Facility Management

• Marley Floors- Street shoes are never to be worn on the Marley Floor. No food or non-water drinks on the marley.

• Cubbies and Common Area - Registered dancers will receive an individual cubbie to hold dance shoes and personal belongings during class. Dancers are welcome to relax, do homework, and eat in the common areas, yet these areas must be maintained and respected.

• Forgotten Dancer Belongings - EADE recommends that dancers take all personal belongings home with them. Belongings not left in designated cubbies and left without the dancer's name in them will be given to Goodwill or thrown away. 

• Parking - Clients are asked to park from the door entrance of the EADE to the end of the building. Do not block the driveway entrance or park in the designated "Fades Barber Shop" parking spaces.

• Smoking - Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is not permitted on EADE premises. 

• EADE Property and Equipment - EADE will not tolerate disrespect or damage to property or equipment.  Use of EADE equipment is only allowed when granted by EADE teachers and only to be moved by EADE teachers.

• Access to Facility - EADE's doors will only be open during class times and scheduled office hours. See scheduling tab for accessible times.

• Water - EADE does not have a water fountain or vending machine. Please have your dancer prepared with water to drink during class. 

Communication

• Email - EADE seeks to be overly communicative in regards to all aspects of studio participation. EADE’s main form of communication is via email (ellenalvindanceexchange@gmail.com). EADE clients are required to enter a primary email address when registering their dancer. The email listed on the Dancer’s Account (via JackRabbit) will be the main contact for EADE’s administration. It is the client’s responsibility to make sure their email is correct, active, and receiving emails. 
  • (Full Season Classes): EADE will send all introductory information via email at the time of registration. Throughout the season, EADE will send emails on the 15th and the 1st of each month. The email sent on the 15th will include all information clients need to know regarding dates for the UPCOMING month. For example, for important scheduling information regarding September, EADE will send all information in an email on August 15th. The same information will be emailed a second time on the 1st of the month. 
  • For full studio events, EADE will communicate the logistics of these events via email on the 15th of the month before, the 1st of the month, one week before the event, and one day before the event. 
• Google Classroom (Full Season Classes) - In addition to email communication, EADE posts all information, emails, documents, showcase music, and forms, to a class-specific Google Classroom. Clients and dancers can keep up with this information by downloading the Google Classroom app and joining their dancer’s pathway using the following codes: (See welcome email for Google Classroom codes. 
• Google Calendar (Full Season Classes)-  In addition to Google Classroom, EADE also uses Google Calendar in which all studio events and class schedules are posted for each specific pathway. Clients and dancers can keep up with this information by downloading the Google Calendar app and joining their dancer’s pathway using the following links: (See welcome email for Google Classroom.) 
• Google Photo - In addition to Google Calendar, EADE also uses Google Photo to film dances learned throughout class and post them to the album appropriate to the dancer’s pathways. This album is designed to enable dancers to practice outside of the studio and to provide clients with insight to the information taught during class. Clients and dancers can access the album by downloading the Google Photo App and joining their dancer’s pathway album using the following links: (See welcome email for Google Photo Links.)
• In Studio - Upcoming dates and events will be posted on the TV Screen at the front of the studio. In addition, EADE staff are expected to communicate information verbally to dancers during class.  
• In providing five streams of communication, EADE is confident in our ability to transparently disclose information. It is the dancers’ and clients’ responsibility to utilize these forms of communication to be prepared and involved in studio events. 

Class Etiquette

• Timeliness: Students are expected to arrive prior to the start of their dance classes. EADE will unlock studio doors 15 minutes prior to the start of class and allow students to begin preparing to take classes. Students will not be permitted to enter class 10 minutes after the start of class. Following class time, students should remain in the studio until parents pick students up. EADE is not responsible for students prior to the start of their classes or following the end of their classes. Students are not allowed to be walking outside without direct supervision of a parent.

• Preparation: Dancers are expected to come prepared for dance class and will not be allowed to participate if unprepared for class. This includes but is not limited to wearing the correct attire and reviewing choreography and corrections prior to class. 

• Behavior: Dancers are expected to respect teachers and colleagues at all times. Disrespectful behavior from any individual on EADE's premises will not be tolerated. 

• Distractions: EADE students are not permitted to use items during class which distract from the training environment. Cell phones, smart watches, IPads, for example, are not allowed during scheduled class times. Exceptions will be made for emergency or extenuating circumstances. 

• Dance Environment: EADE is a home for artistic creativity, understanding, and personal growth. Behavior which threatens this environment is not welcome. A meeting will be scheduled with EADE staff, parents, and the dancer following the event after the first occurrence which threatens the studio environment. If the behavior continues, the dancer will be removed from class and all EADE training pathways.  

• Audience Members During Class or Rehearsal Times: EADE seeks to create an environment where parents are comfortable leaving their dancer at the EADE facility and returning at the end of rehearsal. EADE does not offer a lobby or viewing area. Parents are welcome into the rehearsal space at the end of rehearsal and when given permission by the dancer and EADE teacher. 

Class Placement 

In the Foundations Pathway, students are placed in the appropriate class based on age. Students do not have to audition nor do they have to have any dance experience to participate. 

In the Technique Training Pathway (Technique Levels I-IV), students are placed in the appropriate class based on age and the results of the technique audition held in July. If the dancer does not attend the audition, he/she will be placed in classes strictly based on his/her age. Technique I dancers must have one year of Foundations class at EADE to enroll in Technique Training I classes. 

EADE can override the age division placement if the dancer’s level is better suited for another class; however, dancers will be required to perform a series of skills prior to attending these classes. Auditions are held in July; however, this override can occur at any point in the season. Students can request to participate in classes above their age range. Students must be able to define and perform the terms listed in the knowledge requirements documents in order to be granted access to older age classes through an audition process. Teacher discretion can override the results of the knowledge review. 

In the Team Pathway (Mini, Performance, Elite), students are placed in technique classes and choreography routines based on the results of summer camps, the technique audition, and the interview. 

For soloists, students are offered soloist opportunities based on the results of the summer camps, the technique audition, the interview, and the solo performance audition.

Dancer Accommodations

We are committed to providing a positive and inclusive dance experience for all students, including those with special needs. We understand that some dancers may require accommodations beyond our normal dance training program. While we strive to accommodate as many needs as possible, it is important to outline our policy regarding special accommodations:

1. Request for Accommodations: Parents or guardians of special needs dancers are encouraged to inform us about any accommodations their child may require via email and in-person. This includes but is not limited to physical, sensory, behavioral, or learning accommodations. 
2. Collaboration with Parents: We may request the presence and support of parents or guardians to help provide additional accommodations during dance classes or events. This ensures that the needs of the dancer are met effectively and that they feel comfortable and supported in our studio.
3. Limitations on Accommodations: While we make every effort to accommodate special needs dancers, there may be limitations based on our studio's resources, facilities, and staff expertise. We may not be able to fulfill all requested accommodations. In such cases, we will work with parents to discuss what accommodations can be reasonably provided and explore alternative options.
4. Recommendations for Alternative Studios: In instances where we are unable to meet the specific needs of a special needs dancer, we will provide recommendations for other dance studios or programs that may be better equipped to provide the necessary accommodations. Our goal is to ensure that every dancer finds a supportive and suitable dance environment that meets their individual needs.

Continuous Communication: We value open communication with parents and guardians throughout the process of accommodating special needs dancers. We encourage ongoing dialogue to address any concerns, assess the effectiveness of accommodations, and make adjustments as needed to support the dancer's participation in our program.

Scheduling and Attendance

The schedule of studio events for this season is also linked here: Season Calendar 2024-2025.docx

EADE seeks to overly-communicate schedules in order to allow parents to prepare in advance. Yearly schedules are listed on the website, on the student’s Dancer Account, on the wall outside the office, and on Google Calendar. All pathways will receive a yearly schedule at the time of registration. The private schedule and additional rehearsals will be finalized on a month-by-month basis the 15th of month preceding the training schedule. For example, the finalized September schedule will be available August 15. 

Tuition and any additional fees such as Trading Floor Fees, Showcase Tickets, etc. associated with absences, no shows, or missed classes or studio events will not be reimbursed.

For technique classes, dancers are welcome to attend missed classes in similarly offered classes throughout the week. This allows the dancer to receive the missed studio time, but it does not “make-up” an absence. For example, if a student misses a ballet class, the student has obtained one absence. The student is welcome to attend another ballet class during the week; however, the student will continue to have one absence. (Dancers intending to attend classes outside of their age range should request approval before attending these classes). 

Missed choreography rehearsals on the students' behalf will not be made-up. EADE is not required to make-up classes canceled due to sickness, school events, inclement weather, and other events outside of the studio’s control. Additional studio training can be provided by scheduling private lessons. Private lessons outside of the studio’s normal working hours will require an additional fee. 

Missed choreography caused by studio-decided scheduling conflicts will be made-up and scheduled in advance. 

ATTENDANCE POLICY: EADE will proceed with teaching classes without the absent students. Students who are absent will be expected to learn missed choreography and missed technique training independently. The EADE teacher will not be expected to re-teach, to reserve placements, or to make accommodations for students who do not attend class. To enhance the dancer’s team experience and ensure the safety of student performances, it is imperative that dancers attend all classes and rehearsals. 

Dancers are allowed TWO missed rehearsals with no questions asked from August – December (Fall). 

Dancers are allowed TWO missed rehearsals with no questions asked from January – May (Spring). 

Allowed absences do not carry over from the fall to the spring. 

After the THIRD missed rehearsal in the fall or in the spring, the dancer will not be permitted to perform in any EADE Trading Floor Showcases. 

For Mini and Elite Team dancers, students will be removed from all competitive choreography following a third absence in the fall or the spring. This does not apply to Performance Team Dancers.

For soloists, dancers will relinquish solo opportunities following the THIRD absence in the fall or in the spring. 

EADE will make exceptions with the presentation of a doctor, court, or funeral statement. These statements must be emailed to ellenalvindanceexchange@gmail.com prior to the start of the scheduled class. 

However, after the Foundations, Technique Training, or Team (Mini, Elite, or Performance) student reaches TEN absences for ANY reason, they will not be eligible to participate in EADE performances or showcases. 

EADE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TRACKING YOUR DANCER’S ATTENDANCE AND/OR COMMUNICATING YOUR DANCER’S ATTENDANCE WHEN THEY ARE AT RISK OF SURPASSING THE NUMBER OF ALLOWED ABSENCES. DANCERS AND CLIENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR TRACKING INDIVIDUAL ATTENDANCE. 

Dancers' failure to attend additionally scheduled rehearsals, competitions, or events will result in removal from the pathway, and the dancer will be ineligible to participate in all showcase performances. Students with the highest attendance of the season will be eligible for a scholarship at the end of the year.  

Dress Code 

• Attire for Foundations Dancers: Dancers should wear comfortable form-fitting dance attire. The appropriate shoes for each style are recommended, yet dancers are welcome to attend barefoot. 

• Attire for Technique Training and Team Dancers: 
  • Ballet (I-IV and Ballet/Acro I and II):
    •  To enhance the dance experience students are required to wear flesh-toned or pink tights (stirrups recommended), black leotard, and ballet shoes for ballet class. In general, male dancers are required to wear black athletic pants or shorts, a form-fitting shirt, and ballet shoes for ballet class. 
  • For all other dance classes, dancers should wear form-fitting dance attire and the appropriate shoes. 
  • Shoes: Ballet class requires ballet shoes. Tap class requires tap shoes. HipHop requires black, light-weight sneakers. All other technique classes and choreography rehearsals require paws, twylas, jazz shoes, or performance dance socks. Street ankle socks are not allowed during dance class. Dancers will not be permitted to participate without the proper attire and shoes. 
  • If dance attire is needed, EADE will provide information for dancers to purchase the necessary attire. EADE is dedicated to an environment of inclusion -- students should speak to EADE staff to make requests for variations in dance attire. 

• Hair for all Training Programs: Dancers are required to have their hair pulled away from their face for dance classes. A bun is recommended. 

Showcases

EADE will host TWO showcases for the 2024-2025 season. The Winter Showcase will be held on January 18th, 2025, and the End of the Year Showcase will be held May 24th, 2025 at Dickson Middle School. 

ALL EADE dancers will perform in the End of the Year Showcase if dancers follow attendance, performance, and payment policies for the season. EADE has the right to prevent dancers from participating in any showcase if teachers feel the dancer is unprepared to perform and threatens the safety of the other dancers performing on stage. 

The May Showcase will require an additional dress rehearsal and tech rehearsals held at Dickson Middle School prior to the show.  A selection of dancers will perform in the Winter Showcase in January. The selection of dancers is determined by EADE staff on a case-by-case basis. The design of the Winter Showcase is to represent a “test-run” of the May showcase and provide our staff with insight into how to best orchestrate the May showcase for all students. The Winter Showcase will require an additional dress rehearsal at Dickson Middle School prior to the show. 

Showcase information will be provided to dancers via the 15th of the month prior. 

Dancers must attend ALL showcase rehearsals in order to participate in the showcase. Dress rehearsals are always open to audience members while pre-show rehearsals are always CLOSED to audience members. 

Dancers must attend all dress rehearsals and showcases in their costume (“Trading Floor Uniform”) and with the appropriate hair and make-up style. 

To participate in EADE showcases, dancers are asked to pay two $100 payments (one payment due September 1st and one payment due March 1st). Included in this Trading Floor Fee is the dancer’s opportunity to participate in the performance in May 2025, attend additional training rehearsals, wear the Trading Floor costume, access to a professionally filmed video of the End-of-the-Year showcase in May 2025, and receive TWO tickets to the End-of-the-Year Trading Floor Showcase in May 2025. Clients and dancers will not receive the above items unless EADE’s has received the dancer’s Trading Floor Fee. 

Tickets for each show will be available for sale. EADE will provide the online link to purchase tickets in the Showcase Itinerary email. There is no limit to the amount of tickets dancers are able to purchase. This link will be shared with the public, and tickets will not be sold for cash at the door. 

EADE CANNOT OFFER REFUNDS FOR TICKETS PURCHASED THROUGH THE THIRD PARTY TICKET ORGANIZATION UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

Picture Week and Media Week

EADE will host two week long photography weeks for the season. Picture week will be held 11/18-11/22. The weekly class schedule will be adjusted to accommodate picture week. Dancers will attend Picture Week “game day” ready in their uniform with their hair and make up done. Dancers will perform individual photos and group photos with their class. In addition, EADE will host media week–the week prior to Christmas break. During media week, dancers will attend class AS NORMAL wearing all black practice attire, and a photographer will be present to photograph action shots of the dancer’s class. These photos will be accessible to all EADE clients and are included in the dancer’s photography fee. More information regarding Picture Week and Media will be communicated via email the 15th of the month prior to the events. 

Costumes 

EADE will order costumes for group Trading Floor (showcase) performances. This includes group costumes for Foundations, Technique Training, and Team Pathways. The price of the Trading Floor costume is included in the “Trading Floor Fee.” Costumes for group choreography rehearsals require an additional fee listed in the pricing schedule of the Team contract. Soloists, duos, and trios are responsible for purchasing their own costumes. EADE is not responsible for altering costumes. All costumes must be discussed and approved by the EADE owner. 

Dancers are responsible for maintaining the condition of their costumes. Costumes will not be replaced by EADE if lost. Dancers will not be permitted to perform without the appropriate costumes. 

Choreography for EADE Registered Students 

All choreography performed by EADE students must be approved by the EADE owner. Outside teachers are not permitted to change EADE choreography without discussing the changes with the EADE owner. EADE students are not permitted to compete EADE choreography under another dance studio’s name without written permission by the EADE owner. Such permission would only be granted under extenuating circumstances. 

Choreography for Non-EADE Registered Students 

Non-EADE dancer choreography is available upon request. Students must use EADE’s facility to learn the choreography. Scheduling is dependent upon EADE facility availability. If the non-EADE dancer is planning to perform EADE choreography with another dance institution, written permission must be granted by the owner/director of the non-EADE dancer’s institution to allow the dancer to utilize EADE’s solo choreography services. EADE seeks to respect the interests of all dancers and dance institutions. EADE staff will travel to studios to perform choreography services—this is determined on a case-by-case basis and organized through EADE management and studio owners. 

Payment 

A list of fees and tuition along with their associated due dates is provided for each individual training pathway offered at the studio: Foundations, Technique Training, and Teams. This list is designed to comprehensively and transparently disclose the prices for EADE services throughout the season. However, additional fees may apply if additional services or new services become available. 

EADE accepts cash, check, credit/debit card and online payments (available through your online dancer account), and Venmo payments (@ellenalvindance). All registered dancers must keep either a debit/credit card or a personal bank on file through their dancer account. EADE does not use e-payment and does not automatically charge clients. All clients must access their dancer account and decide when to make appropriate payments. Clients can opt-in to automatically charge all fees via online e-payments if requested. Clients complete this form to authorized automatic payments: Automatic Payment Authorization Form 

Late-fees: One-time payments are due at the time of invoice. Monthly tuition is due at the 1st of every month. Payments not made before 10th of the month for tuition or 10 days after the invoice date for one-time payments are considered "late" and will be subject to a $20 late fee per late invoice. 

Dancers with unpaid account balances as of May 15th will not be permitted to perform in the End of the Year Showcase. Dancers with unpaid balances following the conclusion of the season will be charged for the remaining unpaid fees to the payment method listed on the account. Event Fees (Showcase Fees or Competition Fees) not paid within ten (10) days of the due date will be automatically charged to the payment method on file. Ellen Alvin has the right to refuse services to dancers for unpaid tuition and/or fees. 

"Convenience Fees: EADE DOES NOT charge a percentage "convenience fee" to credit/debit card and online transactions. Fees associated with online payments are included in monthly tuition. 

Sibling Discount: Discounts will be given to families with more than one registered dancer who are siblings. The first sibling discount is applied to fees in which one family provides payment for two sibling dancers. Both siblings must be registered for the same class or a class of equivalent price in order for the discount to apply: the original price will apply to the first student registered, and a 10% discount will be applied to the second student’s registration. The second sibling discount is applied to fees in which one family provides payment for three or more sibling dancers. All three siblings must be registered for the same class or a class of equivalent price in order for the discount to apply: the original price will apply to the first student, the 10% discount will apply to the second student registration, and the 20% discount will apply to the third student registration. Discounts apply to monthly tuition; not to one-time fees: Trading Floor, Competition, Costume, Photography fees, etc. 

Privates Lessons 

EADE offers privates on a monthly basis. The schedule for the monthly private sessions will be posted the 15th of the month prior. For example, registration for December’s private sessions will open November 15th. Privates are $50 / one hour of rehearsal time. Payment for privates must be received prior to the start of the private. Privates canceled 7 days prior to the scheduled session will not be charged. Privates canceled within 7 days of the scheduled session will be charged a $20 cancellation fee. Privates canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled session will be charged for the full $50.00 per one-hour fee. Dancers failing to attend a reserved private session (no show) will be charged for the full $50 per one-hour fee.

Private Cancellations / No Shows

Privates canceled 7 days prior to the scheduled private will not be charged for the private. Privates canceled within 7 days of the scheduled private will receive a $20 cancellation fee. Privates canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled private time will be charged for the full private time. Failing to attend during the reserved private time (no show) will be charged for the full private time without reimbursement for fees already paid.

Student-Oriented Approach to Dance Training 

EADE focuses on the individual dancer and strives to accommodate dancer requests. Priority of EADE resources will be given to dancers who hold themselves accountable for their own dance training.

Late Registration

Dancers who register for class following the start of the class (August 5th, 2024) are considered a “late registration.” 

Dancers who register prior to the start of Fall Break can participate in the full extent of the season. These dancers will be responsible for all fees associated with the pathway with Part 1 of the Trading Floor Fee due at the time of registration. A Trading Floor Uniform will be prepared for the dancer. 

Dancers who register for class after Fall Break may participate in the class; however, the dancer will not be permitted to participate in Picture Week or any EADE Showcase. The dancer will be exempt from Picture Week Fees and the Trading Floor Fee. Late registered dancers should be mindful that portions of class time will be dedicated to preparing a routine to perform in the showcase. Dancers will be encouraged to participate and to learn the choreography; however, late registration dancers who register after Fall Break will not perform in the showcase. 

Withdrawal from Pathway

All dancers must notify EADE 30 days prior to the next billing due date (1st of the month) by completing the “Withdraw Form” if desiring to withdraw from the programs. If the dancer decides to withdraw within thirty days of the next billing cycle, the dancer will be charged the entire month tuition in which he/she withdrew. A withdrawal form is required to release clients from agreement. 

A copy of the Withdraw Form is linked here: Withdraw Form 

Foundations and Technique Training Pathways: If EADE receives NO notice, and the dancer no longer attends class, the dancer will be charged a “No Show/No Response” fee following four consecutively missed rehearsals with no response to EADE communication. Unpaid fees will be charged to the dancer’s payment method, and the dancer will be dropped from the class, and the client will not be reimbursed for any paid fees associated with the class and training pathway. Withdrawal policies from the Team Pathway will be listed in the Dancer Agreement. 

Agreement to Uphold EADE Policy 

EADE reserves the right to refuse services to dancers or clients unable to uphold the previously stated policies. EADE reserves the right to refuse services to dancers or clients who prevent EADE from upholding the previously stated policies. EADE reserves the right to update or revise this agreement throughout the season. 

The EADE dancer will receive a respectful, diverse, individualized, goal-oriented dance education in exchange for tuition fees and cooperation with EADE policy and procedures. EADE staff is committed to uphold its policy and procedures to ensure an environment of quality dance education, inclusion, and client safety.