SCHOOL OF
DANCE
lawrence arts center
handbook
About the School of Dance Mission Our mission is to cultivate artistry and excellence in our community through dance training, performance, and outreach.
Vision Cultivating the art of dance within the entire community, our vision is to make dance 100% accessible to all. For over 30 years, the School of Dance’s curriculum has been based on national dance education standards and taught by professionals. Students follow a sequential training program developed to suit age and ability that fosters creativity as well as technique. Focused on developing the artist as well as the art, the School of Dance offers frequent opportunities for performance through numerous and diverse dance productions as well as the pre-professional ballet company, Lawrence Ballet Theatre.
Program Sponsors HARRISON FAMILY FUND OF THE DOUGLAS COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION BARBARA NORDLING SABATINI ARCHITECTS TERESA MULINAZZI KEMPF, CFP AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
The School of Dance strives to: • Provide comprehensive technical training and build knowledge appropriate for each discipline. • Promote artistic contributions to the community through innovation, exploration, and enrichment programs. • Provide exceptional dance experiences through visiting guest artists, master classes, intensive workshops and performances. • Promote diversity and excellence in the dance community.
THE BURGER STAND THOMAS D. GALLOWAY FAMILY UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF DANCE THE KANSAS HEALTH FOUNDATION SCOTCH FABRIC CARE RON & COLETTE GACHES ELIZABETH SCHULTZ
This handbook is designed to orient students to the School of Dance’s policies and expectations. Please review this handbook thoroughly and direct any questions to our staff. If you have specific questions or needs at any time, please feel free to contact the Dance School Director.
School of Dance Staff School of Dance Faculty Facilities & General Information
Table of Contents
MAIN CAMPUS • ROBINSON CENTER, SATELLITE CAMPUS COMMUNITY CLASSROOMS
Curriculum Overview
SESSION CLASSES MASTER CLASSES OPEN CLASSES PRIVATE LESSONS
Registration & Payment
HOW TO ENROLL TRY A CLASS! CLASSES/LEVEL PLACEMENT REGISTRATION & TUITION PAYMENT PLANS DANCE BUNDLE DISCOUNTS CLASS CARDS TRANSFERRING CLASSES & CREDITS
Financial Aid & Scholarships
FINANCIAL AID MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Policies & Expectations
COMMUNICATION PROGRESS REPORTS STUDIO ETIQUETTE PARENT OBSERVATION WEEK DRESSING ROOMS STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT CLASS ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES CLASS MAKE UP CARD CLASS ATTIRE WHERE TO BUY DANCE ATTIRE/EQUIPMENT CHILD PICK UP POLICY INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY LOST & FOUND
Performance Opportunities STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY SHOWCASE END OF THE YEAR SHOWCASES & GALA SCHOOL OF DANCE PRODUCTIONS 2015-2016 LAWRENCE BALLET THEATRE ABOUT LAWRENCE BALLET THEATRE • MISSION AUDITION AND PARTICIPATION • REQUIREMENTS
Volunteer Opportunities Contact Information
Staff Hanan Misko | School of Dance Director Hanan Misko studied at the Kansas City Ballet School and received his B.F.A. from The Juilliard School under the directorship of Lawrence Rhodes. He has danced with various companies including Störling Dance Theater, Mark Morris Dance Group, the Metropolitan Opera (Faust, Don Giovanni, Orfeo ed Euridice, and Nixon in China), Jessica Lang Dance; and as a company member with Ballet Hispanico, Martha Graham Dance Company, and Nimbus Dance works in New York City. Mr. Misko has served as artistic director for the Fine Arts Summer Academy’s Dance Ensemble in Nashville, TN for the past six years. He has taught at the Kansas City Ballet School, the Wharton Music Center, The Culture House, in New Jersey public schools’ after school programs, and in The Juilliard School’s C.L.I.M.B. program. CONTACT HANAN MISKO BY CALLING 785.843.2787 OR BY SENDING AN E-MAIL TO HANAN@LAWRENCARTSCENTER.ORG
Cynthia Crews | Artistic Director, Lawrence Ballet Theatre Cynthia Crews started her dance training in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with Roman Jasinski and Moscelyn Larkin, acclaimed Ballet Russe stars and co-founders of Tulsa Ballet Theatre. In high school she performed solo roles with Tulsa Civic Ballet, including being Tulsa’s very first Clara in the Nutcracker. Cynthia continued her dance education in New York City as a full scholarship student for Joffery Ballet and Harkness Ballet. She then returned to Oklahoma and received a BFA in Ballet Pedagogy from The University of Oklahoma. Cynthia performed as a principal with Tulsa Ballet Theatre for nine years. Cynthia has performed and choreographed in many community and professional musical productions. Her teaching career started at The School of Tampa Ballet and continued at the Post School of Ballet (Southwest Virginia Ballet Company) and Jasinski Academy, the official school for Tulsa Ballet. Cynthia joined the Lawrence Arts Center in 2004, teaching primarily ballet and pointe. She is founder and Artistic Director of the Lawrence Ballet Theatre. CONTACT CYNTHIA CREWS BY SENDING AN E-MAIL TO CYNCREWS@GMAIL.COM
Ellie Goudie-Averill | School of Dance Associate Director Eleanor Goudie-Averill, a 2007 MFA Dance Performance graduate of the University of Iowa, comes to the Arts Center from Iowa City where she served as assistant professor of modern, ballet, pointe and choreography. Prior to this Ms. Goudie-Averill was in Philadelphia, where she performed extensively with Group Motion Multimedia Dance Theater, MacArthur Dance Project and SCRAP Performance Group, and taught for four years at Temple University. She has danced in works by José Limón, Bill Young, Susan Rethorst and Lucinda Childs. Since 2007, she has co-directed the Stone Depot Dance Lab and her choreography has been shown in NYC, Philadelphia, and throughout the Midwest at venues such as Movement Research at the Judson Church, the A.W.A.R.D. Show, and the Folly Theater. Ellie currently performs with Tori Lawrence + Co, and will be dancing in new films that TL+Co is creating in collaboration with visual artist Marguerite Perret. CONTACT ELLIE GOUDIE-AVERILL BY CALLING 785.843.2787 OR SENDING AN EMAIL TO ELLIE@LAWRENCEARTSCENTER.ORG
Olivia Hernández | Dance Program Coordinator Olivia started her career at the Arts Center as an administrative and costume volunteer, and has served as the Dance Program Coordinator since August 2014. Olivia holds a B.A. in Political Science & International Studies from Baker University, and currently pursues a B.F.A. in Visual Art with an emphasis in Expanded Media from the University of Kansas. In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Olivia teaches the arts & technology component of the Arts Center’s elementary STEAM curriculum and has contributed costumes to several Arts Center productions, including Summer Dance Theatre’s Little Orphan Annie. Olivia is also a very proud student of the School of Dance’s Adult Modern program. CONTACT OLIVIA HERNANDEZ BY CALLING 785.843.2787 OR SENDING AN E-MAIL TO OLIVIA@LAWRENCARTSCENTER.ORG
About the Lawrence Arts Center The Lawrence Arts Center is a regional center for visual and The Lawrence Arts Center is a regional center for visual and performing arts, contemporary exhibitions, film, lectures and cultural education. The Lawrence Arts Center offers fully developed curricula in ballet and modern dance, theater performance, and visual arts. The Arts Center employs over 120 teaching artists whose courses observe national standards for visual and per-
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forming arts. 10,000 students take courses annually, and the Arts Center greets over 200,000 visitors each year. The mission of the Lawrence Arts Center is to enrich and invigorate the community by offering the best in contemporary exhibitions, performance, and visual and performing arts education.
Faculty Paige Comparato | Ballet, Choreographer
Donna Jo Harkrider | Contemporary, Tap
Paige Comparato started her ballet training at the age of nine in Topeka, KS at Barbara’s Conservatory of Dance and danced with Ballet Midwest; performing several principal roles. Paige continued her ballet training at Texas Christian University in Forth Worth, TX for two years before returning to Kansas University to pursue a degree in Art History. She primarily teaches ballet, but also choreographs, directs and costumes dance performances including Elfwyn’s Saga, Sleeping Beauty and most recently, La Fille Mal Gardee. Paige also teaches ballet for the AIM adult contemporary dance company and youth contemporary company at Point B dance studio. Paige has worked for the arts center, in many capacities, for over 20 years.
Donna Jo Harkrider began her dance training at age 3 and has since studied tap, jazz, modern, ballet, and hip hop at various studios. She danced competitively on her high school dance team where she began to develop her choreographic techniques. Donna Jo holds a B.F.A. in Dance from the University of Kansas. She teaches tap, ballet, jazz, and modern.
Hannah Davidson | Irish Step Dance Hannah Davidson has been passionate about Irish Step Dance since her first class at the age of 10 years. She trained at O’Riada Manning Academy of Irish Dance based out of Mission, KS and is currently studying to complete the TCRG exam for Irish dance teachers. She has an Associate of Arts degree from Johnson County Community College and is a current student at Kansas City Kansas Community College studying to become a Physical Therapy Assistant.
Sara Felt | Pilates Sara Felt is the director of Pilates Performance & Rehab, Lawrence’s premier Pilates studio. She is also on the faculty of Balanced Body Education, and teaches the Comprehensive Pilates and Barre instructor training programs, as well as continuing education and specialty workshops. She holds certificates through Balanced Body, Fletcher Pilates (Towelwork®, Floorwork®, Barrework™), and Centerworks®, and has completed continuing education with numerous master instructors and first generation Pilates teachers.
Jerel Hilding | Ballet As a principal dancer with the Joffrey Ballet for 15 years, Jerel Hilding performed in works by many of the 20th century’s most influential choreographers, including George Balanchine, Gerald Arpino, Jerome Robbins, Frederic Ashton, John Cranko, Kurt Jooss, Leonide Massine, Mark Morris, and Twyla Tharp. He directed the New Jersey Ballet’s Artist-in-Education program and worked as an instructor for New York’s City Center Theatre Outreach Program. Hilding is an associate professor and associate chair of dance at the University of Kansas where he teaches all levels of ballet, pointe, pas de deux and music for dancers. Hilding holds a B.F.A. in Music from Louisiana State University in New Orleans (now the University of New Orleans).
Krystyna Hilding | Ballet Krystyna Hilding received a Ford Foundation Scholarship to study at New York City Ballet’s School of American Ballet, and performed as a guest artist with Edward Villella’s touring company and as a leading dancer with the New Jersey Ballet. As a performer, she toured internationally, appeared in the acclaimed PBS series Dance in America, and in a TV special featuring Diana Ross. She also danced at the Kennedy Center Performance of American Arts for President Jimmy Carter and Vice Premier of China Deng Xiaoping. Krystyna teaches advanced ballet, pointe, and pas de deux at the University of Kansas.
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Monika Ivy | Little Movers, Modern, and Ballet Instructor Monika Ivy has participated in USGF competitive artistic gymnastics through level 9, while training at Great American Gymnastics Express (GAGE) in Kansas City. She has a B.F.A. in Dance from the University of Kansas, where she was trained in ballet, modern, and jazz, and performed as a member of the University Dance Company. After graduating, Monika explored modern dance performance and choreography in St. Louis with Atrek Modern Dance Collective.
Betsy McCafferty | Little Movers, Ballet Betsy McCafferty started ballet in Wichita, KS as a child and continued studying as an adult under Deborah Bettinger at the Lawrence School of Ballet and the Lawrence Arts Center. She has enjoyed opportunities to dance in the Lawrence Ballet Ensemble, Choreographer’s Showcase events, and A Kansas Nutcracker. Betsy teaches preschool ballet, kinder ballet, dancing fairy tales, and beginning ballet classes at the Arts Center.
Shannon Pickett | Ballet Shannon Pickett received her initial ballet training under Christine Fossemalle in Hot Springs, AR, and Barbara Ebert in Topeka, KS. In high school she began performing with Ballet Midwest, and continued to study dance on scholarship at the University of Kansas with Jerel and Krystyna Hilding, where she performed leading roles with the University Dance Company while completing her B.A. in English. She holds an M.A. in education and teaches at Eudora High School. Specializing in ballet, Shannon has served as a performer and instructor locally for the past 20 years.
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Ashley Sandefur | Pilates Ashley Sandefur holds a degree in Exercise Science from the University of Kansas. She has taught rehab-based Pilates in Lawrence and Topeka for 13 years, where she works in injury rehab, injury prevention for dancers, and chronic trauma in addition to Pilates for basic well-being and health.
Vashti Thede | Jazz and Ballet Instructor Vashti Goracke is the founder of YACO Productions dance and film company. She is currently persuing a B.F.A. in Dance at the University of Kansas and is a board member for Cinema KC. Vashti has danced for 17 years, training in many different styles of ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary dance, and commedia dell’arte. She spent two consecutive summers training at the Juilliard School in New York, New York, and has twice won the Monticello Foundation Award, receiving one award for dance and a second for choreography.
Daniel Xaysongkham | Hip-Hop Daniel M. Xaysongkham was born in Stockton, CA and raised in Salina, KS. He first starting dancing by teaching himself Hip-Hop watching music videos and imitating the moves of Usher and Michael Jackson. He has performed at Push 4 Art, Dancing with the Stars: KU Edition, and with the University Dance Company. He holds a B.F.A. in Dance from the University of Kansas.
Facilities & General Information School of Dance, main campus
School of Dance, community classrooms
LAWRENCE ARTS CENTER 940 NEW HAMPSHIRE STREET LAWRENCE KS 66044 785-843-2787
CARNEGIE BUILDING 200 W 9TH STREET, LAWRENCE, KS 66044 785-832-3460
The School of Dance maintains two dance studios: Studio 206 (40’ x 36’ x 12’) & Studio 208 (36’ x 36’ x 12’). Both studios include state of the art audio equipment, full-length mirrors, ballet barres, Marley floors, and upright pianos. Studio 206 is used also as a convertible performance studio complete with a HD video monitor and black theatrical curtains. Free 2-hour parking is available on the lower two floors of the parking garage across the street from the Lawrence Arts Center. There is metered parking on New Hampshire Street. There is a 15-minute loading zone along the street on the southeast side of New Hampshire Street in front of the Lawrence Arts Center.
School of Dance, satellite campus ROBINSON CENTER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS 1301 SUNNYSIDE AVENUE, LAWRENCE, KS 66045 KUDANCE@KU.EDU 785-864-4264 Free parking is available on Sunnyside Street & Schwegler Drive after 5pm Monday–Friday, and all day Saturday-Sunday except during KU Basketball games. Students should use the main Robinson Center entrance located at the southwest corner of the building off Naismith Drive. Students and parents will be required to check-in at the security desk before proceeding to the dance studios.
There are eight public parking lots within a two-block radius of the Carnegie Building, and metered parking is available all along 9th street. DOUGLAS COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES 745 VERMONT STREET, LAWRENCE, KS 66044 785-842-0543 2-hour free parking is available on the mezzanine levels of the Vermont Street parking lot, between 7th & 8th. There is no fee to park after 5pm or on Sundays. LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY 707 VERMONT STREET, LAWRENCE, KS 66044 785-843-3833 2- hour free parking is available on the mezzanine levels of the Vermont Street parking lot, between 7th & 8th. There is no fee to park after 5pm or on Sundays. LIBERTY MEMORIAL CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL 1400 MASSACHUSETTS STREET, LAWRENCE, KS 66044 785-832-5400 Short-term parking is available in front of the building. Long-term parking is available on E. 14th St. and E 15th St.
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Curriculum Overview Session Classes LITTLE MOVERS AND KINDER BALLET (AGES 3 – KINDERGARTEN) Through exploration and play, dancers experience the elements of dance, improve motor skills, gain self-control, and foster joy through movement, all of which lay the foundation for instruction in every dance form. In addition, students in Kinder Ballet are introduced to ballet etiquette and technique. BALLET (1ST GRADE – ADULT) From beginner to advanced, classes consist of comprehensive training in classical ballet, taught by highly trained professionals and designed to train the body’s flexibility, strength, musicality and coordination. BOYS BALLET (AGES 9 – UP) These classes are designed exclusively for male dancers. Focusing on ballet technique, students cover fundamental basics and put them into practice through traveling, balancing, and jumping. Free for boys enrolled in another dance class. POINTE (BALLET V, VI & VII) Students must have teacher recommendation and attend at least three ballet classes per week to enroll in Pointe classes. PrePointe classes begin at Ballet V. CONTEMPORARY (GRADE 1 – ADULT) Based on the philosophy that every person is an artist, these classes focus on discovery and encourage interaction, structured improvisation, balance, and conditioning within a group of social peers, as well as comprehensive training in various modern techniques. MODERN (5TH GRADE - ADULT) These classes explore movements and techniques established by the 20th century modern dance pioneers such as Jose Limón, Martha Graham, Lester Horton, and other modern dance pioneers.
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JAZZ (KINDERGARTEN – ADULT) Classes consist of comprehensive jazz training and include explosive leaps, isolated movements, floor work and grounded dancing. TAP (AGES 3 – ADULT) At each level, dancers develop skills to hear and feel rhythms and timing as they learn tap technique and footwork. HIP-HOP (6TH – 12TH GRADE) Designed to be fun and energetic, HipHop combines stylized movements and complex body rhythm with witty, compelling choreography. BOYS HIP-HOP: STEP UP YOUR GAME! (AGES 9 - 14) Designed for boys/young men in sports or in the performing arts. Students explore various styles of hip-hop including intricate percussive movements, pop, lock, break and lyrical hip-hop; this class utilizes dance technique to concentrate on agility, flexibility, balance, footwork and strength training. CULTURAL DANCE: IRISH STEP DANCE (AGES 6 ADULT) Dancers learn the intricate components and technique of traditional Irish StepDance while improving coordination, rhythm, balance, and posture. PILATES AND FITNESS (6TH GRADE – ADULT) These classes are designed to strengthen your core and balance your muscle development in order to create a strong and flexible body. SOCIAL DANCE (9TH GRADE - ADULT) Students learn to dance the night away through the various styles and techniques of partner ballroom dances such as swing, salsa, waltz, tango and more.
Master Classes Throughout the Fall, Winter/Spring, and Summer semesters, the School of Dance hosts classes with distinguished master teachers to give students exposure to the highest levels of dance. The master classes are also open to non-School of Dance dancers in the surrounding region.
Open Classes Classes marked “Open” are appropriate for those who meet the class’s technical requirements but cannot meet the minimum enrollment for their assigned ballet level. All Adult classes are automatically “Open”. No additional requirements are necessary to attend and Class Cards may be used. Please see our Class Cards page for more information.
Private Lessons Private lessons with the dance faculty are available depending on studio and instructor availability. The cost of the private lesson varies based on the instructor and the type of class. To schedule a private lesson, please speak with an instructor or contact the Dance School Director. Payment for each individual private lesson should be received directly prior to each lesson through the Front Desk; students may not pay for more than one lesson at once.
Registration & Payment How to Enroll Class listings are available in the Courses and Events Catalog, or online at http://lawrenceartscenter.org/school-of-dance. Interested students may enroll in a class in person, over the phone through a Front Desk representative, or online at our website. Each semester’s Weekly Class Schedule is available for download on our webpage.
Try a Class Prospective students are given the option to try any class for free. To do so, the student must see the Front Desk before the class to fill out a Trial Class Placement Form which will be delivered to the class instructor. If applicable, the instructor will evaluate the student and conduct a Class/Level Placement to ensure the student enrolls in the appropriate level. After class, the student should return their Trial Class Placement Form, initialed by the instructor, to the Front Desk to complete their enrollment.
Class/Level Placement (level-based classes only)
Payment Plans Dance classes may be broken into 4 monthly payments. First payment or a minimum of 10% down is due at enrollment, and subsequent payments are due at the first of each month. Payments are late after the 10th of the month and will be charged a $10 late fee. Email reminders are sent five days before each due date. Arrangement of a payment plan with the Arts Center indicates your commitment to pay for the entire semester. Students with outstanding balances will not be able to enroll in any new classes until their accounts are resolved with the Front Desk.
Dance Bundle Discounts Students enrolled in multiple dance classes receive a Dance Bundle Discount, redeemable through the Front Desk only. Dance Bundle Discounts cannot be combined with membership or senior discounts, or with Financial Aid. 2 CLASSES/WEEK = 15 % OFF TOTAL COST 3 CLASSES/WEEK = 20 % OFF TOTAL COST 4 OR MORE CLASSES/WEEK = 30% OFF TOTAL COST
NEW STUDENTS: For Levels I and up, students are required to be placed into a level by an instructor to ensure proper enrollment. To arrange for level placement, please contact the School of Dance Director, Hanan Misko, at hanan@lawrenceartscenter.org. CURRENT STUDENTS: Students are expected to attend each level for a minimum of two years and/or until they have demonstrated a mastery of current material. Students are not automatically promoted after one year, regardless of age, unless it is an age-based class. Please see Policies & Expectations Page for more information.
Registration Before each Fall, Winter/Spring, and Summer semester, students are required to enroll before attending class. If enrollment has not been processed, the student might be asked to observe. Registration is available through our Front Desk or online through our website.
Tuition A minimum of 10% of the total tuition cost is due at enrollment, as a down payment on tuition. Full payment is due before the end of the session. Payments are accepted at the Front Desk or online through our website. The Lawrence Arts Center accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express; please make all checks payable to the “Lawrence Arts Center”.
Class Cards Class Cards are accepted for Open/Adult classes only; for more information about our “Open” classes, please see our Class Overview page. Class Cards are available for purchase in the following increments: 1 HOUR CLASS CARD: $12.50/CLASS OR $48 FOR 4 CLASSES 1.25 HOUR CLASS CARD: $14.50/CLASS OR $56 FOR 4 CLASSES 1.5 HOUR CLASS CARD: $17/CLASS OR $65 FOR FOUR CLASSES
Transferring Classes & Credits Students may transfer between classes of the same or lesser level/ age requirement at their discretion, however all transfers are subject to space availability. Payment for a current class may be applied to the desired class. There is no fee to transfer; however, account holders are responsible for paying for any tuition differences by the end of the semester. In cases where a desired class costs less than a current class, a credit will be issued to the student. Remaining credits can be used towards tuition and participation fees, and are transferrable to semester classes only. Credit may not be applied to master classes, ticket sales, or School of Dance merchandise such as DVDs or t-shirt order sales.
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Financial Aid & Scholarship Awards Financial Aid Financial aid is available for qualifying families; requests are subject to approval of the Financial Aid Committee. Applicants must submit proof of income in the form of a tax return from the previous year, a social security benefits statement, or a copy of your most recent FAFSA. The Lawrence Arts Center will notify the applicant of their award within one week of receipt of the completed application. To request financial aid, please see the Front Desk to fill out a Financial Aid Request Form or download the form at http://lawrenceartscenter.org/financial-aid. Please note that financial aid cannot be combined with existing discounts. Financial aid is available for dance shoes and required ballet class leotards. Please contact the Front Desk with specific questions regarding financial aid.
Merit Scholarships ASSISTS DANCE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR YOUNG MEN
CARMINE BALLERE SCHOLARSHIP
Funded in part by a grant from the Assists Foundation, the School of Dance is thrilled to announce a new scholarship for young men who demonstrate strong interest in the field of dance. Applicants must be between 9-18 years of age to be eligible. Partial and full scholarships can be used for ballet, jazz, tap, modern, contemporary, and hip-hop classes during the Fall and Winter/Spring semesters. There is no application deadline.
Established in 1997, this scholarship is awarded to those students who have demonstrated excellence in dance and a commitment to their craft. Encouraging the study of ballet and supporting a life-long devotion to dance, this scholarship covers the cost of four ballet and pointe classes per week and all production and participation fees during the Fall & Winter/Spring semesters. Those awarded must enrolled in Ballet IV-VII and also be available to serve as teacher’s assistants for one dance class per week. Auditions are scheduled during the Spring semester.
Learn more about how to apply by contacting Hanan Misko, School of Dance Director, at hanan@lawrenceartscenter.org.
Additional scholarship opportunities are announced throughout the year. Please be sure that your email address is up to date to ensure you receive scholarship audition notifications throughout the year.
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Policies & Expectations Communication The School of Dance relies heavily on email to communicate information to families; it is imperative that your contact information is up to date. If this is your first semester with us, please visit the Front Desk to ensure that your email address, phone number, emergency contact, and home address are correct.
Progress Reports Progress reports are one of our main means of communication regarding student development. The goal of this feedback is to inspire and encourage our students to continue to excel in artistry and technique. Reports are comprised of a detailed evaluation of the student by their instructors. Reports are mailed at the end of the Fall and Winter/Spring semesters; the Winter/Spring Progress Report includes the recommended level placement for the following year.
Studio Etiquette
Student Code of Conduct • SEEK opportunities to challenge yourself and grow. • HAVE COURAGE to create and to ask questions! • ARRIVE to each class on time and properly attired. • RESPECT the instructors and each other, maintaining a positive and eager attitude. When in doubt, follow the Golden Rule. • ENGAGE in the learning process.
Class Attendance Regular class attendance is essential for proper development, and students with inconsistent attendance will progress at a slower rate. Students are expected to arrive to class on time and properly attired. As tardiness disrupts class focus and prevents proper warmup, students who arrive late to class may be asked to observe only.
Only students, instructors, and Lawrence Arts Center staff are permitted inside the studios, unless otherwise invited. A staff member must be present in a studio for children to enter the room. All studio equipment, including multimedia equipment and the pianos, are for School of Dance staff use only, unless otherwise permitted. Please, no food or drink inside the dance studios. Sealed water bottles are permitted.
Parent Observation Week The School of Dance hosts a Parent Observation Week each semester to give parents an opportunity to see student progress throughout the year. Parent Observation Week is announced via email to dance families, and is posted on the dance bulletin board outside the studios at the Lawrence Arts Center.
Dressing Rooms A private dressing room for our female dancers is located just outside of Studio 206. For male students, please use the restroom located next to Studio 208. There are lockers available in the dressing room and nearby restrooms for the convenience of our dancers. DRESSING ROOM RULES ARE AS FOLLOWS: • No food or drink is permitted in the dressing areas, except for sealed water bottles. • Lockers may be used only during the duration of the student’s class and must be emptied out daily. Please do not leave belongings in the lockers overnight. As the Lawrence Arts Center is a public facility, the School of Dance is not responsible or liable for any stolen or lost belongings. Any long term use of the lockers must be approved by the Dance Program Coordinator. Unapproved locks left on lockers will be cut off and the locker contents emptied. • Items left in dressing rooms will be moved to the Lost & Found.
Absences All students are expected to attend class. Students absent from class due to illness, school activities, and other unavoidable conflicts are asked to inform the Front Desk or Dance Program Coordinator prior to the start of class. Students will be issued a Make Up Card for excused absences only. Prolonged, unexcused absences may result in dismissal from the class and a refund issued at the discretion of the Dance School Director.
Class Make Up Card Students who have been excused from class may make up missed classes by obtaining a Class Make Up Card, distributed at the Front Desk, and by attending any class of equal or lower level and duration. For example, a Ballet Level IV student may make up class hours in any dance class that is Level IV or lower. Class Make Up Cards may also be issued in cases where a dance/fitness class has been temporarily cancelled. Class Make Up Cards expire at the end of each semester.
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Attire/Dress Code Students are expected to follow each dance genre’s dress code. This includes proper class attire and hairstyle. Students should have their names clearly written in both their shoes and their dancewear. Hair should be securely pulled back and away from the face for all classes. Please note class attire may or may not be used as part of the costume for the End of Year Showcases. Financial aid is available to qualifying families for class leotards/shoes. Please see the Front Desk for more information.
Ballet Attire Students enrolled in Intro to Ballet through Ballet VII are required wear their level’s assigned leotard and follow the dress code through the Fall and Winter/Spring sessions. Required ballet level leotards are only mandatory for Fall and Winter/Spring classes. For Summer session classes, any color leotard is acceptable. If a female student does not already have a class leotard, she is allowed to wear any leotard she may have during the first two weeks until the required leotard is obtained.
Attire for Girls
Attire for Boys
KINDER BALLET Pink leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes
ATHLETIC MOVEMENT & HIP-HOP Comfortable dance clothing (t-shirts, tank tops, jazz pants, etc), soft-soled jazz shoes or sneakers. NO jeans.
STEP UP YOUR GAME & HIP HOP Comfortable dance clothing (t-shirts, tank tops, jazz pants, etc), soft-soled jazz shoes or sneakers. NO jeans.
INTRO TO BALLET Pink Capezio Camisole Leotard (Style No. CC100C or CC101C)
IRISH STEP DANCE Black shorts or athletic pants; solid color t-shirt; black Irish, ballet, or other soft-shoes; hard shoes optional for Level II students.
IRISH STEP DANCE Black shorts or athletic pants; solid color t-shirt; black Irish, ballet, or other softshoes; hard shoes are optional for Level II.
BALLET II Navy Blue Capezio Camisole Leotard (Style No. CC100C or CC101C or CC101)
JAZZ Black top (leotard or athletic shirt), black jazz pants, soft soled jazz shoes; Mary Jane style tap shoes (for Combo classes).
JAZZ & TAP Black top (athletic shirt), black jazz pants, soft soled jazz shoes; oxford style shoe for tap.
LITTLE MOVERS/PRESCHOOL DANCE Black leotard and bare feet; white footless tights and ballet skirts are optional and left to the discretion of the instructor. MODERN & CONTEMPORARY/MODERN: Black leotard (or required ballet level leotard), Black Jazz pants or Footless tights; bare feet. TAP Black top (leotard or athletic shirt), black jazz pants, and oxford style tap shoes. BALLET Please refer to the Ballet Attire column for specific attire requirements.
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LITTLE MOVERS/PRESCHOOL DANCE Athletic shorts or pants, t-shirt, and bare feet. MODERN & CONTEMPORARY/MODERN Black or white t-shirt or tank, Black Jazz pants or footless tights; bare feet. BALLET Please refer to the Ballet Attire column for specific attire requirements.
BALLET I Light Blue Capezio Camisole Leotard (Style No. CC100C or CC101C)
BALLET III Hunter Green Capezio Camisole Leotard (Style No. CC100C or CC101C or CC101) BALLET IV Burgundy Capezio Leotard (Style No. CC101 or CC202) BALLET V Blackberry Mirella Leotard (Style No. M207LD or M201LD BALLET VI & VII – Black Capezio or Mirella leotard in any of the previously stated styles BOYS BALLET White t-shirt, black dance tights, black ballet shoes, and hair pulled away from the face if needed TEEN BALLET I-II Black leotard, any style
Attire for Adults We do not set dress codes for adult classes but do minimally request that adults wear shoes according to the genre of the class and clothing that allows for a wide range of movement.
BALLET SHOES Pink ballet shoes; pink ballet tights, seamed if possible POINTE SHOES Teacher consultation is required before purchasing pointe shoes. Please schedule a fitting appointment with your instructor prior to purchase. HAIR must be in a bun, if possible.
Where to Buy Dance Attire/Equipment Required ballet items are available for purchase/order from the School of Dance, as well as in Kansas City and online. We recommend the following places to purchase proper shoes and attire. IN LAWRENCE: The Lawrence Arts Center School of Dance has select class leotards, jazz pants, and shoes for ballet, jazz, and tap classes available for purchase/order. To see a list of available items and how to order, please see the Dance Attire & Shoe Order Form, available online and through the Front Desk. Families who would like to order through the School of Dance will also receive an order form during class. Fittings, sizing and sample models are available by contacting the Dance Program Coordinator. Weekday fittings are by appointment only; Saturday morning drop-in fittings welcome. WAL-MART/TARGET/PAYLESS For students enrolled in our Little Movers/Preschool and Kinder Ballet classes, these stores tend to carry basic shoes and attire for young dancers. IN KANSAS CITY: DeGagĂŠ DanceWear | www.degagedancewear.net 10350 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS 913-381-8492 Dance Shoppe | www.danceshopkc.com 512 NW Englewood Road, Kansas City, MO 64118 816-455-1995 ONLINE: Discount Dance | www.discountdance.com Dancewear Solutions | www.dancewearsolutions.com
Child Pick Up Policy DANCERS 2ND GRADE & BELOW Parents must pick up their child(ren) at the door of the dance studio at the end of each class; students will be released from the studio once a parent arrives at the door. This is to ensure the safety of our youngest students. If a parent is late, their child(ren) will be asked to wait in the dance studio with an instructor until their parent arrives. After 15 minutes, an instructor or staff person will bring the child to the Front Desk, and a phone call will be placed to the parent. DANCERS 3RD-5TH GRADE For safety, the Lawrence Arts Center asks all students 3rd-5th grade to wait inside the building to be picked up by their ride. LATE PICK-UP Parents can call the front desk at 843-2787 to let staff know that they will be late. This is reassuring to both staff and students. All Pick-Ups are considered late after 15 minutes for all ages. REPEATED LATE PICK-UP Upon a second late pick-up, parents will be billed $10 for every fifteen minutes late, to cover the attending staff time. After a third late pick-up without prior notification, we may ask the family not to return to class, and issue a refund for the remainder of the class. With habitual lateness, or if a parent is over an hour late at any time, or staff is unable to reach a parent or emergency contact via telephone, we may call the police to report an abandoned child.
Inclement Weather Policy When Lawrence Public Schools are cancelled due to inclement weather, all Lawrence Arts Center classes held between 9am and 5pm, including the Preschool, will automatically be cancelled. During inclement weather, decisions about the cancellation of classes held after 5pm will be made by 2pm. Cancellations are announced via social media, our website, Channel 6, KPR -91.5FM, and KLWN-1320 AM. In extreme cases where a class cannot be rescheduled, a Class Make Up Card will be issued to the student. For further information, please refer to the Class Make Up and Transfer Policy page.
Lost & Found The School of Dance keeps three Lost & Found baskets outside of the dance studios for the following items: dance attire, dance shoes, and miscellaneous items. Please note that items left in the Lost & Found after four weeks will be donated to area charities.
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Performance Opportunities The School of Dance provides numerous performance opportunities throughout the year for students to gain stage experience and to demonstrate their training.
Student Choreography Showcase
Lawrence Ballet Theatre
Held each Fall and Spring, the Student Choreography Showcase is an event for students to perform self-choreographed dance works in a supportive and encouraging environment. Student choreographers are responsible for selecting and rehearsing their dancers leading up to the showcase. Intended for dancers and choreographers 3rd grade-Adult. Learn more online or by reading the Course and Events Catalog.
ABOUT LAWRENCE BALLET THEATRE Lawrence Ballet Theatre (LBT) is the resident pre-professional ballet company of the Lawrence Arts Center. Under the direction of Artistic Director Cynthia Crews, company members gain exposure and experience through numerous performances and working directly with professional guest choreographers. Lawrence Ballet Theatre is one of the fourteen member companies that make up the prestigious Regional Dance America/MidStates Festival. Each year, the LBT company members attend the annual RDA/Midstates Festival.
End of Year Showcases During the Winter/Spring semesters, youth classes prepare a dance piece to be performed in the School of Dance’s End of Year Showcases. This event is a crucial component of the dance curriculum and demonstrates the artistic growth of every student and class. SHOWCASE ATTIRE To keep costume prices low, the School of Dance carefully considers costumes assignments for each class. If necessary, students will be asked to purchase specified items. Usually, students will use part of their class’s dress attire as a base costume and/or will be provided a costume. DRESS REHEARSAL Dress rehearsals occur during class time the final week of Winter/Spring classes. It is crucial for every student to attend. GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS Graduating seniors who have been enrolled in the School of Dance for at least 2 years and are currently enrolled in Ballet V (or higher), Tap III, Modern II, and/ or Jazz III are provided the honor of performing a solo at the End of Year Showcases. If you are a senior, please contact the Dance School Director for more information.
School of Dance 2016/17 Productions THE NUTCRACKER: A KANSAS BALLET, FALL 2016 A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, SPRING BALLET PRODUCTION 2017 MUFARO’S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS, SPRING MODERN PRODUCTION 2017 * *Requires no audition
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LAWRENCE BALLET THEATRE MISSION The mission of Lawrence Ballet Theatre is to provide extensive training, performance opportunities, and artistic experience to dancers seeking to develop advanced experience in preparation for a professional career in dance. AUDITION AND PARTICIPATION Auditions are held each year for the Novice, Junior, and Senior Companies. Members are expected to meet requirements set by the artistic director. Throughout the season, company members have the opportunity to participate in special workshops and master classes, work with professional guest choreographers, perform, and attend the Regional Dance America Mid-States Festival. REQUIREMENTS NOVICE, JUNIOR, AND SENIOR MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO: • be at least 11 years of age or older. • take three ballet technique classes per week. • take one additional dance technique class per week of any style. • attend all company weekly rehearsals (4 hours per week) and additional rehearsals during production weeks. • be available to perform at scheduled events/concerts. SENIOR MEMBERS MUST ALSO: Take one additional dance technique class per week of any style.
Volunteer Opportunities There are many ways for parents, friends and students to volunteer. If you are interested in volunteering in the School of Dance, please contact the Dance Program Coordinator, Olivia Hernandez, at olivia@lawrenceartscenter.org.
Contact Us! If you have any questions, please feel free to email the School of Dance staff, call us at 785.843.2787 or visit the Front Desk. For more information about the Lawrence Arts Center School of Dance, please contact: HANAN MISKO, DANCE SCHOOL DIRECTOR HANAN@LAWRENCEARTSCENTER.ORG ELLIE GOUDIE-AVERILL, SCHOOL OF DANCE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ELLIE@LAWRENCEARTSCENER.ORG
OLIVIA HERNANDEZ, DANCE PROGRAM COORDINATOR OLIVIA@LAWRENCEARTSCENTER.ORG MARGARET WEISBROD MORRIS, CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER MARGARET@LAWRENCEARTSCENTER.ORG
CYNTHIA CREWS, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF LAWRENCE BALLET THEATRE CYNTHIA@LAWRENCEARTSCENTER.ORG Check out the School of Dance on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Comment, share, tag, post pictures, and see more of the exciting things that are happening within the Lawrence Arts Center School of Dance.
LAWRENCE ARTS CENTER 940 NEW HAMPSHIRE STREET LAWRENCE KS 66044 785.843.2787
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