Student and Parent Handbook 2020-2021 - 3400 S BEDFORD AVE. SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103 - Britza Studios
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Student and Parent Handbook 2020-2021 3400 S BEDFORD AVE. SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103 WWW.BRITZASTUDIOS.COM 1
BRITZA STUDIOS STUDENT AND PARENT HANDBOOK
Amanda Hahn Jill Kunstle
Director and Owner Founder and Owner
ABOUT THE STUDIO
BritZa Studios was founded in 1985 by Jill Kunstle under the original name, Music in Motion. Amanda Hahn
began teaching full-time at BritZa in 2006 and was named director in January of 2018. Both Miss Jill and Miss
Amanda love teaching and understand that our responsibility as role-models is more than choosing music
and creating choreography. We strive to create a safe and positive environment for our students to be able
to challenge themselves, develop their own self-confidence, and find their joy in movement.
Values Miss Jill instilled from the beginning are foundational to our commitment to our students today.
These values include choosing age-appropriate movement, music, and apparel for classes and
performances. The safety of our students and their continued growth through dance is our highest priority all
the way down to our professional grade studio floors.
We offer a wide range of dance styles: Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Clogging, and Musical
Theatre. During the summer, BritZa offers a variety of camps and weekly classes including a week-long dance
intensive taught by industry guest artists.
We enjoy sharing our work through recitals at the Washington Pavilion, parent showcases, and special
requested venues.
Come join us. Dream. Discover. Dance.
3400 S BEDFORD AVE. SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103 WWW.BRITZASTUDIOS.COM 2MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to encourage our students to DREAM creatively, DISCOVER
their possibilities, and experience the essence of joy through DANCE.
2020-2021 STAFF
Amanda Hahn
Lead Instructor, Discover Dance Instructor, PBT Instructor
Jill Kunstle
Lead Instructor
Emily Smith
Lead Instructor, Discover Dance Instructor
Gretchen Spars-McKee
PBT Instructor
Maddisen Barness
Instructor, PBT Instructor, Assistant Teacher
Mary Beth Davis
Account Executive
3400 S BEDFORD AVE. SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103 WWW.BRITZASTUDIOS.COM 3TABLE OF CONTENTS BRITZA STUDIOS STUDENT AND PARENT HANDBOOK 2 ABOUT THE STUDIO 2 MISSION STATEMENT 3 2020-2021 STAFF 3 COVID-19 INFORMATION 6 STUDIO POLICIES 6 COMMUNICATION 6 REGISTRATION 7 TUITION AND ADDITIONAL FEES 7 Multiple Class Discount 8 PAYMENTS 8 DROP OR CHANGE CLASS 8 OBSERVATION OF CLASSES 9 CLASS ABSENCES 9 TARDINESS 9 STUDENT PLACEMENT POLICY 9 INJURY 10 HEALTH 10 INCLEMENT WEATHER 10 LOST ITEMS 10 CLASS STYLE DESCRIPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS 11 ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSES 12 EARNING A SENIOR SOLO 12 PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES 13 CHRISTMAS SHOW 13 END OF YEAR PERFORMANCE 13 DISCOVERDANCE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION (WALKING-AGE 5) 14 PBT (PROGRESSING BALLET TECHNIQUE) 14 CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE 14 3400 S BEDFORD AVE. SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103 WWW.BRITZASTUDIOS.COM 4
DRESS CODE AND APPEARANCE 15 SHOP THE BRITZA STORE 15 PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO RELEASE 16 3400 S BEDFORD AVE. SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103 WWW.BRITZASTUDIOS.COM 5
COVID-19 INFORMATION We will continually adjust guidelines and policies as needed. These updates will be emailed to those registered for classes and posted to social media. If you have specific questions, please email info@britzastudios.com. STUDIO POLICIES COMMUNICATION BritZa Studio’s primary communication source is through email. We also post reminders on Facebook and in the BritZa Chat Facebook Group. Unfortunately there is not sufficient time between classes for instructors to address concerns properly. If you wish to speak with your child’s instructor please send an email to info@britzastudios.com. You may also leave a message on the studio phone (605) 371-8888. Please note, the fastest way to get in touch with us is through email. *NEW EMAIL ADDRESSES!* info@britzastudios.com - For all general questions. merch@britzastudios.com - For all questions regarding merchandise. billing@britzastudios.com - For all questions regarding your BritZa account and payments. privatelessons@britzastudios.com - For all questions regarding private lessons. amanda@britzastudios.com - To contact Miss Amanda directly jill@britzastudios.com - To contact Miss Jill directly emily@britzastudios.com - To contact Miss Emily directly maddi@britzastudios.com - To contact Miss Maddi directly 3400 S BEDFORD AVE. SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103 WWW.BRITZASTUDIOS.COM 6
REGISTRATION Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. All registration for classes at BritZa Studios takes place online through our website (www.britzastudios.com). We require a minimum of 5 students be enrolled in a class to run a class. Students who are new to BritZa 5th grade and up should contact us for correct class placement. TUITION AND ADDITIONAL FEES Registration Fee is a one time fee each year and is non-refundable. $68 + Tax per student, per class. This fee secures your spot in the class and covers the cost of the costume for the spring recital. Babes & PreK Classes have only one registration fee as they wear the same costume for both their Ballet and Tap dances. Performance Fees Performance fees are charged for each registered dancer and are non- refundable. Spring show: Each registered dancer will be charged a $50 performance fee. Each student will receive a Recital T-Shirt, digital video file of the performance recorded by MPI Video & a pair of tights for recital or $15 merchandise credit. This fee will be added to your account January 31st, 2020. Class Tuition August tuition will be ½ of the monthly installment price, September-May will be full monthly installments. • 30 minute classes -- $446.50 paid in 9.5 monthly installments of $47 • 45 minute classes -- $475paid in 9.5 monthly installments of $50 • 60 minute classes -- $522.50 paid in 9.5 monthly installments of $55 • 1 hour 15 minute classes -- $570 paid in 9.5 monthly installments of $60 3400 S BEDFORD AVE. SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103 WWW.BRITZASTUDIOS.COM 7
Multiple Class Discount Multiple class discount applies to our Fall/Spring season and are per student. Take 1 Class Pay Full Price Take 2 Classes 5% Discount Take 3 Classes 6% Discount Take 4 Classes 7% Discount Take 5 Classes 8% Discount Take 6 Classes 9% Discount Take 7 Classes 10% Discount Take 8 Classes 11% Discount PAYMENTS Payments are to be made in full and are due the 1st of each month. Payments must be made through your BritZa Account. You can sign up for AutoPay within your account, and your credit card will automatically be charged on the 5th of the month. BritZa Studios will no longer be accepting checks as a form of payment. A $10.00 late fee will be charged to all accounts not paid in full by the 25th of the month. A $20 late fee will be added to all accounts 60 days overdue. Accounts more than 65 days overdue are subject to the removal of class. *All refunds issued will be in the form of credit on your BritZa account to be used toward future purchases. DROP OR CHANGE CLASS All class changes must be submitted by email to info@britzastudios.com. Once a request to change a class has been received an adjustment will be made. Students are considered enrolled and tuition charged until the student is dropped from the class. Teachers are not responsible for informing the office about students dropping or changing classes. There will be no refunds once tuition has been charged. 3400 S BEDFORD AVE. SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103 WWW.BRITZASTUDIOS.COM 8
OBSERVATION OF CLASSES Due to COVID-19 our lobby will be CLOSED with the following exceptions: -Parents with students in Kindergarten or younger -Parents of students new to BritZa this year. Parents may accompany their child until they feel comfortable being dropped off. All persons in the lobby are required to wear a mask. CLASS ABSENCES We encourage consistent attendance. We understand conflicts or illness may cause dancers to miss a class. If a dancer needs to miss class due to illness, vacation, school event, etc. an email should be sent to info@britzastudios.com informing the studio of your child’s absence. TARDINESS All students are expected to arrive on time and in the appropriate class attire. We understand that an uncontrollable circumstance may delay you. Classes are designed to warm up muscles slowly and properly. Jumping into a class that has already begun may cause injury. If you are tardy, please see the instructor, apologize for your late arrival and ask whether you can join the class or need to sit and watch. Respect your instructor’s decision in this matter, they are only looking out for the student’s best interest. STUDENT PLACEMENT POLICY We try our hardest to keep students enrolled in the same level classes as the grade they are in school. There are circumstances in which a student may need to dance up or down a level to encourage the most progress. Student placement is at the discretion of the Studio Director. 3400 S BEDFORD AVE. SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103 WWW.BRITZASTUDIOS.COM 9
INJURY In the case of an injury which prevents a student from dancing, a note from a doctor is required. Parents are expected to send an email to info@britzastudios.com to explain the situation and inform the teachers of actions taking place for a full recovery. The instructors at BritZa Studios are not doctors and should not be placed in the position to determine if it is safe for your child to dance with an injury. HEALTH We encourage our dancers to be healthy. Dance is a sport just like any other sport and dancers should be aware of how they treat their bodies as athletes. A dancer’s body is his or her instrument. Please encourage your child to make healthy eating choices and follow proper nutrition guidelines. If a student is sick, running a fever and/or contagious, please do not attend class. Finally, be sure your dancers gets the appropriate amount of sleep. Muscles are repaired during the REM cycle. Additionally, lack of sleep reduces the blood flow to muscles and can lead to injury. INCLEMENT WEATHER The safety of our students, teachers, and parents is of utmost concern. If the weather is bad (snow, ice, or dangerously cold), we may cancel classes. Generally we follow the Sioux Falls School District closures. Sometimes, however, the weather and roads may clear in time for our afternoon and evening classes. A make up schedule will be made and emailed to classes that were canceled. In the event of the studio being closed due to weather, an email will be sent out. We will also post updates on our Facebook Page, and BritZa Chat Facebook group. LOST ITEMS Please label all belongings with first and last names. All lost and found will be placed in the bench across from the water fountains. The studio cannot be held responsible for lost items. The lost and found box will be emptied in May after the conclusion of the recital. 3400 S BEDFORD AVE. SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103 WWW.BRITZASTUDIOS.COM 10
CLASS STYLE DESCRIPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Ballet - A classical dance form demanding grace and precision and employing
formalized steps and gestures set in intricate, fl owing patterns to create
expression through movement.
Tap - A dance style in which dancers create rhythms with their toe, heel, or entire
foot.
Jazz - A dance form matched to the rhythms and techniques of jazz music.
Students enrolled in jazz must also be enrolled in ballet. Starting in the 7th grade,
lyrical may be substituted for ballet.
Musical Theatre - A dance form that combines many styles of dance and allows
dancers to explore expression and storytelling, not only through movement but
also through facial expression.
Hip Hop - A dance style usually danced to hip-hop music, that evolved from the
hip-hop culture. BritZa Studios always uses clean music and will only teach age
appropriate movement!
Lyrical - Lyrical dance challenges dancers to use motion to interpret music and
express emotion. A lyrical dancer's movements attempt to show the meaning of
the music.
Clogging - A dance form somewhat similar to tap dancing, but which uses heavier
rhythms. The shoes also contain two sets of taps on the toe and the heel, creating
a ‘jingle’ sound.
Pre-Pointe - Before a student may dance en pointe, they must further develop
and strengthen the muscles necessary to go en pointe. Many factors are involved
in pointe readiness, including the strength of the legs, feet, and ankle. Correct
alignment and correct classical ballet technique is imperative. Pre-pointe allows
the instructor to assess readiness, offering a safe atmosphere for proper
3400 S BEDFORD AVE. SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103 WWW.BRITZASTUDIOS.COM 11evaluation of the important skills. Completion of this class is required prior to
qualifying for Pointe class the following year.
Pointe - A part of classical ballet technique that concerns pointe work, in which a
ballet dancer supports all body weight on the tips of fully extended feet within
pointe shoes. Students may not miss more than 5 classes throughout the year.
Pointe requires intense dedication to improve and perfect skills, as well as to
reduce the chance of injury.
ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSES
Students going into the 9th grade need to participate in summer classes and/or the N-
House Productions camp in order to move up into the Advanced Level classes. We highly
encourage 9th graders to stay at the 7th-9th grade level of classes, unless dance is their
priority extra curricular activity. We understand that students are encouraged to try out for
school activities as freshman to help them create friendships at school. We agree, which is
why we offer the 9th graders to continue to dance without the stress of being at the
Advanced Level. We expect a lot out of our Advanced dancers and attendance is of the
utmost importance!
EARNING A SENIOR SOLO
All senior students who have participated in at least 3 classes per week for 5 consecutive
years (8th-12th grades) will earn a Senior Solo. All other seniors will be honored at the end
of the spring performance.
We have compassion for students who are trying to make decisions on where to delegate
their time. If a student drops for 1 semester during their 8th-12th grade years, he/she may
earn a solo back by; participating in 5 weeks of Summer Ballet Classes (10 classes total)
and/or by participating in the entire N-House Productions Dance Camp. No Exceptions.
3400 S BEDFORD AVE. SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103 WWW.BRITZASTUDIOS.COM 12PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES CHRISTMAS SHOW We will not be planning a Christmas show this year. We feel that with so much time away from the studio, our students will benefit from focusing on technique this first semester. Also, with the uncertainty of what the future holds regarding COVID-19 we do not want to attempt to create a performance that we cannot guarantee will happen. Not being able to do the 2020 spring performance live was such a huge disappointment for students and staff. END OF YEAR PERFORMANCE We conclude each year with our year end recital. We begin choreography after returning from Christmas break in January. Consistent attendance is vital to the choreography of the piece and to developing a strong working relationship with the other dancers in the piece. Students will perform both Friday and Saturday evening, May 14th & 15th, 2020. If a conflict arises and you are unable to perform in the recital, please email info@britzastudios.com ASAP as this affects the entire class. Dress Rehearsal is held at the Washington Pavilion Thursday, May 13th, 2021. Dress rehearsal is designed to help the dancer understand the expectations for the performance and build theater skills, to help dancers understand the stage layout and to develop a level of comfort in front of an audience. It also allows teachers to set lights, finalize blocking and address any costume issues. Dress rehearsal is mandatory for every dancer performing. Tickets are to be purchased by each audience member. Ticket sales cover the cost of the theater rental, stage technicians, program printing and much more. 3400 S BEDFORD AVE. SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103 WWW.BRITZASTUDIOS.COM 13
DISCOVERDANCE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION (WALKING-AGE 5)
The DiscoverDance Early Childhood Program is a series of movement classes designed to
introduce children to the creative and expressive world of dance. Each program offers
children the opportunity to develop their natural movement ability in a multi-sensory
environment.
Music, movement, visuals, and props will enhance your dancer’s love of the art form and
the unique conceptual approach to dance education will provide the opportunity for
cognitive growth.
These classes do not perform in either recital and are not subject to the registration fee.
PBT (PROGRESSING BALLET TECHNIQUE)
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) is an innovative body-conditioning and strengthening
program developed by Marie Walton-Mahon for students to understand the depth of
training muscle memory in achieving their personal best. One of the important elements
used in the PBT method is muscle memory which helps to improve students'
understanding of core stability, weight placement and alignment. Each exercise in the PBT
program has been developed with care and guidance by Marie Walton-Mahon along with
a team of physiotherapists.
These classes do not perform in either recital and are not subject to the registration fee.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE
• There is to be no unsolicited talking in class.
• There is no hanging on the barres in class at any time.
• There will be no food, gum, or beverages allowed in the studio.
• Students are to treat their teacher and peers with respect at all times. Students
are to clap with teacher at the end of class as a “Thank You”.
• There is zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior inside the classroom. If the
classroom etiquette is not followed, the teacher has the right to dismiss the
dancer from class.
3400 S BEDFORD AVE. SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103 WWW.BRITZASTUDIOS.COM 14• There is zero tolerance for bullying inside or outside the classroom. If a dancer is
discovered as bullying another dancer the dancer bullying will meet with the
Studio Director. Possible dismissal from the studio may result.
• The use of alcohol, cigarettes, illegal substances, and weapons is strictly
forbidden at BritZa Studios. Students in violation will be dismissed immediately.
DRESS CODE AND APPEARANCE
• Dressing rooms are provided for both boys and girls. There will be no dressing
in the bathrooms. Dressing Rooms will be closed until further notice.
• All students are required to wear their hair in a ponytail, braid, or bun. Students
in ballet in the 5th grade and above are expected to have their hair in a proper
ballet bun. Proper hair is part of ballet etiquette.
• No jewelry or watches are to be worn to class with the exception of stud
earrings.
• No visible undergarments under the students uniform. Underwear should not be
worn under tights.
• Students MUST wear the required attire with appropriate hair in order to
participate in class.
• For specific class dress code visit www.britzastudios.com
SHOP THE BRITZA STORE
For the convenience of our families at BritZa, we have stocked a size run of shoes and
leotards. We are able to order anything from the Capezio website and have it ready for
you to pick up at the studio! (www.capezio.com) This allows you to pick out the style of
leotard or shoes and know your size with confidence.
We always have tights in stock and they may be purchased through your online BritZa
account. Once your order has been placed, we will prepare your items and they can be
picked up at the desk.
We will do an open house a couple of times a year to try on sizes. Those dates and times
will be emailed. For a private fitting during the year email Miss Emily at
merch@britzastudios.com to set up a time to try on sizes in the yellow studio.
3400 S BEDFORD AVE. SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103 WWW.BRITZASTUDIOS.COM 15STORE POLICIES To pay with a credit card, we will place the charge onto your online BritZa Account under the following criteria: • Account must be current and in good standing • Account custodian authorizes BritZa Studios to run charges to the account’s current payment method upon posting the charge to the account • Account has valid payment information If charges are unable to be paid at posting, they will be added to monthly tuition and will follow the BritZa Studios Payment Policy including subsequent late fees if not paid promptly. RETURN AND EXCHANGE POLICY If you are not satisfied with your purchase, with the original sales receipt you can return it for a refund within 30 days of purchase. All items must be returned in new, unused and unwashed condition with the original tags and receipt. Include all original packaging and paperwork received with your purchase. Tights are not returnable. All sale items must be exchanged or refunded within 7 days of purchase. All sales on clearance items are final and non-returnable or exchangeable. All refunds will be posted to your online BritZa account, and applied toward future tuition or purchases. PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO RELEASE By registering for a class at BritZa Studios, Inc. you give permission to BritZa Studios, Inc. to use photos/videos of your child for advertising purposes, social media platforms and/or on the BritZa Studios website. Please email info@britzastudios.com if you prefer not to grant permission. 3400 S BEDFORD AVE. SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103 WWW.BRITZASTUDIOS.COM 16
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