ABSENCE POLICY FOR LEAD AND GROUP REHEARSALS IN THE NUTCRACKER
Cast members are expected to attend all required rehearsals, including the August choreography camps, dress rehearsals, in addition to the performance dates (TBA).
MANDATORY CHOREOGRAPHY CAMP
Dancers cannot miss any choreography camp rehearsals. This time period is the ONLY time that dancers learn the choreography for the performance, so attendance is mandatory.
REGULAR WEEKLY REHEARSALS
***ONLY 2 absences in total are allowed throughout the very brief rehearsal period of September - December & Shows Weekend.***
- Dancers are expected to attend the in-studio dress rehearsals AND all of the rehearsals during the show week, unless they are sick and contagious.
- If more than 2 absences are anticipated, those need to be revealed to the director, and participation in the show will be at the discretion of the choreographer and director. In most cases, MORE than 2 absences will NOT be permitted, and that student will NOT be allowed to continue with rehearsals and thus the performance in the Nutcracker. No refunds will be given.
-Students should not come into the studio when sick, however, dancers who are injured and are unable to dance, are expected to observe rehearsals and take notes.
-Private lessons are NOT available to make up for any missed rehearsals. If your dancer misses, they need to get with another dancer to review what they missed.
- Parents are required to complete an absence notification form before the date of absence. If a dancer cannot attend a rehearsal, you will need to complete the Nutcracker absence notification form at least 24 hours before the absence. A parent will need to call the studio directly for any absences less than 24 hours before the rehearsal AND will also complete the absence form. The absence form will be shared with cast members at the beginning of the season. *For REGULAR (NOT NUTCRACKER) absences, you will need to report the absence in your parent portal.
ABSENCE POLICY FOR (TECHNIQUE CLASSES) - APPLIES TO LEAD ROLES ONLY
The above rehearsal absence policy applies to lead roles along with the following additional policy regarding technique classes:
***READ CAREFULLY. YOU ARE EXPECTED TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THIS POLICY.
ABSENCES CAN CAUSE YOUR DANCER TO LOSE THEIR LEAD ROLE WITHOUT REFUNDS**
Note: If your dancer is on company - those absence policies also apply.
Every effort must be made to NOT miss weekly technique classes September - December. Consistent class participation is crucial to the success of the program.
LEAD ROLE TECHNIQUE CLASS EXCUSED ABSENCES
Definition
· In order for an absence to be EXCUSED, the family MUST notify the studio of any foreseen absences on the absence notification form.
· Parents are required to submit absences via the portal in order for an absence to be EXCUSED. If the absence is not submitted via the portal, the absence will be considered UNEXCUSED, regardless of whether a phone call was made to the front desk.
· Absences are tracked via class roll and portal absence submissions. You may receive a warning for excessive absences or when there are 3 absences in 1 class. It is the member's responsibility to abide by the absence guidelines set forth in the agreement.
Emergency Excused Absences
· In the case of an unforeseen school, medical, and/or family emergency, the member must set forth in writing one of the following:
1. A TEACHER’S NOTE for unforeseen school requirements that will affect their grade.
2. A DOCTOR’S NOTE for unforeseen medical emergencies.
3. A written note from their parent providing the reason for missing class for an unforeseen reason.
Please email all notes regarding absences to edsnutcracker@gmail.com
· If a Nutcracker lead role dancer misses a class for an Elevation-required rehearsal, convention and/or performance, that absence will count as an excused absence. It will NOT count against the total allowed absences.
· If an absence occurs outside of what is written on the application, or outside what is stated above, it will not be deemed an excused absence.
· Absences eligible for an excused absence will be subject to approval by the Nutcracker Director.
· Parent must complete online absence form for any technique classes (located at the top of the Elevation Website.)
LEAD ROLE TECHNIQUE CLASS ABSENCE POLICY
· Nutcracker lead role dancers are allowed a MAXIMUM OF 2 ABSENCES TOTAL between Sept - Dec (excused or unexcused) in their required technique class that is required for their lead role. (Example: If your dancer is in a Nutcracker lead role performing hip hop, they are allowed only 2 total absences in their hip hop technique class from September - Dec)
· ABSENCES NOT RECORDED IN THE JACKRABBIT PORTAL WILL BE CONSIDERED UNEXCUSED.
· If 3 absences occur from one required class, whether excused or unexcused, it will be considered excessive and WILL result in their LOSING LEAD ROLE without refunds.
ILLNESS/INJURY:
If a dancer is unable to dance due to an injury or is sick and NOT contagious, the dancer is required to watch class and take notes if deemed necessary by the Elevation Faculty member teaching such class. If a dancer is sick and unable to participate, a phone call from a parent to the front desk must be made AND the absence must be submitted via the portal. In the event a dancer will be at 3 absences due to illness or injury, please contact the Artistic Director immediately.
In the event an injury persists and prohibits the dancer from fully participating in multiple classes within a 14 day period, a meeting with the Director will be required. If a doctor has not yet seen the dancer, the Director may require a visit and written authorization from a doctor in order to return to classes. If the dancer is diagnosed with an injury that is substantial enough that they cannot participate in classes for 30 days, a refund will be given in the form of a credit. If the injury is foreseen to last longer than 30 days, please schedule a meeting with the Director.
MAKE-UP POLICY:
Make-Ups: Missed classes may be made up in another class of a similar level until Dec 1. After this date, make-ups are no longer available due to performance preparation.
Tardiness: Dancers arriving 5 minutes or more after class begins may be marked absent. Participation will be at the teacher’s discretion, as late arrivals disrupt both learning and class flow.