• Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of the building and high-touch surfaces is conducted.
• Dance staff clean equipment and supplies between each group’s use.
• Bathrooms are sanitized every two hours.
• End of day cleaning of the recreation center is performed with electrostatic misters for additional disinfecting.
• Participants displaying any COVID symptoms are isolated until pick-up and can return with a note from a medical professional stating they acknowledge the symptom displayed in class but that the participant is approved to return to the program.
• Participants who are suspected of having COVID, test positive, or have come into close contact with someone who is COVID-positive in the last 14 days must report this information to the Recreation Supervisor so proper protocol can be followed.

• Classes maintain distance between them while in the facility at the same time.
• Sanitizing of hands upon entering the dance room is required.

• “Participants” includes dancers and parents/guardians in a parent-child class.
• Participants must conduct a wellness check prior to coming to class. Current symptoms include:
  • Fever of 100.4+ degrees or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, the new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • Refer to the CDC website as the list of symptoms is updated occasionally.
• Participants cannot attend if they:
  • Are displaying any COVID symptoms.
  • Tested positive for COVID or are awaiting test results.
  • Have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID. Close contact includes a person in their household or someone they were within 6’ of for 15+ minutes.
• Participants need to be able to maintain 6’ of the distance between other participants at all times.
• Participants should come dressed for dance. Use the washroom before leaving home. For increased safety measures, we ask that you limit restroom and locker room usage as much as possible.
• Participants should eat before or after classes. Snacks are not allowed.
• Bring a bag/backpack with the following:
  • Water bottle (filled). A drinking fountain is not available.

Regular attendance at all dance classes is expected and imperative to develop the skills to be successful throughout the year. Choreography and technique are taught weekly to prepare for the performances and competition.

Absence

• All dancers are allowed no more than 3 absences in each class from September through April. Although dancers are allowed 3 absences, we encourage perfect attendance.
• Dancers should only be absent if it is absolutely necessary. A dancer who misses a class and rehearsal may hold back the progress of the entire team.
• Attendance is monitored closely in all classes.
• There are no “make-up” classes for any absence.
• Excessive absence is not acceptable.
• If you are sick for multiple weeks, injured, or on vacation let your instructor know.
• When a dancer is absent from a choreography class, they are expected to learn the choreography prior to returning to the next class.

Promptness 

• Be on time as rehearsals are very important.

Dress Code

Dress Codes must be followed by Dance Competition members. Dress appropriately for the class including proper shoes. Hair should be styled neatly and away from the face.

Personal Belongings

• Cellphone Usage – Dancers may have phones, but they must remain in bags for the duration of the class. The only time a phone can be used is with the permission of the instructor.
• No personal belongings.
• No food or snacks; only water bottles are allowed in the dance rooms.

Be a Role Model

Set a positive example by being well-behaved, mature, and responsible. It’s Fortè Dancers job set good examples for others. Part of a team and are expected to support, help, and work together with all of your peers.

Dedication

Take rehearsal content and what you learn seriously; practice outside of class as often as necessary.

Discipline

Discipline is carried out in a way that helps children develop self-control and assume responsibility for their own behavior. We make every effort to assist the child in correcting any unacceptable behavior through redirection, reminders of expected behavior, time-outs, and parent conferences. Our approach focuses on positive reinforcement; staff acts in a manner that is kind and caring, yet firm. If an incident occurs, instructors have a behavioral form detailing what happened for parents.

Etiquette

Keep talking to a minimum; excessive talking hinders rehearsal productivity.

Review corrections. When you receive a correction, try to fix it immediately but also remember it in the future so it is not repeated. At the end of class, make mental notes of the corrections you received.

Class Cancellation

Classes may be canceled by the Carol Stream Park District if the facility is closed due to unforeseen circumstances such as power outages, flooding, weather, etc.

Class Combined

Classes may be combined if they do not meet the 6 participation requirements.

Extra Classes

We encourage all company members to take additional classes to work on technique and get a variety of different skills from various instructors. Taking additional classes make Fortè members more well-rounded dancers. Etra classes are not mandatory. An additional fee, costume, and competition fee is applied.

Instructor Substitution

If an instructor is absent due to illness, the Carol Stream Park District reserves the right to staff a qualified substitute or schedule a make-up class.

Make-up Classes

Make-up classes are not scheduled for missed classes due to patron personal conflict.

Missed Classes

Refunds and proration are not issued for missed classes due to patron personal conflict.

Competitor’s Obligations 

All competitors are required to rehearse during their scheduled time slot as well as a practice throughout the week on their own time. Dancers are provided a copy of all competition music.

Fees

There is a fee per dancer per dance that they are registered for. If dancers are in more than one company, in a small group or technique class payment is per class. Duets and Trio fees are per dancer per group. Dancers are responsible for fees associated with competitions.

Judging

When a competition team member sign-ups, it is with the understanding that being a member of the competitive team. Remember the team is judged as a team when competing, and one student with bad attendance hurts the entire team. Occasionally there are required school events that may interfere with rehearsals, if this is the case, bring it to our attention. Of course, classes may be missed due to illness, injuries.

Competitors are also judged on their costumes, hair, and makeup.

Schedule

The time of competition and the exact day is given a week before the competition.

Dancers must wear the appropriate costume for any and all dances that you are a part of.

Borrowed Costumes

Any borrowed costumes from the Carol Stream Park District must be returned at the end of the season. Instructors collect any items that belong to the Carol Stream Park District at the end of the winter season after the Holiday Showcase, and at the end of the season after the competition or recital.

Fees

There are costume fees that provide each dancer with one costume per company they are in. Like the competition fee’s these apply per class that your dancer is in including small groups, multiple companies, and the technique class.

Lost

Keep costumes in a safe place and do not lose any pieces. If you do lose a piece, CSPD will attempt to help you find a replacement however any costs incurred are the responsibility of the dancer.

Ages 8+
Parents may pick-up and drop-off them in the parking lot. Dancers are not permitted to walk home or meet parents at another location in or out of the building unless the form is completed.

Ages 12+
Dancers may arrive and depart on their own. A self-sign out form must be completed.

Late Pick-up

Late Pick up is not provided. Dancers must be picked up at end of class. We understand an emergency may arise that could cause a late pick up. In that instance, dancers need to stay in the room with an instructor.  If late pick up becomes habitual, a fee may occur.

The Fortè Dance Company performs around the community in the wintertime; participate in seasonal group outings, two Carol Stream Park District performances, and a competition. All companies come together and perform a finale dance at the end of the recital.

Payments

Company members must meet the financial requirements for rehearsals, competitions, special performances, and costumes.

Payments – Monthly Basis All payment plans must be made via automatic withdraw on the 15^st of each month. Complete an automatic payment request form at the time of registration. Payments are set up to be made two weeks prior to participation. Payments that are not successfully processed prior to the first of the month or participation is suspended. The monthly fee is determined based on the average monthly cost to run the program annually. Price per month is not broken down by the number of practices that month. When there is time off during the summer, fall, and winter the monthly rate remains the same.

Costume, competition, and performance fees are paid through a code throughout the entire season.

Refund and Withdrawal Policy

View Refund and Withdrawal Policy

There are no refunds for missed classes, or costumes.

We offer Fortè opportunity for participants interested in competing with additional dances such as trios, duets, or small group dances. This is a selected group of dancers that work well together, have good behavior, and attends class regularly.

Fees

There is an additional costume fee, competition fee, and rehearsal fee. We keep everyone updated on pricing for this additional Fortè opportunity.

Placement

Dancers do not choose their own groups, groups are assigned by instructors. Indicate on your audition form if you’re interested in an additional dance to be performed at the competition.

Holiday Dance Showcase and Spring Dance Recital

At least one parent for each Fortè member is required to volunteer at our Holiday Dance Showcase and Spring Dance Recital. Options include set-up the prior evening or a variety of positions the day of the event. Volunteers must be over the age of 18.

Parent Committee

The Fortè Dance Company has a small parent committee that meets once a month to go over and plan fundraisers, group outings, and parties.

• Dancers should be rested for class.
• Dancers should have a healthy snack before class.
• Try to limit dancers’ absences; however, if your dancer is not feeling well keep them home until they feel better.