General Studio Policies and Information

Weather Policy

The studio follows the Talbot Co. Public School System for all weather related closures (snow, ice, fog).  If Talbot Co. Schools are closed for weather, or if students dismiss early for weather, classes will not be held.  Delayed openings do not affect our class schedule.  If in doubt, call the studio office number 410-770-3223 or check the website, www.midshoredance.org.

Studio Holiday and Closure Policy

See our "Calendar" page for scheduled holidays, studio closures, and events.  Students are welcome to attend make-up classes for single-day holidays in the schedule, i.e. President’s Day, Martin Luther King Day.

**Please note –

                        The studio does not follow the Talbot Co. School system for closures other than weather.  With students from 3 additional counties, plus the numerous private schools, and home-school students, it is not feasible to follow any one school calendar.

Class Observation

To minimize distractions, we ask parents not stay in the studio during classes.  However, scheduled “Observation Weeks” are listed on the studio calendar to give everyone a chance to see what we do during our dance classes.  Please see your instructor if you have a special request for an out of town visitor to observe – we will try to accommodate.

Class Size Limits

To provide the best atmosphere for learning and enjoyment for everyone involved, class size limits are set and adhered to fairly strictly.  Most class sizes are limited to 10 – 12 students, with slightly fewer for the youngest ages.  The studio reserves the right to cancel any class with fewer than five students enrolled.

Behavior Expectations

      Dancers will be expected to behave in a manner appropriate for the setting and will be instructed on proper dance class etiquette.  For their safety, they will not be allowed to run in the studio or hang/climb/swing on the ballet barres.

Drop-off and Pick-up

Students under the age of nine must be accompanied by a parent or older sibling for drop-off and pickup!   Please be prompt in picking up students.  Young students may get distressed if a parent is not present and it is difficult for teachers to monitor children left from a previous class when they have to start teaching another class.

For the safety and enjoyment of all, please…

¨        Have students ready to dance at the designated class time.  Allow extra time for parking, dressing for class, using the restroom, fixing hair, etc.

¨        Have all students use the restroom before class – especially pre-ballet!

¨        Monitor your children while in the hallway before, during and after class.  Do not allow them to run, horseplay,  or disturb classes in session.  You are responsible for the behavior of your children!

¨        Place all correspondence, payments, etc. in the drop box in the hallway.  Envelopes are only necessary for cash payments.

¨        No food or drink in the dance studios.  Older students may bring a sealed water bottle, if needed.

¨        No street shoes in the dance studios.  This prevents unnecessary dirt from being tracked in.  Do not wear dance shoes (ballet slippers, tap shoes, etc) outside!

¨        Do not allow young children to bring toys or stuffed animals to class.  This causes distraction and decreases their ability to participate fully.

¨        Read the newsletters and memos that are mailed/emailed home periodically.  This will help keep you informed about happenings in the dance studio.

¨        Feel free to ask questions anytime.  Either speak with your child’s instructor or the director at the studio, or call or e-mail the director.

Recital Policy and Information

¨       Two recitals are held at the end of the school year - a matinee performance (early afternoon) for students in pre-ballet and pre-tap (mid-May), and an evening performance for students in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Modern (mid-June).  All students are welcome (but not required) to participate.

¨       If you do not plan to participate in the recital, please notify the studio!

¨       New students that begin their lessons after January 31^st will not be eligible to participate in the recital.

¨       In order to participate in the recital:

1)    Students must attend regularly throughout the school year, but specifically, cannot miss more than 4 classes during the months of March, April, and May.

2)    Students must attend Dress Rehearsal.  Additional rehearsals in the weeks immediately prior to the recital will also be scheduled.

3)    Students must purchase one costume per class, which they keep.  Costume costs range from $45-$55 each.  Costume payments are non-refundable and due at the time the costumes are ordered (December / January).

¨       Professional photos of students in costume are taken in the spring.  Professional DVDs of the recitals are also available.

¨       There are no additional recital admission or ticket fees.  The recital is free and open to the public. 

¨       To offset the costs of putting on the performances, the studio sells Recital T-shirts and Program advertising, holds an auction for front row seats, and accepts donations at the door.