335 ESSEX ST. 2ND FLOOR LAWRENCE MA 01840
CALL US: 978-641-4212, 978-390-2558, OR 978-701-5598
Laura's Stage
Student Handbook Sept '23
335 Essex St. Floor 2 Lawrence MA 01840
(978) 641-4212
(978) 390-2558
(978) 701-5598
Info.laurasstage@gmail.com
Welcome to the Fall 2023 - 2024 season at Laura's Stage! We are thrilled to have you join us for another wonderful year of dance. Whether you are a returning student or a new dancer, we hope you will find this handbook to be a helpful resource, providing you with important information about our studio, our classes, and our policies. Our goal is to create a fun and nurturing environment where students of all ages and skill levels can develop their passion for dance and grow as dancers. We believe that with the right instruction, encouragement, and support, every student can achieve their full potential and experience the joy and satisfaction of dance. While we cannot foresee every scenario that may arise this year, this handbook will serve as a guide that can address many questions/ concerns. Parents and students are expected to review this parent/student handbook in its entirety and direct any follow up questions to our staff via email. Laura's Stage reserves the right to amend this handbook at any time. We look forward to sharing this exciting journey with you and your family!
Welcome!
Mission Statement
Our mission at Laura's Stage is to foster a deep appreciation of Latin culture and traditions through dance. We believe that movement is a powerful language that transcends borders, and our studio strives to create a vibrant community where students of all backgrounds can come together to explore and celebrate the richness of Latin dance styles. Our experienced instructors are committed to providing exceptional dance instruction in a nurturing and inclusive environment that encourages self-expression, creativity, and cultural exploration. At [Dance Studio Name], we aim to inspire our students to develop a lifelong passion for dance while also honoring and preserving the beauty and vibrancy of Latin culture.
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Meet Our Team
We are delighted to introduce you to the talented and dedicated teachers and staff who make Laura's Stage a welcoming and nurturing environment for all. Our faculty members bring a wealth of experience, skill, and passion to their teaching, and each one is committed to helping our students reach their full potential as dancers. They are knowledgeable in a wide variety of dance styles and techniques and are committed to providing their students with a challenging and enriching learning experience. Our staff members also play a critical role in ensuring that our students have the best experience possible at our studio. From the welcoming faces at the front desk to the behind-the-scenes support, our team is dedicated to creating a positive and supportive environment for everyone who walks through our doors. Together, our faculty and staff work collaboratively to provide a world-class dance education and foster a community where dancers can thrive and grow.
Artistic Director- Laura Montas
Ballet Instructor- Francheska Montas & Laura Montas
Cultural Instructor- Jovanny Henriquez Rodriguez
Hip-Hop Instructor- Ninoska Sosa
Administrator- Elizabeth Jimenez | Financial Coordinator- Jenny Montas
Wardrobe/Performance Coordinator- Francheska Montas | Outreach Coordinator- Linette Perez
Performance opportunities with Laura's Stage
We are excited to present the performance program overview for the upcoming dance season, starting September 4 and ending June 22, 2024. Our program offers an unparalleled opportunity for dancers to showcase their skills and talents in front of an audience, while also fostering a deep sense of teamwork, discipline, and artistic expression.
Please note that participation in these performances is a privilege, and dancers will be selected based on their physical abilities, artistic maturity, and willingness to commit to rigorous rehearsals.
Throughout the season, our performance program will feature a variety of exciting events, including:
- Winter Recital: This is an opportunity for our dancers to showcase their skills, creativity, and artistry in front of a supportive audience. Dancers will perform solo and group pieces in a variety of styles from classical to contemporary.
- Spring Showcase: This event will feature choreography from our faculty as well as other leading professionals and alumni. It will be an eclectic mix of classical, contemporary, and latin dance styles.
- Community Performances: Our dancers will also have the opportunity to perform at local events and community venues, where they will be able to share their love of dance with a wider audience.
We are committed to providing each of our dancers with a challenging and rewarding experience in our performance program, and look forward to seeing the growth and progress of our talented dancers throughout the season
Enrollment and placement policy
At our dance studio, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible dance education and training. With this in mind, we have established the following class enrollment and placement policy:
1. Age: Students are placed in classes based on their age as of the start of the dance season (September 4).
2. Skill level: Students are placed in classes based on their current skill level, as determined by our faculty. Classes are designed to be age-appropriate, but students may be placed in a higher-level class based on their technical abilities and overall dance experience.
3. Progression: Students are expected to progress to the next level when they have met the technical requirements and demonstrated mastery of the material in their current level. Progression may also be subject to faculty evaluation throughout each level.
4. Placement Auditions: All students will participate in a placement class, before the start of the school year. For students joining us mid-season, upon assessment, an informal audition may be required to determine their placement in our programs.
5. Teacher Reassignment: Teacher reassignments may occur based on availability of teachers and the progress of the student.
We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for all of our students and believe that proper class placement is crucial to their growth and development as dancers. Our faculty work diligently to make appropriate placement decisions with fairness and compassion to encourage progress in the student's dance journey.
Communication
To facilitate effective communication between our dance studio and our students, we have established the following means of communication protocol:
1. Email: Our main source of communication will be email. It is important that all students and their families ensure to check their email regularly, at least twice a week to keep up-to-date on important studio communication such as schedule changes, upcoming events or anything important.
2. In-Person Meetings: Any in-person meetings with teachers or administrators should be scheduled in advance. To schedule a meeting, parents or students may email our dance studio's administrative office.
3. Text: In case of last minute changes or any emergency situation, we reserve the right to send text messages, but these will be used sparingly.
4. Social Media: Follow us on our Social Media platforms to stay posted on upcoming events, important dates, and other dance community related updates.
We believe that this communication protocol will help us to better serve our students and their families, by keeping everyone informed and up to date on important information. We look forward to working together to create a successful and supportive dance community here at our studio.
Dress Code
Our dance studio has established the following dress code requirements to ensure the safety, comfort, and success of all of our dancers:
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Ballet: Black leotard, Pink tights, Ballet slippers
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Hip Hop: Black leotard, Black leggings, sneakers
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Cultural: Black leotard, Black leggings (optional)
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Lyrical: Black leotard, Pink tights, Jazz shoes
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Jazz: Black leotard, Pink tights, Jazz shoes
1. Hair must be tied and away from face at all times.
2. No jewelry of any kind to be worn during any class.
3. Students are expected to arrive to class with dress code compliant clothing.
4. No bare legs permitted in class.
5. Undergarments should never be visible in class.
6. Students should carry all dancewear, footwear and personal items in a designated dance bag. All items should be labeled to avoid loss or theft.
7. Students are expected to follow proper hygiene habits, and clothing should be laundered after each wear.
8. Inability to follow dress code will result students observing class and not participating for the day.
Our dress code requirements are designed to encourage professionalism and focus on our classes, as well as physical safety and to promote the proper alignment during dance instruction. Thank you in advance for helping us maintain these standards.
Student Code of Conduct
We have outlined the following classroom expectations for our dance studio to ensure a safe and productive learning environment for all of our dancers:
1. Respect: All dancers, instructors, and staff members should treat one another with respect in order to make our studio a welcoming and inclusive space for all.
2. Attendance: Regular class attendance is mandatory. Any missed classes must be communicated in advance, through proper communication channels.
3. Punctuality: Students are expected to arrive on time for their classes. Late entry interrupts and may at times disturb the lesson in progress, and working hard to catch up can be disruptive to one's own progress as well.
4. No food or drinks (specially no chewing gum) are allowed on the dance floor or in the changing rooms.
5. Focus: Students should maintain their focus in class and avoid any distracting behaviors that may disturb others.
6. Cellphones are collected before the start of each day. Students have access to phones during their breaks and in the event of an emergency.
7. Cleanliness: Both students and instructors are expected to maintain good hygiene and cleanliness throughout the studio. Please leave the studio cleaner than how you found it.
8. Dress Code: Students must follow the dress code requirements for their respective classes.
9. Encourage others and be supportive of both your peers and yourself in your learning journey.
10. Negative behavior, foul language, bullying, physical aggressions towards others, theft etc, is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Laura's Stage reserves the right to revoke any student's membership at any time if found engaging in any of these activities.
Enforcing these classroom expectations helps to create a professional, focused, and disciplined learning environment that allows students to fully develop their skills and reach their individual goals as dancers. We ask that all students respect these expectations as we work together to create a positive and nurturing learning experience for everyone at our studio.
Parent / Guardian Code of Conduct
We have established the following code of conduct for parents/guardians of students attending our dance studio to help us maintain a welcoming and respectful environment for all:
1. Respect: Parents and guardians should treat all students, instructors, and staff members with respect, and refrain from engaging in any behavior that may be considered disrespectful or disruptive.
2. Appropriate Behaviors: Parents and guardians are expected to model appropriate behaviors in the studio, including following appropriate dress codes, staying off of the dance floor, maintaining the noise level to a minimum and respecting the teacher's classroom time.
3. Communication: Parents or guardians should address any concerns about a student's progress with our Parent/Teacher Liason to schedule a meeting. Faculty and Staff are not permitted to divulge information outside of a private setting with the Artistic Director present.
4. Privacy: The privacy of other students and families must be respected with the utmost care.
5. Pick-Up / Drop Off Policy: It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to drop off and pick up their children on time for every class. Additionally, to ensure the students' safety, we ask that adults do not wait in the studio during the class.
6. Inappropriate Behaviors: If any incidents occur, including violations of our code of conduct, Laura's Stage reserves the right to expel students at any point in the semester.
7. Lost & Found Policy: Any items left on the premises are held at the owner's risk. While we make every effort to keep our premises safe and secure, we cannot be held responsible for any lost or misplaced items. All lost and found items will be collected and stored for a period of one month, and after which, any remaining items will be disposed of. Guests are advised to check the lost and found at the earliest possible convenience and provide proper identification to claim any lost items. Questions or concerns regarding lost and found items at our studio should be directed to the administrator.
Medical Notice
Our dance studio is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all of our dancers. In order to ensure the safety of all our dancers and staff members, we have established the following medical policy:
1. Medical Information: Parents or guardians are required to provide medical information for each student, including any allergies, health conditions, or medical diagnosis that may affect the student's participation/behavior in dance class.
2. Injury Management: Any injuries that occur inside dance studio property should be immediately reported to the instructor or staff member. In case of severe injury or medical emergency, we will call 911 and then contact the parents or guardian listed on the registration form.
3. Medications: Students are prohibited from storing or taking any medications during class-time. If the child has required medication that needs to be taken during their class time the parent or guardian should inform the instructor prior to entering the classroom.
4. Hand Hygiene: We understand that practice environments present opportunities for fingertips to touch surfaces. Therefore, everyone inside the studio including students and parents or guardians should properly wash their hands before entering and after leaving the studio premises.
5. Sickness: Parents or guardian must be responsible for ensuring that the child is not taken to the studio if they display any sickness symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or any contagious disease.
Attendance
Our dance studio is committed to providing our students with the best possible dance education. Regular attendance is critical to that education, as consistent attendance is essential for technique mastery and prepares performers for future performances. Our attendance policy is as follows:
1. Performance Opportunities: We encourage all our students to take advantage of multiple performance opportunities throughout the year, including local community events and annual recitals. We understand that technical improvement and experience gained from consistent attendance will increase participation availability in these performance opportunities.
2. Informing Studio on Absences: In cases of illness or absence for any reason, parents or guardians are required to notify the studio via phone or email. Communication regarding tardiness should be made prior to the beginning of the class.
3. Maximum Absences: In order to ensure adequate progress throughout the learning process, we have established that students shall not miss more than 3 classes in a month.
4. Consideration of Personal Circumstances: The studio may make exceptions to this policy in case of personal circumstances that warrant flexibility. It is the responsibility of students and parents or guardians to notify the studio, in writing or via email if that is the case.
We ask that parents/guardians and students alike saw their best efforts to adhere to this attendance policy as it will help students achieve their fullest potential and enhance the overall learning environment.
Studio Closures / Cancellations
Laura's Stage follows the Lawrence Public School schedule for closings and early dismissals due to inclement weather. Notifications of any cancellations and closures will be communicated via email and text. It is imperative your contact information is up to date, so you remain informed.
Class Withdrawal
Laura's Stage requires a high level of commitment from our students, both in terms of technical progression and artistic development. We strive to create a dance community that is inspired, motivated, and passionate about their craft. We expect students to commit to a full year of classes. With this in mind, we ask that parents/guardians please make their decision to participate in the studio classes accordingly.
In the event that a student needs to withdraw from their classes, we do require that the studio be notified in writing or via email. Parents or guardians are to keep in consideration the potential disruption caused to any choreography, team routines or class structure as they weigh their decision on class withdrawals. Further, the students will not be entitled to a refund or an account credit due to missed classes in case of a midway withdrawal from the program.
We ask for your understanding and cooperation in this matter, as we wish to maintain a focused and supportive educational environment for all our students. Thank you for considering these policies as you make your decisions and for choosing our dance studio as your partner in dance education.
Costumes
1. Costume Obligation: Students participating in recitals, and various performance opportunities are required to purchase a costume for each class they participate in. Whenever necessary, additional costumes are required for events such as competitions, festivals, and other performances.
2. Fees Responsibility: It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to be responsible for the payment of fees associated with the costumes. The cost of costumes will be communicated to parents or guardians with the necessary details about style and accessories.
3. Costume Purchase: All costumes are to be purchased exclusively from the dance studio as it ensures the consistency of quality and appearance.
4. Non-participation in Events: If a student is unable to participate in an event, they are required to pay the full amount for the costume, as these are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged after ordering.
Performance Disclaimer
At our dance studio, we take immense pride in providing our students with performance opportunities to showcase their hard work and progress throughout the year. It is critical for all participating students to be able to prepare for these performances, for it's to display their workmanship at a high level. With this in mind, we would like to remind our students and their families about the following policies regarding our recitals:
1. Rehearsal Attendance: Attendance for rehearsal prior to the recitals is mandatory for performance participation. It is important that the students take their rehearsal period seriously as it pushes them to their best before performing on stage.
2. Performance Participation: Participation in the recitals or any other dance events is considered a privilege, to be revoked at any time if a student violates any policies or regulations.
3. Rehearsal Schedules: Rehearsal schedules may be adjusted and modified leading up to the recitals, therefore all parents and guardians should keep a lookout for adjusted schedules to ensure their attendance when necessary.
4. Parent Volunteers: We greatly appreciate the involvement of parents and guardians who volunteer their time to make the recitals a success. If interested, please make the proposition to the Administrative office.
We believe that participation in our recitals is a unique and rewarding experience for our students as they display their skills, discipline and growing love for dance. It also instills in our studio to bring the passion for dance into the lives of others. We appreciate your continued support for our studio community and hope you enjoy the performance experience.
Important Dates
Date Event
September 5-8 Open House
September 11 Laura's Stage Fall Season begins- Open
October 9 Indigenous People's Day- Closed
October 31 Halloween
November 7 Election Day- Closed
November 10 Veteran's Day- Closed
Nov. 22-24 Thanksgiving Break- Closed
December TBD Winter Showcase
Dec. 22- Jan. 2 Winter Break- Closed
January 2 Classes Resume- Open
January 15 Martin Luther King Jr. Day- Closed
Feb. 19-23 Mid-Winter Break- Closed
March 15 Summer Registration Begins- Open
March 29 Good Friday- Closed
April 15-19 Spring Break- Closed
May 27 Memorial Day- Closed
June 22 End of the year show
2023 Class Schedule and Tuition
Level 1 - Students ages 4-8
Monday
· Ballet 5:15-6pm (required)
· Cultural 6:05-6:50pm (required)
· Hip Hop 6:55-7:30pm (required)
Tuesday
· Cultural 5:15-6pm (required)
· Ballet 6:05-6:50pm (required)
· Hip Hop 6:55-7:30pm (required)
Thursday
· Jazz 6:05-6:50pm (optional)
· Performance Group 6:55-7:30pm (Performance track students ONLY)
Monthly Rates
Non-Performance Students
Dancers are guaranteed to perform 2 times a year for events organized by Laura's Stage.
· Required classes only: $125.00 per month
· Add an optional class: $140.00 per month
Laura's Stage Dance Company
Dancers have the opportunity to perform various times a year, locally and regionally.
All Classes become required in order to join the performance team: $170.00 per month
Level 2 - Students ages 9-14
Tuesday
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Ballet 5:15-6pm (required)
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Hip Hop 6:05-6:50pm (required)
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Lyrical 6:55-7:30pm (optional)
Wednesday
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Cultural 5:15-6:50pm (required)
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Hip Hop 6:55-7:30pm (required)
Thursday
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Ballet 5:15-6pm (required)
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Jazz 6:05-6:50pm (optional)
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Performance Group 6:55-7:30pm (Performance track students ONLY)
Monthly Rates
Non-Performance Students
Dancers are guaranteed to perform 2 times a year for events organized by Laura's Stage.
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Required classes only: $150.00 per month
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Add 1 optional class: $165.00 per month
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Add 2 optional classes: $180.00 per month
Laura's Stage Dance Company
Dancers have the opportunity to perform various times a year, locally and regionally.
All Classes become required in order to join the dance company: $200.00 per month
Liability release Statement
I/we realize that participation in dance classes and activities could result in some possible personal injury. Despite precautions being taken by the studio, accidents and injuries may occur. By acknowledging this release form, I/we (the dancer and parent/guardian) assume all risks related to the use of any and all spaces used by Laura's Stage. I/we agree to release from responsibility Laura's Stage, including all teachers, dancers, staff members, and facilities used by both entities from any cause of action, claims, or demands now and in the future. I/we will not hold Laura's Stage liable for any personal injury including: scrapes, bruises, cuts, sprains, fractures, broken bones, concussions or death or any personal property damage/loss, which may occur on the premises before, during or after classes.
In consideration of Laura’ Stage’s delivery of dance instruction to you and your expectation of receiving such instruction evidenced by your entry upon the property of Laura’s Stage and/or off-site location being used by Laura’s Stage, and your purchase of dance classes, you agree and acknowledge that:
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You freely and voluntarily assume any risks and hazards inherent in the nature of the dance class and, accordingly, your participation in the dance class shall be entirely at your own risk.
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You waive any claim you may have against Laura’s Stage arising from your participation in dance class and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Laura’s Stage for any claim, including any claim for medical services arising from your participation in any activity at Laura’s Stage. This release, waiver of claim and assumption of risk is binding on you, your executors, administrators, personal representatives, and assignees.
Health & Safety
For minor injuries, ice packs and first aid kits are available for sign out. A Resource List of additional medical facilities, doctors, orthopedists, physical therapists, nutritionists, psychologists, etc. is available by request for student review.
The nearest hospital is Lawrence General Hospital, located at 1 General St, Lawrence, MA. For Emergencies, students should contact 911 or appropriate authorities.
Laura’s Stage is monitored by 24hr security cameras. Laura’s Stage has a cooperative relationship with the Lawrence Police Department. All crimes are reported directly to the LPD. Laura’s Stage has a zero-tolerance policy for malicious and/or illegal behavior. Students should report all incidents of assault, harassment, molestation, theft, hate crimes or other illegal behavior occurring on premises. If appropriate, the incident may be reported to the police.
In the case of natural disaster, fire, or other emergency, exits are clearly marked. Students should evacuate in an orderly fashion and reconvene across the street.
Laura’s Stage reserves the right to modify and change the terms and conditions of service at any time, so please check here regularly for any changes or updates. These policies were last updated in June 2023.
Furthermore, I/we agree to obey the class and facility rules and take full responsibility for my/our behavior in addition to any damage I/we may cause to the facilities utilized by Laura's Stage. I understand that Laura's Stage is a licensed, accredited and insured organization. In the event that I/we should observe any unsafe conduct or conditions before, during or after my/our classes, I/we agree to report the unsafe conduct or conditions to Laura Montas, owner, the administrator, instructors or staff members as soon as possible.
PHOTOGRPAHY/ VIDEO – By enrolling to Laura's Stage, I understand I am giving permission for my son/daughter’s photographs/videos to be used for publicity and advertising the studio, on the Laura's Stage website, and in the community.