📏 Code of Conduct
For Dancers:
-Arrive early and prepared
-Be respectful, stay focused
-Phones off unless approved; If the phone is disruptive, instructors will hold onto them until the end of class.
-Wear correct attire
-Use breaks to rehearse, not socialize
Violations for dancers and/or parents may lead to probation or dismissal.
CODE OF CONDUCT
For all performers, parents, and guardians at the Baltimore Lab Project (BLP) expectations in respect of pupils participating in BLP’s Performing Arts program.
The aim of the Baltimore Lab Project (BLP) performers is to ensure that all students experience dance in a fun, friendly, positive and safe environment. In order to achieve this, please take note of the following guidelines. Any student unable or unwilling to profit from the education provided at the company may be asked to withdraw from the company after reasonable notice.
Performers must respect their fellow ensemble members. Performers must not distract, bully or harass other performers. Performers must be polite and display good manners at all times. Performers must refrain from cursing, using offensive racial or obscene speech, gestures or written materials.
Attendance Policy:
-As with any program, steady attendance is a requirement for success. Failure to meet such requirements can lead to dismissal from the program.
-Guardians are responsible for communicating absences to the dance studio office or directly (via email or phone).
-Any student that misses 3 consecutive weeks or more may be required to forfeit their class space or performance in any upcoming shows.
-Showcase participants in the spring(final recital of the year): More than 3 absences between March 1st through the June Showcase may result in removal from class or less stage time during performance.
For performers:
-Promptness is extremely important!
-Dancers need adequate time in order to be physically and mentally prepared for the demands of the dance class.
-It is recommended that students arrive early in order to get a drink of water, go to the restroom, get warmed up, and be dressed properly (in class uniform).
-Students who arrive more than 15 minutes late may be asked to observe class unless communicated ahead of time.
Uniform:
It is extremely important that performers arrive dressed 15 minutes prior to rehearsal to change and get ready for class or come already dressed. In order to be able to work correctly and safely in class, and to present a neat and elegant appearance performers need to wear their class uniforms.
Class uniform: Royal blue dance leotard, flesh toned tights, and proper footwear (jazz shoes, ballet shoes, dance socks, character shoes, tennis shoes, turners, barefoot or whatever shoes are needed for that class, if any).
Hair: All students (if hair length permits) hair in a neatly-tied bun. We ask that all students make a concrete effort to come to class wearing a bun or headband for shorter hair. If a bun is not possible due to hairstyle, we ask that hair be pulled up and or back and out of face.
Phones:
To limit distraction and to receive full use of our rehearsal time, performers are asked to turn their phones off or on silent during class time. We ask that parents and or guardians that are observing have their phones on silent or off as well. We understand that you want to keep track of your scholars, we commemorate that. We have an open door policy (for emergencies), and if you think anything is wrong or an emergency occurs, please feel free to come into the building or call the director's phone.
Performers, we ask that you use small breaks to go over your dances independently. You are to remain off your phones (unless you have permission from an instructor) and utilize your time wisely.
Drop off:
Parents and guardians are free to drop off performers up to 15 minutes before class time or more (just call to make sure we have already opened the doors). We ask that you come into the building and sign your performers in and out if they are 8 and under.
Personal Property:
We ARE NOT held responsible if items go missing. We ask that performers not bring anything of value such as ipads, laptops, game consults, and other laudable items. We always say, bring you and your dance essentials. You will not need anything else throughout the duration of your time. If anything else is needed, it will be provided.
Data Protection Policy:
BLP staff members are not at liberty to disclose any information relating to other performers. Performers' information is confidential and will not be released to anyone (with exception of parents and or guardians who are authorized on account).
Media:
One way we continue to build our ensemble and network is through social media and other media platforms. You are agreeing to allow us to post and share videos and images through our social media channels of your performer(s). We hold our performers' protection with the highest regards and assure the protection of your child through these channels to the best of our will.
Health and Safety:
• A record of anyone who has entered the building is kept at our reception.
• Dancers must sign in when arriving at the school and sign out
• It is essential that students are in the right place at the right time
• It is important that students always keep themselves warm between classes in order to protect against injury.
• Students should drink plenty of water, and ensure they keep their energy levels up by eating a healthy snack in between classes. No sodas or sugary juices should be consumed during or in between class time.
• Any student who hurts themselves in class or feels unwell should tell their teacher or member of staff immediately.
• Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises.
• No games are permitted in the parking lot as vehicles are constantly coming and going.
• Parents and guardians are asked to drive carefully when dropping off and collecting their children from classes.
Important Dance Etiquette:
At our studios our primary goal is for students to have fun while learning dance technique and strong work ethics while building character. We expect all dancers to show respect to themselves, each other, and all instructors. You will see our instructors enforcing the following rules:
• Be prepared for class. Proper dress code is required for all dance classes.
• Hair must be pulled up.
• Use the bathroom prior to class.
• Be on time.
• Do not have frequent class absences.
• No cell phones.
• No gum is allowed in class.
• Be respectful and kind to instructors, peers and staff.
• Do not talk during class unless you are asking a question.
• Practice safe behaviors for yourself and your classmates.
• Be willing to try new dance material. Put positive energy into your dance class.
• No leaning, lounging or hanging on the ballet barres. NO SITTING IN CLASS!
• Clap at the end of class and thank the instructor.
• If late, ask permission to join class (ask when appropriate)
• If injured, tell the instructor prior to class…work slowly & carefully or observe.
If ill, do not come to class! (communicate this prior)
• If you must leave early, notify the instructor prior to class.
• When leaving the studio, students must remove dance shoes and cover-up their dance clothes or change prior to leaving. Do not go outside during cooler weather without a warm-up. It is important to control the cooling process to avoid injury.
• We believe that good dance etiquette is of equal importance to good dance technique.
Studio rules for dancers:
• No running, yelling or rough playing at the dance studio.
• Help keep your studio clean and tidy. Please throw away all the trash.
• No gossip, obscene language or inappropriate conversations are tolerated during class or around the studio.
• No gum, food or drink of any kind (except water, energy drinks, and no spill healthy snacks) is allowed inside the studio rooms.
• The use of alcohol and/or drugs is strictly forbidden at the Baltimore Lab Project and will lead to probation and/or dismissal.
• No weapons of any kind!
• Inappropriate conversations or negative discussions are not allowed!
• It is the dancer's responsibility to manage their time so that dance, schoolwork, and other outside activities do not conflict.
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE:
• Performers that breach the code of conduct will first be reminded of the rules.
• Repeatedly breaching the code of conduct may result in separation from other students (performers will be made to sit out).
• Further breach of the code of conduct may result in the performers being suspended or expelled from the program.
By accepting this policy, you are acknowledging that you have received a copy of the BLP Performance Ensemble code of conduct for performers and parents/guardians and will inform your students accordingly. Therefore, understand that performers and parents/guardians will be held accountable for their behavior to the disciplinary outlined in the code.
(keep the code of conduct for your records)