To access your parent portal, please click here.
COMMUNICATING: THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!! TO BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH US, WE NEED FOR EVERYONE TO EMAIL THEIR PHONE NUMBER TO THEDANCESTUDIOLONGVIEW.COM, AND SEND A FACEBOOK FRIEND REQUEST TO TENA VOGEL'S PRIVATE FB. ONCE A PHONE NUMBER IS RECEIVED, WE WILL SEND AN INVITE TO JOIN OUR STUDIO'S TEXT GROUP. THE INVITE WILL COME FROM THE NUMBER 43506. WHEN YOU SEE THIS NUMBER, PLEASE TEXT BACK TO THAT NUMBER AND LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME AND "YES". THIS IS THE NUMBER YOU WILL SEND MESSAGES TO AND RECEIVE MESSAGES FROM. * *ONLY THE STUDIO CAN SEE YOUR MESSAGES. ONCE A FACEBOOK FRIEND REQUEST IS RECEIVED, WE WILL ADD YOU TO OUR STUDIO'S PRIVATE FB PAGE. *The best and quickest way to get a message to us, ask questions, or address concerns, please send an email to thedancestudiolongview@gmail.com, text to the above number 43506, or post a message on our studio's private FB page. You may also call the studio at (903) 291-1940, but this is not the quickest way. *PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO COMMUNICATE WITH TEACHERS FOR ANY REASON BEFORE OR IN BETWEEN CLASSES. OUR CLASSES ARE BACK TO BACK AND STOPPING TO ANSWER EVEN A "SMALL" QUESTION OR CONCERN WILL TAKE TIME AWAY FROM THE OTHER STUDENTS. WE SO APPRECIATE EVERYONE'S COOPERATION WITH THIS. AGAIN PLEASE USE ONE OF THE ABOVE WAYS TO COMMUNICATE WITH US AND SOMEONE WILL RESPOND TO YOU WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME. **FOR PARENTS WHO HAVE TEACHERS PRIVATE CELL NUMBERS, WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE REFRAIN FROM USING PERSONAL CELL PHONES FOR DANCE RELATED QUESTIONS OR MESSAGES, AND USE ONE OF THE WAYS ABOVE TO COMMUNICATE WITH US WHEN IT COMES TO ANY, AND ALL DANCE RELATED ISSUES.
DRESS CODE: The Young Dancer Division which consists of Petite Dancers, the Pre Ballet classes, and Beginning Ballet, should wear their hair in a pony tail at least, but a bun is preferred. All students in the Primary Dancer Division which consists of Levels 1 - 5, should have their hair in a secure bun that will stay for an entire class without coming down after turning and jumping. Jazz students should keep their hair in a bun if coming from or going to ballet class as well as Tap students. Tap students who do not have a ballet class on the same day may wear their hair in a pony tail. Hip Hop students should also wear a pony tail as long as they do not have a ballet class after these classes. Acro dance students should wear hair in a low bun or pony tail. **No one should come into the classroom without their hair being up. All hair must be pulled out of the face with no pieces hanging down; no pig tails or braids.
*All ballet students will wear an assigned leotard color for their particular level with NO SKIRT either attached or unattached, along with ballet pink TRANSITIONAL tights (no footless tights), and pink LEATHER ballet shoes. The leotard may be any style. Levels 4 & 5 can wear pink canvas ballet shoes. Tap students will wear black, one strap tap shoes. *ALL JAZZ STUDENTS WILL WEAR TAN, SLIP ON, SPLIT SOLE JAZZ SHOES.
STUDENTS SHOULD ALWAYS COME TO CLASS PREPARED AND PROPER ATTIRE IS A MUST!
~Below are the leotard colors for each level along with any other clothing requirements specific to each class:
PETITE DANCER - Pink leotard/ PRE BALLET 1 - Black leotard/ PRE BALLET 2 - Black leotard, black one strap tap shoes along with ballet shoes/ BEGINNING BALLET - Baby blue leotard, black one strap tap shoes along with ballet shoes/ LEVEL 1 BALLET - Lavender leotard/ LEVEL 2 BALLET - Royal blue leotard/ LEVEL 3 BALLET - Burgundy leotard/ LEVEL 4 BALLET - Forest green leotard/ LEVEL 5 BALLET - Eggplant leotard/ POINTE 2 - Black leotard and skirt/ BOYS - A white tee, black sweat pants, black LEATHER ballet shoes with white socks
~ACRO students who have a ballet class before or after their acro class will wear their ballet leotard and tights with no cover up, and will work barefoot with tights rolled over their ankles. Students who do not have ballet before or after acro may wear any color leotard with tights, no cover up, and barefoot.
~All JAZZ students should wear their ballet level color, pink tights, and may wear black boy shorts, black capris, or black jazz pants over them along with jazz shoes. *Jazz 1 students should bring tap shoes to class as well as jazz shoes.
~HIP HOP students who do not have a ballet class before or after their Hip Hop class may wear comfortable clothing they can move in with tennis shoes. Those who have ballet the same day as Hip Hop can wear a tee or comfortable pants they can move in over ballet attire with tennis shoes.
~MODERN DANCE (Levels 2, 3, 4, & 5) students wear their class leotard & pink tights with the tights rolled to the ankle.
​
~The only jewelry to be worn in class are small earrings; no watches, bracelets, necklaces, etc.
~All students should have proper dance attire by September 1st.
~The last class of each month, students may wear any color leotard and a skirt.
~ **You will receive a small discount by using the code TP32416 when ordering dance attire online through discountdance.com.
START DATE/CLASS PLACEMENT: Our classes for the 2024-2025 session begin on Tuesday, September 3rd.
~In deciding which level you should register your new student for, please read the information below describing each class, and go by the designated age descriptions for each class. You will be informed if your child should move to a different level.
~For returning students, we will let you know the ballet level your student will either stay in or move to. This placement could change after summer classes.
~For Petite Dancers through Level 2 Ballet, students are placed in classes according to their age. For Levels 3, 4, and 5 Ballet, age is used as a guide only. Ability is the main factor when determining placement for these levels.
~We go by a students age as of August 1st.
~As students get older, they are placed in levels according to strength, their ability to pick up and execute steps and combinations quickly in a technically correct manner, and finally according to their ability to commit to the required number of classes needed to advance.
~Most students need to, and will spend 2 - 3 years in a level. Just because a student repeats a level does not mean they are learning the same material, however, repetition is very important for a student to master the necessary skills to be able to move to the next level. Students who are moved to the next level are "caught up" with the students already in that level.
***PLACEMENT IS AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE TDSL DIRECTOR AND STAFF. Disrespectful behavior from a student or parent who is unhappy with placement will not be tolerated in any way.
The teacher's judgement must be respected first and foremost.
It is normal for any parent to view their child as the best in the class, but remember, the teacher is looking at your child through trained eyes. If the teacher's judgement is not respected in all areas of your child's training, his or her dance education may be compromised.
~We encourage all students to work hard and become the best dancers they can be, but they must work at a level that is suitable for them individually, challenging, but not discouraging.
~Summer classes also have an impact on class advancement whether it is taking our studio's summer session, or auditioning for and attending an intensive in another city. We strongly encourage students to use summer classes to advance, especially those who have aspirations of doing something with dance in their future, but even for those who do not.
~More information about summer classes and auditions will be posted second semester.
​
CLASSES:
ACRO is a 45 minute to 1 hour class that is an acrobatic style class that teaches tricks that are executed on a dance floor. Acro classes incorporate elements of tumbling, balance, strength, flexibility, and cardio. When incorporated with a good technical foundation, students will learn how to do handstands, cartwheels, front and back walk overs, and later on advanced "tricks" to use in dance choreography.
A1 ACRO 1: 7-10yrs U (It is preferable that students take one ballet class weekly)
A2 ACRO 2: Approval is needed to participate in this class U (Students must take at least one ballet class weekly)
A3 ACRO 3: Approbal is needed to participate in this class U (Students must take at least on ballet class weekly)
BALLET is an artistic dance form performed to music, and considered the foundation for all other dance styles. Our school is very proud of the emphasis we place on ballet training incorporating elements from Vaganova, Balanchine, & Royal Ballet methods to emphasize technique & musicality. Our "ballet only" classes begin at Level 1 Ballet and go through Level 5 Ballet.
PRIMARY DANCER DIVISION
L1 LEVEL 1 BALLET: 6-8yrs, (new 7,8 & 9's)
L2 LEVEL 2 BALLET: 8-10yrs, (new 10 & 11's)
L3 LEVEL 3 BALLET: 9-14yrs, Mon. 6:25-7:45
L4 LEVEL 4 BALLET: 12yrs & up
L5 LEVEL 5 BALLET: 13yrs & up
CREATIVE MOVEMENT is a a form of dance that uses rhythmic, patterned or improvised body movement that helps young children with coordination, musicality, and expression, giving children the freedom to create and use their imagination through movement. The classes that use Creative Movement are Petit Dancers and both Pre Ballets. Beginning Ballet incorporates elements as well. Students are given an awareness of movement in relation to their bodies.
YOUNG DANCER DIVISION
PB1 PRE BALLET 1 PB1: 3-4yrs (new 4's with no prior dance)
PB2 PRE BALLET 2/TAP: 4-5yrs (new 5's with no prior dance combined with tap with the emphasis on ballet)
BB BEGINNING BALLET/TAP: 5-6yrs (new 6's with no prior dance combined with tap with the emphasis on ballet)
​
GRACE EN MOTION (GEM) is our studio's competitive dance company for students 8 years and up. We compete in 3 competitions in the spring and attend one dance convention in the Dallas area. This is a great opportunity to work together as a team. Students must audition to be a part of this company. Ballet and Jazz are required, and Acro is preferred, but not required.
GEM Mini Company: 8-12 yrs
GEM Junior/ Company: 12-15 yrs
HIP HOP is a 45 or 50 minute class for students 8 yrs and older. Hip Hop is an upbeat style of dance performed to upbeat music whose roots came from urban street dancing, and has gained great popularity in the past several years. All music selections and movements are age appropriate.
BEGINNING/INTERMEDIATE HIP HOP: 8-12yrs (no ballet or jazz required, but Acro elements are incorporated into the class)
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED HIP HOP: 13yrs & up (for Level 4 & 5 Ballet & anyone who gets approval to join)
JAZZ is a 45 minute to one hour dance class for students 6yrs & up. Jazz is a style of dance that is structured in technique while taking many shapes and forms, and can be performed to many styles of music. **All jazz students must take at least one ballet class weekly.
J1 JAZZ 1: 6-8yrs (combined with tap, recital dance will be jazz)
J2 JAZZ 2: 8-10yrs (combined hip hop; combining the upbeat dance style of hip hop and jazz technique; the recital dance will be jazz with hip hop elements)
J3 JAZZ 3: 9-12yrs
J4 JAZZ 4: 11-14yrs (students taking 2 ballet classes weekly)
J5 JAZZ 5: 13yrs & up (students taking 2 ballet classes weekly)
MODERN is a 45 minute class for students 9yrs & older. Modern dance incorporates movement from the techniques of Ballet, Cunningham, Graham, Horton and Limon to engage & strengthen muscles. Modern dance is meant to bring a sense of connection between the mind and body.
M1 MODERN 1: (Levels 2 & 3 Ballet only)
M2 MODERN 2: (Levels 4 & 5 Ballet only)
POINTE/PRE POINTE is a class wherein the ballet dancer supports all their body weight on the tips of fully extended feet. Students are recommended for pointe based on age and ability. *A minimum of two regular ballet classes must be attended to dance en pointe.
P1 POINTE 1/POINTE PREP: 11yrs & up
P2 POINTE 2: 13yrs & up who have previous pointe experience
*TDSL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL A CLASS THAT DOESN'T "MAKE".
CLASS LOCATIONS:
LOWER BLDG - LB/ UPPER BLDG - UB
ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION: As with sports, drill team, or any other activity, steady attendance is a requirement for success.
~Guardians are responsible for communicating an absence to the studio.
~If a student needs to leave class early, a guardian should make the studio aware of it in the morning by one of our means of communication.
~Students who are injured should observe class.
~**Students who have been sick should be fever free for 48 hours before returning to class.
~**A student who has thrown up should not come to class for at least 48 hours from the last time they got sick.
~**Children who are coughing a great deal should be kept home to keep anything from spreading.
~For students in Levels 1 - 5, it is to their benefit to make up missed classes within 2 weeks of an absence by taking a class in the level below theirs.
~Students should definitely avoid consecutive absences.
~Participation is as important as steady attendance. A child who is at class, but not participating on a regular basis will not be allowed to continue with classes for that year. Guardians will be made aware of this first, and if it continues, that child will need to try again, possibly the next year. When a child is not participating, it is usually a good indicator that they do not want to be there.
STUDIO EXPECTATIONS:
~Absolutely no gum, food or drinks allowed in the studios except during our Christmas parties. It is preferable that snacks be eaten before class in a students car. Water bottles are allowed in the studio for Levels 4 & 5 only.
~Please, please have young students go to the bathroom at home before coming to the studio, and maybe limit drinking right before class. It is such a disruption for all when students are going back and forth. Older students should go to the bathroom before class begins as well.
~Cell phones are never allowed in the classroom.
~ONCE CLASS BEGINS, WHEN THE TEACHER BEGINS CHECKING THE ROLL, ALL TALKING SHOULD STOP. Excessive talking or any other disruptive behavior will not be tolerated, and will result in a student calling a parent to come pick them up before class has ended. We will deal with it a couple of times, but after that we will not. If it continues, a student will not be allowed to return to classes.
~All students must show respect for the structure and teaching style of our teachers. Students do not have to like the style necessarily, but they must be respectful. Anything less will not be tolerated.
~Teachers and staff should be addressed as Ms., Miss, or Mrs.
~Disrespectful comments from one student to another will not be tolerated in the classroom. or in the dressing room, and bullying in any form at the studio or away from the studio will not be tolerated.
~Older students are expected to be a positive example and role model for our younger students at all times.
~Inappropriate or foul language will not be tolerated in the dressing room, or in the classroom.
~We expect that everyone will treat each other with the kindness, and respect that we all personally want to be treated with, regardless of personalities. We don't have to be best friends with everyone, but we can, and must show love and courtesy to all. Anything less, is not acceptable for our studio family.
OBSERVATION: We are changing our observation schedule this year. Observation will be the SECOND FULL WEEK of the following months: October, December, February, and April.
**PLEASE NOTE THAT OBSERVATION IS JUST THAT. AN OBSERVER WHO IS COACHING OR CORRECTING A STUDENT WILL BE REMINDED OF OUR POLICY, AND IF IT CONTINUES, WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OBSERVE CLASSES THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR. ALTHOUGH UNINTENDED, IT IS INCREDIBLY DISRESPECTFUL TO THE TEACHER, A DISTRACTION TO THE CLASS, AND UNCOMFORTABLE FOR THE STUDENT.
DROP OFF/PICK UP: We have a system that works well as long as everyone adheres to it. It is for the safety of the students first and foremost, but for the drivers as well.
~When dropping off or picking up at the Lower Building, turn onto Reel Rd. from Gilmer Rd. Take the very next right onto Kingston, and the next right onto Regal Oak, which is the street the studio faces, directly across from Whataburger.
~A SINGLE LINE SHOULD BE FORMED
~Students should be DROPPED OFF and PICKED UP at the door that is Ste. 102 RATHER THAN WALKING YOUR STUDENT TO THE DOOR.
For drop off and pick up for the Upper Building, which is the building to the right of the lower building where Ste. 102 is located, pull in and drive around the right side of the building to the back to drop off and pick up at the back door, and then continue on around the building to exit.
**If coming for Observation Week, please park either behind our building or across the street.
***NO PARENT SHOULD EVER PARK IN FRONT OF THE STUDIO AT THE LOWER BUILDING OR THE UPPER BUILDING.
~THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO SHOULD PARK AT THE LOWER BUILDING ARE OUR OLDER GIRLS WHO DRIVE. THIS IS FOR THEIR SAFETY IN THE EVENINGS. OLDER STUDENTS MAY ALSO PARK AROUND THE FRONT OF THE BUILDING WHEN THE BUSINESSES AT THE FRONT OF THE CENTER ARE CLOSED. *DRIVING STUDENTS MAY ALSO CHECK WITH ME TO SEE IF THERE IS A TIME THAT THEY CAN USE THE UPPER BUILDING FOR PARKING.
***A fee of $20 will be charged for students who are picked up 15 minutes late, and then $10 for every 5 minutes after that.
***THE ONLY LEVEL WHO SHOULD ARRIVE MORE THAN 5 MINUTES BEFORE CLASSES BEGIN IS LEVEL 5. EVERYONE ELSE, PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE EARLIER THAN THAT.
HOLIDAYS/WEATHER: Our studio holidays are as follows: Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving Break, the evening of the Christmas Parade which is usually the first Thursday in December, Christmas Break, and Spring Break following the local public schools for both of these.
~For inclement weather, we will post a message to make you aware of any cancellations. Cancelled classes due to weather will be rescheduled.
RECITAL/COSTUME POLICY: The recital date for 2025 is Sunday, May 18th, at The Belcher Center at 3:00 in the afternoon. If anything changes, we will make you aware of it as soon as we know.
~We will have rehearsals at the theatre the week of recital on Friday and Saturday, with dress rehearsal being on Saturday.
~THE WEEK OF RECITAL, ALL CLASSES AND REHEARSALS ARE MANDATORY FOR A STUDENT TO BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN RECITAL.
~This information is being given early enough so that school teachers, choir and drill team directors, piano teachers, and coaches can be made aware early enough in the year so that arrangements can possibly be made for mandatory after school activities that will not conflict with the recital week schedule.
~PLEASE LET US KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE OF ANY AND ALL CONFLICTS.
~Second semester there will be no opportunities for making up missed classes. Students who miss 2 classes will be expected to have either a private or group make-up class to learn missed material. This class will be an extra fee of $60 for a private, or that amount will be split among those who participate in the make-up class. Make-up times will be posted second semester. This is different from the extra, total class rehearsals we have second semester which parents do not pay extra for.
Costumes:
~There will be a $50 non-refundable (except in the case of a severe injury when a costume has not already been ordered), costume deposit that will be due by November 15th. **THIS FEE IS REQUIRED FOR EACH SEPARATE CLASS THAT A COSTUME WILL BE ORDERED FOR.
**If the fee is not paid in time, a costume will not be ordered for your child which is very sad, but unfortunately, too many times, a costume has gotten ordered and the fee still did not get paid.
~All costume balances will be due by February 28th. Families ordering several costumes are welcome to make advance payments to avoid the expense at one time.
*Once costumes are ordered, all fees are non-refundable and all balances must be paid whether a student is able to perform or not.
~A non-refundable $55 recital fee will be due by April 20th. This fee covers building rental, technical fees, security, tickets, programs, etc.
~You will be given many more details second semester about recital specifics (hair, make-up, rehearsal times...).
PAYMENT POLICY:
REGISTRATION
A non-refundable fee of $50 (for one student), or $90 (for a family) is required at the time of registration.
TUITION - TUITION IS DUE ON THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH.
**You may pay in 3 different ways, VENMO (@thedancestudiolgv), CHECK, OR CASH - but it must be IN THE OFFICE no later than the 8th of the month.
Cash can be put in the basket in the office or slid under the door, but should be marked with the students name on the outside and what the amount is for.
Checks can be put in the basket in the office, slid under the door, or mailed to 210 Bramlette Lane, Longview, 75601. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CHECKS TO THE STUDIO'S PHYSICAL ADDRESS.
**The only time we will process payment by way of the credit card on file is if an account has had a balance for more than 35 days, otherwise we will not accept payment by way of a credit or debit card.
LATE PAYMENTS
LATE Fee will be applied if there is NO payment paid /received by the 8th of each month.
For anything RECEIVED after the 8th, a $15 late fee will be added to the following month's amount.
RETURNED CHECK
NSF Bank fee will be applied to ANY family record for a Returned check or Declined Credit Card - the fee applied will be $20.00.
DELINQUENT ACCOUNT
A student will not be able to continue if an account is delinquent for more than 60 days. If there are extenuating circumstances regarding payment, please speak with the office before payment is due. As stated above, for an account that has had a balance 35 days or more, the credit card on file will be processed for payment.
PRO-RATING
There is no pro-rating for holidays, and a 3 week month is the same rate as a 5 week month. It all evens out throughout the year.
CLASS WITHDRAWAL/DROP
If a class is dropped, notification must be made before the first of the month, otherwise, tuition must still be made for that month.
FEES: Below is the list of fees for monthly tuition per student:
Trial class - $17 (This will be put toward monthly fees if a parent decides to enroll a student, but MUST BE PAID before the class)
1 class per week - $65
2 classes per week - $100
3 classes per week - $130
4 classes per week - $155
5 classes per week - $175
6 classes per week - $195
7 classes per week - $210
8 classes per week - $225
9 classes per week - $235
Unlimited classes per week - $255
Family Discounts - 10% for the second family member to be applied to the lowest tuition amount, 15% for the third family member, 20% for the fourth family member.
**Payment may be made for the semester or the whole year, but there will be no discount.
Annual Enrollment Fee - $50 (one student only) or $90 (per family)
Late Fee - $15 to be added to the following month's tuition. Tuition is due the first of each month, and is late after the 8th of each month. The late fee will be applied to all tuition RECEIVED after the 8th.
Returned Check Fee - $20
Notice of dropping a class must be received by the first of the month in order to avoid payment for that month.
A $50 costume deposit will be due by November 15th for EACH class a student is in.
All costume balances will be due no later than February 28th.
A $55 per student recital fee will be due by April 20th.