Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about our school

What is the class policy for Dance Etc.?

• All classes begin and end on time.  Dancers should be prompt to allow for proper warm-up and conditioning.  For safety, anyone arriving later than 15 minutes into the class may not be permitted to participate.
   
• No chewing gum, in class, as it may lead to choking.
   
• Please note, dress code is strictly enforced.  Baggy clothes may impact proper respiration and cause the body to overheat.  Under no circumstances may students dance in jeans.
   
• Long hair should be secured back from face and neck.
   
• Street shoes are not allowed on the studio floors unless they are designated as dance shoes (new shoes that are never worn outside). Note, if dance shoes are worn outside, you may be asked to leave the class.  No black rubber soles, please.
   
• Only dance shoes are to be worn on the studio floors in order to preserve the integrity of our floors. Please do not wear your dance shoes outside. Students wearing dance shoes outside will not be allowed to dance in the shoes.

What is appropriate dress for classes?

Ballet, Tap, Jazz
Girls - Black leotard  (cotton/lycra fabric, long or short sleeve)) and light pink tights, pink ballet shoes, (split sole preferred) .  Ballet skirts are optional, no tutus.   Hair must be worn in a bun or tied back if long enough.  No oversized jewelry should be worn.  Tap shoes should be black with elastics sewn in (instead of ribbon).  Black or pink sweaters may be worn in class. (no oversized sweatshirts please).
Boys - black  dance pants, white fitted t-shirt, black ballet shoes.

Both boys and girls need black tap shoes with Velcro or elastic ties.

Acro Leotard and/or tight fitted tank and shorts.  No tights and no shoes.

Jazz and Tap Leotard and tights, or dance pants and fitted top (no baggy shirts or pants).   Black jazz shoes (split sole) black tap shoes (tied/no high heels).

Hip Hop
Comfortable fitted clothing.  Jeans should not be worn due to lack of material flexibility.  Sneakers must be worn indoors only, clean and free of debris.  No black rubber soles.

Creative Movement, Pilates
Comfortable exercise clothing such as leggings or shorts and exercise top or t-shirt.  Sneakers must be worn indoors only, clean and free of debris.  No black rubber soles. If desired you may bring a personal workout mat.

Do you offer cheerleading lessons?

Cheerleading Lessons are available on a private class basis.  Dance etc.  will provide private or semi private classes to better enhance your cheerleading ability.  We can provide classes in ballet as well as tumbling.  Special hours can be set up.  Please call the school for further information.

What is your registration policy?

Registration Policy - Registration is accepted on a first come first served basis. Classes are closed once capacity is reached. Priority registration is given to returning students in the following order:

1. Returning students who attend prior semesters. This may include students in good standing with consistent attendance (not missing more than one week per month).
2. Returning students whose accounts are in good standing and who have attended past semesters only.
3. New student enrollees.  Families are encouraged to contact the studio by phone or drop by during office hours if they have not received recommendations in the mail prior to Open Enrollment. The burden of registration is on the enrolling families.

The annual registration fee is $20 per returning student and $30 for new students.

You may register for classes either by mail or in person. Your placement in a class is secured when we receive the registration payment. Students younger than 18 years must have a parent or guardian's signature for participation in any class.

Dance etc. reserves the right to re-assign any student improperly placed in a class. Returning students should talk to their teachers about proper placement before the last day of class to avoid any confusion. Families are encouraged to contact the school by phone or drop by during school hours if they have questions about placement.

Cancellation and Snow Days

Students will be allowed to make-up a cancelled class on another day suitable for their level. No credits will be issued. If school is cancelled due to inclement weather in Salem, then there will be no dance classes held that day. In all other cases a message regarding cancellations will be on the studio answering machine ((978)745-8823) one hour before classes begin that day.

Visiting Days

Observation of class will be scheduled twice a year and is for Adults Only. This means no small children please. It is difficult for children to sit still for an entire class and not distract the students. The studio and teachers would greatly appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter.

Are you peanut free school?

Yes...certainly! Several of our students are allergic to peanuts and peanut-based products. As such no peanuts, peanut butter or peanut containing foods are allowed, since it is extremely difficult to avoid accidental ingestion. It should be recognized that this will reduce but not eliminate the risk of accidental exposure.

What is your recital costume policy?

In order to keep the prices of our recital costumes reasonable, Dance Etc., Salem orders and pays for costumes in November, when the manufacturers are in their slow period. This results in a substantial cost savings which is reflected in the price you pay. Realistically, however, the studio cannot afford to carry costs for an extended period of time. With this in mind, the policy for costume payments will be as follows: Costume deposits are due on November 1, 2007 (no later). The amount will be $30.00 for each discipline the student will be performing in the recital (i.e. $30.00 for ballet only, $60.00 ballet and tap etc.) The remaining balances are due in March 2008. Please remember costumes deposits are non-refundable. Costumes will not be handed out unless all costume and tuition balances have been paid in full.

What is your tentative recital schedule?

• General Rehearsal (AOH Hall) TBA
• Picture Day (AOH Hall) May 28, 2008
• Dress Rehearsal (Salem High School)
  Act 1 Wednesday June 11, 2008
  Act 2 Thursday June 12, 2008
• RECITAL (Salem High School) Saturday June 14, 2008