Placement
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.

Studio Policies

Tuition Refund Policy

Any approved refunds will have a $5.00 service fee deducted.
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, 2012.

No refunds shall be made for withdrawals not made in a timely manner, 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.

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
If tuition is not paid by the 8th of the month, you will be charged a $10.00 late fee and a bill will be mailed. If tuition is not paid by the 15th of the month, Kinetics has the right to withdraw the student from his/her class. If the student is withdrawn from class, a $10.00 registration fee must be paid in order to re-register the student.

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 checks and credit cards. Checks may be dropped off in our tuition box, located in the downstairs office, or mailed to us at 3280 Pine Orchard Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21042.

Drop-In Policy
The single class drop-in fee is $15.00 per class. New students make take an initial free trial class. If possible, please phone ahead so we know to expect you. Drop-ins are only allowed for Kinetics classes, not those sponsored by Howard County Recreation and Parks.

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 attendance.

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.

Kinetics Community and Events

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 the weeks of November 14 and April 23, students are invited to bring a friend or two 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.

Parents’ Night Out
Stay tuned for a new dance event for your little ones, and a little time for yourself! We’ll provide sitters, pizza, dance and entertainment at the studio, while you enjoy a quiet dinner out! (Keep an eye out for some “Santa Time” around the holidays, too!)

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: $180 for non-Kinetics families; $160 for Kinetics families. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a date. Contact the studio for more information (410) 480-1686.

Inclement Weather Policy
Inclement Weather Policy for Howard County Recreation & Parks Classes (410) 480-1686. 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.

Kinetics Dance Theatre Inclement Weather Policy (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.

Dress Code
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 TP43359.

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

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