Dear Parents and Students:

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I think this will be especially helpful for new students/parents about the structure of the class:

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Attendance

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• Attendance is extremely important.  We only have class once a week at most, so for your child to stay caught up with the class, regular attendance is a must.  It is also not fair to hold back the rest of the class if one or two students are continuously missing class.  

• Please notify me in advance if you know you will not be able to make it.  It is to your benefit.  If at least half of the class cannot come, I will cancel that class.

• The full semester schedule is posted online.  Please mark your calendars accordingly so there are no surprises later.

• Students who miss more than 4 classes per semester may not be able to perform in the Students Day Program.

• If for any reason you have to discontinue the class, please take it as courtesy to inform me before doing so.

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Dress Code

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• All girls should come to class in the uniform salwar and boys should wear pyjama kurta. 

• Please make sure hair is tied back in some way.  Whether it is a ponytail, braid, etc. it must be pulled back.  If a girl’s hair is too short to tie back, please be sure to come to class with a headband. 

• Also, since Bharatanatyam is an Indian/Hindu dance and all the students are wearing Indian clothing, don’t forget a bindi for the forehead! 

• Dress code will be strictly enforced.  If a student comes unprepared to class:

  • 1st time – Student will be given a reminder

  • 2nd time – Student will be asked to dance in the back

  • 3rd time – Student will be asked to sit and watch the class

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Fees

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• Fees will be taken at the start of each semester (usually Jan-May & Sept-Dec).  This is a semester fee that will not be changed if your daughter misses classes.  In the case that I cancel a scheduled class, the amount will be accounted for in the following semester.

• You will receive an invoice for the semester fee so that you have the option to pay electronically.  This is the preferred method. Any fees paid after the due date will be subject to a late fee.

• No cash will be accepted for fees

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Communication

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• Most communication for dance class (announcements, cancellations, etc.) will be communicated via email.  It is very important to check your email before coming to class in case of any last minute changes.  If you need to talk to me for any reason at all, email is best because I can reply back sooner.  After that, if a phone call is needed, we can go from there.  Please try me by email first unless it’s an emergency.  .

• I will also communicate any big announcements or schedule changes on the website.

• Email: natyakriya@gmail.com  Website: www.natyakriya.wix.com/home

• Phone (emergency): 412-256-8532

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During Class Time

• Parents are requested to please wait outside the class to allow the students to focus. There will be classes where the parents will be able to watch the session and this will be communicated ahead of time via email.

• Videotaping the classes are not permitted as it is not the best way for the students to learn and understand the art.

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Homework

• All students should have a dance folder at home to keep dance class handouts safe.  Some information can be found on the website with a login and password.

• Please encourage your children to practice on a daily basis.  It will make a tremendous difference!!

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Looking Ahead

• There is usually a Students Day Program every May where the students will have an opportunity to perform what they have learned that year. 

• If your child is interested in performing at any outside/family event, please discuss it with me before accepting any commitment.

 

• I humbly request that you please do not ask about your child doing an Arangetram – As a teacher, I pay very close attention to the progress of each and every student and also hold extremely high standards for whether or not a student is ready to do an Arangetram.  Not all students will do it automatically just because they have learned for ____ amount of years.  If I feel a student is ready in the near future, as the teacher I will approach you to discuss the possibility. 

• If this is not aligned with how you wish things to be, I will understand if your child decides to discontinue for this reason. 

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I truly love teaching dance and enjoy working with every one of your children.  I just want to make sure I am on the same page with all students and parents.  If there are any questions/concerns with anything mentioned above or you would like further clarification, feel free to email me or talk to me after class.   Thanks and I look forward to working with your child!

 

---Shobhitha Ravi