Clarkesville School of Dance Handbook 2024-2025
Welcome to Clarkesville School of Dance it is our mission to enrich the lives of children
and adults through dance. to provide quality instruction, inspiring excellence, while
enhancing self-confidence, physical fitness, and setting goals. Helping our dancers to
achieve those goals and a life-long passion for the arts.
We are pleased that you have chosen the Clarkesville School of Dance (CSOD) for your
dance education.
All students are enrolled in classes that are suitable for their individual ability. Each dancer
is evaluated and placed by the teachers and director where we feel they will most benefit
for their dance abilities. Students are evaluated throughout the season and may be asked
to move within the season to better suit their needs. Please take a moment to look through
this handbook to familiarize yourself with the studio policies and procedures.
Class Etiquette:
Proper dance requires discipline. It is the discipline that is gained through dance training
that makes dance such a positive and valuable activity. Please be on time for class and
wear the proper attire. See Dress Code Information for more details.
ABSOLUTELY no chewing gum or eating will be permitted in class. Gum is not allowed
anywhere in the dance studio.
Disruptive behavior is not tolerated. Any disruptive behavior, use of profanity, or ridiculing
of other students will result in immediate removal from class.
The monthly tuition rate will remain the same throughout the year regardless of the number
of weeks in any given month. (For example: SOME MONTHS HAVE 3 WEEKS OF CLASSES
DUE TO HOLIDAY CLOSINGS, WHEREAS OTHER MONTHS HAVE 5 DUE TO THE YEARLY
CALENDAR.)
*Please note that CSOD will run with Habersham County School system as far as closings
for inclement weather. But we will not always close for teacher work days.
Please sign up for Studio Text service and friend us on FB for up-to-date information.
Class Withdrawal:
A written notice is required before a student may withdraw from a class. A 30-day
Withdrawal. (For example: if you are planning to withdraw on January 1st, then notice must
be provided to the oAice in writing no later than on December 1st) The Clarkesville School
of Dance retains the right to keep the students' enrollment status "active" and charge
accordingly if a class withdrawal occurs prior to the notice being given. No discounts are
given for classes missed. Classes may be made up in the lower level classes if the same
level classes are not available at a convenient time for the student, we urge all students to
make up classes missed whenever possible.
Yearly Dance Performance Opportunity: Recital
Our recital will be in May or first week of June more details on that to come. Please be
aware of clearly posted information in the studio lobby and front door as the date
approaches. We do not rely on emails due to computer problems. All performers will be
given written information regarding makeup, performance attire, and expectations for our
wonderful show extravaganza.
MANDATORY: Due to the many aspects of putting on a show of this size, we are asking that
you leave the day of your show open so that you won't miss this important onstage
rehearsal. We do try to minimize all rehearsal time for dancers by not doing this rehearsal in
show order. Your patience is appreciated for this day! This rehearsal is crucial to the
success of our show. Remember, your dancer is part of the success.
All costumes must be paid in full before November 30th, 2024 costume are $98.00 per
costume and new tights will be provided for your dancer with their costumes. We order
costumes the first 2 weeks of December and if you have not paid for your costumes they
will not be ordered.
For our students who have multiple costumes, you may divide your costume payments
throughout the year. Please check with the oAice to set up this payment plan.
NOTE: The oAice must be notified no later than November 30th, 2024 if the dancer is not
participating in the Show. After this date all costume & recital fees are non-refundable.
Registration and recital fees due at registration is used to cover the expenses for theater
rental, lighting, music, backstage technical crew, as well as props & sets (when
applicable).
Tickets are sold to help oA-set the recital costs.
Additional tickets may be purchased for family & friends and will be on sale TBA
Clarkesville School of Dance Dress Code for Classes:
Baby Ballet: (Pre-Ballet) required leotard (light Blue, Pink or Lavender- We choose the color
each year), pink tights, pink ballet shoes
Ballet: (ALL) 5 years and up - black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes
Tap: black leotard, tan tights, and tan tap shoes
Jazz: black leotard, tan or black tights -Dancers ages 5-12 wear tan jazz shoes. Company
dancers may dance barefoot or wear tan jazz shoes
Boys wear black jazz shoes.
Musical Theatre Dance Classes-girls should wear leggings and a leotard or fitted T-shirt
and tennis shoes or bare feet. Boys clothes that he can move in- gym shorts, sweat pants
and a T-shirt. NO SLIDES or CROCS for girls or boys.
Company or advanced Students may wear any solid-colored dance leotard with proper
tight colors and shoes for appropriate classes.
Other dance attire notes:
***Hair must be pulled away from the face in all classes. If hair is too short to put in a
bun a headband or barrettes may be worn.
Ballet: Please use hair nets and hairpins when putting hair in bun, younger dancers may
wear bun covers.
Tap/Jazz: no shorts, jeans, loose pants, sloppy t-shirts allowed.
Boys attire: solid colored T-shirt (no writing) with black jazz pants, older boys should wear
a dance belt (Ballet) Black or white ballet shoes (Tap) Black slip-on tap shoes
Special note to parents: All students participating in the end of season recital will be
required to wear specific dance shoes as listed above. Usually, the shoes worn are the
same as those listed in the dress code: however, there are situations where the costume
requires a shoe that is diAerent from the dress code.
Parent's Responsibility:
It is the responsibility of the parent or adult student to be aware of all studio activities. such
as \Watch Days, recitals, extra classes and dates the school is open or closed. There is a
MARK Your Calendar 2024-25 Important Dates file in your parent portal It is the
responsibility of the parents or adult students to inform the school of any address,
telephone or email address changes.
Care of Students:
The studio is not responsible for providing before or after class care for students. Students
are not to be left at the school for excessive time before or after class time.
Photo Release: The studio is hereby granted permission to take photographs of the
students to use in brochures, website. posters, advertisements, and other promotional
materials the school creates. Permission is also granted for the school to copyright such
photographs in its name.
First Aid/Safety: Students and teachers have access to first aid supplies when necessary
for no minor injuries. Pointe students should supply their own band-aids and tape. We
often have extra hair supplies if you need on a 1 time situation, however not on a continuing
basis. We ask that parents help fill our hair supply equipment. The oAice is not responsible
for providing these materials necessary for all students.
Pricing Information:
Please note: We DO NOT PRO-RATE classes. Payments can be made by cash, checks
(payable to CSOD or Clarkesville School of Dance) or credit/debit card. You may set up on
autopay through your parent portal and those charges will be done on the 5th of each
month.
Recital Costume Fees: $98.00 per costume- per class. Costumes must be paid in full prior
to November 30th, 2024.
There is a $35.00 annual registration fee due each year.
Thank you for choosing Clarkesville School of Dance we look forward to serving you.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to inquire.
Thank you,
Francie Keene
Artistic Director/ Owner
