Successful Organizations Abide By Specific Guidelines, As Do The Southern Belles. Our Program Adheres To The Following:

MEMBERSHIP:
Dancers are allowed to participate with the Southern Belle Dance Company ONLY with a zero-account balance.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
Athletes must hold a 2.5 GPA or higher per 9 weeks (students will be required to submit grades at the end of every 9 weeks and or semester).
Students who do not meet the required minimum GPA will be placed on academic probation.
Academic Probation: Athletes can only attend one company practice per week until grades are satisfactory and meet the required G.P.A stated above.

SKILLS:
Our competition teams are dancers that want to reach a higher, more challenging level and experience competitions. Each team requires a strong commitment, diligence, and hard work. Each age group has different requirements. These teams practice a variety of styles each week:
Pom. Contemporary/lyrical, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater, Strengthening and Conditioning
Dancers should be able to execute dance routines effectively with showmanship, correct form, and technique.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF DANCERS:

Ambassadors of the Community
Attend Summer Training Camp
Dancers must complete a full dance year, (March to April). NO EXCEPTION. Be prepared for special practices (TBA).
Dancers must be punctual, for all classes, practices, and performances as scheduled. Each individual is to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time for a personal warm-up.
After 3 unexcused absences will result in dismissal from the company.
Representing Southern Belles Dance Company involves certain behavioral guidelines. You are to exemplify leadership at all times. Old members should set good examples for new members.
Practice uniforms and tights are to be worn at all practices along with proper shoes for respective classes.
Dancers are responsible for keeping themselves informed on times and places of classes, practices, and performances.
Dancers are not to wear any jewelry during classes. Only stud earrings may be worn during performances.
Dancers must be neatly groomed at all times; practice, performances, and competitions.
Make-up should be applied correctly, by the approved looks. Some special practices make-up may be required, however, red lipstick is required for every practice.
Dancers’ hair should be in a BUN (ages 4 -12) and Pulled Back (13-17) for all company practices and hair MUST be neat. NO braids, NO exceptions. For events, hair must be in the appropriate style set by the director at the beginning of the season. NO BRAIDS, bright hair colors (red, orange, blue-yellow, purple, etc..) and two-tone hairstyles are NOT ACCEPTABLE. All junior and senior dancers are required to use only approved hair stylists for events and team photoshoots. We are a team and need to look like a team.
Only French Tip Clear nail polish to be worn in uniform. Color nail polish is NOT allowed in uniform for any performance or photoshoot. Only short nails are allowed nothing long in length. See director for approval of length.
Loud profane language will not be tolerated in class or at events.
The use of drugs is prohibited and will result in automatic dismissal from the Southern Belles Dance Company.
All company dancers are required to participate in and be supportive of, all projects and activities of the company

RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY:
Obedience is necessary and deemed honorable. Conforming to rules and regulations is an indication of maturity and respect for one’s peers.

100% attention to the instructor, in class, is required as well as cooperation.
Positive attitudes should be reflected in your cooperation in practice and performance. We expect parents and dancers to be supportive at all times.
Disrespecting coaches or other teammates will not be tolerated by a dancer and/or a parent and may lead to dismissal with no refunds.

CLASS BEHAVIOR:
We want all of our students to have an enjoyable and educational dance experience. We will treat you and your children with courtesy and respect. We expect our students to show the same attitude toward their teachers and fellow dancers. We request that your children observe the following simple rules:

Pay attention to your teacher – Don’t talk with your friends during class!
- It disrupts the whole class and makes it difficult for the teacher to communicate with the students. Meet your friends before or after class for social fun.
Food or drinks are permitted in the princess lounge ONLY. Be careful – spills ruin the floors and food attracts bugs. You may have snacks, but please dispose of your trash properly. There are breaks for water during shoe changes. Leave water bottles in the lounge.
Come prepared to dance! Proper attire, clean grooming, great attitude, strong ambition, high energy!

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE:

Reasonable rules and standards are provided to promote self-discipline.
Students should arrive 15 minutes early given sufficient time to change into proper attire to begin class on time.
Any athlete who arrives 10 minutes after scheduled class time will not be welcomed to participate if/when permission is given by the teacher.
If students need to leave before the end of the class, they should notify the teacher before class begins. Students may not leave the classroom without first receiving permission from the teacher.

As employees of Southern Belles Dance Company, teachers have the responsibility to see that their class is under control, and therefore have the authority to dismiss any student who will not cooperate and are a disruption to the rest of the class. Inappropriate dress or behavior will not be allowed. NO GUM, FOOD, OR DRINKS will be permitted inside the classrooms during class or rehearsal.
Parents and students must understand that dance class is not the same as your grade in school, nor do you dance from 8 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday. In most cases, the class will progress as a group but not all the time. Every child will be challenged in each class to compete against themselves not others.

COMPETITION TEAM SOLOS/DUETS/TRIOS/QUARTETS:
SOLO/DUETS/TRIOS: You must be a competition team member to be selected by the director to do a solo/duet/trio/quartet. Please be aware of all the costs involved with doing an “extra” routine.

Choreography cost is between $200-$350 per solo, a little less per person for small groups.
The costume is the parents’ responsibility, the director will work with you for an additional cost.
Competition costs are between $120- $165 per competition. Please think thoroughly about why you want to do a solo or duet/trio.

The instructors do not want to discourage anyone from doing solos or small groups, however, if your dancer is not quite ready for a solo in their particular age division, and they are doing it just to “win a trophy”, with all the expense involved it would be more worthwhile taking an extra class to prepare your dancer better for the future. Many dancers want the excitement of doing a solo/small group, but don’t necessarily want the practice commitment. If you are representing Southern Belles Dance Company, practice is a must if you want to do a solo/small group.

The solo season is designated in the spring and dancers must attend 4 solo events.

DIRECTOR:
The director shall make casting decisions and is responsible for all production matters. The director or assistants may require a performing member to re-audition for a performance at any time. (Ex. The dancer learns routines at a summer camp in July and fails to remember routines in September.)

Alternate dancers are known as “understudies”, will be cast in the role where they are needed, but should understand that they will not be used in every performance. It is the responsibility of the dancers to actively learn the material unassisted.
Dancers must accept the roles assigned to them since they are assigned with consideration for the level of development and specific capabilities of the dancer.
The director has the authority to suspend any dancer whose behavior or attitude causes a bad reflection on the company.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Attendance is MANDATORY. Dancers who miss more than 3 (Three) practices a season will not be allowed to participate in the competition team. Costume, competition, and recital fees will NOT be refunded. Students who will be participating in school sports may want to take note of this before committing to the competition team -especially those with Saturday classes. Senior company weekend practice is MANDATORY. We asked that all students and parents please be understanding of this commitment. It’s very hard to rehearse material with missing students due to most classes only meeting once a week.

We will take attendance very seriously and take a class role at the beginning of each class. If a student is to miss an in-person class due to COVID- 19 that student MUST BE ON ZOOM. It is the parents’ responsibility to contact the director via email or phone 4 (Four) hours before practice to request a zoom link. Please remember that one person missing will disrupt the entire practice. Each team’s routine is made up of stunts and formations that interchange throughout the routine. When even 1(One) person is missing from a practice it is impossible to practice any stunt group and an entire team routine. As so, each member needs to be at every practice. There will be a $15 fee for each missed practice. However, during the summer months, you may be excused for vacations, but you must turn in those dates ahead of time.

CLOSED PRACTICES:
It is a proven fact that practices operate much better when parents are not in the studio. Parents cannot attend company practices except when you are welcomed to quietly attend the last regular team practice before the competition.

INCLEMENT WEATHER:
Southern Belles Dance Company will follow the Little Rock School District’s inclement weather policy. If LRSD is closed SBDC is closed. If conditions improve during the day we may open. Please check the website, Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter for the most up-to-date information.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES & OBLIGATIONS:

Thank you for your careful consideration of the financial commitment involved with participation in our program!
All Participants will be charged the annual all-star fees and costs as outlined in the packet provided to you.
All accounts must be kept current at all times.
If your account falls behind, your student will not be allowed to practice and participate in any events. This will cause dismissal from the team.
Students will not be able to participate in practices if their tuition is past 10 days late.
The fees and costs are due and payable when the participant executes this agreement whether they be paid at the beginning of the dance year or in monthly installments to be paid on the first of every month contracted.
Voluntary or involuntary removal or termination from the team, for whatever reason, will not eliminate the financial commitment as contracted herein. Should the participant leave the competition team at any time during the dance year, the financial responsibility will remain for payment of the full balance as outlined herein.

You can access your account at www.southernbellesdanceco.com by clicking the words “Registration”  and “Parent Portal” option. You may review charges, manage your payments, and update your member information.

Please note: Payments are always due by the first of every month regardless if the studio is open or closed.

PAYMENTS:
All team families are required to have a credit/debit card on file for the upcoming season. This card will be used for ALL payments. Each family may pay before all due dates with any form of payment. For tuition and team fees, your card will be charged on the 1st of each month. Monthly fees can be broken into two payments due on the 1st and 15th of each month. In the event your card is declined, a new/valid card must be placed on file immediately. Past due charges are subject to late fees.

RECREATIONAL TUITION:
At SBDC recreational tuition is an annual fee, based on 26 weeks of class. For the convenience of our families, we collect this in 8 equal payments, payable on the first of every month September - April. Tuition must be paid monthly by credit/debit card draft on the 1st of each month. There are NO refunds for missed or dropped classes - tuition is based on enrollment, not attendance. A WRITTEN notice must be given for 30 days to drop classes at SBDC.

REFUND/DROP POLICIES:
No refunds are offered for any costumes, team gear, event tickets, competition fees, and classes missed for any reason. Never will fundraiser funds/credit be refunded in exchange for personal cash. (Example: If you paid for items through a fundraiser you will only be granted a credit to the account, no cash exchange.) SBDC strives to hold as many scheduled classes as possible but anticipates weather, sickness, and other circumstances outside the control of SBDC may occur. If possible, SBDC may reschedule canceled classes but is not required to do so.

As outlined above, the participant is responsible for payment for classes and team-related fees WHETHER OR NOT THE PARTICIPANT ATTENDS CLASS OR REMAINS ON THE TEAM FOR THE ENTIRE DANCE YEAR.

Due to the cost of camps, choreography, instructors, entry fees, etc., those accepted competition teams are obligated for the full year fees and tuition regardless if the student completes the year.

DISCOUNT:
Southern Belles Dance Company offers a 50% tuition discount for each additional sibling in the program. This discount only applies to instructional classes. Parents are 100% responsible for costumes, recital fees, and the competition/event fees for every student in the program.

Logo:
The creation or duplication of the logos and one’s of its affiliates is strictly prohibited unless written permission is granted by the owners.

PHOTOGRAPH, VIDEO, AND SOCIAL MEDIA RELEASE AND USE:
The Participant grants permission to SBDC and its agents and employees to use all media of the participant including, but not limited to, all print, photographs, video recordings, live video, and/or audio recordings of the participant for use in any SBDC publication, advertisement, or other forms of communication i.e. brochures, newspapers, news releases, the SBDC website, and any public or private social media accounts, etc.

The Participant agrees to not abuse the use of any social media, text, emails, or any other form of communication that will negatively affect SBDC or any member of the SBDC teams. What constitutes improper use of social media, text, emails, or any other form of communication will be decided at the sole discretion of SBDC and may result in expulsion from participation with SBDC or any team.

COSTUMES/MUSIC/CHOREOGRAPHY ETC.:
Neither students nor parents choose the music, choreography, costumes, or make-up for teams. These decisions are made by the SBDC staff in advance of the new season starting. Please do not ask your coach to change music, choreography, uniforms, make-up, hair, or props based on your opinions. The coach will choose what is best for the group and has many years of experience choosing the correct age-appropriate items. Parents/Guardians do not have the authority to choose or change a solo, group, or team uniform.

HEALTH / INJURIES:

Provide Southern Belles Dance Company with current health insurance and emergency contact information.
Inform SBDC of all medical conditions that may limit or prevent their ability to participate in any SBDC activities.
Notify the SBDC director or staff of any injuries sustained as a result of their participation in any sanctioned SBDC activities.
Provide valid written documentation from a doctor explaining the reason(s) and the duration for which they may be limited or unable to participate in any SBDC activities.
Provide SBDC with a list of any medications that they are currently taking.
Refrain from the illegal use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or any other substances.
Participate in any drug or health-related testing, counseling, or rehabilitation if asked to do so.

PARENT/GUARDIAN CONDUCT:

SBDC takes immense pride in being a professional, family-friendly company. Parents are always expected to be supportive, respectful, and courteous to all team members, staff, and their families.
SBDC holds zero tolerance for gossiping. Gossip is detrimental to everyone. Parent gossip can result in the removal of your student from a team. If there is a problem with anything, contact the director immediately. Do not ask or talk to another parent about your concerns before you have properly addressed them with the director. If you have a concern about your student, please email the director and request a time to speak to their coach. A conference will be scheduled.
SBDC Team parents should set examples. Be friendly! Get involved by participating in events and volunteering when needed. Encourage other parents to get involved. Do not encourage or engage in negative attitudes or behaviors.
There will be no arguing or questioning of the SBDC staff’s decisions at practice competitions or events.
No profanity or abusive language is allowed - EVER.
Parents, relatives, friends, and students are never allowed to speak with competition officials or judges for any reason. If you have any questions, see your director.
Parents are never allowed to represent SBDC under any circumstances concerning accommodations, competitions, or any other situation unless authorized by SBDC Director.
We are a supportive team! This means at competitions we all support each other and will be required to watch other SBDC teams at such events.
You must have your student at practices, competitions, and other events on time!
Refrain from the public consumption of alcoholic beverages at all events for which SBDC is a participant.
We expect ALL SBDC family and friends to show good sportsmanship, always.
We do not create conflict with the directors or judges of events in which we participate.
We do not speak negatively about teachers, dancers, or parents from other schools.
If a problem arises between you and another parent, the problem will be addressed with all parties involved at a meeting with the director.
At SBDC, we place a high value on professionalism and good sportsmanship. We expect that great manners and team spirit be displayed at all practices, events, and competitions.

DRES’S REHEARSAL RULES AND REGULATIONS:
A dress rehearsal is a run-through of the entire show in full costume, hair, and make-up. We will be “teaching” the show with the stage crew. Teaching means creating the technical aspects of the show: i.e. lighting design, curtain cues, follow spots, prop cues, etc. A dress rehearsal is not for your child to learn their dance routine. Dress rehearsal is used to understand which wing to exit and enter from, to see what backstage consists of, use proper theatre etiquette, and show respect for their fellow performers while appreciating the performing arts.

THEATRE ETIQUETTE RULES:

Please adhere to the following rules for a STRESS-FREE Dress Rehearsal and Dance Concert:
DO NOT WEAR, please BRING your costume in a non-transparent garment bag or suitcase.
No fingernail polish or toenail polish.
No chewing gum is allowed at any time.
No jewelry – only designated earrings.
We are not responsible for lost or stolen articles – please label all of your belongings.
Please have your hair done and your make-up applied for your first number upon arrival.
You must have the correct color and style of shoes, tights, and lipstick.
No underwear is to be worn with costumes. Mature dancers must wear a bra and/or correct support undergarments.
Tap shoes should be cleaned well – Ballet slippers should appear new – Pointe shoes should be darned and pancake make-up applied and rubber applied to soles if necessary.
1(One) chaperone may accompany each child to the dress rehearsal – it is not open to the public.
No food or beverages are permitted inside the auditorium, hallways, or dressing areas.
Absolutely no costumes in the auditorium. It is educational for children to watch other performers rehearse however, they must be in street clothes and supervised by an adult.
The time posted is the time you are scheduled to go on stage – you may arrive 30 minutes prior in costume and warm up to perform by your scheduled time.
NO PARENTS ARE ALLOWED ON STAGE OR BACKSTAGE AT ANY TIME!
During the dress rehearsal – your chaperone may videotape your performance and take photos of you on the stage.
If you have a long break between numbers and want to leave the building, check out with the front desk staff. Check in when you return.
Have fun! Learn something! Break a leg!

PERFORMANCE RULES AND REGULATIONS:

Concert/Event night is finally here. All performers should report directly to their DESIGNATED dressing area. Please be in full costume with hair and make-up finished by the correct time. Don’t forget to warm up. All dressers/moms must leave the dressing areas by the time given by stage management the dancers can be moved to the stage area.
Every dressing area/ classroom will have an adult chaperone and some former dancers to help with any quick changes or make-up touch-ups. The dancers will be able to watch the show and have a snack. Please do not come looking for your child during intermission. Only dancers that have an involved costume change will be accessible.
During intermission one dresser/mom may come back to the dressing area to change their child’s costume for the second half. If your child is in several routines in one half of the show, please pre-set their costumes for our dressers. To make quick changes happen, have bobby pins in headpieces ahead of time. Have all pins and zippers open for easy access. Extra tights just in case and make-up available for quick touch-ups.
ABSOLUTELY NO MEN WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE DRESSING AREAS.
ABSOLUTELY NO VIDEOTAPING OR PHOTOGRAPHY OF ANY KIND WILL BE ALLOWED.
ABSOLUTELY NO COSTUMES ARE ALLOWED IN THE LOBBY OR AUDITORIUM ON PERFORMANCE NIGHTS.

During the actual dance concert. Plug-in equipment and flashes interfere with our special effects, they may cause danger, distracting the performers on stage! Many of our routines/costumes are copyrighted. Contracts with the music organizations ASCAP and BMI prohibit duplication.

THEATRE ETIQUETTE FOR OTHERS:

Please encourage your friends, relatives, neighbors, classmates, and anyone you know who has a child who loves to dance to attend our dance concert! Your children are wonderful performers, they deserve applause!
Please inform them of the following proper theatre etiquette:
Use the restroom before you take your seat.
No food or drink in the theatre. Unwrap any throat lozenges before the show.
Turn off all cell phones and pagers.
Dress appropriately – the dance concert is an evening event in a beautiful facility (this is not a t-shirt event).
Hats must be removed.
Do not chew gum.
Do not carry-on conversations after the lights go down.
Please do not critique the dancers on stage… their parents may be in front of you.
No videotaping or photography of any kind is allowed at the actual dance concert.
Don’t yell to/at dancers on stage or make any verbal outbursts during the show.
Applauses are always welcome, and a standing ovation is an ultimate goal. “Bravo” is the appropriate word.
Once you leave the auditorium you will not be permitted to enter again until intermission.

QUESTIONS/CONCERNS:
Please contact the director by phone or email with all questions/ concerns, etc. Texting the staff is strictly prohibited and will result in dismissal from the program. SBDC will keep you informed via email of all schedules/information.

info@southernbellesdanceco.com