Competition Team

ST. LUCIE DANCE THEATRE

2026–2027 Competition Team Handbook & Agreement

Welcome to the St. Lucie Dance Theatre Competition Team!

For dancers who love to perform, our competition program provides the opportunity to train, grow, perform, compete, and build lifelong friendships. Team members represent St. Lucie Dance Theatre through regional and national competitions, our annual recital, community performances, rehearsals, team-building activities, and more. Being a member of the competition team requires a higher level of commitment from both dancers and parents than our recreational program. This handbook has been designed to clearly outline the expectations, responsibilities, policies, and financial commitments of our competition program. By signing this agreement, you acknowledge your commitment to the 2026–2027 competition season and agree to abide by all policies outlined below.

1. Full-Year Commitment

Competition Team members commit to the entire dance season:

August 10, 2026 – July 2, 2027

Competition choreography requires every dancer to be present. Quitting mid-season affects the entire team and requires routines to be restaged.

Please carefully consider your family's schedule before accepting a position on the team.

Each dancer will audition for individual routines. Placement is determined by the directors, and not every dancer will be selected for every routine.

2. Attendance Policy

Attendance is one of the most important responsibilities of a competition dancer.

Every rehearsal is essential for:

• Learning choreography
• Cleaning routines
• Formations
• Partner work
• Synchronization
• Technique development

When one dancer is absent, the entire team is affected.

Acceptable Excused Absences

• Illness
• Injury
• School academic events
• Religious holidays/events
• Family emergencies

Unacceptable Absences

Examples include but are not limited to:

• Birthday parties
• Trips to the zoo or amusement  parks
• Social events
• Non-essential outings

Notification Requirements

Please notify Gina or Tina:

• At least 7 days in advance for planned vacations, family events, or school trips.
• At least 2 hours prior to class for illness or emergencies.

Parents must notify the studio by phone, text, or email before any absence. This is also an important studio safety policy.

Other Activities

If your dancer participates in:

• School dance team
• Cheerleading
• Sports
• Theater

please schedule a meeting with the directors before signing this agreement.

Some schedules can be accommodated. However, if outside activities consistently interfere with rehearsals or competitions, the directors may require the dancer to choose between programs. If a dancer falls behind because of absences, the directors may require private lessons to review choreography.

Private Lesson Fee: 30 Minutes — $50

Academics First: School always comes first.

If you receive a school calendar that conflicts with our schedule, notify us immediately (within 24 hours whenever possible). Early communication allows us to work together on solutions.

Attendance Consequences

A dancer who misses three (3) or more rehearsals for a routine may be removed from that routine at the discretion of the directors.

3. Competition Fees & Tuition

Tuition & Payment Policy

Annual Competition Registration $100

Competition Team tuition is due on the 1st of each month.

Monthly Competition Tuition

• Competition Tuition: $210.00
• Competition Savings Account  (Layaway): $25.00
• Total Monthly Payment: $235.00

A $35.00 late fee will automatically be applied to any account balance that remains unpaid after the 7th day of the month.

Competition registration fees, tuition, costume fees, and competition entry fees are non-refundable.

Parents are responsible for ensuring that all tuition and fees remain current throughout the competition season. Dancers with delinquent accounts may be unable to participate in classes, rehearsals, competitions, or performances until the account is brought current.

Costume Fees

$100 per costume/per routine

If a dancer is unable to participate in a competition due to illness, injury, or absence, competition fees cannot be refunded because the competitions do not refund fees to the studio.

4. Tardiness

Please arrive 5–10 minutes before class begins.

Warm-up is essential for injury prevention and is considered part of class.

Repeated tardiness may affect participation in rehearsals and performances.

5. Costumes, Hair & Makeup

Competition dancers are expected to present a polished and professional appearance.

Performance Requirements

Each dancer must have:

• Complete costume
• Proper shoes
• Correct tights
• Hair accessories
• Performance makeup
• Assigned hairstyle

Missing costume pieces or improper grooming can result in point deductions during competition.

Costumes

Each routine requires a costume.

Whenever possible, we will reuse costume pieces between routines to help reduce expenses.

Costumes typically require 8–12 weeks for delivery after orders are placed.

Please note:

• Lost costume pieces generally  cannot be reordered individually.
• Entire replacement costumes may need to be purchased.

Parents are responsible for ensuring costumes remain clean, complete, and performance-ready.

6. Dress Code

All dancers must arrive to class in the required dress code.

Failure to arrive in proper attire may result in the dancer being required to purchase the appropriate item through the studio.

A $50 studio dress code fee may apply.

Required Dancewear

• Pink or Black Leotard — $35
• Pink Tights — $25
• Pink Ballet Shoes — $30
• Caramel Jazz Shoes — $35
• Turning Shoes — $30

Hair

• Hair must be secured in a neat ballet bun.
• No loose hair.
• No jewelry.

Team Apparel

Personalized Team Jacket — $100

Personalized Dance Duffle — $80

Personalized Dance Bag — $60

7. Sportsmanship & Conduct

Competition Team members are ambassadors of St. Lucie Dance Theatre.

We expect every dancer to:

• Show respect to teachers.
• Encourage teammates.
• Demonstrate kindness.
• Display professionalism.
• Support fellow competitors.

Bullying, disrespectful behavior, gossip, poor sportsmanship, or negative attitudes toward teammates, instructors, or other studios will not be tolerated.

Failure to uphold these expectations may result in disciplinary action or dismissal from the competition team.

8. Competition Team Commitment

By accepting a position on the St. Lucie Dance Theatre Competition Team, you agree to participate for the full season:

August 10, 2026 – July 2, 2027

Should a dancer withdraw from the competition team before the end of the contracted season, a $500 early withdrawal fee will be assessed.

This fee helps offset choreography, formations, administrative costs, and the impact on the remaining team members.

Competition Team Probationary Period: August 10 – September 1

All dancers selected for the competition team will participate in a probationary period from August 10 through September 1, 2026. This trial period allows dancers and families the opportunity to determine if the competition team is the right fit for their schedule, commitment level, and goals. Dancers may withdraw from the competition team at any time during the probationary period without penalty.

The $500 Competition Team Drop-Out Fee will not apply if a dancer officially withdraws on or before September 1, 2026. After September 1, dancers are considered fully committed to the competition season, and the $500 drop-out fee will be enforced if a dancer chooses to leave the team.

Families are encouraged to communicate any concerns with studio staff during the probationary period so we can help ensure a positive experience for all dancers. This probationary period is designed to provide families with peace of mind while allowing dancers to experience the expectations and commitment required for a successful competition season.

9. Social Media, Photography & Video Release

As members of the St. Lucie Dance Theatre Competition Team, dancers participate in performances, competitions, rehearsals, photo sessions, and studio events where photographs and videos may be taken.

By signing this agreement, parents/guardians grant St. Lucie Dance Theatre permission to photograph and record their dancer and to use these images and videos for promotional purposes, including but not limited to:

• Studio website
• Social media platforms
• Printed advertisements
• Brochures and flyers
• Studio displays
• Promotional videos
• Competition highlights
• Marketing materials

No compensation will be provided for the use of these images or videos. St. Lucie Dance Theatre will always strive to present dancers in a positive, respectful, and professional manner.

10. Parent Conduct & Positive Studio Environment

We believe a positive studio culture is essential to the success of every dancer.

Parents and family members are expected to represent St. Lucie Dance Theatre with kindness, professionalism, and respect at all rehearsals, competitions, performances, and studio events.

We ask that parents:

• Encourage all dancers—not just their own.
• Show respect toward teachers, staff, judges, volunteers, and other studios.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship at competitions.
• Support team decisions and celebrate everyone's accomplishments.
• Maintain a positive attitude both inside and outside the studio.

To preserve a welcoming environment for all families, negative conversations, gossip, complaints, or criticism in the lobby, backstage, at competitions, or with other parents are not permitted. These conversations can create unnecessary tension and negatively impact our dancers and studio community.

If you have a concern, question, or disagreement regarding any aspect of the competition program, we ask that you bring it directly to Ms. Gina and Ms. Tina. We are committed to listening, communicating openly, and resolving concerns promptly and professionally.

Our goal is to work together as a team to provide the best possible experience for every dancer. Open, respectful communication helps us maintain the positive, family-oriented atmosphere that makes St. Lucie Dance Theatre special.

Parents who repeatedly engage in disruptive behavior, gossip, harassment, or conduct that negatively affects the studio environment may be asked to meet with the directors. Continued violations of this policy may result in dismissal from the Competition Team at the discretion of St. Lucie Dance Theatre.

11. Competition Weekend Expectations

• Performance schedules are determined by the competition organizers and are typically released 7–10 days before each event.
• Families should plan to keep the entire competition weekend available, as dancers may perform at any time during the event.
• Attendance is required for all scheduled performances, rehearsals, and awards ceremonies.
• Team members are expected to remain with the team throughout the competition unless otherwise approved by the directors.
• Additional competitions, performances, conventions, or community events may be added during the season. Families will receive advance notice whenever possible.

Competition Trophy Policy

To celebrate the accomplishments of our competition team while preserving the history of our studio, the following trophy policy will apply:

• Solo Performances: All solo trophies and awards  will be kept by the individual dancer who earned them. 
• Duet Performances: Duet partners may choose to keep  their trophy at the studio as part of our legacy display or purchase a duplicate award so that each dancer receives one. The cost of the  duplicate award will be split equally between both families to ensure each dancer is recognized fairly. 
• Trio Performances: All trio trophies and awards will remain at the studio as part of our competition team legacy display. 
• Group Performances: All group trophies and awards  will remain at the studio to honor the achievements of the entire team and celebrate our studio's legacy for years to come. 

We are incredibly proud of each dancer's hard work and dedication. Thank you for helping us preserve the memories and accomplishments of our competition team while ensuring every dancer feels celebrated and valued.

We Can't Wait to Dance With You!

Thank you for considering becoming part of the St. Lucie Dance Theatre Competition Family. We look forward to helping your dancer grow not only in technique and performance, but also in confidence, discipline, teamwork, and leadership. Together, let's make the 2026–2027 season our best one yet!