This is a concise alphabetical list of additional things you need to know including studio policies. Please check our website on a regular basis for updated info.
Director: Susan Laing [email protected]
Instructors: Susan Laing, Natasha Krochak
Accts/Office Manager: Leanne Bohnsack [email protected]
Attendance – Parents, please be aware that dancers are expected to attend and be prepared for all of their classes. (Please see “Competition Preparation Policy). Please email [email protected] for any absences. Please list dancer’s name, class, teacher’s name and contact person. Correct dance attire is expected at all classes - including proper footwear and hair up and off the face. If a dancer is not prepared, instructors reserve the right to refuse or dismiss the dancer from participating in that lesson and it will be counted as an absence from the class. Dancers arriving late for a class, must ask permission to enter the class to avoid distraction and for respect of the instructors and classmates.
Class Moms - are very valuable. They are the contact person for each class. Messages will be passed from the teacher/office to them and they will fan the information out. This role has minimal commitment with a massive amount of fun. Help will be made available to help assist the Class Mom in her role.
Competition – Regular classes will participate in 3 competitions. These are usually local however, a travel competition may be considered. ALL competition choreography and competition preparations are done in regular class time. Classes are run efficiently and are organized in order for all dancers/parents to be ready for the competition experience. Creative Ballet Classes and Recreational classes do not participate in competitions. Please See Appendix C - Competition/Studio Fee Breakdown
Competition Preparation Policy – Dancers’ progress and attendance is noted throughout the year. Once choreography for the routines begin, the progress and attendance is even more vital. Any dancer falling behind may be “put on notice”. They will have 2 weeks to show progress or they will receive another “notice”. Anyone still on “notice” during competition time will not be able to participate and fees are non-refundable. Regular attendance and consistent practice will build confidence in your student and contribute to a healthy dance experience. Students missing classes due to family vacations may also fall behind. Communication with your instructor prior to your trip may avoid any unnecessary consequences afterwards. Decisions to put a student on notice will not be taken lightly!!!!
Competition Prizes - Trophies will be displayed at the studio. Group “Dance Off Awards” cheques are made payable to the studio and will be handled under the discretion of Miss Susan.
Costumes – Costume choices are non-negotiable. Discussions are encouraged, however, please trust your teachers! Parents are responsible for alterations. Costume Measuring will happen in October during class. Please see Appendix B - Understanding the Costume Price.
Dance Accounts/Payment Terms – The Dance Season is based on the number of classes for the year/season divided by 8 months and averaged for the monthly tuition amount.
Costume/Competition/Studio Fees (includes room rentals at competition) - These fees will be processed on the credit card on file on October 30th. Each Class will receive and email with a breakdown of these fees. Competition/studio fees (includes room rentals at competition) start at approximately $140 +GST/dancer per class per competition. Costumes start at $195 plus tax. Costume and studio fees are non-refundable. Fees associated with a cancelled competition, will be dealt with according to that specific Competition's Policies. Please note that Costumes will not be handed out to Accounts with a balance owing.
ALL ACCOUNTS require a credit card (Visa/MC) number and expiry to be on file. It is the responsibility of account holders to keep this information updated.
Registration fee of $40 is due at time of Registration.
September/April fees are due upon Confirmation of Classes being sent and will be applied to the credit card used for Registrations.
Please be advised that the Registration and September/April fees are non-refundable.
Classes/schedule/fees/teachers are subject to change.
RECREATIONAL/TODDLER SESSIONS must be paid in full by credit card at the time of registration. These classes are non-refundable.
Upon receipt of payment, the registration process is considered complete.
Accounts will have a $50.00 service charge/administrative fee on any payment changes and declined Credit Card transactions. The amount of the original payment plus the $50 service charge/administrative fee, will be charged directly to the credit card on file. It is the responsibility of Credit Cardholders to ensure that Credit Cards on file are current and valid, and to inform the Office of any changes to Credit Card information.
Late payments will be assessed a late fee of $50 per month and will be added to an account by the 7th of the month if payment has not been received by that date. Late payments will also be applied to the credit card on file without notice, if the Account holder has not made arrangements with the office otherwise.
Registration Fees, Sept/April, Recreational/Toddler Fees fees are non-refundable.
Accounts may be suspended if payments are not received.
Dance Music – Parents are responsible for acquiring the music for their dancer’s routines.
Emails - Emails will be sent out to parents on a regular basis. If you are not receiving any, please contact [email protected] to update your personal information. All information will be posted on our website and in emails sent on a regular basis.
First Week Procedure - Orientation/Introductions - A Studio Orientation Video will be posted on the website prior to the start of classes. Each class will begin with an introduction of the instructor and staff. Studio rules and expectations will be reviewed.
F.O.I.P. - During the dance season, Airdrie Dance Academy will normally make the parent/guardian name, phone number and e-mail address, as well as each dancer's name, available to the "Class Parent" for contact purpose to pass on relevant class/studio information to you.
Heath Protocol
Families/students are expected to familiarize themselves with all studio protocols and policies prior to entering the Airdrie Dance Academy facility.
All families/students will be asked to self-screen prior to entrance and commencement of any activities within our facility. Anyone exhibiting contagious symptoms cannot enter the facility or participate.
Students are required to practice proper hand hygiene (wash or sanitize hands upon entering and exiting the facility and after touching any commonly touched surfaces) and practicing proper respiratory hygiene (sneeze or cough into elbow or tissue).
Students are asked to arrive no earlier than 5 minutes prior to the start of class and will be asked to leave immediately after class finishes.
Students should wear street shoes that they can take off and put on by themselves.
Students should arrive ready for class (they should only change into their dance shoes upon arrival at the Studio). Outdoor shoes must be placed neatly on the carpet in the Lobby, jackets hung on the hooks provided. Water bottles will be permitted and there will be designated spots within the dance class to place water bottles. Water bottles must all have a students name on them. Please leave all extra items at home (just come with your shoes, coats and water bottles).
We request that Students try to reduce the use of our bathroom. Please use the bathroom at home before and after class as much as possible. No changing into dancewear in the Washroom.
Parents are no longer permitted to wait in the Lobby of the Studio – Creative Ballet, Jazz 1, JR Musical Theatre, Tap 1, Pre Primary, Toddler Hip Hop and Toddler Ballet students may enter with one parent. A staff member will collect the children for these classes and then the parent will be asked to leave the building until the class is finished. That same parent may then enter to collect their child once the staff has returned them to the Lobby.
Parent viewing will be by invitation.
Students are asked to leave the studio after their class is finished and return only for their next class start.
In conjunction with our cleaning service, facility cleaning will be increased and enhanced. Common areas will be disinfected regularly. Hand sanitizer will be located throughout the building.
Liability - As the legal parent or guardian of any student, you release and hold harmless Airdrie Dance Academy, it’s owners, operators, instructors and volunteers from any and all liability, claims, demands and causes of action whatsoever, arising out of or related to any loss, damage or injury that may be sustained by the participant and/or the undersigned, while in or upon the premises of Airdrie Dance Academy, it’s owners and operators or in route to or from said premise or to and from competition/dance-out/exam locations.
Payment Terms - see Dance Accounts/Service Charges/Extra Fees
Personal Info - It is your responsibility to keep your personal information updated (phone #s, emails, emergency contacts, payment information). Please contact the office by email with updates.
Photos/Videos for Studio Use - Photos and/or videos of students/parents/guardians in publications (such as flyers/brochures), advertisements (such as newspapers or online ads), our Studio Website, or on social media sites (such as the Studio's Facebook, Instagram or private YouTube Channel) may be used. No financial compensation will be for the use of these photos/videos. In some cases, child's first name and/or parent/guardian name may be used.
Private Lessons - Private Lessons are available at a cost of $75 per half hour block. Bookings will be made through [email protected].
Recital – FOLLIES 2025, May 3rd at the Bert Church Theatre. Performance details TBA.
Service Charges/Extra Fees - All declined credit cards and payment changes will be charged a $50.00 service charge. This amount will be automatically charged to the credit card on file along with the amount of the original amount owing. Late payments will be assessed a late payment fee of $50/ month. Any fees not received by the 7th of the month will be charged this fee. Accounts may be suspended if payments are not received. Any late payments will be applied to the credit card on file without notice, it the Account Holder has not made arrangements with the office otherwise. Costume/Competition/Studio will be processed on October 30th. Costume fees start at $195 plus tax. Competition/Studio Fees (includes room rentals at competition) start at approximately $140 +GST/competition/dance/routine. Costume/Studio fees are non-refundable.
Snow Day Policy - Cancellation of classes will be sent out via email and text by 2 pm the day of the cancellation. Snow days will be observed according to the local schools and makeup classes will not be rescheduled.
Solos/Duets Guidelines - Dancers are chosen by Miss Susan. Criteria for selection includes: a strong technical base in the area of solo selection, a true love of dance, regular attendance, hard work in class, enthusiasm and most important, a positive attitude. Selection for this is a privilege.
Studio Rules - PLEASE REVIEW THE HEALTH PROTOCOL ABOVE.
Studio Website - www.airdriedance.ca - will be the location for studio information.
Upcoming Dates - check the website’s bulletin board on a regular basis. Some dates to follow:
2024/25
August 26 – Registration Opens Online at 9 AM
September 9 – Full Season Classes 2024/25 Season
September 14 – Session #1 Recreational/Toddler Classes Start
September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - No Classes
October 11-17 – Thanksgiving Break - No classes
October 12 – No Classes for Session #1 Recreational/Toddler Classes
October 18 – Classes Resume
October 26 – Last Class Session #1 Rec/Toddler
October 31 – No Classes - Halloween
November 2 – Session #2 Recreational/Toddler Classes Start
November 11 – No Classes - Remembrance Day
December 7 – Last Class Session #2 Recreational/Toddler
December 8-January 3 – Christmas Break - No Classes
January 4 – Session #3 Recreational/Toddler Classes Start
January 6 – Regular Classes Resume
February 8 – Last Class Session #3 Recreational/Toddler
February 15-21 – February Break - No Classes
February 22 – Session #4 Recreational/Toddler Classes Start
February 24 – Regular Classes Resume
March 15 – Last Class Session #4 Recreational/Toddler
March 22-23 – Shine #1 Competition, Fine Arts & Multimedia Centre, Olds
April 4-6 – Danceworks #1 Competition, Red Deer Polytechnic Arts Centre
April 10-13 – Danceworks #2 Competition, Red Deer Polytechnic Arts Centre
April 18-27 – Easter Break - No Classes
April 28 – Classes Resume
May 2 – Last Day of Classes for the 2024/25 Season
May 3 – FOLLIES 2025
Texting Option for Dance Info - During the Dance Season, we like to have options available to be in contact with you. We generally always send an email, however, if something is time sensitive - for example a closure due to weather - we like to send a text out. We require permission from you for this option. To do this please send a text to us at 587-842-5341 with the message "START". This number is unmonitored and replies are not received.
Watching Week - Parent watching week for the 2024/25 Season will be posted here. Details to be announced. Valuable information for the Season is also provided at this time.
Withdrawals - One month’s written notice is required prior to withdrawal. Failure to give sufficient notice will forfeit the next month’s payment and then the remaining fees will be returned (if payment was made in full) or credit card payments will be stopped. (Registration fees and September/April and any costume/studio fees paid are non-refundable). Credit card info will be deleted to avoid any further charges. Recreational/Toddler Fees are non-refundable.
Thank you for following the rules and expectations of Airdrie Dance Academy. With everyone’s cooperation, we will have a fun and successful dance season.
Yours in Dance,
Miss Susan and Staff
APPENDIX A - REQUIRED DANCEWEAR
APPENDIX B - UNDERSTANDING THE COSTUME PRICE
APPENDIX C - COMPETITION FEE BREAKDOWN
APPENDIX D - DANCE COSTUME CARE
APPENDIX E- PERFORMANCE MAKE-UP INSTRUCTIONS
Dancewear available at: East Side Sports - Airdrie; Bodythings - Calgary; City Dancewear - Calgary; Muge - Calgary.
Please Note: Dancewear Requirements are subject to change and may be updated prior to the start of the Season in September. Please check Dancewear Requirements in August before purchasing for your class.
Airdrie Dance Academy - Required Dancewear
BALLET:
Creative Ballet:
Girls:
Boys:
Toddler Ballet
Girls:
Boys:
Pre-Primary Ballet/Primary
Girls:
Boys:
Teen Ballet
Grade 1 and Grade 2 Ballet
Girls:
Boys:
Grade 3, 4, 5 Ballet
Boys:
Grade 6, 7 and 8 Ballet
Intermediate/SR Ballet
Pointe
Pre Pointe
RAD Exams (Grade 1 +)
CONTEMPORARY INTER:
Girls:
Boys:
CONTEMPORARY SR:
Girls:
Boys:
DANCE MIX:
Recreational Dance Mix
HIP HOP:
Hip Hop and Boys Only
JAZZ:
Jazz
Girls:
Boys:
LYRICAL:
LYRICAL JAZZ:
MUSICAL THEATRE:
Girls:
Boys:
Recreational Musical Theatre/Hip Hop
Toddler Musical Theatre
TAP:
Tap 1 to Tap 2
Girls:
Boys:
Beginner/Tap 3 and up
Girls:
Boys:
Recreational Tap
APPENDIX B - UNDERSTANDING THE COSTUME PRICE
The cost of your costume includes more than just the garment:
Selection | Sizing | Ordering | Tights (If Needed) | Customer Service |
Taxes & Fees | Shipping | Receiving | Sorting |
The competition fees that we collect go towards many things. This breakdown of information is important to explain due to COVID. If future refunds are required, we need our parents to understand this breakdown. (See chart)
PINK
RED
BLUE
YELLOW
GREEN
How to Take Care of Dance Costumes
It is important to take good care of costumes.
Most students will try on their costumes during class; so that the teachers can make sure they are properly fitted and include all the accessories needed for the performance. They may also perform the routine in class with the costume at that time.
After it is determined that the costume fits properly and all pieces are included, make sure the costume is stored carefully at home. It should be put in a safe place, inside where humidity and temperature can be controlled. The best place would be in a closet, where it won’t be faded by direct sunlight. Make sure there are no signs of water or mold in the storage area.
Do not clean or wash the costumes before the first performance because they may not withstand the cleaning and may fade or lose their shape. Cleaning a costume can cause noticeable damage that may not be easily repaired. Dancers should not eat or drink anything but water while wearing a costume, so as to avoid stains. If, at the end of a season, the costume needs to be cleaned, hand-washing is usually the best idea, or place the costume inside a pillowcase and run it through the gentle cycle in a washing machine. Do not iron a costume, as most fabrics are too delicate and damage may occur easily. Steaming is the best method to remove any wrinkles.
Costumes should be kept in a clear plastic bag. Wire hangers can leave marks or pinch costumes, so place them on wooden or plastic hangers. Costumes should not be folded, so as to avoid wrinkles and creases before performances.
By taking care of costumes before and after each performance, dancers can look their best and enjoy their costumes for many years.
Tights
All tights should, ideally, be hand washed in cool water with a gentle detergent. If it is necessary to wash them in a washer, they should be placed in a mesh bag before adding to the washer. Use a gentle cycle, cool water and a mild detergent. Air dry away from direct heat - never place in a dryer.