Summer 2008 Camps
& Classes
Camps and Classes
3 Year Olds to Adults

June 16-August 16

Call 831.624.3729
for more details.

Ballet Flashcards
Available Now!

2008 - 2009 Family Policy Handbook - PDF Format

For over fifty years, the Carmel Academy of Performing Arts, (formerly the Carmel Ballet Academy,) has been recognized as the premier dance, theatre arts and private music training facility on the Monterey Peninsula. Joanne Nix, the owner and director of the original Carmel Ballet Academy, concentrated entirely on ballet discipline and performance. In the eighteen years since Carol Richmond purchased the facility, the scope of classes offered has grown to include a complete dance and performing arts curriculum. In order to provide families with exciting and enriching programs for all ages, we continue to expand. We are pleased to balance our curriculum with our unique Early Childhood Arts Program and private instruction in instrumental music, voice and acting.

In 2005 we changed the name from the Carmel Ballet Academy to the Carmel Academy of Performing Arts in order to reflect the broad spectrum of our curriculum. We developed our Mission and Purpose Statements to embody the life- force we teach: “Dreams…Determination…Dedication”.

The instructors and staff of the Carmel Academy of Performing Arts attend nationally recognized seminars and conventions as well as regularly scheduled studio meetings to keep up-to-date on innovations in our industry. Our dedicated teaching professionals continue to study from, and contribute to, the expanding field of performing arts and dance through their professional projects and advanced education. These commitments ensure that we can continue to provide a wide spectrum of artistic guidance for our students-as their teachers and mentors.

Students of all levels enjoy year-round instruction in a friendly, caring, loving and creative environment. From the toddler to the beginner to the pre-professional, each student feels the excitement and energy in the air at the Carmel Academy of Performing Arts! We have a program to fit each student’s goals and aspirations…and we look forward to finding the perfect schedule for your family. Welcome to the Carmel Academy of Performing Arts!

REGISTRATION AND FEE INFORMATION

Family Registration
Family registration involves a non-refundable fee which covers registration and insurance for all members of the family. The fee periods are August through June @ $50.00, OR January-June, @ $40.00. All families are required to complete new registration cards when they begin the new term, (August 18, 2007-June 15, 2008.) Parents must register students who are under 18 &/or are not High School graduates. Incomplete registration cards cannot be processed and will be returned for completion, which will jeopardize your first choice of class times. Registration may be done by mail or in person during lobby hours. Lobby hours are Mon.-Fri. 9:00am-noon & 3:30-6:30pm and Sat. 9:30am-1:30pm. Families are required to pay all outstanding balances before registering for a new term.

Adult Registration
Adults are always welcome to attend classes on a Walk-In/Single Class basis, as described below. To get the best rate, the Academy offers adults a special program. Upon completing the registration process, adults can purchase a class card, which they must present each time that they attend class. Adult registration involves a fee which covers registration and insurance costs. The fee periods are August through June @ $25.00 OR January-June @ $20.00. All adult students are required to complete new registration cards when they begin a new term, (which lasts from August 18, 2007-June 15, 2008.) Class cards cover 5 classes, cost $62.00 and do not expire for the entire term! The adult registration process and adult class card purchases must be made in the lobby during regular hours or by mail. Lobby hours are Mon.-Fri. 9:00am-noon & 3:30-6:30pm / Sat. 9:30am-1:30pm. Teachers do not handle registrations. Adults without class cards at the time that a class is held can attend the class by pre-paying the Single Class rate for that class.


Walk-In/Single Class Fee
Adult students may attend classes on a single class basis, but children & teenagers may only do so while level placement decisions are being made. Please complete a blue Single Class Form & attach your fee for that class prior to participation. Payments may be given to the lobby clerk or placed in the lobby payment box. To receive the best rates, please follow the complete registration procedure, listed above.

Monthly Payments
The Academy uses a DIRECT PAYMENT plan. Upon registration families complete a Direct Payment Authorization Form along with their Registration Card. Tuition payments are made monthly on the 2nd via an automatic charge to your VISA or MasterCard credit or debit card. An e-mail notice of your payment is sent each time. If you do not use e-mail-you are responsible for contacting us for information regarding your account. If you make a payment during lobby hours by the 25th of the current month that covers your balance, then your card will not be charged on the 2nd of that following month.

If you choose to Opt-Out of direct payments; you will sign the Payment Agreement & make a payment that includes all of the following four items 1) the annual registration fee, 2) tuition for the first partial month-if applicable, 3) tuition for the following first full month, 4) AND a “last month’s payment” in the amount of a full month’s tuition. Returned checks & late payments will result in a $20 fee.

Tuition
Our tuition is based on yearly fees that we divide into monthly payments. The rates are found on the back of our Schedule of Classes. Discounts for additional classes are included. AUGUST and JUNE are pro-rated at half of your regular monthly rate. August tuition is due at the time of registration. Make-up coupons can be issued upon request if any August classes will be missed. (Students completing the registration process in Sept. do not need to pay for Aug.-but class choices will be very limited.) Pro-rating is not available due to absences. Please read and follow our Make-Up Policy. Students enrolled in a Monday class will automatically be issued a special “Monday Make-Up” coupon that can be used anytime in the school year.

Class Change Policy
DROPS must be made by the 15th of the current month to take effect in the next month. Fees are not pro-rated, but make-up coupons can be issued. ADDS can be made anytime, if the class fee is paid. Families wishing to make ANY change MUST fill out a Class Change Request Form; available in the lobby & on our website, or ask for one to be mailed or faxed. CHANGES CAN NOT BE MADE BY E-MAIL OR PHONE! Upon receipt of a Class Change Form we will adjust your account. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO MAKE SCHEDULING OR ACCOUNT CHANGES.

SPECIAL POLICIES

Make-Up Class Policy
Classes missed may be made up within ONE MONTH, provided we have been informed of the absence no later than the day of the missed class. Upon notification, students are issued a coupon, which they present to the teacher of the make-up class. We CAN issue make- up coupons over the phone & we keep them at the studio for one month. Students may attend any class on the schedule as a make-up class, provided that it is within their enrolled skill level. If in doubt, please ask your regular teacher. The lobby clerks cannot give permission to attend make-up classes above the student’s enrolled level.

For periods of extended absence, you will remain a registered student, BUT WE CANNOT HOLD YOUR POSITION IN A PARTICULAR CLASS. Be sure to DROP your classes before leaving to halt tuition charges We will re-enroll the student without a new registration fee, on a space available basis. To remain in a particular class, the monthly tuition payments must be made in full. Contact us with a doctor’s note in case of medical leave.

Student Arrival/Departure
To protect the safety of our students they must arrive and depart as close to their scheduled class times as possible. Students need to arrive 10 minutes prior to each class. Students can arrive directly from school and do homework; however parents are accepting the responsibility for their safety until their classes begin! We require all students be picked up within 5 minutes of the end of their class! Families with an ongoing problem will be charged $1.00 per minute or be dismissed. Students released from classes with ending times after the lobby has closed can only wait outside for 5 minutes; after that time parents must park and come into the Academy lobby. Lobby hours are Mon.-Fri. 9:00am-noon & 3:30-6:30pm / Sat. 9:30am-1:30pm

Please refrain from double parking & honking! Do not block Mission. Follow city regulations to avoid being ticketed by Carmel Police Dept. We have an arrangement with the city for you to park WITH YOUR FLASHERS ON for short periods in the lot across the street.

Smoking/Alcohol/Drug Policy
Cigarettes, drugs and alcohol are prohibited on the Academy premises. Wine occasionally may be available for adults at some events. Chewing gum is not permitted anywhere on the Academy premises!

FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES

Code of Conduct
The Academy strives to create a healthy environment for your child… here is how you can help!

The Academy strictly enforces the Codes of Conduct and students are asked to leave classes-w/out credit-if it is not being followed. Teachers may refuse entrance to students arriving late &/or unprepared. We expect a partnership with our parents to ensure that the students understand these expectations. If problems continue, parents are asked to attend classes with their child! We reserve the right to ask that a family transfer out to study elsewhere.

Annual Recital Showcase
All registered students are expected to participate in the Academy’s annual recital, held at CSUMB’s World Theater June 13, 14, 15, ‘08. Costumes are pre-paid and ordered: 1st cut off date is Dec. 1; 2nd cut-off date w/ $10 per costume late fee is Jan 14; Final cut-off date for costume orders w/ $20 per costume late fee is Feb. 25. Refunds are not given. Tickets go on sale April 21st and cost approx $20 ea. Students of all levels benefit from this important aspect of dance and theater arts education. Each class performs once during the weekend.

TO QUALIFY TO PERFORM, STUDENTS MUST ATTEND ALL THEIR MAY & JUNE CLASSES AS WELL AS THE DRESS REHEARSAL AT THE THEATER THE DAY OF THE SHOW! MARK YOUR FAMILY’S CALENDAR NOW FOR MAY & JUNE 2008! REFUNDS ARE NOT GIVEN IF YOUR STUDENT IS CUT FROM THEIR DANCES DUE TO ABSENCES.

ACADEMY REQUIRED DRESS CODE

Appropriate hairstyles, dance clothes & shoes are required. Students cannot take class without proper dress. Items may be used from the “borrow box” once per school year. Bring a dance bag & write your name on all items-everyone’s items look the same and the Academy is not responsible for lost items. Dress Code items are available at Trés Jolie in P.G., ph# 375-3000, Joyper’s in Salinas, ph# 424-3466 or at www.discountdance.com. Do not purchase imitation dance shoes! We require Capezio, Bloch or Sansha brands at all ages & levels. Beginning in ballet level “Pre” hair is required to be in a bun-EVERY DAY! Younger students may wear a ponytail or a bun. Short hair must be secured off the face. All ballet levels may wear skirts that match their leotard color for floor work. DURING WARM-UP, ONLY SWEATERS &/OR LEGGINGS DESIGNED FOR DANCERS MAY BE WORN!

• Tot & Creative: Leotard of any color, pink tights, pink leather ballet slippers & black tap shoes w/out Velcro ARE REQUIRED

• Pre-Ballet: Light pink leotard, pink dance tights, pink leather ballet slippers, (tutus are optional) Hair in bun.

• Ballet I: Light blue leotard, pink dance tights, pink leather ballet slippers. Hair in bun.

• Ballet II: Navy blue leotard, pink dance tights, pink leather ballet slippers. Hair in bun.

• Ballet III & up: Black leotard, pink dance tights, pink ballet slippers. Hair in bun.

• Ballet V: Any solid colored leotard may be added to the above, IF hair in bun, pink tights & pink shoes are worn!

• Boys-all levels: Black dance pants, black or white shirt, and black or white leather ballet slippers.

• Jazz: New! Leotard of any color, snug fitting jazz pants or capris of any color, black jazz shoes; sneakers ARE NOT permitted for jazz classes, (only in hip hop classes) Hair MUST in ponytail or bun at ALL jazz levels!

• Modern/Lyrical: Same clothing as jazz, except bare feet for Modern/bare feet & jazz shoes for Lyrical.

• Theater: NO JEANS! Jazz, yoga or sweat pants of any color and black jazz shoes. Hair in ponytail or bun.

• Team CAPA: Black Snug fitting to-the-floor black jazz pants, black leotard, black jazz shoes (and other shoes as needed for each dance being rehearsed) Hair must be in ponytail or bun.

• Hip Hop: NO JEANS! Jazz or yoga pants of any color, black jazz or regular sneakers-ONLY USED IN DANCE CLASS, knee pads are required for hip hop classes at all levels-bring to every class.

• Tot & Pre Acro: Any color TANK leotard, black BIKE shorts (optional,) bare feet & legs. Hair in pigtails or ponytail.

• Acro I-III: Black TANK leotard, black BIKE shorts, bare feet & legs. Hair in pigtails or ponytail, (incl boys w/ long hair)

• Tap: NO JEANS! Jazz or yoga pants, black tap shoes w/out Velcro closures. (levels III & up: NO patent leather)

• Combos: Require both types of dance shoes appropriate to the subjects taught

• ECAP: Dance wear of any kind, pink leather ballet slippers and black tap shoes without Velcro closures ARE REQUIRED

GENERAL INFORMATION

Student Class Level Placement
Carmel Academy of Performing Arts staff make ALL student class placement decisions. Placements are reviewed for accuracy & adjustments can be made by the Academy after classes begin! Students are rarely promoted to a higher level annually. Promotion is subject to each individual student’s development and is at the discretion of the instructors. There is vital development within each level. Returning students MUST check with lobby clerks for personal class level placements before registering for a new school year.

Class Size & Waiting Lists
Class size limits are set depending upon the: style of class, level of class, studio room size, student’s ages and individual teacher preferences.

We present a schedule to meet the needs of our new and continuing students. Still, our classes will become full and we then open waiting lists. If your first choice class is full, we can put you on a waiting list. We suggest you enroll in a second choice while waiting for space availability. Only students who have completed CAPA’s registration process will be placed on Academy waiting lists.

Choreographers Night
The Academy proudly showcases the choreographic and performance talents of our fine instructors each year in November! This year’s performance takes place on Saturday November 10 @ 7:00 pm.

Private Dance Lessons
Most of our instructors are available to schedule private and semi-private lessons. Arrangements are made directly with each teacher. Our lobby clerks will be happy to forward your interest to him or her.

Communication
Good communication between the Academy and our students and their parents is very important to us! To promote good communication, we publish a seasonal newsletter, To the Pointe, which is e-mailed to all registered families twice per year as well as other important e-mailed notices. PLEASE READ EACH E-MAIL SO YOU WON’T MISS IMPORTANT INFORMATION! If you don’t use e-mail it is your responsibility to check the bulletin board in the lobby for information weekly.

Feel free to telephone the Academy to discuss any questions or concerns with our clerks or leave a message for the director, studio manager or your child’s teacher.

Classroom parent viewing takes place the first full week of the following months: October, November, February and March.

Schedule of Classes
Please refer to our Schedule of Classes for complete class information and rates. We offer students of all levels a comprehensive and challenging program. The Academy uses qualified substitute instructors when needed. We also proudly present a complete summer program of camps, classes and intensives. Master Classes and special dance and theater workshops are offered each year, which students are encouraged to attend. These guest instructors enrich our students’ dance and performing arts educational experience. Winter and spring breaks also include camp offerings.

TEAM CAPA COMPETITION TEAM

Team CAPA is a by-audition team of motivated dancers ages 6-18 yrs. The 4 levels of the team, (Mini, Junior, Teen and Senior,) incorporate approximately 45 dancers who perform at community events and attend competitions & conventions throughout the year. Please ask us if you are interested in receiving more information about the team!


EARLY CHILDHOOD ARTS PROGRAM (ECAP)

Our Early Childhood Arts Program (ECAP) provides a safe and creative learning environment for your 3-5 year old. The program includes developmentally appropriate activities that incorporate the arts - dance, music, drama and fine art - into each child’s life. ECAP is designed to develop each child’s self esteem and confidence, while giving him or her a love of learning and of the arts! We respect each child’s individual interests and developmental abilities. We look forward to welcoming your child to the inspiring world of the Arts!

Each day the students will engage in activities that promote their creative, physical and social-emotional development, as well as their cognitive language skills. We believe in hands-on learning in which the children help to create their own learning environment with the assistance of the teacher. Activities will relate to theme of the week, which are drawn from the seasons, literature, music, world cultures, theater, nature and more. Enrollment is 9:00-11:45 am on Tuesday & Thursday OR Monday & Wednesday. Friday class can be added on.

DAILY ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
Dance, singing & musical instruments
Arts & crafts, dress-up & dramatic play
Literature, math & science concepts
additional classes provided on occasion by Academy staff

Program Director/Educator: Kathy Hannas
Movement & Dance Educator: Monica Ringer
Theater & Music Educator: Maria Case

We also offer a Pre-ECAP class for 2-3 year olds and their parent!

MUSIC, VOICE AND ACTING PROGRAM

The Academy offers a complete program of private instruction in musical instruments, voice and acting for students from age 5-adults! We have a staff of highly qualified instructors teaching beginning through advanced students. We can assist in renting or purchasing your instrument of choice. Additional policies for this program include:

Monthly Payments
Upon completing the Academy’s registration process, music tuition is billed only for the weeks that CAPA is open in each month, so the tuition rate will vary from month to month. The year’s music calendar is distributed to our music students listing each month’s tuition amounts and special events.

Missed Lessons and Make-Up Lessons
Due the specialized nature of these lessons and the scheduling procedures necessary for the program, MAKE UP LESSONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE except in the case of serious illness when 24 hours written notice has been given to the Academy. Please fax your request to miss a lesson due to illness along with a doctor’s note to our office at 624-4381.

Annual Calendar of Performanaces
The students present two afternoon music recitals each year. This year’s Winter Recital is Sunday January 13th at 1:30pm and the Spring Recital is Sunday May 4th at 1:30pm.

Substitute Instructors
The Academy must from time to time provide qualified substitute instructors for your lessons. If a qualified substitute is not available, we will work together to arrange a suitable replacement time.

Musical Instruments and Music Books
Each student is responsible for providing their own musical instrument and lesson books which must be brought to each lesson. Each instructor will advise their students as to which booklets to purchase. The Academy provides an on-site piano, electric keyboard & drum set for students to use, however students are expected to have access to these instruments in their homes to practice on.

For more information, please contact us at (831) 624-3729.