Sandra Romanski

2026-2027 Team Contract

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Welcome 

Welcome and thank you for your interest in performing with our Home Within Movement 2026-2027 dance team. We are so excited you are here and appreciate your time, energy, and consideration. 

 

What sets Home Within Movement apart? 

We are passionate about creating a dance space that blends mindfulness tools such as breath awareness and self care practices while also fostering technical growth and invokes artistry and creativity in our students' dance training. Our aim is to help dancers create a healthy relationship with their mind and body. We believe with this approach students will feel stronger and more confident in their capabilities, not only in their dancing, but also in life. We aim to create a space where students can thrive! 

 

Who and what is this audition for?

Auditions are for dancers ages 6-18. Our dance season runs annually and begins in August and runs approximately through early June. 

Our tentative itinerary:

• 3-4 competitions (Mini’s will only have 3 competitions) 

• Convention(s) (Optional for mini’s) 

• Master class(es)

• In house feedback session from a panel of judges 

• Dress rehearsals

• Recital

• Potential community events and performances that pop up throughout the year.  

A more detailed event schedule to come as more events and competition tour dates become available for 2027. 

 

What are some of the expectations of being on our team?

We strive to create an environment that feels supportive for everyone involved, from the students to the parents and to the staff. Appropriate, clear communication and being respectful to one another is expected among all parties. What is expected from parents to help foster this environment: 

 

Lobby Conduct & No-Gossip Policy for parents, visitors, and dancers:

The studio lobby is a shared community space. To protect the positive environment we work hard to cultivate, we ask all families and visitors to follow these expectations while in the studio and lobby areas.

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What We Expect

• Conversations in the lobby should remain kind, respectful, and appropriate for all ages.

• Please refrain from discussing other dancers, families, staff members, or studio matters in a negative or speculative way.

• Concerns, questions, or frustrations should be brought directly to studio leadership, not discussed publicly.

• Remember that children are always listening, even when we think they are not.

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What Is Not Appropriate

The following behaviors are not permitted in the lobby or studio spaces:

• Gossip about dancers, families, or staff

• Complaints or criticism shared with other parents instead of staff

• Speculation about casting, placements, choreography, or studio decisions

• Conversations that create division or negativity in our community

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Why This Matters

Gossip and negative talk can:

• Undermine dancer confidence

• Create unnecessary tension between families

• Damage the positive culture we are building for our students

• Model unhealthy communication for children 

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We will not be able to prevent all students' conflicts and relational challenges, but by choosing respectful, kind communication, we as the adults in the space set the example for the students to learn from. 

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We expect parents and dancers to help maintain a healthy environment. If you have a question or concern, speak directly with the studio owner or a faculty member so it can be addressed promptly and respectfully. As we are growing, not everyone will get along, and that is okay; however, everyone is expected to work together to create a space we can all share. 

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If concerns arise, we ask that you and your dancer be willing to work through them with us and be part of finding solutions. Concerns must relate to your dancer and be studio related. Concerns regarding other dancers are not appropriate unless they also involve your dancer and is a studio issue. Families who prefer not to engage in respectful, solution focused communication may find that our studio is not the right fit.

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We value respectful communication both inside and outside the studio, including online spaces and social media. Questions or concerns should be brought directly to studio leadership rather than shared as complaints or negative commentary about the studio, staff, dancers, or families on public forums. Bullying and cyberbullying are not tolerated.
 

If there are students that do not get along, know that teachers will not choreograph or cast around personal discrepancies. Your dancers are auditioning to be a part of a team, they are expected to function as one. 

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We reserve the right to dismiss any family or dancer who is unable to participate in a cooperative, team oriented environment. In such cases, no refunds will be issued. This expectation applies to the conduct of both dancers and their parents or guardians.

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What is expected of team dancers?

• Team dancers must have previous dance experience. We are looking for dancers who are passionate, dedicated to sharpening their dance training, prioritize technical growth, and willing to learn how to work well with others. 

• Dancers are to participate in all scheduled events as well as be enrolled in all required technique classes. 

• Students are to be punctual and show up on time to their classes. Warm up is an essential part of class to ensure the dancer's body is prepared for more difficult movements that happen later in class. 

• As part of our commitment to excellence and growth, all dance team members are expected to attend any master classes, workshops, or guest artist sessions offered at the studio during the season. Attendance at these events is considered an integral part of your membership on the team. These special training opportunities are vital for serious dancers and serve several purposes:​

1. Exposure to diverse teaching styles.  

2. Development of versatility, adaptability, and professionalism. 

3. Deeper understanding of technique, performance, and artistry.​

We understand occasional unavoidable conflicts may arise. If a dancer cannot attend a master class, a written request for an excused absence must be submitted at least 1 week in advance (except in emergencies). This will be considered an absence towards the allotted absences you have for the year. Absences may impact casting, eligibility for competitions, or future team placements.

• Team dancers represent our studio at the highest level, therefore, behavior must reflect the values of the team. Students are expected to behave with integrity, kindness, and honesty. Students must conduct themselves in a respectful manner and refrain from gossip. 

• Dancers are to respect and support themselves in what they need so they can show up fully present in their classes as well as respect the needs of others. 

• Dancers ages 15 and older are to do their own hair and make up for performances and competitions. This encourages independence and personal responsibility. 

• Dancers are to prepare and pack for competitions in a timely manner to ensure they have all that is required for each dance including make up, hair accessories, shoes, costume accessories, props, ect… 

If an item is forgotten, your dancer risks being pulled from their number at competition. No refunds will be given.

• Dancers are to arrive at competitions at the designated times. Late arrival may also result in your dancer being pulled from their number at competition. No refunds will be given. 

• Dancers can only be on one competitive dance team. 

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What is the attendance policy? 

Excused Absences (All Dancers)

• Dancers are allowed 3 excused absences per year.

• To have an absence excused, you must notify your instructor in writing in advance AND also log it in the Jackrabbit parent portal.

• Please use excused absences wisely, as commitment and consistent attendance are expected when joining our team.

Technique Class Make-Up Requirements (After 3 Excused Absences)

• After the 3 excused absences are used, dancers are required to make up missed classes.

• Make-ups must be completed within one month in another class listed on our schedule.

• Dancers enrolled in unlimited classes or already attending additional classes may be exempt from this requirement.

• Excessive absences in technique classes may affect a dancer’s choreography placement or participation in routines if it impacts their ability to keep up with the technical difficulty of the routine. 

Choreography Class Attendance

• Dancers who exceed three absences in choreography classes may be required to schedule private lessons with their choreographer (see specialty pricing). However, in many cases a private lesson will not fully replace what is missed in class, including partnering, spacing, group formations, and overall safety with lifts.

• Continued attendance concerns may result in the dancer being removed from the piece. In these cases, no refunds will be issued. Final decisions are made at the discretion of the studio owner and the choreographer. 

Blackout Attendance Period (Important)

• Dancers may not miss choreography rehearsals within 2 weeks of competitions or our recital.

• For Friday classes, please note that competitions may occur on Friday’s, meaning no absences 3 weeks prior to competition.

• Important seasonal adjustment for Friday’s:

  • For competitions before spring break, the 3-week Friday blackout rule applies.

  • For competitions after spring break, the 2-week blackout rule applies instead.

• Missing during these blackout periods may result in being pulled from the routine.

• Past missed rehearsals during this period without communication or approval were not acceptable.

Potential Approved Absences (Studio Discretion)

• Certain absences may be approved at the studio’s discretion. Approval is based on the needs and progress of the routine, NOT the individual dancer.

• Each routine develops at a different pace, and dancers are more likely to be removed from pieces if the choreography is not yet stage ready and attendance impacts performance quality.

• Absence decisions are made by the studio owner in collaboration with instructors and are final and not open for discussion between families.

Guiding Principles for Approval

• Managing a team of this size requires trust and an understanding of the realities of family schedules. As a studio owner, I am intentional about where I direct my time and energy, and I will not stress over every individual situation. My decisions are made based on what best supports the success of each routine.

• Absences more likely to be approved include: funeral, close family weddings, and once-in-a-lifetime events.

• Absences less likely to be approved include: overcommitting to other extracurricular activities.

• Approval is not guaranteed even for major events, as decisions are based on what best supports the stage readiness of the routine. 

We appreciate your understanding that attendance directly impacts both individual growth and the success of the team as a whole.

• If a dancer has a minor injury and is unable to physically participate in class, they are still required to attend choreography classes and technique classes if they are working on a recital dance to observe and stay informed on any choreographic changes, corrections, or updates.

• If a dancer is sick please DO NOT COME TO CLASS. We need them to take care of themselves because we care about their wellbeing and also need them feeling good and back in rehearsals. These do not count towards your excused absences. If a dancer is continuously sick, students may need to provide a doctor’s note.

• No credits or refunds are provided for missed classes, regardless of the reason for the absence. However, students may attend another class of the same age group and level as a makeup, based on availability at no additional charge. The make up must take place within 30 days of absence. 

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What is the dress code for choreography classes? 

Dancers please wear all black form fitted dance clothes to choreography rehearsals. This helps choreographers when it comes time to clean the dance. Hair is to be securely pulled off of the face. If there are shoes required for your choreography piece you will be expected to practice in them, so please bring them to rehearsal. 

 

What’s a general idea of the financial commitment of being on team?

General fees for weekly technique & choreography classes:

30-35 minute classes are $36/month

45 minute classes are $46/month

1 hour classes are $56/month

1 hour and 15 minutes classes are $66/month

 

Mini Team Required Classes 

Mini dancers age 6- Little Sparks & Team Choreography

***NEW this season- Mini dancers who have leveled out of our Little Sparks program will now be required to take Mini Ballet, Mini Go Getters, and choreography class(es). 

 

Mini Tap Team Required Classes

Mini Go Getters Technique, Mini Tap Class (this might be a combo class depending on scheduling), Tap Choreography  

 

Junior Team Required Classes 

Ballet, Junior Go Getters Technique, Stretch & Flex, Team Choreography Class(es)

 

Senior Team Required Classes

Ballet (***New this season, ballet class for seniors will be and 1¼ hours), Senior Go Getters Technique, Stretch & Flex, Team Choreography Class(es)

 

Junior & Senior Tap Team Required Classes  

Tap Foundations, Ballet, Go Getters in Motion, Stretch & Flex, Tap Choreography

 

Discount: Sign up for your first three classes and starting on the 4th class there will be a $5 discount/class including choreography classes!

If it works out better, depending on how many dances and classes your dancer is in you can create a cap with our UNLIMITED option!  Team members can enjoy as many dance classes as they wish for $$$/month on their class tuition. Please note this price does not include specialty numbers (solos, duos, trios). 

 

• Choreography fees- One time charge at the beginning of the season 

Choreography fees apply to all specialty numbers. 

In house specialty choreography fees:  Solo: $125 Duet: $65/dancer Trio: $50/dancer

In house group choreography: No charge

Choreography fees apply to both group and specialty numbers that are being choreographed by a guest artist. Guest choreography fees vary based on what the guest choreographer charges. 

• All team dancers have an initial team deposit $300 will be due August 1st.

This provides a buffer if I need to pay a comp fee immediately to secure our spot. The remaining balance for competitions will be due at a later time. 

• Master classes 

• Any extra rehearsals scheduled will be $14 for every hour of rehearsal, including any dress rehearsals. 

• Each dance will require a costume. The costume itself will be approximately around $100-$115. There may be additional accessories and alterations needed that are not included in this price. There is a $50 deposit for each competition costume due by September 1st. The remaining balance will be due before receiving your costume(s). 

• Team uniform, earrings, makeup, tights, shoes. Please note, dancers must have backups of all tights and shoes. 

• Competition/Convention fees plus a $35 studio fee for each out of town event.

• Recital fee that will be due February, 1st 2026. 

• Recital costumes. We start working recital dances in January in technique classes. Some technique classes may not receive a recital dance. Classes that are participating in the recital will have a $50 costume deposit due by February 1st, 2027. The remaining balance will be due before receiving your costume. 

• No refunds will be issued for tuition, recital fees, or any other payments made to the studio. 

• Continued failure to pay may result in suspension of class privileges until the account is brought current.

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Is there a Booster Club to help out with team costs?

Dance families of the Home Within Movement team have worked incredibly hard to establish an independent, nonprofit booster club to help raise funds that support the costs associated with team participation. Families are welcome to connect directly with booster club members for more information on how to join, as it is a wonderful resource for our dance families. Please note that the booster club is its own entity and is not affiliated with or operated by Home Within Movement. Any questions or concerns related to the booster club should be directed to the booster club itself, and we kindly ask that all booster club matters and concerns be kept separate from the studio.

 

What is the financial cost of specialty rehearsals?

These prices reflect per session.

1 Hour                     45 min                         30 mins

Solo- $90                 Solo- $65                    Solo- $45

Duo- $70/dancer   Duo- $50/dancer      Duo- $35/dancer

Trio- $50/dancer    Trio- $35/dancer      Trio- $25/dancer

 

Who is eligible for a specialty number (solo, duet, or trio)?

To be considered for a specialty number a dancer must have previously been on our team for a minimum of one year. We take into consideration the previous year’s attendance, punctuality, professionalism, team attitude, and stage presence.  Specialty numbers, especially soloists, are reserved for individuals who are taking their training more seriously and are in more than the required amount of technique classes. 

 

Mini dancers must be in at least one team dance in order to be considered for a specialty number. Mini dancers may not be casted as often for specialty numbers as we want to make sure they are ready.  

 

Junior and senior dancers must be in at least two group dances in order to be considered for a specialty number.  

If one has never had a solo before, your dancer will most likely be given a duet or trio first. We would love to hear if your dancer is interested in a specialty number(s), style(s), and who they think they would work well with; however, casting for specialty numbers and styles is ultimately up to the choreographer's discretion. 

 

What happens if I drop a dance after choreography has begun?

After auditions, a cast list will be posted. If you feel your dancer has been cast in too many pieces, please contact us right away. If you communicate with faculty before choreography begins, no action or fee will take place. If a dance is dropped after choreography has begun, a $100 reblocking fee will be applied to account. If a costume has already been ordered, any remaining balance will still be charged. That remaining month's tuition will still be due. No refunds will be given.

 

What happens if I quit during the season?

Anyone who drops during the season for any reason will still need to pay any remaining costume balances if a costume has been already ordered for them. That remaining month's tuition will still be due. No refunds will be given. It depends on the situation from there. If your dancer is sick, has an injury, or has a valid reasoning beyond choice for not upholding the contract, there will be no further action needed. We understand unforeseen events happen in life. Otherwise you will be responsible for a $100 re-choreographing fee per dance. It adds time, stress, extra rehearsals, and planning to repair the choreography for your teammates. 

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What about choreography usage?

All choreography learned at Home Within Movement is the intellectual property of the studio and is intended solely for use within our programs and performances. Choreography may not be taken, shared, or performed with another studio, team, or competition group. If a dancer leaves Home Within Movement, they may not use or compete with choreography learned here without express written permission from the studio. This policy protects the creativity and hard work of our instructors and preserves the integrity and consistency of our performances and competition pieces.

 

Students may perform their dances for a school talent show or local performance opportunity with prior permission from the choreographer.

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How do auditions work?

Dancers will be auditioning to be on our team, not a specific style of dance. The only exception is tap. At auditions you can specify if you would like to be considered for the tap team. If your dancer is selected to be on our team we will place them in dances. Please discuss with your dancer if they have a limit on the number of dances they can be selected for. Some things to consider when deciding how many dances your dancer can be in are your dancer's capacity to handle additional dances, time availability, and the added financial commitment per dance. 

 

What does it mean if I am casted as an understudy? 

This means you would learn the various roles and act as a replacement if someone is unable to make it to rehearsal or unable to perform. You would step in and do their part. Do not underestimate this role. I have been an understudy myself and ended up being the one performing on stage. There is a lot to learn in this role. The understudy is still expected to purchase a costume in case they need to perform on stage. 

 

Where will the results of the auditions be posted? 

After auditions, results will be posted on our website's homepage homewithinmovement.com. If you do not get selected, please take a moment to be proud of yourself for putting yourself out there. You did a very brave thing. We are so proud of you for being here with us and we appreciate your time and your efforts in the audition. Keep practicing and try again next time!  

 

Please keep this packet as a reference and sign and return the attached form. We are here to support your dancer on their journey to becoming the dancer they want to be. If there are ever any questions or concerns we are an open line of communication, so please reach out. It is a great honor to teach dance and to share space with your passionate kids. We appreciate not only their time and energy, but also yours! It takes a village.

 

With Gratitude, 

The Home Within Movement Faculty