The Freedom of Movement. The Passion for Dance.
Recreational Handbook 2025/2026
Dear Parents,
Welcome and thank you for joining Dance Elite’s 2025/2026 dance season! We are excited to have your son/daughter be a part of our exciting and fun recreational program. Below is important information regarding our studio’s policies. Please keep this handbook for the duration of the season as a reference for any questions you may have in the future. If you have any additional questions or concerns, at any time throughout the season, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to dancing and celebrating this season with you!
FACULTY and EDUCATION
All our dance classes are taught by fully certified teachers. We pride ourselves on offering the best dance education possible for your child. Our faculty is certified to teach from different organizations such as Canadian Dance Teachers Association, Dance Masters of America, Royal Academy of Dance and British Association of Teachers of Dance. In addition to learning the fundamental technique of dance, students will also experience the disciplines of dance and the arts. Students can also participate in dance examinations by the Canadian Dance Teachers Association. If you are interested, please inquire!
OUR DANCE SEASON
Our recreational dance season starts in September and finishes in June. During this time dancers will attend their class once a week, participate in our studio photo day, and perform at our year end recital. The studio will also be closed for holidays. Please see our “Dates to Remember“ page below for specific dates for the 2025/2026 season.
RECREATIONAL DATES TO REMEMBER 2025/2026
FIRST DAY OF CLASSES ……………………………………………………………………….Monday September 8th
THANKSGIVING MONDAY (studio closed) …………………………………………….Monday October 13th
REFUND DEADLINE ……………………………………………………………………………….. Friday November 14th
RECREATIONAL COSTUME MEASUREMENT WEEK – Monday Nov. 24th to Saturday Nov. 29th
**All students will be measured for their recital costume. Attendance is extremely important.
CHRISTMAS BREAK:
Last Day of Classes …………………………………………………………………………………Monday December 15th
First Day Back ……………………………………………………….……………………………………Monday January 5th
SECOND TERM STARTS ……………………………………..……………………………………Monday January 12th
FAMILY DAY (studio closed for all rec. classes):…………………………..………Monday February 16th
MARCH BREAK (studio closed) …………………………………………………………March 16th to March 22nd
COMPETITIVE PHOTO DAY (*group photos only)………………………………………………………..…….TBA
SATURDAY OF EASTER WEEKEND (studio closed)………………………..……….…Saturday April 4th
EASTER MONDAY (studio closed for rec. classes) ………………………………………Monday April 6th
RECREATIONAL PHOTO DAY………………………………………………………………………………….…….TBA
(**please note Competitive Dancers will have their private class photos taken on this date)
VICTORIA DAY MONDAY (studio closed) ………………………………………..………..…Monday May 18th
LAST DAY OF CLASSES:…………………………………………………………………………………Monday May 25th
RECITAL DATES: ……………………………………..……Thursday May 28th – Saturday May30, 2026
STUDIO POLICIES:
- All students are to follow dress code at all times. Please ensure that your students are dressed properly and have their hair up and off their face (recreational) and in a bun/ponytail (competitive). Please see our 2025/2026 Studio Dress Code below.
- No water bottles are to be brought into the studios by students.
- Students are not to be chewing gum in the facility at all. Gum is banned from the studio this year.
- Peanut free facility.
DRESS CODE
Students are expected to adhere to Dance Elite’s studio dress code. A bodysuit and tights are required for ballet, tap, and jazz. Hair must be secured in a ponytail, a bun is required for all ballet classes, with no bangs or loose hairs. All dancers are asked to be in the appropriate dress code for the first day of class.
DANCE ELITE DRESS CODE
| CLASS | SHOES | TIGHTS | BODYSUIT | HAIR |
| Parent & Tot Age 2/3 |
Pink Ballet | Ballerina Pink Tights | Pink Bodysuit | Up in a Bun or ponytail |
| Kinder Ballet Age 3/4 |
Pink Leather Ballet Slippers | Pink Tights | Purple Leo Dress | Up in a Bun, no bangs |
| Kinder Tumble Age 3/4 |
Bare Feet | Light Suntan Stirrup Tights or Bare Legs | Black Bodysuit, Dance Shorts Optional | Low Ponytail, no bangs |
| Kinder Hip Hop Age 3/4 |
Black Running Shoes | Black Leggings, Sweatpants or Shorts | Any coloured T-Shirt |
Up in a Ponytail, no bangs |
| Kinder Jazz Age 3/4 |
Beige Slip On Jazz Shoe | Light Suntan Footed Tights | Purple Leo Dress | Up in a Bun, no bangs |
| Ballet Age 5-7 |
Pink Leather Ballet Slippers | Ballerina Pink Tights | Black Bodysuit | Up in Bun, no bangs |
| Jazz Age 5-7 |
Beige Slip On Jazz Shoe | Light Suntan Footed Tights | Black Bodysuit | Up in a Bun, no bangs |
| Ballet/Jazz Combo Age 5-8 |
Pink Ballet Slippers & Beige Slip on Jazz Shoes
|
Light Suntan Footed Tights | Black Bodysuit | Up in a Bun, no bangs |
| Ballet/Tap Combo Age 5-8 |
Pink Ballet Slippers & Beige Mary Jane Tap Shoes
|
Light Suntan Footed Tights | Black Bodysuit | Up in a Bun, no bangs |
| Tap
Age 5-7 |
Beige Mary Jane Tap Shoes #3800 | Light Suntan Footed Tights | Black Bodysuit, Skirt/Dance Shorts Optional | Up in Bun, no bangs |
| Acro Age 5-7 |
Beige Foot Undies or Bare Feet | Light Suntan Stirrup Tights or Bare Legs | Black Bodysuit, Dance Shorts Optional | Low Ponytail, no bangs |
| Hip Hop
Age 5-7 |
Black Running Shoes | Black Leggings, Sweatpants or Shorts | Any coloured T-Shirt |
Up in a Ponytail, no bangs |
| Musical Theater Age 5-7 |
Bare Feet | Leggings or Shorts |
Tshirt | Up in a Bun, no bangs |
| Ballet Age 8-10 |
Pink Leather Ballet Slippers | Ballerina Pink Tights | Black Bodysuit | Up in a Bun, no bangs |
| Jazz Age 8-10 |
Beige Slip On Jazz Shoe | Light Suntan Footed Tights | Black Bodysuit | Up in a Bun, no bangs |
| Tap
Age 8-10 |
Black Slip On Tap Shoe #SO389 | Light Suntan Footed Tights | Black Bodysuit | Up in a Bun, no bangs |
| Acro Age 8-10 |
Beige Foot Undies or Bare Feet | Light Suntan Stirrup Tights or Bare Legs | Black Bodysuit, Dance Shorts Optional | Low Ponytail, no bangs |
| Hip Hop Age 8-10 |
Black Running Shoes | Black Leggings, Sweatpants or Shorts | Any coloured T-Shirt |
Up in a Ponytail, no bangs |
| Musical Theater Age 8-11 |
Beige Slip On Jazz Shoe | Light Suntan Footed Tights | Black Bodysuit | Up in a Bun, no bangs |
| Ballet Age 11 & Up |
Pink Leather Ballet Slippers | Ballerina Pink Tights | Black Bodysuit | Up in a Bun, no bangs |
| Jazz Age 11 & Up |
Beige Slip on Jazz Shoe | Light Suntan Footed Tights | Black Bodysuit, Dance Shorts Optional | Up in a Bun, no bangs |
| Teen Tap Age 11 & Up |
Black Slip On Tap Shoe #SO389 | Light Suntan Footed Tights | Black Bodysuit, Dance Shorts Optional | Up in a Bun, no bangs |
| Acro Age 11 & Up |
Beige Foot Undies or Bare Feet | Light Suntan Stirrup Tights or Bare Legs | Black Bodysuit, Dance Shorts Optional | Low Ponytail, no bangs |
| Hip Hop
Age 11 & Up |
Black Running Shoes | Black Leggings, Sweatpants or Shorts | Any coloured T-Shirt |
Up in a Ponytail, no bangs |
| Musical Theater Age 11 & Up |
Beige Slip On Jazz Shoe | Light Suntan Footed Tights or Bare Legs | Black Bodysuit | Up in a Bun, no bangs |
| Performing Arts Crew | TBA | Shorts or Leggings | T-shirt/Tank Top | Up in a Bun, no bangs |
| Lyrical Age 11 & up |
Beige Canvas Pirouette Shoes | Light Suntan Stirrup Tights or Bare Legs | Black Bodysuit | Up in a Bun, no bangs |
| Advance Adult Jazz | Black Slip on Jazz Shoe | Dance Pants/Leggings | Tank Top or T-shirt | Up in a Ponytail |
| Advance Adult Tap |
Black Tap Shoes | Dance Pants/Leggings | Tank Top or T-shirt | Up in a Ponytail |
| Adult Ballet | Pink Ballet Slippers | Ballerina Pink Tights, Dance Pants, or Leggings | Tank Top or T-shirt | Up in a Bun or Ponytail |
ATTENDANCE
Dance is a group activity that requires commitment from all of its members. Consistent attendance is imperative for dancers to learn new skills and build confidence as a performer. If your child is going to be absent, please let their teacher know ahead of time, if possible, or call and leave a message at the studio. All dancers are eligible to participate in our year end recital; if you cannot fulfill this commitment, please let us know by December 15th, 2025.
RECITAL
All of our recreational classes, with the exception of Adult Ballet, Parent and Tot classes, 8 week programs, Theater Games and Vocal Classes, will participate in our year end recital. This performance takes place at the First Ontario Arts Center here in Milton. Students will have the opportunity to practice once on stage during our dress rehearsal, and then perform in front of an audience during our recital performances.
During this week we ask that parents with children age 5 and up volunteer to help backstage during one performance so everyone can enjoy watching their child perform on stage. Closer to recital week a list will be available at the studio for sign up. We thank parents in advance for their help.
WITHDRAWL POLICY
We require written notice to cancel registration. Please send an email to our Recreational Coordinator, Jennifer Pender, jennifer_danceelite@hotmail.com. Within 30 days of your registration date a refund of the tuition balance will be provided with no extra fees. A cancellation fee of $40 plus hst will be charged if cancellation occurs 30 days after your registration. If there is a remaining balance it will be refunded. Withdrawals will not be accepted after February 1, 2026.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE
To create a fun and productive learning environment for all of our students we ask that dancers follow the guidelines below:
- Dancers are taught to show respect for Dance Elite faculty, classmates, and themselves at all times
- Students are expected to be focused during class and keep “chatting” and socializing to a minimum
- No running in the studio
- No food, gum, or drinks in the studio
- Dancers should come to class prepared and should not leave during class time. If a dancer does need to be excused to use the washroom, they must ask permission from their instructor
- Dancers are expected to attend each class with proper attire and on time. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before each class to allow dancers to get changed and stretched
- Cell phones in the studio is strictly prohibited. Please leave valuables and electronics at home. Dance Elite is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
STUDENT, STAFF AND STUDIO PRIVACY
We know there are going to be lots of special moments throughout the year that parents will want to document and share through photos and social media, and WE LOVE IT!
We simply ask that you limit photos to your own child only. Please feel free to tag and follow us on social media!
Dance Elite strives to provide a safe learning environment for its students and staff. To achieve this we ask that parents and students refrain from taking photos and videotaping staff and students without permission. If you wish to take a photo or videotape your child’s dance during class, for at home practicing purposes, please be courteous and ask permission from a Dance Elite faculty member ahead of time. Posting videos of choreography and classes online is strictly prohibited. Taking photos and videos during recital performances is also prohibited.
COMMUNICATION
Email is the best form of communication, if you have any questions or concerns please speak with us directly. If the studio closes due to inclement weather we will email families directly by 2:30pm. Dance Elite has many forms of communication and resources for studio information; please keep the following contacts for your references:
DANCE ELITE
Phone: 905 878 5736
Email: marnie@danceelite.ca OR jennifer_danceelite@hotmail.com
Website: www.danceelite.ca
Become a fan and follow us on Facebook and
Instagram @dance_elite_milton
OUR STUDIO WEBSITE
Dance Elite’s website is a great resource for finding studio information including important dates, recital information and studio announcements. Please visit www.danceelite.ca frequently for updates.
CONSTANT CONTACT
All students registered with Dance Elite will be included in our studio email. Messages, reminders and schedules for upcoming events are sent out directly to Dance Elite families through constant contact. If you have not been receiving emails from us once you have registered, please email us directly.
We thank you for joining us this season. We wish everyone a great year.
LET’S DANCE!