STUDENT HANDBOOK
(please click here for a printable version of the information on this page)
Royal Academy of Fine Arts’
CentrePointe
17170 Mill Forest Road
Webster, TX 77598
281.480.1466
and
Spotlight Dance Studios
Silverlake - Pearland
8633 Broadway; Suite 101
Pearland, Texas 77584
281.485.7151
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2008-2009
The Royal Academy of Fine Arts is designed to present a professional and artistic approach to each subject offered. Perfect physical execution as well as the theory of each discipline is presented to the student. Through a serious and professional approach, it is our desire that each student becomes dedicated to his or her particular endeavor. As a parent, you can aid your child and the Academy by encouraging consistent attendance and a strong commitment to their training. We welcome you to the Academy and we anticipate a stimulating and rewarding experience with you.
Certain rules and policies have been developed at the Academy over the years that contribute to a successful dance and theatre program. Such policies relating to attendance, awards, dress, and discipline are listed in this handbook. These policies will be strictly enforced and we request your cooperation.
Your tuition is listed with your class schedule and is payable on the first lesson of each month. It is based on each month having four weeks although some months may have more or less. Tuition is not pro-rated for classes missed, but make-up classes are available and should be scheduled through the Academy Office. Students are considered enrolled, and thus responsible for their tuition until the Academy office is officially notified in writing of their withdrawal. Written notification must be received prior to the 1st of the month a student wishes to withdraw. Tuition checks may be placed in the “tuition box” should the office be closed. Tuition payments received after the 10th of each month will be assessed a $15 late charge. There is a $25 charge for all returned checks. An Automatic Payment Plan is available with a 5% discount for Monthly Tuition from August 2008 through May 2009. This arrangement is ONLY available with the August through May enrollment commitment and checking account drafts. We also accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. A monthly automatic charge is available for credit cards.
Consistent attendance is absolutely necessary to ensure the students’ learning opportunities. To encourage perfect attendance, an award is presented to each student who attends and participates in every class during the period of August 18, 2008 to May 23, 2009. Observing class does not count toward perfect attendance and students must participate in the entire class. If a student is more than 15 minutes late to their class, they will be marked “late” which is the equivalent of an absence in regards to this award. Make-up classes also do not count towards perfect attendance.
In June of each year, the Academy produces either an Informal Demonstration or a Formal Production. This year, 2008, will be the year for the Informal Demonstration. Specific details concerning program fees will be available in October. Parents should note that students are encouraged, but not required, to participate in these programs that require an extra expense. Students are asked to make a commitment regarding their participation by December 1, 2008.
A specific dress code for the various Academy classes is necessary for each student so that consistency is maintained within the classroom. We believe the student derives greater benefits from his or her studies in this manner. Please see that your child attends class in the prescribed attire listed below. Students will only be allowed to participate in their class if the prescribed dress code is followed. Leotards, tights, and shoes can be purchased at various dancewear shops and department stores in the area.
Ballet shoes should fit very snugly and tightly over the heel as they stretch considerably with use. All students should also have an elastic strap over the instep. Tap shoes should be black and EDPREPS students must have the low flat heel. EdPrepS should have elastic (no button attachment) on their tap shoes instead of ribbon. Open Division tap students should have the “jazz” tap shoe.
OVERTURES students must wear a solid black leotard (any style) with solid pink tights. Pink ballet shoes & black flat tap shoes are required. Elastic must be sewn on both ballet/ tap shoes, no button attachment.
EDPREPS students must wear a solid pink leotard (any style) with solid pink tights. Pink ballet shoes and black flat tap shoes are also required. Elastic must be sewn on both ballet and tap shoes, no button attachment.
BOYS – OVERTURES & EDPREPS- white ballet shoes, black tights & white t-shirt.
APPRENTICE DIVISION BALLET (formerly Open Division) – A solid navy blue leotard (any style), pink tights, & pink ballet shoes are required.
APPRENTICE DIVISION (formerly Open Division) TAP & JAZZ – A leotard or unitard, tights (any style or color), jazz , tap shoes are required.
ADULT CLASSES – Any style or color leotard and tights are acceptable along with the appropriate shoes.
GRADED DIVISION – The leotard color assigned (any style), pink tights, pink ballet and pointe shoes are required. For character class, character shoes and skirt are also required. The same attire worn in ballet class should be worn for pas de deux class. All Gentlemen should wear black tights, white T-shirt, and white socks, along with the appropriate shoes.
MUSICAL THEATRE & HIP HOP—Dance or athletic wear is required. Girls need to wear their hair in a ponytail. Black jazz tennis shoes (or black ballet shoes) are required for Hip Hop. Any dance shoe is acceptable for musical theatre.
At all times, the student’s hair should be pulled back from the face so as not to interfere with vision or movement. Ballet students must wear their hair in a bun or similar fashion. Jewelry should not be worn during class. Gum chewing, eating, nor drinking is allowed in the dancing areas at any time. Smoking, food, and drinks are not allowed inside the studios or the lobby. A student lounge is available for food and drink.
The Academy has a voice mail system in operation 24 hours daily. If you need assistance and no one is in the office, please leave your name and number, and your call will be returned as soon as possible. Information and questions can be addressed to info@rafadance.com as well.
In the event of unusual weather such as flash flooding, snow, or hurricane, the voice mail will have an outgoing message giving the status of classes and rehearsals, you will also receive an email. In most cases, for extreme weather, we follow suit with Clear Creek ISD.
All items (clothing, shoes, dance bags, etc.) should be labeled to assist in returning lost articles to the proper owner.
On Pointe is an Academy Email Newsletter distributed weekly to the RAFA student body. These newsletters contain vital information and it is important that all students and parents read each On Pointe carefully. Items of interest about individual students may be submitted for publication to info@rafadance.com. If you are not receiving your On Pointe for some reason, please be sure to check with the office that we have your correct email address and that you have added info@rafadance.com to your address book so the email will get through your spam folder.
BAY AREA HOUSTON BALLET AND THEATRE
The Royal Academy of Fine Arts is the residence of Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre, a non-profit performing arts company which was created for the pre-professional and aspiring professional dancer. The vision of the BAHB&T is to exemplify the very highest international classical dance standards while incorporating an innovative and diversified integration of dance styles and performing arts disciplines. The Company is also an honor company member of the Regional Dance America Southwest.
In addition to the annual production of The Nutcracker, BAHBT will present Dance Combustion! as well as Firebrid & Carmen . Further information regarding season tickets for Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre or how to become a contributing patron can be obtained upon request or by visiting www.bahbt.org or calling 281-480-1617. We invite all Academy parents to the Season Kick-Off on Thursday September 11th at Bay Oaks Country Club.
THE HELEN MASON SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Each year, the Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre presents deserving dance students with scholarships to study in New York City with well-known masters of dance. The Helen Mason Scholarship Program now provides scholarships on different levels to all 8 dancers winning spots on the annual trip. The scholarship recipient is determined by an outside panel of dance professionals not affiliated with the Royal Academy of Fine Arts or BAHBT.
The Preludes are a touring performing arts group that appears at local festivals and events. The group was created to nurture and cultivate young performers for BAHBT and the repertoire includes ballet, tap, jazz and musical theatre. Annual auditions are held in June of each year at Royal Academy of Fine Arts-CentrePointe.
The Helen Mason Scholarship Committee and the Board of Directors for BAHBT sponsor various fund-raising activities throughout the year. Your support and participation is encouraged and appreciated. Membership in the BAHBT Patrons and Junior Patrons is open to all interested parties. Further information may be obtained by calling (281) 480-1617 or visiting www.bahbt.org. The 2006-2007 season marked the launch of the Jete' Society, a BAHBT alumnae association.
|
