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www.karenclarkdancestudio.com

Est. 1988 ... we are celebrating 36 years of 5, 6, 7, 8

4499 Viewmont Avenue Avenue, V8Z 5K8 (at West Saanich Rd)

Tap, Jazz, Ballet ~ Royal Academy Of Dance Exam, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Acro, Hip 2 Hop, Mini Pops, Performance Companies, Hip Hop CREWS, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, RAD Ballet Open Classes, Pointe, Extension Classes for Dancers 18+ that grew up in the Dance World. Tiny Tots: 2's in Tutus, Tots & Twirls, Ballet, Tap, Tap & Ballet Combo.

We welcome all ages – all levels.

Dancers of all ages and levels can count on receiving exceptional dance training.

Summer program Information is available on our web site

www.karenclarkdancestudio.com under the 'Summer' button.

Classes Start: Monday, September 9, 2024

Stage Dance Year: September 2024 to May 2025 (09 months) - payments over 8 months

RAD Ballet Exam Year: September 2024 to June 2025 (10 months) - payments over 9 months

Thank you for taking the time to read the Karen Clark Dance Studio Registration Handbook. Checking the web site is very important ~ that is how you will stay updated. Newsletters are posted on the first of each month. We do not e-mail newsletters to you. If you don't have access to the Internet, please let us know and we will arrange a newsletter hard copy for you.

REGISTRATION DATES (additional dates may be added - please watch our web site home page)

Returning Dancers: On-line registration starts Wednesday, June 05, @6:00pm - Thursday, June 6 @ midnight

New Dancers: On-line registration starts Wednesday, June 12, @6:00pm.

Still looking to register?

Send us an email and check on classes. Have your class pre approve and register on line
How do you get your Dancer's class pre approved? Once you know what class you would like please e-mail us or give us a call. We can then look to see if the class is suitable for your Dancer, check availability and pre approve your request for on-line registration.

TO REGISTER

To register you will require a valid credit card. The Karen Clark Dance Studio does not accept cheques. Registration is considered complete and class placement will be held when your valid credit card information has been entered into our system and your account is in good standing. PLEASE NOTE: Registration happens on a first come first serve basis.

Karen Clark Dance Studio is Proudly heading into our 36th year!

The Karen Clark Dance Studio was established in 1988. Our Studio is a blend of a friendly atmosphere with an emphasis not only on dance technique, but each dancer in our "studio family". Located in the Royal Oak Area, at 4499 Viewmont Avenue. We offer dances a professional studio setting, with natural sunlight in two studios with full sound systems, sprung dance floors, mirrors, barres, pianos and air conditioning. Our Stage performance year is from September - May and our Royal Academy of Dance Ballet Exam Class year is from September - June.

DANCER PLACEMENT

We are interested a dancer's age, but we are excited when we know their ability. Everyone learns at a different rate. There is no passing or failing in dance, it is common to have classes with mixed ages so that dancer's abilities match. In the Junior, Intermediate and Senior, levels dancers may expect to spend more than one year completing each designated syllabus level. This is not uncommon. Regular attendance is very important. Studio Faculty meet regularly to discuss dancer's progress and/or placement. It is our policy to offer appropriate opportunities to every child. Placement decisions are derived from many years of teaching experience. Often a child is placed in a particular group or class where he or she will feel confident, in order to promote the development of self-esteem. Some dancers who are placed in a higher level become discouraged, only to lose their passion for dance. Others respond to the challenge of being in a class with dancers who are more proficient by pushing themselves to work harder. Placement is highly individual and the factors that go into the decision are complex.

In every class level, there will be dancers at the top, middle and bottom of the ladder. EVERY POSITION ON THAT LADDER IS ESSENTIAL TO YOUR DANCER’S GROWTH. Dancers will spend considerable time on each rung.

THE BOTTOM RUNG:
When a dancer is new to a group, the adrenaline is pumping and the heart is racing. New information is being received at lightning speed. A Dancer is inspired by those around them and they struggle to keep up. When he/she tells you about their class, in the car ride home, he/she likely says: "It was hard." or "I felt challenged." That's all fine and good, we remember his/her body is not strong enough yet to execute the skills properly, so while our Dancer thinks he/she is working at an advanced level, he/she is really just skimming the surface. There is nothing wrong this that - it is how learning takes place.

THE MIDDLE RUNG:
In time, the syllabus begins to look and sound familiar. The shiny newness of the class is starting to fade. Repetition sets in. This is where we see work ethic play a big part. Successful dancers will dig their teeth in and work to master the skills through repetition. Mature dancers will understand that it's not enough to skim the surface. Dancers need to execute the skills correctly and that means doing them over and over again, taking their corrections, week after week. It means understanding the mechanics, not just going through the motions. This can be very hard for dancers. We encourage our Dancers while watching them carefully. If we feel they are ready for the next level we are quick to make the move.

THE TOP RUNG:
This is where we expect dancers to refine the details of the skills they are learning. By now they should have the strength, flexibility and muscle memory to execute skills in a safe and correct manner. Time to stand in the front! Time to be the leader! Time for the teacher to have you demonstrate! The unfortunate reality is that many dancers and parents are in a rush to skip over this rung. They want the immediate gratification of a "promotion" to a new level. This is a mistake! Imagine how Dancers are cheated if they are promoted too soon! Not only do they miss the chance to refine their movements but they miss the confidence building experience of being a leader in their class and the successful feeling when the syllabus feels comfortable. We never want to put our Dancers in a place where they are unable to give us what is expected - the successful feeling of accomplishment is our goal.

CLASS INFORMATION

A Dancer's ability is very important. Jazz classes marked with a "RAD" are enriched; meaning everyone in the class must also be taking exam ballet. Enriched jazz classes have been specifically designed for dancers wishing to strengthen their dance technique with ballet training. All Lyrical and Contemporary classes are enriched and require a dancer to be in exam ballet. Dancers taking ACRO must also be registered in a jazz class. Dancers taking Musical Theatre classes must also be registered in a jazz class. Extension classes are for dancers that are 18+ years and are proficient in dance. Studio Adult Tap is a performance class.

Karen Clark Dance Studio *Pricing for 24/25 *prices do not include GST

Dance fees are based on the instructional year, 8/9 months. A 1 hour class for the dance year cost is $524.00 (not including GST, registration fee and costume deposit.) Dance tuition may be paid all in September or you may pay monthly for a 8/9 month period. Example: The 8 month performance program offers 26/27 lessons for the dance year. Monthly payment terms are for your convenience. Lessons per month will vary.

Stage Dance session September-May (9 months)

30 min - $340.00/Year, *8 payments of $42.50 starting September 1
45 min - $394.00/Year, *8 payments of $49.25 starting September 1
60 min - $524.00/Year, *8 payments of $65.50 starting September 1
75 min - $655.20/Year, *8 payments of $81.90 starting September 1
90 min - $786.24/Year, *8 payments of $98.28 starting September 1

RAD Exam Ballet Dance Session September - June (10 months.) Grade's 1 - 8 are 2 X 60 min a week

30 min - $488.25/Year, *9 payments of $ 54.25 starting September 1
45 min - $599.40/Year, *9 payments of $ 66.60 starting September 1
60 min - $690.75/Year, *9 payments of $ 76.75 starting September 1, double for 2 X week
75 min - $812.25/year, *9 payments of $ 90.25 starting September 1
90 min - $938.25/Year, *9 payments of $104.25 starting September 1

Dancer Discounts

Dancers taking 2 classes - 2%
Dancers taking 3 classes - 3%
Dancers taking 4 classes - 4%
Dancers taking 5 classes - 5%
Dancers taking 6 classes - 8%
Dancers taking 7 classes - 10%
Dancers taking 8 + classes - 15%

NEWSLETTERS ON LINE

Newsletters are available on line the 1st of each month. You will not receive the Studio Newsletter by e-mail - we ask that you check it on line monthly. Reading the newsletters is very important. Reading the Newsletter each month will keep you up to date on studio information. You may contact the studio with any questions that may arise.

PAYMENT INFORMATION AND OPTIONS

Dance fees are based on the instructional year, 9/10 months. Example: The 9 month performance program offers 27 lessons for the dance year. Monthly payment terms (8/9 months) are for your convenience. Lessons per month will vary. Registration is considered complete and class placement will be held when your valid credit card information has been entered into our system and your account is in good standing. Dancers with outstanding fees will not be welcome to participate in classes / recitals.

REGISTRATION FEE

1 Dancer - $35.00
Family - $45.00

Reg. Fee(s) are non refundable, due at time of registration and do not include GST

REGISTRATION, DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS - Non-Competition Classes

To register you will require a credit card. Payment is made by monthly charge to your Visa or MasterCard. A valid credit card is required to keep your dancer in class, families my make a payment on their Karen Clark Dance Studio Account with cash or debit at any time. We do not accept cheques.

Credit Card information will be entered into your account. Registration fee will be charged at time of registration. Dance Tuition will be charged on the 1st of each month. A receipt will be sent to your e-mail address. Our system is set up to automatically send you a receipt when ever your credit card is charged.
Non-Competition Dancers Costume Fee: in the amount of $95.00/per class - due November 2 and will be charged to your credit card on November 2. Combo Classes ages 7+ will have 2 costume deposits. The date to drop classes is October 31, 2024 the Costume Deposit Fee is not refundable.
Exam ballet deposit in the amount of $90.00 per grade is due on November 3 and will be changed to your credit card on November 3.
Media Fee $22.00 - Charged October 15. Refundable until October 31, 2024
$12.00/family - recital video
$10.00/dancer/class - class & Ind photo in 2025

REGISTRATION, DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS - Competition Team & Competition Classes

Credit Card information will be entered into your account. Registration fee will be charged at time of registration. Dance Tuition will be charged on the 1st of each month starting September 1. A receipt will be sent to your e-mail address. Our system is set up to automatically send you a receipt whenever your credit card is charged.
Competition Team (Company & CREW) and Competition Class Costume Deposit in the amount of $110.00/per class is due October 2 and will be charged to your credit card on October 2. Combo Classes ages 7+ will have 2 costume deposits and 2 competition entry fees.
$300.00 Competition Fee Deposit for Company & CREW - will be due in 3 payments.
$100 at time of registration
$100 on July 1
$100 on August 1
A dancer in Company & CREW - the total is $600.00. The deposits is refundable until September 30, 2024 - the deadline for dropping from the Competition Team.
Dance Convention Deposit for Performance Companies
$150 at time of registration
$150 on August 15, 2024. Balance will be due August 30. Exact details of the August 30 balance will be available closer to that date.
Media Fee $22.00 - Charged October 15. The Media Fee is non-refundable for CompTeam & Comp Classes, breakdown: $12/family - recital video, $10/dancer/class - class & Ind photo in 2025

DECLINED CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS

If your credit card is declined you will receive an e-mail. Payments that are declined will be tried again on the 10th of the month at no additional charge. If the payment does not clear on the 10th. An additional charge of $25.00 will be added to the monthly tuition. The payment will then be charged on the 15th of the month. If the studio account is not in good standing by the 15th the dancer(s) will not be able to attend their scheduled class until the account is settled.

CLASS WITHDRAWALS & REFUNDS

Withdrawal for KCDS Summer Stream 2024
Withdrawal for KCDS DANCERS: October 31, 2024
Withdrawal for KCDS COMPETITION TEAM & COMPETITION CLASS DANCERS: September 30, 2024

KCDS Non- Competition Dancers: Written notice (e-mail is acceptable) is required for withdrawal from class (es) and will be accepted until, Oct. 31, 2024. Please submit your written notice to us by the 30th of the month. This will result in you not being charged on the 1st of the next month. After October 31, 2024 it is expected that dancers will remain with the studio for the dance year, Sept 2024 to June 2025. Performance Fee Costume deposit(s) $95.00 class charged on November 2, 2024 ~ due after the drop out date of October 31, 2024 and are non-refundable. The RAD Exam deposit(s) $90.00/grade are charged on November 3, 2024.

KCDS Competition Team & Competition Class Dancers: Written notice (e-mail is acceptable) is required for withdrawal from class (es) and will be accepted until, September 30, 2024. Please submit your written notice to us by the 30th of the month. This will result in you not being charged on the 1st of the next month. After September 30, 2024 it is expected that dancers will remain with the studio Competition Team for the dance year, Sept 2024 to May 2025. Performance Fee Costume deposit(s) $110.00 class due after the drop out date of September 30, 2024 and are non-refundable. RAD Exam deposit(s) $90.00/ graded classes and Vocational classes are charged on November 3, 2024.

RECITAL AND COSTUME PAYMENT INFORMATION - Non-Competitive Costume Fee

All performances classes participate in the Annual Recitals. Please be aware that if you have more than one child dancing, or if your child takes more than one class per week, you could very well be involved in more than one recital. Dancers will require a costume(s) for each dance routine. Combo Classes ages 7+ will have 2 costume deposits. Costume Deposit will be posted to your account in October and charge to your credit card on November 2. The balance of any costume money owing is due at the time of receiving the costume in March/April. It is the responsibility of a dancers Parent(s)/Guardian to know what costume requirements are. Some parent participation may be required. Non-Competitive Costume Fee: $95/per class.

RECITAL AND COSTUME PAYMENT INFORMATION - Competitive Costume Fee

Costume Deposit will be posted to your account in September and charge to your credit card on October 2. The balance of any costume money owing is due at the time of receiving the costume. It is the responsibility of a dancers Parent(s)/Guardian to know what costume requirements are. Some parent participation may be required. Competition Team, Competition Class Costume Fee: $110/per class

PARENT VIEWING

Will be announced as we move through our dance year.

ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE (RAD) BALLET PROGRAM

We are pleased to offer the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet Exam Program. Time with the RAD Examiner may take either a Ballet Class Award Format or Ballet Exam Format. There is a non-refundable $90.00 deposit for Time Spent With The Examiner that will be posted to your account in October and charged November 3, 2024. The balance of the amount owing for Examiner Time will be will be due a month before the scheduled date. There may be additional fees for extra rehearsals. The clothing outlined for the RAD program under the 'Attire' button is what a Dancer is required to wear in their weekly classes and to their Examiner Time. Please follow it as you don't want to have to purchase things twice.

DANCE ATTIRE

Please visit Attire - please click here

ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE BALLET EXAM CLASS ATTIRE (RAD)

Please visit Attire - please click here

Absent - please click here

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