2023/24
STUDENT & PARENT STUDIO HANDBOOK

BORN TO DANCE ACADEMY & BORN TO DANCE PERFORMANCE COMPANY

 

WHO WE ARE AT BORN TO BE

Born to Be is a laid back, low key, FUN environment! We strive to offer excellent and quality dance training to ALL children in a positive atmosphere. We believe that God created us to dance and our desire is that all children are able to experience the fun and creativity of dance regardless of a family’s financial situation.

We also believe that, when the love of dance is birthed inside of us, our level of ability doesn’t matter. Everyone is able to dance! We do our best to tailor our classes so all students feel successful and part of the team. In these classes, we place the relationships we are building with each other, dance, and God at the core of our structure – strong relationships are the key to everything.

With both our Academy and Performance Divisions (formerly Recreational and Competition), we keep these beliefs as the foundation of our studio. We try to keep costs low and affordable, and will work with all families to make dance a reality for them.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Important Dates
2. Communication
3. Office & Studio Hours
4. Dress Code
5. Classroom Etiquette & Attendance
6. Studio & Building Rules
7. Costumes
8. Exams and Exam Work
9. Annual Born to Be Recital Showcase
10. Fundraising
11. Ballet to Broadway
12. Meet Your Dance Moms

 

1. IMPORTANT DATES

 Please see: www.borntobe.ca/dates

 

2. COMMUNICATION

Throughout the dance year we will do our best to get information to everyone as efficiently as possible. Listed below are our means of communicating:

• EMAIL – This is the primary way we will use to communicate important information. This includes newsletters, reminders, class information, order confirmations and more. Please add our studio email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to your contacts so you don’t miss anything. Please make sure that the email you provide us with is accurate.
• FACEBOOK – This is another method of communication. You will need to join our CLOSED parents and students Facebook pages by requesting to join at;

https://www.facebook.com/groups/BorntoDanceMJ (for Academy)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/465024477319649 (for Performance)

When you have questions throughout the year, please follow this process:

• Check the website
• Contact your designated “Dance Mom”
• Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and our administrator can help you
• Ask a teacher

Following this process will help you get the information you need easier and faster. Teachers are not always available to answer right away, so we will try to put as much as possible on the website. Our “Dance Moms” will have the answers for most of your questions. If after those two options have been exhausted, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and our Administrator can help you, or can direct your questions to the appropriate teacher.

 

3. OFFICE & STUDIO HOURS

Office hours for the administrator are as follows:

Monday: 9:30am – 2:30pm

Tuesday: 12:30pm – 4:30pm

Wednesday: 9:30am – 2:30pm

Thursday: 9:30am – 2:30pm

Studio hours are as follows:

Monday to Friday: 3:30pm – 10:00pm

 

4. DRESS CODE

All Born to Be students are required to wear dance attire in class. Please ensure that everything is clearly labelled with their first and last name to avoid mix-ups. Below are the different types of dance wear needed for each genre and level of dance.

~CREATIVE MOVEMENT & PRE-BEGINNER~

GIRLS

OUTFIT: Body suits & tights with skirts, tutus, leggings, shorts etc. are all welcome (we want them to be comfortable but still able to move)

SHOES: pink leather ballet shoes

BOYS

OUTFIT: T-shirt and shorts/pants depending on the time of year and comfort (please no jeans)

SHOES: black leather ballet shoes

*SPECIFIC TO THOSE TAKING THE PRE-BEGINNER WITH TAP – beige mary-jane style tap shoes

 

~BALLET~

Beginner to Pre-Junior Levels

GIRLS

OUFIT: Dance bodysuit of any style and color, with ballerina pink tights. Additionally, students may wish to wear fun dance skirts, tight dance shorts, wrap dance sweaters, leg-warmers etc. and these are all acceptable.

SHOES: Full-sole pink leather ballet slippers.

HAIR: Hair is to be worn in a bun for all ballet classes. In the event hair is too short for a bun, it must always be secured off of the face (such as with the use of a headband).

BOYS

OUTFIT: Sport style t-shirt and either shorts or dance/sport pants (please no hoodies, baggy clothing, sweats or jeans). 

SHOES: Full-sole black leather ballet slippers (it is recommended that thin sock be worn).

HAIR: Hair should be styled so it is off the face while dancing.

 Junior to Senior Levels

GIRLS

OUTFIT: Dance bodysuit of any style and color, with salmon ballet tights (at this level we recommend convertible tights). Additionally, students may wish to wear fun dance skirts, tight dance shorts, wrap dance sweaters, leg-warmers etc. and these are all acceptable.

SHOES: Split sole canvas ballet shoes.

HAIR: Hair to be worn in a bun for all ballet classes. In the event hair is too short for a bun, it must always be secured off of the face (such as with the use of a headband)

BOYS

OUTFIT: Sport style t-shirt and either shorts or dance/sport pants (please no hoodies, baggy clothing, sweats or jeans). 

SHOES: Full-sole black leather ballet slippers (it is recommended that thin sock be worn).

HAIR: Hair should be styled so it is off the face while dancing.

*The types of ballet tights, shoes and outfits listed in this handbook can be found at Ballet to Broadway, Moose Jaw’s very own locally owned and operated dance wear store. Show them this and they will understand what is needed.

 

~JAZZ~

All Levels of Jazz Students

GIRLS

OUTFIT: Dance bodysuit of any style and color, with suntan tights. Additionally, students may wish to wear tight dance shorts, dance pants or leggings, etc. and these are acceptable.

SHOES: Beige split-sole jazz oxfords.

HAIR; Hair must but worn in a ponytail or bun. In the event hair is too short for a ponytail or bun, it must always be secured off of the face (such as with the use of a headband).

BOYS

OUTFIT: Sport style t-shirt and either shorts or dance/sport pants (please no hoodies, baggy clothing, sweats or jeans). 

SHOES: Black split-sole jazz oxfords.

HAIR: Hair should be styled so it is off the face while dancing.

 

~TAP~

Beginner Level

GIRLS

OUTFIT: Dance bodysuit of any style and color, with suntan tights. Additionally, students may wish to wear tight dance shorts, dance pants or leggings, etc. and these are acceptable.

SHOES: Beige, “Mary-Jane” tap shoes (low heel and buckle)

HAIR: Hair must but worn in a ponytail or bun. In the event hair is too short for a ponytail or bun, it must always be secured off of the face (such as with the use of a headband).

BOYS

OUTFIT: Sport style t-shirt and either shorts or dance/sport pants (please no hoodies, baggy clothing, sweats or jeans).

SHOES: Black tap shoes

HAIR: Hair should be styled so it is off the face while dancing.

 Pre-Junior and Junior Levels

GIRLS

OUTFIT: Dance bodysuit of any style and color, with suntan tights. Additionally, students may wish to wear tight dance shorts, dance pants or leggings, etc. and these are acceptable.

SHOES: Beige Cuban heel tap shoes.

HAIR: Hair must but worn in a ponytail or bun. In the event hair is too short for a ponytail or bun, it must always be secured off of the face (such as with the use of a headband).

BOYS

OUTFIT: Sport style t-shirt and either shorts or dance/sport pants (please no hoodies, baggy clothing, sweats or jeans).

SHOES; Black oxford style tap shoes.

HAIR: Hair should be styled so it is off the face while dancing.

Intermediate and Senior Levels

GIRLS

OUTFIT: Dance bodysuit of any style and color, with suntan tights. Additionally, students may wish to wear tight dance shorts, dance pants or leggings, etc. and these are acceptable.

SHOES: Black oxford style tap shoes (slip on OR lace up).

HAIR: Hair must but worn in a ponytail or bun. In the event hair is too short for a ponytail or bun, it must always be secured off of the face (such as with the use of a headband).

BOYS

OUTFIT: Sport style t-shirt and either shorts or dance/sport pants (please no hoodies, baggy clothing, sweats or jeans).

SHOES: Black oxford style tap shoes.

HAIR: Hair should be styled so it is off the face while dancing.

 

~CONTEMPORARY~

All Levels of Contemporary Students

GIRLS

OUTFIT: Dance bodysuit of any style and color, with suntan tights. Additionally, students may wish to wear tight dance shorts, dance pants or leggings, etc. and these are acceptable.

SHOES: Contemporary shoes.

HAIR: Hair must but worn in a ponytail or bun. In the event hair is too short for a ponytail or bun, it must always be secured off of the face (such as with the use of a headband).

BOYS

OUTFIT: Sport style t-shirt and either shorts or dance/sport pants (please no hoodies, baggy clothing, sweats or jeans).

SHOES: Contemporary shoes.

HAIR: Hair should be styled so it is off the face while dancing.

 

~HIP HOP~

All Levels of Hip Hop Students – Girls and Boys

OUTFIT: Comfortable, dance and sport style tops and bottoms that can be danced in without the issue of having them be too baggy, tight, restrictive etc. Examples would be a dance/sport style t-shirt and dance pants (these can be worn OVER your bodysuit and tights from other classes so you do not need to rush to change completely). Absolutely no jeans at any time.

SHOES: all of our students (EXCEPT for Little Hoppers) are required to wear our black hip hop shoes which can be ordered through the studio. You can place your order for on our website at this link: https://www.borntobe.ca/register/shop

HAIR: Hair should be styled so it is off the face while dancing.

 

~MUSICAL THEATRE~

All Levels of Musical Theatre Students

GIRLS

OUTFIT: Comfortable, dance and sport style tops and bottoms that can be danced in without the issue of having them be too baggy, tight, restrictive etc. Examples would be a dance/sport style t-shirt and dance pants (these can be worn OVER your bodysuit and tights from other classes so you do not need to rush to change completely). Absolutely no jeans at any time.

SHOES; Beige split-sole jazz oxfords.

HAIR: Hair should be styled so it is off the face while dancing.

BOYS

OUTFIT: Comfortable, dance and sport style tops and bottoms that can be danced in without the issue of having them be too baggy, tight, restrictive etc. Examples would be a dance/sport style t-shirt and dance pants (these can be worn OVER your bodysuit and tights from other classes so you do not need to rush to change completely). Absolutely no jeans at any time.

SHOES: Black split-sole jazz oxfords.

HAIR: Hair should be styled so it is off the face while dancing.

 

~ACRO~

All Levels of Acro Students

GIRLS

OUTFIT: Dance bodysuit of any style and color, with CONVERTIBLE dance tights of any color. Additionally, students may wish to wear tight dance shorts or leggings, etc. and these are acceptable. No baggy clothing, or just wearing t-shirts and shorts as this hinders the ability of the students.

SHOES: Students do not wear shoes for acro. PLEASE ENSURE STUDENTS COME IN BARE FEET FOR ACRO. This stops them from slipping.

HAIR: Hair must but worn in a ponytail or bun. In the event hair is too short for a ponytail or bun, it must always be secured off of the face (such as with the use of a headband).

BOYS

OUTFIT: Sport style shirt and shorts that somewhat stay in place but have flexibility and give in them. No bagging clothing as this hinders the ability of the students.

SHOES: Students do not wear shoes for acro. PLEASE ENSURE STUDENTS COME IN BARE FEET FOR ACRO. This stops them from slipping.

HAIR: Hair should be styled so it is off the face while dancing.

*As mentioned above, please visit “Ballet to Broadway”, at 232 High Street West, for all your dance wear needs*

 

5. CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE & ATTENDANCE

At Born to Be we strive to create a class environment that is both challenging and fun. With that, as a Christian dance studio, we put God at the heart of all we do. This is why we take time in each of our classes for Christian devotions. This is just as an integral a part of our classes as any dance training and helps guide our decisions for our entire studio.

This is why, at Born to Be, the key to success in the classroom (aka. etiquette) is “relationships”. With each student in the center, we look at...

• How do my actions affect my relationship with God?
• How do my actions affect my relationship with my teacher/helper/assistant?
• How do my actions affect my relationship with my classmates?
• How do my actions affect my relationship with my dancing?
• How do my actions affect my relationship with myself?

We will focus on these questions to keep our students thinking about how we each affect one another.

Additionally, we are unable to express how important good attendance is. It is difficult to help students achieve when they are often absent. Please try to commit to the classes that your child is registered for. If your child is unable to dance due to an injury, we still encourage them to come and watch.

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. when your child will be absent from class.

Your child is part of our dance family and we miss them terribly when they’re not there! If you are planning a longer vacation, where your child may miss more than 2 weeks of class, please make sure to inform the studio as soon as possible. Make sure you have familiarized yourself with our “Important Dates” and have them worked into your schedule. Each student is important, and we don’t want anyone to miss out.

 

6. STUDIO & BUILDING RULES

 

• STUDENTS STAYING AT THE STUDIO BETWEEN CLASSES

Students are able to stay at the studio between classes if required. A microwave is available as needed and they will have a designated waiting area. Please ensure they understand that they are responsible for their actions during this time. When staying at the studio we encourage students to eat, do homework etc. We ask them to limit usage of cell phones and other devices as we also encourage them to spend time bonding with one another.

 

• DROP AND GO

When it is time to bring your kids to the studio, we have a “drop-and-go" policy that has helped serve us well. This means you do not wait inside the studio while your child is in class. This cuts down on noise and people in the building.

 

• PICKING UP YOUR CHILD AFTER CLASS

We appreciate you being aware of the following;

• • It is your responsibility to know when your child’s class/es end.
  • We will not allow children 10 and under out of the building without a parent.
  • If you are unable to pick up your child after class, it is your responsibility to make other arrangements in advance.
  • If the alternate arrangements for your child’s pick up are something your child’s teacher needs to be aware of, please notify that teacher in advance (ex: Auntie/Uncle picking them up).

 

7. COSTUMES

At Born to Be, there are generally no additional fees for costumes. There are certain circumstances where a fee may be applicable, however every reasonable effort will be made to avoid these circumstances (this is listed below). Costumes are usually a huge expense, having parents pay anywhere from $60 to $120 for a costume that their child wears only a handful of times. This is why, at Born To Be, we keep any costumes we purchase from year-to-year, with an effort made to re-use costumes whenever possible.

With this, we do like everyone to note the following information in regards to costumes;

• We plan to have all costumes out to our students, with a corresponding costume note, by December or end of January at the latest. Please watch for these at that time.
• The notes that come home with these costumes will list information specific to each class (ex; tights color, hair style, etc.) – please make sure you read through all notes so you feel informed and are well prepared.
• If the costume we send home for your child is too large, and needs to be taken in/altered, it is your responsibility to have this taken care of as soon as possible (this is the possible set of circumstances where you may need to pay someone, as mentioned above).If a costume is too small, we will take care of any alterations needed to ensure the costume will fit your child.
• Since all costumes are to be returned at the end of the dance year, at our year end recital it is important you bring a change of clothes for your child to wear after they have danced. There will be specific costume drop spots at recital, and/or parents assigned to collect costumes from each class.

 

8. EXAMS AND EXAM WORK

At Born to Be, we are an ADAPT (Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers), RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) and CDTA (Canadian Dance Teachers Association) certified studio. We believe in all students learning the work from these national and international governing dance bodies as a basis for a strong and well-rounded dance education.

If your child is interested in taking a dance exam, please inform their teacher. Dance exams will generally take place in the Fall. Please note that your child will only be considered for an exam at the discretion of their teacher.

WHY ARE DANCE EXAMS IMPORTANT?

• Examinations, and the examination process, encourages each student to work harder, helping them towards achieving their personal best. This training helps them maintain this potential throughout their dancing years.
• Examinations can offer a chance for “goal-setting” and help students feel a well-deserved sense of achievement.
• Dancers have the opportunity to be evaluated/critiqued by national and international professional dance examiners.
• If a child is looking into a career in dance or the arts, often the governing bodies will look at a resume to see what level of dance exams have been obtained.
• Examinations, and the learning of the exam work, will help build into students a stronger character, work ethic, and lasting moral values that will impact their future in a positive way.

Watch for exam information to come out each year!

 

9. ANNUAL BORN TO BE RECITAL SHOWCASE

Every year Born to Be puts together a year end showcase which is exactly what it sounds like – a way to showcase all of the hard work that our students put in all year.

Our year end showcase marks the end of the dance year for our Academy students, and gives stage time for our Performance students. We divide the recital in to two pieces – one for our younger students and one for our older students.

Prior to our recital, students will need to attend a MANDATORY dress rehearsal. This is so they can get a chance to practice on the stage and get their jitters out. Dress rehearsal is also the time that Born to Be’s teachers, backstage helpers, and volunteers etc. get the opportunity to run through the program. It is vital to making the show awesome and that is why everyone in the show must be in attendance.

 

A KEY PART OF THE SUCESS OF OUR ANNUAL SHOWCASE IS OUR VOLUNTEERS. 

Please watch for the opportunity to volunteer at one of the shows – the more people we can have involved, the happier everyone feels. Volunteering for a show does not mean you will miss watching your child dance. We encourage parents of younger students to volunteer for the older student's recital, and vice versa. Additionally, a parent that helps with their child’s dance class will be given front row seats and a chance to watch like everyone else. WE ALWAYS SEARCH FOR VOLUNTEERS AND REALLY NEED THEM! Our volunteers are the glue in these events and we can’t do it without them.

*As mentioned in the “costumes” section, recital is the time when Academy students will leave their costumes behind once done performing. A change of clothes will be needed for after the show. Depending on the dates for competitions, Performance students will need to keep their costumes until after competitions are done.

 

10. FUNDRAISING

One of the aims of Born to Be is to make it so that all kids have the ability to take dance. A huge part of what we do as a non-profit organization relies on fundraisers. The funds raised through these different offers are applied to any areas needed, including sponsoring students to dance. We are thankful we are able to offer this, and hope the variety of our fundraisers enables us to continue to do so.

Other areas, where funds are always needed, range from sound systems, to acro supplies, studio equipment like dance barres and flooring, and even props for our younger classes. Fundraising is vital to our survival, and it is something we hope everyone can get involved in.

Our fundraisers throughout the year include;

• Fellinger’s Meat Orders – we try to do this fundraiser at least twice in the year, usually in September and April. Watch for the order forms and details to come out around that time.

Please watch for our different fundraising opportunities throughout the year so you can help us continue to grow, thrive, and offer to dance to everyone.

 

11. BALLET TO BROADWAY

We are very fortunate in Moose Jaw, and surrounding area, as we have a really great dancewear store - BALLET TO BROADWAY!!! Located at 232 High Street West here in Moose Jaw, Ballet to Broadway is your one-stop-shop when it comes to your dancing needs.

Locally owned and operated by Carmella, we at Born to Be feel so fortunate for all that she assists us with, and all that she does for the dance community at large.

When it is time for you to buy ANY AND ALL of your dance supplies for the year, look no further than Ballet to Broadway. She even has an assortment of used costumes that could work perfectly for your solo, duo or trio costumes AND for everyone out there that says they don’t know where to find bobby pins and hair nets? She has the top-quality gear for that too – the kinds that last! Carmella knows exactly what we would like our students to have at Born to Be, so make sure you kindly let her know what studio you are from and what levels of dance you are taking. 

 

12. MEET YOUR DANCE MOMS

Beginners: Dani Forness, (306) 630-9088

Pre-Juniors: Aubray Francis Drake, (306) 631-2231

Juniors: Tracy Rogers, (306) 631-2618

Intermediates: Connie Clinton, (306) 690-1298

Seniors: Jennifer Day, (306) 513-6332

Triple Threat: Victoria Smith-Breker, (306) 513-6332