Apprentice Program Guidelines

Being an apprentice is a great way to learn about teaching dance and working with children. The time you spend will also help you defer the cost of some of your class tuition. An apprentice position is an important responsibility and should be thought of as a “job!” As teachers, we count on you to be there and to fulfill the expectations of the apprentice. Below please find written guidelines and requirements for the apprentice position. Please read them carefully before you make your decision to be an apprentice. We hope that these guidelines will help clarify areas of concern that came up last year and keep the program consistent and running smoothly.

1. All apprentice helpers must sign in to log book for each class. If you are absent or late, you should document this in the logbook. If someone subs for you, please have him or her sign their name in the logbook in your class space.

2. All apprentice helpers must report to the studio, no later than ten minutes before class is scheduled to begin. You must be dressed, fed, and ready to begin work at that time.

3. Apprentice helpers must follow the studio dress code for dancewear and hair. You may wear dance clothing that is outside of the code for your apprentice classes as outlined below:
a) Ballet helpers must wear ballet pink tights and black leotard. You may wear a ballet skirt or dance sweater only.
b) Tap & Jazz helpers may wear jazz pants. Remember it is hard for the children to see your feet if your pants are too long. If the children are Primary and below, we recommend crop or capri length pants.
c) Dance Basics – No extra clothing of any kind. A dance sweater is OK if needed.
d) Hair must be up according to studio guidelines. Remember you are setting the example for these new dancers!!
e) Modern – No extra clothing, a dance sweater is OK.

4. Absenteeism is not a good thing. You are making a commitment for 35 weeks. You must let your teacher know when you will be absent. If you will be absent, it is YOUR responsibility to find a substitute to take your class.
Each apprentice helper will be given a list of phone numbers to call to find a
substitute. Please try to help each other out! The goal is to keep all the
classes covered.

5. Please make every effort to avoid absences at the following times:
a) First two weeks of each new session (Sept. & Feb.)
b) Holidays & Observation Weeks
c) Measuring and Costume Week
d) Spring Performance Weeks (just prior to show)

6. Classroom Conduct

As an apprentice this is the most important part of your job. Remember how you conduct yourself; your teachers, the students and their parents notice what you do! Learning the right things to say and do is part of the process. Use your common sense, be open and observe what is going on around you. Below we have listed what we expect from YOU:

a) Be prepared and be punctual. No gum chewing!!
b) Keep the safety of the dancers the foremost priority at all times.
c) Be ready to lead group stretch or warm-up as requested.
d) Take the initiative to collect dancers and get them lined up at the door.
e) Assist with shoe tying, bathroom breaks, clean up of spills etc.
f) Be ready for the “emergency corner” if needed.
g) Follow directions of the teacher. Remember you are the assistant, not the teacher.... (yet!)
h) Keep smiling, nodding and be positive!
i) Do NOT step on the toes of the teacher, when she/he is teaching.
j) Do NOT interrupt the teacher when she/he is teaching.
k) Take the initiative when offered; be independent when appropriate.
l) Do not overstep your authority. Refer the questions of parents to the teachers. Be polite and courteous to parents. Do not roll eyes or make comments in the classroom.
m) Maintain confidentiality!! Remember to keep discussions on students
and other topics between you and the teacher.

7. While working as an apprentice your technical execution is extremely important!! Remember children mimic what they see. If you are executing something incorrectly, so will they!! Concentrate on what you are doing when you are demonstrating. We will not correct your technique in front of the children. We are there to teach them, not correct your technique flaws. Many of you are assisting with beginner level groups, therefore, your plies and tendus must be beautiful!! This is not mindless work...it takes energy and focus!!

8. Apprentice helpers are expected to MEMORIZE the dances for performance.

9. Apprentice helpers are expected to assist during rehearsals and performance with their designated groups. Dance Basics helpers must participate in the end of year activity.

10. Apprentice helpers in their first session will be considered “in-training” and therefore, will not receive any credit towards their tuition. Helpers who have completed a session of training will be evaluated for the next session. The status of the helper will be determined based on their progress and their evaluation. Helpers with experience will receive a tuition credit based on their age, experience, technical ability and number of years of service. Apprentice helpers will be classified in one of the following categories:

a) “In-Training” – new to the apprentice program, first session of work as an apprentice
b) Junior – just completed training, evaluation shows good progress and ability to work well as an apprentice helper. May stay at this level for several years, depending on age, technical ability, etc.
c) Senior – more experienced technical dancer with significant apprentice training. Seniors must have several years of apprentice experience. Seniors are expected to be working toward the goal of teaching a class independently as a substitute for the teacher. These dancers must show initiative, confidence and the ability to work in the classroom with the children without constant supervision. The Senior apprentice can plan exercises, select music, give appropriate corrections in technique, and maintain control and discipline in the classroom.
d) Tuition credit will be given based on apprentice hours worked per week. Merit increases will be given as appropriate.