Are all dance studios the same?
Here's why Tanya's Dance Company is the right choice... [Download Checklist]
TESTIMONIALS:
Here is what our students are parents are saying about
Tanya's Dance Company: "Tanya's Dance Company's 2006 "Captured In A Dream" was a quality production to applaud and acknowledge. The instructors hard work and talent were evident from the youngest dancer's twirls and smiles, to the senior dancers style and grace, and on through the audience's cheers of enjoyment.
Miss Tanya, your efforts deserve recognition. Thanks for your hard work, devotion, and patience. You have created moments of pride and accomplishment for your dancers. Most of all, thank you for sharing the "Power of Your Dream" with your students, their parents and the community.
Bravo!"
-Nancy and John Lund
My daughters have been dancing at Tanya's Dance Co. for a year and a half now, and I appreciate how much time and effort the whole staff puts into keeping everything organized and the parents well-informed. Tanya and the other instructors go out of their way to make sure that nothing but the best is given in every area. The teaching and choreography are professional and challenging, the music and costume selection are tasteful and appropriate, and the general "spirit" of the whole company is positive and inclusive.
-Kody Van Dyke
Tanya's Dance Co. is definitely a step above the rest when it comes to professionalism and quality of dance. My daughters have taken dance from Tanya's since they were three, and I can't imagine their lives without dance. Tanya's has helped them become better dancers and better performers. Great experiences!
-Lisa Cady
My daughter has been with Tanya’s Dance Co. since she began. We have been very pleased with our experience. Tanya is very talented and provides an excellent learning experience in several areas of dance. The studio is very professionally run and has a quality staff of teachers. Tanya’s program also does a wonderful job of building self confidence and a good self esteem for all who attend. We have gotten to experience many opportunities such as competitions, wonderful shows, and the opportunity to perform at Disney World. My daughter as been involved with two other dance companies prior and Tanya’s Dance Co. far exceeds both of those.
-Michelle Banderob
My kids have been part of Tanya's Dance Company and have been dancing with this company for five years. We have always enjoyed the high level of dance instruction, along with the warm caring environment that has made dance such a huge part of our kids and our family’s life. Dance is a discipline and a privilege and Tanya takes the time to ensure that her dancers learn this, along with having fun. We would not dance anywhere else.
-Anicee Yearick
Common Q&A
Q. How do we differ from other dance schools?
A. As for other dance schools, we can’t comment on the teacher or procedures, but we have several distinct differences form most other dance schools. Our floor is one of our major differences – our professional floating marley dance floor offers additional cushioning and support to help prevent injuries and fatigue. We also limit our class sizes, have state of the art facilities, and we NEVER require our students to fundraise to cover dance school activities.
Q. Can I sit in on my child’s dance class?
A. We have an observation area in both of our studios where parents can watch by closed circut television. If the parents are sitting right there, it is too distracting for both the students and the teacher. There are too many authority figures and the children either lose class time looking for Mom and Dad’s approval, or they act out to see what reaction they will get. There are 2 Parent Observation Weeks where parents are invited to sit in on the class.
Q. My child has taken dance at another studio. Can they be placed into a higher-level class?
A. Because the programs at other dance studios can vary greatly, your child should still go into the first level we offer for their age. After seeing your child’s skills, if they are not placed in the appropriate level, we will change their level if needed.
Q. Can my child start dance partway through the year?
A. New students are accepted through the month of December, if space is available. After that, classes are too far along. If however, they are willing to do private lessons to catch up to the class, they can take some private lessons until the teacher feels they are ready to join the class.
Q. How do you choose costumes and/or music?
A. Costumes and music are chosen by the instructor and director. They are intended to be age appropriate.
STUDIO POLICIES
To All Parents and Students
We hope you realize that dance education will be a lot of hard work with a need for hours of practice, but we also emphasize enjoyment of dance and the chance to meet and work with many new friends. It is expected that the members of the studio will uphold standards of good behavior, regular practice and dedication to the group he or she participates in.
General Information
A. You, the parents and students, may be assured that your classes are instructed and disciplined in a manner keenly associated with proper and correct dance education.
B. It is our desire to provide you with excellent results and we demand understanding and cooperation between parents, students, and teachers.
C. We will be happy to discuss progress with you at anytime.
D. We expect respect and proper discipline at all times; we are not responsible for any injuries sustained while in class or on premises; We are not responsible for lost articles; We reserve the right to dismiss any student who upsets the harmony of the company.
E. We intend to keep the decorum of all students and the company above reproach, and we expect all students to appear in class in clean dance clothes, clean bodies and well groomed!
F. Street shoes must be worn when entering the studio. Dance shoes only are to be worn on the dance floor!
G. Students must have all clothes, shoes, and equipment labeled with names and ALL must have dance bags to safely store and transport dance apparel!
Registration
A non-refundable fee of $30 per student is required yearly at the time of registration. Students are not fully registered until the registration fee is paid.
Summer Camps/Classes
A. A non-refundable deposit of 50% is due at the time of registration. The remaining balance is due the first day of summer camp/class.
B. Seven days notice is required for all cancellations. The deposit paid is non-refundable but may be used toward another class at Tanya's Dance Company.
C. There is NO registration, recital, or costume fee due for summer camps/classes. These fees only apply to fall classes.
Tuition Policies
A. All students must be fully registered before they will be accepted in class. If payment info is not given at time of registration, the student's spot will not be held.
B. Monthly tuition, which is a flat rate, is charged on the first day of each month. Tuition must be paid by automatic bank account, debit or automatic credit card payment. Tuition will be debited from your account on the 1st day of each month from September through June. Dancers will not be registered until billing information is provided.
C. There are two snow days figured into the monthly tuition. If a class is canceled due to inclement weather a makeup class will NOT be scheduled. If more than two classes had to be canceled a makeup class will be scheduled. Please note: We do our best to inform you of any cancellations, however, we are not always able to make a decision until one hour prior to class start time. Use your best judgment on the driving conditions. We do not want anybody to come if you are concerned about your safety. Some of the surrounding areas have different weather conditions than us so please check the road conditions prior to leaving.
D. There are NO refunds, transfers, credits or deductions for missed classes or holidays; there will not be ANY exceptions to this rule, regardless of the reasons. Thirty days notice is required for ALL cancellations!
E.. Statements will NOT be sent; it is your responsibility to keep your tuition to date. We recommend keeping track of charges/balances on your Dance Portal.
F. $10.00 NSF charge on NSF checks or credit cards that are declined. Problem accounts are automatically turned over to a local collection agency. Anyone 2 months in arrears will be dropped.
G. Whenever there is a 5th lesson in the month you are not charged for it.
H. You will automatically be charged for classes until you call to terminate. A thirty day notice is required.
I. All accounts considered past due will be assessed a 5% monthly interest charge. The interest charge will be added each month until the full balance is paid.
J. All accounts must be paid in full each month or dancers will not be allowed to attend classes. Accounts must also be in good standing by June 1st in order for the dancer to perform in recital.
Dress Requirements
We consider it absolutely essential that the correct dancewear be worn to all classes as dancers work harder and stay more focused when properly dressed in class. Failure to wear required dancewear to class could result in students being asked to sit out and observe only. Repeated failure to wear required dancewear could result in termination of lessons.
**Hair must be pulled back! Bun required for Ballet classes! No excess jewelry! No Gum!**
Cell phones may ONLY be used before and after class!
Bring Water Bottle (no glass)!
Footwear and Uniform
Please keep in mind that all shoes and equipment must be fitted to use now – not to grow into. Apparel may be purchased at Demi Dancewear in Bozeman or can be ordered online. Please make sure that you plan in advance when ordering. During the months of August through October, it is very common for merchandise to be on backorder. Wait time can be a minimum of a month if not longer... so plan ahead.
Acro/Tumbling:
Barefoot
Uniform: Black Leotard, Black Dance Short or Short Unitard
Check Studio Schedule!
Ballet:
Split-Sole Ballet Shoe, either canvas or leather (Ballet Pink for girls; White for boys)
Uniform: Girls: Black Leotard, Bloch Transition Tights (Ballet Pink)
Boys: Black Men's tights, Fitted Men's Ballet White T-shirt, Calf length white socks
Check Studio Schedule!
Creative Movement:
Bloch Beginner Ballet Shoe (Ballet Pink for girls, White or Black for boys)
Uniform: Girls: Bloch Long Sleeve Nylon Leotard (Ballet Pink), Bloch Wrap or Pull-On Skirt (White or Ballet Pink), Bloch Hold & Stretch Footed Tights (Ballet Pink)
Boys: Black Sweats, White T-shirt
Check Studio Schedule!
Hip Hop & Kinder Hip Hop:
Bloch Dance Sneaker (Black)
Uniform: Girls: Black bottoms (Stretch Pant, Capri, or Sweats), Choice of Leotard, Fitted Sports Top, or Fitted T-Shirt
Boys: Black Sweats, black t-shirt
Check Studio Schedule!
Hip Hop Technique:
Sneaker
Uniform: Fitted Sports Top, Black Dance Short
Check Studio Schedule!
Jazz/Lyrical Technique:
Barefoot/Pirouette Shoe (leather or canvas)
Uniform: Black leotard or fitted dance top, Black Dance Shorts
Check Studio Schedule!
Jazz:
Bloch Stretch Insert Jazz Boot (Black)
Uniform: Black Bottoms (Stretch Pant, Capri, or Dance Short), Choice of Leotard or Fitted Sports Top
Check Studio Schedule!
Kinderdance:
Bloch Beginner Ballet Shoe (Ballet Pink for girls; White or Black for boys) and Theatricals or Bloch Tap Shoe (White for girls; Black Lace Up for boys)
Uniform: Girls: Bloch Long Sleeve Nylon Leotard (Ballet Pink), Bloch Wrap or Pull-On Skirt (White or Ballet Pink), Bloch Hold & Stretch Footed Tights (Ballet Pink)
Boys: Black Stretch Pant, Bloch white t-shirt
Check Studio Schedule!
Lyrical:
Pirouette Shoe (leather or canvas)
Uniform: Black Bottoms (Stretch Pant, Capri, or Dance Short), Black Leotard,
Bloch Convertible Tights (Suntan, Ballet Pink, or Black) - Optional
Check Studio Schedule!
Parent Tot & Tumbling Tot:
Barefoot
Uniform: Short Unitard or Comfortable Clothing
Check Studio Schedule!
Tap & Clogging:
Bloch Respect Tap Shoe (Black)
Uniform: Black Bottoms (Stretch Pant, Capri, or Dance Short), Choice of Leotard or Fitted Sports Top, Bloch Transition Tights (Optional)
Check Studio Schedule!
Class Placement
Placement can only be made with the age and ability of the individual student in mind and advancement is not by classes as a whole. If a student shows progress, they will be transferred to a more appropriate class/level. Teachers reserve the right to move students to their appropriate level. We cannot be concerned about rides with neighbors or conflicts with other activities.
*A minimum of 6 students is needed per class - 5 students or less will result in a shorter class period.*
Classroom Conduct
Students are expected to be respectful and attentive in class to teachers and their fellow classmates. No hanging on barres or putting hands on mirrors is permitted. Polite behavior and good manners should be displayed throughout the class and lobby. Foul language or actions are not permitted. Students should not gossip or make fun of others and should work in unison as a class toward a common goal. Good attitude, good grooming, good attendance, and practice at home are expected from each student. We are a private studio and reserve the right to dismiss any student or family who disregards studio policy, shows inappropriate behavior, or upsets the harmony of the studio.
Attendance and Tardiness
Regular attendance is necessary to maintain steady progress in the class. Poor attendance will result in poor training. Absences and tardiness can have a negative effect on the entire class. Please make sure to be on time; it is disruptive to a class when a student comes in after the lesson is in progress or needs to leave early. Those students missing opening warm-ups and stretches may only observe their class. We have tried to organize a complete warm-up program to prevent any injury. We simply cannot be responsible for those who arrive 15-20 minutes late and want to just dance! If you are frequently late or absent, you will be dismissed from the class.
• Students who do not participate in class (whether it is excused or not) will be counted as absent.
• Irregular attendance will result in dismissal.
• We request that if you are going to be absent from class for a parent to please call.
• If a student is not able to participate in class due to an injury or sickness, the instructor must have a doctor's note or a parent must phone the studio and let us know their dancer will be sitting out. The student will need to observe the class and not be doing other activities at that time (i.e. reading, using cell phone, doing homework, etc.).
• If a child misses a class, it is your responsibility to schedule a private lesson or get with another student who will teach them the choreography they missed.
• If a student knows in advance that they will be absent, it is THEIR responsibility to inform all of their instructors. (It is NOT the job of one instructor to relay the message to all the teachers.)
Observation Room Conduct
Children are not permitted to run around the studio. It is disturbing to the other parents, as well as distracting for the teachers and students. Please do not allow your children to walk on chairs, play in the bathroom, or in changing rooms. We ask that your children have respect for other people's property and to behave here as you would like them to in your own home. Please be responsible with your food and drinks and clean up any messes.
Class Observation
We know that many of you like to see the progress your child is making, so if you would like to observe your child’s class, you may watch your child for the duration of the dance lesson from the observation room. The observation room lets parents see the lesson without being visible to the children. While using the observation room, ALL children must be supervised! If the noise level of the observation room is too high and it is a distraction to the students, parents and/or children using the observation room may be asked to leave.
Withdrawal and Refunds
There is a two-month minimum for all lessons. One month's notice from the first of the month is required to discontinue any classes. Withdrawal will be accepted in person or by e-mail. Withdrawal must be done at the studio office and not with the teacher. Withdrawal must occur within the first 7 days of the month. No withdrawals will be accepted after April 1st. To withdraw from classes, a parent or adult must:
1. Inform the school administration in person
2. Complete and sign a "Withdrawal Form" provided by the studio office
All automatic bank debiting or credit card charges will stop after the one-month notice period. Tanya's Dance Co. reserves the right to terminate lessons to any students without notice. In such a case, a refund for unused lessons will be given.
*Please note: If a student decides to drop AFTER costumes have been ordered, withdrawal will not be complete until all costumes have been paid in full. We cannot cancel or return any orders - this is 'costume company' policy!
Unexpected Interruption of Classes
If the studio must cancel classes due to events beyond our control, such as power outages, the missed lessons will be rescheduled. No refunds for lessons missed due to these reasons will be given.
Substitutions
The studio reserves the right to provide a substitute teacher if the regularly scheduled teacher is ill or otherwise unable to teach classes. If a teacher is ill and the school cannot arrange a substitute, any missed classes will be rescheduled.
Holidays
The studio also observes holidays observed by our public school system. Dates will be will be noted on the website and on the Upcoming Events flyer.
-Labor Day
-MEA
-Halloween
-Thanksgiving
-Winter Break
-President's Day
-Spring Break
-Easter Monday
Parent's Responsibility to be Aware of Dates and Events
It is the responsibility of the parent or adult student to be aware of all studio activities,such as recitals, extra classes, and dates the studio is open or closed. The studio will post notices on the studio bulletin board as well as send out updates through e-mail. It is the parent's responsibility to regularly check these resources to ensure they are informed. It is the responsibility of the parents or adult student to inform the studio of any address, e-mail, or telephone number changes.
Care of Students
The studio is not responsible for providing before and after class care for students. Students are not to be left at the studio for excessive time before or after class. Please be mindful of staff as they cannot always wait for rides to come!
Injuries
Parents, legal guardians of minor students, and adult students waive the right to any legal action for any injury sustained on studio property resulting from normal dance activity or any other activity conducted by the students before, during or after class time. If an injury occurs at class, a report will be filed with the office and a parent will be notified.
Photo Release
The studio is hereby granted permission to take photographs of the students to use in brochures, websites, posters, advertisements and other promotional materials the studio creates. Permission is also hereby granted for the studio to copyright such photographs in its name.
Performances and Studio Activities
There will be a Recital scheduled for June. The recital demonstrates the techniques involved in presenting a truly professional show. Recitals aim to develop the students’ poise, confidence, and pride, and also to increase his or her knowledge and appreciation of the arts. Therefore, our main goal – the chief purpose is the pleasure, education and motivation of the students. (A recital fee of $30, plus an additional media fee, will be charged and deducted on June 1st to all participating in recital. This fee is non-refundable.) Tickets for the Recital go on sale in May. Information to purchase these will be sent home one week prior to ticket sales. The annual recital IS optional; however, it is highly encouraged.
Occasionally, students are afforded the opportunity to participate in extra shows for civic affairs, and notices will be sent home if they do come up. Competition teams have first priority for extra performances.
For all performances and studio activities, hairstyle will be specified. EVERYONE must wear makeup – makeup must be worn heavier than usual, as the stage lights "wash" faces out. All costumes are to be clean and pressed. All shoes are to be polished. Dancers must be present at their required rehearsals in order to participate in the recital. If they are not in attendance for their rehearsals, they will not be permitted to perform at recital.
Costumes
The recital requires the use of professionally made costumes that are chosen by the instructor and director. Please budget approximately $100 per costume for your child. For each class a student is registered for that requires a costume, accounts will be charged $25 per month/costume from October through January, and the remainder of the balance charged in February. This fee will be charged to your auto-debit or auto-credit card. Costumes will be shown and ordered in December. Once costumes are ordered, there are NO refunds (this is costume company policy!)
Students registering after the December costume showing can be charged an additional single-order and shipping fee of $25.00 in addition to the original price of the costume. This means your child's costume will be ordered separately with no guarantee of it arriving on time for pictures or the recital. As noted above under 'Withdrawals,' all costumes must be paid in full once they are ordered; if your child decides to withdraw from class, any costumes ordered must be paid in full before withdrawal is complete.
Competition Teams
Students entering second grade and above, or by invitation, are welcome to be on a competition team. This entails taking a specific class that focuses on details in that style. Being on a competition team requires talent, commitment (both from parents and students), and team spirit. It requires regular practice outside of class. Auditions for the competition team are held at the end of the previous season. Please contact the office for audition dates and additional information on competition team requirements.