WINTER/SPRING 2023

THE GET DOWN STUDENT HANDBOOK

PLEASE REVIEW THIS HANDBOOK WITH YOUR CHILD AND RETURN THE
AGREEMENT FORM INCLUDED AT THE END OF THE HANDBOOK BEFORE THE
FIRST DAY OF PRACTICE.

WINTER/SPRING 2023 - 18 WEEKS

DATES: JANUARY 9, 2022 - MAY 26, 2023

INTRODUCTION
Welcome to The Get Down family! We are excited to have you join our team of
dedicated and passionate dancers. If you are a returning student, we know who you are
and thank you for your continued dedication to The Get Down especially during these
tough times! We wouldn’t be who we are without you!

MISSION
We hope to ignite a passion for dance in your little ones’ hearts and souls, and to foster
a community of growth in the arts in a welcoming and safe environment.

YOUTH PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Our youth program focuses on rhythm and grooving, creating ones own freestyle or
expression, and individualism through movement. Our dancers train through repetition
and practice, listening to music, and studying body mechanics. Through our program,
dancers will develop and fine tune their coordination, motor skills, listening skills,
discipline, basic dance techniques and fundamentals. Students will not only build a
vocabulary of dance moves, but will learn the history of the various dances, the art of
the music and experience the richness of the culture. At The Get Down, our students
will build confidence and learn to master their dance moves all while gaining a
community of friends and family. Our goal is to create a non-judgmental and welcoming
environment where all students appreciate and respect each other.

TUITION
Tuition is based on the number of classes a student attends per week and includes an
annual registration fee of $35. It is due when a student registers for class.

Tuition Payment Options: Tuition can be paid in full or in monthly installments.

Payment must be delivered by the 1st of every month.

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If paying in monthly installment payments, invoices will be emailed and can be

paid online with a credit card, Venmo or PayPal. After the 8th of the month, your
account will be considered late and a $25 late fee will be applied.

If payment has not been received, student is a no-show on the first day, and no
communication has been sent regarding absence and intent to continue, we will
offer student’s spot to the next person on the waitlist.

TUITION OPTIONS (FALL 2022)

Annual Registration Fee: $35
1 Class Per Week
- Full Payment = $450, one time payment
- Monthly Installments = 5 payments of $90, paid
monthly
WINTER/SPRING -
18 Weeks 2 Classes Per Week
- Full Payment = $792, one time payment
- Monthly Installments = 4 payments of $159, paid
monthly

Please see the payment due dates schedule:

Full payment - Payment due as soon as student is enrolled.

Monthly payments (4) - Payments are due on the 1st of every month (January — May
2023). After the 8th of each month, it will be considered late and a $25 late fee will be
charged. If you'd like to set up automatic payments, please "save card on file" and the
next payment will charged our card on the appropriate scheduled due date.

CLASS POLICIES - INDOOR CLASSES (adapted for covid-19 protocols, subject to

change)

• Masks are highly recommended.

• Guardians and/or parents are not allowed to sit in the class and watch while
class is in session. Parents may stay for the first 5 and the last 5 minutes, but
cannot stay for the duration of the class. Based on experience, students tend to
be distracted or shy away from dancing when being watched. Parents must
communicate this information with child’s guardian (grandparent, sibling,
etc).

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• Parents will be invited on certain dates to observe the class.

• We will provide hand sanitizer and ensure students wash hands.

• Bring a reusable water bottle labeled with your child’s name.

CLASS POLICIES - OUTDOOR CLASSES (ONLY if needed depending on covid-19

protocols)

• Face masks highly recommended.

• Regularly wash hands or use sanitizer. Sanitizer will be available.

• Ensure you or your child does not have any of these symptoms:
• fever or chills (within last 24 hours)
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing
• Congestion or Runny Nose (New or unexplained)
• Fatigue (New or unexplained
• Muscle or Body Aches (New or Unexplained)
• Headache (New or Unexplained)
• New loss of taste or smell
• Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting

• Guardians and/or parents are not allowed to watch while class is in session.
Based on past experience, students get distracted or shy away from dancing.

• Bring a water bottle labeled with child’s name.

CLASS POLICIES for ONLINE/VIRTUAL PRACTICES (ONLY if needed depending on

covid-19 protocols)
• Designate a safe space with little to no distractions around (if possible!).

• Classes will start promptly at specified time. To ensure student doesn’t miss
anything, sign into Zoom a few minutes early to get situated.

• Remain muted during practice unless instructor calls on student.

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• No eating during class.

• Have water readily available.

• Note, in order to have the best experience, please refrain from using virtual
backgrounds as that can slow the connection.

ABSENCES

• There are no refunds, exchanges, or credits for missed classes.

• Parents must notify The Get Down prior to the practice meeting time if a child is
absent from class.

ILLNESS
If there are any doubts about your child’s health (unusually tired, not hungry, etc.)
please keep your child at home to prevent the spread of the illness. If your child has a
fever of 99.9° or higher, he/she must stay at home for 24 hours after the fever has
returned to 98.6° without any fever reducing medication.

CANCELLATION POLICY
If there is a need to cancel enrollment, we ask for at least a 2 week notice before the
start of the new session. If they have already started a session, please notify us right
away of intent to leave. We would finish the billing for that current month and then
cancel the rest of the session.

PERFORMANCES

• Dependent on the pandemic, The Get Down will either host a dance showcase
for students to perform on stage or create a video performance.

• Costumes and extra rehearsals will be determined by the instructor as the date
approaches.

• Showcase date, location and tickets will be determined at a later time.

• There may be other opportunities to perform at local community centers, events

and festivals.

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DRESS CODE: (please see specific requirements for ballet and modern jazz)

• Ballet - (can be bought at San Jose Dancewear on Race St, mention the studio for
a slight discount. Also available on Amazon and at some Targets.)
◦ pink or white tights
◦ pink, white or black dance skirt or tutu
◦ pink, white or black leotards
◦ pink, white or black ballet slippers
◦ hair secured in a bun

• Modern Jazz - (can be bought at San Jose Dancewear on Race St, mention the
studio for a slight discount. Also available on Amazon.)
◦ jazz shoes (any color)

• Hip Hop and Breaking -

◦ comfortable clothing (kids will be doing floor work)

◦ no skirts (unless shorts worn underneath)
◦ sneakers (no flip flops)

ENROLLMENT & REGISTRATION

Enrollment and registration opens every semester (Fall, Spring & Summer). Students
must enroll each year to guarantee a spot in our program.

COMMUNICATIONS
The Get Down sends communication solely through email and in-person. Please ensure
that email address and contact information are up to date and is checked regularly.

CLASSES OFFERED
Classes are separated by age group, date and time. Please be mindful of the correct
age group and when classes start, end and break for holidays.

MONDAYS 4 - 4:45PM | BALLET (5-8YO)

MONDAYS 5 - 6PM | MODERN JAZZ (5-8YO)

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TUESDAYS 5 - 6PM | YOUTH HIP HOP (9-12YO) Level 1

TUESDAYS 6 - 7PM | YOUTH HIP HOP (9-12YO) Level 2

WEDNESDAYS 4 - 4:45PM | KIDS HIP HOP (5-8YO) Level 1

WEDNESDAYS 5 - 5:45PM | KIDS HIP HOP (5-8YO) Level 2

WEDNESDAYS 6 - 7PM | YOUTH BREAKIN’ (7-9YO)

THURSDAYS 6 - 7PM | YOUTH BREAKIN’ (10-17YO)

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

• MONDAYS 4-4:45PM | BALLET(5-8YO)

Ballet is a classical dance genre characterized by elegance and grace, and also
provides a foundation of movement for many dance styles. In this class, kids will
develop strength, alignment, and flexibility through classical techniques, barre
work, and center exercises.

• MONDAYS 5-6PM | MODERN JAZZ (5-8YO)

Modern Jazz blends elements of ballet and modern dance with the musical
genres of jazz and blues, while allowing for freedom in movement and
technique. The class builds a foundation for floor work, contractions, spirals,
while also focusing on musicality, flexibility, and playing with space.

• TUESDAYS 5-5:45PM | YOUTH HIP HOP (9-12YO) Level 1

In this funky and energetic practice, students will will learn basic rhythm and
movement behind various styles of dance, which include elements of locking,
popping, breaking, dancehall and just plain old grooving. Students will develop
coordination, build self-esteem and learn how to interpret the music to develop
their own freestyle movement.

• TUESDAYS 6 - 7PM | YOUTH HIP HOP (9-12YO) Level 2

In this funky and energetic practice, students will will learn basic rhythm and
movement behind various styles of dance, which include elements of locking,

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popping, breaking, dancehall and just plain old grooving. Students will develop
coordination, build self-esteem and learn how to interpret the music to develop
their own freestyle movement.

• WEDNESDAYS 4-4:45PM | KIDS HIP HOP (5-8YO) Level 1

In this fun filled practice, students will learn basic movement, dance technique
and fundamentals. Students will learn to fine tune their coordination and motor
skills, further develop their listening skills and work discipline all while making
great friends!

• WEDNESDAYS 5-5:45PM | KIDS HIP HOP(5-8YO) Level 2

In this fun filled class, students will learn basic movement, dance technique and
fundamentals. Students will learn to fine tune their coordination and motor skills,
further develop their listening skills and work discipline all while making great
friends!

• WEDNESDAYS 6 - 7PM | KIDS BREAKIN’ (5-9 YO)

Students will go over the basics of breaking. They will learn toprocking, ground
moves, technique and power moves. Students will learn to harness their
creativity and create their own bboy/bgirl style.

• THURSDAYS 6 - 7PM | YOUTH BREAKING (10-17 YO)

Students will go over the basics of breaking. They will learn toprocking, ground
moves, technique and power moves. Students will learn to harness their
creativity and create their own bboy/bgirl style.

2023 WINTER/SPRING CALENDAR

Start Date: January 9th - January 13th, 2023

**Start date depends on what day of the week the enrolled class falls on. For
example, if enrolled in a Wednesday class, the first class will be on Wednesday,
January 11th.

Breaks (no class):

1. Monday, February 20th - 24th, 2023 (Winter Recess)
2. Monday, April 10th - 14th, 2023 (Spring Break)

End Date: May 22nd - 26th, 2023

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CONTACT INFORMATION
Brian Rapaido, Owner | Head of Instruction
getdowndancestudios@gmail.com

Jeannette Rapaido, Owner | Director of Communications

getdowndancestudios@gmail.com

JayR Deguzman, Admin | Content Marketing Manager

info@getdowndancestudios.com

The best way to reach us is through email.

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THE GET DOWN’S STUDENT HANDBOOK AGREEMENT FORM

I have read and agree with the policies and procedures in this Student Handbook. I have
reviewed the policies and procedures with my child. We fully understand that any violation of
these policies and procedures may result in a suspension or termination of our services at The
Get Down.

____________________ ____________________ _________

Parent Name (print) Parent Signature Date

Please return this agreement form by or ons the first day of class (electronic signature is
accepted).

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