KCPA Assembly Contract

The Kaiser Center

For the Performing Arts KCPA Assembly

Contract

As a member of the Assembly, you are a representative of The Kaiser Center for the Performing Arts. You represent who we are, our standards, our contribution to dance, and our pursuit for excellence in all areas of life. This contract outlines the expectations of you as a member of the Assembly.

Please initial next to each “- - - - X” to show that you have read and accepted each section of your contract.

Commitment

An invitation to the KCPA Assembly is an opportunity to commit to a bonded group of dancers who will learn, develop, create, and dance together throughout the entire studio year. We expect all dancers to fulfill the length of this contract which starts on the first day of summer classes and ends with our final recital.

Agreeing to this contract obligates dancers and their family to all of the classes listed on the schedule, all rehearsals, all performances, mandatory conventions, and all competitions until the end of the season. Commitment to the Assembly is very important.

Nationals

Directors may also choose to take any of our competition dances to a national competition at which time the contract will extend into the summer.

Abandonment

Dancers who leave Assembly during the year cause extra rehearsals, rechoreographing, and extreme disruption and negative energy. Dancers must be fully committed upon signing the contract. We understand that circumstances may occur in which dancers may need to be pulled from their Assembly team. KCPA will evaluate these circumstances on a case by case basis. We ask that our dancers and parents be open with KCPA staff about issues that may lead to dancers being pulled off of their Assembly team. If a dancer chooses to leave the team, there will be a $250 contract

retraction fee to cover costs and any fees paid toward the 2023-2024 season are non-refundable.

Practice

Dancers will commit to technique, practice, and performance. This practice includes at home practice of technical skills, performance, and choreography, and practice IN CLASS. KCPA offers a wide variety of technique classes and we encourage our dancers to enroll in and attend as many classes as possible. Our required classes for each Assembly team are a minimum to cover choreography and movement necessary for competition and should be accompanied with additional technique and performance classes to enhance technical and performance skills.

If a dancer is not meeting their full potential by not committing to their practice, our staff will schedule a meeting with the parent(s) of the dancer to discuss steps that will need to be taken in order for the dancer to maintain their place on Assembly.

The required hours are listed below, your “age” is based on the average age for your dancer’s team:

Ages 6-8 years: 1 Ballet & 1 Jazz technique hour. And 1 tech hour for each style if competing tap and/or hip hop.

Ages 9-11 years: 2 Ballet & 1 Jazz technique hours. And 1 tech hour for each style if competing tap and/or hip hop.

Ages 12-13 years: 2 Ballet & 2 Jazz technique hours. And 1 tech hour for each style if competing tap and/or hip hop.

Ages 14+ years: 2 Ballet & 2 Jazz technique hours plus 1 hour of style of choice and 1 tech hour for each style if competing tap and/or hip hop(dancers participating in 2 hip hop dances do not need the extra technique hour but are encouraged to do so). Dancers on a school drill team may take 1 hour of jazz technique off their requirements).

Commitment is an act, not a word.

-Jean-Paul Sartre

Additional Class Opportunities

In addition to required technique classes, KCPA offers technique intensives and master classes. You may also find intensives and/or master classes offered by other institutions. KCPA dancers may attend master classes and intensives at other locations with KCPA approval, but dancers may not commit to other outside dance competition or performance teams with the exception of teams affiliated with academic schools.

We also want to make sure that we, at KCPA, are observing and working with our dancers one-on-one with their progress. Because of this we expect all dancers to fulfill their technique requirements at KCPA and not at any other dance studio. KCPA will accept proposals for additional intensives or workshops at other institutions but will not guarantee approval.

Drill Team, Band, Choir, Theater & School Commitments

At KCPA, we believe dancers should be able to find success in both competition dance and school activities. We strive to build our schedule around known community and school events. Inevitably there will be conflicts and we expect all KCPA competition dancers to work with KCPA directors and school/community leaders to work together to ensure dancers can attend all KCPA events. School commitments that must be attended for a grade will take precedence over KCPA events. If the commitment is not graded, KCPA takes precedence. Please alert teachers and staff as soon as a conflict is known. KCPA will work with dancers to resolve scheduling issues.

Classroom,

Performance,

and Competition Etiquette

KCPA values the importance of developing a strong work ethic. Dancers portray this ethic through their practice etiquette while in the classroom or at competitions, conventions, workshops, and performances, including but not limited to recitals. Rules for proper dance etiquette:

● Food & Drink: Dancers will not eat, drink, or chew gum in ANY dance facility, including KCPA studios, recital or performance venues, conventions, and competitions. However, water is allowed and recommended. Dancers should always ask their instructor if food is allowed at certain venues. Please keep in mind that allergies exist among our dancers. If someone is allergic, do not bring foods that will cause a reaction.

● Dancers will be fully active in the lesson being given and not distracted by social conversation, cell phones, smart watches, and events that are not relevant to classroom material.

● Cell phones and smart watches are NOT allowed DURING class time AND IF SEEN IN CLASS WILL BE TAKEN UP UNTIL THE DANCER’S TIME TO GO HOME. If a cell phone or smartwatch becomes a frequent problem we will contact the dancer’s guardian to make arrangements to alleviate the problem.

Classroom Attire

- - - - X

It is important that our dancers wear the appropriate attire. Our instructors strive to provide instruction and feedback to students based on their bodies’ execution and performance of movement. If articles of clothing are a hindrance to the instructor seeing the body in movement, it inhibits their ability to fully teach and critique the dancer. Dancers who come to class without proper attire will face the following consequences:

- 1st time: Verbal warning

- 2nd time: Call guardian to bring proper attire and to notify that dancer cannot attend class again if not in proper attire.

- 3rd time: Dancer will not be able to join class.

KCPA Assembly Classroom Dress Code:

● Jazz Technique

○

Girls: Black leotard with dance appropriate shorts. Dancers may wear jazz shoes or dance paws. Loose fitting athletic shorts are not dance appropriate. Hair must be slicked back in a ponytail or bun.

○ Boys: They can wear tight fitting black pants that are cuffed at the ankle or black basketball length shorts. They must wear either a slim fit black or white shirt such as a slim t-shirt or tank, or an athletic (compression style) long sleeveshirt. No baggy shirts.

● Ballet

○

Girls: Dancers are required to wear a black leotard and footed pink tights in ALL ballet classes. Dancers may wear tight fitting warm-ups such as fitted sweaters and they must wear ballet shoes. Hair must be slicked back in a bun. (Dancers can wear skin color tights only if their ballet shoes are skin color as well)

○ Boys: Must wear black shorts or fitted pants that are cuffed at the ankle to allow visibility. They must wear either a slim fit black or white shirt such as a slim t-shirt or tank, or an athletic (compression style) long sleeve shirt. No baggy shirts.

● Tap Dancers have more freedom with their attire in this class. They can wear any pants, capri, or shorts made for exercising and black in color. No jeans or khaki pants. Dancers can wear any black tank or t-shirt and must have tap shoes. Tap Assembly dancers are required to wear Shim Sham, Zoot, or GS1 tap shoes provided by Dancing Fair through Jennifer Kaiser.

● Hip Hop:

Dancers can wear black sweatpants or running pants to allow ease with floor work, and any black shirt. Dancers should wear non-marking and clean (no mud) tennis shoes. Please, no street clothes such as jeans, khaki pants, dress shirts, dresses or shorts.

NOTE: THE LAST WEEK OF EVERY MONTH, DANCERS CAN WEAR STYLE APPROPRIATE DANCEWEAR IN KCPA COLORS: SHADES OF TEAL, RED, GREY, AND BLACK

Teamwork

- - - - X

It is important that our Assembly dancers support and respect one another as individuals and as a part of our community. Dancers will not disrespect each other verbally, physically, or emotionally. If any dancer goes against the KCPA teamwork standards, the situation will be evaluated and the dancer will be disciplined accordingly. Discipline can include extraction from performances or removal from the Assembly team as a whole which will result in a $250 contract retraction fee.

It is also important that every member of the Assembly is supported by and supports ALL other Assembly members regardless of age or level.

● All Assembly members are required to attend all performances, competitions, and KCPA Performance Assembly sponsored events.

● We are a team and need to support each other wholeheartedly throughout the entire year. Our staff, dancers, and parents will work together to make events fun and enjoyable.

“ We Rise By Lifting Others.

-Robert Ingersol ”

No Negativity Policy

KCPA takes pride in the positive energy surrounding our studio. Staff members, dancers, and parents are required to follow our No Negativity policy. The No Negativity Rules:

● Do not disrespect an instructor in any fashion. Yelling, ignoring, changing choreography or deciding you “don’t like” a dance is unacceptable.

● Negativity in the classroom will not be tolerated. No profanity, poor attitudes, temper tantrums, insults to fellow dancers or self, refusal to perform, or refusal to follow instructions.

● The words “I can’t” will be eliminated from the vocabulary of all dancers.

● Negative conversation about KCPA or any other businesses, including other dance studios, will not be tolerated.

● Negative conversation among dancers, parents, or staff is prohibited at performances, conventions, and competitions.

● Dancers and parents will present themselves as positive role-models at all times.

● Dancers and parents should be open minded and accepting of exploratory investigations in dance technique and performance. Closed mindedness is incompatible with artistry.

● Dancers and parents who break these rules will be redirected to review the signed contract. However, severe or recurring actions will be seen as a breach of contract and the dancer may be removed from their team and responsibilities at KCPA resulting in a $250 contract retraction fee.

Public Representation & Social Media Policy

The Kaiser Center for the Performing Arts (KCPA) prohibits inappropriate postings on social media platforms and text messages which are offensive or in violation of state or federal law. Social media platforms include, but are not limited to, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Assembly dancers are considered representatives of KCPA and their participation in social media platforms and texting interaction will be subject to intense scrutiny.

KCPA will adhere to the following rules regarding social media:

● Cyberbullying in any form, towards anyone, will not be tolerated. Cyberbullying will be considered by occurrence, and punishment will be at the discretion of the Owner and Directors of KCPA.

● Specific mention of KCPA and competition teams must be positive in nature.

● Dancers and parents are not to post or text negative content in regards to any team or team member on any social media platform.

● Dancers and parents will refrain from responding negatively to any posting or text regarding activities at KCPA.

● Dancers that become concerned about any posts or texts will ignore the comments and bring the concern to the attention of their choreographer or KCPA owner, Jennifer Kaiser. KCPA directors will handle the situation appropriately.

● Pictures and videos of KCPA competition team members will not display inappropriate or illegal behavior. This includes social media posts while in KCPA casual or competition wear.

Failure to follow the above rules will be subject to disciplinary action at the discretion of the owner and may include, but is not limited to:

● A conference with the dancer and parent to discuss the infraction.

● A written reprimand stating probationary status.

● Exclusion from Assembly activities.

● Removal of the dancer from the team and a $250 contract retraction fee.

The severity of the discipline is determined by the infraction and number of offenses.

By signing this contract, I acknowledge that I have reviewed the KCPA social media policy and agree to the terms and conditions therein. I acknowledge that my social media and texting activities reflect upon the reputation of KCPA and competition teams as a whole.

Social Relationships

- - - - X

Boyfriends, girlfriends, partners, and casual friends of KCPA dancers are not allowed to be backstage at ANY dance event. Dancers are expected to focus on and support their KCPA teammates. Friends who attend an event will be expected to remain in the audience or lobby at events and behave in a respectful manner while at any KCPA social gathering.

Photo Release

- - - - X

I give permission to The Kaiser Center for the Performing Arts to use pictures and or video of my child for advertising purposes in print, promotional videos and on the website.

Financial Commitment

Tuition

Tuition is due on the first of every month and is based on the number of classes for which you are registered. There are NO refunds for registration fees, costume, recital fees or classes. If class is cancelled due to weather, sickness, or any issues arising from COVID-19 there is no refund for these missed classes. If the studio is required to close due to government shutdowns, classes will be immediately shifted to virtual learning via zoom and Assembly dancers will be required to train and rehearse as if we were in the studio.

Competition Fees

In addition to tuition, the cost to compete with each dance, including Alpha-Zeta team dance, includes choreography-kickstart fees, costume and competition fees. These fees will be averaged and spread across monthly payments depending on the length of the season. This cost does not include monthly tuition, conventions, shoes, tights or unforeseen additions to costumes such as embellishments or tailoring.

Late Fees

● Tuition & Fees 10 days past due will incur a late fee of $15 and the dancer will not be allowed to attend class.

● Tuition & Fees 30 days past due incur an additional $25 late fee and the dancer will be prevented from participating in any KCPA classes and events.

● Tuition & Fees 60 days past due will result in the dancer being removed from KCPA and incur the $250 contract retraction fee.

● Tuition 4 months overdue will be handed over to a collection agency.

In the event that outside circumstances affect your financial situation, KCPA will work with those who may encounter a financial need during the year. Please notify KCPA in a timely manner and we will be happy to meet with you to discuss possible solutions.

Absence Policy

It is important that students learn to prioritize and maintain a strong attendance record.

Much like academic school, we classify two types of absences: excused and unexcused.

Excused

● Illness. A note from a doctor with the date of the physician’s examination is requested.

● Death in the family or funeral/memorial.

● Mandated school functions such as graded concerts/performances.

● Hospitalization of a dancer, parent, or guardian.

● The following are considered unexcused absences:

● Absence due to not having homework finished in a timely manner.

Unexcused

● Absence due to failing grades at school.

● Personal vacation.

● Any absence not listed as an excused absence.

If a dancer misses any classes, excused or unexcused, they must make up by taking another approved technique class. If a dancer has 3 unexcused absences, regardless of make-ups, a meeting will be held with the dancer, his/her parent, and a KCPA staff member. The dancer could potentially be extracted from performances and possibly the Assembly.

Fees Associated with Choreography Rehearsal Absences.

We understand that some absences are unavoidable. We also know that circumstances don’t alter responsibilities and rehearsal require full attendance for us to provide our dancers and families the most successful experience. There is value in our dancers’ presence! If a dancer has 3 absences (excused or unexcused) in a team rehearsal, regardless of time span, a $60 fee will be charged to the dancer’s account and charged to the default card on file. This fee will be used to cover the cost of

schedule extra rehearsals if needed. We expect our dancers and families to plan their absences wisely in order to avoid any added fees.

Our goal is not to make income from absence fees, but rather to establish healthy planning at attendance habits that allow our teams to succeed.

If a dancer is injured or ill and needs to miss multiple weeks of practice, a director from KCPA will meet with a family member to discuss next steps. If a dancer is too injured or sick to compete, they will not be allowed to compete for safety reasons.**

If a dancer cannot attend class or will be late, they are required to notify the studio at least 24 hours prior to class. This assists the instructor in case class plans may need to change according to class size. Classes may be rescheduled if attendance is going to be half or less than half of the group.

It is important that each dancer comes to class on time. On time means 15 minutes before the class starts. When dancers are late, they disrupt the classroom instruction and they miss the class warm-up which is critical in the dancer’s preparation for dancing.

Injury and Illness

Any dancer who is absent from class or takes a “sit day” due to injury must have a doctor’s note with the following information included:

● The date of the physician’s examination.

● A list of activities that the student cannot execute due to the injury.

● The date in which the student can return to full activity, or

● If the return date is not included the dancer must have a separate clearance note from the doctor, stating that they can return to regular activities.

Any dancer who is required to discontinue dancing for more than 2 weeks may be cut from their position in their dances. These situations will be evaluated on an individual basis. KCPA expects that all decisions are respected by all parties and are made in the best interest of the injured party and their team.

Competition and Convention

All members of the Assembly teams are preparing for competition. However, this does not mean that all dancers will automatically represent KCPA at competition.

Dances intended for competition will compete when the choreographer and directors have reached a mutual agreement that the dance and dancers are ready. Each dancer must get approval for every competition. Each dance will be observed based on the following criteria:

● Technical ability and execution of the choreographed movement.

● Ability to perform.

● Knowledge and retention of the choreography.

● Level of practice at home and in the studio towards the choreography.

● Attitude in class and towards the dance.

If your dancer has been chosen for competition, you are absolutely required to attend ALL mandatory competitions. If for ANY reason a dancer cannot or does not attend a competition, they could be extracted from that dance and potentially from the team; and/or the parent of the absent dancer will be charged an extra $150 choreography fee on their account to cover the cost of the choreographer’s time for their extra work.

By pulling from a competition, dancers are causing their team to work beyond necessity to “fix” the staging and choreography and forcing the choreographer to spend extra time on an already competition-ready dance. This is not acceptable.

After a dancer competes, they are required to stay at the competition until the awards presentation is complete. If you question whether or not your dancer has permission to leave, please seek the advice of your director.

It is crucial that our dancers and parents understand that our KCPA Assembly dancers have been chosen by the directors to represent our choreography at competition. If the choreographers feel that their choreography will not be represented at the highest standard, those

dances will not be taken to competition. Not only do the KCPA staff, parents, and dancers have to keep in mind the integrity of our dancers, but we also have to respect the integrity of our choreographers. Dancers are required to be in attendance for all of their choreography and technique classes 2-weeks prior to all competitions/conventions.

All Assembly dancers must attend the KCPA mandatory convention. Dancers must wear KCPA Assembly gear and/or colors the Saturday of convention. If a dancer will miss any part of convention for any reason, KCPA leadership must be informed ahead of time and reasoning must be approved. All Assembly dancers attending any convention may only participate at their registered level. For example, if a dancer is registered at the junior level, he or she cannot leave the junior room to dance in any other level. The ONLY exception is for dancers who are extremely beyond their age level and audition with the convention to be approved to move up a level. Parents can only observe classes if they have purchased an observer band. Anyone who attempts to observe without purchasing an observer band will be escorted out by the convention faculty (this is a convention policy, not a KCPA policy).

If a competition or convention is cancelled due to government shutdown, each vendor will have their own refund/credit policies. KCPA will evaluate refunds/credits based on the individual vendor responses. Our goal is to work with vendors who responded positively to the previous shut-down. KCPA cannot refund or credit money that is not refunded or credited back to KCPA and we cannot control outside-vendor policy changes.

National Honor Society

The Kaiser Center for the Performing Arts has chosen to participate as a member of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO). One of the incentives of being a part of NDEO is sponsoring our chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts specifically for KCPA. In order for dancers to be considered for the National Society for Dance Arts they must fulfill the following requirements:

● Dancers must be either at the Middle School level: 6th grade to 8th grade, or the High School level: 9th grade to 12th grade.

● Induction into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts is based on a point system which requires that the dancers must be willing to explore all avenues of dance such as dance appreciation, teaching/pedagogy, dance history, dance criticism, stageproduction, Laban Movement Analysis (LMA), labanotation, choreography, and performance process. Extra reading and writing assignments and technical stage work are required of our honor students.

● They must be positive role-models at the studio, providing a positive image for all individuals at our institution to look up to and respect.

● While Jennifer Kaiser, the NHSDA sponsor, does not have the ability to access academic grades, it is up to the parents to inform her of academic achievement or academic negligence.

● Students who are members of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts will be recognized for their achievement at the KCPA Induction, by wearing their honor pin, and at graduation by wearing the NHSDA honor cord.

We, at KCPA, take our Honor Society extremely seriously and are truly excited to invite new members into our chapter.

More information on the National Dance Education Organization can be found at www.ndeo.org, and for more information on the National Honor Society for Dance Arts you can click on the “national programs” link on the NDEO website.

Communication

KCPA will use the Band App for all KCPA communication. Please make sure to download the free app available for IOS and Android and enable notifications so you are alerted when important information is posted. Once you have committed to the Assembly, you will receive the appropriate Band App invitations. All Assembly information you need to know will be shared on the Band App. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay informed of special announcements and events. All studio-wide important information regarding accounts, scheduling, and announcements will arrive via email. Make sure your email address with the studio is always current.

Team/dance questions should first go through the choreographer/teacher. Studio questions should go directly through the studio via email at info@kcpadance.com, or phone call or text at (214) 537-0724. If you need to contact your director, you will need to email their KCPA email or use the Band App. Communication via personal phone/text, social media or email will not be permitted and directors are instructed to not respond. Please be respectful of personal boundaries when you want to reach out to KCPA staff. There will be a 48-hour no-contact phase (not including classes) after all KCPA events: Conventions, competitions, performances, etc. If any contact is made within that 48-hour phase, staff is instructed not to respond and will respond after the 48-hours.

Guardian Responsibilities

Being a parent/guardian of a KCPA Assembly dancer means more than paying the fees. The core of our dancer’s success is not only from the training they receive at KCPA but also from the support and guidance that they receive from their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians of KCPA should always:

● Enforce the expectations of our contract. This can be done through verbal communication as well as leading by example.

● Make sure dancers are capable of fulfilling the expectations outlined in the contract, such as making sure dancers have transportation to class in order to attend class and arrive on time.

● Make sure dancers understand the contract and understand the consequences for not respecting the contract (especially in the case of younger dancers). Additionally, make sure that schedules are arranged in order for your dancer to commit to the requirements that KCPA outlines.

● It is important that Assembly parents present a positive image that the students can respect and learn from.

● Maintain a respectful relationship with all other dancers and parents. We understand that not all personality types work well with each other, but it is imperative that all parents be respectful of everyone associated with KCPA.

● Establish a positive working relationship with their dancer’s teachers in order to fully understand the requirements needed for each class. This means respecting personal boundaries and trusting the instructors’ process with their students. Guardians will only be allowed to contact KCPA staff through their KCPA emails and should never text or call their personal phone numbers, or message via social media.

● Be aware of the scheduled events and financial responsibilities necessary for Assembly dancers. All information can be found at the front desk should you miss an email or post. If you are not receiving emails, please contact the office to make sure that your email is correctly submitted.

Covid 19 Waiver

Assumption of the Risk and Waiver of Liability Relating to Coronavirus/COVID-19

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is extremely contagious and is believed to spread mainly from person-to-person contact.

The Kaiser Center for the Performing Arts (KCPA) has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, KCPA cannot guarantee that you or your child(ren) will not become infected with COVID-19. Further, attending KCPA could increase your risk and your child(ren)’s risk of contracting COVID-19.

I release KCPA, it’s instructors, independent contractors, and all other associates from liability for harm, theft, or injury that may be suffered by me and/or members of my family traveling to or from or during participation in activities and programs sponsored by KCPA. I hereby acknowledge that I am voluntarily assuming full responsibility for all risks of physical injury arising out of active participation in a dance class or other dance related activities. I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and other contagious diseases and viruses and voluntary assume the risk that I and/or my children may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by attending and participating and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death. I understand that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 and other contagious diseases and viruses may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, employees, independent contractors, volunteers, and program participants and their families. I release KCPA, its instructors, independent contractors and all associates from liability for harm, injury or death pertaining to COVID-19 and other contagious diseases and viruses.

After reading so many expectations outlined in this contract, we want to remind our dancers and their parents of our belief that dance is a form of expression and a release from everyday stresses. It is important to us that within the disciplined form of dance, our dancers are still having a good time, building lifetime relationships, and making memories. We hope to provide our dancers with an experience that will positively affect them through their childhood and into adulthood.

“

You dance love, and you dance joy, and you dance dreams.

-Gene Kelley

”

Signature Page

I, (Assembly Member)have read the KCPA Assembly contract and understand all of the responsibilities and expectations that are required as an Assembly member. I understand that failure to respect this contract can result in the extraction from performances and possibly the Assembly. I also understand that this contract will begin on the first day of classes and will end with our yearly recital.

Dancer Signature:

Date:

I, (Parent/Guardian) have read the KCPA Assembly contract and understand all of the responsibilities and expectations that are required as an Assembly member. I understand that failure to respect this contract can result in the extraction from performances and possibly the Assembly. I also understand that this contract will begin on the first day of classes and will end with our yearly recital.

Guardian Signature:

Date: