YOUTH
PROGRAM
HANDBOOK
The Student Handbook serves as a guide to the policies, procedures, requirements, programs and resources of the SADC Youth Program. Students enrolled at SADC belong to a multi-generational community dedicated to the advancement of learning and artistry in dance. As a community of individuals, the center has established standards of participation and behavior to help create an environment that is conducive to supporting a rewarding experience for every dancer.
The Student Handbook includes:
USE OF IMAGERY/ MEDICAL RELEASE/ VALUABLES
YOUTH STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Shawl-Anderson Dance Center promotes a welcoming, inclusive environment where youth students feel physically and emotionally safe to take risks, experiment, learn, grow, and ask questions related to dance, dance training, and art-making.
- Mutual respect towards all will be honored by SADC staff, faculty and students. SADC expects all participants to engage in supportive verbal and non-verbal interactions at all times towards everyone in the SADC community.
- Punctuality and regular attendance are expected for all classes, rehearsals, and performances. In general, students should arrive 5-10 minutes prior to classes and rehearsals to change, use the restroom, and be prepared to begin class/rehearsal ready to learn. Students will not be allowed to participate in classes if more than 10 minutes late, unless given approval by staff.
- Students and families are asked to communicate to teachers and front desk staff when missing a class due to illness, injury, vacation, school event, or a personal commitment. (Teachers prepare each lesson based on the students enrolled, and some lesson plans will need to be altered if students are absent, especially rehearsals of dances.)
- Appropriate attire is to be worn for classes and rehearsals (see dress code).
- Dance class specific etiquette will be taught in all dance classes, and students are to follow these basic guidelines to promote their own safety, the safety of peers, respect for the teacher and respect for the art form.
- Receiving corrections is an integral component of dance education and the learning process. Students should accept corrections and aim to apply them with an open mind and interest in personal growth. Students are encouraged to ask clarifying questions in the studio and outside of class.
- Shawl-Anderson Dance Center is a busy environment with youth students and adult students alike. All students should respect this multigenerational space in the lobby and changing rooms. SADC expects students to be mindful of their voice/volume level in conversations, cell phone use, and storage of items in studios and dressing rooms.
- Appropriate student behavior based on respect, kindness, and safety is expected at all times in the lobby, before and after classes in the dressing rooms, and at offsite locations for performances. Students are to immediately speak up to teachers, staff, or the Youth Program Director if inappropriate behavior has occurred before or after a class or performance.
- SADC will not tolerate illegal use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco on-site, or coming to classes and rehearsals with evidence of use of drugs or alcohol; profane language or obscene gestures; and behavior that adversely affects the physical and/or psychological safety of other students, faculty, staff, or the student themself.
When violations of the Code of Conduct occur
These details apply to all SADC settings, including the SADC space at 2704 Alcatraz Avenue, Temescal Arts Center, Shotgun Studios, rental theaters and off-site performances. SADC monitors and observes behavior that is happening before, during, and after classes, rehearsals, and performances.
- Violations are documented by the Youth Program Director and Executive Director
- Appropriate actions will be taken
- Ongoing discipline problems or one-time major violations may result in dismissal from Shawl-Anderson Dance Center programs
How to communicate concerns
Youth Students should express their concerns and questions about students, staff, or faculty immediately to a staff member at Shawl-Anderson Dance Center. Those adults include: their teachers, teaching assistants, front desk staff, the Youth Program Director, the Artistic Director and the Executive Director.
Staff are to express concerns and questions about students with the Youth Program Director and/or with the Artistic Director or Executive Director.
Parents are to share concerns and questions with the Youth Program Director and/or with the Artistic Director or Executive Director.
All members of the community may at any time contact the Board of Directors. The board representative available to hear concerns is: Ann DiFruscia, Vice Chair.
Contacts
Katie Kruger, Youth Program Director, 510-654-5921, katie@shawl-anderson.org
Jill Randall, Artistic Director, 510-654-5921, jill@shawl-anderson.org
Rebecca Johnson, Executive Director, 510-922-1693, rebecca@shawl-anderson.org
Ann DiFruscia, Board Vice Chair, board@shawl-anderson.org
REGISTRATION POLICIES
School Year: Registration & Payment Policy
- To secure a spot in a class, we require payment of full tuition. A non-refundable registration fee of $25 is included in the tuition. (Exception: SAYE students may pay yearly tuition in eighths, due on the 15th of each month). Early enrollment is advised, as class size is limited.
- Students may take up to 3 trial classes for $20/class in classes that have spaces available - please call ahead on day of class to check availability.
- Classes need 6 students to continue running after the first couple of weeks. If a class is cancelled, a refund will be issued minus the tuition of classes offered up to that point.
- Payment Options: Pay by CHECK, CASH or CREDIT/DEBIT CARD
- We prefer registration/payment to be made online with credit/debit card
- Registration with CASH or CHECKS (payable to Shawl-Anderson) must be submitted in full at front desk
School Year: Refunds & Credits
- Refunds for tuition paid may be requested within the first 4 weeks of classes. No refunds will be given after the fourth week of class.
- There is a non-refundable $25 registration fee included in the cost of each class.
- Refunds will be processed less the $25 registration fee and $20 for each class that has already occurred up to the point when you contact us for the refund or credit.
- If a student drops during the second 4 weeks of class, a CREDIT is issued for future tuition.
- After the 8th week of class no credit will be offered.
- We encourage students to make up missed classes and cannot offer refunds or credits for classes missed due to playdates, activity conflicts, vacations, or any other non-emergency personal matters.
- In case of an emergency, injury, or illness, please contact us as soon as possible. Please note refunds/credits will be calculated based on the date that you contact us to drop the class.
- Classes missed prior to informing us of the drop will not be included in the refund/credit total.
Summer: Registration & Payment Policy
- Full tuition is due at time of enrollment.
- Students may take one trial class for $20 in classes that are not full.
Summer: Refunds & Credits
- Summer tuition is refundable only up through the first day of class.
- There is a non-refundable $25 registration fee included in the cost of each class. Past that date no refunds or credits will be given for summer due to missed or dropped classes. The only exceptions are for family emergencies or serious illness or injury. In any such instance, please contact us so that we can make arrangements.
- Students may make up their missed classes in any other class/genre in the summer session ONLY. For guidance in selecting a make-up class, please email katie@shawl-anderson.org.
PARKING/DROP OFF/PICK UP
Please know that we are located at a busy intersection. Please comply with the following rules below so that we do not cause congestion and so that we can be good neighbors.
- No stopping in, blocking or turning around in the neighbor's driveway - not even momentarily for drop-off and pick-up.
- No stopping directly in front of Shawl-Anderson - even momentarily. This causes traffic to back up at the intersection of College & Alcatraz.
- We strongly suggest that ALL parents find a legal parking spot and walk students into the building.
- Please use CROSSWALKS at all times.
- If you must pick-up/drop-off: PLEASE pull up into unoccupied green and yellow zones. If no space is available please pull up at the barricade where Lewiston Ave intersects Alcatraz Ave, or pull up far away from the intersection of College & Alcatraz to avoid creating a back-up.
- All drivers are subject to basic driving/parking laws, and neighbors have been known to call police and report license plates.
ABSENCES/ATTENDANCE/MAKE-UPS
Absences
When a student will be absent, please email info@shawl-anderson.org as early as you know about the absence or call the Center at 510-654-5921 for last minute absences. We encourage students who miss class to arrange for make-up classes. Make-up classes may be scheduled in the current semester only. We cannot give credits or refunds for elective absences. The only exceptions are for family emergencies or serious illness or injury. In any such instance, please contact us so that we can make arrangements. To select a make-up class, email katie@shawl-anderson.org or info@shawl-anderson.org.
Attendance
All students should plan to limit absences and make attendance a priority. We strongly encourage students to make up missed classes. All students are expected to contact their instructor or notify the front desk when they have to miss class. When students miss class, this impacts your child's learning and holds back the entire class since teachers develop curricula that build on prior lessons. Thank you for supporting your child(ren)'s experience in dance. Teen Attendance: The SADC teen program requires students to miss no more than 20% of their classes during each semester. For the example, in the 21 week Winter/Spring semester, this means that for a 2 day a week class, no more than 9 excused absences, for a 1 day a week class, no more than 5 excused absences. More than 20% excused absences may result in not performing in the June show. Absences are excused by contacting the teacher ahead of time. This can be done by calling 510-654-5921, emailing katie@shawl-anderson.org, info@shawl-anderson.org, or telling the teacher directly.
USE OF IMAGERY/ MEDICAL RELEASE/ VALUABLES
Release of Liability and Indemnification
As the legal parent or guardian, I release and hold harmless SADC, its employees and staff, and its Board of Directors from any and all liabilities, claims, demands, and causes of action, arising out of or relating to any personal injuries (including death) and property losses or damages that may be sustained by me or my child(ren) in connection with any activit(ies) occurring in or upon the premises of, or any premises under the control and supervision of, SADC. I further agree to indemnify SADC, its employees and staff, and its Board of Directors for any and all liabilities, claims, demands, and causes of action arising out of or relating to me or my child(ren)'s participation with any activit(ies) occurring in or upon the premises of, or any premises under the control and supervision of, SADC.
Use of Image
I am aware my child(ren) may be photographed and/or videotaped, in connection with the activities of SADC. My child(ren)'s name(s) will not be associated with such image(s). I also understand that any written or verbal commentary from my child(ren) regarding SADC may be used in promotional materials. I hereby give my permission and consent for his/her image(s) and commentary to be included in any photographs, brochures, posters, flyers, videos, marketing materials, website content, and any other document. I release and hold harmless SADC from any and all damages, liabilities, and/or claims arising out of or relating to the usage of my child(ren)'s image(s) or commentary in any such materials.
Opt Out Option
If you need to opt out of any aspect of our image and commentary use policy, please let us know by emailing Katie Kruger.
Decline - Marketing (print, online)
Decline - Social Media
Decline - Commentary (quotes)
Medical Emergency
As the legal parent or guardian, I give permission to SADC, its employees and staff, and its Board of Directors to seek medical treatment for my child(ren) in case of serious emergency, injury, or illness, including call 9-1-1 for an ambulance if needed. Upon registration I will provide SADC with telephone numbers where I can be contacted. I understand that SADC will contact me immediately if medical treatment is needed for my child(ren).
Valuables
All students should be aware that there is no place to lock up valuables at the Center. Students should bring all valuables into class with them instead of leaving them unattended in the dressing rooms. This includes wallets, purses, computers, phones, jewelry, expensive/desirable clothing and shoes, etc. Please consider leaving valuables at home to avoid theft.
WHAT TO WEAR
*Please bring a bottle of water to class.
Ballet
Black leotard and pink tights, or white t-shirt and black tights, with pink, black, or white ballet slippers. Long hair in a neat bun and all jewelry removed. Warm-up clothing may be worn at the beginning of class with teachers permission. Students should remove ballet shoes and wear warm-up clothing when leaving the building.
Hip-Hop
Dance, sweat, or yoga pants, or bike/soccer shorts. T-shirts or tank tops that do not fall off the shoulders. Sneakers dedicated for indoors use only. Knee pads without plastic may be recommended by the teacher.
Modern & Jazz
Leotards, tank tops, tights, and exercise pants or leggings are all options. Hair should be up and jewelry removed. Students dance barefoot in Modern, and barefoot or with black jazz shoes in Jazz (depending on the class).
*Note that dance shoes must not be worn outside.
POINTE INFORMATION
Pointe Shoe Information and Requirements for Shawl-Anderson Dance Center Youth Ballet Students
Advancing to pointe work is an evolution of dedicated and effective ballet training and is a positive experience for those ready to devote themselves to continuing and increasing their study of ballet. It is an exciting step in a dancers training and must be taken with thoughtful consideration both by the student and teacher.
We at Shawl-Anderson Dance Center believe that students can progress as ballet dancers successfully with or without pointe work and support each dancer in their own personal dance goals.
Facts about pointe
These facts will help you understand the basics of pointe work.
- Students must be at least 11 years old. The bones of the feet are not fully developed, strengthened and hardened until sometime in the teenage years. A dancer needs proper strength and technique to ensure healthy feet and avoid permanent damage.
- Students need 2+ years of ballet technique, 1+ year of technique 3x a week, and must continue to take 3x a week or more once they are on pointe.
- Students must take the three weekly classes at Shawl-Anderson Dance Center unless approved by any of the Shawl-Anderson teachers.
- Pointe work is an evolution and extension of dedicated and effective ballet training. It is not the culmination of a particular number of years in ballet class, seniority among peers, or even of intense desire. A Shawl-Anderson teacher will determine if you are ready for pointe shoes.
- Progression to pointe work is not a right.
- Pointe is not for everyone.
- Pointe is not necessary for anyone save those focusing on pre-professional or professional ballet.
- Pointe work is often a positive experience for those ready to devote themselves to ballet.
Physical Criteria
This will help you understand some of the physical and technical requirements and set some goals as you work toward pointe.
- A dancer should maintain turnout while dancing.
- Demonstrate correct posture and alignment in positions and while moving
- Shows awareness of proper ankle and foot alignment, avoiding supination (sickling) or pronation (rolling-in)
- Stretches or points the foot while dancing
- Can piqué passé with a straight leg
- Can perform repeated relevé in the center without tiring & while maintaining alignment
- Can balance on one foot with the body correctly positioned over the supporting leg
- Coordinates movement well, particularly in regard to varying approach to relevé (from plié, from straight leg, stepping or springing into, etc.)
If you are interested in pointe work, your teacher will discuss a plan with you and your parents. Your teacher will determine when you are ready for pointe shoes and help you with the selection, fitting and purchasing of your first shoes. We look forward to positively supporting you in your training here at Shawl-Anderson Dance Center. You are welcome to set up a time to talk to any of your ballet teachers and discuss your ballet goals.
Dedicated pointe classes are offered on Friday afternoons. These classes offer the dancer a third class of the week to support optimal training. Some dancers chose to take additional classes, up to five times a week. A student may take the Friday pointe class without being on pointe.
PERFORMANCE PROGRAMS
Class Performances
Shawl-Anderson is a non-competitive program that focuses on technique and artistry for youth dancers. Our classes culminate with a year-end performance geared towards the celebration of community and the art form. Performance venue and intensity of production is scaffolded by age group to help teach the process of performance while maintaining a healthy focus on authentic development throughout the year versus producing performance material.
Our Fall semester ends with open classes for all ages and genres on the last day of the semester. Our teen modern, jazz and hip-hop participate in a shared performance on the final Saturday of the semester, held at Longfellow Middle School. This is a low tech free of charge sharing with an emphasis on dancing rather than production.
Our Winter/Spring semester culminates with a series of performances. Ages 3 to 6 will participate in an open class sharing highlighting the children’s growth over the course of the year. Children ages 7-10 will share the stage with three other classes on the final Saturday of the year at a showing held in our Studio One performance space at SADC. Dancers age 10 and up participate in a pre-professional style dance concert along with 9 other classes on a large scale theater at Laney College. Dancers perform with a tech crew, stage manager, lights, and learn the details of being in a professional dance performance. Information regarding our year end performance is shared with families in early March in our performance guide.
Performance Groups
Shawl-Anderson has a number of opportunities for those students who enjoy performing and want to participate in groups that focus on the creation of work and the practice of performance skills. For detailed information, please go directly to our performance group page.
YouthCo YouthCo is a junior performance company for students in grades 7-9. The YouthCo dancer is one who is dedicated to dance, loves to learn new choreography, has experience in ballet or modern style movement and is interested in performing. The work created will be based in modern technique, will be technically and artistically challenging, and will teach performance skills. YouthCo participants have the opportunity to work with local choreographers to gain experience in the creative rehearsal process. Each semester the YouthCo will have the chance perform one or two of their pieces at local festivals or SADC events. The year culminates with a performance at Laney College. Dancers apply for the class, no audition necessary.
BPG Ballet Performance Group (BPG) provides a performance opportunity for the ballet dancer currently in level IV through VI at SADC. The group meets once a week in a rehearsal style format. Dancers work with local choreographers to create contemporary and classical ballet dances designed to highlight the dancers technique and performance skills. The BPG dancer is one who is excited about challenges and performing and should demonstrate a focused commitment to the group. BPG will build a repertoire to be performed throughout the year at SADC salons and local festivals. The year will culminate with the end of the semester performance at Laney College. Students must be enrolled in Ballet Level IV to VI to participate. Dancers apply for the class, no audition necessary.
JPG Jazz Performance Group provides a performance opportunity for the jazz dancer currently in the advanced level at SADC. The group meets once a week in a rehearsal style format. The JPG dancer is one who is excited about a range of jazz dance styles and ready to take on the challenge of creating new work and performing. Dancers work with SADC faculty to create dances designed to highlight technique and performance skill. JPG will build a repertoire to be performed throughout the year at SADC and local festivals. Dancers apply for the class, no audition necessary.
SAYE The Shawl-Anderson Youth Ensemble is an audition-based pre-professional modern performance company for teens who are advanced in modern technique. Dancers meet for five classes a week including ballet and rehearsals. Auditions are the week following our June performance.
Updated August 22, 2018