Please note that to participate in the dance sessions offered by the White Marsh Rec. Dance Program, students must meet specific age and dance attire requirements. Students who dance with the White Marsh Rec. Dance Program must also follow the program's attendance policy. Finally, the program does have a specific refund policy that applies to all students.
While the White Marsh Rec. Dance Program offers dance classes to students ages 3 and above (adult classes are offered), certain age requirements must be met to participate in each form of dance.
Ballet: We offer ballet classes to students ages 3 and above
Tap: We offer tap classes to students ages 4 and above
Jazz: We offer jazz classes to students ages 6 and above
Pointe (Toe): Pointe is offered at the director's discretion (usually age 12 and above)
***NOTE*** Students must be the appropriate age by September 1st to participate.
Example 1: A student signing up for the 2009 fall dance session must be 3 by September 1, 2009 to participate in ballet, 4 by September 1, 2009 to participate in tap, and 6 by September 1, 2009 to participate in jazz.
Example 2: A student signing up for the 2010 summer dance session must be 3 by September 1, 2010 to participate in ballet, 4 by September 1, 2010 to participate in tap, and 6 by September 1, 2010 to participate in jazz.
In order to dance with the White Marsh Rec. Dance Program, students must meet certain attire requirements when attending class.
All students should wear tight fitting clothing, such as leotard and tights or spandex pants and a form-fitting t-shirt. Loose-fitting or baggy clothes should not be worn, as these prevent teachers from instructing students in proper posture, techniques, and arm and foot placements. Students must also wear socks or tights to class at all times.
Each form of dance requires a specific type of shoe.
Ballet: Students participating in ballet must wear pink ballet slippers. While leather ballet shoes are not required for class, students must wear leather ballet shoes in the recital.
Tap: Students who participate in a tap class must wear black tap shoes. It is recommended that younger students get tap shoes that do not require laces, but instead use velcro or elastic bands. Additionally, it is recommended that older students wear Oxford tap shoes, rather than the tap shoes that resemble Mary Janes.
Jazz: Students participating in a jazz class can either wear black jazz shoes or ballet shoes. Jazz shoes or jazz sneakers are strongly recommended for more advanced students.
Pointe (toe): Students who participate in pointe (toe) lessons must wear pink toe shoes. Students should be measured for their toe shoes at a dance shoe retailer, such as Artistic Costumes and Dance Fashions or Gotta Dance Dance Supply Store.
Where to Purchase Shoes and Attire: While these are not the only stores that sell dance shoes and attire, the following stores typically carry the items needed to participate in the dance program on a year-round basis: Target, Walmart, PayLess Shoe Stores, Artistic Costumes and Dance Fashions, and Gotta Dance Dance Supply Store.
All students who participate in the fall session offered by the White Marsh Rec. Dance Program must comply with the program’s attendance policy. If students are unable to comply with the attendance policy, they will not be permitted to participate in the program’s recital or the “Big Group Rehearsals” (which typically are held from March until May) associated with the recital. Please note that the attendance policy applies to all students, regardless of age. Additionally, the policy pertains to the entire fall dance session, which typically runs from September until May. All of the requirements regarding the attendance policy are listed below.
Number of Classes a Student Can Miss In All: Students may miss no more then 7 classes (this applies to the entire dance year, which goes from September until May). If a child misses 7 classes, he/she will not be permitted to participate in the big group rehearsals (rehearsals that typically begin in March and are held to begin preparing for the recital) or the recital. Please note that if a student is late to class or must leave class early, and misses at least half of the class, this will count as an absence.
Number of Classes a Student Can Miss in a Row: Students may miss no more then 2 classes in a row. If a student misses 3 classes in a row, he/she will not be permitted to participate in the big group rehearsals or the recital. Please note that if a student is late to class or must leave class early, and misses at least half of the class, this will count as an absence.
Costume Policy: If a student has purchased his/her costume and then later in the year "violates" a rule in the attendance policy, he/she will not receive a refund for the costume (but will still receive the costume).
The White Marsh Rec. Dance Program works with all students to offer them the best dance experience possible, and that includes holding students to certain standards in regards to behaviors.
A positive behavior system is used by all teachers to reward students who demonstrate appropriate behaviors. Students who demonstrate positive behaviors during class are rewarded with a stamp or sticker at the end of class. However, if a student demonstrates a negative behavior during class, he/she is given a warning and is asked to modify that behavior. If a student receives 3 warnings during class, he/she is not rewarded with a stamp or sticker at the end of class. Additionally, if a student continues to demonstrate negative behaviors after receiving 3 warnings, he/she will be asked to take a time-out from class. On occasion, teachers may give 2 stamps or stickers to reward students who go above and beyond during class.
There is a $10 handling fee for any student who drops out prior to the start of the dance year (unless we are unable to accommodate your schedule), as well as to those students who drop out before October 1st. Additionally, any student who drops out after October 1st, but before October 31st, will be given a partial refund. Finally, anyone who drops out after October 31st will not receive any refund.
***NOTE*** There will be a $25 charge for any returned checks.
Example 1: A student signing up for the 2009 fall dance session must be 3 by September 1, 2009 to participate in ballet, 4 by September 1, 2009 to participate in tap, and 6 by September 1, 2009 to participate in jazz.
Example 2: A student signing up for the 2010 summer dance session must be 3 by September 1, 2010 to participate in ballet, 4 by September 1, 2010 to participate in tap, and 6 by September 1, 2010 to participate in jazz.
Ballet: Students participating in ballet must wear pink ballet slippers. While leather ballet shoes are not required for class, students must wear leather ballet shoes in the recital.
Tap: Students who participate in a tap class must wear black tap shoes. It is recommended that younger students get tap shoes that do not require laces, but instead use velcro or elastic bands. Additionally, it is recommended that older students wear Oxford tap shoes, rather than the tap shoes that resemble Mary Janes.
Jazz: Students participating in a jazz class can either wear black jazz shoes or ballet shoes. Jazz shoes or jazz sneakers are strongly recommended for more advanced students.
Pointe (toe): Students who participate in pointe (toe) lessons must wear pink toe shoes. Students should be measured for their toe shoes at a dance shoe retailer, such as Artistic Costumes and Dance Fashions or Gotta Dance Dance Supply Store.
