Susan Byrd
Susan is the director
and founder of Living Arts Dance Studio. She has danced since the age of 5 in local studios throughout the mid-Michigan area
as well as performing and choreographing for local community theater. After completing high school Susan continued her studies
in dance at Lansing Community College as well as studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain. She was a member of Happendance Modern
Dance Company for 10 years. Susan continues her training by attending classes in New York to keep the upper edge on what is
happening in the dance industry. She has taken class from such notables as Jaques D'ambrois, Brenda Bufalino, Kathy Roe, Finis
Jung, Gus Giordano, Bob Rizzo, and Joe Tremaine.
Class Info:
All classes run for the duration of a regular
school year and meet once a week. From September through December, students work on basic technique and
new steps. See current schedule for classes being offered at this time. All dance classes
start with a warm-up consisting of the technique appropriate to the discipline you are studying (ballet, tap, jazz, etc).
Once dancers are warmed up properly, we work on center floor combinations and traveling steps across the floor.
Theater students will work on acting fundamentals, along with short skits. After the first of the
year, all classes will start preparing for the spring concert.
Spring Performance
Each year Living Arts holds an annual performance displaying the accomplishments
students have achieved throughout the year. This show normally takes place in June. There
is a dress rehearsal one evening, and performances on that weekend. Students are required to purchase costumes
for this show. Costume prices vary, but are around the $60.00 range. A $30.00 non-refundable
costume deposit is due the second week in November with the balance due the second week in January. EVERYONE
attending the show will be required to purchase a ticket. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for students.
Children under 3 are free.
Class Room Policy
Please be on time for
class. If you are over 5 minutes late, you will not be able to attend class. Being on
time allows for the students to become focused on the class. If you are late, you miss out on part of the
warm-up, which is an important element to the class. Proper warm-up aids in injury prevention, which is
vital to the dancer. Students must be dressed properly. For dancers, this includes leotards, tights,
jazz pants, etc. All female students must wear a leotard for all classes. Ballet students
must wear a leotard and tights (no pants). Ask your instructor about appropriate clothing and footwear. Dancewear
must be fitted to the body, allowing the instructor to make proper corrections to the dancer. Hair must
be pulled back and secured away from the face at all times. If hair is long enough for a ponytail, it must
be pulled up. Loose fitted clothing with a leotard is recommended for hip-hop. Being mentally prepared
for class is just as important as being physically ready. Students are expected to treat everyone with
respect, be attentive, and keep your mind on what you are doing. Students disturbing class will be asked
to sit out until they are ready to join the class in a manner which is acceptable to the classroom environment.
If improper behavior persists, each matter will be dealt with on an individual basis.
Lobby Rules
While classes are running, everyone in the lobby must be respectful of others
in the waiting room and ongoing classes. If you are observing class, please watch it from the lobby.
This will help students from being distracted. All children not attending classes must be under
direct supervision of an adult.
Missed Classes
If a student misses a class they may attend a makeup class suitable for that student.
If you are not sure which class is appropriate, please ask your instructor for assistance. Whenever
schools in the studio’s town are closed due to bad weather, the studio will be closed as well. The
studio is also closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas Break and Spring Break.
Payment Policy
All class fees are due the first week of each month. Prices
are based on a 41 week class schedule with 5 weeks deducted. This includes 2 weeks for Christmas, one week
for Spring Break and 2 weeks for additional small holidays or snow days. If more classes are canceled they
will be deducted from your tuition at the appropriate time. After the 7th day of the month,
a $5.00 late fee will be added to your bill (per student). If tuition is over 30 days late an additional $5.00 will be
added to that month. If outstanding bills are 3 months late, the student will be dismissed from class.
Classes missed due to the fault of the student must be paid for. Unless you have notified your instructor
of an extended leave of absence (over one month), you will be billed until the end of the season. If a
student drops out, that months tuition is non-refundable. All classes must be paid in full before the annual spring concert.
Students will not be able to perform if they have an outstanding balance. Please refer to the payment
book for balance inquiries, or invoices via email for those who have internet access. We do accept Visa and MasterCard
for your convenience. Contact Susan Byrd to set up credit card payments.
Summer Classes
Living Arts has summer classes for all ages. Each season
we offer different types of classes to enhance your dance experience. Please refer to the Summer Schedule when it is available.
For
Your Information
Living
Arts will put out periodic newsletters to keep you informed on what is going on with the studio and it’s students.
Important dates will be posted in these letters to remind you of performance times, holidays, etc. You will receive
all information via the internet if you have access. Otherwise we will distribute a newsletter to you in person.
If you have
any questions regarding any of the policies at Living Arts, please talk to your instructor or contact Susan Byrd / Studio
Director.
Office # 517-819-9361
www.livingartsdancestudio.com