ππ―ββοΈ Dear 5678 Dance Families: π―ββοΈπ
π Congratulations your child has been selected to be a member of the 5678 Dance 2025-2026 Company! ππΊ At 5678 Dance, we believe that being a member of the Company is an incredible experience. π In addition to dance, our students learn:
π€ Teamwork
π Cooperation
π§ Self-discipline
π Listening skills
π Responsibility
π Accountability
π And develop friendships that can last a lifetime.
Being invited to participate as a member of the 5678 Dance Company is an honor π . Each year, performance/competition time is a challenging experience βοΈ. When a student and their family make the decision to accept this amazing opportunity, the member and the dancerβs family must understand and remember that the rules in this contract apply to the entire dance team. At 5678 Dance we try to be considerate of our students and their families π.
However, when students do not attend rehearsals and/or do not have excused absences, it is unfair π to their teammates and choreographers. When youβre a member of a team, it is important that everyone be on the same page π and have a unified objective π―. At 5678 Dance, our objective is to produce a team that works together π€π€ and respects each other π.
By attending classes and rehearsals, our dancers will be prepared β and they will be able to perform as a unified team π.
π¬ Inspired by Phil Jackson:
βThe strength of the team is each dancer. The strength of each dancer is the teamβ
Helping all of our students to have a great dance experience is one of our main goals π―. The life lessons we teach β including encouraging πͺ hard work, π₯ self-discipline, and being held accountable β will help students achieve strong leadership roles on any path that they follow in the future π.
π We have included information everyone needs to read regarding competitive teams at 5678 Dance. We also want to remind all parents and children that:
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Each student learns at his/her own pace π’π
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Each student will have a different level of personal accomplishment π
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Parents and students should be proud of their own personal accomplishments π
β and not be compared to those of other dancers.
π« We will not tolerate inappropriate behavior.
βΈ»
π₯ 5678 DANCE COMPANY TEAM REQUIREMENTS: π₯
β’ π©° Ballet is the core of any dance program. All 5678 Dance Company members are required to take ballet. Dancers are expected to maintain excellent attendance in ballet as well as in their other classes. Makeup classes will be required if missed. Please schedule make-up classes as soon as you know your child will be absent to ensure there is no lapse in their technical growth.
β’ β¬οΈ Each year the level of dance rises. Therefore, 5678 Dancers will have more expectations and requirements than in the past. Dancers will be expected to supplement their team classes with master classes, workshops, and if selected, with solo, duo, or trio choreography. π Solos, duets, or trios will be assigned at the discretion of Ms. Jen.
β’ π Company members may also perform for community events, parades, nursing homes, etc. when invited.
β’ π°οΈ The 5678 Dance Company cannot reach its goals if members are late or absent. It is imperative that the monthly calendars be referenced before vacations and parties are scheduled. Members will not be released early from any class, practice, or performance for any reason except for a family emergency or illness.
β’ β
Examples of excused absences are:
π· Illness
π Religious events
π Proms, graduations
ποΈ A death in the family
β An example of unexcused absence is attending a function such as a party instead of class, practice, or a performance.
β’ π©Ό We require injured students, such as a student wearing a cast, to come into the studio and observe class. By observing class the student will have a better understanding of the instruction being taught and this will make it easier for them to return to class when they are ready. Attending class encourages students to continue being a part of the team even while being injured. π«Ά
β’ π Weekly company classes and technique classes are mandatory. A phone call must be made to the studio notifying us of your childβs absence. βοΈ Students with excessive absences will be written out of choreography and possibly be dismissed from the company.
β’ π΅ All studentsβ cell phones must be put on silent or do not disturb before entering the school. Phones need to be kept away and not used during class/rehearsal hours. If parents need to contact their child, please call the school at 516-735-2266 or 516-731-1128. βοΈπ The only time a cell phone may be allowed is if the teacher requests it. We appreciate your cooperation with this. π
β’ π§ If you have a major commitment (wedding, graduation, prom, 5th grade/8th grade trips, Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah, Communion) that would interfere with class, competition, or performance, you should immediately email your conflict to Ms.Jen@5678dance.net. We will try our best to accommodate you. β€οΈ
β’ π€« Dancers and parents must show respect for their instructors and fellow Dance Company members. This means discussing problems and concerns directly with the instructor or with Ms. Jen instead of talking about them with other dancers or parents. This creates rumors and gossip, and will not be tolerated. π If there is any sort of issue regarding the students, the matter will only be discussed with the teacher, parent, and student present. This is so everything addressed is open and clear towards all three parties. π₯
β’ π§ Competition among Dance Company members can sometimes be very strong, as all want to be the best. π Dancers chosen to perform extra dances or to have front placement in a dance should not be resented for this assignment β as one day it could be your child β and you would want the same respect and treatment. Please show support for everyone in the group. π It is the teacherβs decision on where students will be placed, and is based on ability and cohesiveness within the group(s). π
β’ π² Dancers and parents must belong to the Company Band App, Student Band App, and Fundraising Band App groups. Each year there are new Band groups that you must join in order to receive updates and stay connected.
β’ π Dancers and Parents are expected to be diligent about checking the Band App, emails, social media, so that there is no confusion on dates/locations/events. π We provide information on multiple platforms. Please pay attention to the information provided. π
β οΈ The following is a list of reasons why a team member could be told not to perform or be excused from the Company:* β οΈ
1οΈβ£ Not mastering the routines required for the performance π
2οΈβ£ Missing a class or practice (excused or unexcused) during the five days prior to any scheduled event such as a regional/national competition π
3οΈβ£ Failure to attend any performance without appropriate prior notice given β
4οΈβ£ Tardiness in any dance class, practice, or performance β°
5οΈβ£ Disruptive behavior during class, practice, or performance π€
6οΈβ£ If a student forgets a costume or part of a costume the day of a performance/competition π½
7οΈβ£ Disruptive behavior by a parent/guardian π£οΈ
8οΈβ£ If a dancer exhibits poor choices that are dangerous or illegal.
π I.E. Underage drinking and/or drug use π«π»π
9οΈβ£ If a dancer uses inappropriate or lewd language, inappropriate behavior, cyber-bullying, bullying, inappropriate pictures, and/or inappropriate content on any social media platform, in class, performance, or at a competition.
If anyone discredits any teacher, choreographer, student or defamation of 5678 Dance β these are taken very seriously π π±π«
*π« No refunds will be given if asked to exit the company and/or studio.
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We at 5678 are a family π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ and a safe environment for all! π
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πΌ GENERAL TEAM PROCEDURES πΌ
πββοΈ Hair:
1οΈβ£ All members will need to maintain an appropriate length of hair that allows for a bun and a high ponytail βοΈπββοΈ
2οΈβ£ All dancers must wear their hair in a neat bun for ballet and lyrical π©°. Hair may be worn in a neat ponytail for the other classes the dancer takes π. Hair should not fall out during class or on stage π.
3οΈβ£ NO HEADBANDS. Headbands are very dangerous β οΈ because they fall on the dance floor and can contribute to a dancer falling and getting injured π·.
4οΈβ£ If a dance member has short hair and cannot put it in a bun or a ponytail for a performance, that member must purchase and wear a hairpiece that matches her hair color π¨. In order to create a neat and tidy appearance, all loose hair must be smoothed back and pinned πββοΈ.
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π Class Attire:
All dancers should be dressed in appropriate dance attire ππ©± including the correct dance shoes π that have been assigned in the 5678 Dance Handbook π.
π This can be found in the parent portal and in the registration link ππ».
π The 5678 Dance Company Requirements: π
1οΈβ£ Each year there will be a Company audition π for 5678 Dance. All Company members must audition with prospective students who want to be members for the upcoming season.
2οΈβ£ All dancers must sign a commitment agreement for the 2025β2026 school year. ποΈ The commitment fee is $150 π΅. If the student drops out of Company, then the family forfeits this commitment fee β. If the student remains in Company, this money will offset props and staffing for competitions/nationals, etc. π
3οΈβ£ All Company Members are required to attend the 5678 Dance 2025 β2-Day Boot Campβ π, which will be held:
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Saturday, August 23rd and Sunday, August 24th
π 10 AM to 4 PM
Each day will include:
π 10 AM β 12:15 PM: Choreography
π₯ͺ 12:15 β 1 PM: Lunch (Must be brought from home. Students will NOT be allowed to leave the studio unless given written permission. If ordering lunch, it must be pre-ordered before class. β° Please be mindful of time.)
π 1 PM β 4 PM: Choreography resumes
π² Cost: $150 for this amazing intensive program.
πͺ Team members will work on technique and choreography for the upcoming 2025β2026 school year.
4οΈβ£ There will be a $155 tuition fee per dancer following our June Recital to cover Nationals Practice at the studio as well as the practices held on-site during Nationals π.
This will be broken up into 3 installments, which will appear on the dancerβs competition billing statement π.
5οΈβ£ Tuition:
A) π©° Levels 3 thru Blazinβ Stars:
Company Members are required to take multiple classes a week including:
β’ Ballet
β’ Tap
β’ Jazz
β’ Hip Hop
β’ Turn & Leap
β’ Acro
β’ Company Class
The basic 5678 Dance Company tuition is $315 per month unless you secured the pre-registration discountπ΅ for students in Levels 3 thru Blazinβ Stars. This includes ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, turn & leap, acro, and by invitation only: modern, kickline & musical theatre π.
Company Class/Rehearsal is also included.
π©° If a company student is interested in taking floor barre and/or pointe, there will be an additional $25 tuition per month for each class. The student must be approved for pointe before being accepted into the class. Both these classes are highly recommended for additional technique and strengthening.
B) π Combo Students in Risinβ & Twinklinβ Stars:
Dancers in the Risinβ & Twinklinβ Stars Companies who are Combo Students: the tuition will be $65 per month for the Company Class/Rehearsal PLUS the regular combo class tuition.
πΊ Pee Wee Hip Hop is recommended for both groups, along with Acro for the Risinβ Stars π«.
Depending on skill level, some dancers may be asked to participate in our Company Production π¬.
6οΈβ£ All company members must be available to attend all performances and competitions ππ. Members should also be present for other membersβ performances whether or not they are performing. It is expected that all members attend the award ceremonies π. After awards, dancers are required to meet with Ms. Jen and their choreographer before leaving the premises πββοΈπ£οΈ.
7οΈβ£ Tentative Competition Schedule: (Updates to be expected & certain competitions may only be for soloists π€)
β’ π€ Kids Artistic Revue: February 6β8, 2026
β’ π Backstage Regionals: West Islip β March 20β22, 2026
β’ π Backstage Regionals: Queens β May 1β3, 2026
β’ π True Talent: West Babylon β May 15β17, 2025
β’ π Backstage Nationals: Kalahari Resort in PA β July 12β17, 2026
8οΈβ£ We do not expect to do more than 4 regional competitions with the 5678 Dance Company.
π² Fee for 1 group dance at a regional competition usually does not exceed $55, and solos are approximately $125.
9οΈβ£ There will be a $50 costume deposit for each new dance costume worn for performance/competition π. This deposit is due October 11, 2025, with the balance due November 15, 2025. Weβll try to incorporate class costumes whenever possible and also try to recycle or make costumes to help with cost. β»οΈ
π If for some reason a dancer is unable to perform or compete and another dancer takes their place, we would appreciate it if that dancer would lend their costume and review their position with the student that is substituting. π«Άπ
1οΈβ£1οΈβ£ The members of the 5678 Dance Company and all parents/guardians must be fully aware of the expenses associated with the company π° and must be able to meet all financial obligations in accordance with payment schedules. π³ Payments must be made on time to remain in good standing π’.
1οΈβ£2οΈβ£ The members of the 5678 Dance Company should be willing to fully participate in all fundraising activities, and parents/guardians should be supportive with the dancerβs involvement ποΈ.
π If a company parent would like to be involved in fundraising and has suggestions, please contact Ms. Jen at Ms.Jen@5678dance.net.
1οΈβ£3οΈβ£ The members of the 5678 Dance Company should have a team warm-up suit with the studio logo and personalized jacket π§₯. Company members wear their 5678 Dance warm-up suits to all events including performances, regional and national competitions. π We recommend that Company Parents wear 5678 Dance apparel such as a t-shirt to all events. π© Please notify Ms. Jen if you need a warm-up suit.
1οΈβ£4οΈβ£ At 5678 Dance, we show support and clap for everyone πππ. Everyone is on the same team π. We love dance and respect all dancers π. β No one is allowed to make negative comments about another team or a member of our Company. We offer to help each other in all ways:
π§’ Sharing back-up attire
π Accessories
π Assisting one another whenever possible
We are respectful to all adults, especially our teachers π©βπ«.
π¬ We all strive to give each other positive feedback.
We practice and we perfect our technique, as well as our performance skills.
π The best team is one who makes the audience feel something. π« No one person is more important than anyone else. All efforts to improve add to the strength of the 5678 Dance Company πͺ. We take this responsibility more seriously than any awards π and always work to praise the ones who make our dreams possible βincluding our peers, teachers, parents, and ourselves π.
π As we enter our 27th year, it is our goal to see our students:
π¨ Develop artistically
π
Show good sportsmanship
πͺ Be dedicated
π― Build friendships
π Show respect for their teachers, peers, teammates, parents, and themselves!
We hope that each dance company member will feel a sense of accomplishment and self-worth when dancing π. Dancers will also be representing 5678 Dance at these different events, and we hope that they will do so with pride and enthusiasm ππ€ β and set an example for other dance teams!
π Welcome to the Company, and thank you for your cooperation!
π¬ βWe donβt just dance side by side, we lift each other up with every stepβ βUnknown
We look forward to working with you! We wish you good luck and much success! ππ«
π Dancingly,
Ms. Jen & the 5678 Dance Staff Family β€οΈπ€
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π P.S. Whoβs going to enter to win our special 27th year raffle?! π
Enter to win one of our 5678 Dance swag giveaways! π Just write the company memberβs first and last name on a piece of paper along with:
π¨ Their favorite color
πΆ A song title
π΅ A genre
π
Please bring it in by Saturday, August 23rd to enter our special drawing.
π€« Shhhβ¦ itβs a secret!