1. Introduction
It’s our absolute pleasure to warmly welcome you into our family at Diamond Dance Academy. Our team is thrilled to see many familiar faces return to the studio and even more excited to see some new faces join our community. We have created this one-stop handbook to hopefully shed some light on how things will run throughout the year as well as answer a lot of queries you may have before the year begins. While we would love you to take the time to read this information carefully and keep your handbook in a safe place to refer to as you need. Don’t forget that our friendly office staff are always here to help and will happily answer any queries you may have. Nothing is too big or too small, we promise! ☺
QUICK REFERENCE STUDIO INFORMATION
Address: 275 Larkfield Rd.
Phone Number: 631-368-0299
Mobile / Cell Number: 631-597-8940
Email: diamonddanceacademyli@gmail.com
Website:www.diamonddanceli.com
2. Studio Information
To start us off, it’s important to us at Diamond Dance Academy that all members of our team share our vision, our purpose and the philosophy that encompasses everything we do both in and outside of our classes. This is a vision that is shared and demonstrated by the directors, teachers and staff members at our studio and it is the driving force behind every interaction with our students and their families.
Diamond Dance Academy is a place where all ages, shapes and sizes learn to dance, sing and perform. This is a studio where creativity, individuality and self-expression is encouraged and has a community of teachers, students and families who are passionate about performing arts. Our goal is to create a positive and happy experience for all of our students. We strive to nurture and develop talent, celebrate the achievements of all students and inspire a love and appreciation of all styles of dance and the arts. We are committed to providing a safe and positive environment in which all students can feel empowered, comfortable and free to express themselves.
We are committed to teaching a strong foundation in dance while also building character through dance.
We are passionate about watching our dancers transform into great dancers and confident individuals.
We promise to be a warm and comfortable atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and a part of the dance family.
We focus on keeping our students organized and to make dance enjoyable for parents and dancers.
3. Registration
Before lacing up those jazz shoes, it’s important that all students and/or parents – whether returning or new - fill out and sign your registration paperwork so we can ensure we have the most up-to-date contact details for you. This information includes your registration form, media release form (so we can show off photos and videos of our amazing dancers in and around the studios), and public liability /agreement.
Our annual downpayment is $299 per student/ $399 per family and must be paid in full prior to the commencement of classes. Make sure you get your payment done via ACH, Credit Card, or Check, as failure to pay your down payment in time may result in losing your place in the class. There are no refunds on down payments.
We encourage all of our students and families to try a variety of dance styles and we are more than happy to accommodate trial classes for existing students who are wanting to try something a bit different. Please contact reception if you would like to try a new class and we will happily schedule a quick meeting and fit you in for a trial (provided the class has not reached capacity).
** REMINDER ** Don’t forget - if you refer a friend or family member to enroll, you’ll both receive $50 credit toward your account to be used for tuition, dancewear or costume. The credit is applied after 3 months of dance has been completed.
4. Communication
By now you have probably noticed that we are BIG on communication here at Diamond Dance Academy. It is our promise to respond to all inquiries within 24-48-hours and we will never leave a query unanswered. Our friendly office staff can be contacted on 631-368-0299 between 9:30am-8:30pm, or on mobile/cell number 631-597-8940 between 9:30am-9:30pm
For convenience, our primary means of communication is via text or email. You will receive regular newsletters and important information via email, studio app or band so please ensure you have provided the studio with an up-to-date email address that is regularly checked. We are of course happy to include multiple email addresses per family if you would like your correspondence sent to numerous recipients. Don’t forget to add our email address diamonddanceacademyli@gmail.com to your contacts so we don’t end up in the dreaded Spam folder!
We are also proud to provide you information round-the-clock via our very own Dance Studio app. You can download Diamond Dance Academy Performing Art Center at https://mobileinventor.com/applib/getAppLink.php?dl=1&appname=Diamond_Performing_Company
Just follow the prompts to install our app on your mobile device and you’ll receive alerts as they happen.
In the infrequent case of urgent information (for example, unexpected class cancellations or performance changes), we will send an SMS and/or telephone to all families. So, for this reason, please make sure the mobile phone number you have provided to the studio is correct and up-to-date.
Facebook is a great way for us to keep in touch with a large number of people at once, so we encourage all families to join our closed Diamond dance LI Facebook group. This group can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/share/Zied13iM3Tja1ySd/?mibextid=LQQJ4d and will be monitored to ensure all content is appropriate and relevant.
We always display important information, dates and studio details on our notice board in reception so please have a quick look when dropping off and picking up in case there is anything you may have missed. We are always happy to chat in more detail about 631-368-0299 to chat with one of our helpful team members.
5. Important Dates
We understand wholeheartedly how busy the lives and schedules of our dance families can get as the year rolls on, so we have tried to get all of our important dates organized and ready for you so you can plan other commitments. Below we have listed some of our most important “Save the Dates” with more information (including times, costumes, requirements, etc.) to be communicated via email: diamonddanceacademyli@gmail.com or text/call: 631-597-8940 as we get closer to the events. If you know ahead of time that your family will be unable to attend these events due to planned holidays or existing commitments, please let reception know at your earliest convenience.
Date
Event
Description
Who it involves
May
Kick-off to registration
Get class evaluations & Register for classes
Everyone
Late September
Costume measurements & payments
All dancers are measured for Holiday & Spring costumes
Everyone
November
Payments Due
All costume payments due today
Cash or check
First Week of December
Nutcracker
Holiday Nutcracker Performance
Testing and level evaluations
Everyone
January
Costume Fitting
Bring your child to the studio to try on for their costumes
All students performing in showcase
February
Student Evaluation and testing begins
Dancers will be evaluated for level
March
Annual Rise up Gala dinner
Levels assigned
Evaluations go out to each dancer
Testing level evaluations
Awards dinner
April
V.I.P Pre Registration
Register and Save and get VIP perks
In studio registration
May
Picture Day
During normal class time dancers will take group and individual class pictures
June
Showcase
End of season performance
All students
Closings:
9/24 Yom Kippur
10/13 Columbus Day
10/31 Halloween
11/11 Veterans Day
11/24-11/30 Thanksgiving Break
12/6 Nutcracker ( No classes)
12/22-1/4 Holiday Break
1/19 MLK Day
1/29 Lunar New Year
2/16-2/22 Winter Break
4/2-4/12 Passover/ Easter Break
5/23-5/25 Memorial Day recess
6/19 Juneteenth
June 22-July 5th Summer Break
Summer Classes begin July 6th- August 23rd
August 24th-September 7th Labor Day
6. Code of Conduct
To ensure the smooth, safe running of Diamond Dance Academy and an enjoyable experience by all, below you will find our code of conduct. As always we are open to feedback, so if any of the requirements outlined below are unclear or concerning, please give us a call to discuss further. Following a formal meeting, we do reserve the right to dismiss or take disciplinary action on any students or parents who breach our studio’s code of conduct.
Families who do not comply with their fees or costume payment obligations may be charged a late fee, and/or excluded from performances. External debt collection may occur when fees remain overdue and this will be at the expense of the client. Costume expenses are the responsibility of the parent, and costumes will not be issued to students with unpaid class fees.
No classes (including private lessons) or teachers are to be disturbed unless it is an emergency. Parents are not to approach teachers or students during class and if messages or food/drink/medication needs to be passed on to a student, it must be done through a Diamond Dance Academy staff member. All parents must wait in the waiting areas or outside of the studios until classes have been dismissed.
We are unable to take responsibility for our students before or after their scheduled classes and it is the responsibility of the parent to ensure their child is picked up and dropped off on time. In the case of an emergency or unavoidable delay, please contact the studio immediately to inform us of the situation so we can keep your child calm and safe until they can be collected.
Any questions or complaints must go through reception – parents and students are not permitted to contact Diamond Dance Academy teachers via phone, in person, or via email / social media with studio issues unless it has been broached with the principal first. Personal meetings with the studio principal can happily be arranged via reception.
In the rare case of a parent or student showing disrespect or defamation to any parent, staff member or student, a meeting will be called immediately and dismissal may be considered at the discretion of the principal.
Physical, mental, emotional or cyber bullying by parents, staff or students will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from the studio.
Diamond Dance Academy takes no responsibility for any stolen or misplaced property on the studio premises and we encourage our families to avoid bringing valuable items into the studio where possible.
Diamond Dance Academy management reserves the right to change teachers or scheduling when necessary at any time throughout the year.
Choreography, costuming and studio policies remain the intellectual property of Diamond Dance Academy and may not be reproduced or sold by any students, parents or staff without permission of the principal/s.
7. Age groups
Preschool Classes
Babies Ballet/Tap is an introduction to classical ballet using creative, imaginative role-playing and fun props. This class may involve pretending to be animals, playing instruments to learn rhythm, learning balancing, skipping to develop their hand-eye coordination. This class is suitable for both boys and girls who are having so much fun that they don't even realize that they are learning the fundamentals of ballet technique along the way.
Mommy and Me is a great class for our 18 mo.- 3 year olds. We use music they know and love while learning beginner dance moves with a ballet or jazz basis with mom/parent. We learn all about warming up, stretching, nursery rhymes, role playing and obstacle courses to foster a love for dance and enhance gross motor skills.
Primary / Middle School Classes
Ballet: In this class, our dancers build on their ballet technique using creative roleplay, costumes, props and will thrive from positive reinforcement. There are opportunities for students in this class to participate in ballet exams which will encourage them to progress through the program/syllabus and work hard to move up into the next graded level.
Jazz: Jazz students are building on the basics of jazz technique to popular and age appropriate music. Some examples of the techniques our jazz students will learn include turns, kicks, leaps and body isolations.
Tap: In this class students would be learning the basics of tap technique as well as building on their sense of rhythm and their confidence when it comes to performances. Our tappers love dancing to popular, age-appropriate music and getting LOUD!
Acrobatics: We’ve known for a long time that kids love nothing more than attempting and perfecting new “tricks.” Remember learning a cartwheel? We sure do, and it’s that sense of pride and exhilaration that we love to pass on to all students. Our Acro class is taught by our fully qualified gymnastic teachers and the class levels for this discipline are skill-based. The levels are beginner, intermediate and advanced and once our students have mastered the skills in their level they move up to the next allowing them to develop their skills at their own pace.
Tap: Tap dance is a lively and rhythmic style of dance where dancers use special shoes with metal plates to create sounds and beats with their feet. This class helps dancers develop musicality, timing, and coordination while learning fun combinations and intricate footwork. Tap dance is a great way to build precision and rhythm, all while expressing creativity through movement and sound!
Silks: Silks, also known as aerial silks, is a unique and exciting dance class where dancers perform graceful movements while climbing and wrapping themselves in long pieces of fabric suspended from the ceiling. This class builds strength, flexibility, and coordination while encouraging creativity and confidence. Dancers will learn how to safely climb, pose, and execute beautiful sequences in the air, combining artistry with athleticism for a truly breathtaking experience!
8. Safety
With the safety of our families a number one priority. Diamond Dance Academy is very serious about upholding Child Protection laws and policies within the studio as well as at public performances and in the online arena (website and social media).
As part of your registration, you will have read and signed a media waiver allowing us to proudly use images and video footage of your student for advertising and promotional purposes. Should you have any concerns whatsoever with signing this declaration, please see our reception staff who will happily assist you.
We have a number of CCTV cameras parent viewing sessions within the studio rehearsal space which can be checked by parents and family members from the comfort of our waiting area. All of our teachers and staff members have undergone official background checks allowing them to work with children.
The directors and staff at Diamond Dance Academy are educated in the negative impact of inappropriate music and costume selection when it comes to performing dance routines and are wholeheartedly committed to ensuring children in all of our dance routines are not subjected to any inappropriate songs or costuming. We recognise that songs with sexist, explicit, violent, racist, homophobic or criminal content may influence our dancers and/or audience and will strive to avoid using such music. We are committed to restricting costumes that project sexuality, contain explicit graphic or textual content.
Our staff members have all been trained in first aid. We enforce a nut-free policy at the studio to ensure the safety of any students or parents with allergies to nuts or nut products and encourage gluten and dairy free foods when involved in fundraisers or studio events.
Diamond Dance Academy takes no responsibility for any stolen or misplaced property on the studio premises and we encourage our families to avoid bringing valuable items into the studio where possible.
You will find within our enrollment paperwork a public liability / insurance statement. Please read this document carefully and sign it prior to the commencement of classes so you fully understand the rights and responsibilities of your family and our studio.
9. Privacy
When you purchase or hire a product or service with Diamond Dance Academy, the information we may collect from you includes your name, address, telephone numbers, email addresses, medical information and perhaps credit card or bank details. It may also include details of the products and services we provide to you as well as the status of your enrollment. We only collect information directly from our students or their parents/guardians primarily for the purpose of providing services and products to you and to administer and manage invoicing and debt collection.
We may occasionally use your information to promote and market to you information which we consider may be of interest to you unless you contact us and tell us not to do so.
We will never sell or pass on any of your information to third parties unless required by government authorities or in the event of debt recovery. Any information passed on will be done so with appropriate privacy and confidentiality protection.
Information is stored securely in paper or electronic form and is accessible only by authorized personnel.
If you would like to know what information we hold about you or wish to update the information, or if you wish to be removed from all further direct marketing communications, please contact our office on telephone 631-597-8940
10. Evaluations
As a studio who values the growth and commitment of our dancers from all ages, it’s our pleasure to offer evaluations to students in all styles offered as a part of our Diamond Method program. This year, our evaluations will be held in December/ March with the exact date to be confirmed at a later date via email of our newsletter. Once completed an email will be sent with your child's results of level and evaluations will be sent home.
12. Studio Attire
At Diamond Dance Academy we believe that wearing studio attire to give students a sense of belonging to our family as well as creating an identity for our studio in the greater community.
Our attire also:
• Encourages discipline
• Help students resist peer pressure to buy stylish clothes for class
• Help identify non-students in the studio
• Diminish economic and social barriers between students
• Increase a sense of belonging and school pride
• Improve attendance
Leotards and shirts can be purchased year-round from the studio or from our website https://www.corpsdancewear.com use studio code: KD_DDA. Please note: sizes for these leotards varies greatly from normal size charts. We highly recommend that you stop in to try on the samples we have at the front desk.
You can all purchase items for our merch boutique https://diamondmerchstore.com/
Please ensure all parts of your child’s attire are clearly labeled - individual shoes, socks, underpants...you’ll be amazed at the amount of lost property we generate!
Dance attire is as follows:
Ballet- Ballet students must have (choose) full sole / split sole pink which can be purchased from us.
You will also need tan tights and a level leotard.
Jazz and Tap- Students require tan jazz and/or black tap. For their attire, students may wear any combination of level color leotard, shirts, crop tops, shorts or pants.
Hip Hop- Students require black sneakers along with any combination of level color shirts, crop tops, shorts or pants.
Lyrical/Modern/contemporary- Students can wear ½ sole for this class level leotard and black leggings or shorts
Acrobatics/ Gymnastics/Silks- Students do not need footwear for this class. They must wear leotards with leggings with their hair tied back so that they cannot get it caught or tangled in any way when they are doing their tricks.
13. Fee Structure
We offer the following options for fee payment:
10% off all fees paid by cash or check for full annual tuition payments
Or payments must be made monthly by automatic withdrawal on the 1st of the month checking account ACH/ Master or Visa + 3.6% fee
Overdue fees will accrue a late fee of 10% per week that it is past due and if fees remain unpaid in week 4 of classes students will not be permitted to participate in their lessons.
Refunds will not be issued for missed classes due to cancellation or holiday – where possible, we will endeavor to arrange make-up lessons for classes canceled.
If you wish to withdraw from classes at Diamond Dance Academy, it is a requirement that you notify the studio via email and complete a google form.
14. Attendance
Your child’s attendance in class is very important to their peers and our teaching staff. As a member of the team, it is a commitment for you to ensure your child attends their classes on time each week and attends all lessons planned for them. Not only do absences impact the concert routines we create, it also impacts the social and confidence-building principals we work hard to foster in each age group.
If you know ahead of time that your child will be absent due to holidays/vacations, commitments or school trips, please let us know ahead of time so the class impact is minimal. If your child is too unwell to attend class, we ask that you inform our admin team as soon as you can so they can let the teachers know and preparations can be made to catch up on any missed work.
Make up classes will be offered if available. No credits or refunds will be given for missed classes.
15. Social Media
Diamond Dance Academy’s Social Media Policy refers to all social networking sites, video/photo sharing sites, blogs, micro-blogs, wikis, podcasts, forums, instant messaging and geo-spatial tagging (for example, Facebook check-ins). Please see below for our regulations regarding Social Media and feel free to contact our office staff if you have any questions.
- Please remember that your anonymity on Social Media is never guaranteed and to exercise particular caution when posts, images or videos identify children in your care.
- Remain mindful that your behavior on Social Media remains in keeping with Diamond Dance Academy’s code of conduct as outlined in chapter 6 of this handbook.
- Any comments or posts perceived to be obscene, defamatory, threatening, harassing, discriminatory or hateful towards Diamond Dance Academy staff, students or families may subject the owner to disciplinary or legal action.
- Should you wish to engage on Social Media while identifying as a studio volunteer or employee, you may only do so with integrity, respect, and adhere to privacy and confidentiality policy.
- Any content revealing or referring to sensitive studio information is not allowed to be shared online.
- Intellectual property laws (for example, costume design and choreography) must be observed by all studio patrons when posting online.
- While affiliated with our studio, (for example, images of your child in Diamond Dance Academy attire we will not tolerate any posts that are racially, sexually, physically or religiously offensive.
- All matters pertaining directly to the studio - whether it be fees, scheduling, placements or performance opportunities - may not be communicated via Social Media. We have an open door policy and encourage all communication, complaints and feedback to be communicated to the principal directly.
- We discourage parents/students and teachers from becoming ‘friends’ or ‘followers’ on Social Media, unless there is an existing relationship. We consider all studio members to be family and as such feel the obligation to respect and monitor personal boundaries.
- Families found to be engaging in ‘hidden’ or ‘private’ groups formed for the specific purpose of discussing studio matters will be encouraged to join our closed Facebook group for public discussion and warned against discussing Studio matters in their private online groups.
- Photos or Videos taken from performances or rehearsals may NOT be posted online.
- You may not post photographs / videos that feature Diamond Dance Academy dancers other than your own online without the proven consent of their parent/guardian.
- Identifying information of any featured minors - including names, ages or location - must be removed when posting on Social Media.
16. Our Teachers / Faculty
Finally, it’s our pleasure to introduce our hand-picked faculty! Our enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated teachers are thrilled to be a part of your family’s dance journey this year. We are truly looking forward to growing together to mold this generation of skilled, confident, genuine and unique performers.
Thank you so much for being a part of the Diamond Dance Academy family! We are thrilled to embark on this journey with your child, helping them grow, develop confidence, and flourish under the guidance of our dedicated instructors and staff. We look forward to creating lifelong memories together and becoming a cherished part of your family’s story.
Health Information and Medical Release/Waiver Form
I, _________________, the parent/guardian of _________________________, acknowledge that participation in dance is potentially dangerous and there is an inherent risk of injury involved.
In allowing my child to participate in Diamond Dance Academy activities, I hereby assume all the risks associated with the performing arts. I understand the importance of myself and my child following the instructions and rules set by their instructor/s, and I agree to release Diamond Dance Academy and its employees of any and all liability which may arise as a result of my child’s participation in activities at Diamond Dance Academy
• I grant DDA irrevocable permission to use my child’s image and visual likeness in all forms and media for advertising, trade, and any other lawful purpose. I agree that all right, title and interest in and to all such images and any reproductions or derivative works shall be the exclusive property of DDA. I agree that DDA does not owe me any compensation for the acts that I have consented to in this Section.
• I hereby release DDA from all liability or legal responsibility that may arise from the acts that I have authorized or consented to herein. I have carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of this Section.
Payments:
There are no refunds or prorated tuition. All balances must be paid in full on the 1st of the month. All late payments must include a $35 late fee. All returned payments require a $35 return fee.
All Credit card payments require a 3.5% fee that will be automatically added to your monthly tuition.
For our all inclusive 12 month pricing
The first month and last month (August) will be due upon registering. Early withdrawal will result in the balance due on the difference of items received. No refunds on tuition, costumes, t-shirts, photos, videos, program ads, VIP seating or grams. Dancers may make up classes if available.
For the monthly 12 month pricing
The annual fee, a down payment of $299 per dancer and $399 per family will be due upon registering for a new season and will be drafted from the account on file. Monthly installments will be drafted from your account on the 1st of the month. All returned payments will require a $35 re-processing fee
All costume fees, nutcracker rentals media fees, t-shirt fee are required for every dancer and will be automatically drafted from your account
At Diamond Dance Academy, our commitment to excellence has led us to numerous national championships, and this success is rooted in our proven methodology—the DDA theory for transforming a dancer into a technical dancer. To ensure that your dancer builds and maintains the technical accuracy and strong foundation necessary for success, it is imperative that they train for 12 months of the year. Consistent, year-round training allows us to methodically develop their skills, address challenges as they arise, and prepare them for the demands of higher-level performances. In addition, each dancer will be tested twice a year to assess their progress. This structured approach not only helps us track their development but also motivates them to strive for continuous improvement. By committing to 12 months of dance training, you're providing your dancer with the best possible chance to reach their full potential and to be part of the next generation of DDA champions. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to your dancer's journey.
Parent Release Form for Photography and Videography
I, the undersigned, give permission for Diamond Dance Academy to use video footage and/or photographs of my child, _________________________________. This usage may include (but is not exclusive to) displaying publicly, distributing, or publishing, photographs, and/or video of my child for use in materials that include, but may not be limited to:
- printed materials (eg - brochures and newsletters)
- online and offline advertising and promotion
- videos and digital images such for use on Social Media.
By signing this form, I acknowledge that I am giving unrestricted permission for my child’s image to be used in print, video, and digital media. I agree that these images may be used by Diamond Dance Academy for a variety of purposes and that these images may be used without further notification. I do understand that any identifying information including surname and location will not be used in conjunction with any video or digital images.
Parent/Guardian signature __________________________ Date ______________
* I have read and agree to abide by Diamond Dance Academy (DDA) policies regarding tuition, membership fees, auto renewal, late charges, costumes fees, attendance, and dance attire.
* I understand that DDA reserves the right to refuse instruction to anyone not abiding by DDA policies.
* I understand that DDA reserves the right to cancel a class if enrollment falls below five students per class.
*All Annual payments must be made by cash or check. Deduct 5% from your entire registration (full year of tuition,
plus annual membership fee)
* Avoid 3.5% convenience fees associated with debit and credit card payments.
* A down payment amount is taken the 1st month of lessons to offset the monthly fee for our annual 12 month program.
*I hereby authorize Diamond Dance Academy to charge my card on file or debit my checking account for tuition on the 1st of each month.
*All charges will appear as In Motions Dance. I will give the studio office one month’s written notice from the 1st of the month to discontinue these charges.
*There are refunds on down payments after 1 month of lessons. There are no refunds on tuition, costumes or any other payments issued to Diamond Dance for any services.
*A down payment will automatically be billed on the month after the the 12th month is completed
unless one month’s written notice from the 1st of the month to discontinue these charges are submitted.
* My Dancer will be evaluated and tested every December for and progress and level will be determined in January.
The practice of dance involves the risk of physical injury (with bruises being the most likely injury and broken bones or other more serious physical injury also being possible) Understanding this is declare:
That I am willing to accept responsibility for such an eventuality, and:
That I have adequate medical insurance for such an eventuality, and;
That I will not hold In Motions Dance Studio dba Diamond Dance Academy, its members, instructors, or the owners or operators of any facility in which I might practice liable for any injury that I might sustain while practicing dance.
Further, I understand the physical demand of this activity and the practice required for its development and mastery. As a consideration for my own safety and enjoyment, as well as that of other students, I commit to dedicate necessary practice to the instructions and techniques given to me in class.
