Independent Study Program 2021-2022

Student Handbook

Artistic Director, Igal Perry

Program Coordinator / Student Academic Advisor, Oscar Manzo

Student Advisor / International Student Advisor, Connor Pisano

Office Hours: 9am-5pm Monday - Friday

Please note that due to the ever evolving circumstances due to COVID-19, this Handbook is subject to change. We thank you for your flexibility during this trying time.

COVID-19 Policies and Guidance

Here are the most important things that you should remember before coming to the studio. Please read these rules below thoroughly to avoid any confusion.

Testing Policy (If you recently traveled)

All travelers joining a Peridance program for the first time, or returning to Peridance after a gap in programming longer than 30 days, must obtain a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of beginning study at the studio. Peridance does not require that students get tested subsequently during their program should they choose to travel during an authorized vacation period, however Peridance strongly recommends that students traveling internationally during an authorized vacation period get tested between 3-5 days after returning to the United States per CDC guidelines. There are no mandatory quarantines.

Late Policy

In order to maintain strict protocols under new COVID-19 regulations, Peridance reserves the right to deny entry to any person who arrives late for a class. In order to limit large groups entering the building, it is imperative that each person arrives on time and no earlier than 10 minutes before their scheduled class time.

Any person who does not arrive within the 10 minute window before their scheduled class time will not be allowed to enter Peridance and attend class.

Mask Policy

All individuals are required to wear masks while at the Peridance Center, both inside and outside of the studios.

Building Policies

The building will be organized to reduce bi-directional foot traffic. One stair and corridor will be used for entering the building and ascending and one stairwell will be utilized for descending and exiting the building (except for in an emergency). Each studio is equipped with two doors  and/or corridors. One door/corridor will be utilized as an entrance and the other as an exit. Students will be required to enter the building NO EARLIER than 10 minutes before their class and to exit the studio immediately following their class. Congregation within the building will not be allowed. Students must arrive at the building with their dance attire on and there is no changing in the building. Students are welcome to use the restroom on the same floor their class is on. Personal belongings must be brought into the studio and will be required to fit into a single bag. All belongings must be kept at a Distance Marker placed on the outskirts of each studio. Personal belongings will not be permitted within the corridors. Elevator use will be restricted for people with disabilities only. The Administration Office will be closed to visitors. Student meetings will be held online except for emergency situations and OPT meetings for international students. Microwave use and water fountain use will be prohibited. Students, Staff, and Faculty should come to the building with their own water bottles. Peridance Front Desk will sell bottled water and other soft drinks payable only through credit card in order to decrease person to person exchange.

Anyone infected with COVID?

Any student who tests positive for COVID-19 should notify their program coordinator immediately. Students who test positive for COVID-19 will not be allowed in the building for a period of 10 days from the date of the positive test result and can return to the studio following this quarantine period with confirmation of a negative PCR test result or clearance from a doctor. Students who may have been

Please note that due to the ever evolving circumstances due to COVID-19, this Handbook is subject to change. We thank you for your flexibility during this trying time.

potentially exposed to an infected individual at the studio will be contacted to take a PCR test and to stay out of the building until they receive a negative PCR test result. This policy is subject to change based on rules and regulations of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Anyone feeling sick?

If a student is feeling sick, the most important thing to do is stay home and get tested!

If a student starts to experience any COVID-like symptoms, including fever or chills, coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle and body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and/or persistent pain or pressure in chest, please contact the Program Coordinator immediately.

Peridance recommends that students take 3-5 days to monitor their symptoms. During this time, it is strongly advised that students seek advice from a medical professional. Students must update the Program Coordinator with how they are doing and when they will be able to return to in-studio classes.

It may be advisable to either take a COVID test or self-isolate for a recommended period of time. Students can find more information on CDC’s recommendations for what to do when showing symptoms, or think they may have COVID, at this site: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/index.html

COVID Refund Policy

In the event of a school closure due to COVID-19, Peridance will continue programming online. No refunds will be given for programming changes due to COVID-19 such as, but not limited to travel restrictions, classes shifted from in-studio to Online distance learning, substitute teachers, and any school closure due to a positive test result.

If Peridance must cancel programming due to COVID-19, Peridance will issue credit for future programming. No refunds will be given in such circumstances.

Due to the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 world health pandemic, Peridance rules and regulations are subject to change.

Any questions?

For any COVID related inquiries please contact healthfirst@peridance.com and CC the Program Directors/Coordinators.

Resources

For resources related to testing and medical services: HERE.

Peridance Center COVID-19 Updates: HERE.

COVID-19 Resources | Study in the States (International Students): HERE

Please note that due to the ever evolving circumstances due to COVID-19, this Handbook is subject to change. We thank you for your flexibility during this trying time.

Peridance Independent Study Program

The Peridance Independent Study Program is a guided course of study designed and developed for both domestic and international students. Students are admitted to the program at all levels of proficiency (Beginner through Advanced) and can begin studies on the first day of each month throughout the year. The Independent Study Program offers 18 hours of study a week, consisting of open classes and Program Workshops. Students have three options for program length:

1. 12 Month course of study:  48 weeks of study + 4 week vacation period
2. 6 Month course of study: 24 weeks of study + 2 week vacation period
3. 3 Month course of study: 12 weeks of study + 1 week vacation period

Entrance Requirements

• Minimum age of 18
• A student’s ability to fully participate and benefit from the program based on a completed Admissions Package, including resume, letter of intention, and certificate of good health
• Daily access to internet and an electronic device that is ZOOM compatible

• Please note Peridance has no specific requirements for the student’s space while dancing at home. All choices regarding training at home environments are at the discretion of the individual student. Peridance’s faculty will work with students to ensure safety while dancing both in the studio and in their own homes.

• Completed Registration Form
• Valid F-1 Student Visa (International Student Applicants)

Purpose

• Offer a safe, diverse environment in which a student can experience the New York dance scene and develop a professional network.
• Increase the student’s technical level of proficiency in their area of focus while improving their general skills as a dancer.
• Expose the student to dance styles that continually blossom in the inventive city of New York, while also networking with Peridance’s international dance community.
• Enrich the student’s artistic and professional perspective, so that they are inspired to teach, choreograph, perform and innovate in their homeland / home city and further afield.
• Provide the student with a standard of excellence in the field.
• Assist the student in making, or fine-tuning, career goals.

Please note that due to the ever evolving circumstances due to COVID-19, this Handbook is subject to change. We thank you for your flexibility during this trying time.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion students are expected to achieve:

• A measurable degree of technical advancement
• Proficiency in at least one dance technique
• Inspiration and motivation to teach, choreograph, perform and innovate in their homeland / home city and further afield
• A stronger connection to the New York dance community
• A high standard of excellence and strong artistic sensibility

Please note that due to the ever evolving circumstances due to COVID-19, this Handbook is subject to change. We thank you for your flexibility during this trying time.

Tuition

Application Fee (non refundable) 

• Domestic students - $50 registration fee and $300 tuition deposit are required, whether applying for the first time or transferring from another program.
• International students - $350 application fee is required, whether applying for the first time or transferring from another school.

Payment Policy

• Students must pay 50% of tuition no later than 6 weeks prior to the program start date.
• Tuition must be paid in full 15 days before the program starts.
• Participation in special workshops, seminars and master classes may incur additional costs.
• Payment can be made by money order, personal check (US banks only), wire transfer, or credit card (online) with your application.
• Checks and Money Orders should be made out to Peridance Center LLC. Please do not mail cash.

Please note that due to the ever evolving circumstances due to COVID-19, this Handbook is subject to change. We thank you for your flexibility during this trying time.

Cancellation/Refund Policy (Domestic Students Only)

More than Six Weeks Prior to Start Date:

• Students who withdraw more than 6 weeks prior to the start date of the program will receive a full refund (minus Registration fee, Deposit, and 4% credit card and 5% payment plan fees, if applicable).

Less than Six Weeks Prior to Start Date:

• Students who withdraw less than 6 weeks prior to the start date of the program will be eligible to transfer to the Peridance Open Class Program and must comply with the OP’s Schedule, Rules and Regulations, etc. Should a student decline transfer to the OP, 50% of tuition will be refunded within 30 days of the official withdrawal date (minus Registration fee, Deposit, and 4% credit card and 5% payment plan fees, if applicable).
• Payment Plan Students: If a student who was granted a payment plan declines transfer to the OP upon their official withdrawal date from the program, and the student has an outstanding tuition balance, the student is responsible for paying the remaining balance of tuition, up to 50%, due within 30 days of their official withdrawal date (including a 3% payment plan fee, and a 4% credit card fee, if applicable).

After the Program has begun:

• Students who withdraw after the program has begun will not be eligible to receive any monetary refund. If they choose, they can receive class credits, which can be used for drop-in classes. These classes would expire one year after the withdrawal date.
• Payment Plan Students: If a student who was granted a payment plan declines transfer to the OP upon their official withdrawal date from the Intensive Semester, and the student has an outstanding tuition balance, the student is responsible for paying the remaining balance of tuition, due within 30 days of their official withdrawal date (including a 5% payment plan fee, and a 4% credit card fee, if applicable).

Scholarship Students:

• Students who received a scholarship are responsible for all living, transportation, accommodations, and Visa expenses. If a student decides to withdraw early from the program, they will be required to submit a formal written notice to the Program Coordinator and the Artistic Director. A student who withdraws early will be responsible for paying back ALL tuition fees used during their scholarship studies. Payment must be received in FULL within 14 days of the official withdrawal date. The Peridance Center reserves the right to alter or revoke scholarship awards in the event of student misconduct or failure to comply with the Attendance Policy and Rules of Conduct.

Please note that due to the ever evolving circumstances due to COVID-19, this Handbook is subject to change. We thank you for your flexibility during this trying time.

**International Students: For more information about International Students’ Withdrawal, Refund, and Transfer Policies, see the ISP Handbook and contact International@peridance.com.

Scholarship and Financial Aid

Partial tuition scholarships are granted each year. All scholarships are based on a combination of a dancer's technical and artistic merit as well as financial need and are awarded by the Artistic Director and the appropriate Program Coordinator after careful consideration. For more information, please go to our Scholarships Page.

•  All international students who are granted a scholarship are responsible for paying the $350 registration fee (or $200 extension if extending their studies).

• Scholarship students are responsible for their living expenses while studying.

• Any student granted a partial or full scholarship who wishes to withdraw from their program is responsible for paying the scholarship amount awarded to him/her in full within 14 days from the official withdrawal date, whether transferring to another program or not.

Please note that due to the ever evolving circumstances due to COVID-19, this Handbook is subject to change. We thank you for your flexibility during this trying time.

Program Completion Requirements

This program has no specific credit requirements other than the satisfactory completion of the required number of clock hours and the satisfactory passing of their evaluation(s), conducted by a Faculty Master Teacher and the Program Coordinator. Students are expected to take 18 clock hours of study per week, consisting of a hybrid of in-studio and online classes. Students must achieve a minimum C+ Final Grade. The Final Grade is calculated as an average of the student’s Master Teacher Evaluation Grade(s) and Attendance Grade. Evaluation and Attendance Grading Scales can be found in Appendix A and Appendix B. The student’s financial account must also be paid in full.

Curriculum

Students take a total of 12 classes (18 hours) per week consisting of 10 open classes (one of which must be with their Faculty Master Teacher) and 2 Program Workshops. Classes take place Monday through Saturday. At the beginning of the program, students will choose between the open track, ballet, contemporary, or commercial concentrations along with a Faculty Master Teacher in their concentration. Once decided, students will customize their schedules based on the guidance per each concentration.

Workshops

All Independent Study Program students will participate in weekly Program Workshops which will rotate subjects each month. Workshops will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:25-9:55 am. Students will participate in a Performance Workshop (Contemporary, Street Styles, and Jazz/Theatre) and Creative Practice, Somatic Practice, and Advisement workshops.

March Workshop Schedule

Two Program Workshops will take place every week in-studio at the Peridance Center during the month of March:

• Theatre Performance Workshop

Tuesdays, 8:25-9:55 am

• Intro to Feldenkrais Technique Performance

Thursdays, 8:25-9:55 am

How to register for Program workshops: The Program Coordinator will register students into the Workshop classes on MindBody.

Student Advisement

Guidance comes from 2 primary places:

1. During the first month of study, the student, in collaboration with the Program Coordinator, chooses a Faculty Master Teacher. The student will take this faculty member’s class at least once a week for the duration of the program and will receive 1, 2 , or 3 evaluations from the Faculty Master Teacher depending on their program length.
2. Program Coordinator guidance in connection with the faculty, and more often, when necessary/desired. All meetings with the Program Coordinator will be conducted via ZOOM. To request a meeting, submit via this Google Form.

Please note that due to the ever evolving circumstances due to COVID-19, this Handbook is subject to change. We thank you for your flexibility during this trying time.

Student Grading Reviews

The Peridance Independent Study Program follows three procedures for student reviews:

1.  Monitoring of attendance in classes.

Domestic Students:

 In the event that a student fails to meet attendance requirements, the following actions are taken:

1.  A written warning.
2.  If a second warning is necessary, the student is called for an issue-resolving meeting with the Program Coordinator or the Artistic Director via ZOOM.
3. If attendance remains low over a period of 3 months, the student will be officially expelled.

International Students:

See ISP Handbook for action steps.

2.         Evaluation.

All students will receive 1-3 evaluations from their Faculty Master Teacher based on their program length:

• 3 Month Program Students will receive 1 evaluation in the final month of their program.
• 6 Month Program Students will receive 2 evaluations in the 3rd and 6th months of their program.
• 12 Month Program Students will receive 3 evaluations in the 4th, 8th, 12th months of their program.

Students will be evaluated in 5 areas:

1. Preparedness
2. Alignment and Technical Understanding
3. Movement Quality
4. Concentration
5. Energy/Effort/Motivation

3.         End of Program Review: 

The evaluation will be averaged with the student’s attendance grade to create their overall grade. For specifics on Grading Scale, please see Appendix A and Appendix B. Within 14 days after the completion of the program, the student receives their Evaluation Form and a Certificate of Completion relative to their final grade:

1. Certificate with High Honors (A+, 4.0+)
2. Certificate with Honors (A, 3.76 or higher)
3. Certificate of Completion, Standard Certificate (A- to C, 2.0 or higher)

Please note that due to the ever evolving circumstances due to COVID-19, this Handbook is subject to change. We thank you for your flexibility during this trying time.

To find out more about the registration process and requirements, please contact our Program Coordinator at training@peridance.com.

Please note that due to the ever evolving circumstances due to COVID-19, this Handbook is subject to change. We thank you for your flexibility during this trying time.