Starlight Dance Academy, located on Route 910 in Cheswick, Pennsylvania (PA) serves the areas near Fox Chapel, Oakmont and Harmar
north east of Pittsburgh. The studio offers dance classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Hip Hop, Pointe, Tumbling, Fitness and Zumba
for children and adults. Dance classes are offered for pre-school children as young as age two as well as for school age children, teens and
adults. We aim to provide excellent dance instruction in a caring and supportive environment. Our positive, nurturing atmosphere allows every
child to shine.
north east of Pittsburgh. The studio offers dance classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Hip Hop, Pointe, Tumbling, Fitness and Zumba
for children and adults. Dance classes are offered for pre-school children as young as age two as well as for school age children, teens and
adults. We aim to provide excellent dance instruction in a caring and supportive environment. Our positive, nurturing atmosphere allows every
child to shine.
| 2009 -2010 School Policies |
Welcome to Starlight Dance Academy!
This handbook contains basic rules and policies which apply to all registered students for the 2009-2010 school year. Policies
are subject to change. Starlight Dance Academy reserves the right to change and update policies at any time.
ATTIRE & SHOES:
All students must be in proper dress code to participate in class. Female students must wear a one-piece leotard and tights, or a
unitard. Leg warmers, ballet skirts, wrap sweaters and other fitted dance attire are permitted at the teacher’s discretion. T-shirts,
sweats, camisoles, gym shorts and other loose clothing are not permitted in class. These items obstruct the line of the dancer’s
body and inhibit the teacher’s ability to make corrections. Male students may wear a plain white t-shirt with dance tights, jazz
pants or bike shorts. All students are required to wear correct dance shoes for each class.
Tiny Tutus: pink leather Ballet slippers.
First 4: pink leather Ballet slippers, black Tap shoes.
Jazz: black oxford or pull-on Jazz shoes.
Tap: black patent or leather oxford flat Tap shoes.
Ballet: pink leather Ballet slippers.
Pointe: instructor will specify in class.
Lyrical: tan sandal soles, foot thongs or Dance Paws.
Hip Hop: black Dance Sneakers.
Modern: stirrup or footless tights with bare feet.
Tumbling: stirrup or footless tights with bare feet.
Hair must be pulled up and secured away from face and neck.
Jewelry is not permitted except for small post earrings.
CLASSROOM RULES:
1. Students are not permitted in the classroom unless the teacher is present.
2. All students must be in proper dance attire, including shoes, tights and hair, to participate in class.
3. No gum chewing.
4. Food, drink or candy is not permitted in the classroom.
5. Do not lean on or touch the mirrors.
6. Do not hang on the Ballet barres.
7. No street shoes on the studio floors.
8. No Tap shoes on the Tumbling mats.
9. Students may not operate the stereo equipment.
10. Listen, learn, smile and have fun!
LOST AND FOUND:
A Lost and Found box is located in the lobby. Please check it regularly. Please label all dance wear and shoes. Starlight Dance
Academy is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
BEHAVIOR:
Students are expected to show respect toward their teachers and fellow classmates. Disruptive and/or disrespectful behavior will
not be tolerated. We are committed to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all students, staff, parents, siblings and
guests. Starlight Dance Academy reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who is disruptive and/or creates an unsafe or
negative atmosphere for our customers, staff and guests.
STUDENT STUDY AREA:
Please reserve the area to the rear of the building, near the restrooms, for our older students.
REGISTRATION:
The school year runs September through June. Students may register for classes as space permits. New students are not accepted
after January.
STUDENT PLACEMENT:
Students are placed by both age and ability. Placement for returning students is made based upon age, ability and skill level,
teacher recommendation and attendance record. Parents may request a placement evaluation be made by the director if they have
concerns regarding their child’s placement.
STUDENT PROGRESS:
Every child progresses at an individual rate. Regular attendance and at-home practice greatly affect the rate at which your child
will learn and improve. Teachers are happy to discuss your child’s progress and answer questions. Please be respectful of other
students and do not interrupt or delay a class in session.
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is taken at every class. Good attendance is crucial to the progress of the entire class. Make-up lessons are available.
Please see the front desk or call to find a suitable make-up class. Make-up classes must be taken within 30 days of the missed
class.
PRIVATE LESSONS:
Private lessons are available to any student who would like more challenging work or the opportunity to refine technique in a
particular discipline. Private lessons also provide reinforcement of class material for any student who would like extra help. A
schedule is available online and at the front desk. Private lessons are open to all students and may be scheduled with any teacher.
Lessons are $20 per half-hour or $15 per student per half-hour if sharing a lesson. Prices for choreography vary. All private
lessons must be pre-paid at the time of scheduling. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to receive credit.
We reserve the right to charge for the full lesson if a cancellation is made less than 24 hours before the lesson.
TEACHER AVAILABILITY:
Starlight Dance Academy hires professional adult teachers. If the scheduled teacher is not available, Starlight Dance Academy
reserves the right to substitute a qualified replacement.
CLASSROOM VIEWING:
Classroom doors will remain closed while classes are in progress. Classroom doors are glass to allow parents to view the class
in progress at all times. Classroom visitation is held once a year in December. Parents may sit in on all classes on these
designate days. No one may sit in on a class any other day without the permission of the director.
NEWSLETTERS/IMPORTANT NOTICES:
Regular newsletters and important notices will be distributed via email. This information is also available on our website and in
our lobby. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to obtain and read this information.
LATE PICK-UP:
A charge of $10 will be automatically added to your account for any student who has not been picked up 20 minutes following the
end of the last class of the day.
WEATHER CONDITIONS:
Starlight Dance Academy does not follow any specific school district for snow cancellations. If the weather is bad, please call
the studio or check our website two hours before class for a cancellation notice. Classes canceled due to weather or road
conditions will be made up.
TUITION POLICY:
There is an annual non-refundable/non-transferrable registration fee of $20 per child. Tuition is calculated for the entire school
year and divided into 10 equal monthly payments. All classes receive the same number of lessons throughout the school year.
Full tuition is due each month regardless of absence or the number of weeks in a month. There are no refunds or adjustments for
absences. Pro-rating is not permitted except for new students registering mid-month. Tuition rates are contingent upon a signed
liability release statement. Full tuition payment is due on or before the first class of each month. Payments may be made online,
in person or by mail. We accept cash, Visa/MasterCard/Discover or check payable to Starlight Dance Academy. A $5.00 late fee
will be automatically assessed if payment is not received by the 15th of the month. Starlight Dance Academy reserves the right to
refuse lessons to any student whose tuition has not been paid by the 30th of the month. All tuition is non-refundable and non-
transferable. There is a $25.00 fee for all returned checks. If we receive two NSF checks, you will be required to pay the
remainder of your tuition with cash, money order or certified check.
WITHDRAWAL:
The school year runs ten months beginning in September and ending in June. Students may withdraw at any time. To withdraw, a
signed written notice of withdrawal must be received seven days prior to the first of the month to avoid being charged for that
month. If a student withdraws from Starlight Dance Academy, all unused tuition is forfeited.
FUND-RAISING:
Participation in fund-raisers is optional. Payment must accompany fund-raising orders at the time the order is submitted.
Starlight Dance Academy, Inc. will only accept CASH for fund-raising orders.
Any/all money earned through fund-raisers sponsored by Starlight Dance Academy, Inc. will be kept in an account at Starlight
Dance Academy, Inc. Your account will reflect fund-raising credits 7-10 days after the fund-raiser order due date. These funds
may be used at any time to pay for costume deposits and balances, performance tickets, videos, tuition, Starlight apparel or other
Starlight related expenses as allowed. You must notify Starlight Dance Academy, Inc. when you would like to use your fund-
raising money. Starlight Dance Academy, Inc. will not debit your fund-raising account without your permission. You may check
the balance of your fund-raising account at any time upon request. Starlight Dance Academy, Inc. will not send account balance
statements to you.
At no time, can your fund-raising account be converted into cash. Unused fund-raising credits are not refundable. If your child
does not participate in the recital performance, you may use your fund-raising money for any of the previously mentioned
expenses. Credits will not be refunded if your child becomes ineligible to perform due to excessive absenteeism. Fund-raising
money will be forfeited if the student withdraws from Starlight Dance Academy. Fund-raising credits cannot be transferred to
another student. Any balance remaining in your account beyond July 31, 2010 will become the property of Starlight Dance
Academy, Inc.
All fund-raising merchandise must be picked up at the designated time. All perishable products not picked up on the delivery day
will be donated to the Pittsburgh Food Bank. We will not hold perishable items past the pick-up time. Starlight Dance Academy,
Inc. is not responsible for merchandise not picked up.
This handbook contains basic rules and policies which apply to all registered students for the 2009-2010 school year. Policies
are subject to change. Starlight Dance Academy reserves the right to change and update policies at any time.
ATTIRE & SHOES:
All students must be in proper dress code to participate in class. Female students must wear a one-piece leotard and tights, or a
unitard. Leg warmers, ballet skirts, wrap sweaters and other fitted dance attire are permitted at the teacher’s discretion. T-shirts,
sweats, camisoles, gym shorts and other loose clothing are not permitted in class. These items obstruct the line of the dancer’s
body and inhibit the teacher’s ability to make corrections. Male students may wear a plain white t-shirt with dance tights, jazz
pants or bike shorts. All students are required to wear correct dance shoes for each class.
Tiny Tutus: pink leather Ballet slippers.
First 4: pink leather Ballet slippers, black Tap shoes.
Jazz: black oxford or pull-on Jazz shoes.
Tap: black patent or leather oxford flat Tap shoes.
Ballet: pink leather Ballet slippers.
Pointe: instructor will specify in class.
Lyrical: tan sandal soles, foot thongs or Dance Paws.
Hip Hop: black Dance Sneakers.
Modern: stirrup or footless tights with bare feet.
Tumbling: stirrup or footless tights with bare feet.
Hair must be pulled up and secured away from face and neck.
Jewelry is not permitted except for small post earrings.
CLASSROOM RULES:
1. Students are not permitted in the classroom unless the teacher is present.
2. All students must be in proper dance attire, including shoes, tights and hair, to participate in class.
3. No gum chewing.
4. Food, drink or candy is not permitted in the classroom.
5. Do not lean on or touch the mirrors.
6. Do not hang on the Ballet barres.
7. No street shoes on the studio floors.
8. No Tap shoes on the Tumbling mats.
9. Students may not operate the stereo equipment.
10. Listen, learn, smile and have fun!
LOST AND FOUND:
A Lost and Found box is located in the lobby. Please check it regularly. Please label all dance wear and shoes. Starlight Dance
Academy is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
BEHAVIOR:
Students are expected to show respect toward their teachers and fellow classmates. Disruptive and/or disrespectful behavior will
not be tolerated. We are committed to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all students, staff, parents, siblings and
guests. Starlight Dance Academy reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who is disruptive and/or creates an unsafe or
negative atmosphere for our customers, staff and guests.
STUDENT STUDY AREA:
Please reserve the area to the rear of the building, near the restrooms, for our older students.
REGISTRATION:
The school year runs September through June. Students may register for classes as space permits. New students are not accepted
after January.
STUDENT PLACEMENT:
Students are placed by both age and ability. Placement for returning students is made based upon age, ability and skill level,
teacher recommendation and attendance record. Parents may request a placement evaluation be made by the director if they have
concerns regarding their child’s placement.
STUDENT PROGRESS:
Every child progresses at an individual rate. Regular attendance and at-home practice greatly affect the rate at which your child
will learn and improve. Teachers are happy to discuss your child’s progress and answer questions. Please be respectful of other
students and do not interrupt or delay a class in session.
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is taken at every class. Good attendance is crucial to the progress of the entire class. Make-up lessons are available.
Please see the front desk or call to find a suitable make-up class. Make-up classes must be taken within 30 days of the missed
class.
PRIVATE LESSONS:
Private lessons are available to any student who would like more challenging work or the opportunity to refine technique in a
particular discipline. Private lessons also provide reinforcement of class material for any student who would like extra help. A
schedule is available online and at the front desk. Private lessons are open to all students and may be scheduled with any teacher.
Lessons are $20 per half-hour or $15 per student per half-hour if sharing a lesson. Prices for choreography vary. All private
lessons must be pre-paid at the time of scheduling. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to receive credit.
We reserve the right to charge for the full lesson if a cancellation is made less than 24 hours before the lesson.
TEACHER AVAILABILITY:
Starlight Dance Academy hires professional adult teachers. If the scheduled teacher is not available, Starlight Dance Academy
reserves the right to substitute a qualified replacement.
CLASSROOM VIEWING:
Classroom doors will remain closed while classes are in progress. Classroom doors are glass to allow parents to view the class
in progress at all times. Classroom visitation is held once a year in December. Parents may sit in on all classes on these
designate days. No one may sit in on a class any other day without the permission of the director.
NEWSLETTERS/IMPORTANT NOTICES:
Regular newsletters and important notices will be distributed via email. This information is also available on our website and in
our lobby. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to obtain and read this information.
LATE PICK-UP:
A charge of $10 will be automatically added to your account for any student who has not been picked up 20 minutes following the
end of the last class of the day.
WEATHER CONDITIONS:
Starlight Dance Academy does not follow any specific school district for snow cancellations. If the weather is bad, please call
the studio or check our website two hours before class for a cancellation notice. Classes canceled due to weather or road
conditions will be made up.
TUITION POLICY:
There is an annual non-refundable/non-transferrable registration fee of $20 per child. Tuition is calculated for the entire school
year and divided into 10 equal monthly payments. All classes receive the same number of lessons throughout the school year.
Full tuition is due each month regardless of absence or the number of weeks in a month. There are no refunds or adjustments for
absences. Pro-rating is not permitted except for new students registering mid-month. Tuition rates are contingent upon a signed
liability release statement. Full tuition payment is due on or before the first class of each month. Payments may be made online,
in person or by mail. We accept cash, Visa/MasterCard/Discover or check payable to Starlight Dance Academy. A $5.00 late fee
will be automatically assessed if payment is not received by the 15th of the month. Starlight Dance Academy reserves the right to
refuse lessons to any student whose tuition has not been paid by the 30th of the month. All tuition is non-refundable and non-
transferable. There is a $25.00 fee for all returned checks. If we receive two NSF checks, you will be required to pay the
remainder of your tuition with cash, money order or certified check.
WITHDRAWAL:
The school year runs ten months beginning in September and ending in June. Students may withdraw at any time. To withdraw, a
signed written notice of withdrawal must be received seven days prior to the first of the month to avoid being charged for that
month. If a student withdraws from Starlight Dance Academy, all unused tuition is forfeited.
FUND-RAISING:
Participation in fund-raisers is optional. Payment must accompany fund-raising orders at the time the order is submitted.
Starlight Dance Academy, Inc. will only accept CASH for fund-raising orders.
Any/all money earned through fund-raisers sponsored by Starlight Dance Academy, Inc. will be kept in an account at Starlight
Dance Academy, Inc. Your account will reflect fund-raising credits 7-10 days after the fund-raiser order due date. These funds
may be used at any time to pay for costume deposits and balances, performance tickets, videos, tuition, Starlight apparel or other
Starlight related expenses as allowed. You must notify Starlight Dance Academy, Inc. when you would like to use your fund-
raising money. Starlight Dance Academy, Inc. will not debit your fund-raising account without your permission. You may check
the balance of your fund-raising account at any time upon request. Starlight Dance Academy, Inc. will not send account balance
statements to you.
At no time, can your fund-raising account be converted into cash. Unused fund-raising credits are not refundable. If your child
does not participate in the recital performance, you may use your fund-raising money for any of the previously mentioned
expenses. Credits will not be refunded if your child becomes ineligible to perform due to excessive absenteeism. Fund-raising
money will be forfeited if the student withdraws from Starlight Dance Academy. Fund-raising credits cannot be transferred to
another student. Any balance remaining in your account beyond July 31, 2010 will become the property of Starlight Dance
Academy, Inc.
All fund-raising merchandise must be picked up at the designated time. All perishable products not picked up on the delivery day
will be donated to the Pittsburgh Food Bank. We will not hold perishable items past the pick-up time. Starlight Dance Academy,
Inc. is not responsible for merchandise not picked up.
| Starlight Dance Academy, Inc. 928 Route 910, Emmerling Plaza, Cheswick, PA 15024, 412-767-0400 Site Map ~ Privacy Policy ~ Email: info@starlightdanceacademy.net © 2008 Starlight Dance Academy, Inc. Contents of this site may not be copied or duplicated without permission of Starlight Dance Academy, Inc. |
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