Earth Dancer School
Miss Stephanie's
Dance And Nature Centered Education
& the Free Spirits Dance Company
Classes, Required Attire & Dance Etiquette
ELECTIVES
Ethnic Dance Styles
Intermediate/Advanced: Classes in Latin, Middle Eastern, Celtic or other cultural dancing may be offered as a workshop, in advanced classes or in dance company.
Workshops
Workshops and out-of-class dance study may be offered to students when available. This includes studying cultural/ethnic dance styles and viewing or participating in the work of other artists. Some workshops are free others have a small fee.
Offerings may include: Student Choreography, Turn Skills, Dance Storytelling, Poetry, Jump & Trick Skills, Waltzing & Partnering.
Dance Camp
When offered, Summer Dance Camp is in July.
Technique Skill Improvement
A technique class for increasing skills that lead to upper level specialized dance moves. Recommended for Levels 3+ (Level 2 by recommendation only).
Private Classes
Private classes may be arranged by appointment or on a regular schedule for students trying to increase their skill level, highly motivated students, or those working on a solo, duet, or small group dance.
Field Trips
Progressive students may be offered optional field trips to dance, musical or theatrical performances. See the Dance News page for dates and times.
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All students must take a base ballet class.
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Students are placed at the discretion of the instructor.
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Students are advanced to the next level when skill achievement is obtained.
YOUTH
Tiny Toes for Tots
Toddler: A fun first dance class for ages 2.5 - 3.5 year olds! Little dancers will wiggle, jiggle, and jump to the music and have a blast! This class is timed and designed perfectly for our littlest dancers with fun toddler music. Create your own "Preschool Pals" class group!
Les Petites Preschool Primas
Pre-School: A Primary Ballet, Primary Jazz, and Creative Dance class for ages 4 through pre-K 5. Innovative techniques are used to teach dance in fun ways little people love!
Tap & Tumble Tots
Preschool: A fun add-on class for Les Petites that includes intro tap and tumbling activities. Tap & tumble usually on alternate weeks.
Ballet I
Beginner: A combination of Ballet, Tap, and Jazz for age K5 and up. The first half hour of class is always ballet. A first formal dance class using innovative techniques to teach classical and creative dance.
Ballet II
Beginner Levels: Focus on strong basics at the barre and center. Increasing skills and flexibility, strength, musicality, and fun with dance expression. Intermediate level skills are explored as dancers increase their ability level.
Tap Skill Drill I
A skill builder where students learn and reinforce tap skills as well and increase tap progressions each week. A first tap class, age 5+.
Jazz Minis
Introductory: Developing skill base, speed, height, and flexibility. Break it down & shake it out. Put your dancitude into action!
INTERMEDIATE
Ballet III
Beginner Intermediate: A combination of Ballet and Lyrical dance for the dancer working towards higher level skills and combinations. May also be a beginner teen class. Developing skill base.
Ballet IV
Middle/Upper Intermediate: A combination of Ballet and Lyrical dance for the dancer developing higher level skills and combinations. Dancer is developing a stronger skill base.
Pre-Pointe
Pre-Pointe class is for female dancers age 11 and older with extensive training, proper placement, turn out, and alignment. Most dancers are not ready until at least age 12. Preparation for Beginner Pointe level. Optional field trips may be offered.
Beginner Pointe
Beginner Pointe class is for female dancers age 11 and older with extensive training, proper placement, turn out, alignment, and strength, and physical development. Ballet class level does not determine readiness for pointe. Students transferring from other schools must be evaluated before being placed in Pre-Pointe or Pointe classes.
Dance Storytelling/Ballet Mime Dramatics
A class focused on the interpretation of fairy tales and dance stories through the use of ballet mime, facial expression, and interpretive dance to tell the story. A dramatic and fun class that helps to increase expressiveness in dance.
Tours Technique - Turning Skills
Skill builder to improve turning skills. Highly recommended and effective for achieving better balance, technique and multiples.
Stretch & Flex
Skill builder for improving flexibility and extension, reaching and attaining splits, oversplits and leg extensions.
Tap Skill Drill II
A skill builder where students learn and reinforce tap skills as well and increase tap progressions each week. Quality tap shoes a must! Levels vary with age and experiences.
Junior Jazz
Beginner, Middle and Upper Beginner & Introductory Intermediate: Modern and Jazz dance. Moderate skill levels at leaps and turns is helpful. Developing skill base, speed, height, and flexibility. You've gotta have attitude for this class!
Trick & Tumble
Beginner, Middle and Upper Beginner & Introductory Intermediate: A class focusing on advancing jumps, tumbling and tricks that may include introductory break dance moves.
Dramatic Poetry and Movement
Beginner, Middle and Upper Beginner & Introductory Intermediate: Using poetry and other spoken word in combination with dramatic movement.
ADVANCED
Advanced Ballet
Beginner - Upper Advanced: A combination of Ballet and Lyrical dance for the serious dancer developing and increasing higher level skills and combinations. Strong skill base.
Pointe
Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced: Pointe class is for female dancers age 12 and older with extensive training, proper placement and alignment. Optional field trips.
Modern/Lyrical II
A class for students who are willing to stretch their emotional and physical connection to music, poetry, and art as a part of interpreting the music into expressive moves. Must be open to having fun with exciting and unusual moves!
Senior Jazz/Break Dance
Middle & Upper Advanced: Modern/Jazz/Hip Hop/Street dance. Increasing skill base, speed, and height. Already has a strong skill level and ability to quickly learn higher level combinations. Ultimate attitude!
Pas de Deux (Partnering)
Advanced: Partnering is for female and male dancers with extensive training as well as maturity. Beginner classes or workshops may be occasionally offered.
* Class offerings vary by year and semester depending upon demand.
* Skill Builder classes are for technique strengthening purposes & do not perform in the recital.
✦ Required item ✧ Suggested item If you have questions about what is and is not required, please call!
PURCHASE WHEN YOU HAVE TIME, DON'T RUSH
We know dance attire costs money. Most dancers only need one or two leotards for the year and one pair of dance shoes per class, but children grow, so you may need more than one. We want you to be satisfied with the quality and sizing of your purchases, so please follow guidelines we give for your benefit. We cannot guarantee any of these items. We don't make them, but we do see them used often and suggest taking your time when ordering.
RECOMMENDED DANCE RETAILERS
Discount Dance Supply: Use our school code 46298 for a 10% discount! Please carefully check our required attire list before making purchases. If you have any qustions, ask before making the purchase and keep your receipt. Always ask what the return policy is. Wearing or using purchased items usually voids return.
WHEN TO ORDER
Most dancers will be ordering new shoes in July for September, early August at the latest. If you wait beyond the beginning of August, you will find many items will be back ordered and you may start the dance year without your dance shoes or new leotard.
DANCE SHOES
• Leather, split sole. Absolutely no canvas shoes. They are slippery and unsafe in class and wear out easily, shredding and getting holes in them with use. Read the description carefully. If it looks like a bargain price, it may be canvas.
• Dance shoes should not be purchased to grow into. Dancers can easily trip on the extra space in the toe. A small pinch of extra room is okay.
• Please check styles and sizing charts very carefully before purchasing.
SIZE CHARTS
• Even if you have purchased the item before, READ THE SIZE CHARTS and how to size your child carefully. We also suggest you read comments left by others that let you know if an item runs small, narrow or has not been satisfactory.
DANCE CLOTHING & SWEATERS
Attire must be snug to the body, not loose or baggy. No sweats, T shirts or leg warmers are allowed in class.
DANCE BAG / NAME IN SHOES
Every dancer should have their name written in their dance shoes, sweater, dance shorts, etc. Dancers should have a dance bag for their personal belongings and keep them zipped up in it, not removing dance shoes and accessories from it except to be laundered. (We shouldn't have to say this, but don't wash your dance shoes.) Dance shoes should not be worn on the street, not even to come in to dance from the car. They must be kept clean and in good condition.
QUESTIONS
Have questions about styles or fitting? Please contact us before making a purchase. Always ask the return policy, keep your receipt and do not wear purchased items until you are certain they are the right style and properly sized. If you want to check if a shoe fits well when you receive it, send a photo of your child in the shoes.
Dance Attire
Girls Dance Attire
ALL CLASSES
✓ SOLID BLACK LEOTARD. ✦ No designs or words, no attached skirts.
(Suggested styles)
Black short sleeved leotard children adults
Black long-sleeved leotard children adults
Spaghetti strap leotard children adults
✓ Capezio Convertible Tights ✦ children adults
DANCE SWEATER - OPTIONAL
✓ Ballet Sweater ✧ Pink or black (no sweats or T shirts allowed in class.)
HAIR
Hair must be secured in a bun for all classes.
- Use a strong elastic (not thin, weak elastic that will slide down) and make a high, neat pony tail. Having the dancer hold her head upside down can make getting a high pony tail easier. Twist the hair and wrap it around. Tuck the end under, cover in a bun cover (snood) or hair net and pin it securely. Need help? Just ask!
Video tutorials
• Make a bun using a foam bun form
• How to use bun pins to secure the bun
BUN SUPPLIES
• Bun cover in black or pink only. ✦ Small Large
• Bunheads hair pins to match hair color. (Bobby pins do not hold hair securely). 3" pins recommended for long hair. 3 sizes
BALLET
✓ Leather Ballet slippers ✦ (see required details below)
• Leather, split sole. Absolutely no canvas shoes.
• Elasticized binding, no drawstring pulls/ties
Theatricals - neoprene arch children adult preschool
JAZZ
✓ Black jazz shorts children adult
✓ Leather Jazz shoes ✦ (no tie-up styles allowed.)
• Leather, split sole, slip-on, no ties. Absolutely no canvas shoes. Please check styles carefully before purchasing.
LYRICAL/CONTEMPORARY/MODERN
✓ Lyrical shoes ✦
• Nude color
Food Undeez (great, but run very small)
So Danca Metatarsal protectors
TAP
✓ Tap shoes ✦
Children's Tap: Theatricals buckle
Inter/Teen Tap: Theatricals neoprene (A)
POINTE
✓ Pointe shoes are only with instructor approval and sized at a reputable dance store. For safety and proper fitting, no online purchasing allowed.
NOTE: Dancers transferring from another school must be evaluated before being placed in a Pre-Pointe or Pointe class. Please keep this in mind before purchasing new pointe shoes.
Boys Dance Attire
ALL CLASSES
✓ BLACK DANCE PANTS. ✦ No designs or words.
(Suggested styles) children
(Girls dance/yoga pants can be substituted.)
✓ BLACK DANCE SHIRT. ✦ No designs or words. Must be a form-fitting cotton/lycra blend. Short-sleeved V-tee Sleeveless mesh back tank
* We have boys dance shirts for sale. See below.
BALLET
✓ Black leather ballet slippers ✦
• Black leather, split sole preferred. Absolutely no canvas shoes.
• Elasticized binding, no drawstring pulls/ties
Finding black leather ballet slippers can be difficult and black leather split sole, even harder. Right now this is our best suggestion. If you have a question about boys dance shoes, please call us.
JAZZ
✓ Jazz shoes ✦
• Black leather, split sole, slip-on, no ties. Absolutely no canvas shoes.
TAP
✓ Tap shoes ✦
Children's Tap: Theatricals neoprene
IN-STOCK ATTIRE (limited selection as supplies last)
✓ Boys dance shirts
✓ Girls new ballet tights
✓ Gently worn ballet, tap and jazz shoes
BOYS LYCRA DANCE SHIRT
$12.00 each: 1S, 1M, 1L left
Etiquette & Expectations
Our goal is to provide a safe, respectful, fun and meaningful dance experience for every student. Having clear expectations is helpful in achieving personal and group goals. When needed, we conference with a student and their parent to work towards a positive experience for all.
ARRIVAL TO DANCE
• Drive slowly and cautiously in the driveway & parking lot.
• Arrive promptly.
• Greet friends quietly in the waiting area.
• Dress quickly.
• Check that hair is secured in a bun, no bangs or loose hair.
• Please make bathroom visits before dance class to limit interruptions!
• Line up to proceed to class. Wait away from the door for the preceding class to be dismissed.
• Quietly enter the class and wait for instructions.
RECOMMENDED DANCE RETAILERS
• Discount Dance Supply: Use our school code 46298 for a 10% discount! Please carefully check our required attire list before making purchases. If you have any questions, ask before making the purchase, keep your receipt. Wearing or using purchased items usually voids return.
DANCE ATTIRE & GEAR
• Every dancer should have their own dance bag with their name on it! All dance attire including shoes should have their name in them. When they are misplaced, we'll be able to return them to you quickly!
• Girls attire: Black leotard, no tutus attached, no appliques (a few tiny rhinestones are fine), pink leather ballet shoes.
• Boys attire: Solid black lyrcra (fitted) T-shirt, black yoga/jazz pants, bare feet in black leather ballet shoes.
✭ See the list above for our required attire and items you will need.
WAITING ROOM AREA
• Soft voices please!
• Quiet games or reading for little ones. Supervised children are welcome to play on the lawn. Please do not allow shouting outside the building or on the lawn. This can be very distracting to dancers focused on their dance class.
• Please make sure children do not climb trees, pull out flowers, run into the driveway or play unsupervised. Parents must attend to and supervise their children and are responsible for them.
• Only currently enrolled students are allowed in class to maintain focus and minimize disruption.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS
• Hair secured in a bun for all classes. No pony tails or braids. No hair in the face.
• Quiet and attentive. Follow instructions.
• Be polite and respectful to Miss Stephanie, Teaching Assistants, students and parents at all times.
• Be willing to work with and be friendly to dancers in your class!
• Ready to have fun, work hard, learn, improve, achieve and enjoy!
• A link to the full list of Class Etiquette and Student Expectations and Dance Handbook is below.
FRIENDS
• Friends are welcome to try a class any time from the beginning of classes through the second week in October. Please contact Miss Stephanie the week before you plan to bring a friend to class. Thank you.
SNACKS & DRINKS - GO GREEN, GO HEALTHY!
• Please, only healthy snacks at dance class! No candy, cookies, chips, cheese puffs, etc. Fruits, veggies, crackers & cheese are great after-school snacks! Reusable containers are preferred, but if you have trash, please be sure to it in the receptacle.
• The only beverage allowed at dance class is water. Please, no soda, juice, or flavored water as they are sugary and make the floors sticky when they spill Yes, even fruit flavored waters have sugar.
• For rehearsals, dancers should have a reusable plastic (PBA-free) or stainless steel water bottle with their name written on it. No glass or disposable plastic bottles please!
• Except for Intermediate & Advanced classes, water bottles should be kept down stairs for before and after class.
• Healthy habits are built now. Dance should be a healthy haven for kids. Thanks for your help with this!
DANCE CLASS DEPARTURE
• Make sure you have all of your dance shoes, clothing, shoes, and coat! Any intimate apparel left behind will be disposed of for sanitary reasons.
• Be courteous of others. Please put any trash in the receptacle and put seats back where they were.
• The Earth Dancer School and the owners of our building are not responsible for your child before class and once class has been dismissed. Please do not drop off unattended children early and make arrangements for prompt pick up.
• Dancers should be instructed to stay inside the building and wait for pick up, not meet parents in the parking lot. Parents, please, please, pleeeease come in to pick up your child, for their safety and our peace of mind. This is particularly important in the winter months when it is dark out. We want dancers to go home safely!
• PARKING: Please park in the lot associated with our building. Do not park in the driveway or sit with your car idling.
• Drive slowly and cautiously.
REGISTRATION
• All dance registration forms must be signed and submitted before dancers may attend class. No exceptions.
TUITION
• Class tuition is due the first class of every month. There is no reduction in tuition for missed classes. Please refer to your registration paperwork for further information.
STUDENT ETIQUETTE & EXPECTATIONS LIST