School Policies
- At Kinetics, we understand that parents want the best instruction for their children and also want to see them progress. Proper level placement helps avoid discouragement and disappointment in students and allows them to work with others of similar skills and abilities, allowing for instruction in specific technique and form for each class. Advancement through dance levels at an accelerated and unwarranted pace is a disservice to the student. If a child is advanced too soon, then he or she will miss valuable training and become frustrated. In addition, moving too quickly through the work can be injurious and wearing to the dancer’s joints. While students' ages may vary within a given class, we always make a concerted effort to keep the age range as small as possible. However, when considering class placement, we primarily look at each individual student's technical achievement. We place our dancers in the level that we feel will encourage the most progress. A dancer must be challenged but not overwhelmed. Most dancers should expect to spend more than two years in a given level, especially if they are training only once a week per class. For instance, if they only study ballet once a week for one hour, they will take longer to progress to the next level than a dancer who studies ballet two or three times a week. The more they practice, the faster they can expect to progress. A dancer will generally not be promoted every year, as this would not be in their best interest. Keep in mind that while a dancer may spend several years working on classes at the same level, those classes will, in fact, be different every time. They will continue to work on core skills at the same level, but not through the same exercises or vocabulary. No two classes at the same level are the same, and students can expect a different experience with each class. Our dancers are always placed with care and consideration at every level of training. Please understand that vocabulary from each level needs to be mastered before advancement and placement can change during the year if a student makes efforts to improve within that level. Please remember that all placements are at the discretion of the instructor and the school director, regardless of age and years of previous training.
- Parent Observation and Bring-a-Friend Week Parents are always invited to watch class through our observation windows. In November and April, we will open our doors to friends who may want to try a dance class as a part of Bring a Friend to Dance Week. During Bring a Friend to Dance Week, students are invited to bring a friend to the studio to try a free dance class. Fundraising at Kinetics As a non-profit organization, Kinetics Dance Theatre relies on parents’ and students’ support of our yearly fundraisers, such as the Annual Fund Fall Campaign, ticket sales to our five concerts per year, recital program shout-outs/ads, t-shirt and trophy sales, our holiday basket raffle, flowers at the recital and much more! Monies from these fundraisers help Kinetics pay for theatre rentals, exciting programs and workshops, new costumes, guest teachers and choreographers. Dance Workshops, Field Trips, and Projects Watch for notices in our newsletter, on our website and posted around the studio. We’ve got some new ideas in the works, including group tickets to professional dance concerts, fun dance workshops for the whole family, and dance projects for our students. Volunteers Kinetics welcomes volunteers! If you would like to help us with specific events, provide general assistance, or share a skill with us, we often need help through the year with performances, workshop events, chaperoning, fundraising, costumes, photography, music, and more. Please let us know! Birthday Parties Don’t forget to ask us about our birthday parties!!! Celebrate your birthday and have a blast dancing with up to 20 of your friends! Each party includes 45 minutes of supervised dance instruction and games with one of our dance instructors and 45 minutes for presents and goodies. Fees: $220 for non-Kinetics families; $200 for Kinetics families. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a date. Contact the studio for more information (410) 480-1686.
Kinetics Dance Theatre’s Inclement Weather Policy is as follows:
Morning Classes: All classes that begin before noon will be canceled if the Howard County Public School System is closed or delayed due to inclement weather. Afternoon Classes: All classes that begin after 12:00 noon will be evaluated depending on current driving conditions regardless of whether or not the HCPSS is closed or delayed due to inclement weather. A message will be placed on the telephone system regarding the status of these classes. Saturday Classes: If a weekend system occurs, classes will be evaluated depending on current driving conditions. A message will be placed on the telephone system regarding the status of these classes. Make-ups: If a class is canceled due to inclement weather, students are invited to attend a make up class in any other class in their level or below. Please contact the studio prior to making up the class if you are in need of a recommendation for an appropriate make up class, or to let them know you will be attending.Kinetics Dance Theatre’s Inclement Weather Policy for Howard County Recreation & Parks classes is as follows:
Morning Classes: All classes that begin before noon will be canceled if the Howard County Public School System is closed or delayed due to inclement weather. Afternoon Classes: All classes that begin after 12:00 noon will be evaluated depending on current driving conditions regardless of whether or not the HCPSS is closed or delayed due to inclement weather. A message will be placed on the telephone system regarding the status of these classes. Saturday Classes: If a weekend system occurs, classes will be evaluated depending on current driving conditions. A message will be placed on the telephone system regarding the status of these classes. Make-ups: If your class is canceled due to inclement weather, a make-up class will be rescheduled by your teacher prior to the beginning of the next HCRP session.- At Kinetics Dance Theatre, we encourage our young dancers to arrive at the studio dressed appropriately for class.
Dance Attire
Please reference the chart on the following page, and be sure your dancer has the correct clothing and shoes for class. No baggy pants, pajama bottoms, gym shorts, oversized t-shirts or sweatpants are acceptable for dance wear. Students should not wear skirts in class.
Jewelry
No jewelry, including hoop earrings, watches, or necklaces, are allowed in class.
Hair
Hair shoulder length or longer must be pulled back and away from the face. A neat ballet bun is required for ALL ballet classes, including elementary levels and recreational track ballet. Either a bun or a ponytail is acceptable for all jazz, modern, tap, hip hop and musical theatre classes.
No chewing gum is permitted in class.
All dancers should adhere to the dress code out of respect for their teachers, the studio, and the art form, as well as for themselves and their own safety.
Recommended Dance Supply Stores
Discount Dance Supply - www.discountdance.com. 1-800-328-7107
Use our School Code to find the dancewear we’ve specifically selected for Kinetics’ dress code. You’ll get great discounts, and Discount Dance Supply will provide a donation to Kinetics! Use school code 75107.
Everydancer - The Dance Van, Kim Shapiro, 410-592-5118
The Dance Van comes to Kinetics periodically, so you can see what you’re purchasing and talk to Kim for fitting advice.
Premier Dance Gear - Columbia, 410-418-8804
Artistic Dance Fashions - Loch Raven, 410-321-1121
Dancewear Chart
Dance Class Dress-wear Foot-wear Creative Dance, Dance and Storytelling Girls: Any color leotard and footless tights/leggings.
Boys: T-shirt and tights or leggings.No shoes required Dance Basics, Ballerina Basics and Dance
FundamentalsGirls: Any color leotard, pink tights. Ballet skirts are permitted.
Boys: White t-shirt, black tightsLeather ballet shoes - girls pink, boys black; black tap shoes (no tap shoes required for Ballerina Basics). Ballet- All levels Girls: Solid color leotard; pink tights *Note: Students must have a black leotard*
Boys: White t-shirt, black tights or leggingsGirls: Pink leather or canvas ballet slippers. Canvas styles with 4 way stretch are not permitted (this includes styles such as Total Stretch by Body Wrappers, Elastosplit X by Bloch, Zenith Strech Canvas by Bloch, and Hanami Canvas Split Sole by Capezio)
Boys: Black ballet slippersModern- All levels Solid color leotard; black or tan footless tights or leggings No shoes required Jazz- All levels Solid color leotard; black jazz pants, tights or leggings
Gym shorts not allowed
Camisole top or fitted shirt is allowed.Split-soled black jazz shoes Lyrical- All levels Solid color leotard; black or tan footless tights or leggings, or capri pants No shoes required Tap- All levels Any color leotard, black jazz pants or leggings Black tap shoes Musical Theatre- All levels Camisole or fitted shirt; black jazz pants or Capri pants Split-soled black jazz shoes preferred Hip Hop- All levels Camisole or fitted shirt; black jazz pants or leggings.
–T-shirt, comfortable pantsClean sneakers - Tuition Refund and Withdraw Policies Any approved refunds will have a $10.00 service fee deducted. No refunds will be given after February 28th, 2018. Annual payees: Refund schedule for withdrawals after the full year’s payment is as follows: 75% tuition refund for withdrawals before October 31. 50% tuition refund for withdrawals before December 31. 25% tuition refund for withdrawals before February 28. No refunds will be given after February 28, 2018. No refunds shall be made for withdrawals not made within a timely matter, and the undersigned dancer and the parent/guardian shall remain responsible for the full annual tuition. Registration fees and performance fees are non-refundable. Non-attendance does not constitute withdrawal. We require two weeks advance written notice if you or your child wishes to withdraw from our program. You will be billed 60 days beyond receipt of said notification, while we attempt to fill your spot in the class. Accounts not paid by the 8th of the month will have students automatically withdrawn from class. Students may re-register for classes once the balance is paid, provided there is still space in their class(es), however a $20 registration fee will occur upon re-registering. We do not refund absences. No refunds/credits are given to dancers for classes missed due to student absence, inclement weather cancellations, or student vacations, holidays, or days off from school. (We do, however, have a class makeup policy, stated below.) Late Fees Tuition is due on the 25th of the month prior when paying by monthly or trimester. A $10 late fee will be applied to your account if payment is not received by the 1st of the month. If payment is not received by the 1st of the month, you will be billed for tuition plus the late fee. Payments not received by the 8th of the month will have the student(s) auto-withdrawn from their class(es). Returned Check Fee A fee of $30.00 will be charged for returned checks. Customers with more than one returned check will be asked to pay in cash in the future. To Make Payments We accept cash, checks and credit cards. Payments can be made during our school manager or desk hours posted on our website, or mailed to us at 3280 Pine Orchard Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Drop-In Policy Drop-ins are only allowed for Kinetics classes, not those sponsored by Howard County Recreation and Parks. Please see our tuition page for Drop-In Pricing Late Arrival to Class In order to prevent injury, dancers arriving 15 minute or later to class may be asked to sit and watch class for the day. Leaving Early from Classes We ask that students leaving class or rehearsals early for any reason notify their teacher before the start of class whenever possible. If your child is waiting for a ride, we ask that they stay in the waiting room by the front desk, provided there is a desk worker there at that time. If there is no one at the front desk, please have your child wait in the studio with their class until their ride has arrived. Absences, Cancellations, Make-up Classes Please telephone ahead, if possible, if you will be absent. The studio’s number is 410-480-1686. Absences resulting from illness, injury or vacations may be made up within three weeks. Planned absences may be made up in advance. Please note that we do not refund absences. In the event of school closings due to inclement weather, or class cancellations due to teacher emergency, students may make up the lesson in another class within one month and no later than March 31. Kinetics has the right to cancel any class due to insufficient enrollment. Student Conduct Kinetics expects all students to be courteous, polite and respectful of each other and their teachers. Students are expected to arrive on time for class and dressed appropriately. Students may not eat or chew gum in the studios. Water bottles are acceptable. Kinetics has the right to remove a student due to disruptive behavior. Kinetics is not responsible for loss of, or damage to, personal property. No Peanuts or Nut Containing Snacks Due to the number of students we have at our school with severe peanut or nut allergies, we ask that you refrain from bringing any nuts or nut containing snacks to the studio. For some, allergic reactions may occur by eating the food, inhalation of food vapors, or even simply contact with the skin, mouth or eyes. Some reactions can be severe enough to cause anaphylaxis, a life threatening allergic reaction. Please consider the safety of others and refrain from bringing nut containing snacks to the studio. We also ask, that if your child has any allergies or medical conditions, please notify the school manager of the condition and let us know of any special instructions to follow in the event of an emergency! Lost Costume Fee A fee of $20.00 will be charged for any single costume items not returned to Kinetics after the end-of-the-year showcase. A fee of $40 will be charged for entire costumes or tutus that are not returned. Fees must be paid, or the costume returned, prior to registering for the next session of classes.
