Dear Parents,
Thank you for choosing Essentials Dance Company!
Our esteemed faculty has over one hundred years of experience in the dance education field. With extensive training in early childhood education, our instructors are able to package the information, instructions, and dance steps in a fun and creative way to meet each child's learning style. The keys to our success are our love of children, passion for the art of dance, and the joy we experience every time that passion is sparked in a young dancer. We are dedicated to delivering cutting edge choreography, strong fundamentals, and an array of various dance styles in a supportive and nurturing
environment. Our teaching strategies remain current and up to date through our continuing education in pedagogy in the dance industry. Lastly, our staff is a family. We have known, loved, and supported each other for many years. Every Essentials student becomes a part of this family.
This handbook contains information on all things EDC. Please always reference your handbook, newsletters, and website first, as most answers can be found in one of these places, but feel free to reach out to us with any questions.
We are looking forward to working with and getting to know your child. It is going to be a great year!
Sincerely,
Scarlet Ryals
Owner and Artistic Director
Communication
Communication is very important to us at EDC. COVID has limited in-person interaction so our primary form of communication will be email. You can request a phone call or in-person meeting via edcdanceco@aol.com.
Tuition
All tuition is due the first of the month and may be paid by check, cash, Venmo, or PayPal. Checks should be made payable to Essentials Dance Company. Full tuition is due September, October, & November while only half is due in December. Full tuition is due in January, February, March, and April. August and May tuition will be determined yearly based on fluctuating school calendars . If COVID causes shutdowns of businesses, classes may be held over zoom and/or pre-recorded class videos made available to students. Tuition is due even if in-person classes are not possible.
Attendance
Attendance is very important for your child, as well as, the teacher and fellow students. Fees will not be refunded due to absences. Students should arrive 5-10 minutes before class. Every child should visit the restroom before class starts, as restroom breaks are limited to emergencies only. The teacher cannot leave the classroom during class to assist with potty breaks.
Make-Up Classes
If a dancer must miss a class, you can check with your teacher to see if another class is available. If your teacher becomes ill or has a conflict, she will either provide a substitute teacher or a make-up class will be scheduled.
Inclement Weather Policy
If inclement weather causes cancellations, tuition will not be adjusted, nor will classes be made up. Essentials Dance Company follows the Shelby County Schools inclement weather policy. If Shelby County Schools are closed due to inclement weather then classes are canceled for that day.
Curriculum
Our base pre-team class for any age is a ballet/jazz combo technique class. For ages 3-4 we focus on this technique in a creative, fun, and stimulating atmosphere, while learning dance steps, terminology, and developing age-appropriate motor skills. At age 5, dancers can add tap, musical theater, and or hip hop to their training plan. Ages 7 -10 may additionally add contemporary.
Dance Technique for Gymnasts Curriculum
This curriculum includes ballet, turns and leaps specific to gymnastics, jazz technique, jazz isolations and combos, hip hop combos, and flexibility training
Class Placement
Initial class placement will be made by EDC Staff, based on age, previous experience, and class performance.
Dress Code
All dancewear and shoes must be purchased to the requirements of Essentials Dance Company. Our dress code is one of the many ways we are able to create a family feel among dancers. Simply access the link below to purchase the items you will need for your child’s class(es). Once you access the link find your child’s class listed by age and style. https://www.discountdance.com/search/teacherid:65262?tp=65262
Tiny Tots (ages 3-4) choose either a pink or purple leotard as well as ballet shoes from the store link.
Tiny Trainers (ages 5-6 ) and Trainees (ages 7-10) choose leotards or two-piece outfits from the selection.
Shoe requirements:
Ballet shoes required and technique (Sophia Lucia half-sole turner shoe optional) if you are signed up for the technique (ballet/jazz combo class).
Tap shoes if signing up for tap.
Tennis shoes of your own (no need to purchase new ones) for hip hop.
Any student that needs teen or adult sizes should simply choose the category for teens and adult sizing.
Gymnasts may wear a leotard, sports bra and spandex shorts or briefs, or the Trainee dress code. Pink Canvas Split sole Ballet shoes are required, nude Sophia Lucia shoes are recommended. The required shoes and trainee dress code options can be found by clicking the following access link: https://www.discountdance.com/search/teacherid:65262?tp=65262.
Please make sure to label all dancewear and shoes with your child’s name. Students should enter the dance studio completely dressed in required attire with shoes on, ready for class. Students not adhering to the dress code are not eligible to participate in class.