Studio Handbook

2022-2023 Season

 Table of Contents

Welcome, General Information Class Descriptions

Dress Code

Studio Etiquette Tuition

Other Fees

INK Policies Performance Opportunities Summers at INK

Expectations - Parents, Students, and Faculty

 Summer 2023/Spring 2024

Welcome!

Thank you for choosing Dance Ink. At Ink, our mission is to bring joy and the love of the performing arts into your child’s life in a nurturing and motivating environment while passing on our expertise of the performing arts industry to students and parents alike.

From the young age of 18 months, we recognize and foster the terminology needed to further each child’s understanding of the performing arts. It is our goal to encourage and empower children of all ages and abilities to be creative and expressive as well as knowledgeable of dance and theater history while making a positive impact in our community.

  Phone Number: 412-427-2837

General Information

 General Office Hours: Monday-Thursday - 10am-4pm

*Please call or email ahead to schedule individual appointments or meetings outside of the general office hours.

Website: inkcares.org

Email Addresses:

General Inbox - danceinkpgh@gmail.com Lindsey - lindsey.danceink@gmail.com Stephanie - stephanie.danceink@gmail.com Alivia - alivia.danceink@gmail.com

Parking and Drop Off/Pick Up:

INK encourages a drop off/pick up policy for students in Levels 4 and up. This helps with the flow of traffic and eliminates congestion. *Please be on time when picking your child up. If you must be late, please call ASAP. If you are later than 15 minutes past the pick up time, additional fees may apply.

Registering:

- Online at inkcares.org and create an account - Call 412-427-2837

- Email us at danceinkpgh@gmail.com

 Portal Log-In Information

1. Visit inkcares.org and click “My Account” under the Menu.

2. Sign In using your email address/username and password. Forgot your password? Have it reset with the forgot password link.

Technique Descriptions

Mommy & Me

Introduce your child to the magical world of movement and music! Our Mommy And Me dance class is designed to help your child develop social, motor, and cognitive skills throughout their toddler years. This class is available to children ages 18 months to 3 years and their caregiver. Moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, family friends, and more – if you and your child want to experience the joy of dancing, our Mommy And Me class is the choice for you!

Creative Movement

What is creative movement? Creative movement is a form of dance that uses rhythmic, patterned, or improvised body movement, and it's one of the oldest art forms found in every culture around the world. Dance is often accompanied by music, but it's also a form of nonverbal communication and self expression, because when people feel free to move their bodies without judgment, you often get a glimpse of their innermost thoughts and feelings.

Dance and creative movement can benefit people of all ages, but there has recently been a surge in teaching children the benefits of this art form. It's believed that dance helps people:

● Gain confidence

● Develop healthy self esteem

● Learn problem-solving skills

● Learn cooperation when they work in a team

● Learn to respect differences between people and cultures

● Learn spontaneity, leadership, and self-control

● Boost creativity

● Gain physical strength, flexibility, and stamina

● Improve posture, balance, and coordination

● Build freedom and autonomy

Dance Combo Classes

These classes combine different styles such as Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, and Tap.

Ballet

Ballet is the foundation of all dance styles. Ballet is an art form created by the movement of the human body. It is theatrical – performed on a stage to an audience utilizing costumes, scenic design and lighting. It can tell a story or express a thought, concept or emotion. Ballet dance can be magical, exciting, provoking or disturbing.

 Pointe

Pointe work is for students who maintain the correct body alignment as well as strength in their ankles and feet. Typically, pointe work is introduced to students who are between the ages of 10 & 12. Students must have a visit with their pediatrician to confirm their feet are ready to begin Pointe work. Not all students will be recommended for pointe at age 10 or at the same time as their classmates are.

Tap

Tap dance is a type of dance characterized by using the sounds of metal taps affixed to the heel and toe of shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion, coupled with both characteristic and interpretative body movements.

Jazz

Jazz dance is a form of modern dance which is heavily influenced by the sounds, rhythms, and techniques of jazz music. It is highly recommended that students taking jazz also take ballet.

Hip Hop

Hip Hop Dance is a style of movement characterized by bounces and rocks executed to Hip Hop music. It has deep historical and social roots in African American culture, having emerged in Black communities living in 1970s New York. While frequently referred to as a singular dance style, Hip Hop dance is part of a whole culture of Hip Hop, that includes Deejaying, Graffiti, Emceeing, and several sub-styles of dance, including Breaking.

Contemporary

Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet.

Lyrical

Lyrical dance is a style that combines ballet and jazz and is typically set to lyrics. There is a strong storytelling theme in lyrical dance.

Acro

Similar but very different from gymnastics, Acro is taught to help strengthen students as well as help with flexibility. As students progress through the levels of Acro, they will learn the fun “tricks” seen in dance shows and competitions such as ariels, walk-overs, handsprings and more.

Conditioning

Conditioning is a practice that focuses on strengthening, toning, and stretching different parts of the body. Within the different genres of dance, students use a plethora of body parts and muscles.

Leaps & Turns

This class will include across the floor and jazz progressions while focusing on proper technique for jumping and turning.

Theater Dance

They Sing! They Dance! They Act! Each Musical Theater class will have a repertoire of

 numbers they have learned throughout the year. In our Musical Theater classes, students will learn Broadway Musical dance numbers keeping with the style of the show.

Acting

Students will learn different acting skills through acting games, scene work, and preparing monologues for auditions, to help with their dance and musical theater performances.

Vocal

We encourage dancers to sing as so many auditions nowadays require students to sing a song in addition to dancing. This class gives students the opportunity to break out of their comfort zones and become more well-rounded performers and artists.

Composition

Dance composition is learning how to make a dance. During the dance composition process you explore a movement idea by creating dance movement or selecting steps in some dance genres, then you manipulate these elements and materials of dance into movement modules of various lengths to compose a dance.

Baton

Baton twirling is an art involving the manipulation of a metal rod and the performer's body to a coordinated routine. It is similar to rhythmic gymnastics or color guard . Twirling combines dance, agility, coordination and flexibility while manipulating a single baton or multiple batons.

Adult Classes: Yoga, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Ballroom

Private Vocal Lessons

Private Vocal lessons are offered for students whose vocal cords are mature. Typically around age 10-12, we offer private vocal training for students.

These are one on one private lessons in the Vocal studio held each week.

Private Lessons

Anyone is welcome to sign up for private lessons. We cater our private lessons to what your child is wanting to improve upon. If you are interested in private lessons, please email Stephanie or Lindsey for information and scheduling.

Dress Codes

Not all students in each level will need ALL shoe types. Only what your child is registered for is what they will need.

Mommy & Me - Level 1

Comfortable clothing that is easy to move around in. Bare Feet and leather full sole ballet shoes: pink for girls and black for boys.

 Levels 2 & 3

Leotard and tights or leggings for girls. Any color. T-shirt and tights or joggers for boys. Ballet - leather full sole ballet shoe: pink for girls, black for boys

Jazz, Baton & MT - leather slip on jazz shoe: tan for girls, black for boys

Tap - leather slip on: black for both boys and girls

Acro - bare feet

Levels 4/8

Leotard and tights for girls. Leggings and ballet skirts permitted in appropriate classes. Any color leotard. White or black t-shirt and tights or joggers for boys.

***There is a separate dress code for Ballet Ink. Pink tights and studio leotard. Ballet - canvas split sole: pink for girls, black or nude for boys

Jazz - bare feet or pidini for girls, bare feet or black jazz shoes for boys - each class will be notified

MT - T strap character shoes for girls, black jazz shoes for boys - each class will be notified accordingly

Tap - leather tie: black for both boys and girls Acro, Lyrical, Contemporary - bare feet Pointe - must be in an approved pointe shoe

Adults

Comfortable clothing that allows for movement. Appropriate shoes for classes taken (i.e. tap shoes for tap class.

 Studio Etiquette

Food and Drinks

No gum/food/drink in the studio. Snacks allowed in the student lounge only. All students are required to clean up after themselves.

Only water in a leak proof water bottle is allowed in the studio during class.

Lobby/Dressing Room Areas Please clean up after yourselves.

Dance Studio Areas

No hanging on the ballet barres at any time. No touching the mirrors at any time.

Restrooms

There are 2 restrooms for families, students, and faculty.

Please help us keep our restrooms clean. If the restroom needs any supplies or something is wrong, please let us know as soon as possible.

Hair during classes

All students must have hair pulled back away from your face for all classes, at all times. Ballet Ink Program, hair must be in a bun.

Attendance

Attendance is the key to success. Please make every effort to help your child succeed by bringing them to classes on time. We understand that is not always possible though please make every effort.

If students have 3 or more unexcused absences, this may prevent them from being permitted to perform in certain productions.

Illnesses

• Fever, please do not bring them until the fever is gone for 24 consecutive hours.

• Vomiting, please do not bring them until the vomiting is gone for 24 consecutive hours.

• Mild cold and it is during an important time of year (Spring Production or Holiday

Production times) please have your child come to watch classes or rehearsals so they can learn where their spot in the dance is. This is extremely helpful for the instructors and the student once they are 100% recovered. We encourage masks to be worn to reduce spread of germs.

• Any other contagious illnesses, please stay home until you have been released from the doctor.

• Lice. If your child has lice, please do not bring them to class unless they have been treated and all lice is gone.

Please email or call the studio to let us know if you are unable to attend due to an illness.

 Monthly Tuition

Tuition Payment Options

  Upon registration - Registration fee and FIRST TUITION payment is processed. Tuition for an annual season is broken into 10 equal payments and will be automatically processed on the 1st of each month.

Monthly tuition payments are non-refundable. Future registrations and participation will not be allowed to anyone who has an outstanding balance.

HOW will payments be processed?

UNLESS a tuition payment is made online through your parent portal in advance, the tuition will automatically be withdrawn from the account on file on the 1st of each month.

Declined Payments

If your payment is declined, you will receive an email notice. If payment is made within 24 hrs, there will be NO LATE FEE APPLIED.

LATE FEES

If no payment has been made within 24 hrs, there will be a $15 late payment processing fee applied to the account.

Other Fees

Registration Fee

Single student registration fee is $35.

Family registration fee is $50.

Registration fees are due upon registration and will automatically be processed through the card provided.

Registration fee is non-refundable.

Holiday Production Fees

Participation fee is $100 per student. Sibling Discount does not apply. Additional merchandise, event tickets, costumes, etc. are an additional fee.

Spring Production Participation Fees

1st child - $125

Each additional child - $75

Please review the Calendar of Events for performance fee due dates.

Again, if payment has NOT been made prior to the due date, the payment will automatically be deducted from the account on 1st of the month.

Spring Production Fee is NON-REFUNDABLE.

 Release of Liability

INK Policies

  I am aware that dance, and exercise associated with it, places unusual stress on the body and carries risk of physical injury. On behalf of myself and my child, I assume the risk and agree that Ink Cares and Dance Ink, and its Faculty and Staff shall not be liable in any way for injuries sustained during attendance at the school or any of its related functions.

Media Release

It is likely your child may be photographed or televised at any time without notice. These photos or television footage may be used for promotional purposes.

Multiple Studio Attendance

Although it is strongly not recommended to attend more than one dance, musical theater, performing arts school, or like there of at the same time; INK performance dates, rehearsal dates, and classes shall remain the first priority before any other dance, musical theater, performing arts school, or like there of.

Make-ups

Students are welcome to make-up missed classes at any time within the season the class is missed in age and level appropriate classes.

   Musical*

Holiday Production*

Spring Revue*

Performance Opportunities

 Performance Ink - local festival and parade performances**

Access Ink/Fierce Ink - Competition Team (Recreational and Competitive)***

Travel & Ballet Ink***

*Costumes, hair, makeup, tights, shoes, accessories’ policies must be followed for performances.

**A studio jacket will be available for purchase for any student who wishes to have one! ***Specific warm ups and dress code to be followed.

 Summers at INK Summer Camps & Musical Theatre

Summer Clinics & Workshops Summer Classes & Private Lessons New in 2023! The Ink Intensive

Expectations

Parents

1. 1. Parent/Teacher Communication

• Please refrain from walking into the dance studios where classes are in session to talk to the instructors. If you would like to speak to the instructor regarding your child’s progress, please let Stephanie or Lindsey know so we can set up a time for you to meet with us and them.

• At no time should you ask for an instructor's contact information, including email addresses, mailing address, phone number, etc. If you would like to speak with them, please let Stephanie or Lindsey know. We will gladly set up a time when it is convenient for everyone to meet.

• Please respect our instructors personal time and class time. They are doing their best to make sure all students are learning in class and having fun.

2. Social Media

• Please refrain from contacting our instructors via social media to discuss studio

matters. Our instructors are advised to contact management if this occurs. Their social media accounts are for their personal use, any business matter should be directed to the studio.

3. Respect

• Please respect other families in the lobby during class hours. Keep the noise level

down and clean up any messes made prior to leaving.

• Please respect the faculty’s space and time. We would love to stop and talk with each family after each class, however that is not possible during classes.

• Please respect other students at the studio.

• Talking negatively in any form about another family, student, faculty or INK in

general is strictly prohibited. The studio is an uplifting, exciting, and fun

environment, so please help us keep it that way for the children. 4. Who to contact

• Should you want to speak to any faculty member regarding classes, helping around the studio, performances, or anything else, please email Stephanie or Lindsey to set up a time.

• Instructors do not make the schedules or decisions so please do not ask them questions or to do things they are not permitted to.

Students

1. Work hard!

• We firmly believe each students’ success is based on their work ethic in each class. As long as each student is working hard, we will be right there behind them pushing

 them to be the best dancer they can be. 2. Have fun!

• First and foremost, you are here to have fun and learn to dance! Help us keep the classes exciting and fun! Smile and enjoy yourself! If you have questions, please ask!

3. Student/Teacher Communication

• If you have questions about steps, techniques, please do not hesitate to ask your

teacher during class. We are here to help you get better!

• Instructors are not permitted to give out their personal email addresses or phone

numbers. Please do not ask for them to text, email, or call you for anything.

4. Social Media

• At no time should you try to contact an instructor over social media. If you would

like to speak with them, please let Stephanie or Lindsey know so we can set up a

time for you to meet. 5. Respect

• Please respect all other students and families at the studio.

• Do not touch other people’s belongings without permission.

• Clean up after yourselves. Do not leave trash in the lobby or dressing room areas. • Be mindful of the classes going on around you including vocal lessons in the vocal studio and keep the noise in the dressing rooms to a minimum.

• Talking negatively in any form about another family, student, faculty or INK in general is strictly prohibited.

• Respect your teachers and the decisions they may make regarding choreography.

What you can Expect from the Faculty

1. Respect

• We will respect your time at the studio. We will do our best to start classes on time

and end on time.

• We respect our families. If at anytime, you feel you have been disrespected at the

studio, please let Stehanie or Lindsey know as soon as possible. 2. Parent Communication

• Our first line of communication with all families is email.

• NOTE - Our major emails come from our database. Please check your junk or

spam files as they are considered “mass emails”

• Our second line of communication is via FACEBOOK - both the main page and our group page.

• We will post any major updates (weather, closings, etc.) to our Facebook page. Please be sure to like and follow us there.

• Our last line of communication is by calling our office phone during office hours.

• Flyers. At times we will have flyers available for pick up in the lobby.

● Weather closings will also be posted on WPXI. 3. Student Communication

• During classes, instructors will give corrections to students. Students are asked to please speak up if they have any questions at that time. Instructors will not provide their personal email addresses or phone numbers to students.

 Your child’s Success

“You can only help someone who wants to help themselves.”

As long as our students are working hard in classes, we will be right there to help them succeed. Please understand we are here to teach your children proper technique and strength so they can execute the steps that they will learn throughout the year.

Practice makes progress. And Progress can take time.

If you ever have questions about your child’s progress, please ask us. Any and all information in this handbook is subject to change.

The Calendar of Events for 2023/2024 is available on our website and posted in the studios. It is subject to change.