About the Program
Classes
INTRO TO DANCE- Wednesdays 3:30-4:30pm
This class is geared towards 3rd and 4th grade students, introducing the concepts of ballroom dance with minimal partnering. It’s a non-competitive class, but they would still perform for our Christmas Demo and our Spring concert. Students would learn line dances, basic ballroom technique, creative movement and dance history.
LEVEL 1- Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:00-9:00am
This is a competitive & performance class for 4th graders who have taken Intro to Dance (and new 5th graders). Curriculum will cover Merengue, Swing, Tango, Cha Cha, and Foxtrot! During the Fall semester we learn their 5 competition routines and perform in our Christmas Demo, and then in the Spring we go to competition(s) and put on a Spring Concert!
LEVEL 2- Wednesdays & Fridays 8:00-9:00am
This is a competitive & performance class for students who have taken Level 1 (and new 6th graders). Curriculum will cover more advanced moves for Cha Cha, Tango, Swing as well as Foxtrot and Merengue! During the Fall semester we learn routines and perform in our Christmas Demo, and then in the Spring we go to competition(s) and put on a Spring Concert!
Fees
Intro to Dance
$80 per student per year + $15 costume fee
(includes T-shirt, approx. 26 lessons held once per week, performance opportunities, costume rental)
Level 1 & Level 2
$160 per student per year + $15 costume fee
(includes T-shirt, approx. 52 lessons held twice per week, competition and performance opportunities, costume rental)
*If there are two or more siblings in level 1 or level 2 then one sibling will pay the regular fee ($175) and the additional siblings get a $15 discount ($160)
** To request a fee waiver, please contact Kathy in the front office :)
***IMPORTANT: Refunds are not available after the program has been running for 2 weeks.
DANZINSKULE
Our school program is run through the Alpine School district, in conjunction with the Dănzinsküle Education Foundation, which allows us the opportunity to compete against other schools in the program and provides collaborative teacher training to improve your students’ experience. You can learn more at www.danzinskule.org
The mission of Dănzinsküle Education Foundation is to provide social dance instruction for students in a positive, friendly, and fun atmosphere. We believe this type of instruction builds self-esteem and confidence. Through partnered ballroom dance movement, students learn mutual respect, and social skills useful throughout their lives.
DRESS CODE
The dance dress code follows Meadow's dress code. They can wear regular school clothes but please make sure they wear comfortable clothing and shoes that will allow them to move easily (ie. NO snow boots!!). If girls wear skirts/dresses, please wear leggings or shorts underneath.
Intro class shoes:
no specifications necessary, just any shoes that they can dance in (ie. no snow boots, high heels, shoes that can slip off their feet, etc)
Level 1 & 2 shoes:
Boys- Black dress shoes that are flexible are sufficient
Girls- may wear dress shoes that are flexible, have a strap across the foot or ankle, and can either be flat or have a block heel (no spikes or wedges) no higher than 1.5 inches. (Girls' shoes can be any color, though black, white or tan in color is preferred.)
**If you are interested in borrowing or purchasing dance shoes, I have some that have been donated from past students available, and know some inexpensive options also – we will send more details in class.**
Level 1 & 2 will need specific dress attire for competition, but we’ll go over that in detail at the parent meeting in September, or contact me for more information
ELEMENTARY BALLROOM STANDARDS
Please read the following criteria for participation in the Elementary Ballroom program.
Sign and return the second page of this form to the office as soon as possible.
Work Habits, Attitude, and Behavior
Ballroom students are required to work during class with a positive attitude and energy. They need to try their best to concentrate and focus on what is being taught. This includes dancing in dance position with every partner, holding hands with their partner when dancing, listening to and following the directions of the teacher, avoiding too much talking, respecting the teacher, and respecting the other students in the class. Afternoon Ballroom students need to wait for their parents after practice outside or in the foyer by the office.
Attendance and Tardiness
It is important that every ballroom student is present and on time to every class. The students have a lot of material to learn, and it is not fair to the other students when they are not able to learn new steps because of absences. After school classes start on time and 5 min after the school bell rings. This gives the students enough time to use the restroom and get a drink so that they are prepared to practice. Continued tardiness and absences may result in a dismissal from Ballroom class. If a class is missed, the student needs to ask the teacher or another student what they missed before the next class. A parent note or text must excuse each absence. Students must be at the rehearsals prior to the performances. If a student misses too many practices and does not know the routines, they will be asked not to perform in the shows.
Probation
A student will be placed on probation if they are unable to meet the Ballroom Standards. The parents and students will be notified when they are placed on probation. If the student fails to improve within a reasonable time frame, they will be dismissed from Ballroom.
Team Match Events
If the school ballroom program elects to participate in team match events, then students can participate in at least 1 team match at the discretion of the teacher. Students are not guaranteed a position on the team unless they earn it with good classroom behavior, attend class on a regular basis, learn the curriculum, and demonstrate a desire to do their best for the good of the team.
Acceptance in the Program
Acceptance in the ballroom program is based on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE policy. We wish that everyone could participate, but we can only accept a few
more girls than boys in each class. If more girls than boys sign up, then the girl’s name will be placed on a waiting list. The girl will be notified if a space becomes available in the class.
***IMPORTANT: Any girl can join if they sign up with a boy who commits to join the class for the entire year and if there is space in the class.
***IMPORTANT: Students who did not exemplify ballroom standards in previous ballroom classes are subject to not being accepted into the program.
WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EXCLUDE A STUDENT FROM BALLROOM IF BEHAVIOR IS NOT IMPROVED AFTER IT HAS BEEN ADDRESSED AND GIVEN PROPER WARNING