Welcome
Welcome to the Gotta Dance! Performing Arts Competition Team!
Congratulations on being selected as a member of our competition team! We are excited to have you join us for another incredible season.
Being a competition dancer is about much more than trophies. It is about developing confidence, discipline, teamwork, responsibility, resilience, and a lifelong love of dance.
This handbook outlines the expectations and responsibilities of dancers and their families. By signing this agreement, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to follow the policies contained within.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide dancers with exceptional technical training while fostering confidence, sportsmanship, teamwork, integrity, and personal growth.
We believe every dancer should:
• Respect themselves and others.
• Work hard.
• Encourage teammates.
• Display good sportsmanship.
• Represent our studio with pride.
• Honor their commitment.
Team Commitment
Competition team is a year-long commitment.
Dancers agree to:
• Attend all required classes.
• Attend scheduled rehearsals.
• Practice choreography outside of class.
• Arrive prepared and on time.
• Represent the studio positively.
Parents agree to:
• Support attendance requirements.
• Maintain financial obligations.
• Encourage positive attitudes.
• Communicate respectfully with staff.
Attendance Policy
Required attendance includes:
• Weekly technique classes
• Team rehearsals
• Choreography rehearsals
• Summer classes
• Master classes (if required)
• Local community performances
Each dancer is allowed a maximum of 5 absences per class.
Excused absences:
• Illness
• Family emergency
• School-required events
Unexcused absences:
• Social activities
• Sports/plays/musicals
• Sleepovers
• Birthday parties
• Optional vacations
Competition Expectations
• Attend all scheduled competitions.
• Arrive 2 hours before first dance.
• Stay for entire time slot unless approved.
• Attend awards.
• Cheer for teammates.
• Display excellent sportsmanship.
Convention Requirements
• Not mandatory, but encouraged.
• Participate in all relevant classes.
• Proper attire required.
• Respect instructors.
Nationals
• Participation not mandatory.
• Mandatory rehearsals must be attended.
• Arrive 2 hours before first dance.
• Master classes are mandatory.
• Parents handle hotel booking.
Classes
Required technique classes may include:
• Ballet
• Jazz
• Acro
• Turns & Leaps
• Stretch & Conditioning
Dress Code
• Hair secured properly.
• Proper dance attire required.
• No jeans or street clothing.
Competition Appearance
Dancers must arrive with hair, makeup, costume, tights, shoes, and accessories ready.
Behavior Expectations
• Be respectful.
• Encourage teammates.
• Listen to teachers.
• Accept corrections.
• Demonstrate sportsmanship.
• Clean up personal space.
Parent Expectations
• Encourage positivity.
• Speak respectfully.
• Avoid negative discussions at competitions.
• Support all dancers.
Social Media Policy
Refrain from negative comments, complaints, or posting confidential information.
Financial Policies
Families are responsible for:
• Monthly tuition
• Competition fees
• Registration fee
• Costume fees
• Convention fees
• Nationals fees
• Team apparel
Late payments may affect participation.
Costumes
• Remain studio property until paid in full.
• Deposits non-refundable.
• Parents maintain costume condition.
Injuries
• Notify instructors.
• Provide documentation if needed.
• Attend class to observe if unable to dance.
Communication
Parents must read all studio communications.
Photography & Video Release
Studio may use photos/videos for promotional purposes.
Team Placement
Placement decisions are final.
Removal from Team
Reasons may include:
• Excessive absences
• Poor attendance
• Tardiness
• Unsportsmanlike conduct
• Bullying
• Financial non-compliance
• Policy violations