only be properly rehearsed with all dancers in the piece. If you are missing at a performance or a competition, the whole dance has to be restaged.

 The commitment to competition teams means attending all scheduled competition team classes and being available for ALL competitions and ALL performances. If you are involved with other programs that require specific time commitments, we will need to know about any other commitments you may have. Most school programs, such as dance teams, cheerleading, sports programs, etc. have dates available at the beginning of a season.

Practice times are also usually established at the beginning of the season. Sometimes this type of involvement can be accommodated. However, if they will consistently create absences for team commitments, the directors may require a decision regarding a choice between Reel U and other programs.

If you are involved with other school or sports programs, please schedule a meeting with the directors before signing and returning your team contract in order to determine if your other commitments will conflict with our competition program.

  The dancer or the parent must call/email/text to notify the instructor of an absence prior to the missed competition team class. This is a courtesy to the choreographer so they may plan accordingly. This is also a studio safety policy.

Dancers are allowed to miss a team practice for the following: illness, school, religious

holiday/event, family, and injury. Any other reason for missing class is unacceptable.

·  For planned family events/school trips, seven (7) days notice is expected

·  For illness/emergencies, two (2) hours notice should be given.

All students must make up missed competition team class with a ½ hour private class at a cost of $30. Any student who does not make up the missed class in a timely fashion or is absent more than 6 classes (excluding "excused" absences) will be excused from the team without a refund. If our director feels a dancer is falling behind due to missing rehearsals the dancer may be asked to schedule a private lesson to catch up.

 Note: School (academics) comes first! We understand that things come up that may

occasionally conflict. Competition Teams emails are sent to you continually during the year. If you receive a performance calendar with a practice/performance date where you have already scheduled something important (vacations, school academic activities), let us know IMMEDIATELY (by the next day) and we can work with you. If we do not hear from you, it is assumed that you will be there.

4. COST

• Costumes: A costume will be required for each routine. We will try (where possible) to make “simplified” costumes or to combine costumes for multiple dances. We will strive to maintain reasonable costume costs. Competition Team Members are required to have matching shoe styles, so you may have to purchase additional shoes.

 • School Fees: Competition Team fees are $75.00 per month for Adults students and $125.00 a month for new youth and senior teams.

 • If you wish to do a solo, duet or trio, the prices are as follows per routine: Practice for these will be held at the Orlando Studio

 ·  Trio choreography is $75 per person with an additional $25 studio fee per person

· Duet choreography is $100 per person with an additional $25 studio fee per person.

· Solo choreography is $125 with an additional $25 studio fee.

The above prices entitle you to (8) 45 min sessions. If you would like additional sessions or prefer less, you also have the option of paying the choreographer $30 per class hour

• Competition Fees: These vary organization to organization. As soon as we have the rates charged, we will let you know. However, once registered and paid, they are non-refundable.

  If the dancer, for any reason (illness, absent from class prior to the competition) is not able to participate in the competition, her fees cannot be refunded by our studio because the Competition does not refund the fees to us.

 • Fundraising: The Team may decide to hold fundraisers to earn money toward competition fees and/or costumes. Only those who participate in the fundraisers will reap the benefits.

5. TARDINESS

Please be 5-10 minutes early to each class. It is necessary for dancers to participate in warm-up prior to and at the beginning of every class to prevent injury. Students more than fifteen (15) minutes late (without a prior excuse from the choreographer) must make up the missed time in a private lesson at the expense of the student

6. COSTUMES AND MAKE

All dancers are required to wear dance makeup for performances. This makeup is not to be worn outside of performance venues. You will be supplied with a list of required makeup. All dancers will be required to purchase one costume per routine.

Costume pieces cannot be replaced if lost. Only entire costumes can be ordered in the event of a misplaced item. Please be aware that the ship date for costumes can be approximately 8-12 weeks depending on where it’s ordered from after the order date. Dancers must have all costume pieces, shoes, makeup, hair accessories, and hairstyle to perform. If a dancer is missing any of the prior mentioned items, he or she will not perform in that routine.

Costuming is a part of the group score and deductions will be made if dancers perform with obvious missing pieces or ill-fitting costumes. This includes runs/holes in tights. Deductions are also taken for messy hair or hairstyles that fall out of place.

7. COMPETITION

Members bust be respectful to competitors and show sportsmanship. Do not speak with the judges unless prompted to do so. Members must be courteous and respectful to teammates. Ill behavior towards team members will not be tolerated. Cyber bullying and bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. Disrespect to coaches and parents will not be tolerated.

8. EMAIL, TEXT, FACEBOOK AND OFFICE

Our goal is to keep you informed using all of the above. We need you to do your part by reading our emails since that is our primary form of keeping you updated. You need to be informed on a regular basis with what is happening in the studio. As we cannot contact

each of your individually on a daily basis, we will e-mail notices and invoices and general FYI. Some things happen fast at the studio and we want to keep everyone informed. You are welcome to call during business hours for further clarifications once you have used all resources.

 9. Use of Photography:

It is understood that Reel U Dance Center reserves the right to use any photography and/or videotaping of student’s performances for purposes of advertising, publicizing and promoting of the studio. All ownership (including copyright) as well as other rights, title and interest in and to these photography/videotaping shall belong exclusively to Reel U Dance Center.

 

agree to release Star Attraction Dance And Cheer and its employees or agents from any and all liability/responsibility, which may arise in connection with my child’s participation in activities at Central Florida Hip-Hop Academy.

I give Star Attraction Dance And Cheer permission to use mine (or my childs) images on print,online and or video for marketing and promotion purposes.