Mission of LaBelle Performing Arts
Labelle Performing Arts (LPA)
is dedicated to inspiring the love of the arts in students of
varying abilities and ages, from preschool to pre-professional.
LPA supports the growth of the arts by maintaining the
highest standards and by nurturing the talent of every student.
LPA teaching staff has been trained in the various styles
and disciplines as well as the syllabus, which the school
employs so that students benefit from cohesive and consistent
training.
Professional Division students have the opportunity to perform at competition, as well as throughout the year at festivals, and events developing the skills, experience, and discipline which are the necessary foundations for a professional career. Students whose paths lead to non-dance careers gain immeasurably from the discipline and other qualities associated with study in the arts. They develop self-motivation, poise, grace and an appreciation for the arts which they will carry with them throughout their lives.
Expectations for Students
It is the goal of
LPA to instill in all students a love for the arts, with
a full understanding of the different disciplines as well as the
appropriate tools needed to pursue a professional career if
he/she chooses. Students entering
a specialized program of any kind would face an intensive course
of study. It is necessary to have a student's full concentration
and
dedications to his/her arts study to help them successfully
reach their goals. A course of study for LaBelle Performing Arts
has been developed to provide students with the necessary
elements for a professional career. Consistency in technique and
approach to daily work is vital to development as artists. A
serious student recognizes his/her own strengths and weaknesses
and through perseverance minimizes the effect of their
weaknesses. A teacher's high standards and expectations serve to
continuously motivate a student. Ultimately, a student needs to
have a positive attitude and strong self-discipline in order to
achieve their fullest potential.
Although a student's goal may not be that of becoming a professional, good training will never be wasted. If a student persists in his/her training, they will be rewarded with a heightened understanding of the arts and what it takes to achieve excellence. Students will develop strength, discipline, grace and other qualities that will last a lifetime; often applying these attributes to other parts of their lives.
General Policies and Procedures
Tuition
Tuition for the dance year may be paid in full or in monthly installments.
All monthly payments are to be paid in equal installments
regardless of the number of lessons in a month or number of
lessons a dance student attends. Tuition is due the first
of every month. Payments will be considered late if
received after the fifteenth of the month or payment deadlines
and a $15 late fee will apply. If a student's account has
not been made up-to-date by the last day of the month, a notice
will be sent home and he/she will not be allowed to participate
in class until the balance has been paid. If the balance
has not been paid by the fifteenth of the following month, the
student will be removed from the class. Once the account
has been brought up-to-date, the student may return to the class
if space permits.
Payments may be made in cash, credit card, debit card, online payments and by check/money order. Please make all payments out to LaBelle Performing Arts, and write the student's name in the note section. There will be a $25 fee for all returned checks. If more than two checks are returned, payments will only be accepted in cash or money order form. If a student chooses to drop a class or a medical emergency arises, he/she must submit a Drop Form to cancel a class. These forms may be retrieved on-line or from the studio office. If a student has paid for the year in-full, LaBelle Performing Arts will not refund the tuition. Exceptions will only be made for cancellations due to medical reasons. A written doctor's excuse and drop form will be required before the student will be refunded the remaining full months’ tuition minus the registration fee that was waived.
There will be no exceptions for the following:
- Credits
- Refunds
- Make-ups for unattended classes
- Refunds for registration fees
All accounts must be up-to-date to participate in the end-of-the year showcase.
Class Placement
Labelle Performing
Arts follows a stair step method of teaching and, therefore,
each level is attained by a student’s ability to comprehend and
perform the previous year’s work. Basic placement is
determined primarily by age; however, your child's final
placement is based on skill level. The student will be
assessed by the instructor during the first month of class and
adjustments will be made if necessary. The instructor has
the final decision on the placement of the dance student.
The evaluation will be in written form and is available to the
parent and student by request. This form serves as an
excellent source for the student to see which areas they excel
in and which areas need the most work. Please note that it
is common for students to repeat a level. Registration
forms, registration fee and first month's tuition is due before
a student is enrolled in a class.
Dress Code
Teachers will be
strictly enforcing the dress code in all classes. Please
be sure you have reviewed the dress codes for each class.
Students who do not have their appropriate dress will not be
allowed to participate in the class. Click
here for a comprehensive dress
code.
Student
Evaluations
All students will
be evaluated by the teacher of the next highest level near the
end of the year. This evaluation along with the current
teacher’s recommendation will determine the students following
year level placement. Attendance will be a consideration
for placement in the following year’s level.
Attendance
Attending class is
a vital part of a dance student's progression. The staff
understands emergencies and illnesses arise but would like to
keep absences to a minimum. Attendance will be taken all
year long. Students are allowed one excused absences in
each of their disciplines within a three-month period.
More than one absence must be made up by attending another
class. This class must be equal to your enrolled class, a
lower level class or you may also schedule a private lesson.
Missed classes must be made up within a two week period
following the date of the student's return to classes.
Please schedule your makeup classes with the office.
LaBelle
Performing Arts Calendar (LPAC)
The LPAC Calendar
is available in the office. Students must put all scheduled
absences in advance of classes to be missed.
Record of
Attendance
Students must
sign in at the front desk to
record their attendance to classes. If a student does not sign in, his/her attendance may not be
recorded and therefore receive an unexcused absence.
Excused
Absences
Any absence that
has properly been made up will not be counted against the
student: however, if excessive absences occur, a meeting
will be held with the student and his/her parents to discuss
scheduling options which may include attending a lower level
class. Allowances:
- Sickness
- Family Vacations
- Family Emergency
- Car Emergency
- Excessive Homework
**In the event of an unforeseen absence, students or parents must call prior to scheduled class time to let the teacher know they will not be in attendance. These absences will be treated as excused, but must also be made up within a two-week period of returning to class.
Rehearsal
Attendance
Students who are
enrolled in the Professional Division and or Company must adhere
to all rules and regulations contained in the Professional
Division Contract. Students are expected to attend all
of their scheduled rehearsals and are responsible for the
material covered. If a student is to miss rehearsal,
he/she must place it on the LPAC CALENDAR prior to the rehearsal
to be missed. Any material missed must be learned prior to
the next scheduled rehearsal. If a student misses an
excessive amount of rehearsals, the choreographer will use
his/her own discretion for that student's involvement in the
work.
Students who have missed more than two scheduled rehearsals in a three-month period may be asked to:
1. Understudy the piece for future performances.
2. Schedule a meeting with the Director to discuss their attendance.
Disciplinary
Actions
For unexcused absences only:
- Warning/Probation - Two unexcused absences in a three-month period. Student will not be allowed to participate in the next scheduled performance.
- Level Shift - Three unexcused absences in a three-month period. Student will be placed one level down for the remainder of the school year.
- Removal from Professional Division - Four unexcused absences in a three month period. Student will be removed from the Professional Division.
Tardiness
Students should
arrive at least five minutes prior to their scheduled class
time. Students who are five minutes late to class will have
three options:
1. Quietly enter the classroom, sit and take notes.
2. Attend a lower level class within the same discipline.
3. Use one of the four Tardy Tickets offered during the year. These tickets will be available at the front desk in the student's file.
Syllabus
The syllabus is both progressive and
graded by level to ensure the best possible training for each
student. With the implementation of a syllabus, LPA
teachers are able to consider each individual student’s needs
strengths and weaknesses and better prepare them consistently
for the next level of training. The syllabus is developed with
observation of some of the world’s most well-respected arts
institutions and strengthened with time proven methods of
teaching.
The Use of
Touch in Dance Classes
It is extremely
important in all aspects of dance training to incorporate the
use of touch in order to facilitate kinesthetic awareness.
Students will be made aware from the beginning of their training
that if they feel uncomfortable with any aspect of physical
contact or touch, they will be supported if they tell the staff
member involved, "I'm not comfortable with that." If they feel
their needs or concerns have not been met though this exchange,
they are encouraged to talk to the Artistic Director.
Studio
Etiquette
The atmosphere
inside an arts school is absorbed and enthusiastic. Students
must keep their goals in mind and maintain a respect for their
art form. They must always attend classes properly dressed. Promptness to class is a must. Students who are late must follow
the rules outlined in their attendance policies. Students are
not allowed to hang on the barres, talk to other students while
class is being conducted, chew gum, drink or eat in class. They
should attend to their personal needs prior to class or during
breaks. Students are expected to behave with politeness, respect
and courtesy towards faculty, staff and peers. Students are
expected to clean up after themselves and not leave food, water
bottles, wrappers, bandages, etc. in the dressing room,
bathrooms, studios or lobby.
Dressing Room
Etiquette
The dressing rooms
are intended for students of LaBelle Performing Arts only, and
should be used and maintained in a responsible manner. Students
are expected to use the dressing rooms and not the bathrooms for
changing. Students of all ages use these rooms and the use of
improper language is inappropriate at all times.
Career Path
Counseling
The objective of
career path counseling is to guide Advanced Level students in
evaluating their identity as performing artists and researching
which companies or opportunities might prove a suitable match to
their skills and interests. Resume/Letter Writing Classes, as
well as Video and Headshot sessions will be scheduled with
juniors and seniors of the Professional Division. Letters of
recommendation may be requested by the teachers and Artistic
Directors.
Awards
LaBelle Performing Arts awards and recognizes all the hard work,
dedication and determination that go into multiple years of
dance training. Dancers for
consideration must be in the following categories: fifteen (15)
years or be a graduating senior, ten (10) years and five (5)
years. Those who qualify will
perform in the opening production at the end-of-year Showcase. Fifteen year or graduating senior dancers will perform a solo. All dancers will receive an award that will be presented at the
Cast Party. It is an opportunity and an honor for LPA to
congratulate and award all of these accomplished dancers for
their achievements.
Scholarships
A limited number
of scholarships are available. Scholarships are based on talent,
physical potential and financial need. Scholarships may be
partial or a full year’s tuition. If a student leaves before the
end of the school year or their scholarship expires, they will
be required to pay full tuition up to the time of leaving. Scholarship students must respect and adhere to the policies of
LaBelle Performing Arts and be exemplary students, strictly
following the studio’s dress code, avoiding tardiness and
unexcused absences. Two unexcused absences will be cause for
teacher inquiries and may result in a re-evaluation of the
student's scholarship status.
The Producers is a Parent Fundraising Committee made up of members, whose sole responsibility will be to raise $5,000 each school year to be given away as scholarships to seniors who intend on going to college. All parents are invited to be a part of this committee, however; parents of current seniors may not play a part in the voting process to decide who receives such scholarships. One $2,500 scholarship will be provided, and the remaining money raised will be put into an annuity account for future years. There is a $50 contribution for members to purchase. Funds collected from the members will count towards the total money raised for the year.
End-of-Year
Performance
Costumes must be
ordered by November 22 to insure that they arrive before the
scheduled performance. All costume fees are due by November 22,
2008. Accounts must be up-to-date for students to perform in the
end-of-year performance.
Dress
Rehearsals
All students
involved in performances must be present for all scheduled dress
rehearsals.
Lobby Information
Parents are
responsible for all information that is placed on the board or
made available in our lobby. Information regarding classes,
rehearsals,
performances, make-up classes, etc. will be posted in the lobby
area.
Arrival and
Departure
To ensure the safety of our students,
LaBelle Performing Arts requests that you follow these important
steps when arriving and departing:
1. Parents must accompany minor students into the lobby and wait with them until class begins. This will ensure they are safe and supervised at all times. Teachers and staff will not be held responsible for students until class begins.
2. Please arrive a few minutes before classes are dismissed to pick up students. Under no circumstances are students to wait outside the facility to be picked up. Your cooperation assures the safety and welfare of all students.
Severe Weather
Conditions
Please call the
studio if a storm is approaching for details on closings and/or
rescheduling. There will be no refunds or credits due to storm
closing. If LaBelle Performing Arts is closed for more than two
weeks due to severe weather conditions or storm damage, students
will be notified regarding make-up classes.
Drugs and
Alcohol
Absolutely no
drugs or alcohol permitted on the school property at any time. Those in possession of or under the influence of alcohol or
drugs will be asked to leave the premises. Students who are
caught with drugs or alcohol will be expelled--no exceptions.
Parent
Involvement
Introduction
Parents are as central to the life of LaBelle Performing Arts as
they are to the lives of their children. A special effort has
been made to structure operations to maximize the opportunity
for parent involvement. The production of this handbook is one
example.
Since a parent's main priority is to support his/her child's development, LPA encourages staying in touch with your child's progress and learning as much as possible about how education programs work.
Open
House/Observation Days
Parents and
friends are welcome to attend the annual Open House in August. Dates are published in the local papers and advance notice will
be made available to all previously enrolled students. Additionally, parents and friends are also invited to follow
their child’s progress by attending classes on our Observation
Days.
Student
Evaluation Reports/Parent Conferences
Students who
audition and are accepted into the Professional Division Program
will receive written evaluation reports bi-annually from their
core class teacher. These evaluations address effort, attitude,
strengths and weaknesses and will include suggestions for
improvement. Placement for the following year will be given with
the final report. Students in young children's programs,
creative dance, pre-ballet and the Recreational Division Classes
will receive an end-of-the-year report from their teacher. These
reports comment on a student's overall progress and effort.
Placement for the following year will accompany this report. It is important that parents discuss these reports and evaluations with their child to ensure that there is a shared understanding of the student's progress. This report also provides an opportunity to identify issues parents may wish to discuss with the Directors or appropriate faculty member. Parents are also encouraged to contact the school at any time if they wish to discuss their child's development, concerns regarding school policies or tuition payments. Such meetings should be scheduled in advance and not during class times.
Volunteers
Parents who are
interested in volunteering for LaBelle Performing Arts
will find no shortage of opportunities. Volunteers are needed
for a number of special fundraising events held each year to
provide scholarships and other enrichment opportunities for
students. Volunteers are also needed to help build sets, props,
and for help at different performance events. Anyone interested
in volunteering should contact the office.
Communication
Monthly
Newsletter
LaBelle
Performing Arts offers an email based
newsletter that is sent out every month. This newsletter is
intended to keep you informed of class schedules, rehearsal
times, events, updates and resources available to you through
the school. This newsletter is just another way LPA is
trying to have ongoing conversation with participating families.
LPA would also like to invite business owners who have
children studying in the school to place an ad in the monthly
newsletter. You will find the rates are very affordable, and it
is the best way to reach LPA families.
Email
Communication
All accounts
should have a registered email address. Please make sure we have
your email information. Most communication from the office will
come in email form. We will continue our monthly newsletter and
for those who do not have email, copies will be available in the
lobby. If you do not currently have email, please let LPA staff
know so that other arrangements can be made. Copies of all
communication will be available in the lobby.
Professional Division Program
The Professional
Division classes are intended for those students who wish to
pursue a professional career in the performing arts. Professional students must audition and be invited by the
Artistic Directors. These students are required to sign a
contract maintaining their attendance in all of their core
classes (Jazz, Tap and Ballet) and to participate in at least
two performance opportunities throughout the year. Students are
chosen based on their level of achievement both technically and
artistically, their attitude towards other students and
teachers, their work ethic and potential for growth. Students
are encouraged to participate in enrichment classes including
music, theatre and voice and to participate in competition
workshops and classes. Many opportunities will be provided
exclusively to the Professional Division students, and special
tuition rates may apply to competition participants. Participation in the competitions is not required unless a
student is a Company Dancer.
Classes available
to Professional Division students:
- Ballet
- Jazz
- Tap
- Hip-Hop
- Lyrical
- Modern
- Music
- Voice
- Theatre
- Salsa
- Pre-Pointe (by
invitation and at level 3)
- Pointe (by
invitation and at level 4)
- Variations
Enrichment
Classes:
- Resume/Letter Writing (Juniors and Seniors)
- Video Audition Preparation
- Choreography/Composition (Juniors and Seniors)
- Kinesiology
- Healthy Eating For Dancers
- Partnering
- Ballet Variations
*Students who are
not enrolled but wish to take Professional Division classes must
audition or be invited and will pay the drop-in fee for each
class.
Private
Lessons
Private lessons
are available as supplemental classes to the Professional
Division student's normal schedule. Private lesson rates
are $40/hour for the first student and $20 for each additional
student (final price can be split equally). Each teacher
has his/her own requirements, so please consult your teacher for
more information.
Pointe
Classes
Pointe classes are
demanding and require a high level of technical ability and
physical aptitude. Students who wish to take pointe classes must
be enrolled in the Professional Division Program, have completed
the first, second and third year of the school syllabus, and be
evaluated by the Ballet Director. Students who are invited to
attend pointe classes must have and maintain the proper point
shoe requirements and be required to complete all classes. Due
to the high risk of injury, these classes will not be made
available to students who do not qualify.