Welcome to Rising Stars School of Dance and Performing Arts!
The 2020-2021 dance school year will run from the beginning of September 2020 and end in June, 2021. We guarantee 32 classes annually. Specific dates will be made available as soon as possible.

ALL TINY STARS, TWINKLES, STARLITES, SHOOTING STARS, TEEN STARS, BOYS ONLY HIP HOP CREW, PRE-COMPETITION, COMPETITION, ELITE, & COMPANY STUDENTS MUST REVIEW AND SIGN THE ADDITIONAL COMPETITION INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS POLICY

TUITION FOR IN-STUDIO/TRANSITIONAL (IS/T) RECREATIONAL CLASSES: MULTIPLE DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!
18 months-2.5 Year Old Wee Dance Classes, 2.5-3 Year Old Classes, 3 Year Old Classes, 3-4 Year Old Classes: YEARLY Tuition is 10 installments of $56.00 cash/check (or $58.50 by credit card - SAVE an approximate 4% by paying with cash/check).
4 Year Old Classes, 4-6 Year Old Classes, 5-6 Year Old Classes, 5-8 Year Old Classes, 7-9 Year Old Classes, 10-12 Year Old Classes, 10-13 Year Old Classes, 12+ Year Old Classes, and 13+ Year Old Classes: YEARLY tuition is 10 installments of $71.00 cash/check (or $74.00 by credit card - SAVE an approximate 4% by paying with cash/check).

VIRTUAL CLASSES WILL BE OFFERED AT A 20% DISCOUNT. MULTIPLE DISCOUNTS ARE NOT APPLICABLE.
TUITION FOR VIRTUAL ONLY (VO) RECREATIONAL CLASSES:
18 months-2.5 Year Old Wee Dance Classes, 2.5-3 Year Old Classes, 3 Year Old Classes, 3-4 Year Old Classes: YEARLY Tuition is 10 installments of $44.80 cash/check (or $46.75 by credit card - SAVE an approximate 4% by paying with cash/check).
4 Year Old Classes, 4-6 Year Old Classes, 5-6 Year Old Classes, 5-8 Year Old Classes, 7-9 Year Old Classes, 10-12 Year Old Classes, 10-13 Year Old Classes, 12+ Year Old Classes, and 13+ Year Old Classes: YEARLY tuition is 10 installments of $56.80 cash/check (or $59.50 by credit card - SAVE an approximate 4% by paying with cash/check).

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DISCOUNT!
Register and pay the 1st and 2nd installments on or before, MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020 and RECEIVE 2019-2020 TUITION PRICES for 2020-2021 classes ALL YEAR!!!

THE 2019-2020 PRICES ARE WHAT IS LISTED PER CLASS UNTIL AUGUST 31ST

ON SEPTEMBER 1ST, ALL CLASS PRICES WILL CHANGE TO 2020-2021 PRICES!

1. The day AFTER you register, we manually charge the 2nd installment to your account.
2. You have 3 DAYS after the 2nd installment posts on your account to make sure the 1st and 2nd installment payments are made.
3. PLEASE NOTE: the Early Bird Discount will expire on midnight Monday, August 31, 2020 - no exceptions.
4. Registrations made on August 30th & 31st will be given 3 days to make a payment (by dropping off check/cash, mailing a check or using the credit card online. Please note there is a 4% credit card fee that will be applied the day after a credit card payment is received). Deadline for payment is: Friday, September 4th.
5. Multiple class discounts will also apply! (See below)
6. IMPORTANT: If you want to ENSURE that you have an IN-STUDIO spot for your children in the fall, PLEASE REGISTER RIGHT AWAY (with 1st & 2nd installments paid in full) because enrollment for IN-STUDIO spots are limited to first come, first serve!
7. If the 1st and 2nd installments are not paid by the deadline, then tuition will revert to the 2020-2021 prices.


TUITION DISCOUNTS:

1. DISCOUNTS per family when multiple siblings are ONLY enrolled in 1 class each: (1) 1st sibling's class is full price, (2) 2nd sibling's class: subtract $20 per-class/per-year, 3rd sibling's class: subtract $40 per class/per year, etc.
2. DISCOUNTS per family when 1 or more of the children has one class, and the other child(ren) have multiple classes: (1) sibling #1's first class is full price, 2nd class: subtract $20 per-class/per-year, 3rd class: subtract $40 per class/per year, and so on (2) sibling #2's first class is full price, 2nd class: subtract $20 per-class/per-year, 3rd class: subtract $40 per class/per year, and so on (3) sibling #3, who is only enrolled in one class is discounted: subtract $20 per class/per year. These repeat as per the number of siblings and how many classes they are enrolled in.
3. DISCOUNTS per student, per class are calculated as follows: 1st class/per student is full price, 2nd class/per student: subtract $20 per-class/per-year, 3rd class/per student: subtract $40 per class/per year, 4th class/per student: subtract $60 per class/per year, 5th class/per student: subtract $80 per class/per year, 6th class/per student: subtract $100 per class/per year, 7th class/per student: subtract $120 per class/per year, 8th class/per student: subtract $140 per class/per year, etc.

Installments do not pay for monthly dance lessons, but is a yearly fee divided into 10 installments. Tuition is prorated if registration takes place after classes begin and tuition ends if a student withdraws prior to end of the school year. When you register, 2 installments are due. The remaining 8 installments are due the 1st day of each month beginning October 1, 2020. Payments can be made with cash, checks or credit cards and can also be mailed. Additionally, payments may be conveniently made from home or any location using your personal PARENT PORTAL!
PLEASE NOTE: Amounts listed in the Parent Portal are if you pay by CASH or CHECK only. CREDIT CARD payments will be charged an approximate 4% fee the following business day.
Please note, you will not receive your recital ticket(s) if your account is not paid in full by Saturday May 15, 2021. Tickets purchased for recital will be voided and used to offset any balance due.

CASH/CHECK DISCOUNT!!!
Tuition is posted at the cash/check discount. Credit Card Tuition Payments will be charged an approximate 4% fee the following business day.

LATE FEES
Installments are due the 1st of each month and are late if received after the 15th. A $10.40 late fee (or fee reduced to $10.00 by cash or check) will be applied to all accounts when tuition is not received by the 15th of each month. All monies received will be put towards the oldest fees due (e.g., if you owe your 7th installment and upcoming competition fees, monies received will be put towards your 7th installment first). It helps us when payments are received on time and we appreciate your efforts to get them in promptly. For your convenience, you may use your Parent Portal and pay any time of the day or night. Please note: you will not receive your recital ticket(s) if your account is not paid in full by Saturday May 15, 2021. Tickets purchased for recital will be voided and used to offset any balance due.
NOTE: The Parent Portal does NOT automatically withdraw money to pay for tuition. If you wish to pay through the portal, you must initiate the payment.

If you miss a monthly payment: If we have not received payment by the last day of the month, your account is now one month behind. Therefore all classes will be suspended until payment is made to bring your account up to date.

Returned Check Charges
There is a minimum $30 charge for returned checks. All discounts will become null and void in the event of a returned check and all total amounts will become due immediately.

Holidays, Snow Days, Absences, etc.
Our dance school year consists of 32 classes per year. Please refer to our school calendar for specifics. All classes will be held regardless of weather. If in studio classes are cancelled due to weather or any other unforeseen reason, all classes will be held via ZOOM. An email and/or texts will be sent out to notify you. Make-ups may be scheduled for absences but must be scheduled through the office so that classes will not be over-crowded. Students with an extended absence due to a prolonged illness or physical condition must continue to pay their tuition in order to perform in the recital. Tuition for classes missed during an extended injury or illness with or without a doctor's note will not be refunded or waived. NO EXCEPTIONS! We strongly suggest that students continue to attend class. Students also learn a great deal through observation therefore keeping them current with technique, corrections and choreography.

Registration Fee
NONE (Most studios charge a registration fee of approximately $50 per student. That is a savings of $5 per installment per student).

Withdrawing From Class
Your initial 2 installments reserve a class time/day for your child. We do not charge a registration fee, therefore, if your child withdraws from class, then a $40.00 admin fee will be subtracted from any unused installments received, and the balance returned to you within 30 days.

Dancewear Requirements
Students dance better when they are properly dressed. When students are dressed similarly, the teacher can focus easily on the student's arms and legs. Please check the class requirements when registering. All classes, 18 months-4 years old must purchase dance shoes at the studio and are given dancewear guidelines for their classes. All classes ages 5 years old and older, all JFK classes, pre-competition, competition and recreation classes, are REQUIRED to wear specific Rising Stars dance attire and shoes, in order to be allowed to participate in class. Team spirit & commitment is fostered when students wear the same dancewear. For specifics, please see the office. Shoe requirements differ per class and must also be followed. In order to perform in the recital, all dancers must wear the costume, tights, shoes and other performance accessories designated by the studio. NO EXCEPTIONS. To keep the uniformity of the dance intact, all dance shoes must be of the same brand, color & type. You will receive a list of shoe and dancewear requirements before classes begin in the fall. Hair requirements: Please note, students in all ballet, jazz & tap classes must have their hair in a high bun, acro - low bun, all other classes must have hair pulled back in a ponytail or a bun at all times. In all cases, bangs must be held back with a headband or bobby pins so that they are not their eyes. All hair must be secured neatly and firmly so that it does not come out in class. Dancers may want to try a hair net around the bun. It works well. If a teacher notices that a child is not adhering to the dancewear and shoe requirements, your child may not be permitted to participate in that class.

Class Size and Teacher Assignment
We limit class size based on age and/or style of dance. However, we may extend or decrease that limit based on circumstances beyond our control. If the need arises to replace a teacher during the school year, no refund or substitute compensation will be issued.

Class Photos
Candid Photos: We schedule candid student photos during the fall. Photographers come into the class and take photos of the students going about a normal dance class. Individual or composite photos are available for review on-line. Dress code: required dancewear.

Photos with Costumes: We schedule class and individual photos during the spring. For your convenience, one of your 32 annual dance class at your regular day and time will be used to take individual and class photos. (exception: Photo day/time for our "WEE" dancers may be adjusted slightly to accommodate their needs.) Time permitting, we plan to use some of this class time to dance in our costumes and have fun.
The costs for photos are not included in tuition and are optional. Please note: Required technique only classes are cancelled during costume photo week and tuition for these classes has already been adjusted accordingly.

FREE Recital Video Links
Each Rising Stars family will receive the recital video link over the summer of all of our recitals to enjoy. If you UNSUBSCRIBE from the Rising Stars Newsletter or fail to download it within a certain time, you will not have access to the link! This is a savings of approximately $75 per show!

Recital, Recital Dances & Sibling Conflicts
Recital will be held Saturday June 26th and Sunday June 27th at the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) in Rahway, NJ (this venue is approximately a 30 minute drive from the studio). If NJ State capacity mandates dictate that we cannot perform in the theater on Saturday, June 26th and Sunday, June 27th, we will make arrangements to perform outside or in a similar venue. Our Wee Dance students will perform their recital free of charge at our dance studio Sunday June 13th. Costs for recital costumes and tickets are not included in tuition. There are no additional recital fees at an additional savings to you. Once tickets and costumes are purchased & ordered, they are not refundable. For every class (except Technique classes), students will perform 1 recital routine, with 1 costume. We do our best to schedule classes & siblings together, but there is NO GUARANTEE that they will perform in the same recital. Should this occur, you will purchase tickets for one show, and we will provide complementary tickets equal in number for the remaining recital(s). Additionally, please be aware, that some classes may dance in more than one recital. When this occurs, 1 free chaperone voucher will be given to each family for the extra recital based on availability. As a courtesy to fellow students, we expect each student to perform in every recital that they are scheduled for. All students are required to perform in the finale and must wear their costume on stage.

If a student is unable to attend recital, the students' family can choose to purchase recital tickets and attend Dress Rehearsal instead to see their child perform. Please be sure to let us know when you complete your Promise to Perform which is sent out in September.


Dress Rehearsals for Recitals
A dress rehearsal will be scheduled at the recital venue before the recitals based on availability. Dress Rehearsals may be held any evening of the week prior to the weekend of the recital. Please reserve those evenings for Dress Rehearsal. We will let you know as soon as we get the information from the venue. As the year progresses, we will let you know which evening your class/es are scheduled for dress rehearsal. Due to venue availability, you may have to make some adjustments to your schedules in order to attend. Due to staffing and safety concerns, attendance is limited to two adults & siblings in the dress rehearsal venue. We reserve the right to limit access to non-performing siblings during dress rehearsals if we deem necessary.

Admission tickets will be provided to you and must be used to enter the theatre. The safety & security of our students is always forefront in our planning. We have these rules in place to verify that all persons in the venue are part of the Rising Stars' family and not strangers!! Safety for all: Please make sure children aren't climbing on the stage, roaming the halls, climbing over auditorium seats, running in front of video cameras, etc. Everyone needs to pitch in to keep problems at the dress rehearsal to an absolute minimum. If at all possible, please schedule babysitters for siblings. You need to arrive in costume on time and ready to perform, since we only run the routine once, no exceptions.
IMPORTANT! For safety and other reasons, ATTENDANCE AT DRESS REHEARSAL IS MANDATORY TO BE PERMITTED TO PERFORM IN THE RECITAL. HELP US KEEP THE THEATRE BEAUTIFUL! PLEASE CLEAN UP ANY ACCIDENTAL MESSES - THANK YOU

Recital Costume/Shoe Requirements:
In order to perform in the recital(s), all dancers must wear the costume, tights, shoes and other performance accessories designated by the studio. NO EXCEPTIONS: To keep the uniformity of the dance intact, all dance shoes must be of the same brand, color & type. You will receive a list of shoe requirements before classes begin in the fall. No costume money will be refunded after the costume payment cut-off date. Costumes will not be ordered unless they are paid in full. Once a costume has been ordered, it can't be cancelled for any reason. Due to many factors, costumes cannot be changed after they have been ordered. Costumes sometimes do not come fully assembled, and you may be required to attach a ribbon or feather, etc. Costumes are not custom made and therefore may need some alterations which are the parent's responsibility. IMPORTANT - Costumes ordered after the final costume payment deadline may not arrive in time for photo day, dress rehearsal and/or recital.

Dressing Rooms at Recital:
Dressing Rooms for recital are assigned based on many factors, including but not limited to, quick costume changes, health issues, how many hours a child will be dancing, intricacy of costume preparation, etc. Because of these reasons, senior graduating students may not be assigned together.

WE ARE DELIGHTED THAT YOU CHOSE Rising Stars School of Dance and Performing Arts
IT IS OUR GOAL TO PROVIDE YOU and your child with a very happy, fun-filled and educational dance experience.
JOELLE & JODY, DIRECTORS

I have read & agree to the Rising Stars School of Dance and Performing Arts Policy for the year 2020-2021
I understand the following key points of this policy:
I have read about tuition, registration, late fees, returned check charges, FREE Recital Video, holidays, snow days, absences, withdrawing from class, class times and dancewear requirements, class photos, dress rehearsals, Competition & Pre-competition and recital information (if a pre-comp. and/or comp. student). I understand that every possible attempt will be made to keep siblings and multiple recital routines performed by one child scheduled in ONE dance recital, but there are no guarantees.

Rising Stars is not responsible for missing items. Please put your name on the INSIDE of all shoes (after teacher has ok'd them on the first day of class) and dancewear garments. PLEASE NOTE: We will not refund or exchange any shoes or dancewear once a student's name has been written on it.

All rules, policies and regulations are expected to be followed by all students and family members.
We reserve the right to discontinue our relationship with any student/family where circumstances require us to do so.
I give my permission to allow Rising Stars to use any photos/videos for advertising/promotions in various media formats.

The following applies "JFK" - Tiny Stars, Twinkles, Starlites, Shooting Stars, Teen Stars, Boys Only Hip Hop Crew, Pre-Comp, Competition, Elite & Company
NOTE: SEE GENERAL POLICY FOR ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

All JFK, pre-competition and competition classes NEED to be dancing IN-STUDIO because they will be competing this year. In order to make sure that all students receive IN-STUDIO instruction, we are dividing the classes into A, B, C, etc - depending on NJ State capacity mandates at the time of the first class in the fall.

Example:
1. There are 15 students in your child's competition class.
2. The NJ State capacity mandates are a minimum of 5 students per class on the first day of classes in the fall.
3. We will divide the class alphabetically and assign them a class letter (in this particular case with 15 students we will have 3 groups: A, B, C).
4. Until NJ State capacity mandates increase, group A will be IN-Studio the 1st week, group B - the second week, and group C - the third week, then cycle will repeat with group A again.
5. ALL groups that are not in the studio, will be dancing and learning new choreography at home through a ZOOM class held at the same day/time.
6. EXCEPTION: If a student needs/would prefer to social distance for any reason, they can OPT-OUT of the group A, B, C cycling until December 1, 2020. At that point, we feel that they need to begin to dance with their classmates if they are going to compete. We will be in touch with the student's parent to decide how to best handle any concerns at that time.
7. Should a class have 10 students, they will only have 2 classes: A and B and cycle every 2 weeks, etc.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
To be GUARANTEED a spot in the 2020-2021 programs listed above, registration MUST take place by Monday, August 31, 2020. After that date, these classes may be re-configured, combined and unregistered student spots eliminated. Also, in recent years, we have seen an influx of new students wanting to compete and we need to be able to accept them into these programs in a timely manner. NOTE: You must be registered for more than 1 class to participate in these programs. (Except "JFK" - Tiny Stars, Twinkles, Starlites, Shooting Stars, Teen Stars, Boys Only Hip Hop Crew & Mini Pre-Comp).


TUITION:
1. "JFK" - Tiny Stars, Twinkles, Starlites, Shooting Stars, Teen Stars, Boys Only Hip Hop Crew & Pre-Comp Classes: YEARLY tuition is 10 installments due the first of every month in the amount of $75.00 when paid by cash/check ($78.25 when paid by credit card).
2. Mini Pre-Comp Class: Yearly Tuition is $112.50 when paid by cash/check ($117.25 when paid by credit card.
3. All Competition Classes: YEARLY tuition is $78.00 when paid by cash/check ($81.25 per credit card).
EXCEPTIONS:
4. Senior Company Ballet/Jazz: YEARLY tuition is $97.50 by cash/check ($101 .75 by credit card).
5. Senior Company Acro: YEARLY tuition is $117.50 when paid by cash/check ($122.50 when paid by credit card) PLEASE NOTE: Credit Card Payments on the Parent Portal & at the studio will incur an approximate 4% Fee, which will be charged the following business day.

NOTE: If you miss a monthly payment: If we have not received payment by the last day of the month, your account is now one month behind. Therefore all classes will be suspended until payment is made to bring your account up to date.

Technique classes are discounted at $46.00 per cash/check ($48.00 per credit card).
EXCEPTION: Teen and Senior Company Technique - $69.00 when paid by cash/check ($72.00 per credit card). PLEASE NOTE: Credit Card Payments will incur a 4% Convenience Fee, which will be charged the following business day. There are 31 technique classes during the year. They do not meet during costume photo week and are not eligible for make-up. Additionally, these classes are not eligible for multiple class discounts.


TUITION DISCOUNTS:
1. DISCOUNTS per family when multiple siblings are ONLY enrolled in 1 class each: (1) 1st sibling's class is full price, (2) 2nd sibling's class: subtract $20 per-class/per-year, 3rd sibling's class: subtract $40 per class/per year, etc.
2. DISCOUNTS per family when 1 or more of the children has one class, and the other child(ren) have multiple classes: (1) sibling #1's first class is full price, 2nd class: subtract $20 per-class/per-year, 3rd class: subtract $40 per class/per year, and so on (2) sibling #2's first class is full price, 2nd class: subtract $20 per-class/per-year, 3rd class: subtract $40 per class/per year, and so on (3) sibling #3, who is only enrolled in one class is discounted: subtract $20 per class/per year. These repeat as per the number of siblings and how many classes they are enrolled in.
3. DISCOUNTS per student, per class are calculated as follows: 1st class/per student is full price, 2nd class/per student: subtract $20 per-class/per-year, 3rd class/per student: subtract $40 per class/per year, 4th class/per student: subtract $60 per class/per year, 5th class/per student: subtract $80 per class/per year, 6th class/per student: subtract $100 per class/per year, 7th class/per student: subtract $120 per class/per year, 8th class/per student: subtract $140 per class/per year, etc.

Installments do not pay for monthly dance lessons, but is a yearly fee divided into 10 installments. Tuition is prorated if registration takes place after classes begin and tuition ends if a student withdraws prior to end of the school year. When you register, 2 installments are due. The remaining 8 installments are due the 1st day of each month beginning October 1, 2020. Payments can be made with cash, checks or credit cards and can also be mailed. Additionally, payments may be conveniently made from home or any location using your personal PARENT PORTAL!

PLEASE NOTE: Amounts listed in the Parent Portal are for Cash/Check payments. Credit Card Payments on the Parent Portal & at the studio will incur a 4% Fee, which will be charged the following business day.
Please note: You will not receive your recital ticket(s) if your account is not paid in full by Saturday May 15, 2021. Tickets purchased for recital will be voided and used to offset any balance due.
COSTUMES: Costs for costumes in these programs usually run more than recreational classes. Any delays by a student in ordering costumes, which prevents a costume from arriving in adequate time for any performance, will result in any adjustments to choreography deemed necessary so that the missing student will not affect the routine. WITHDRAWING FROM ANY OF THESE PROGRAMS AFTER A COSTUME HAS BEEN ORDERED: A competition class is a TEAM. When a student leaves a competition class after a costume has been ordered, the TEAM and the choreography suffer! Many times, a replacement student must be found to salvage the choreography. Whenever a student drops a competition class AFTER a costume has been ordered, their costume payment will not be refunded, and the replacement student will "alter & use" the costume (for competition & recitals). Paid installments will also be forfeited and applied to competition fees and other expenses that the TEAM may incur due to this unfortunate situation. If the costume(s) is/are not returned to the studio in sufficient time for it/them to be altered and distributed to a replacement dancer and /or the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal necessitates the purchase of any additional costumes, props, etc, the cost of these items will be the responsibility of the family who is withdrawing. This amount will be deducted from any refunds (if applicable). Any and all outstanding balances remaining will become due and payable to the studio within 15 days of the date of withdrawal.

COMPETITIONS:
Competitions can be costly-please make sure you are fully committed before registering. We try to pick competition venues that are within an 1 -1 ½ hours or less (not guaranteed) of the studio, however, some parents may choose to stay in a hotel depending on performance times. We generally participate in 3 competitions per year (March-June). Tiny Stars, Twinkles, Starlites, Shooting Stars, Boys Only Hip Hop Crew, & Teen Stars classes will attend 1 competition per yr., Pre-Comp classes will attend 2 competitions per year, all other programs listed above attend all 3 competitions per year. Most competitions require the parent to sign a waiver-if this waiver isn't signed, your child won't be able to perform.
1.COMPETITION FEES: Each competition requires a fee of approx $42 - $55 per group routine. These fees are non-refundable & can be paid in cash, check, or credit card. This amount must be paid to the studio by the date indicated in order to perform in the Competition. A $10 late fee per routine will be added to payments made after the due date. PLEASE NOTE: In the event that a competition has to cancel for a pandemic or any other reason, Rising Stars will make every attempt to recover all related competition fees. If the competition does not refund the fees to Rising Stars, Rising Stars cannot be held responsible.

SOME COMPETITIONS CHARGE MANDATORY MEDIA PACKAGES AT MINIMAL COST TO FAMILIES. THESE FEES ARE GENERALLY AROUND $31-$40. This eliminates the need to have on site reps. These are generally much cheaper than if you purchased even 1 routine from them. The package will consist of either Video & Pics, Video only or Pics only. Each competition is different, and we will not know until they advise us. Again, this is mandatory, and everyone must pay.
2.MAKE-UP, EARRINGS & EYELASHES: All classes performing in any competitions are required to purchase a Rising Stars' makeup kit, Rhinestone earrings (pierced or clip) & Performance Eyelashes $5.00. EXCEPTIONS: "JFK" - Tiny Stars, Twinkles, & Mini Pre-Comp Classes-they must purchase the makeup kit & earrings, but are not required to wear the eyelashes. It is mandatory for all other students.
3.COMPETITION ATTIRE: All Pre-Comp & Competition students are required to wear a clean tidy & properly fitting warm up jacket. If your child outgrows it, a new one must be purchased. EXCEPTIONS "JFK" - Tiny Stars, Twinkles, Starlites Shooting Stars, Teen Stars, & Boys Only Hip Hop Crew students are required to wear a designated Rising Stars logo T-Shirt (Warm-Up Jacket is recommended but not required). All required items will be brought to in-studio dress rehearsal to ensure all requirements are met. No student will be permitted on stage at the competition to receive awards without their required competition attire. If you are in a JFK Class and are performing in a Solo, Duet, or Trio, you must purchase the warm up jacket to be worn at all competitions.
PROPS:
In some cases, there may be a minimal prop fee from $1.00-$25.00, if the teacher deems it necessary to enhance the routine. We want you to have the best experience possible. Pre Comp/Competition students will be required to transport their props (if any) to and from the Competitions and Recital.
INTENSIVE REQUIREMENTS:
Except for "JFK"(Tiny Stars, Twinkles, Starlites, Shooting Stars, Teen Stars, Boys Only Hip Hop Crew & Mini Pre-Comp) all students MUST attend intensives based on their individual requirements which is determined by level and # of genres. See intensive info email for details.
NOTE: Payments must be made by required date. Information is sent to you early in the year outlining your required intensive hours and requirements to earn discounts. IMPORTANT: Intensive hours must be complete before winter break 2020 in order for your child to continue to attend their Pre-Comp and/or Competition classes. Private lessons (additional cost) may be needed in order to complete hours. One Half Hour Private is equivalent to one-hour Summer Intensive Class. In addition, Summer Clinics may be used towards your intensive hours, however, the cost of the clinic must be paid in addition to the Summer Intensive Fees. Summer 2021 Intensives will be scheduled for late August/early September 2021. Please read the Summer Intensive information for specific details.
ATTENDANCE:
Students NOT attending regularly and/or catching up with their make-up classes MAY result in suspension or removal from the class. Requirements (attendance, as well as any other required classes, dress code, attitude, etc.) will be reviewed as needed. An unsatisfactory review will be discussed with the student's parent. Three unexcused absences are permitted throughout the year. You must provide a doctor's note (or note from the school if school event) for all additional absences.
If you can't attend all required classes or comply with all the other requirements, please register for recreation classes.
THIS INCLUDES AND IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT FOR ALL TECHNIQUE CLASSES.
NOTE Company Students only: Opening/Closing rehearsal attendance is mandatory. If a student misses any rehearsal, it is their responsibility to learn choreography before the next rehearsal. It will be at the teacher's discretion if the student can remain in the routine and participate in the performance at the recital. Costume fees will not be reimbursed for any reason.
"JFK" JUST FOR KIX PROGRAM
Tiny Stars (4 Yrs Old), Twinkles (5-6 Yrs Old), Starlites (7-9 Yrs Old), 8-10 Year Old Boys Only Hip Hop Crew, Shooting Stars (10-12 Yrs Old), Teen Stars (13+ Yrs Old): This program is Ballet/Tap/Jazz, Ballet/Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop. Teacher recommendation is not required. Classes in this program attend one competition per year.

PROMISE TO PERFORM:
All students enrolled in any programs listed above are required to inform all of their teachers and the office of any problems in attending any of the competitions and/or recitals by the date indicated on the Promise to Perform form, or earlier (let us know as soon as you are aware of a possible conflict). This form will be issued shortly after classes begin in Sept. Once you indicate that you can attend these events, it will be expected that anything coming up after, will not prevent you from fulfilling your promise. To that end, it is important that you set aside the entire recital and competitions weekend. These classes may be scheduled to perform in more recital shows after the initial schedule comes out. Important! We will not know the day and time your class/es will perform at the competitions until approx. 1 week prior to the competition. Special requests as to day and time are not considered by the competition organizers.
NOTE: Competition dates will be given ASAP after dance begins in September. Competition fees will be paid early in the Year.
Any student, who cannot commit to 1 or more of the competition weekends is subject to the following:
1. All competition fees must be paid for each competition whether or not you attend.
2. An understudy dancer, similar to but not restricted to, your child's size and ability level will be chosen.
3. The understudy dancer will learn the routine throughout the year, replace your child at the competition you cannot attend, use your child's costume, accessories, props, etc. and perform at the competition using the fees you've paid.
4. The understudy dancer will not be responsible for cleaning the costume or repairing it (if need be) after using it at the competition. Some temporary alterations may be necessary, and can be done with pins, etc.
5. If the teacher is unable to obtain an understudy, your competition fees will be used to pay for the teachers time to re-choreograph the routine without your child.
This PROGRAM is in place to cover your child's absence without having to create multiple routines per class. Learning a second routine IS UNFAIR to the class because it takes up valuable instruction time. If this continues for more than one year, your child will not be invited into a Pre-Comp /Competition class for the following competition year.

Pre-Comp & Competition Class Requirements:
Acceptance into the classes below is based on teacher recommendation, ability, age, attendance in class, competitions, performances, etc. and/or audition.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Some descriptions and/or requirements may have changed.
Except for MINI Pre-Comp, these classes must take a 2nd Dance class (note: in some cases, technique classes are required as well). The 2nd class does not have to be at a Pre-Comp or Comp level unless otherwise noted. All Pre-Comp classes will perform at two competitions per. All Competition classes will perform at 3 competitions per year. If not already required, we strongly recommend Ballet/Jazz and/or Tap technique.


Pre-Comp & Competition Class Requirements:
Pre-Comp & Comp classes (except Mini Pre-Comp) must take additional classes as outlined below:

If You Are In: For Your 2nd Class You:
ACRO Pre Comp - MUST take 1 additional Contemporary (ballet) or jazz class (this can include ballet/jazz class, Starlites, Shooting Stars)*
CONTEMPORARY (Ballet) Pre-Comp Contemporary (Ballet) Pre-Comp - MUST take the assigned technique class and 1 additional class which can be another Contemporary (Ballet) class or any other genre.*
HIP HOP Pre-Comp MUST take 1 additional class which can be another Hip Hop Class or any other genre.*
JAZZ Pre-Comp Jazz Pre-Comp - MUST take the corresponding Contemporary (Ballet) class AND the assigned technique class.
TAP Pre-Comp MUST Take 1 additional class which can be another Tap Class or any other genre, see below*
POINTE Comp MUST Take a Contemporary (Ballet) class and have had a minimum of 3 years ballet training, see below*
* TAKING AN ADDITIONAL TECHNIQUE CLASS IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BUT DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENT.

ELITE & COMPANY REQUIREMENTS: These classes will go to all competitions and possibly a convention.
1. TAP ELITE & COMPANY PROGRAM: These students must take a total of three classes which includes one Tap Technique class. The first 2 classes must be Tap and Tap Technique. The 3rd class can be any other style of dance or level, including Broadway Tap or another Tap class.
2. JAZZ/CONTEMPORARY (BALLET) - ELITE & COMPANY PROGRAMS: These students must take a total of four classes which includes one Ballet Technique class. The first 3 classes MUST be Contemporary (Ballet), the corresponding Jazz, and the corresponding Ballet Technique. The 4th class can be any other style of dance or level, including Broadway Jazz.
3. HIP HOP ELITE & COMPANY PROGRAM: These students must take a total of three classes. The two additional classes can be any other type of dance class or level including another hip hop class.
4. ACRO ELITE & COMPANY PROGRAM: These students must take a total of 3 classes which includes Acro, any level Jazz Class PLUS any level Contemporary (Ballet) Class. Additionally, an Acro Technique class is strongly recommended, but does meet the requirement.

We reserve the right to discontinue our relationship with any student/family where circumstances require us to do so. We also reserve the right to not allow a student to perform if we find it detrimental to their or another student's health and wellness.

I have read & agree to BOTH the Rising Stars School of Dance & Performing Arts 2020-2021 Policy and the additional
COMPETITION INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS POLICY FOR 2020-2021.

I understand the following key points of this policy: I have read about tuition, registration, late fees, check charges, holidays, snow days, absences, withdrawing from class, class times, Competition makeup & dancewear requirements, costumes, class photos, dress rehearsals, Competitions information, competition & Pre-Comp recital information. I understand that every possible attempt will be made to keep siblings and multiple recital routines performed by one child scheduled in one dance recital, but there are no guarantees.
I give my permission to allow Rising Stars to use any photos/videos for advertising/promotions in various media formats.

2020-2021 Parent & Student Conduct Rules

Directing and teaching at Rising Stars has been a dream come true for us. We have been involved with dancing and the arts in one form or another since we were about 4 years old. As we went from students to teachers to directors, we have used our life and work experiences to mold this studio into the learning center we have always wanted. As we begin our 34th year, it's important for our student families to review the parent and student conduct policy again.

We expect all parents to be very careful about what they say and how they say it when speaking to the staff and directors in front of their child and other students.
Set good examples - your children are learning from them.
Please remember the following:
• Use courtesy when speaking with the staff or directors. There is never an excuse to yell or be rude to anyone. We can always work everything out nicely.
• Use courtesy when sitting in the lobby and try to keep other siblings as orderly as possible. Please clean up after yourselves and throw away your garbage since someone else will be sitting in your chair after you are gone.
• Remember that a class is a team. Getting students to class on time and fostering friend-
ships within the class helps the students learn and perform better. Friends dance better together than strangers!
• Please refrain from being critical of the teacher, the choice of music, the costumes, etc. especially in front of your child and other students. Students need to adore and respect their teacher and an example of that will come from you.
• When sitting in the audience during rehearsals, recitals and competitions please don't make any negative comments about the students dancing on stage since their relatives may be sitting in your vicinity.
• Please understand that we have rules in place that you may not agree with, but that these rules and requirements exist for the betterment of all our students and must be followed.
• We would like everyone to be happy here at Rising Stars. We expect all parents to act in an appropriate manner. We are not saying you cannot bring concerns to our attention, we are just asking that you do it in a respectful way.
• Please refrain from making inappropriate and/or negative comments about the studio, teachers, students as well as any other studio or its students, etc. on any social media such as facebook, etc.
• And lastly, please remember that this is a private school and something that we both treasure. If anyone, including a student, is disrespectful, breaks rules and/or acts inappropriately, then unfortunately, they will be asked to leave and/or be unable to register for classes the following year

We reserve the right to discontinue our relationship with any student/family
where circumstances require us to do.

Scatter seeds of kindness everywhere you go,
Scatter bits of courtesy - watch them grow and grow.
Gather buds of friendship; keep them till full blown, Sincerely,
You will find more happiness then you have ever known. Jody & Joelle
~Amy R. Raabe

Covid-19 HOLD HARMLESS
The Student and/or Parent/Legal Guardian acknowledges that the novel Coronavirus ("COVID-19") represents a serious health condition for persons exposed to it and that all students and parents/guardians for students currently enrolled at Rising Stars School of Dance & Performing Arts are relying on the truthfulness and accuracy of the certifications made herein:
(1) Each Student and immediate family of each student represents to the best of their knowledge, information and belief, that NEITHER they nor any member of their household whom they live:
a. Has been diagnosed (tested positive) for COVID-19,
b. Shows signs of suspected COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.),
c. Has traveled to any Nationally or Internationally recognized "hot zone" within the previous 14 days,
d. Is under quarantine directed by a healthcare provider due to COVID-19 concerns,
f. Has had contact with anyone diagnosed and currently ill with COVID-19.
(2) The undersigned acknowledges that there is presently no home test kit to detect COVID-19 and that the virus cannot be observed by a visual inspection.
(3) The undersigned acknowledges that there is no guarantee or warranty that the other Students or Staff are free from COVID-19 and that they each voluntarily assume the risk of attending classes at the Studios or other location procured by the Director for the use of Rising Stars School of Dance & Performing Arts.
(4) Rising Stars School of Dance & Performing Arts and the undersigned each agree that if any representation made in this Hold Harmless should become untrue they will inform the other parties of the change.
In acceptance of the above statements, Student and Legal Guardian/Parent agree to hold harmless Rising Stars School of Dance & Performing Arts Director and Staff from any and all liability, arising out of or related to the COVID-19 virus.

The parent/guardian of the named student, a minor, agrees that I and the student will abide by the Rising Stars' parent and student policies and requirements. In consideration of the student's participation in the Rising Stars program intending to be legally bound, parent and student hereby release and indemnify Rising Stars School of Dance and Performing Arts, the owners and operators of the facilities used for the Programs and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and representatives from and against all claims, liabilities, damages or causes of action arising out of or in connection with student's participation in the Rising Stars programs and activities, without limitation, student's transportation to/from any activity which transportation is hereby authorized.