(203) 972-3265

For Parents

The Artistic Faculty and Board of Directors at NEAD recognize the value of parents and guardians in a child’s dance development. As such, we invite all parents to explore and become familiar with the details outlined in both the New Students and Current Students sections of the site, as well as learn of the observation and volunteer opportunities presented above.

We offer both performance-related and longer-term volunteer opportunities, to suit all ranges of desired involvement. The NEAD community is grateful for all levels of parental involvement and we feel privileged to have such passionate and vibrant adult support.

Please feel free to stop by the NEAD main office with any questions, or just to say hello!

School Policies

The following Class Makeup and Injury policies are of the utmost importance to ensure the health and development of each dancer.

Please set up an appointment with a faculty member if you have any specific questions about an unusual circumstance or your dancer.

Class Makeup Policy

If a dancer is absent for a class, he/she may make up a class at the same level or below, during the same semester.

All fully enrolled students are allowed to makeup missed classes based on this policy. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the directors.

Additionally, there will be a one week “make up” period added to the end of the Spring Semester.

Injury & Withdrawal Policy

Our policy is that after the first class, we do not offer refunds.

Dance is a physical art, and we recognize that injuries happen.

While we cannot offer refunds for tuition payments due to injury, we can offer tuition credits on an individual basis.

Please stop by the office for an injury consultation to discuss the details of your dancer’s specific injury and recovery timeline.

Doctor clearance, with a verified note, is required for all dancers before re-entry into class.

Students who are unable to physically participate in all rehearsals are not permitted to perform.

Observation & Evaluation

Observation

Scheduled observation weeks are offered each semester for parents & guardians to watch their dancers in class.  Non- scheduled observations are also welcomed, pending instructor permission. Please contact the office if you would like to schedule an observation.

For the 2020-2021 School year, please refer to our COVID FAQ, as new restrictions may be in place.

Evaluation

Student evaluations occur annually, at the close of each semester.
In one-on-one discussions with teachers, dancers reflect upon their technical and personal growth and set objectives for focus next semester.

These points of positive encouragement and feedback are designed to inspire growth in the upcoming term.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer

Volunteers are vital to the success of the school, especially during performance periods. Information sessions are held prior to each Spring and Nutcracker season explaining the different volunteer roles (decorations, costumes, back stage help, tickets, concessions, etc.) available and the scope of involvement required for each.

Non-performance related volunteer opportunities are also available on an ongoing basis. Stop by the NEAD office to learn more!

Audition Procedures

Every semester, the directors will hold auditions for current students to take part in the performance for that season.
Every dancer who auditions will be given a role, as long as their performance fee has been paid.
We do not give refunds after casting has been posted.
This is because every role is important in our show, and if a dancer drops out they will have to be replaced.

We know that casting season is tough for everyone. We have prepared a document to help you talk with your dancer about casting.
We encourage you to read through this prior to casting and have discussions with your dancer before and after casting comes out.
If after utilizing this document you still have questions and would like to speak with a director, you may schedule a meeting through the office no sooner than three days after the release of any casting.