5678 Dance Company
2026–2027 Company Welcome and Requirements
Dear 5678 Dance Families,
Congratulations! Your child has been selected to join the 5678 Dance Company for the 2026–2027 season.
Being selected for the Company is both an honor and a commitment. In addition to developing as dancers, Company members learn teamwork, cooperation, self-discipline, responsibility, accountability, and respect. They also have the opportunity to build friendships that can last a lifetime.
Our goal is to create a supportive team whose members work together, respect one another, and arrive prepared to perform at their best. Consistent attendance, positive behavior, and open communication are essential to achieving that goal.
Please read the following information carefully with your dancer. These requirements apply to every Company member and family.
Our Company Philosophy
Every dancer learns at a different pace and will experience a different level of personal growth. Families should celebrate their dancer’s individual progress without comparing it to the accomplishments, placement, or opportunities of other dancers.
At 5678 Dance:
We encourage hard work, self-discipline, accountability, and leadership.
We support every member of the team.
We treat dancers, families, instructors, choreographers, competitors, and event staff with respect.
We do not tolerate bullying, gossip, unsafe conduct, inappropriate behavior, or negative comments about other dancers or teams.
We address concerns directly and privately with the appropriate instructor or Ms. Jen.
“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”
—Inspired by Phil Jackson
Company Requirements
1. Required Classes and Training
Ballet is the foundation of dance training. All Company members must take ballet and maintain excellent attendance in ballet, Company class, and all other required classes.
If a dancer misses a class, a makeup class may be required. Please arrange the makeup as soon as you know your child will be absent so that the dancer’s technical development is not interrupted.
As dancers advance, expectations increase. Company members may also be expected to participate in master classes, workshops, and additional choreography.
Solos, duets, and trios are assigned at Ms. Jen’s discretion. Placement and additional performance opportunities are based on factors such as ability, readiness, work ethic, attendance, and the cohesiveness of the group.
2. Attendance and Punctuality
Weekly Company classes, technique classes, rehearsals, performances, and required events are mandatory.
Please review the monthly Company calendar before scheduling vacations, parties, appointments, or other activities. Dancers will not be released early from a class, rehearsal, or performance except in the case of illness or a family emergency.
If your child will be absent, a parent or guardian must call the studio.
Examples of excused absences may include:
Illness
Religious observances
Proms or graduations
A death in the family
Choosing to attend a party or other optional event instead of a class, rehearsal, or performance is considered an unexcused absence.
Excessive absences may result in a dancer being removed from choreography or dismissed from the Company.
3. Injuries
Injured dancers who can safely travel to the studio are required to attend and observe class, even if they cannot physically participate. Observing allows dancers to continue learning choreography and corrections while remaining connected to the team.
Parents must communicate with the studio about the injury and any medical restrictions. A dancer should never participate physically against the advice of a qualified medical professional.
4. Performances and Competitions
Company members must be available for all assigned performances and competitions. This may include community events, parades, nursing-home performances, regional competitions, and Nationals.
Dancers are expected to:
Attend and support their teammates’ performances, even when they are not personally performing.
Attend award ceremonies.
Meet with Ms. Jen and their choreographer after awards before leaving the venue.
Arrive on time with every required costume, accessory, shoe, and supply.
Follow all event and studio instructions.
5. Communication
Dancers and parents or guardians must join the following Band groups:
Company Band
Student Band
Fundraising Band
New Band groups are created each season. Families are responsible for joining the correct groups and regularly checking Band, email, and the studio’s social-media updates.
Important information is shared through several channels. Each family is responsible for monitoring announcements, dates, locations, deadlines, and schedule changes.
If your family has a major commitment that could interfere with a class, competition, or performance—such as a wedding, graduation, prom, school trip, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or Communion—please email Ms.Jen@5678dance.net as soon as possible. Although we cannot guarantee an accommodation, we will make every reasonable effort to work with you.
6. Cell Phones
Before entering class or rehearsal, dancers must silence their phones and put them away.
Phones may not be used during class or rehearsal unless an instructor specifically requests their use. If a parent needs to reach a dancer during class, please call the studio:
516-735-2266
516-731-1128
7. Respectful Conduct
Dancers and families must treat instructors, choreographers, teammates, other families, competitors, and event staff respectfully.
Concerns should be discussed directly with the instructor or Ms. Jen—not with other dancers or parents. When a concern involves a student, a meeting may be held with the teacher, parent or guardian, and dancer present so that everyone receives the same information.
Casting, placement, formations, and additional dance opportunities are determined by the instructors. These decisions are based on the needs of the choreography and may consider technique, performance quality, attendance, readiness, height, spacing, and group cohesiveness.
Families are expected to support every dancer, regardless of placement or assigned opportunities.
8. Reasons a Dancer May Be Removed From a Performance or the Company
A dancer may be removed from choreography, withheld from a performance, or dismissed from the Company for reasons including:
Not adequately learning or performing required choreography.
Missing a required class or rehearsal during the five days before a competition or performance.
Missing a performance without appropriate advance notice.
Repeated tardiness.
Disruptive or disrespectful behavior during class, rehearsal, a performance, or a competition.
Arriving without a required costume, costume piece, shoe, or accessory.
Disruptive or inappropriate behavior by a parent or guardian.
Dangerous or illegal conduct, including underage drinking or illegal drug use.
Bullying, cyberbullying, lewd or inappropriate language, inappropriate images, or inappropriate online content.
Publicly discrediting or defaming a 5678 Dance teacher, choreographer, student, team member, or the studio.
If a dancer is dismissed from the Company or studio, payments already made will not be refunded, except where otherwise required by law or stated in a separate written policy.
5678 Dance is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students.
Appearance and Class Attire
Hair
Hair must be long enough—or otherwise styled securely enough—to meet class and performance requirements.
A neat bun is required for ballet and lyrical.
A neat, secure ponytail may be worn for other classes when permitted.
Hair must be secured so that it does not fall out during class or onstage.
Headbands are not permitted because they may fall onto the floor and create a safety hazard.
Dancers with short hair that cannot be placed in the required style may need a matching hairpiece for performances. All loose hair must be smoothed and securely pinned.
Class Attire
Dancers must wear the assigned dancewear and correct shoes listed in the 5678 Dance Handbook. The handbook is available through the parent portal and registration link.
Financial and Program Commitments
1. Annual Audition
All current Company members must audition each year alongside prospective members for the upcoming season. Previous Company membership does not automatically guarantee placement for the following year.
2. Commitment Agreement and Fee
Each dancer must submit a signed commitment agreement for the 2026–2027 season.
The commitment fee is $150.
If the dancer leaves the Company, the commitment fee is forfeited.
If the dancer remains in the Company, the fee will be applied toward competition expenses such as props and staffing.
3. Company Boot Camp
All Company members, except for the Risin’ Stars, must attend the 5678 Dance two-day Boot Camp.
Risin’ Stars must attend lunch & Team Bonding from 12:15-1:15 PM both days.
Dates: Saturday, August 22nd & Sunday, August 23rd
Time: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. each day
Cost: $150
Daily schedule:
10:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.: Technique & Choreography
12:15–1:00 p.m.: Lunch & Team Bonding
1:00–4:00 p.m.: Choreography
Dancers must bring lunch from home unless another arrangement has been approved. Students may not leave the studio without written permission. Any ordered lunch must be arranged in advance so that rehearsal can resume on time.
4. Nationals Practice Fee
A $165 fee per dancer will be charged to cover Nationals rehearsals at the studio and on-site practices during Nationals.
The fee will be divided into three $55 installments and added to the dancer’s competition billing statement.
5. Tuition
Levels 3 Through Blazin’ Stars
Company members are required to take multiple weekly classes, including:
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Hip-hop
Turn and Leap
Acro
Company class and rehearsal
The standard Company tuition is $325 per month.
The tuition package includes ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, turn and leap, acro, contemporary, Pilates stretch, and Company class/rehearsal. Saturday Kickline by invitation.
Risin’ Stars in Combo Classes
For Combo Students in the Risin’ Stars Company, Company class/rehearsal tuition is $70 per month, in addition to regular Combo class tuition.
Pee Wee Hip-Hop is recommended for both groups. Acro is also recommended for Risin’ Stars.
Depending on readiness and skill level, some dancers may be invited to participate in the Company Production.
6. Competition Fees
The Company does not expect to attend more than three regional competitions.
Estimated entry fees:
One group dance at a regional competition: generally runs between $70-90.
Solo: approximately $155-205.
These amounts are estimates and may change based on the competition.
7. Costumes
A $50 deposit is required for each new performance or competition costume.
Deposit due: Saturday, October 10,2026
Remaining balance due: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Whenever possible, the studio will reuse class costumes, recycle existing pieces, or create costumes in ways that help control costs.
If a dancer cannot perform and another dancer takes the dancer’s place, the original dancer may be asked to lend the costume and help the substitute learn the assigned position.
8. Financial Responsibility
Company participation involves tuition, competition fees, costumes, travel, required apparel, workshops, and other related expenses.
Parents and guardians must understand these costs and meet all financial obligations according to the published payment schedules. Accounts must remain current for a dancer to stay in good standing.
9. Fundraising
Company members are expected to participate in fundraising activities, with the support of their parents or guardians.
Parents interested in assisting with fundraising or sharing ideas may contact Ms. Jen at Ms.Jen@5678dance.net.
10. Team Apparel
Company members should have a team warm-up suit with the studio logo and a personalized jacket. Warm-up suits should be worn to Company events, including performances and regional and national competitions.
Company parents are encouraged to wear 5678 Dance apparel at events.
Contact Ms. Jen if your dancer needs a warm-up suit.
Tentative Competition Schedule
The following schedule must be updated and confirmed for the 2026–2027 season:
Kids Artistic Revue—Long Island: February 5-7, 2027
Backstage Regionals—West Islip: March 5-7, 2027
Backstage Regionals—Queens: May 14-16, 2027 (For soloists that would like a second opportunity for performance team and for groups that may need additional time.)
Potential additional regional for soloists - TBA
Backstage Nationals—Kalahari Resort, Pennsylvania: July 18-23, 2027
Dates and locations are tentative and subject to change. Some competitions may be attended only by selected soloists or groups.
Supporting the Team
At 5678 Dance, we clap for and support everyone. No dancer is more important than another, and every dancer’s effort contributes to the Company’s success.
Company members and families are expected to:
Encourage all dancers.
Avoid negative comments about teammates or competing studios.
Share backup attire or accessories when possible.
Assist teammates when help is needed.
Respect instructors and other adults.
Offer positive, constructive encouragement.
Practice consistently and work to improve both technique and performance quality.
The best teams do more than win awards—they work together and make the audience feel something.
As we enter our 28th year, our goal is to help dancers:
Develop artistically
Demonstrate good sportsmanship
Build dedication and self-discipline
Form meaningful friendships
Respect their teachers, peers, teammates, families, and themselves
Perform with pride and enthusiasm
Serve as positive representatives of 5678 Dance
Welcome to the 5678 Dance Company. We look forward to working with your family and wish your dancer a successful season!
“We don’t just dance side by side; we lift each other up with every step.”
—Unknown
Dancingly,
Ms. Jen and the 5678 Dance Staff Family
