Center For Movement Arts Policies

Adult Tuition

All class fees are to be paid in advance with cash or check (sorry, no credit cards accepted). There is a $20.00 fee for all returned checks. With the exception of Ballroom and specialty classes, dance classes can be purchased individually or in groups of five, ten, fifteen or twenty. Class cards are valid for 90 days. Class cards and session fees are non-refundable.

Children's Tuition

Classes for children are bought in seven or eight week sessions. Summer sessions are typically three weeks in length. Session fees are due no later than the first day of your child's class. Fees are based on one, two or three classes a week. There is a $20.00 registration fee for all new students. There is a $20.00 fee for all returned checks. A maximum of two (2) make-ups for missed classes will be allowed in a class of the same or lower level during sessions I, II and III. All make-ups must take place during the session in which the classes were missed. Make-ups will not be allowed during sessions IV or V for classes involved with open showing (usually Steps I+ and up). Tuition and fees for all children's classes are not refundable.

Holidays & Closures

CMA is closed for a portion of the Christmas/New Year's holiday, Memorial Day weekend, Labor Day, Thanksgiving day, and Independence day. Scheduled closures are posted several weeks in advance. We do not mirror the Portland Public Schools in weather or holiday closures. When in doubt, please call the studio.

Dress Code

Our policy on attire for children is as follows:

• All students placed in Steps I or higher will have a specific uniform for class. Girls must be in a black leotard (any style), pink tights and pink slippers. No skirts at this time please and no bare legs!


• Students in Intermediate I may wear a single color ballet skirt.


• Boys should wear plain black soccer shorts or black leggings, white T-shirt or leotard, white socks and black ballet shoes.


• Children in Creative Movement levels I or II are not required to wear black and pink dancewear but should appear in neat, plain dancewear (including tights) that does not include tulle, sequins, sparkles or feathers.


• Ballet slippers are required for all children's classes, pink for girls and black for boys. All hair must be tied back or in a bun to be kept out of the dancer's face.


• For safety, jewelry of any kind is not allowed, with the exception of medical bracelets.

Our policy on attire for adults is as follows:

• Ballet & Modern: Standard dance attire. Ballet slippers are required for ballet classes at all levels. Bare feet work best in modern dance. While we do not enforce a strict dress code for adults, the instructor's ability to see the student's use of the ankle, knee, hip and back is extremely helpful. Standard leotard and tights are optimal but are not insisted upon. If unsure, speak to your instructor.


• Ballroom and Pilates: Loose, comfortable and cool clothing works best in these classes. Tai chi, yoga and Pilates are performed barefoot or in socks. For Ballroom classes, please bring to class a pair of clean soled dance shoes that will be used for dancing in the studio. Smooth-soled "dress shoes" work best for men. Rubber-soled or heavily treaded shoes inhibit your ability to turn and pivot. Women should bring shoes that have a closed toe and no greater than a two inch heel. Flats are also fine as long as they stay on your feet well. Bare feet and thongs are unacceptable.

Advancement Policies in Children's Classes

• Class placement is at the sole discretion of CMA Directors and Instructors. All decisions are final.


• Advancement is based primarily on mastery of skills, behavior and attendance. All three factors are of equal importance.


• Social relationships, logistics, carpools, age, study at studios, schools or organizations other than CMA and length of time at CMA are NOT factors in advancement.


• Effective September 2014, advancement beyond Ballet 1+ "A" requires summer study. There are several options. Please ask the Directors for more details.


• Initiation of pointe work has a separate set of requirements. Please ask the Directors for details.


• Dancers in Pre-Ballet and Ballet classes average one to two years at each level. Dancers in Workshop classes average two to three years at each level. These numbers are averages only. There are always exceptions based on the technical development of each individual dancer.


• Advancement in non-recital classes (Creative Movement One thru Steps One) can happen any time of year. Advancement in recital classes (Steps Two thru Advanced Ballet) happens between June and January. No move-ups occur in Recital classes between January and June.

Food & Beverages

Food, gum, soda and juices are not allowed in the studio. A self-sealing water bottle, however, is encouraged.

Behavior

The directors will not tolerate rude, disruptive or derogatory behavior or language on the premises. Such behavior is grounds for expulsion at the directors' discretion. Egotistical behavior and rude comments in class are not appreciated. CMA does not practice or tolerate language or behavior that could be construed as discriminatory toward race, religion, gender, economic or social status, bodily aesthetics, political affiliation, or sexual orientation.

Physical Contact

Dance is a physical and visual activity. Proper placement and posture of the body are not only vital for correct performance, they are safety issues. Occasionally the instructor will personally assist students with proper position of the leg, arm or head. If you have any concerns, please speak to the instructor.

Lost Items

CMA is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please keep valuables with you, or better yet, leave them at home.