2021-2022 Student Handbook - Brooklyne Williamson, Artistic Director/Owner - Evolution Dance Complex

2021-2022 Student Handbook
                 Brooklyne Williamson, Artistic Director/Owner
                              4515 Fountain Drive
                                  Units 1,2&3
                            Wilmington, NC 28403
                           www.evolutiondancecomplex.com
                  evolutiondancecomplex@gmail.com / 910-769-4824

Welcome to Evolution Dance Complex:
The faculty and staff of Evolution Dance Complex (EDC) would like to take the time to
welcome you to our studio. We are proud to offer the finest dance education for our students
including training them with discipline, technique, and choreography that will help them be
their personal best. Regardless of whether a student chooses to pursue dance as a career or
in college, the staff at EDC is committed to offering each student an education in dance that
is solely based on the traditions of basic training around the world. Each student at EDC will
be placed in classes that are suitable for their specific wants and needs as growing artists.
We are proud to provide a strong foundation, which develops students physically, culturally,
emotionally, intellectually, and socially through the discipline of dance. We are excited to
have you as a part of our dance family.

Class Placement:
All students are placed accordingly to their physical facilities, talent, and overall ability.
Class placement will be carefully reviewed and evaluated by the teachers and director in
order to ensure each child is getting the most out of their dance training. Once the fall
season begins – we may make class adjustments if needed. If a class does not have enough
students to make – we will find an alternate class.

Class Requirements:
Your child is required to attend scheduled class regularly, as technique and new steps are
taught each week, and we do not want any child falling behind. We ask that all of our
students treat their instructor(s) and fellow students with respect and common courtesy. If
your child has a problem in class we ask they see their teacher for the problem to be resolved
correctly with no hurt feelings. At EDC we truly believe in being a team and we want to
create a family atmosphere. Our staff hopes to not only provide the best dance training in
Wilmington, but help mentor our upcoming youth into strong, successful adults.

All company members are required to take required classes each week. If any student needs
to miss a technique day for any reason, he or she will be expected to make up the class on
Friday or Saturday.

Recreational Studio Class Dress Code:
All students are to wear the appropriate dance wear to class each week. These items include
tank tops, athletic shorts, sports bras, leggings, etc. We prefer them to wear tight fitting
clothing so we
can see their body lines and give them the best possible training. Hair should be secure out
of the face. We will NOT provide hair supplies. You will be expected to have hair supplies.

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Competition Studio Team Dress Code:
Ballet – All students are required to wear a solid color leotard and tights for ballet classes.
Tights can be pink or black. No exceptions. Hair must be secure and out of the face, in a
bun. We will not provide hairbrushes, hair ties, or hairpins. Please pack these items in
your dancer’s bag.
All other technique and choreography classes – All students are required to wear dance
shorts (booty shorts), leggings, sports bra tops, and fitted tank tops for class. Color does not
matter, however these items have to be form fitting so we are able to see body lines. Sweat
Pants and loose fitting clothing is acceptable for Hip-Hop classes only. Hair must be out of
the face in a ponytail or bun.
Our apparel store has everything needed for dance class and knows what each class
specifically needs.

COMPANY STUDENTS - NEW THIS YEAR - All Company Students will be required to purchase
a specific leotard from the apparel store that is to be worn in all ballet classes. Please
visit the apparel store to be sized so we can order your leotard. This leotard will be
required in your ballet technique class(es).

Studio Communication:
We recommend you LIKE us on Facebook and Instagram. We will post information on both of
these social medias. If you have any questions, please call or email us at
evolutiondancecomplex@gmail.com. We check our email multiple times a day and will get
back to you with a response as quickly as possible. We want the communication between our
faculty and your family to be strong. We encourage you to keep us posted on anything special
your children are involved in whether it is dance related or not. If you have questions or
concerns we are always available and encourage you to email us or speak with our staff
directly.

   •   Email is our main communication tool. You need to check your email daily if you
       are a company member.

Master Classes:
At Evolution Dance Complex, we are fortunate that throughout the year we will have well-
known guest instructors and choreographers. These classes expose our dancers to new styles
and the latest technique and choreography. There is an additional fee in order to attend
these classes. All company members will be required to attend Master Classes unless
approved by Brooklyne Williamson.

Master Class Payment Information:
Due to the cost associated with classes and teachers there will be an assigned date for
registration and payment. If you are not an active customer you will be required to put a
deposit that is non-refundable. In order to register, please see the sign-up sheets at the front
desk.

Class Etiquette:
In order to instill our students with proper dance training, we require discipline. We believe
it is the discipline that students gain from their dance training which makes dance such a
valuable activity. Students are required to be on time for their classes and must enter
class with proper attire. Anyone arriving in inappropriate attire or is late for class may be
asked to sit and observe class instead of participating. Please let us know if a student will be
absent from class or arriving late, so that we may let the instructor know in advance.
Please pick-up your dancers on-time after class. EDC does not have the staff to babysit for a
long period of time. If your child is not picked up within 30 minutes of class being complete,
we will charge $10 per/hour per/child and put on your account.

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Class Picture Week:
Each year we schedule one week during which we take pictures in our costumes. Each class
will have a group photo and individual shots taken. Prices for these photos are very
reasonable. Ordering information will be available closer to picture week date.
Rec. picture week will be in April of 2022. Date TBA
Co. picture week will be in May 2022. Date TBA

Performance Dates:
Holiday Showcase - December 2021 - Date TBD
Optional Azalea Festival Performance - April 2022 - Date TBD
Spring Recital - May 2022 - Date TBD
Competition information will be provided to all Company members via email.

Payment Information:
There is a non-refundable registration fee of $30 per/student per/year. If more than one
student each dancer after is $20. All other registration payments are due upon registering for
any classes. Monthly tuition is due on the 1st of the month. Each family will be required to
have a credit card on file – no exceptions. If tuition payments are not paid in full by the 5th,
your card will be charged for the full amount due. If the 5th of the month falls on a day that
the studio is closed, you account will be charged on the next business day. There is a 2%
discount for 2 or more dancers. If you pay for the entire year (9 months) you will receive a
5% discount. There is a $35 charge for all returned checks and $20 charge for all cards
declined for non-payment. No exceptions unless approved by Brooklyne Williamson, Artistic
Director/Owner. Make all checks payable to Evolution Dance Complex.

A LATE FEE OF $10 WILL BE PLACED ON YOUR ACCOUNT IF TUITION IS
NOT PAID BY THE 5th OF EACH MONTH.
IF YOUR FEES ARE NOT PAID ON TIME, WE WILL TRY TO CONTACT YOU
VIA PHONE/EMAIL THREE TIMES. AFTER THE THIRD TIME, WE WILL
AUTOMATICALLY RUN YOUR CARD ON FILE FOR ALL OUTSTANDING FEES
UNLESS YOU RESPOND TO US WITH A PLAN FOR PAYMENT.
If your child is interested in dancing at EDC but not sure of the classes they would like to take
– they are allowed to try each class once, FREE of charge. All fees will apply after that and
tuition for the month will be prorated.
    • If you have a balance on your account and another fee is due on a certain date,
        your payment has to go to the oldest amount due. For example, if you owe tuition
        and have not paid it, but come in to pay for a competition, that money has to go to
        tuition first.
    • Choreography Fees and Summer Camp Fees for Competition Dancers are due the
        week prior to the event.

Portal Payment Information:
EDC has a computer dance program called JackRabbit. This is where all customer information
is entered and managed. Once you register and become an active customer, you will be able
to go to the EDC website and log in to the portal. You will see all account information and
can even pay your bill directly through the portal at anytime. Please refer to the Portal Flyer
for step-by-step instructions to log in to the Portal.

Referrals:
If you refer someone to the studio and they sign up for regular classes, a significant credit will
be put on your account. Please ask the person filling out the registration form to put your
name in the appropriate place.

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Competition Payment Information:
There will be specific dates on which any Convention or Competition payments will be due.
These dates will be given out when our 2021-2022 Competition/Convention schedule is
released. We will also give each Company member a sheet with a projected amount due for
each Competition and/or Convention based on number and types of dances. Please be sure
you pre-plan for this amount due at each time. In order to be registered for any Competition
or Convention, your account must be up to date and fees must be paid 45 days in advance.
No exceptions.

Annual Room Rental Fee for Competitive Dancers:
Every competition team dancer will be charged a one-time fee of $50 for room rental for the
year. This charge will be applied to accounts on or just before October 1st. The fee is due in
October. This will cover any extra room rental for dance rehearsals for production, groups,
solos, duets, and trios that will occur outside of the weekly fall schedule. This way, teachers
don’t have to worry about collecting a room rental fee each time a rehearsal happens, and
parents don’t have to worry about remembering to send extra money.
**NEW THIS YEAR - ALL TECHNIQUE PRIVATE LESSONS WILL BE CHARGED A $10 PER HOUR
ROOM RENTAL FEE. THIS FEE WILL BE PLACED ON YOUR ACCOUNTS. THIS POLICY WILL BE
EFFECTIVE STARTING OCTOBER 1ST, 2021.
This does not include any additional time for solo rehearsals. So if your child needs 30 minutes one
week for solo, you do not have to pay the additional room rental fee. Your yearly $50 fee includes all
dance related rehearsals. This is specifically for all the extra 30 minute, 45 minute, and hour long
technique privates that are now occurring. While we are so excited that dancers are taking advantage
of extra one-on-one time with our instructors, this means the building is open extra hours and utility
costs have increased due to that.

Annual Travel Fee:
Each company member will be required to pay a travel fee by November 1st of $50. This fee
will be applied to the accounts before November 1st. This fee will cover all associated fees
for competition travel for teachers.

Private Lessons and Extra Group Dances:
All group routines including extra groups will have a 15-minute slot each week, which will be a part of
regular tuition during the fall. If we feel like a particular group needs more rehearsal time, we will
schedule that in advance and let the group members know.
All group choreography will be completed by the beginning of our fall schedule, September 13th.
Attendance is required for choreography. We will schedule a day or two per/routine and do the entire
dance during those days. The in-house choreography fee during these dates is $50 charge per/dance.
Private lessons for solos, duets, trios, and any small group routines may be held on the weekends or
they will be held in an open room during the week.
The following are the costs:
*EDC Solos: $250 choreography and $15 per 15 minutes for each private lesson after.
*EDC Duets and Trios: $300 choreography and $15 per 15 minutes for each private lesson after.
These fees are divided among each dancer.
*EDC Groups: $50 (per/dancer)
*Outside choreography will vary for groups but estimated at $200-350 per/dancer per/routine
depending on the size of the routine, cost for travel for the choreographer, and the
choreographers actual fees.
*Outside solos, duets, trio prices will vary and depend on choreographer fees.
Solo, duet, and trio rehearsals will be coordinated with your teacher individually. Dancers are
expected to be stretched and ready when it is their time to rehearse, so it is recommended to plan to
arrive 15 minutes before your lesson is scheduled. In past experiences, half of a 30-minute lesson is
spent stretching, and it is EDC’s responsibility to maximize student productivity and use time most
effectively. Therefore, arrive 15 minutes early and be ready to go when it is your time to dance to
help save finances for each family and utilize the time spent with the teacher most effectively.
(Please see EDC Solo/Duet/Trio Contracts. Each dancer doing this type of dance will need a parent to
sign and return to start choreography.)

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Private Lesson Rates:
If the teacher or parent feels their child needs additional time to run their dance that is no
problem. Extra rates are $15 for 15 minutes, $30 for a half hour, $45 for 45 minutes and $60
an hour.If your child had outside choreography for their solo, duet, or trio, they will be
expected to pay for their private time with our EDC instructors. They will receive a 15-
minute slot each week and will be expected to pay $15 for that time. If they want additional
time, extra rates are $15 for 15 minutes extra, $30 for a half hour, $45 for 45 minutes and $60
for an hour.
**NEW THIS YEAR - ANY TECHNIQUE PRIVATES WILL BE CHARGED A $10 ROOM RENTAL FEE PER HOUR ON
ACCOUNT.
Competition Team General Information:
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY.
   • If you only want to compete in one style of dance (i.e. Company Tap only) you will be
      required to take one ballet tech and one conditioning class per/week.
   • On Fridays and Saturdays we will have extra technique and virtual master classes
      throughout the year. Some levels may be required to attend on various weeks. Fifteen
      minute solo, duet, and trio rehearsals will be offered on Fridays and Saturdays as well.
   • We will give every dancer their requirements.
    •   Each dancer must make up missed classes during optional classes or other level classes.
        We will specify for each child when the time comes.
    •   Company members are not permitted to take any classes at a different studio. If we find
        out you are – you will be removed from our team with no refund. The only exception
        allowed is tumble privates at Cheer Infinity or a gymnastics gym. If you have an interest in
        doing something additional, please get approval from Brooklyne before taking these
        classes. Be assured that they will not conflict with any of our required classes.
    •   You may not enter any additional competitions without the permission of Brooklyne. Our
        competitive students must enter under EDC. There will be no independent entries. Our
        dancers are expected to represent EDC at all times.
    •   EDC will not tolerate a child or parent correcting another student or comment about their
        dance ability. If this happens and is brought to Brooklyne’s attention, the parent(s) child,
        or student them self will be placed on probation for one week. If it continues, the student
        will be asked to leave the studio. We are a dance family that supports everyone.
    •   If you want a solo, you will be required to be in at least one group dance with EDC
        company. Brooklyne will determine the group.
    •   Company pictures are required and are in May each year. A professional photographer will
        complete these photos and each child will receive individuals and group photos. The cost
        will not ever exceed $75.
    •   IF YOU HAVE A SOLO, YOU WILL NEED TO SIGN AN EDC SOLO CONTRACT. PLEASE
        SEE FORM AND TURN IN WITH YOUR PAPERWORK.
    •   Competing Your Solo:
At all required Regionals, everyone will compete their solo if they choose. Everyone can also choose to
do their solo at optional Regional competitions. There will be sign-up sheets at front desk or via google
doc as well as due dates for fees. At competition/conventions the amount of entries for solos will vary
due to the amount allowed to participate. Seniors will have first priority. After that, all company
members who have group routines attending the convention will at least get one chance to compete.
Once everyone has had one chance, to compete we will give our highest scoring dancers a chance to
compete a second/third time if possible. If your competition group dances are not attending the
convention, you will not have priority to the solo spots. If there are extras we will give them out based
on the order of the sign up sheet. We will also attend two to three regular competitions where all
groups/solos/duets/trios will be able to compete. If you want to compete additionally, we can sign
you up for optionals on your own or based off the sign up lists provided. An EDC instructor may or may
not be at the optional competitions. If teachers are not able to attend, Brooklyne will make sure you
have everything you need.

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Withdrawal Information:
A written notice is required before withdrawal can be permitted. This notice must be
provided to our office staff on the first of the month before the planned withdrawal date.
Evolution Dance Complex retains the right to keep a student’s enrollment status active and
charge accordingly if withdrawal occurred prior to the notice being given. A withdrawal form
can be picked up from the main office. This form must be filled out and delivered to the
office staff by the parent. If you withdraw in the middle of the month, the money for that
month is non-refundable.

Recital Fee:
There will be a recital fee per/student added to your account and due March 1. It will be
$30-$50 depending on the cost of rental for the venue. This fee is non-refundable and will be
used in covering pre-production costs at the venue for the recital. There will not be an
admission fee at recital. You will be able to invite all family and friends at no additional
charge.

Ballet Skirts:
Some of our company teams will perform a ballet piece for the recital. They will need a
black leotard and pink tights. We will purchase a skirt for those dancers. This will cost
approximately $10-15. There will not be extra rehearsals for these ballet dances; they will
learn these during a ballet class. Charges for the skirts will be placed on accounts in May.

COSTUME DEPOSITS:
For ALL Competition Team Members:
There will be a $50 costume deposit for each group dance costume that is due by October 1st.
These fees will be placed on the accounts before October 1st. Some costumes may have a
balance and some may not. All Costume balances are due by date required by the director
and this will vary based on when they are complete. Some costumes may not have a balance.

For ALL Recreational Dancers:
There will be a $75 costume fee for each recreational dance costume due by January 10th.
 (Jazz and Tap Combo Classes typically share one costume).

First Aid and Safety:
There will be first aid kits in each dance room that students and teachers will have access to
for minor injuries. The studio’s main first aid kit is located in the office.

Studio Closings and Policies:
We will not close on New Hanover County teacher workdays. We will not close for any
weekday one day holidays other than the breaks listed below.

The studio will be closed the following weeks for 2017-18:
Thanksgiving Break – November 24th-28th
Holiday/Winter Break – December 17th-January 2nd (TBD - may adjust. School has an extra long
holiday this year.)
Spring Break – March 25-April 3rd
Easter Long Weekend - April 15th-18th

Inclement Weather Closing Policy:
We will go by the decisions made by the New Hanover County Public School System. The
studio will be closed if school is closed or has early release due to inclement weather. If
there is a school delay but school is resumed on any day, the studio will be open for regular
classes.

SPECIAL NOTE: All Competition Team rules at competitions and conventions will be communicated to
all parents via email. We will not have an in-person company parent meeting this year due to COVID.
This will include attire, costume and bag information, props, makeup, hair, jewelry, team
sportsmanship, team meetings, etc.
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