Levels & Age Groups
Preschool (creative movement) and Tap basics- at the preschool level dancers learn elementary rhythm and musicality through play. They will perform one dance in the recital.
Pre-Ballet/Tap ~ Kinder Level -our kinder combo class combines tap and ballet for a well rounded start to dance education. They will perform two dances in the recital.
Hip Hop basics add-on - dancers have the option to add on an extra 30 min. of hip hop to their combo.
Level 1: Minis- mini combo classes include Tap/Jazz/Ballet and Hip Hop/Acro
Level 2: Petites- petite combo is Tap/Jazz with other classes separate. Ballet becomes a separate 1 hour class at this level and Hip Hop and Acro are separate 45 min classes.
Level 3: Juniors (10-13)
Level 4: Teens (11-17)
Level 5: Seniors (14+)
*All styles of dance are available to our upper level dancers- co-requisites may apply and students will be placed by age and ability.
Dress Code
To maintain a safe, professional, and focused environment, all students are required to adhere to the dress code outlined below. Proper dance attire not only shows respect for the art form and instructors but also allows for safe and effective movement. General Guidelines (All Classes) Hair must be neatly secured and away from the face (Hair past the shoulders must be in a bun for all Ballet classes. No exceptions!) No T-shirts! No loose or baggy clothing unless specified. Remove excessive jewelry (dangling earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.) Dance shoes must be worn only inside the studio to keep floors clean and safe. Label all personal belongings; the studio is not responsible for lost items. Dancers must pick up all their belongings before leaving the studio after class. Class-Specific Attire 1. Ballet Girls: Leotard Pink ballet tights (footed or convertible) Pink ballet slippers (canvas or leather) Ballet skirt (optional) Boys: White or black fitted t-shirt Black dance shorts or leggings Black ballet slippers 2. Jazz & Tap Fitted tank or leotard– no baggy clothing Jazz pants, leggings, or dance shorts (no jeans or sweatpants) Jazz or Tap shoes (color may vary per level or instructor) 3. Contemporary / Lyrical Leotard or fitted tank top Leggings or dance shorts Barefoot/Lyrical shoes 4. Hip-Hop Comfortable active wear- leggings, shorts, t-shirt, tank top No skirts, dresses, or denim Clean, non-marking sneakers designated for indoor use only No open-toed shoes or sandals 5. Acro/Tumbling Fitted tank top or leotard/unitard (no loose shirts) Fitted shorts or leggings Barefoot– no shoes, socks, or tights! Company/Performance Team Requirements Performance groups may have additional or more specific dress codes for rehearsals, which will be communicated by the director. Dance with Me / Creative Movement (Ages 2–4) Comfortable fitted clothing (leotard, leggings, unitard, skirt) Ballet slippers or barefoot Hair pulled back ⚠️ Non-Compliance Policy Students not in proper attire may be asked to sit out or observe class. Continued failure to follow the dress code will result in communication with the parent/guardian and possible disciplinary action.
Studio Policies
Code of Conduct Agreement: At Avant Dance LLC, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all dancers, instructors, and families. By enrolling, students and families agree to follow the policies below to ensure a positive and enriching experience for everyone. Expected Behavior: * Treat all fellow dancers, instructors, assistants, and staff with kindness and respect at all times. * NO negative talk, bullying, or gossiping about others—including dancers, instructors, or other dance studios. * NO profanity is allowed at Avant Dance, studios, bathrooms, dressing rooms, or backstage. * NO cell phones in the dance studios during dance classes. * Be kind, respectful and listen to your teacher - follow directions attentively. If you need clarification or have a question, politely ask your teacher. Maintain a positive attitude toward learning and give your best effort. * Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. We are a supportive and inclusive learning space. All dancers are welcome, regardless of background or experience. * Treat all studio property and equipment with care and report any damages. Attendance & Class Expectations: * Dance is a time commitment, dancers are required to attend their scheduled classes! Dancers are expected to arrive on time and be prepared for class in the proper attire. * All ‘warm-ups’ should be removed after the warm-up section of class is complete. No sweatshirts, baggy t-shirts, jeans, or outdoor street shoes in the studio. Street shoes and boots need to be left outside the studio near the entrance on the shoe racks and shelves. * No food or gum in the studio during dance classes. * Technique Classes: More than 3 unexcused absences may result in ineligibility for the Opening Number or Production. * Ballet Classes: More than 3 unexcused absences may result in removal from Lyrical, at the teacher's discretion. * Attendance is taken at every dance class! Please attend all dance classes regularly and notify the studio of any planned absences, illness or injuries. Please send an absence notification email to avantdancewny@gmail.com and we will let the assigned teacher know of the absence. Disciplinary Actions: 1. Verbal warnings to students and documentation in the student file. 2. Calling parents/guardians and a written notice to parents/guardians kept on student file. 3. Repeated failure to follow these guidelines (3 or more incidents) may result in dismissal from our program. Tuition & Fees: * The dance season at Avant Dance runs from September thru May. Dance classes continue after the recital. The cost of tuition, costume(s), and the recital fee is spread out over 9 monthly payments. The May Payment is NOT optional. * We use a software program called Studio Pro to manage everything at Avant Dance. On the 1st of the month, your monthly tuition will be posted to your Studio Pro account and a statement will be sent to you. * Tuition is due by the 15th of each month. Payments made after the 15th of the month will automatically incur a $10 late fee on the account. To pay monthly tuition, we accept cash or a check put in an envelope with the dancer's name on it. Payments can be dropped in the gray locked box on the wall at the studio. DO NOT give your payment to any of the teachers! Also, do not mail your payment to Avant Dance as we do not have a mailbox outside. Tuition payments may also be made online through Studio Pro. In early September you will receive an email from Avant Dance inviting you to set up your Parent Portal account in Studio Pro. You may also download the app if you wish. You can always check your Studio Pro account to keep up to date and see what you owe. A service fee is applied to all credit card transactions. * The first 4 payment of tuition must be paid in full through December 2026 in order for your child’s costumes to be ordered. * If you have any questions about classes or payment, please contact Martha Craig, Studio Manager via email at avantdancewny@gmail.com Adding and Dropping Classes: Adding or dropping any dance class MUST be done by October 15, 2026. Please let the designated teacher know your child is withdrawing and send us an email so that we can adjust your monthly tuition payment. Also, send us an email if your child decides to no longer attend Avant Dance for instruction: avantdancewny@gmail.com. Social Media and Online Conduct: * Photos, bios, and class footage may be used for marketing or studio-related promotions unless opted out in writing. * Represent the school positively in any online content you post. Bullying or inappropriate behavior online will not be tolerated. Parents and Guardians: * Support your dancer with encouragement and a positive attitude. Please ensure students arrive on time and are picked up promptly. If your child is under 14 please come inside to retrieve them! Communicate respectfully with staff and other parents. Do not interrupt classes; schedule meetings with instructors if needed. By following these guidelines, we can ensure a safe, focused, and uplifting environment for all our dancers. Thank you for being part of the Avant Dance family!
