ALL ABOUT DANCE

2026-2027 TEAM RULES GUIDLINES

 GENERAL TRYOUTS: The Coach(s) will determine the number of team members selected during tryouts. Participation on the team is considered a privilege and requires dedication, effort, energy, cooperation, and full commitment from every dancer. All team members are expected to consistently give 100%. Team placements and dance selections are determined solely by the Coach(s) and staff based on each dancer’s technical skill, performance ability, age, and level of commitment. All placement decisions made by the Coach(s) and staff are final. 

- $25 Registration Fee Due @ Tryouts! (Cash, Check, or Zelle) 

BEHAVIOR & CONDUCT: 

1. All dancers are expected to demonstrate respect toward coaches, teammates, staff members, competition/convention staff and participants, and visitors at all times—both inside and outside of practice. Dancers are expected to maintain exemplary behavior during public appearances, competitions, conventions, on social media, and in all team-related settings. Good sportsmanship and support for teammates and fellow participants are required at all times. 

2. Any inappropriate behavior, disrespectful actions, or negative comments made by a dancer or parent/guardian—whether in person or through social media—may result in disciplinary action at the discretion of the Coach(s). 

3. Dancers should immediately bring interpersonal conflicts or misunderstandings to the Coach’s attention and should not attempt to resolve issues independently. If ongoing drama or conflict is reported, parents may be required to participate in group discussions or individual meetings to help resolve the situation. 

4. Parents are expected to uphold the same standards of behavior and respect required of dancers and are expected to support the Team, staff, and other parents. Parent conflict or drama will NOT be tolerated and may result in dismissal of the dancer from the team. Parents serve as role models for dancers and representatives of the Studio.  

5. SOCIAL MEDIA: As representatives of the Team and Studio, dancers and parents are expected to maintain respectful behavior online and on all social media platforms. Any post, comment, or content that is negative, disrespectful, or derogatory toward the Studio, coaches, staff, dancers, or parents is strictly prohibited. Any negative or inappropriate social media activity brought to the attention of the Coach(s) or staff will be addressed immediately and seriously and may result in dismissal from the team. 

6. GENERAL COMMUNICATION: We always encourage strong communication between dancers and coaches, but please be mindful of appropriate and respectful times and content. Communications should be limited to the hours of 10am-7pm (Monday-Friday). This helps to ensure balance and boundaries for everyone’s best interest.  

7.  Each Dancer and Parent must sign a Team Contract. By doing so, each Dancer and   Parent agree to follow all Team rules, to always show respect to the Team, the Coach(s), and other dancers, and to meet financial obligations. Failure to comply with Team rules may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to: 

   1. A private conversation between staff and the dancer and/or parent 

   2.  A phone call requesting early pickup of the dancer and/or discussion with the parent 

   3. Removal from participation in an upcoming competition or solo competition, with NO REFUND of fees 

   4. Dismissal from the All About Dance Team, with NO REFUND for any monies already paid or expended  

POOR BEHAVIOR TO THE COACH, STAFF, OR TEAM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!   

Any Dancer (or Parent) who threatens to quit the team will be dismissed from the team immediately, with no refund of monies expended.

GENERAL STUDIO & PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS 

1. The Studio is closed to parents and siblings during classes and practices. Parents may observe only during the first class of each month for the final 10 minutes of class.  

2. To maintain a focused and productive learning environment, dancers should arrive on time for their scheduled practice and should not arrive more than 30 minutes early. This policy helps minimize distractions for other classes and ensures dancers are physically and mentally prepared to practice at full capacity.  

3. Hydration in dance is extremely important and dancers should come prepared with a full water bottle or they can purchase one at the studio. Dancers should eat before practice or bring a snack if needed. They are expected to clean up after themselves at all times. Snack choices should be limited as much as possible to healthy food options. No gum, jewelry, or candy are allowed during practice.  

4. Excessive use of cell phones will result in the phone being taken away until practice is over, and dancers should remain focused during practice time. Getting a drink break does not require the use of a cell phone.  

5. Dancers must wear appropriate dance apparel, including clothing that conforms to the body, designated dance shoes, and hair that is properly pulled back. It is acceptable to wear layers during warm-ups and stretching; however, these layers must be removed once that portion of class is complete. Hair must be secured, and all jewelry must be removed before class begins. It is very important that dancers bring the correct dance shoes to every class without exception.  

6. ABSOLUTELY NO USE of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol at any time. Such usage may result in the Dancer being expelled from the team. Please also keep this in mind when posting to the internet or any social media. 

7. Media Release: AAD reserves the right to use any and all photos, videos, and media taken at the studio or at competitions to be posted on media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and the website for the purpose of sharing and showcasing dancers as well as for advertising. If you have concerns or cannot allow this for your dancer, you must notify the Coach(es).  

8. ***Studio Parking: Please remember there is a business behind us, and we ask please do NOT block the fenced area in the back and do Not block the BBQ Hut’s drive through. Trucks and trailers will be entering through those fenced gates, and they need to be able to access them. You can always Drop off and pick up! 

COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION 

9. Information may be received through any of the following avenues: it will be handed out to dancers in the form of a monthly calendar and other handouts provided during class time, it will also be posted on the All About Dance Competition Team Facebook page, and may occasionally be sent through personal text messages, possible team meetings. It is the responsibility of the dancer and/or parent to stay informed and keep up with all information that is provided.  

10. The Facebook group is a “secret” group, meaning it cannot be searched for or requested directly. In order to be added to the group, you must send a friend request to one of the coaches. A new updated team page will also be created. 

11. During competition weekends, snow days, and other situations where quick communication is needed, we may contact you via text message. In these cases, please send a text to (270) 404-1354 that includes both your name and your dancer’s name. 

12. Team and team parent meetings are mandatory for both parents and dancers. These meetings are critical to the success of the team and will include important information regarding competitions, fundraisers, costumes, makeup, and required hairstyles. All topics may be discussed, and it is imperative that dancers and at least one parent or guardian attend. Team meetings may also include voting on certain issues, and if you are not present, your voice will not be heard, and you cannot object to the outcome. If you are unable to attend, you are expected to contact Tiffany to receive any missed information. Group meetings are kept to a minimum and generally occur only a few times per year.  

13. Digital forms of communication may be used in place of in-person meetings. Failure to respond or engage is considered acceptance of the information, and while opinions are valued, AAD reserves the final decision-making authority on all matters and expects parents and dancers to respect all decisions made.  

Dancers and parents should remember that it is their responsibility to keep up with the flow of information. With the increased growth of the team, it is not always possible for Tiffany to provide information individually. Handouts are very important and it is the responsibility of dancers and parents to stay organized and keep up with all materials provided. 

ABSCENCES & SCHEDULING 

14. Dancers should avoid scheduling appointments for nails, hair, tanning, or similar activities on practice days. Practice schedules are limited throughout the week, and dancers are expected to plan accordingly so outside appointments do not interfere with participation or performance quality. 

15. Once practice schedules, camp dates, and competition schedules are finalized, they will not be changed, and dancers are expected to plan accordingly. Dancers are given the opportunity to present any scheduling conflicts to the Coach before finalization of any schedule, and it is their responsibility to communicate these conflicts as early as possible. There are times the team will vote on which competitions to attend, and each dancer has the opportunity at that time to let the Coach know about potential conflicts. 

16. In the event that a practice must be canceled, dancers will be notified by phone or text, and the information will also be posted on the group Facebook page, although cancellations are extremely rare. Once competition dates are agreed upon and fees have been paid, those dates will not be changed, and all fees are non-refundable under any circumstance. Competitions are rarely canceled or postponed due to inclement weather, and no refunds will be issued regardless of whether a dancer is able to attend due to illness, injury, other commitments, travel issues, or weather-related conflicts. As of 6/1/2022, there are no refunds on class tuition, even in the event of cancellations due to a pandemic, act of God, or other unforeseen circumstances. However, we will make every effort to reschedule practices or events when closures occur, and online or Zoom classes will be offered when possible to make up for any missed instruction due to closures.  

17. No dancer is excused from attending a practice session or competition unless permission is granted by the Coach. A job is not considered an acceptable reason to miss practice or competition. Important family events, certain doctor’s appointments, and some school activities may be excused, but only if they are approved by the Coach prior to the absence, and multiple absences from the same school event will not be excused. Practice is extremely important, and consistent attendance is required for the team to function effectively. Dancers who miss practice are required to schedule a make-up private lesson, and failure to cooperate may result in consequences following a conference with the Coaches. Each dancer is allowed a maximum of five unexcused absences, and any absence is considered unexcused if it is taken for an unacceptable reason or without proper notice to the Coach. If a dancer has multiple unexcused absences, they may be required to meet with the Coach and could be dismissed from the team or prohibited from competing in an upcoming competition, with no refund provided.  

18. Participation in other activities is encouraged; however, dancing at AAD requires dedication. Coaches will work to the best of their ability to accommodate participation in school activities, but any conflict in scheduling must be brought to the Coach’s attention immediately when joining other activities. Dancers are expected to refer to the AAD team schedule of events to ensure there are no insurmountable conflicts. Ultimately, this is a team sport, and the best interest of the group comes first. A dancer may not miss multiple consecutive practices for a school activity, such as missing every Thursday for a month, as extended absences negatively impact both the individual and the team. Most conflicts can be managed when the Coach is given proper notice. Private lessons will be required for every missed practice, and missing extended periods of practice, such as a full month, is not acceptable. 

19. Dancers are expected to get good grades. Schoolwork does come first, but dancers must learn to manage their time appropriately between dance and school responsibilities. Absences due to schoolwork should be rare, and dancers are expected to plan ahead in order to avoid conflicts whenever possible.  

20. If a dancer is ill or injured at the time of a competition or other performance, group dances must be given priority over solo or duet competitions and any outside commitments. If a dancer is unable to compete due to injury, they are still expected to attend the competition, at the discretion of the Coach, in order to support the team. If a dancer is injured, they are also expected to attend practices to observe, as long as their injury allows. However, if the injury worsens or begins to negatively affect the dancer’s health or body, the dancer may be excused from participation in the team.  

21. If Glasgow schools are closed due to weather and/or an act of God, All About Dance studio will also be closed for practices. Monthly tuition will not be prorated for practices missed due to weather. If classes are canceled, a makeup class will be scheduled for the team. If at any time a dancer or parent feels that road conditions in their area make travel unsafe, the dancer should contact the Coach and will be excused from practice.  

GROUPS/LEVEL PLACEMENTS: 

1. Dance placements are determined solely by the Coach(s) and staff based on tryout performance, team history, technical ability, performance quality, personal commitment, age, and each dancer’s unique strengths and skills. If a routine includes a featured role, featured dancers will be selected through an audition process using the same criteria listed above. All placement decisions made by the Coach(s) and staff are final. 

2. Competition style, genre, skill level, and category placements for both group dances and solos are also determined at the discretion of the Coach(s). These decisions are based on the dancer’s technical skills, performance ability, team history, and commitment level, as well as the specific rules and circumstances of each individual competition. Placement decisions may vary from one competition to another and are not open for discussion among dancers or parents. The opinions or influence of other dancers or parents will not impact placement decisions, and dancers and parents are expected to respect the Coach(s)’ final determinations. 

SOLOISTS: 

1. Solo opportunities are considered a special privilege and should be treated as such. Receiving a solo is an accomplishment and should be viewed as an honor, not an expectation. Soloists are selected by invitation only. While dancers and parents may express interest in competing a solo, the final decision is made solely at the discretion of the Coach(s) and staff based on whether the dancer is prepared and ready for that next step. 

2. As with team participation, solo opportunities require dedication, effort, energy, cooperation, responsibility, and full commitment from the dancer. All dancers are expected to consistently give 100% in classes, practices, performances, competitions, and team responsibilities. The same standards used to being on the team will be accessed when determining if a dancer should be invited for a solo.  

Invited soloists will complete a separate tryout process and, if selected, will be given a new and separate solo expectations and rules packet, as well as a contract outlining all requirements and responsibilities.  

NEW In light of the growing number of solo performances, we will now feature soloists as PRE-SHOW entertainment (12 & UNDER Soloist) prior to the main event, enhancing time management and allowing these talented individuals to shine without being omitted from the program.  

COMPETITION RULES & EXPECTATIONS 

1. Each dancer must have a designated adult present with them at each competition to assist with hair, makeup, costume changes, and supervision. If a parent is unable to attend a competition, they are responsible for arranging another designated adult to supervise their dancer and must notify the Coach of this arrangement in advance. It is important that only Females are in the girls dressing rooms, changing areas. Moms/grandmas should be accompanying their daughter to the entire competition. Coaches will not be able to help during competitions with dancers. This is important for the safety of our dancers. 

2. Competition hair and makeup styles are at the discretion of the AAD staff. Each dancer is expected to learn how to achieve these styles ON HIS/HER OWN after a team meeting and/or digital tutorials are sent out in which they will be demonstrated. This makeup will require the purchase of specific eyeshadow, lipstick, and blush. Dancers with shorter hair may also be required to purchase hair extensions in order to achieve the required style.  

3. Competition schedules are generally released 7–10 days prior to the date of the event. Dancers may be scheduled for any combination of Friday afternoons and evenings, Saturday, and/or Sunday, and families should plan accordingly. Competitions will not change the assigned performance order to accommodate school, school activities, or work schedules.  

4. If a dancer is unable to attend a competition for any reason, they must provide the Coach with at least 30 days’ notice, unless the absence is due to an emergency such as death, serious illness, or injury. This advance notice allows the Coach adequate time to make necessary adjustments to routines.  

5. During competitions, dancers and parents should be prepared to arrive at the venue for a minimum of two hours prior to their scheduled performance time and remain for the award ceremonies. Dancers should be aware that food and drinks are not always available at competition venues, and when they are available, they may be expensive, and scheduling or location may prevent dancers from leaving the venue to eat. Dancers should always come prepared with bottled water for hydration and food to sustain them throughout the day. Dancers may not leave the venue between dances without the Coach’s approval.  

6. IT IS MANDATORY FOR EVERY DANCER TO STAY FOR THEIR AWARDS CEREMONY (unless the coach gives permission to leave, but this is very rare).  COACHES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO STAY FOR SOLOIST AWARD CEREMONY. 

7. Dancers and parents should remember that they are representatives of the studio, and behavior at competitions and any other events should reflect the utmost respect. All members of AAD and their parents are expected to treat each other, AAD staff, competition staff, and patrons with kindness and respect at all times. The same general behavior and conduct rules of the studio apply to any and all competition, convention, or master class spaces that any dancer attends. 

FUNDRAISERS 

1. Fundraisers are held throughout the season to help defray costs. A list of fundraising options will be presented to parents on the Team Facebook page, and parents will then decide which options they would like to participate in. If there are enough participants, a fundraising schedule will be provided. The team typically conducts several sales-based fundraisers throughout the year, such as discount cards and Rada knives. Money earned from fundraisers will be managed by the fundraising committee and distributed to parents at the end of each fundraiser. Fundraising money is not held in an account by All About Dance. ALL FUNDRAISERS MUST BE PRE-APPROVED BY TIFFANY. 

2. Fundraisers that are sales-based are optional (for example, Rada Cutlery), but a minimum number of dancers must agree to participate in order for the fundraiser to take place. Fundraising money earned and turned in as payment by each dancer is credited to that dancer’s individual account and not to the team as a whole. Dancers may choose not to participate in individual fundraising efforts.  

3. When and if the team participates in a group fundraising event, all dancers are expected to contribute to the workload. Any dancer who does not participate in some capacity must make a payment to the team equal to the average sales amount generated by participating dancers.  

4. Each fundraiser will have a designated parent in charge for that fundraiser. Money earned will be paid to the dancer's parent at the termination of the fundraising event. 

5. Any dancer who submits a check for a fundraiser that is returned due to insufficient funds (NSF) will be responsible for the original payment amount as well as any additional NSF and bank fees charged back to the AAD Parent Account. For example, a returned (Bounched) checks of $10 plus a $25 bank fee will result in the dancer owing AAD a total of $35. AAD is not responsible for collecting this money from the original purchaser. If the returned check is for a significant amount, AAD reserves the right to pursue collection through the Barren County Attorney’s Office.