Our Philosophy
Mission Statement
Natural State Performing Arts is dedicated to providing inclusive and equitable dance education for all. We believe that dance can be a powerful tool for personal expression, creativity, and wellness. We believe that dance should be a safe and supportive environment for everyone. We commit to the training, education, exploration, creation, and performance of fine arts in our community.
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Growing Artistry
We expect our students to train, grow, and advance as artists through the expression of their dancing. We highly encourage students of all ages to pursue excellence in their training, personal development, and pursuit of goals. Dance, specifically classical ballet, does require dedication, time, discipline, and a willingness to change and grow.
Registration and Payment
All classes scheduled for the semester will be posted on our website. You can register as a student at NSPA on the website, and sign up for auditions, workshops, master classes, and events.
Payment for classes is required to be made before class begins. You can pay for the entire semester, pay by the month, or pay for individual classes. If you decide to pay by the month or semester, you will receive a discount compared to paying for classes individually. Our current accepted payment methods are listed on the website booking form.
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SAFETY POLICIES
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Natural State Performing Arts is not liable for injuries that may occur during classes, performances, or other events. Each participant dances at their own risk, acknowledging that injuries are possible during physical activities.
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If classes are canceled for any reason, you will be notified before your class time. We will follow the local school system for class cancellations due to inclement weather.
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Students are not permitted to be unsupervised in the parking lot. Additionally, students must not leave the dance studio without permission, and should not enter other spaces in the building.
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Sexual harassment of any kind, inappropriate questions or comments, body shaming, relationship manipulation, or unwanted physical contact will not be tolerated. Anyone who breaks these rules will be asked to leave and the authorities will be contacted.
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All participants of NSPA agree to having their image taken in photography and videography. These images and recordings may be used for printed materials, social media, and other advertising.
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Dance is a physical activity and art form. Teachers will need to guide students through appropriate physical touch to correct positioning of their feet, hips, shoulders, etc. Respect of the student will be shown, and personal conversations can take place to discuss boundaries.
Dress code
In order for the instructor to see the alignment and movement of the body, specific clothing is worn in the dance studio.
See below for the appropriate apparel for each level:
Creative Movement
Ages 3-5
must wear a dance leotard, ballet tights, ballet slippers, and a skirt if they like.
Level 1 Ballet
must wear a dance leotard, ballet tights, and ballet slippers.
Ages 5-8
Level 2 Ballet
Ages 8-11
must wear a dance leotard, ballet tights, ballet slippers, and a dance bra if needed.
Level 3 Ballet
Ages 12 and Up
must wear a dance leotard, ballet tights, ballet slippers, and a dance bra if needed.
Adult and Teen Ballet
dancers can wear a dance leotard and tights with a skirt, or another form-fitting outfit such as athletic leggings, tank tops, ballet sweaters, yoga clothing, etc.
Modern Class
dancers can wear a dance leotard and tights, or another form-fitting outfit such as dance shorts, athletic leggings, tank tops, yoga clothing (fitted around ankles), etc. Dancers will dance in Modern class in their bare feet.
Jazz and Musical Theatre
dancers can wear a dance leotard and tights, dance shorts that give full pelvic coverage, yoga clothing, etc. Dancers can wear jazz shoes, character shoes, or bare feet.
Stretch and Strengthen
dancers can wear a dance leotard and tights, or another form-fitting outfit such as dance shorts, athletic leggings, tank tops, yoga clothing, etc. Dancers can wear jazz shoes, dance sneakers, or bare feet.
Pre-Pointe and Pointe
dancers can wear the same apparel as listed for Ballet class. Specifics about pre-pointe footwear and pointe shoes will be discussed in class.
Traditional Men's Apparel
for dance includes men’s dance tights with dance belt, men’s athletic leggings, a plain t-shirt, or athletic shirts and shorts. Boys and men traditionally wear black, white, or skin tone matching ballet shoes for ballet class.
Hip Hop
Tennis shoes and athletic clothing with no metal additions such as zippers (tank top, t-shirt, shorts, leggings, sweatpants)
Tap
Tap shoes (with socks if desired) and athletic clothing with no metal additions such as zippers (tank top, t-shirt, shorts, leggings, sweatpants)
Jazz
Jazz shoes and form fitting athletic clothing such as a leotard, tank top, or t-shirt with bike shorts or leggings
Questions?
Contact Ms. Caity in person or via email at caitlyn@naturalstateperformingarts.com with any questions.
Our priority is the comfort and safety of all dancers, so please don't hesitate to reach out!
Other Rules
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No suggestive, graphic, political, or inappropriate prints or designs.
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No jewelry should be worn in the studio unless it is stud earrings or a finger ring with religious or marital significance. This is to avoid injuring yourself, your classmates, and to remove the possibility of losing valuables.
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If a dancer wears eyeglasses, they should be secure on the face. For safety reasons, eyeglasses are not permitted onstage during performances.
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Hair should be securely pulled back in a ballet bun or similar style, like a French Twist. If your hair is not long enough for a ballet bun, it should be pulled off the face and secured with barrettes or braids. Loose ponytails or pieces of hair in the face are not acceptable. Make sure all hair pins, barrettes, clips, and bands are in place and will not fall out during class.
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Street shoes should never be worn on the dance floor. The dirt and oil on shoes from parking lots and outdoor spaces can ruin the flooring in the studio.
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Dryer sheets should NOT be used on clothing worn in the studio. Body lotions, oils, heavy perfumes and similar products are not allowed. These things can damage our special flooring in the dance studio, and make the floor very slippery and dangerous.
Conduct
The use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs is strictly prohibited. Using these substances at any NSPA event will not be tolerated.
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All language must be in the spirit of camaraderie and kindness. No swearing, hateful remarks, or other inappropriate speech is allowed.
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Traditional ballet class rules include NO food or drink inside the studio except for bottled water, NO chewing gum, NO street shoes inside the studio, and raising your hand before asking questions.
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Students are expected to arrive approximately 10 minutes before their class time. Being prompt for dance class is very important so that you are part of the class warm up to help prevent injuries and interruptions.
Being tardy may result in the student being asked to sit and watch the class.
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Dancers, family members, or any other person associated with a student will not determine formations, choreography, placement of dancers, music choices, performance dates, attire, teaching methods, technique level, or other decisions related to NSPA at any time.
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All students are expected to maintain good personal hygiene. Showering or bathing regularly, using deodorant, oral hygiene such as brushing teeth, and laundering all apparel items is required.
Failure to meet these expectations may result in a student being asked to leave or sit and watch a class.
Any student feeling ill or displaying symptoms of illness must stay home from class and rehearsal. Help us keep our community healthy! If you miss a class due to illness, you may take a make-up class within the month with a class in your level or below. Speak to your teacher about any classes that will be missed and your plans for a make-up lesson.
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Consistent attendance is mandatory for progress in your dance education. Every absence will affect your training, improvement, and performance knowledge and skills. Missing more than 2 classes per semester may result in needing to repeat your ballet level.
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Disrespectful or disruptive behavior is not allowed at any NSPA class, workshop, performance, or other event. We expect our students and their families to conduct themselves with kindness, decorum, and respect.
By signing up for classes, you agree to follow the above guidelines and codes. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our director, Caitlyn Sullins at caitlyn@naturalstateperformingarts.com.