4 Things Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing a Dance Studio

If most dance studios seem to have qualified, friendly teachers, experience teaching children, and a big show at the end of the year, aren't they all pretty much the same? Does it really matter which place you decide to enroll at? Yes. There are 4 main things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and hassles the parents must deal with, and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. Here are 4 things that every parent should consider before deciding on a dance studio for their child.

1. What type of dance floor is used?
   Dance is a very physical activity that requires a lot of jumping, which can put stress on bones and joints. Most dance footwear does not provide any cushioning or support, so the shock of dance movement can place a lot of pressure on the knees and back of a dancer. The best way to prevent against potential injury is by choosing a studio with a professional "floating floor." A floating floor is a dance floor that rests on a system of high-density foam, to absorb the shock of jumping. A high-density foam base is superior to a "sprung" floor, which usually consists of a wood structure built on the regular floor.
   
   The top layer of the dance floor is also an important factor. A vinyl composite "Marley" floor is accepted worldwide as the best surface layer for recreational to professional dance. Facilities such as the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Royal Academy of Dance in London, England, and Riverdance-the Touring Show, all use Marley floors as their dance surface. A Marley floor allows dancers to slide, with a degree of "controlled slip", but is not slippery so there is less risk of slips and falls. Very few studios use professional Marley floors because of the expense involved, and usually opt for a regular floor covered with parquet wood or tile for a studio floor.
   
   All of our studio locations have floating floors that have high density foam blocks under the floor surface and a Marley top surface. Our special floors help reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to dance longer without getting tired.
   
    
2. Can I get immediate assistance and customer service?
   In many studios the teacher or the studio owner conducts classes and does the administration. By trying to do two jobs at once, the class may suffer, as the teacher has to use class time for customer service issues, or the studio may have no customer service available if the teacher is in a class. To have a good experience, it is important to choose a studio that can assist you with details like costumes or schedules, even if a teacher is occupied in a class. Our studios have office staff on hand during all regular class times, so you can get immediate assistance.
   
    
3. Is there consistent quality in every dance class?
   In order for a student to receive the full benefit of his/her dance class, a solid dance foundation based on proper technique and stage performances must be consistent throughout the school. Definitive class levels must be established so that each student may progress with ease and confidence.
   O.D.A.'s mission statement is "To provide students of all ages with the skill they need to ENJOY dance for a lifetime." O.D.A accomplishes this by providing professional and highly motivated teachers who students can relate to and who make learning Fun! O.D.A was voted "Best of Awards for Outstanding Dance Teachers in San Diego County." O.D.A. teachers are familiar with their class syllabus and what they need to cover the school year in order for their students to progress. Students enjoy this consistent quality and look forward to their annual progress report because they are praised for their accomplishments and motivated to work on their dance challenges.
   
    
4. Is this dance school conveniently located?
   As we all know, time is very precious - most especially for a family juggling work, school, and extra curriculum activities. A school conveniently located can help save on time and reduce stress.
   
   O.D.A. has two locations, less than 10 minutes apart, conveniently located. The 3881 Mission Avenue location that is here to serves Oceanside, Camp Pendleton, Fallbrook, Bonsall, Vista, Carlsbad, and other coastal communities. 

Please call us at

(760)-940-6161 or by e-mail at

ODA_office@yahoo.com for more information.

Oceanside Dance Academy Policy & Guidelines Sheet

Registration

• All students must complete registration forms and pay class tuition before taking any classes at O.D.A. Non-refundable annual registration fee is $30.00.
• All students must update their registration card when they have a change of address, telephone #, or any emergency contact information. Please contact the front desk with this information.

Tuition

• All monthly rate tuition is due on the 1st of the month. We do not send statements. A $25.00 late charge will be imposed if payment is not received by the 5th of the month. A $25.00 fee will be charged for checks returned for insufficient funds. If a check by the same maker is returned for insufficient funds 2 different times, then O.D.A. will no longer accept checks as a method of payment. Only new students tuition may be prorated. Every student is responsible for the month’s tuition regardless of how many classes are attended (see “Absence and Make-Up”). The 5th week of a month is applied towards holidays or shortened months. No month except for Aug or the starting month will be prorated.

Methods of Payments

• Auto-debit pay: a system of auto debit from a checking account for fee collection. The fees are paid monthly and will automatically be debited from your checking account the 1st of each month. Tuition must be paid monthly as scheduled until the auto-debit system is processed and accepted.
  All auto-debit ceases the month of August 2007 and begins when the student registers for the following year.
• Tuition paid monthly: we accept cash, check, or credit card. Post dated checks will not be accepted.
• Payments received after the 10th (in drop box, in person, or by mail) will be automatically charged a $20.00 late fee. There will not be a courtesy late fee waiver.
• Single class payment: a drop in fee of $14.00 must be paid in advance before a class may be taken. Single class payments are only accepted for visiting dance students in adult or upper level classes. Parents who choose to buy their child less than 4 classes per month are still responsible for the entire monthly tuition.
• December payment must be paid in full in order to return to class in January.
• Special Savings: after the first family member has enrolled in 8 or more classes per month (2 times a week), the remaining family members are offered a family discount.

Absence and Make-up Classes

• Please call when your child is going to be absent from their classes.
• Make-up classes can be done in any class offered at the studio as long as it is at your child’s level or below.
• You will have until the end of the following month to make-up the class. There will be no credit or refunds given for unused classes. Unused classes will be lost and are not transferable.
• Credit is only given toward the next month’s tuition if classes are cancelled by the instructor.
• It is our policy NOT to give a class if there are only 1 or 2 students signed in for class. A 1/2 hr class is given if there are only 3 students for class. We cannot control when and if students show-up for class. The Director may cancel a class if the monthly enrollment is not satisfactory.

Conduct

• Please be on time for your classes. Teachers will not let a student who is late by 15 minutes or more into their classes.
• Parent and student conduct is a concern to all. Any concerns that a parent may have regarding a child other than their own must be brought to the attention of the Artistic Director. Please do not approach another child about discipline concerns or an incident between your child and another and do not place your hands on another child
• O.D.A. maintains a zero tolerance policy for gossip and/or negative slurs towards another student or family. Any hurtful gossip that cannot be corrected by positive communication may result in dismissal of the student from O.D.A.
• Parents are only allowed to view classes through the window. Exceptions are made for visiting relatives. Do not talk to your child through the window, as this is very distracting to the class. Teachers will ask you to leave if you are distracting.
• Never just walk into a class in progress to talk to the teacher or your child. Wait until the class is over if there is a problem that needs to be discussed. Appointments may be made at the front desk.
• Dress code dance clothes and shoes must be worn for all classes. Ballet class uniforms are required. See Dress Code.
• All students should wear cover-ups to and from the studio.
• Student conduct in the classes demands silence and total attention. Focus by the student on the Instructor is highly emphasized.

Policy

• Please observe the policy of no food or drinks allowed in any dance room.
• No one is allowed in any dance rooms without a teacher present. Gymnastics are not permitted in the studio unless under the direction of a teacher.
• No students or parents behind the desk unless authorized.
• O.D.A. phone is for business use only.
• Emergency phone calls only. No personal phone calls. Please arrange a pick-up time for your child so they don’t have to use the phone every time they finish class. Each call will cost $.50.
• No gum chewing is allowed in class or the studio at any time!
• The teacher and staff have the right to remove any student from class for failure to observe any of these policies, without recourse.
• Oceanside Dance Academy is not responsible for any loss of personal property or valuables. Any clothing left at the studio for 30 days will be given to charity. Check the lost and found basket for lost clothes, shoes, and toys.

Safety

• For everyone’s safety, please do not block the hallway with benches, dance bags, and bodies. This does cause a fire hazard.
• There is to be no running or playing down the hallway or in the lobby.
• We are not a baby-sitting service. If your child is not picked up 15 minutes when the studio closes, there will be a $1.00 charge per minute. O.D.A. is not responsible for the safety of any unsupervised child in the studio or outside the studio including but not limited to the parking lot and adjacent sidewalk. Parents, please monitor younger siblings.
• Absolutely no skateboards, razors, skates, or bikes are allowed in the studio.
• For health reasons, NO PETS ALLOWED. Many people suffer from animal allergies.

Performance

• O.D.A. offers participation in an annual recital that has been praised as one of the best dance performances in San Diego. This performance is optional; however, all dancers, in order to perform, must purchase the costume(s) and attend the assigned mandatory dress rehearsals.
• The performance will be held in a rented auditorium, therefore tickets must be purchased. The San Diego County Fair, Mall, Harbor Day, and annual holiday performances are free. Individual, group, and recital photos, as well as professional recital tapes will be made available for purchase. Costume prices and order forms will be made available after October.
• The Dance Focus is O.D.A.’s official newsletter, (the inside scoop on studio events, awards, and dance updates), published semi-annually. Please look for your copy in your child’s dance bag or call the front desk and we will be happy to get a copy to you.