Tacoma, Gig Harbor, WA - Dance Classes, Dance Lessons

"Where Learning Has Been an Art Since 1984"

Please remember that these policies are in place for everyone's best interest.

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What is your mission?

THE ACTION PACT - Our mission is to provide an affordable dance school with a family atmosphere where performance opportunities, academic excellence, and non-discrimination are all priorities. Our qualified instructors will recognize, nurture, and encourage each student’s talent in hopes of molding and developing responsible, well-rounded individuals who have the potential to succeed in any field.

How long is the dance school year? What holidays does the academy take?

The Dance School Year Calendar is available at the studio or here. It is extremely important to keep a copy of this calendar handy as it lists:

A. Observed Holidays and Studio Breaks

B. Required Fees and Due Dates

C. Annual Production Dates

D. And Many Other Special Events

How can I stay informed on what's happening at the academy?

A. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to remain informed of dance studio news and upcoming events.

B. The academy will use email as a first means of general communication. Urgent news will most likely be communicated by phone or in person. The academy also utilizes newsletters, bulletin boards, notes sent home, traditional mail, up to date website and other means to communicate with parent/guardians.

C. “Happenings” is our academy’s newsletter. It will be published monthly for each location. The last twelve (12) editions are always posted on our website. The current issue will be emailed to the address provided to the academy at the time of enrollment.

How much do lessons cost? What are the other required fees?

A. must be paid through auto-payment by debiting a bank account. Dancers may also use a debit/credit card for auto-payment. Tuition is charged monthly and is based on an average of 36 or more classes per year (this includes the annual production, dress rehearsal, and studio rehearsals, three of the most important lessons all year). Tuition in advance and can be debited on the 20th before the month it is due or on the 5th of the month it is due. If for some reason tuition is not paid in full by the 10th of the month it will increase by $15. Any dancer starting classes in the middle of the month will receive a pro-rated tuition rate for that month only. The academy may combine or cancel classes if our minimum enrollment requirement is not met. In this case make-up classes may be given. TUITION IS NON-REFUNDABLE. Click here for pricing and rates.

B. An Enrollment-Registration Fee of $25 per student is due upon registration and will be good through the following August. Enrollment-Registration fees are non-refundable.

C. An Annual Production Fee of $28 per family performing in the Annual Production (see Annual Production).

D. Costume Fees of $60 (creative movement and combo classes) and $68 (all other classes) plus sales tax per dancer per class performing in the Annual Production (see Annual Production).

Are there any other fees?

A. Members of the performing company, will have a Competitive Fee and may experience additional fees.

B. NSF checks and NSF bank auto-debits will incur a $25 fee.

C. Nominal rehearsal fees may be necessary to compensate instructors for extra teaching to prepare dancers for the annual production. Dancers will receive extra instruction, which will prepare them to be confident when performing onstage.

D. Optional Private Lessons and Studio Rental—see Special Charges Sheet.

E. Dancers may also choose to purchase many of the other exciting items we have to offer from time to time (e.g. class photos, DVDs, dance apparel, tickets, etc).

What is your withdrawal and refunds policy?

There is a two-month minimum for all lessons. One-month notice from the 1st of the month is required to discontinue any classes. Withdrawal must be done in person and will not be accepted over the phone. Withdrawal must be done at the school office and not with the teacher. Withdrawals must be done within the first seven (7) days of the month. No withdrawals will be accepted after April 1st. To withdraw from classes the account holder must:

1. Inform school administration in person, and

2. Complete and sign a withdrawal form provided by the school office.

No refunds will be given for costume fees after December 10th. Action Dance Academy reserves the right to terminate lessons for any dancers without notice. In such a case a refund for unused lessons will be given. Tuition is non-refundable.

Does the academy offer private lessons? Can I rent out the facility?

Private lessons and rental of our studios is available. Please refer to the Special Charges Sheet.

When will the academy be closed? What about snow days?

A. The Dance School Year Calendar states all observed holidays and breaks from dance class.

B. Inclement Weather

1. We do not always cancel our classes to coincide with the area school closings. Weather conditions often improve during the day enabling us to hold classes even though some schools may have been closed. We will make the decision to cancel classes by 1:00pm

2. If anywhere in the Puget Sound area experienced inclement weather, please call (253) 627-7837 after 1:00pm and listen to the recorded message.

3. No refunds or credits are given for class cancellations. Students may make-up classes in alternate classes of the same level or below by calling the office. Make-ups must be taken within thirty (30) days of the missed class.

C. On occasion we may need to cancel classes or close the studio due to conflicting studio events. Please check the bulletin board and monthly happenings for possible studio closures and class cancellations.

D. On occasion an instructor may become ill, injured or unable to teach class. In rare cases when no suitable substitute is available classes may be CANCELED. All dancers will receive a phone call in advance of their class. Should any class be CANCELED due to lack of instructor a special make-up class will ensue.

What is the academy's policy on attendance?

A. Good attendance is very important for the healthy progression of the each dancer. Each class has a certain curriculum; excessive absences will put the dancer behind in class. Excessive absences between April and June may lead to the dancer being removed from the Annual Spring Productions.

B. Dancers should call the studio if they will be missing classes.

C. Students may make-up missed classes in alternate classes of the same level or below by calling the office. Make-ups must be taken within thirty (30) days of the missed class.

D. Students are expected to maintain tuition payments even when absent for illness or travel.

E. We reserve the right to fill a dancer’s space in class if he or she fails to attend class for 3 consecutive weeks without notifying the studio. Dancers will owe for dance lessons until they inform school administration in person and complete and sign a withdrawal form provided by the school office.

F. Classes with one dancer in attendance will be shortened to a 30 minute private lesson at no additional charge.

Are there any behavior guidelines while at the academy?

Action Dance enforces a Code of Respect which makes our studio a pleasant place to be. Click here for a copy.

What is the dress code?

Action Dance enforces a dress code to maintain the proper discipline and attitudes of the dancers towards themselves and their studies. By wearing the proper attire, the instructor can observe the muscular and skeletal movements of a dancer’s body. Inappropriate attire can hinder the instructor’s ability to make corrections. Small rings and earrings are fine, but no bracelets, necklaces, watches, large rings or large earrings will be permitted in dance class. Dancer’s clothing should be clean and neat at all times. Please be sure to mark all articles of clothing with the name or initial of the dancer. Dancers not dressed to code will be asked to watch class for the day. There are no make-ups, refunds or credits due to dress code violations.

Ballet:

· Hair: Must be in tight bun, all bangs must be slicked back. Short hair must be pulled away from face in a barrette. No headbands.

· Shoes: Pink split sole ballet slippers with elastic properly attached (no loose or buckling elastic). Pink Pointe shoes for Pointe class.

· Attire: Level 1: Solid pink leotard

Level 2: Solid light blue leotard

Level 3: Solid forest green leotard

Level 4: Solid burgundy leotard

Level 5: Solid black leotard

Students age 8 and under may wear short-sleeve leotards only. Pink tights. Ballet skirts optional. During winter months dancers may wear color coordinated ballet leg warmers and ballet sweaters. All knitwear must fit closely to the body. Baggy clothing and jackets are not permitted.

Jazz/Lyrical/Modern/Tricks, Turns and Leaps/Tap/Musical Theater:

· Hair: Must be pulled back and away from face. Bun preferred.

· Shoes: Black jazz boots (jazz, tricks, musical theater), barefoot or foot-thongs (lyrical, modern), black tap oxford (tap).

· Attire: Leotard or sports bra with solid color jazz pants or bike shorts. Dancewear only. No jeans, loose shorts or baggy t-shirts please.

Hip Hop:

· Hair: No hair requirement.

· Shoes: Split sole dance sneaker are recommended. Clean sneakers are also acceptable.

· Attire: No jeans of any kind. Otherwise dress at dancer’s discretion.

Cheer/Acrobatics:

· Hair: Must be pulled back and away from face. Bun preferred.

· Shoes: Clean white sneakers (cheer), barefoot (acrobatics)

· Attire: Leotard or sports bra with bike shorts or footless tights.

Stretch and Strengthen:

· Hair: Must be pulled back and away from face. Bun preferred.

· Shoes: Any style dance shoes without heels. No sneakers or split sole dance sneakers.

· Attire: Exercisewear. No jeans.

Combination Classes for Younger Students:

· Hair: Must be pulled back and away from face. Bun preferred.

· Shoes: Pink ballet slippers (ballet), black jazz shoes (jazz), black Patten leather Mary Jane style tap shoes (tap) Please replace child’s tap shoe ties with black elastic.

· Attire: Solid color short sleeve leotard and tights

Creative Movement:

· Hair: Must be pulled back and away from face. Bun preferred.

· Shoes: Pink ballet slippers

· Attire: Solid color leotard and tights.

Mommy and Me Movin' and Groovin':

· Hair: Must be pulled back and away from face.

· Shoes: Dance shoes or bare feet. No socks due to slipping.

· Attire: Dancers are encouraged to dress up in their favorite outfit, costume or mismatched polka dotted ensemble.

Adult Classes:

· Hair: Must be pulled back and away from face.

· Shoes: Appropriate dance footwear.

· Attire: Comfortable and appropriate clothing.

Male Students:

· Hair: Away from face.

· Shoes: Same as female counterparts. (Exception: Boys in a combo tap class should wear black tap oxfords)

· Attire: Close fitting tank-top or t-shirt. Black tights (ballet), black jazz pants (jazz, lyrical, contemporary, progressions, tap, musical theater, creative movement, combo classes), shorts (cheer, acro)

Who determines a dancer's class placement?

Placement is determined by the instructors and is based on ability and certain age restrictions. Dancers typically move up levels during the summer and fall.

Are there any class requirements?

Tiny Tot classes are open to dancers ages 3-4½.

Kinderkid classes are open to dancers ages 4½-6 or dancers who have completed 9 months of a Tiny Tot class.

Prelevel classes are open to dancers ages 6-8 or dancers age 5 and up who have completed 9 months of a Kinderkid class.

Level I classes are open to dancers age 8 andup or dancers age 7 and up who have completed 9 months of a Prelevel class.

Jazz and Lyrical Levels IV and V require one ballet class per week. Ballet is the foundation of dance and without it dancers will not be able to progress. This requirement is waived for students ages 18 and over.

Ballet Levels III and up require that the dancer take at least two ballet classes per week.

Pointe requires that dancers take three ballet classes per week. Permission to dance on Pointe is given solely by the Ballet Instructors of Action Dance Academy, regardless of previous permission by instructors outside of Action Dance Academy.

What is the performing company?

The Action Dance Performing Company (or ADPC) is a semi-professional dance company. Company members are given the opportunity to perform, attend conventions and compete at the regional and national level. Company members enjoy dancing at an elite level while learning dance technique, performance, style, discipline, focus, and teamwork. Dancers ages 5 through 18 are eligible to audition for the company. Dancers wishing to know more about the company or how to join should seek information at here or speak with their instructor.

How do you get a solo, duo or trio?

Dancers wishing to learn, perform, and/or compete a solo, duo, or trio should refer to the Solo / Duo / Trio packet.

Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance?

Action Dance offers, to the fullest of its abilities, financial assistance on tuition to any family that may need it. Applications can be found online or at the studio. Action Dance also offers scholarships on tuition. Dancers wishing to know more should inquire at the studio or here.

Do you have a parent teacher association or booster club?

The Action Parent Association (APA) has been vested power by the president of Action Dance LLC. Membership is open to any student or guardian of a student currently enrolled at Action Dance. The Action Parent Association was established as a support group to encourage parent participation and to raise funds to enhance and expand the programs that are available to each individual student at Action Dance. The APA also provides a vehicle for parent and director interaction, through cooperative undertakings. Ideas are shared and pursued in milieu of trust and confidence.

What if I'm late to pick up my child?

At the end of the last class of the night the studio is closed. Parents more than 20 minutes late to pick up their child can expect a $1 per minute charge on their account for anything over 20 minutes. We understand that there are situations that are out of parents’ control, so each family will receive one “warning” from September through February and another “warning” March through August. After the warning, the account will be charged.

What is the annual spring production and what do I need to know?

The season’s work culminates with a performance at the Pantages featuring the accomplishments of each class. This allows each dancer to experience performing, which we feel is an integral part of their dance training —besides it is a lot of fun! Dancers may choose not to participate in the production and still take class. An “Annual Production Handbook” will be handed out to every family during the month of April or May. This handbook will contain important information you will need to know about the performance and what you will need to provide for your child.

A. Costumes

1. A costume ordered through the dance school is required for participation in the Annual Spring Productions.

2. A costume deposit of $30 + tax per dancer, per class is due with your November tuition.

3. Costumes are $60 + tax (Creative Movement, Tiny Tot and KinderKid classes) and $68 + tax (all other classes).

4. The costume balance will be due with your December tuition.

5. Costumes will be ordered in December. Costumes not paid in FULL by December 10th will have an additional finance and late shipping charge of $10.00 per costume.

6. Costumes will not be ordered without a complete costume payment (deposit and balance). We recommend that parents with dancers in more than one class begin planning for costume dues in September. We are more than happy to help set up an installment plan starting in September.

7. Dancers enrolling after December 10th must pay for their costumes in full within one month of enrollment.

8. No costumes will be ordered after March 30th.

9. Minor alterations by the parent may be necessary for some costumes (i.e. cutting the hemline of lycra pants is common).

10. There are no refunds on costumes. No exceptions.

B. An Annual Production Fee of $28 per family is due with your March tuition. This fee will help pay for the rental cost of the theater, stage manager, house manager, sound technicians, light technicians, fly technicians, security, ushers, dance instructor wages (while at the theater), printing of the playbill, scenery, props, and much more. This fee does not include tickets.

C. Tickets

1. Tickets are required for anyone and everyone who wishes to watch the show live.

2. Ticket sales will begin in late May or early June (see Dance School Year Calendar).

D. Rehearsals

1. There is a mandatory studio rehearsal and mandatory dress rehearsal for each show. Dancers that miss the both the studio rehearsal and dress rehearsal will not be permitted to perform in the production.

2. More details about the rehearsals will be published in the Annual Production Handbook.

E. Production

1. All dancers are to be left backstage until the end of the production. The only exception to this are dancers that only take ballet. These dancers may leave at intermission after they have performed all of their numbers.

2. Only staff, dancers, and parent volunteers are permitted backstage after the opening curtain. Security guards will be posted. Parents are expected to watch the entire production and promptly pick their child up after the closing curtain.

3. Performance DVDs of the Annual Productions will be available for purchase. No video taping will be permitted during the show.

4. Class Photos will be taken in late May/early June. We will have a photographer at the studio for picture week. The photographer will take group and individual pictures.

5. More details about the Annual Production will be published in the Annual Production Handbook.

Can I watch my child's dance class?

Viewing windows have been provided so that parents, not children, may watch classes. If it becomes noticeable that dancers are being distracted by being observed we ask that parents step away from the windows. Action Dance also holds Parent Observation Weeks where parents are invited into the classroom to view the progress of their dancer. Parents should be extremely quiet and respectful of the classroom atmosphere or they will be asked to leave. Children under 8 are not permitted in the classroom during Parent Observation Weeks.

How do I get a locker?

Please see the Locker Rental and Policy Form.