Southold Dance Theater Guidelines are designed to ensure a productive environment for all, to prevent injury, to promote excellence, and to make your time with the Southold as rewarding as possible. Please, take the time to review this information and feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Welcome to Southold!

Curriculum Overview Classroom Policies

Attire Class and Rehearsal Etiquette

Communication Tuition Policies and Registration

Participation in Productions Participation in Competitions

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum serves the growth of students from their first encounters with music and movement to becoming accomplished dancers. This process of nurturing a child from Creative Dance to the highly structured Ballet class happens over a period of several years. Finely tuned class levels stimulate confidence, discipline, and the love of dance. The student’s optimal progress is at the heart of every decision made regarding class placement, structure of classes, and faculty assignments. Each level in the program is designed to develop personality, technical mastery, mental acuity, placement, flexibility and musicality.

Each student is an individual and progresses at an individual rate through the levels of the dance program.

Ballet Division*

CLASS	DESCRIPTION	AGE LEVEL	CLASS Length	CLOTHING
Creative Dance	A curriculum designed for young dancers that develops and encourages creative movement, nonverbal self-expression, imagination, rhythm, musicality and body awareness. Recommended number of classes per week: 2 Required number of classes per week: 1	3 – 4 Years 4 - 5 Years	45 Minutes	Pink color leotard, tights & canvas ballet shoes
Pre – Ballet	A continuation of Creative Movement for young school-age students that also introduces ballet positions and movements. Recommended number of classes per week: 2 Required number of classes per week: 1	6 - 7 Years	1 hour	Pink color leotard, tights & canvas ballet shoes
Ballet I	Development of the attention span, participation, self-discipline, proper conduct in class, memory and focus for the training process. Continuing development of motor functions, flexibility, extension, jump, etc. Concentration on placement and correct body alignment. Beginning musical consideration, such as phrasing, accents, tempo and rhythm. Development of coordination skills. Introduces dance education for mastering the placement of the body, legs, arms, and head. Recommended number of classes per week: 2-3 Required number of classes per week: 1	7 – 9 Years	1 Hour	Black leotard, pink tights & pink canvas ballet shoes
Ballet II	Continues dance education for mastering the placement of the body, legs, arms, and head. Recommended number of classes per week: 3 Required number of classes per week: 2	9 – 10 Years	1 hour	Black leotard, pink tights & pink canvas ballet shoes
Ballet III	Continuing training in the fundamentals of classical ballet technique, vocabulary and studio etiquette. Development of technical skills, coordination, discipline and musicality. Classes in physical training with concentration on placement and correct body alignment. Required number of classes per week: 3	Generally Ages 10-11+ By placement	1 Hour 15 minutes	Black leotard, pink tights & pink canvas ballet shoes
Ballet IV	Exercises from previous levels are repeated with an increased frequency. Development of the legs and feet are stressed, with work on half-toe and in later stages on pointe. Required number of classes per week: 3 + 1 Pre-Pointe (Pointe)	Generally Ages 11-13+ By placement	1 Hour 30 minutes	Black leotard, pink tights, pink canvas ballet shoes & Pink pointe shoes
Ballet V	Exercises from previous level are repeated with an increased frequency with work on demi-pointe and on Pointe. Classes will increase in complexity and there will be great emphasis on the development of line and movement quality. Development of the epaulements and port de bras. The technical vocabulary of turning and batteries will be introduced and expanded. Emphasis on the development of Artistry, Musicality and Personality. Required number of classes per week: 4 classes + 1 Pointe + 1 Modern	By placement Only	1 Hour 30 minutes	Black leotard, pink tights, pink canvas ballet shoes & Pink pointe shoes
Ballet VI	This period of study involves strengthening the student’s stability in various turns, beats, and large jumps while performing the exercises on half-toe or on pointe. Emphasis is placed on development of smooth connection of movement of the arms and body. Repertoire is introduced to further the physical development of virtuosity, Artistry, Musicality and Personality. Required number of classes per week: 5 classes (with Pointe) + 1 Modern	By placement Only	1 Hour 30 minutes	Black leotard, pink tights, pink canvas ballet shoes & Pink pointe shoes
Ballet VI	This period of study involves strengthening the student’s stability in various turns, beats, and large jumps while performing the exercises on half-toe or on pointe. Emphasis is placed on development of smooth connection of movement of the arms and body. Repertoire is introduced to further the physical development of virtuosity, Artistry, Musicality and Personality. Required number of classes per week: 5 classes (with Pointe) + 1 Variations + 1 Modern	By placement Only	1 Hour 30 minutes	Black leotard, pink tights, pink canvas ballet shoes & Pink pointe shoes

Classes are available with minimum of 5 students with full term enrollment.

Contemporary/Open Division*

CLASS	DESCRIPTION	AGE LEVEL	CLASS LENGTH	CLOTHING
Tap	Beginning Tap Intermediate/ Advanced - by placement Required number of classes per week: 1	Ages 8-11 Ages 12+	1 hour 1 hour	Black leotard, black tights, black tap shoes
Hip Hop	Beginning Hip Hop Required number of classes per week:1	Ages 8-12	45 Minutes	Any comfortable dance clothing (no jeans), jazz sneakers or tennis shoes (tennis shoes must be new and have never been worn outside of studios)
Modern	Beginning Modern (recommended for Ballet I, II) Intermediate Modern (recommended for Ballet III, IV) - by placement Advanced Modern (recommended for Ballet V, VI, VII) – by placement Required number of classes per week: 1	Ages 7-10+ Ages 11-13+ Ages 13+	1 hour 1 hour 1 hr 15min.	(Girls, women) Any solid color leotard and tights without feet (Boys, men) Any solid color t-shirt, any colored tights, unitard without feet or jazz pants, dance belt
Adult/Open Ballet	This program is designed for those students who wish to begin or continue dance training for health, recreation, or self-enrichment. It offers a variety of class levels for those interested in the many physical benefits of ballet training. Classes emphasize overall body conditioning and encourage an aesthetic appreciation of dance and related arts. Required number of classes per week: 1	Ages 13-Adult	1 hour 15 min.	Leotard and tights, or any comfortable clothing, appropriate dance shoes
Pilates/Yoga	This energetic class combines Pilates mat exercises with yoga postures for a total body workout! Pilate/Yoga experience is helpful, but not required. Required number of classes per week: 1	Any	1 hour	Comfortable, not too baggy clothing, yoga mat
Musical Theatre	Beginning-Intermediate Musical Theatre Intermediate-Advanced Musical Theatre Required number of classes per week: 1	Ages 8-12 Ages 13+	1 hour	Comfortable clothing and no hard-soled shoes
“Jaguars”	Learn, be active and play at SDT’s all cool boys’ class. Ballet is just as hard as karate or football - we just don't show it. We have to pretend it's effortless. The school’s goal is to show boys how fun and athletic ballet study can be and to make it truly a “guy” activity. For boys who want to get moving with high-energy action using fun themes and great music! Rhythms, props, and sports movements will be used to create original dances while developing coordination and healthy body knowledge. Required number of classes per week: 1	Boys Ages 7-15+	1 hour	Cool colorful t-shirt, black shorts, black socks, black ballet canvas shoes, knee pads (only during a game time)
Youth Troupe	South Bend Community Performing Group open to all students ages 8-16 (must take classes in Jazz, Musical Theater, Tap Modern, Youth Ballet of Jaguars) Unlimited performance opportunities!	Ages 8-16	1 hour	Black leotard, pink tights & pink canvas ballet shoes, black jazz pants (tight fitting) & jazz shoes

* Classes are available with minimum of 5 students with full term enrollment.

About Pointe

The study of Pointe work is essential in preparing the young ballerina for the advanced status in ballet training. Only the teacher can determine when a student is ready to begin this aspect of training. Strong feet, ankles, legs, and body control are the keys to physical readiness. Comprehension of classical ballet technique is an essential component for recommendation for Pointe work.

Additional Training

All SDT’s students are encouraged to attend all of SDT’s Summer Intensive Program, Master Classes or Workshops. Additional classes can be taken, time permitting, in a lower level. Please speak with the artistic directors about this.

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Classroom Policies

Attendance and Punctuality

Regular, punctual attendance is important to a child’s progress. All students must notify the SDT Office at 233-9841 of any absence or tardiness. Failure to contact the SDT’s office could effect your eligibility for casting of roles in future Southold Dance Theater Productions. Being on time for class is essential. Classes begin with warm up exercises to prevent injuries that might result from more difficult moves to follow. If a student is more than ten minutes late, s/he will be asked to observe the remainder of class, as it will not be possible for them to be properly warmed up to join the other dancers. Dancers should not disrupt class by entering late or leaving early. Dancers who must leave early are required to get prior permission from their instructor. An excused absence is considered but not limited to illness, injury or death in the family.

Make Up Classes

Students should make up any class missed due to injury or illness. Makes ups must be completed within the same semester at the student’s level or level immediately below. No refund or credit is given for missed classes. A credit toward the next semester will only be issued in the case of extreme illness or injury which prevents the student from returning to class during the same semester.

Evaluation and Placement

Students receive an end of the year evaluation which is completed in May and mailed with the fall enrollment packet. Teachers may recommend advancement of a student at any level during the course of the year. Placement recommendations are entirely at the discretion of teachers and the Artistic Director. The Artistic Director will make a final decision in the event of a disagreement concerning appropriate placement.

Students transferring from other schools will attend a placement class at the earliest possible time. The teacher will make a placement recommendation and classes will be assigned accordingly.

Class Observation

Parents may observe a regularly scheduled class by contacting the administrative office in advance to request to observe the class. We must limit the number of parents observing class on a given day due to limited seating in the studios. There are scheduled observation opportunities two times each year. Please consult the school calendar.

Student Demonstration

A student demonstration may be scheduled at the end of the school year. Teachers and students demonstrate a short class at all levels, so that parents can have the opportunity to observe their child’s progress and learn about the expectations at the next level. No special attire is required for the presentation.

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Attire

The School of SDT maintains a dress code to encourage improved concentration. The dress code further enables muscles and physique to be seen clearly, and defines and continues the lines of the body.

Students are required to wear the color leotard assigned for their level and ballet pink tights. Students who are not properly attired will be required to leave class so they may change into appropriate dance clothing.

All uniforms should be kept clean and neat. Holes and frayed edges must be mended. Dance and Pointe shoes should never be worn outside the building. Warmers may not be worn during class. Ballet skirts are only permitted in Creative Movement and Pas de Deux classes. Ties on pointe shoes should be tied in a double knot, cut off with 1-1/2 inch remaining and tucked in. This will be done by the teacher on the first day of classes for younger students. Watches, jewelry and safety pins should not be worn in the studio. A student’s hair should be confined so that it is immobile, does not distract the audience, hit other dancers or impede turns.

Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet (girls) - pink leotard, pink tights and pink canvas ballet slippers.
Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet (boys) - fitted white t-shirt, black gym shorts, white socks, white canvas ballet slippers
Ballet I and above (girls) - black sleeveless leotard, pink tights, pink canvas ballet slippers, pink pointe shoes (levels IV and above)
Ballet I and above (boys) - fitted white t-shirt, black tights, dance belt, black canvas ballet slippers
Adult Ballet - Leotard and tights, or any comfortable clothing, appropriate dance shoes
Modern (girls, women) – Any solid color leotard and tights without feet, leggings or capri’s – Foot paw or pads are acceptable footwear.
Modern (boys, Men) - Any solid color t-shirt, any colored tights, unitard without feet or jazz pants, dance belt. Foot paw or pads are acceptable footwear.
Hip Hop (girls, women) - Any comfortable dance clothing (no jeans), jazz sneakers or tennis shoes (tennis shoes must be new and have never been worn outside of studios)
Hip-Hop (boys, men) - Any comfortable dance clothing (no jeans), jazz sneakers or tennis shoes (tennis shoes must be new and have never been worn outside of studios)
Tap - Black leotard, black tights, black tap shoes
Character Dance (girls) - black sleeveless leotard, pink tights, black character shoes, black short skirt
Character Dance (boys) – black t-shirt, black tights, black character shoes
SDT’s “Jaguars” - Cool colorful t-shirt, black shorts, black socks, black ballet canvas shoes, knee pads (only during a game time)
Musical Theatre - Comfortable clothing and no hard-soled shoes
Pilates/Yoga - Comfortable, not too baggy clothing, yoga mat

Purchasing Dancewear

The following area dance supply store provides the items above:

The Ballet Shop, 3310 Hickory Rd. Suite 4B, Mishawaka, IN 46545, Lisa Bella- Owner, (574) 255-3082

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Class and Rehearsal Etiquette

Dancers should be respectful of the instructors and their fellow dancers at all times.
The office should be notified immediately if an instructor has not arrived. Students are not to leave the building until excused by an instructor or SDT office staff.
Students should not disrupt class by talking, entering late or leaving early.
Students may not enter the studio if a class other than their own is in session.
Students may not “warm-up” in a studio when another class is in session.
Students may not wait in the studio for their class to start if another class is in session.

Students may not chew gum, carry food or drink into the studio. The exception to this is WATER – if needed due to extreme weather or by instructor recommendation. Chewing gum is not allowed in the Colfax Cultural Center or in any performing venues.

Costumes should be handled with special care. They are expensive and costly to repair. Please make it a habit to return all costumes in the manner in which they were found – on hangers, etc. Students must not sit on the floor in a costume either in the studio or in the theater.

Food

No food, gum, or other snacks or drinks are allowed in the studios, the waiting areas, or dressing rooms. Students may bring bottled water. Food and/or snacks are ONLY allowed on the table in the second floor waiting area.

Video, Audio and Photo Recording

No video, audio, photo or any other recordings are allowed in the studios and theatres without written permission from SDT’s administration and the Artistic Director.

Dressing Rooms / Studio

Dancers must maintain clean and neat dressing rooms and studios at all times. Be respectful of the fact that many people use the same facilities. Failure to do so will reflect upon your standing in the company.
Each dancer will have an assigned space. A dancer may only use the space assigned to them.
Nothing should be left on the floor. All clothes, shoes and personal belongings should be neatly stored or hung up.
All trash must be thrown away. This includes Band-Aids and toe tape! Please use available trash cans.
All soda cans are recyclable. Please dispose of these in a recycle bin. There is one on the second floor by Studio B and one on the stage in Studio D.
All dancers must clean up after themselves when leaving a studio, including all clothing, water bottles, various trash, and Band-Aids etc. used during class or rehearsal.

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Participation in Productions

Participation in Productions SDT produces two major productions annually, including “The Nutcracker.” Our status as resident dance company at the Morris Performing Arts Center is a special honor and testimony to the talent in the organization.

Class and rehearsal attendance, progress, punctuality, conduct and dress code adherence will be considered mandatory for performance participation. If necessary, class time may be used for rehearsals since practice is considered an important part of dance training.

Please note that attendance at the School of SDT does not guarantee participation in ALL productions and students will be required to audition. If selected, a performance fee and participation in classes (according to age and level) will be required for all participants.

Casting for all roles is entirely at the discretion of the Artistic Director. The Artistic Director will provide rehearsal and casting information at the earliest possible date.

There is one-time $110 production/make-up fee regardless of number of changes associated with participation in each production (Training Company levels V, VI & VII are fee exempt). SDT students participating in the production must continue to attend classes regularly in order to maintain technique.

Students and parents must be fully committed to attend all rehearsals and performances as scheduled. Dress rehearsals are mandatory. Students who miss more than two rehearsals or a dress rehearsal will not be allowed to perform.

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Participation in Competitions

Participation in Competitions/Festivals SDT’s Company members may be invited to participate in prestigious dance competitions, festivals, etc. It is the sole discretion of the Artistic Director to determine which students deserve to represent Southold at such events. SDT and the Artistic Director will make a reasonable effort to accommodate all additional rehearsals into the Company’s regular schedule. However, some additional rehearsals may be required during the intensive preparation for such events.

When students make the commitment to competition/festival participation, they must understand the Artistic Directors commit personal time to this process in order to assure the best performance and representation of Southold Dance Theater.

SDT students’ annual tuition does not cover competition/festival expenses and each student will be responsible for any competition fees, travel, accommodation, costumes and any other expenses.

Students who have not been chosen, but wish to be considered for solos may contact the Artistic Director for more information about the private study fees, choreography fee, etc.

To guarantee the high level of artistry and representation of Southold, all students must receive the Artistic Director’s approval for any solo they might present. Students whose solos do not have such approval may participate as "Independent".

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Communication

In order to encourage communication between students, parents, and the dance faculty at the School of SDT, the following communication policy has been established. When students or parents have questions regarding dance class, the dance curriculum, or individual student progress, they are encouraged to follow the procedure set out below to communicate with all members of the Dance Faculty. Unfortunately, since the dance faculty normally teaches several classes in a row, communication between classes is difficult at best.

Students and parents are encouraged to complete the Inquiry Form and give it to the Artistic Director of SDT only.
The Artistic Director will review the Summary of the Question portion of the Inquiry Form and determine if the Call Back should be made by the identified dance faculty or his office. Routine questions will be submitted directly to the dance faculty, all other questions will be handled at the discretion of the Artistic Director.
If the Artistic Director determines that the Call Back should be made by the dance faculty, he will date the Inquiry form and route it to that teacher’s mailbox.
The Artistic Director and/or the dance faculty will make reasonable effort to complete the Call Back within three days following its receipt.
Once the Call Back is complete, the Inquiry Form will be routed to the executive director for filing with records.

Parents and students should check the bulletin board in the waiting area regularly for announcements. Parents may also access SDT website for general information at www.southolddance.org

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School of SDT Tuition Policies

and Registration

Tuition is paid at the beginning of each semester and is non-refundable. A former student whose tuition is past due will not be allowed to register for additional sessions. Tuition must be current in order for the student to attend class and participate in productions. Students entering the School of SDT (within four weeks of the beginning of the semester) will pay tuition for the full semester. Payment for the summer sessions and special workshops is due on the first day of class.

Payment Schedule

Open Division through Ballet II

If a student is enrolling for only one semester a two part installment plan is available. The first of two equal installments is due by the end of the first week of classes, and the second installment will be due by the end of the seventh week of classes.

If a full year of classes is taken, both fall and spring semesters, a three part installment plan is available. The first of three equal installments for the year is due by the end of the first week of classes. The second installment is due by Thanksgiving Break, and the third installments will be due by the end of the seventh week of spring classes.

Late payment of installments will result in 1.5% per month service charge. Late charges will be incurred after ten days when the account remains unpaid.

Ballet III and Ballet IV

For Ballet III and IV students making a full year commitment a nine month installment plan is available. Payments are due by the first of each month.

Company

Please refer to your contract for payment options.

Family Discount

For families with more than one student, there is a one time $25.00 discount for each additional student.

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Scholarships and Financial Assistance

Scholarships are intended to provide financial assistance to talented dance students so that they may further their knowledge of, and abilities in ballet and allied dance forms, and to promote the development of dancers for SDT. Awards vary according to student circumstances.

Completed financial aid applications for continuing students must be submitted to the Artistic Associate with fall registration. The Artistic Associate will perform her work, including recommendations for financial aid and % amount and forward to the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee will review all applications before registration and inform the Artistic Associate of its decisions on all applications.

Scholarships will be awarded annually and may only be used for tuition. Scholarship-sponsored training cannot be postponed for more than one session. A student must apply for a new scholarship each year. Judgments regarding a scholarship or financial assistance award will be based on dedication, skill and the need for financial assistance. The SDT Board of Directors reserves the right, upon advice of the Artistic Director, to cancel any scholarship commitment in the event the student is not making a sincere effort to benefit from the training.

Summer Scholarship and Financial Assistance

The Standard Application for Financial Assistance/Scholarships is available on request. Interested students should complete the appropriate application. The Artistic Associate will review applications and recommend the appropriate level of the scholarship, with final approval by the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors. For new students, completed financial aid applications must be turned in at the time of registration for the first session as a new student. The new student must pay full price for one month until the Finance Committee delivers its decision. If financial aid/scholarship is awarded, SDT will adjust the tuition amount paid according to the amount awarded. Late applications for existing students will be considered by the Finance Committee on a limited case by case basis.

Financial aid students are expected to attend all their enrolled classes except when absences are excused by illness, injury or a family death. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a socially acceptable manner.

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