The LaVilla School of the Arts - Duval County Public Schools

The LaVilla School of the Arts’
Dance
Department
Director: Michelle Ottley-Fisher
Co-Chair: Susan Jennings
501 North Davis Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32202
(904) 633-6069 ext. 179 or 127
Dance booster website www.lasotadance.com
Welcome Dancers and Parents,
to the LaVilla School of the Arts’ Dance Department. The information in
this packet is designed to answer most, if not all, of your questions about our
program. We’ll also be using it to gather information about you. To this end we
ask that you be sure to read through this packet very carefully and return the
necessary forms in this packet by the dates indicated. If, however, you still have
any questions or concerns, call us at 633-6069 ext 118 or ext 127. Don’t be
discouraged by the answering machine. Most often it’s our only indication that
you’ve called. Once again, welcome and let’s look forward to an incredible new year.

Our Mission:
The dance department at the LaVilla School of the Arts strives
towards the same end for all of our dancers; to expose all dancers to and
educate them in a variety of technical dance styles, primarily ballet, but also
to include jazz and modern dance techniques; to enhance their basic tactile
development with further training in tap, hip-hop, choreography and dance
history and current knowledge; and finally, to encourage a more aesthetic
awareness of dance through such necessary extras as guest artists, field trips,
workshops, and performance opportunities.
To ensure that all dancers enjoy the maximum benefit from this program
dancers are placed into classes based on technical level and not be age or
grade. Achievement to the next level, then, comes after strong technical
advancement and increased discipline and not necessarily because of grade
level advancement.
Our philosophy of learning revolves around enhancing and structuring the
dancer’s training to lead towards a true appreciation, if not a continued
study, of dance. Rest assured then that everything that we ask of your
dancer is towards this goal. We hope that you would expect no less of us.
We also hope to develop a trusting, positive and nurturing environment for
all involved. In short… have a great time!
Thank You,
The LaVilla School of the Arts Dance Faculty

The LaVilla Dance Department Dress Code
*** (PLEASE LABEL ALL SUPPLIES WITH DANCER’S LAST NAME AND FIRST INITIAL)
See information for ladies on the left and information for gentlemen on the right
Ladies: ______________________________Gentlemen:
Ballet
o 2 Black Leotards (any sleeve style) 2 Solid White T-shirts
o 2 Pairs of Pink Tights 2 Pairs of Black Tights
o Pink Ballet Slippers Black Ballet Shoes
Plus...
**Tights may be full footed or convertible. ** Men‟s tights must have a black center
** Dance Levels 5-8 will need pointe shoes **Dance Levels 7-8 also need White
** Dance Levels 7-8 also need seamed pink tights Tights and White Ballet Shoes
Hair must be in a bun for ballet classes ( See HairNotes on the next page)
Jazz
o Solid Color Leotard Solid Color T-Shirt
o Tan Tights Black Dance Pants
o Tan Jazz Shoes Black Jazz Shoes
Hair must be off face, neck and ears for jazz and modern classes ( See HairNotes on the next page)
Plus...
**Any Slip-on or Lace up style shoes acceptable SEE INFORMATION TO THE LEFT
** No sneakers for class, please. You’ll have a sneaker opportunity with Hip-Hop workshops
**Tights must be convertible
Modern
o Black Leotard Black T-shirt
o Black Footless Tights Black Dance Pants
Plus...
Ladies Must Also Have Gentlemen Must Also Have
o A small dance bag A small Dance Bag
o A black or flesh colored sports bra A flesh-toned dance belt
o A flesh-toned camisole A 2” black headband if nec.
o A supply of hair ties and pins
o A 2” thick black headband if short hair
Undergarments may not be worn beneath dance attire.
Ladies we’ll talk about options to undies
Please wait until further notice before purchasing Tap shoes or Pointe shoes
for levels other than the ones indicated. At that time Tap shoes will have to be tan
for the ladies and black for the gentlemen. The dance department allows cover-

ups during the Winter Season for the warm-up portion of class. Acceptable covers
are ballet skirts, dance pants, dance sweaters, sweat pants and leg-warmers.
LaVilla Dance Supply and Wish List
These items are products to aid the dancer in being successful in the academic portion
of their dance experience here at LaVilla. Some others are to help us all remain
healthy and organized, which will also help us to be successful.
All dancers will need to have:
� A school issued planner (The planner will be used daily and should be checked
every Friday for handouts, calendars, returned work and grading information.)
� A 1 inch White 3 ring binder with pockets
o The binder needs to have the clear windows on the outside as well as
pockets
� One folder with pockets and binder holes
� A pocket ballet dictionary
� A book for reading (anything dance; fiction or non-fiction, hard or soft back)
� A pencil bag with binder holes
� 1 package of pencils
� 1 package of pens
� The special extra indicated below based on your class level indicated on
your schedule.
Dance 1 & 2: Multicolor Construction paper and/or Band Aids
Dance 3 & 4: One pack of copy paper (white or color) and/or Loose Leaf Paper
Dance 5 & 6: 2 packages of #2 pencils and/or Band Aids
Dance 7 & 8: A small supply of blank CDR-Music and/or DVD discs
You Can Also Help Us Greatly With The Following Supplies
� 1 large container of disinfecting wipes
� 1 bottle of hand sanitizer
� 2 Glade Plug-In Scented Oil
� 2 boxes of facial tissues
� 1 small container of liquid laundry detergent
� 1 package of paper towels
� 1 mesh laundry sack or plastic storage container (any size)
� 2 boxes of bandages
� 1 tube of Benedryl/anti-allergy ointment ( no donation needed at this time)
� 1 re-freezable ice pack
Thank you for considering our wishes

HAIRNOTES
For all dance classes, the dancer’s hair must be secured of the face, neck and
ears. For the ballet class it is required that the female dancer wear the hair in a
clean, secure bun.
o The bun must be wrapped, pinned and gelled, if necessary to eliminate
wisps, bangs, falls, or curls about the face and neck.
o If the dancer‟s hair is comparatively short and cannot be pulled back
into a tie or elastic, it is then required that the hair be held by a 2” thick
black headband. This rule applies to both ladies and gentlemen.
(Gentlemen are not required to wear a bun; however, measures must be taken to
create a clean, secure style).
o For all other classes, the hair may be worn in a clean ponytail without
distractions, but a bun is always more preferred.
The LaVilla dance department will accept braid styles that strictly meet with
the following guidelines. Please be sure to follow them closely to avoid grade
reduction.
o Braids must be no larger than a medium size (no thicker than a
kindergarten pencil)
o Braids must be a length that can be easily pulled up into a bun. (We
suggest no longer than shoulder blade.)
o Cornrows, Twist, or Shreds, Curly Braids, even Afro puffs are allowed.
o Braids must be maneuverable enough to secure in a neat “chignon” style
bun off the face, neck and ears.
o There should be no portion of the braid style that cannot be secured in
the bun
*In support of maintaining a healthy hair style, please ask stylists not to pull
braids too tightly at the starting points
Be sure that hair adornments are not distracting, hindering to movement or a
potential hazard.

Ballet Shop
799 Blanding Blvd. (Orange Park)
(904)276-5992
Dance „n‟ Stuff Boutique
8011-3 Merrill Road (Arlington)
743-6080
1368 Beach Blvd (Beaches
(904)247-8006
Danskin Outlet
5080 International Drive
Orlando, Florida 32819
(407) 351-2364
Julian‟s dancewear
9825 San Jose’ Blvd #31
(904) 880-0111 (San Marco/Mandarin)
Make Believe Costumes & Dancewear
1855 Parental Home Road (Southside)
645-6337
10950 San Jose’ Blvd. (Mandarin)
880-2288
Ultimate Dancewear & Accessories
9560 Lem Turner Road (Northside)
(904) 766-0009
Willie‟s For Kids
3567 St. John’s Avenue
(904) 384- 3664 (Avondale)
Inexpensive Online options
Local Dancewear Establishments
www.onlinedancewear.com www.justforkix.com
www.discountdancesupply.com www.dancewearsolutions.com

www.allaboutdance.com
Also try your local Target, Wal-Mart, or Payless
Grading Policies
The dancer’s grade is dependant on three major factors: 1) his/her daily participation/
success with performance guidelines & 2) his/her individual advancement in dance
technique and performance and 3) his/her quarterly success with written work and
standards achievements.
1) The Participation Grade will include points accrued each day for
o Timeliness to the studio from the dressing rooms
o Proper attire based on the technique being taught
o Proper shoes based on technique being taught
o Proper hair based on technique being taught
o Overall classroom participation and technical development
Since this is a performance art, the participation grade will also reflect the dancer’s displayed level of
intent, focus, discipline, respect and the dancer’s self-motivation and commitment to advance.
Although fairly subjective, this is a very specific area of assessment. This section of the participation
grade is an average of each regular dance instructor that that dancer meets with.
**IMPORTANT
When you just can‟t dance
o Please return a parent/guardian written and signed note when the dancer is too ill
or injured to dance.
o After three days, the excuse note must be physician-issued.
o Dancer’s will be asked to complete make-up classes after three absences or nondressed
days (excused or unexcused)
o Dancer’s will be required to complete a written make-up assignment if injury or
illness extends past 7 days and must be able to pass the quarter final according to
county rules.
o Unexcused non-dressed days will result in a loss of half- of the daily points when a
written assignment is completed correctly and returned with a parent’s signature.
o 5 unexcused non-dress days will result in an automatic failing grade
2) The Dance Advancement Grade is dependant on the student’s individual work
ethic and advancement. This grade will be an average of Teacher assessments
from each instructor that the dancer sees.
3) The Written Grade will assess points earned from vocabulary worksheets,
quizzes, tests, “Dance News Assignments” (DNA’S) and final exams. DNA’s are
week long, research assignments based on a specific area of dance development.
The final exams may be written, practicum (movement) or oral.

**Please understand that it is important to the growth of a dancer to know the history, current events
and information that affects a dancer. It is also imperative to be able to express oneself in writing.
We‟ve chosen this standard to support your academic standing.
The Dance Enrichment Fee
(DEF)
The Dance Enrichment Fee is a yearly fund that is donated by the dancers and
their parents to help cover expenses incurred by the dance department. These
expenses include guest artist classes, choreographer fees, workshop fees, costuming,
field trips, transportation, performance security, make-up class instruction, and even
some equipment, travel, software and supplies
These extras do so much to enhance the quality of learning that we’ve come to
expect them and they are invaluable in their capacity. They do come with a hefty
tag. To costume an average class of 25 dancers it could theoretically cost $1,300.
We have 8 levels of classes. Just one guest can run $ 100 a workshop/class. If
choreography is involved, an added $500-$800 is required just for the rights to the
choreography. Then there is usually rehearsal time, and travel/room/board.
So you see, and I’m sure many of your already know, dance is an expensive art
form. Your DEF is just about all we have. We will also be offering fundraisers
through the dance booster organization and the dance department. Some
fundraisers will go to the general fund, and others to the dancer’s individual
account for class-specific events.
o The DEF can be paid all at once or in installments at Orientation, the
Meet & Greet, Open House or at the September, October and
November Booster Meetings.
o The DEF should be covered in its entirety by the November Booster
Meeting
o A separate handout of the Enrichment Fee will be supplied
Dance Levels 1 & 2 (first period)- $50
Dance Levels 3 & 4 (second period) -$75
Dance Levels 5 & 6 (third period) -$125
Dance Levels 7 & 8 (fourth period) -$150
If we are unable to receive your dancer‟s DEF payment
o Your dancer will not earn a costume for any dance department concert
o Your dancer will not be able to participate in payment based
workshops/field trips or activities

o Your dancer will not be able to collect his/her yearbook
Other Important Information
Performing:
All dancers in the department are invited to perform in the Spring Dance
Concert which closes out our dance year with a bang! We also will be hosting,
new this year, a Fall Concert Showing, Building Dances Showing and the annual
Guest Artist Concert. Details on these three concerts will be discussed later.
There are also other open or class-level workshop or performance opportunities.
The dancer’s will be made aware of this information ahead of time. The dancer
must maintain a GPA of 2.0 for the quarter in order to perform, but is not
penalized further if they are restricted. In most cases the dancer will be allowed
the opportunity to participate in the concert in another capacity and receive
performance extra credit along with his/her peers.
All dance concert begin at 7:30pm and will have a call time of 6:00pm.
The Tap Ensemble:
This is an after-school performance ensemble made up of students from any
arts area who are proficient if tap dancing and performance. This ensemble will
meet weekly to learn choreography and in a variety of tap styles. The student will
need to audition for the ensemble and will be required to sign a contract for
participation. This is not a tap class. The dancers will be offered tap technique
classes beginning at Dance Level 3.
Menzklub
This after school group is open to all dancers and is a mandatory class for all
the gentlemen in the dance department. Here, the gentlemen focus on male
dance development, partnering techniques, and strength training not tackled
in the regular dance class. It is averaged into the class grade and is imperative
to the proper movement-growth of the male dancer.
Dance Ensemble 7 and the Dance Repertoire Ensemble (Level 8)
The dancers in block 4 have auditioned for placement at this level and have
displayed proficiency in ballet, pointe, modern and jazz dance techniques. All
dancers in this level must also maintain a 2.0 overall GPA and a 3.5 Dance GPA.
The Dance Repertoire Ensemble are those selected for Dance Level 8. They serve
as ambassadors to the department and meet weekly for mandatory repertoire
work and rehearsals.

The Dance Department Booster Volunteer Form Part 1
The Dance Booster Organization is an association of parents, businesses and other
friends of the LaVilla Dance Department whose primary focus is to assist in the
many ways that improve the quality of the LaVilla dance experience. The Club
follows booster and school organizational guidelines. There are so many ways to
get involved with your dancer’s time here at LaVilla and we can think of many
more. Please consider a commitment of 2 hours a month and volunteering in at
least one dance event this year. If we can get that from just one parent per dancer
we could accumulate approximately 400 “man-hours” and invaluable memories.
Speaking of commitment, take a look at what we have below and don’t forget to fill
out the district volunteer form
Active Booster Membership Commitment Statement
If you’re really ready to jump into the dance year here at LaVilla? Then put on
those running shoes and let’s hit the ground! The dance booster organization
really needs you and most importantly we need your time, expertise and services.
Below you’ll find a listing of the many activities and events that we try to offer
the dancers, but so many of the events are not even possible without your helping
hand. So, we’re not only asking that you consider volunteering, but that you make
a specific decision to help and where you’d like to help. To help you make your mind
up quickly we’d like to offer you a little incentive.
1) Each household will receive a $5 commitment waiver off the DEF simply for
volunteering and committing your time and or expertise to a dance booster
activity.
2) Then, if your enrichment fee is covered by or before September 30th, your
dancer can receive a $10 credit towards either the Manhattan Dance Project
(October 9 th & 10 th ) or the Florida Dance On Tour (October 29 th -31 st ). Just let us
know which.
3) Dancers with siblings in currently in the department may also earn a 10%
discount.
So, c’mon make the commitment to make dance awesome for your dancer while
they’re at LaVilla. Either way; you win and so does your child!

The Dance Department Volunteer Form Part II
Please Fill out and Return by Sept 12th
Level______ Grade______
Dancer’s Name______________________________________________________
Volunteer’s Name (s) __________________________________________________
Contact Information: Daytime Phone ___________________
Evening Phone___________________
Cell/Pager Number________________
Email Address (es) _________________________________
I __________________ would like to offer my time and/or services to my dancer
by way of the positions, events, or activities indicated below and gladly reap the
dual benefits.
Volunteer Areas of Interest:
_____Annual Trip _____Concessions _____ Fundraising
_____ Chaperoning _____Grant Writing/Business Partnerships
_____ Phone Message/ Newsletter/Manager _____Merchandise
_____ Costume Room _____ The Turkey Tick _____ Concerts
_____ Events/Workshops _____ Historian
_____ Office Manager _____Event Videographer/ Archiving

Thank you so much for your time and information. We
will use all of it responsibly!
Have a great year!
The Dance Information Form
Please Fill out and Return by Sept 12th
Dance Level _______ Grade ________
Dancer‟s Name _______________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Current Grade __________ Age __________ Date of Birth __________________
Home Phone # _______________ Cell Phone # ________________
Dancer‟s email address ________________________________________________
Parent/ Guardian 1____________________________________________________
Address______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Home Phone # __________ Work Phone # ___________Cell Phone # __________
Parent/Guardian email addresses__________________________________________
Parent/Guardian 2 _____________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Home Phone # __________ Work Phone # ____________ Cell Phone # _________
Dancer‟s Training Background ___________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________
Dance Enrichment Fee Payment Record
Please fill out and return by Sept 12th
Dancer’s Name _________________________ Dance Block________ Grade_____
Enrichment Fee Amount $ ____________
Parent/Guardian Name(s) ______________________________________________
(please print)
_________ Paid in one lump sum at Orientation, the Meet & Greet, Open House,
September Booster, and October Booster, November Booster
_________ Paid in Installments
____________________, ______________________, and _____________________
Sibling Name ___________________________ Arts Area _____________________
**Please do not send cash in with your dancer.
Signature of Parent/Guardian _________________________________ Date______
You will receive a receipt with each payment. Please be sure to keep this for
accounting purposes.
--------------------------------------Do Not Write Below This Line---------------------------------
Student _______________________Parent/ Guardian ________________________
DEF
1. ______________ $______________ # _________________
2. ______________ $______________ # _________________
3. ______________ $______________ # _________________
4. ______________ $______________ # _________________

The Dance Blanket Permission Slip
Please Return filled out by Sept 12th
Level_____ Grade ______
The following form will serve as a permission slip and medical emergency form to cover all field trip
opportunities and activities that the dancer listed below will be invited to participate in with the LaVilla
Dance Department through the *2011-2014 school years. Informational forms will be sent home to allow for
parental denial. Please read carefully.
I _______________________ the parent/guardian of ________________________ do hereby give
permission for this dancer to attend, perform with, be photographed or videotaped by or travel with the LaVilla
Dance Department to all dance related functions for which they are eligible through the 2009-2012 school years. I
understand that each activity and event may hold some level of physical risk as is expected in this art form. And
do, therefore release the LaVilla School of the Arts, the dance department, faculty, volunteers, and other agents
from any legal or financial responsibility or liability in the event of personal injury, illness, or property damage
during said activities.
In case of emergency, every attempt will be made to contact me or any listed emergency contact. I
request that, by judgment of chaperones, director, faculty or medical personnel, measures be taken without delay
to correct said illness or accidental injury. This is to say that chaperones, director, faculty or medical personnel
may also transport injured or ill dancer to a medical facility if necessary.
I understand that if any of these situations should arise a report will be filed with the House
Administration and Main Office. I am notified that I am financially responsible for expenses which may be
incurred during emergency transportation or care.
The following may be administered to my child by and adult or medical professional
_____Aspirin _____Antihistamines _____Acetametaphin _____ Antibiotics (topical)
_____Antiseptics _____Antacids_____ Cough Drops _____Ibuprofen _____Other (Specify Below)
List allergies, conditions or Chronic Illnesses that we should be aware of
________________________________________________________________________________
(please register all emergency medications in the proper areas in House Administration)
Medical Emergency Information
Primary Care Physician ________________________________ Phone Number __________
Family Dentist _____________________________________ Phone ____________________
Dancer’s home # _____________________
Mother‟s Name ___________________________Work #_________________ Cell # _________________
Father‟s Name ___________________________ Work #________________ Cell #__________________
Emergency Contact ____________________________________ Number _____________
Other Contact ____________________________________ Number __________________
**PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UNTIL NOTARIZED. RETURNING DANCERS DO NOTNEED A NEW BPS, IF ON
FILE FROM THE YEAR BEFORE.
*Parent/Guardian Signature _____________________________________________
(Please sign only in presence of a Notary Public)

Presented to and Sworn before me this ____ day of _____________ in the year_____
Notary Public State of Florida ___________________________ Commission Expires _____