As the areas premier performing arts school, we offer the most comprehensive curriculum, modern facility, and experienced faculty. Our number one goal is to provide the best performing arts education, with time-tested teaching emphasizing proper techniques and terminology as well as current and cutting edge choreography, in a safe learning environment.
Only Stars In Motion can provide the numerous performing opportunities afforded our students, not to mention our association with Ballet DeSoto where our students perform in the Nutcracker and Broadway ShowCase, and audition for the Spring ballet.
If you have any questions regarding our school, please do not hesitate to call our office or send us an email. We look forward to dancing with you!
PERFORMANCE POLICY
SIM is a performing arts school. Performance is an important part of our program. All students are expected to participate in the fall and spring recitals. The Nutcracker will be performed November 2-8, 2009. The end of year ShowCase will be held June 5-6, 2010. Both of these events are presented by Ballet DeSoto and will be held at the DeSoto Civic Center Theater with tickets sold through the Box Office. Many other opportunities will be available throughout the season. Our students perform at the March of Dimes WalkAmerica ; area Christmas parades in December; DeSoto Health Care in February; Relay For Life; OB Old Towns MayFest; DeSoto Sunrise Old Time Festival in June. Elementary and intermediate students will perform at RiverKings games; junior and senior students will perform at a Grizzlies game. As well, our students are invited to perform at city and business events, openings, expos, and fairs. Attendance at these "community events" is optional but encouraged. Community performance opportunities allow our students to practice the stage skills and choreography learned in class in a comfortable, relaxed environment. These events are fun and help build confidence and excitement toward performing at larger events in the future.
PLACEMENT
Students will be placed according to age, ability and previous experience, but most importantly within the level at which they can best reach their full potential. Students new to SIM will need to schedule an assessment prior to enrollment to ensure proper placement. Current students will be notified of advancement following the ShowCase.
ATTENDANCE
Students should be present and on time at each scheduled lesson. If your child misses a class due to illness or travel, please call to schedule a make-up lesson. Students should not arrive more than 5 minutes prior to class time. No student should be allowed to wait outside the studio. Please be prompt after class; younger students may not wait unattended in the lobby.
CLOSINGS (2009-2010)
Our classes will begin Tuesday, September 8th. We will close November 25-29 for Thanksgiving; December 20-January 10 for Christmas; March 15-21 for Spring Break, and May 28-31 for Memorial Day. We will follow DeSoto County schools for closings due to weather. No other closings are scheduled.
UNIFORMS/SUPPLIES
All students are expected to be dressed in accordance to the class level uniform and to arrive at each class with appropriate dance shoes, labeled and in a dance bag. Hair must be secured away from face in pony, clips or small barrettes for preschool students; elementary, intermediate and advanced students must wear hair in a bun for all ballet classes. Students in separate-day jazz/tap classes may wear hair away from face in any removable fashion. Students arriving for class out of dress code will be allowed to watch class but may not participate. No jewelry at any time, class or performance, or underwear with tights.
DANCEWEAR ORDERS
All dancewear, including dress code leotards and shoes, should be purchased through the studio to ensure uniformity. Please order according to street/retail sizing. We will reorder only once for size discrepancy. Students with sizing difficulties (extremely narrow or wide shoe sizes) should verify the style shoes needed for class and purchase through a local dancewear store. Order forms for each level are available with itemized costs. If you already have a required item, you do not need to order a new one. Each student will need to purchase the performance tee. All orders must be paid in full and are non-refundable.
LOBBY ETTIQUETTE
We take pride in the appearance of our studio. Our lobby is designed to be a drop-off/ pick-up area as well as a pleasant place to visit with other parents while your child is in class. At no time should the lobby be used as a playground or picnic area for siblings or visitors. No food or drinks are permitted in the lobby. The chairs, benches and stools are for sitting only. A full list of expectations for the lobby and studio will be posted. We encourage parents to use the observation windows to watch students; however, please refrain from gaining their attention in the form of waving, tapping or entering the studio.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
Students are expected to conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen at all times and regard the class in a serious fashion. Each class will maintain a structure and discipline according to the average age of the class. Students choosing to act outside of the established rules will sit out; continued abuse of the class rules will result in the students dismissal from the class. No gum, food or drink is allowed in the dance room. No visitors, parents or siblings will be allowed in the teaching areas during class time. Please be sure your child visits the bathroom before class.
NEWSLETTER
A newsletter will be emailed the first week of each month. It is the parents responsibility to sign up for the newletter online (see the home page). The newsletter is an important resource and the main communication between the school and home. Aside from the newsletter, Nutcracker and ShowCase updates will be emailed closer to performance times. The current Newsletter and updates will be posted on the website archives.
SHOWSTARS
Our competitive dance team, ShowStars, is available to the serious student desiring additional challenge. Student must be enrolled in classes at SIM with near perfect attendance. A parents meeting will be held early in the season for those interested in this program. All members of ShowStars must attend one convention per season; all rehearsals and performances are mandatory. Attendance at Summer Session classes is highly recommended.
CONFERENCES
Most of our classes run back to back and do not allow time for extended conversation between parent and teacher. If you find need to discuss your student, please schedule a telephone conference or send us an e-mail.
