CALENDAR

INCLEMENT WEATHER

September 2010      As we begin our 24th year this 2010-2011 dance season, we'd like to take this opportunity to say "Welcome" to all of our families, old and new alike.  We hope that everyone had a relaxing summer! During the month of September, we will be offering FREE drop-in classes for students who wish to try a different form of dance. This is a great opportunity to explore the many varieties of classes that we have to offer (tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip hop, modern and contemporary). Please ask your instructor or someone at our front desk to assist you in selecting an age/level appropriate class time to try.  Students may register for new classes until mid-October provided space is available. We'd like to welcome three new teachers to our studio this year.  Our teacher's photographs are on display on our Teachers Wall located in the rear hallway. Please take a moment to introduce yourself to these new instructor's and give them a warm welcome to our studio. Keep in mind that the first week of classes can be a little hectic and the lobby may seem very chaotic as we endeavor to get all of our students in their correct classes.  Rest assured that once everyone gets into their routines and parents become more comfortable with the procedures of the studio, things will be running on a smooth and even keel.  Fridays and Saturdays in particular are very congested due to the fact that so many of our younger students dance on these days.  When warm weather permits, we ask that parents and siblings wait outside the studio at the table and chairs provided until your child's class is over.  There is a small playroom with a TV for DVD's and VHS's and a few toys and books for children to occupy themselves when cooler weather sets in as they wait for their siblings to finish class. Food and drinks are not permitted in the playroom and an adult must supervise children at all times! Dirty diapers MUST be disposed of outside in the trash receptacles. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!      TV viewing cameras are always on in the studio lobby allowing parents to view the classroom activities.  Please remember that it takes time for students to master new steps and choreography.  If you are a parent who sits in the lobby weekly viewing the monitor, you may not see the same results as a parent who only views the classroom monitors monthly.  They will probably notice more progress in their child than you due to the fact that development of technique is incremental and results are not as obvious week to week.      We will do our best to keep you on track regarding tuition payments and any upcoming events by posting notices at the front desk, on the front door, on our website but PRIMARILY through emails. All students MUST have an email on file. If you are a parent who carpools or typically doesn't come into the dance studio, be sure to visit the studio website at www.thebackstagedancestudio.com for information and studio updates.  Our studio calendar, newsletters, policies, and dress codes are all available on our website.  It is the responsibility of the parents to be informed of all studio information. Just a few reminders:   We ask that you keep the noise level down in the lobby throughout the evening. Excessive noise interferes with the front desk conducting business on the telephone in a professional manner. All students need to be in proper dance attire and proper shoes by the 2nd week of classes. Many students have Face Book. The staff at BSDS is not permitted to accept your child as a guest on their personal sites and vise-versa.  This policy is in place to protect everyone.  If you think a member of our staff is in violation of this policy, please inform us at once. No food or drinks are allowed in the studio.  If you must eat, please eat outside at the table and chairs provided. To avoid late fees, sign up for our auto-pay tuition. There is NO charge for this service but you must officially sign up for it.  Paying with a credit card at registration does not automatically sign you up for this service.  Actual forms are available at the front desk. Please re-familiarize yourself with our studio policies. These policies are posted in the lobby and are the same ones you signed upon registering your child. We know there are many dance studios to choose from, and we are honored that you have chosen and trusted us to teach your child(ren) the art of dance.  If you have any questions throughout the year, please don't hesitate to call the studio as your questions and concerns are important to us! Once again, Welcome to Backstage Dance Studio. Diane Andrews and Mary Harper Directors