Dress Code & Policies
Dress Code
Ballet
-Any color and style leotard
-Any color tights
-Ballet flats
-Hair in tight bun
Hip hop
-Loose comfortable clothes
-Clean sneakers
Jazz/ Contemporary/ Musical Theatre
-Leggings or stretchy shorts
-Hair up out of face
-Jazz shoes & Lyrical shoes (possibly character shoes)
Tap
-Pants you can see ankles through
-Black tap shoes
Yoga/ Pilates
-Stretchy form fitting clothes
-Grippy socks
-Hair up
Line Dance
-Clothes that make you feel like you
-Boots or Sneakers
Policies
Our Philosophy
Our studio policies & procedures are designed to ensure that every member of the studio is treated fairly, consistently and safely to help them achieve what they are capable of. We combine high caliber training with a kind and nurturing environment. We expect all of our students, and their families, to uphold the highest standards of behavior that support this philosophy.
For the Student . . .
Moving is for Everyone
It is never too early or late to have fun.
Children are born moving and most will thrive with the right teacher and environment. Moving helps everyone establish a good body image while building strong posture and may aid in regulating weight. Our classes offer a chance to make new friends, build social skills and even help bring people together.
Moving is also for the young at heart. At any age, dancing is a fun, usually low-impact exercise which helps to regulate weight, maintain or increase flexibility and increase overall body tone and health. Many people continue to experience the joy of moving well into their 60’s, 70’s and beyond.
You are a unique person.
All great people have a one-of-a-kind quality that makes whatever they do unforgettable. Just as no two people have the same fingerprint, no two people look or move exactly alike. Success, whether for yourself or before an audience, depends, to a great extent on how effectively you can make your unique qualities of body, mind and spirit work for you. Your goal should be to become the best YOU that you can be.
Your First Day of Class
On your first day of class it’s natural to feel a little nervous. Try to relax and remember that everyone else is, or was, just as nervous as you are. On the first day of class you will get to know everyone and you will be introduced to the class structure and may even learn a few steps.
For our younger kids, they are invited to participate in the class but it is okay to sit down and just watch if you ever feel uncomfortable. Gradually, you will become familiar with the class, routine and other students. You will likely even make a few new friends!
Qualities of a Horizon Movement Student
A Horizon Movement Student…
Realizes that their only real competition is themselves
Accepts corrections eagerly and takes it as a challenge
Moves at the absolute best of their ability, all the time
Is always prepared for class
Practices regularly and purposefully outside of class
Demonstrates respect for all people
Supports and encourages their fellow students
Preparing for Class
It is helpful to arrive for class early enough so that you do not need to rush to get ready. When you are fully dressed and ready before class, you can give yourself a moment to relax and to focus on the lessons you learned last week and have been practicing. Take a few minutes to clear your mind, take a small drink and use the restroom before class if needed.
Getting ready for class is YOUR responsibility. Being a student requires self-discipline and time management. These skills carry over into many facets of life and may help to explain the above average grades and variety of activities managed by most students.
For each class, did you remember:
Dress Code?
Appropriate Shoes?
Everything needed to keep hair neat?
Any ‘extras’ you’ve been asked to bring like hats, skirts, costume parts, ect.?
Water bottle?
All payments up to date?
Learning from Corrections
Most beginners make the mistake of being afraid to make mistakes. There will be times when you are so unsure of yourself that you may be tempted to hide behind a classmate, fudge an exercise or sit it out entirely. You cannot be noncommittal about class. Either you do it or you do not. If you don’t make the visible errors that come from an all-out effort, you will not get the opportunity for correction and you will not improve. There is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed or apologetic about. Nobody expects you to get it right the first time. Only when you make clear mistakes can your teacher see where you need help. A correction is an indication of the teacher’s belief in your ability to progress. If you are not certain of a step, do what you think it is; that’s a definite starting point.
Much of the learning process in dance has to do with applying corrections. A teacher may correct mistakes by using verbal instructions, by demonstrating or by physically manipulating the student’s body into the proper position. You can learn from corrections, whether they are directed to you, or to another student. When the teacher corrects someone else, take the time to apply the correction to you. Are you making the same mistake? the opposite? Use the mirror. Can you feel what you have just seen? Learn to observe yourself, and others in the class. See what they are doing right and wrong, how and why, and eventually you will become your own best teacher.
Attendance and Canceled Classes
Regular attendance is essential to every student's progress in class. It not only creates a regular routine for younger students but instills a sense of responsibility in older students. It is also a courtesy to the teacher and the rest of the class to ensure that the class progresses together.
If you are unable to attend a class for any reason, please notify the studio at least 24 hours in advance. Refunds are not offered for missed classes.
On occasion, the studio may need to cancel a class due to teacher illness, inclement weather or other emergency. You will be notified as early as possible and we will offer either a makeup class or a class credit at the Director’s discretion.
Class Conduct
A class is a group activity that requires certain ground rules to ensure that you, and the other student's in class, enjoy a safe, positive and challenging environment.
Arrive on time and ready to move – if you miss the warm up you may not be physically or mentally ready to join class and could increase the risk of injury
Focus on the teacher and the lesson – If you chat with your neighbor you may miss important instructions or distract the class
Be aware of your neighbors when moving – An important part of moving is understanding your space and maintaining an awareness of the space around you. Bumping into others can be dangerous, distracting and annoying to those around you.
Maintain proper spacing – When in line or traveling, maintain the proper spacing to other students. If you’re in a moving line, keep moving at the right pace.
Don’t just follow along – It can be tempting to mimic the movements of a class leader, class helper or your other classmates. If you get overdependent on following others, you will miss the opportunity to become your own leader and will be in trouble when the person you’re following isn’t there, or you can’t see them (like on stage!)
Additional Class Rules
No chewing gum or candy in class
No food or drink except water permitted on the studio floors
No running in the studio unless directed to do so
If you have to walk through a class in progress, walk around the outside of the room away from the teacher
Respect your fellow students (all students – not just in your studio)
Respect the studio and studio property
Health & Safety
Illnesses
We take the health of our students very seriously. We want all of our students to be safe and healthy! If you have tested positive for any illness, please do not return to class until you are feeling better and your fever has subsided. We also recommend the following at all times to reduce the spread of illness: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Nutrition
Working out is a demanding physical activity that requires a well-nourished body. Sound nutrition helps to reduce the risk of injury, increases endurance and builds strength. You should follow a healthy, well-balanced diet especially on the days you come to class.
If you have any questions regarding your nutrition or health, please see your teacher or the studio director. We are here to help and can direct you to additional resources.
Injuries
Like any other challenging physical activity, some discomfort may be experienced from time to time but if you experience persistent, sudden or severe pain please stop participating immediately. and let your teacher know. We would much rather you sit out part or all of class and seek appropriate medical attention than risk injury.
Consent for Medical Treatment
By participating in classes or performances, you hereby give permission for Horizon Movement Collective, its employees and/or assigned to administer medical treatment as they deem fit in the event of injury or other medical emergency involving the student. You understand that medical treatment could entail hospitalization, administration of first aid or any other treatment deemed necessary by Horizon Movement Collective, its employees or assigned. Although the studio will make every effort to contact you and/or the emergency contact prior to administration of medical treatment, You understand that this is not always possible or practical. You agree to hold Horizon Movement Collective harmless from any harm or damage resulting in any way from the administration of medical treatment, or lack thereof.
For the Parent or Guardian . . .
Class Placement & Promotion
Placement into classes is based on age, experience, ability and behavior and is at the sole discretion of the Director. New students joining the academy may be asked to audition for placement if they are experienced or wish to join the company teams. There is never an audition for acceptance into the studio. All those who want to join are welcome!
Please note that levels may differ widely between different studios and our goal is to place student's correctly into class so that you can progress as quickly, and safely, as you can.
Years of experience have taught your teachers and Director to support your development by placement into the correct class. They are also skilled at accommodating different skill levels within the same class. Trust their judgement!
Preparing for Class
Occasionally, a student will complain that they “don’t want to go to class” but when they arrive, they have a wonderful time in class. Sometimes, this may be due to interrupting an enjoyable activity to come to class. Although they enjoy class, they do not want to stop what they are doing to go. We recommend setting a regular routine so that they are not engaged in a fun activity when it is time for class, and that they have adequate time to get ready. We don’t recommend using class as a punishment. When your student loves class it may be tempting to say, “finish your homework or you can’t go to class” (or similar) but this could result in your student losing interest in class and thus deprive them of a positive activity which may help with achievement and behavior.
Pick Up & Drop Off
To help ensure the safety of your student and the smooth operation of the studio, we must enforce the following rules regarding pick up and drop off:
Please arrive for class on time
Do not drop off your dancer more than 15 minutes before class
All children must wait in the lobby unless permission is given to wait outside
Pick up no more than 10 minutes after class
You must let us know in advance if someone other than parent/legal guardian will be picking up
Parent Observation
We try to balance the needs and concerns of our families wanting to watch classes with the need to provide a distraction free environment for our student's that is conducive to fun and learning. We have found that in almost all cases, the student's (especially our youngers) are more relaxed, learn more quickly, and perform much better when the parents are out of the room.
Our classes in Studio A and B are viewable from the lobby window. Assuming we do not experience any problems, we will leave the glass uncovered so that parents can take turns watching. All that we ask is that if you notice your child frequently watching you at the window that you refrain from watching for a while to allow them to refocus their attention on the teacher in the studio room.
Performances
Recital
Dance is a Performance Art; only part of which can be learned in the classroom. Student performances not only give dancer's the thrill and challenge of performing, but also a strong sense of accomplishment with a chance to showcase their talent for family and friends.
Our annual recital is the primary performance for dancers and is held in Late May each year (based on venue availability). Our recitals are a professional production in full costume designed to be a positive, experience for everyone that reinforces the self-esteem and positive self-image of our dancers.
Parents will have the opportunity to help support the recital (and other performances) through Horizon Dance Company including fundraising and other support.
We treat our recital more like a show than a ‘typical’ dance recital. We utilize professional lighting and sound and typically maintain a fast-paced production with little break between consecutive numbers. Several numbers may be combined into larger sections and some dancers may be given the opportunity to additional solos/duos/trios (by audition only at Director’s discretion).
We control the length of the show and, if needed, will add additional shows rather than extend the time beyond an enjoyable length. More details about the recital will be released at a later date.
We typically hold multiple rehearsals before recital and these are included in your regular tuition. Costume requirements vary by class and more details will be provided as soon as available.
Public Performances
Horizon Dance Company strives to bring joy through dance to both our dance family and the broader community through our non-profit foundation. From time to time we expect to participate in various shows and public performances and you may be invited to participate.
All dancers, whether performing or not, are expected to conduct themselves consistent with the ideals of Horizon Movement Collective.
Competitions
The Horizon Dance Company is eligible to compete in competitions to further advance their development. Participation in competitions is solely at the discretion of the director. While we strive to develop dedicated dancers at the highest level, our competition is always ourselves. We compete to learn and advance through judgement and always maintain respect for our fellow dancers.
Additional information on Company requirements and costs are available upon request.
Travel & Conventions
Horizon Dance Company also supports dancer advancement through participation in dance conventions. Conventions are held by various dance organizations and feature educational content that exposes dancers to a wide variety of guest teachers and styles.