Born2Dance: Parents Handbook

: Info

2021/2022 STUDENT & PARENT STUDIO HANDBOOK

BORN TO DANCE ACADEMY &

BORN TO DANCE PERFORMANCE COMPANY

WHO WE ARE AT B2D

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

Important Dates
Communication
Dress Code
Classroom Etiquette & Attendance
Studio & Building Rules
Costumes
Exams and Exam Work
In House Adjudication
Annual Born to Be Recital Showcase
Fundraising
Ballet to Broadway
Meet Your Dance Moms

#1 -IMPORTANT DATES

Moved to own page, 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. We have our primary means of communicating so please be aware of them and check them regularly.

FACEBOOK – This is one main 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)

EMAIL – We use email to communicate important news, Newsletters, reminders, 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 (especially if you are not on Facebook). PLEASE MAKE SURE THE EMAIL YOU PROVIDE US WITH IS ACCURATE.

Otherwise, throughout the year when you have questions you...

Check the website
Call your designated “Dance Mom”
Ask a teacher

This will help you get the information you need easier and faster. Teachers are not always available to answer right away so will try to put as much as possible on the website. Our “Dance Moms” will definitely have the answers for most of your questions. If after those two options have been exhausted, do make sure to then check with a teacher via email at the email address listed above (this is where ALL of our teachers can check!).

#3 - 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 broken down 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 trust 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. Where students may wish to wear a crop top, they must purchase the Born to Be approved crop top through our website link;

https://www.borntobe.ca/register/merchandise/2021-22/bra-crop-top

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

https://www.borntobe.ca/register/merchandise/2021-22/bra-crop-top

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

https://www.borntobe.ca/register/merchandise/2021-22/bra-crop-top

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

https://www.borntobe.ca/register/merchandise/2021-22/bra-crop-top

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. Where students may wish to wear a crop top, they must purchase the Born to Be approved crop top through our website link;

https://www.borntobe.ca/register/merchandise/2021-22/bra-crop-top

SHOES; all of our students are required to wear our black hip hop shoes which can be ordered through the studio but you will place your order for on our website – WATCH FOR THIS INFOMRATION TO COME OUT SO YOU DON’T MISS THE CHANCE TO ORDER

Please keep watch as students grow out of their shoes as they get older and move up, as then there will be a small availability of used shoes for sale.

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

~MUSICAL THEATRE~

All Levels of Musical Theatre Students

GIRLS

SHOES; Beige split-sole jazz oxfords.

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

BOYS

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 bagging 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 of your dance wear needs*

#4 – 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 as 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 hone in 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 in dance. 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. If your child is unable to dance due to sickness, where it is not the kind they can sit in class and watch through, we will try and offer a Zoom option (however this is not always possible).

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 in to your schedule. Everyone counts, and we don’t want anyone to miss a thing.

#5 – 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 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 dancing. 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 you 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).

#6 – 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 B2D, 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, coming home, 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.

#7 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 in to 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 in to 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!

#8 In-House Adjudication

We are very pleased to announce that Born to Be will now host an annual “In-House Adjudication” event. This event will be run similar to a competition AND TAKE PLACE RIGHT AT OUR OWN STUDIO!

The emphasis of our in-house adjudication will be on all students getting a chance to perform at another event, outside of their annual recital. Additionally, students will receive tips and comments on all of the wonderful things they are already learning and how they can make their dancing even stronger.

This event will only be offered to students at Born to Be, and will encompass the Academy student’s group dances, as well as any of their solos, duos etc. and also include the solos, duos and trios from the Performance students.

The opportunity to bring in an outside voice from our dance community is something we are so happy to be able to offer at Born to Be, and after a successful test run this past season (virtually of course) we can say it was a great experience for everyone involved from the parents, to the students, the teachers and even the adjudicators.

Currently, the projected time frame for this fun event is the beginning of April.

For more information on this event please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

#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 is the culmination, as well as the end of the dance year for our Academy students, and stage time for our Performance student. 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 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 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 without them we’re pretty sure we’d all fall apart.

*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 lucky in Moose Jaw, and surrounding area, as we have one of the best dance wear stores around (yes, we are a bit biased, but REALLY students from all over our province feel the same way!) - 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 the lovely 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 as Carmella has it all. 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. She will get you set up.

Search them on Facebook and like them for all their awesome updates and info!

#12 Meet Your Dance Moms

Whether you are completely new to dance, or you’ve been involved for a while, our Dance Moms will have you covered. As Miss Jessika says “Our primary goal is to love our people well...we have a lot of people and these women are here to help us do it better.” They are here to be your contacts when you have questions, and will often be able to help you before the teachers can.

Jennifer Day: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jen will be helping with our Senior dance parents.

Tracy Rogers: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tracy will be helping with our Juniors, Intermediates and Triple Threat Theater company parents

Cherise Erdmann: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cherise will be helping with our Beginner and Pre-Junior dance parents.

Connie Clinton: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Connie will be helping with our Pre-Beginners, Creative Movement and Junior dance parents.

Terresa Benson: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Teressa will be helping with our Beginner and Pre-Junior dance parents

Victoria Smith-Breker: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Victoria will be helping with Intermediates and Triple threat Theater company

Dani Forness: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Overseeing all the Dance Moms...plus being the Dance Mom for the teachers...Dani will be helping with our Pre-Beginner and Creative movement dance parents.

Registration is Open for Spring Programs! - click here