DANCER APPLICATION 2025

RULES & EXPECTATIONS

1. Attendance will be taken at every practice. Dancers are expected to be punctual, and those who arrive after the scheduled time will be marked tardy unless the tardy had been communicated to the instructor in advance. Tardies are very disruptive once practice has started.
2. If a dancer/parent knows in advance they are unable to attend a practice due to illness, prior travel plans, or other reasons, please inform the instructors as soon as possible. This will help us determine how to plan practice or if practice needs to be cancelled due to community conflicts that affects the majority.
3. In case of short notice, should a dancer learn the day of practice they are unable to attend, a direct phone call to the instructor’s cell phone (847-707-1016) is required prior to the start of practice: otherwise the absence will be considered unexcused.  Each dancer must call/communicate with the instructor directly. Anyone who must leave practice early must notify the instructors prior to that day.  Please do not wait until the day of practice to notify the instructor that you plan to leave early.
4. It is understood not everyone will be able to attend each practice; however it is the responsibility of each dancer to learn the dances they missed. In an effort to accommodate this situation, private instruction can be scheduled with the instructors by requesting an early arrival or late stay on the next scheduled date for practice. Absences of any nature may place weight on casting decisions due to what is missed/not learned.
5. A large consideration in casting for shows is based on attendance and punctuality. Dancers with unexcused absences or frequent tardiness should not expect to be cast in the next show. Multiple unexcused absences will result in ineligibility to continue with the group.   Any unexcused absence will make a dancer ineligible to participate in any out of town performances, retreats or special events.  The instructor will determine whether an absence is excused or not.
6. There may be additional mandatory practices scheduled prior to performances. Absence from these practices will influence casting decisions. More importantly, please remember that a lack of dedication by individuals affects the entire group and performance. If possible, please make appointments around the practice schedule.
7. Dancers may not use cell phones, iPods/iPads, laptops or any other device during practice- without the instructor’s permission. The instructor will take away these devices if seen and returned at the end of practice.
8. **No gum during practice. No food or drink in the dance studio - only bottled water is to be kept in the cubbies. Any food must be eaten in the lobby’s seating area and must be cleaned up and disposed of properly.
9. **If parents and siblings are in the lobby area, children must remain in the lobby with parents - they cannot roam the studio without supervision. This will be strictly enforced, as there have been problems in the past.
10. Parents may communicate with Hamazkayin chairlady Mrs. Shoghere Ourlian at 248-790-2285/detroit@hamazkayin-usa.org
11. Casting decisions are made based on sole discretion of the instructors.  We base our decision on skill, attendance, punctuality, seniority, and attitude.  We appreciate the dancers and parents’ respect our casting decisions, as it already is a very challenging part of our responsibilities as instructors.

Participation Agreement and Release

Attendance: Dancers must comply with the mandatory attendance policy provided at the start of the season. Absences from practice with timely notice and good reason provided to the instructors in advance will be recorded as “excused.”  Absences from practice without contacting the instructors directly will be recorded as “unexcused.” Any absences near performance times (excused or not) may affect casting decisions made. Please note, this is not a punishment - it is solely a result of time constraints.  A dancer who accumulates 3+ unexcused absences may be dismissed or suspended as determined by the instructors.  All casting decisions by the instructors are based solely on the dancer’s knowledge of the dance, their overall attendance and the judgment of the instructors. Punctuality, tardiness and attitude will be taken into consideration at the time of casting for all performances.  ANY unexcused absence for ARAX dancers will make a dancer ineligible to participate in a performance that is not local.  The instructor will determine whether an absence will be excused or not.

I agree to all conditions of the Attendance Policy, Participation Agreement and Release. I am committed to supporting the endeavors of the Hamazkayin Arax Dance Ensemble. I give full authority and discretion to the instructors or present board member(s) of the Hamazkayin Armenian Cultural and Educational Society for all care of myself or my child/children during all practices, rehearsals, performances, events, festivals, social gatherings and retreats. I understand that dancing is a strenuous activity with associated risks that may cause illness, injury and/or death. I authorize the Hamazkayin instructors and board members to select, secure and administer medical attention as may be necessary for myself or my child as a result of dance-related illnesses or injuries requiring emergency care while I/we are not present or unable to make decisions about care in such events.

I hereby agree to release and hold harmless the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, her subordinate instructors, the Hamazkayin Arax Dance Ensemble, the Armenian Community Center, St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, Evan Mountain - Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Michigan region, or any dance studio or gym used for practices,  and any of their respective board members, agents, vendors, venues, sponsors, or affiliates from liability of any kind and nature in connection with myself or my child/children’s participation in any activity that is in any way connected with participation in the Hamazkayin Arax Dance Ensemble.

I understand and agree to reimburse the Hamazkayin Arax Dance Ensemble for equipment and costumes issued to myself or my child/children should they become damaged, lost or stolen. I understand that I/my child/children are responsible for their personal property and understand that Hamazkayin Arax Dance Ensemble accepts no responsibility for any personal items that may become lost, stolen or damaged.