Weehawken Dance Policies
Our Weehawken Dance policies help families understand expectations, communication practices, attendance standards, and important procedures across all programs. These guidelines keep our community running smoothly and ensure that dancers, aerialists, teachers, and families all share the same information.
All families are encouraged to read the Weehawken Dance policies at the start of each session.
Weehawken Dance Policies Overview
Performance Participation
- Performing is encouraged but not required. If your dancer will not participate, please email questions@weehawkenarts.org by the third class of the session.
- Dancers who wish to perform must attend all regularly scheduled classes, rehearsals, and the dress rehearsal.
- A show fee is charged per class enrollment each semester. This fee varies annually and is disclosed in advance.
Attendance Expectations
- Consistent attendance is essential to student progress and ensemble success.
- Students who fall behind may be moved to a lower-level class to maintain safety and pacing.
- If a class is missed (in levels 3+):
- Dancers are expected to learn missed choreography from peers before the next class.
- If content is not made up, teachers may adjust choreography, change staging, or remove the dancer from that section.
Communication & Withdrawals:
- Please email your instructor about absences or late arrivals. One week’s notice is appreciated when possible.
- Withdrawal from a show must be communicated promptly. Show fees are non-refundable, and late withdrawals may affect future casting or choreography.
- Cancellation Policies page here
Tardiness & Pick-Up
- Late arrivals should enter quietly between exercises to minimize disruption.
- Clean-Up Responsibility (Levels 3+): Late arrivals are expected to assist with light studio cleaning after class (mirrors, windows, lost & found). Plan for 5 extra minutes.
- Late Pick-Up: If a student is not picked up within 10 minutes of class ending, a fee of $1 per minute will be charged. Teachers cannot leave students unattended.
Studio Etiquette for Dancers
- Dress Code: Students must follow the dress/uniform code for every class. Those out of dress code may be asked to sit out. Uniform Policies Page here
- Water Bottles: Bring a labeled bottle to each class.
- Restroom Use: Use the restroom before class begins.
- Permission to Leave: Do not leave class without instructor approval.
- Respect: Listen, stay focused, and avoid talking during class.
- Behavior: Ongoing disruptive behavior may result in removal from class without a refund.
- Equipment Use: Only use equipment when instructed, and follow safety protocols.
- Cell Phones: No phones during class unless used for recording choreography (with instructor permission).
- Food & Drink: Only water is allowed on the dance floor. No gum or other drinks.
- Cleanliness: Dispose of trash properly in the studio and lobby areas.
- Shoes: No street shoes in classrooms. Dance shoes only.
Studio Etiquette for Parents/Guardians
- Classroom Access: Parents are not permitted inside the classroom during class time. However, we offer the following ways to stay connected:
- Parent Visitation Weeks each semester, when we welcome parents into the classroom. See our calendar for scheduled dates.
- Live security camera access so you can watch class from home—or let grandparents tune in from anywhere!
- In our Montrose lobbies at the Field House and Flex Rec, TVs are available with camera access so you can watch class from the lobby. At Black Canyon Gymnastics, you can watch class from the balcony.
- Click this link to learn more
- Conflict Resolution:
- Student Issues: Address concerns with the instructor first. If unresolved, contact the administrative team.
- Parent Issues: Major concerns with other families should follow the same path: instructor first, then admin if needed.
- Decision-Making: Artistic and casting decisions are made by instructors and the Artistic Director. Dance is an art, not a competitive team sport.
- Criticism Policy: Public or private criticism of staff, casting, scheduling, or choreography is not tolerated. Concerns should be directed to Ashley King, Director of Weehawken Creative Arts. Inappropriate conduct may result in written warnings or removal from the program without a refund.
Lobbies & Drop-Off (By Location)
- Montrose Field House: Keep volume low (library level) if waiting inside.
- Montrose Flex Rec: Drop-off preferred. Arrive no more than 10–15 minutes early.
- Montrose Black Canyon Gymnastics: Quiet voices on the balcony if observing class.
- Ridgway Dance Studio in the Old School House: No loitering in shared common areas; maintain respectful volume (massage business nearby).
- Weehawken Cora Street Classroom: Drop-off only.
- Ouray Hypoxia: Drop-off only.
- Ouray Wright Opera House: Drop-off only.
Pick-Up By Location
- Montrose & Ouray: Parents must enter the space to pick up dancers under age 10.
- Ridgway: Dancers must stay indoors and watch for their ride through the windows. They may not wait on the street.
These Weehawken Dance policies apply to all locations, including Montrose, Ridgway, and Ouray.
If you have questions about any Weehawken Dance policies, our staff is available to help.
Tajiana Rueschhoff’s dance journey began at the age of 5 when she first stepped into a small ballet school in Mississippi, sparking a passion that would endure a lifetime. Growing up in Ouray, Colorado, she continued to nurture her love for dance with Weehawken, honing her skills over the years. Travel played a pivotal role in her development, allowing her to train under diverse instructors and immerse herself in various dance styles. Summers were often spent in intensive training at the Kansas City Ballet, further shaping her dedication to dance. Tajiana pursued her passion with pre-professional training at the Northwest Florida Ballet. Now, back in Ouray, she is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Geology at the University of Florida while eagerly embracing the opportunity to share her profound love for dance through teaching.
