SOTD PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING THE PARENT PORTAL
760 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA, USA
OUR POLICIES
CLASS PLACEMENT
SOTD will group students with similar ages and skill levels together whenever possible.
Students will be evaluated based on a variety of developmental factors, including gross motor development, emotional maturity, attention span, muscle tone, coordination, and overall readiness for instruction.
While age can often be an indicator of maturity, age and maturity are not necessarily the same—particularly when it comes to young learners. A student’s developmental readiness and maturity play an important role in their ability to learn, participate, and succeed in a dance environment.
For this reason, there is no exact age at which a dancer will reach each level. Progression will be determined on an individual, case-by-case basis.
The Director and Instructors will use their professional judgment and ongoing assessment to advance students when they demonstrate the appropriate skills, maturity, and readiness for the next level.
PLACEMENT DECISIONS ARE SOLELY AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DIRECTOR AND INSTRUCTOR(S).
APPROXIMATE AGE PARAMETERS (FALL 2026/27)
● TWINKLES: Ages 3–5+ Years
● PETIT BALLET: Ages 5–6+ Years
● DEMI BALLET: Ages 7–8+ Years
● ALLEGRO BALLET: Ages 9–11+ Years
● BRAVO BALLET: Ages 12–13+ Years
● PREMIER BALLET: Ages 14–18 Years
● PRE/BEG POINTE: Ages 11–15+ Years
● LYRICAL: Ages 10+ Years
(Must be enrolled in Ballet to participate.)
● BOLLYWOOD: Ages 10+ Years
● JAZZ/TAP I: Ages 6–8+ Years
(Must be enrolled in Ballet to participate.)
● JAZZ/TAP II: Ages 9–10+ Years
● JAZZ/TAP III: Ages 11–12+ Years
● JAZZ/TAP IV: Ages 13–18 Years
● PERFORMANCE ACRO: Ages 4–12+ Years
CLASS UNIFORMS
It is imperative that dancers arrive prepared for each class in the proper uniform, with hair neatly secured and the specified shoes.
The uniform is about more than simply following a dress code. It creates a sense of belonging and helps dancers feel that they are members of a team. When everyone is dressed appropriately and prepared for class, the focus remains on the dancing rather than on individual clothing or appearance.
Uniforms are also an important instructional tool. Proper attire allows Instructors to clearly observe a dancer’s alignment, posture, placement, and technique. This enables them to identify areas requiring correction and ensure that each dancer’s body is working and developing properly.
Arriving to class prepared and in the proper attire is therefore an important part of a dancer’s training. It teaches responsibility, discipline, and respect for the art form, the Instructors, and fellow dancers.
PUNCTUALITY
Being on time demonstrates respect for your Instructors, classmates, and the shared studio environment.
Late arrivals can disrupt the entire class and may require the Instructor to pause, restart, or repeat instructions that have already been given.
Dancers should make every effort to arrive early enough to be fully prepared and ready to participate at the scheduled start time.
CLASS ATTENDANCE
Dance classes are sequential, with each lesson building upon the previous one. Regular attendance is therefore essential to a dancer’s progress and is an important part of the commitment made when enrolling.
Parents should notify the Instructor(s) as soon as possible when an absence is unavoidable.
Three (3) or more absences during the season may result in a requirement for Private Lessons to ensure the dancer is able to remain current with class material. Private Lessons will be scheduled at the Instructor’s convenience.
● $50 — 60 Minutes
● $30 — 30 Minutes
PERFORMANCE ATTENDANCE
Attendance is strictly mandatory during final production weeks and Dress Rehearsals.
Missing a class or rehearsal during the final two (2) weeks prior to a performance may result in Private Lesson requirements, modification of a dancer’s participation, or removal from choreography.
INCLEMENT WEATHER CLOSURES
SOTD follows FCPS Emergency Closure decisions.
The safety of our dancers and families is our highest priority. Classes may be canceled due to inclement weather, hazardous road conditions, power outages, local or government-mandated closures, natural disasters, or other circumstances beyond SOTD’s control when closure is necessary to ensure the safety of our dancers, families, and staff.
Classes canceled for these reasons are not considered a fault or failure on the part of SOTD.
SOTD-INITIATED CANCELLATIONS
If an Instructor must be absent due to an unexpected emergency or illness, SOTD will make every reasonable effort to provide a qualified substitute in order to maintain class continuity.
If a substitute cannot be secured and a class must be canceled, SOTD will offer either an extended class option or a designated make-up class option before the end of the season.
This policy supports a safe, respectful, and smoothly operating experience for all dancers, families, and Instructors.
PHOTO / MEDIA RELEASE
SOTD may photograph, video-record, or otherwise record a student’s participation and appearance during studio classes, rehearsals, stage performances, and public events.
Recordings may include, but are not limited to, photographs, video, and audio and may be used for educational, archival, studio, or promotional purposes.
Parents or guardians who do not authorize the recording or use of their child’s image or likeness must notify the Director in writing as soon as possible.