Welcome to the Buffalo Dance Center family! All communication and newsletters are sent via email; please keep a current address on file with us. News will also be available on our online parent portal. It is extremely important that you read each update as they contain information regarding important dates, studio news, recital information, etc. so we can stay connected.
Calendar Year
The school year will consist of 35 weeks of classes held over a 10 month period, September - June. The studio will be closed for some holidays and school vacations – please see our studio calendar.
Snow Cancellations will be posted our website, Facebook page, and studio phone message. We will also notify the local television and radio affiliates. No credit will be given for snow cancellations however students are welcome to take make-up classes with similar classes offered at additional times.
Workshops for adult dance/ fitness and some children’s classes will be offered throughout the year in 6-week sessions. Please see our workshop schedule on our website (www.BuffaloDanceCenter.com) for more information. Summer Dance Camps and workshops are available in July.
We reserve the right to cancel any scheduled classes that do not meet minimum registration requirements.
Dance Attire
Please dress appropriately for your class by referring to the dress code for proper attire. Dress code requirements are listed by class and include specifics for color and style of leotard, tights, shoes and other dancewear.
Recital
Our annual recital will tentatively be held on the third Saturday in June at Orchard Park High School.
All dancers are strongly encouraged to participate in the recital as a wonderful performance experience and an opportunity to showcase what they have learned throughout the year.
Recital sign-up and costume ordering takes place in November.
It is mandatory that students participating in the recital attend the dress rehearsal tentatively scheduled for either the Thursday or Friday prior to the show.
Parent Handbook Please note the following guidelines regarding all classes:
1. To best support your child’s training, consistent attendance is required. Students are allowed a total of four absences for the 10 month class year. If more than 4 absences occur you may be asked to withdraw from the program. Valid absences include illness, religious commitments, graded school activities, family emergency, etc.)
2. For your safety and to receive the full benefit from your class, any student arriving more than 15 minutes late will not be admitted to class. Please arrange for a make-up class if you expect to be very late.
3. All students are encouraged to stay in the room once class has begun. Please allow for appropriate restroom use prior to class. Very young children will be treated sensitively as the need arises. Preschool children may need a parent’s attention from time to time for various reasons including bathroom or behavior issues. Please do not leave the waiting room when very young children are in class without informing the instructor or having another parent responsible during your absence. We make every effort to have all children feel safe and cared for in a loving learning environment.
5. School age children and teens: please practice respect. Students are not to be socializing in a disruptive manner during the class. This includes checking voicemail and email or texting during class. Please come early or stay late to enjoy friends in the waiting area. Please honor your teacher and fellow students by giving full attention and co-operation. You will be advised if we feel any student is not well adjusted to the classroom environment for any reason over time.
6. During class if a student complains of being ill, or sustains an injury and cannot participate, the instructor will send them to the waiting area where the parents will be notified if not on the premises.
7. Only students with a pre-existing sickness/injury are allowed to observe class. The parents must notify the office if a student is to observe class.
8. Parents, our open-concept studio allows you to see and hear all aspects of our class. Please be respectful and refrain from speaking to your children during class and commenting to others regarding dancers other than your own. If any parent is heard making negative comments about our dancers they will be asked to leave.
Dance class is educational and fun, however, an important part of class work is developing an attitude of discipline and respect for teachers and fellow students. We trust that following our classroom etiquette will provide an environment whereby classes at Buffalo Dance Center will be a pleasure for all concerned.
