SHIRLEY MCPHAIL SCHOOL OF DANCE
AUSTIN TEXAS
Tap Dance Classes • Ballet Classes
Jazz Dance Classes • Hip Hop Dance Classes
Combination Dance Classes • Dance Classes for Ages 3 & Up
Dance Classes for Adults • Performing Dance Troupe
Summer Dance Classes • Summer Dance Camps
Two Dance Studio Locations in Austin Texas

Celebrating quality dance education in Austin, Texas since 1970 ...

POLICIES & PROPER DANCE ATTIRE

Enrollment :: Student Placement :: Consultations :: Attendance :: Parent Visitation
Proper Dance Attire :: Recitals/Demonstrations :: Studio Etiquette

ENROLLMENT
Students are enrolled for the entire nine months (September – May). Notice of a drop must be given two weeks in advance to Edwina Worley on the official drop form.

STUDENT PLACEMENT
Students are placed in classes according to what they have accomplished in the years they have studied dance. Dedication and natural ability are also considered. When a new student transfers to our studio, it may be advisable for the student to attend several different classes in order to determine which class is the best fit (the proper level).

CONSULTATIONS
We are always pleased to talk with parents. It is important we be made aware of any change in the student's attitude toward his or her class.

ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is extremely important; so the student can keep up with the rest of the class. Make-up classes may be scheduled within the month, with the permission of the teacher. A courtesy call to the studio or the teacher for an absence is appreciated.

PARENT CLASS VISITATION/OBSERVATION
While regular dance class sessions are closed to visitors (including parents), “Observation Day” is a very special time for the students to display their abilities and to give parents an idea of their progress. “Observation Day” is for adults only and is held in April each year. This year, Observation Week is March 30-April 4, 2009. Video and still cameras are allowed during visitation. Additionally, viewing windows are open the first week of every month and/or at teacher discretion.

PROPER DANCE ATTIRE
Proper dance wear in the appropriate colors is to be worn to every class. Please label ALL belongings and dance bag with child’s name.

RECITALS & DEMONSTRATIONS
Each dance studio (Mesa or Spicewood) holds a recital every other year. During the off-year, they have a demonstration, which is an “informal” dance performance. During 2009-2010, the Spicewood Dance Studio will have a recital June 5, 2010. The Mesa Dance Studio will have a demonstration in May 2010.
• RECITALS are a magical time! They involve beautiful theaters, choreographed dances, special lighting, programmed music, elaborate costumes, and mandatory dress rehearsals. A recital fee of $50 per family and a costume deposit of $60 per child, per class, is due in November.
• DEMONSTRATIONS are held during the “off year” (when there is no recital). The informal performance is an opportunity for the students to experience the excitement of a performance without added costume costs and rehearsals. Children wear normal class attire. There is a $25 fee per family due in January.

STUDIO ETIQUETTE

• Students are expected to be on time and to attend the entire class period, unless special arrangements have been made with the teacher. Please do not "drop off" students early or leave them at the studio after their class time.

• Please have children wear a cover-up when entering and exiting the studio.

• Students are to be brought to class and picked up in a punctual manner. There is no provision for watching unattended children either before or after class.

• No chewing gum, food, or drink is allowed in the studio or lobby. Water is allowed.

• All dance wear and shoes should be clean and labeled with the child’s name.

• Hair must be pulled back and kept away from the face.

• No jewelry of any kind should be worn to class.

• Dance shoes are not to be worn outside the studio.

• We reserve the right to dismiss any student who upsets the harmony of the school.
• Punctuality - It is disruptive to the child and teacher to enter class late. Please do not "drop off" your child early or leave them at the studio after their class time. We are not equipped to watch children that are not in a scheduled class.
• Absences - Teachers will not slow up a class to accommodate a previously absent student, but absences may be made up within the same month.
• Consultations - We are always pleased to talk with parents. It is important we be made aware of any change in the student's attitude toward his or her class.