Please use the links below to jump to sections outlining specific policies at Pacific West Performing Arts:


DRESS CODE

 

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Proper attire aids in execution of movement as well as injury prevention. This is true of any physical activity or sport, as it is true of dance. 

Acro

  • Fitted leggings, shorts, or tights

  • Leotard or fitted tank top with proper sports bra -- NOTHING LOOSE THAT NEEDS TO BE PULLED DOWN

  • Bare feet

  • Hair pulled up securely into a ponytail or bun

*Please make certain your dancer does not attend Acro classes in loose tank tops.  We do not want to sacrifice their safety in anyway (getting caught in their tank top if they happen to go upside down) and teachers need to be able to make sure their placement is correct.

Tiny Twos and Combo Classes

  • Black or Pink Leotard

  • Black or Pink Ballet Skirt (optional)

  • Pink Ballet Tights

  • Pink Ballet Shoes (not house slippers that look like ballet shoes)

  • Hair pulled up securely into a ponytail or bun

  • For Ballet/Tap & Ballet/Tap/Jazz: Black Tap Shoes

Jazz/Hip Hop Combo Classes

  • Shorts, Leggings, or Sweatpants

  • T-Shirt or Tank Top

  • Clean Tennis Shoes

  • Ballet Shoes or Jazz Shoes

  • Hair pulled up securely into a ponytail or bun

Tiny Tumblers

  • Form fitting T-Shirt or Tank Top

  • Shorts, Leggings, or Capris

  • Leotards are highly recommended but not required

  • Barefeet

  • Hair pulled up securely into a ponytail or bun

Ballet Levels I-V

  • Black Leotard

  • Black Ballet Skirt

  • Pink Ballet Tights

  • Pink Ballet Shoes

  • Hair pulled back into a bun

  • Pre-pointe shoes optional for pre-pointe class

  • Pointe shoes for pointe class (must be cleared by Dr Woodle and professionally fitted)

Lyrical, Contemporary, Jazz and Musical Theater

  • Form fitting tank top or t-shirt (so it stays put when moving) -- please no midriffs

  • Leggings or well-fitting shorts

  • Leotards recommended but not required

  • Jazz shoes for Jazz and Musical Theater

  • Foot undies/paws for Lyrical and Contemporary

  • Proper undergarments (sports bras)

  • Hair pulled up securely into a ponytail or bun

  • FOR JAZZ PERFORMANCES: Capezio Light Suntan Transition Tights with Capezio Caramel Slip On or V Jazz Shoes

Tap & Hip Hop Levels I-V

  • Sweats, leggings, or well-fitting shorts

  • T-shirt or tank top

  • For Level I-V Hip Hop -- Clean tennis shoes

  • For Level I-V Tap -- Black Oxford (lace-up) Tap shoes. Mary Janes are only acceptable for combo classes.

  • Hair pulled up securely into a ponytail or bun

Salsa

Girls:

Boys:

  • White T-Shirt

  • Black Pants

  • Dark Tan or Skin Tone Male Cuban Ballroom Shoes or Jazz Shoes


WEATHER

When the Lake Stevens or Snohomish School Districts have an altered schedule due to weather it is best to check our outgoing phone message, check this website's front page, or check our Facebook page. Often times the schools will close but the ice or snow will have melted by the time our classes begin. We will do our very best to keep you updated. Of course, not everyone lives near the main roads so regardless of our decision do what is best and safest for your family. 

*You will not receive a phone call in the event of a Snow Day*   For updated information, please refer to the front page of our website, outgoing phone message, or Facebook page


LICE

PacWest follows a strict no nit policy. Due to the active nature of dance we do not allow children to return while undergoing treatment. Please keep your child home from dance until the hair can be combed through free of lice and nits. 


INJURY

Injuries that occur outside the studio must be brought to the attention of the instructor, even if minor. Examples: a fall that gashed a knee, a booster shot that makes it tough to move the arm, etc. A child's effort and intensity should be a bit less for a minor injury and the teacher's guidance is neccessary in determining what movement is to be avoided. A more major injury needs to be brought to the attention of not only the instructor but the administrative assistant, and needs a doctor's note to clear the child's return to dance. This includes ankle issues, broken bones, etc. Anything that prevents a child from participating requires a doctor's note to return to activity. This not only protects your child from reinjury, but it protects us.

Injuries that occur at PacWest follow strict protocol. The parent or guardian is immediatly contacted via phone, so please be certain your contact information is up to date. PacWest staff will take action based on the level of injury and the parent's consent. The instructor will work with the administrative assistant to fill out an incident report so the timeline of the injury is documented. The Director is also immediately notified. Dance is a sport and injuries do occur, but our instructors and staff do our very best to minimize injury through proper instruction and education.

If you have any concerns please contact the Front Desk with any questions.


Bullying concerns all of us, not just those who are bullying and those being bullied: it also affects those who witness bullying and feel unable to do anything. Bullying can happen in secret and a child being bullied can feel unable to tell.

We here at PacWest take bullying seriously and will not take bullying in any form. Any bullying incidents should be brought to the attention of the front desk. We will follow up any concerns expressed by students, parents, and/or teachers.

If you feel that you or a member of the PacWest family is being bullied please fill out our bullying incident report and bring it to the attention of the front desk.

If a dancer feels s/he is being bullied s/he needs to respond immediately. We understand that verbalizing one's feelings can be a scary step, especially when directed at the bully, but we encourage empowerment. Practice saying the following statements so they are at the ready when needed:

"That hurts my feelings." 

"You're bullying me."

 Many situations between kids can be seen as bullying from one perspective and is harmless teasing from another. This miscommunication can be cleared up if we allow the kids to take the first step. If after this step the situation has not improved then we truly have an incident that warrants direct involvement. The Administrators will contact the families, and the Administrator's decision will be final.

Let's avoid this situation altogether by monitoring our kids' social media use, communicating with them about the dangers of social media, and empowering them with the tools needed to be confident young adults.

Please contact the Front Desk with any questions.


FAQs

Why isn't Tuition Pro-Rated in December or June?

Tuition is based on the number of classes held throughout the school-year. Some months have 5 weeks; some months have 3 weeks. Rather than asking for a variable amount each month we add up all the classes and take the average for the number of months we are in session.

Why Does my Class have Pre-Reqs?

When dancers progress to level II they must train in the disciplines that contribute to what may be their favorite class. For example, they may have previously taken a level I lyrical class but once they are in level II they must also take ballet, as ballet technique and terminology are vital componants to performing lyrical movemnet. If dancers and parents would prefer not to take multiple classes per week we offer combo classes for all ages that are equivalent to a level I class. 

Why are Recital Tickets $25?

Most studios require dance families to pay a recital fee of up to $100 which forces the purchase of tickets and a DVD regardless of want or need. We prefer to be up front and fully transparent with our families about the cost of each item, which is why we separate the cost of costumes, tickets, and DVDs. This way families may decide what they'd like to spend their money on.

We offer the first four recital tickets at a reduced rate of $21 during the month of May. 

As far as where the money from the tickets go, this gets into the minutia of the cost of business. Facility rental, sound crew, lighting techs, theater manager, stage director, backstage manager, janitorial services, ASCAP, liability insurance, printing, plus paying the instructors and admins to be present... It takes quite a village to put on a successful and safe production involving over 400 children. We would be more than happy to loan you a complimentary copy of last year's DVD so you can see for yourself why all this hard work is so worth it! 

How do I Enroll my Student?

There are many ways to register! Click 'Register For Classes' at the bottom of the page, call, email, and/or stop by our front desk! Click the Parent Portal tab for instructions on how to use our Dance Studio Pro Parent Portal!

Can I place my child’s enrollment on hold?

No, we do not hold a child’s place in class. You can drop and re-enroll (if there is room) or continue to pay your child’s monthly tuition to keep them enrolled in the class. If you are going to have a pro-longed absence, please let the front desk know. If you are dropping, you must drop 7 days prior to the end of the month. If you drop within the 7 days you will be responsible for the next months tuition. (Example: To not pay October tuition you would have to drop class by September 23rd) We do have the option to future drop so if you know you are going to be moving at the end of January, let the front desk know and we can put that in our system so you will not be charged for February.