EXTREMELY MOVING YOUTH SOCIETY
PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM

What is EMYS?
Extremely Moving Youth Society, located in Whitehorse, Yukon has been a registered non-profit society since 1999. It was created to provide excellent pre-professional dance education to northern youth. The organization has grown into a vibrant community of youth dancers, committed dance instructors, dedicated parents and Board members. The positive reputation of EMYS dancers has earned support and recognition from within and beyond Yukon’s borders.

EMYS Values
The program is based on the premise that training in the performing arts develops imagination, problem solving and interpersonal skills. EMYS is committed to participating in the community of fine arts; encouraging students to work and interact with visiting professionals; applying for grants through various organizations; and allocating funding and managing the EMYS budget in a fiscally responsible manner. EMYS believes in working with others in a cooperative and collaborative manner.

EMYS Vision

• By providing professional dance training, the EMYS program aims to:
• provide Yukon-based training opportunities so local youth can pursue dance training;
• prepare youth for further professional training in dance;
• maintain a superb Youth Dance Company that represents the Yukon locally, nationally and internationally;
• inspire youth to challenge themselves physically, creatively, intellectually, and realize their potential as dancers, choreographers and collaborators;
• provide a well-rounded education about dance and performance, including information about injury prevention (including understanding the anatomy of dance) and wellness.

Benefits of membership

• Professional, intensive training in dance
• Co-operative teamwork skills, self-discipline, and initiative
• Guest teachers and choreographers throughout the year
• Performance opportunities
• Form new and lasting friendships
• Learn how to produce a show
• Learn how to choreograph dance works
• Some dancers may have the opportunity to work as a teachers’ apprentice
• Auditions
• Travel

Dancers who participate in other activities besides the ones provided by this program may experience exhaustion, lack of motivation and focus, and symptoms associated with stress. Dancers who are, or will be involved with other activities that conflict with the scheduled dance classes and other program activities throughout the year may not be accepted into the program.

Dancers making a commitment to being an EMYS dancer need the full support of their family. The financial, physical, logistical and other costs need to be carefully considered. Involvement in this program effects family life. Please discuss the challenges and commitment needed prior to beginning the program.

Absences over one week in duration are not advisable. Please plan your vacations for when regular EMYS classes aren’t scheduled.

Non-Profit Society not a Business
EMYS is NOT a business. It is a non-profit Society guided by an elected Board of Directors. Because of the close ties to Leaping Feats (studio space and the service contract with Andrea Simpson-Fowler), parents and dancers sometimes are not aware of the distinctions between these two groups.

The EMYS Board members have many responsibilities including making financial decisions, collaborating and meeting with the Artistic Director, determining the goals and objectives of the program, writing grant proposals and reports, and producing shows. In addition, the Board works hard to initiate and maintain contact with all EMYS dancers and their families.

Board Members are Volunteers
Please remember that Board members are volunteers. They are working together to achieve goals that will directly benefit all the youth involved in EMYS. Currently the majority of board members are parents of EMYS dancers. There are 24 youth involved in the JPP and SPP programs, which means few people to complete many tasks! If you are a parent/guardian of a youth involved in EMYS, your help is needed for the ongoing success of the program. Remember --there is always some way you can help!

• orienting all new members to their job responsibilities, board policies and the EMYS mission, practices and programs;
• regularly receiving and reviewing all financial statements;
• contributing to board meetings to make them productive, interesting  and fun;
• discussing issues of importance;
• conducting annual registration;
• making financial decisions;
• keeping EMYS in good standing;
• grant writing or the hiring of grant writing individuals;
• helping with the production of the Go Nuts! Student Choreography Show, or hiring of a producer or production assistants.
• communicating with dancers/parents involved with EMYS.

Historical Highlights of EMYS

• 1989          Performed at the Dance and the Child International conference in Regina.
• 2001/02     Received a Yukon Arts Fund grant to develop a Pre-Professional Dance Training Program. Junior and Senior Pre-professional groups were formed, based on age and ability.
• 2002/03     First Annual Student Choreography Show, “Go Nuts!” at the Yukon Arts Centre. At “Standing Ovation Dance Festival” in Grande Prairie, Alberta, “Most Outstanding Performance” and “Best Choreography” awards were received.
• 2003/04     Jude Wong choreographed the first extended-length ballet for EMYS.
• 2004/05     Received gold and silver ratings at “Standing Ovation Dance Festival.” Toured all Yukon communities with Breakdance Yukon, participated at Farrago and the Longest Days Street Festival.
• 2005/06     “Sisters Aurora”, a Yukon musical was created in collaboration with Moira Sauer (playwright), Kim Barlow (composer) Rob Kitsos, (Simon Fraser University) and Lisa Stephens from New York (choreographers), with funding from the Yukon Arts Fund and Culture Quest. The musical premiered in May 2006. EMYS dancers represented Yukon in the Cultural Contingent for the Arctic Winter Games in Kenai, Alaska.
• 2006/07     Operating funds from Yukon Arts Funding Program. Grants from Yukon Arts Fund and Cultural Quest funded Sisters Aurora musical which was performed as part of the Cultural Festival for Canada Winter Games. EMYS also performed at the Opening Ceremonies and at the Athletes Village. A superb showing at the “Standing Ovation” Dance Festival in April 2007.
• 2007/08     Received operating funds from Yukon Arts Funding Program as well as funding for Repertory Development from Yukon Arts Funding Program and Lotteries Yukon. Alex and Joanne Pesusich, professional dancers/choreographers from Vancouver worked with EMYS dancers to develop four pieces, and created a music video, which debuted at the Dancing Though Life Show.

Program Conditions and Policies
Please read this section carefully and discuss with your dancer. You will be required to sign a student/parent contract with EMYS stating that you understand and will adhere to all program conditions and policies.

Annual General Meeting
It is mandatory that at least one parent/guardian and student from each family attend the AGM. This helps keep your family informed of program requirements and the work that is involved in keeping EMYS successful. The AGM is held in September of every dance year. All financial documents from the previous year and a current budget are voted on by members of the Board and those in attendance. Elections for Executive and Director positions are held. The Artistic Director provides a report on the previous years’ program as well as any items of interest for the upcoming dance year. Parents are asked to join a trip planning and/or fundraising committee.

Attendance
Students are expected to be punctual and to attend all classes and performances. Students are required to advise by phone or email (feats@northwestel.net) the Artist Director when they will be absent from class. Students who are absent for more than 3 classes for reasons other than illness will be required to meet with their parents/guardians and the Artistic Director to explain and discuss these absences. Dancers who are absent due to illness or injury for extended periods of time throughout the year will be required to attend a meeting with their parents/guardians and the Artist Director to discuss the situation and decide on outcomes.

Auditions

• There will be a meeting in early June for all potential EMYS dancers and their parents/guardians. The audition process, EMYS program objectives and details will be covered.
• All dancers must pay the audition/pre-registration fee of $200.00 at the time of the Audition meeting. Please make cheques payable to Extremely Moving Youth Society. NO PAYMENT NO AUDITION. Due to the increased audition costs, expect to see a nonrefundable audition fee next year.
• Auditions take place in June at the end of every dance year and may consist of two 1 1/2 hour sessions of ballet and jazz/funk technique. Dancers who have yet to be accepted into either the Junior or Senior Pre-professional program MUST audition. Current JPP and SPP dancers wishing to stay must re-audition each year.
• All auditions are adjudicated by instructors and dance professionals. These auditions are funded by EMYS. All decisions in regards to accepted students are finalized by the Artist Director.
• If the dancer is unsuccessful $100.00 of their $200.00 deposit will be refunded.

If a dancers’ audition is successful the $200.00 deposit will be applied to their tuition.

• Successful dancers must accept their position by June 30th and register with payment of their fees (see information later in this manual about payment schedules) by July 15, 2008 to secure their place for September. Registration will be at Leaping Feats Studios on July 15th from 7-9pm or alternative registration can be made by contacting EMYS at extremelymovingyouth@northwestel.net
• If a dancer has been accepted into the program, accepts their place, then chooses not to register in the program after June 30th, 2008 NO REFUND will be issued for the $200.00 audition deposit and the next student on the waiting list will be asked to join the company.

Behavior/Conflict Resolution
EMYS believes in providing a safe environment, free of physical or emotional harm or distress. Any such behavior should be directly reported to the instructor, Artistic Director or the Administration desk. It is expected that both dancers and parents will report such behaviors/incidents. This information will be immediately relayed to the Board of Directors and/or instructors who will take action to resolve the situation. Similarly, there is zero tolerance for inappropriate conduct of any kind. Students found in possession or under the influence of drugs, alcohol and/or weapons; using profanity, or showing a lack of respect to fellow students and/or to an instructor will be suspended or expelled with NO REFUND of fees. Prior to any suspension or expulsion decision, the Artistic Director will meet with the parents/guardians and the dancer.

Catching Up
Students who have missed classes can request the assistance of fellow dancers or their instructors. This is especially important when students begin learning choreography. Teachers are available for a fee of $35/hour + $10/hour for studio rental. The studio that EMYS rents from Leaping Feats can also be rented by students interested in using the space.

Cell Phones
We understand that many dancers have the use of a cell phone. Phones should be placed in a locker and either turned off or on vibrate during classes.

Cold Weather Policy
EMYS follows the cold weather policy of Leaping Feats Creative Dance Works. When the temperature is below -35c at 8:00 A.M. (as announced on CKRW) the studio will be closed and all dance classes cancelled for the day. Efforts will be made to contact all EMYS students’ schools to advise of cancellations. So, please ensure that the studio and the EMYS Board have current information about where your child is attending school.

EMYS can not take responsibility for the studio’s decision to cancel classes and close studio space due to weather related issues. If you are uncertain about class cancellations, please call the studio at 393-2623.

• Provide EMYS with current contact information - phone, email, mail address
• Check your email—we work to keep you updated
• Check the bulletin board at the studios for memos
• Check out the EMYS website -- access only for EMYS folks (dancers and their families, instructors, Board members, Artist Director)
• Attend a Board meeting
• Join the Board (we meet once a month and would love more members!)
• Watch classes through the two way mirrors

Costumes
A costume rental fee is included with your tuition. This fee covers the cost of renting and washing all costumes during the dance year. All costumes are the property of Leaping Feats Creative Dance Works and must be treated with care.
During dress rehearsals and performances each dancer will:

• Sign-out their costumes and all accessories
• Keep costumes on their named hanger in the designated change room
• Not eat or drink while wearing their costume
• Use good personal hygiene to help keep costumes clean
• Be careful while applying makeup
• Sign-in all costumes and accessories
• Never take a costume home
• Reimburse Leaping Feats for any missing or damaged costume.

If your student has made the decision to do a dance selection in the Student Choreography Show or at a dance festival it is the responsibility of the student to find and pay for their own costume and accessories.

Go Nuts! Student Choreography Show Description & Participation
Extremely Moving Youth Society has been successfully producing this show in January for several years. As this is an annual fundraiser all EMYS students are encouraged to sell no less than 10 tickets. To view the show, a ticket must be purchased. For this fundraiser to be viable, EMYS parents need to help with the production of the show. Assistance is needed during rehearsals and the actual show, packaging and selling flowers and other items and many other tasks. All parents will be asked to donate one item to the Silent Auction table during the show. For this donation you will receive a check mark towards your fundraising account. (See fundraising section).

Fundraising
Tuition alone does not cover the cost of the EMYS program. We ask that all students and families participate in all fundraising activities. Fundraising can reduce the cost of travel to dance festivals. A “check system” is a way that EMYS uses to fairly administer and distribute monies earned at fundraisers.

The following “Check system” is currently followed at EMYS:

• For each hour that a parent/guardian/dancer helps during a fundraising event a check mark is earned (a fundraiser is an event that money is raised for the group).
• Before the total cost of the trip is reached the fundraising coordinator will add all fundraising funds to date, add the total of all check marks to date and divide the two. A “check mark dollar amount” will then be determined.
• A dancers’ total fundraising amount earned will be determined by the amount of check marks they earned multiplied by the “check mark dollar amount.”
• The more checkmarks, the more money a dancer has earned to put towards their trip.

Under no circumstances will the dancer or family receive a credit towards dance tuition for fundraising monies or receive any unused fundraising funds at the end of the dance year. This money will be carried over and used for future trips or operational expenses to help ensure the dance program succeeds.

Successful Fundraisers include:

• Go Nuts Show - ticket sales, silent auction, flower and candy sales
• Coat check
• Bottle/Recyclable Drive
• Bagging groceries
• Raffle Sales
• Avon Sales
• Year End Dance Recital -flower and candy sales
• Locker rental
• Dance shows at the studio
• Youth conference participation
• Successful Grant Writing

Lockers
Twenty-four lockers are available for EMYS dancers. The rental fee of $35.00 for the year goes to the fundraising account.  Rental fees for lockers should be paid at the time of registration. Students will then be assigned a locker number. It is the dancers’ responsibility to provide a combination lock and ensure items are securely stored. EMYS and the Board of Directors is not responsible for lost or damaged items. If by the end of September lockers are not rented by EMYS dancers, the Society will offer students from Leaping Feats Creative Dance Works the opportunity to rent a locker. We suggest that lockers be used to store all appropriate dance wear, shoes, hair accessories, non-perishable food for an after-school snack before class. Lockers must be kept clean.

Loss, Damage & Theft of Personal Equipment & Belongings
Extremely Moving Youth Society is not responsible for loss, damage and theft of personal equipment and belongings that are left at the studio, lockers or any other space within the studio. It is the responsibility of the dancer to look after their own property.

Parent’s Responsibilities
We encourage parents to be active in their child’s dance education. If there is ever a problem or concern, we ask that you discuss it with the Artistic Director at an appropriate time. There is not time between classes to address concerns. Please feel free to call the studio to set up a time to discuss any questions you may have.

We strive to have great communication between parents, instructors and students about everything that is happening at the studio .If you have any questions or concerns please discuss them with the President. The President acts as a liaison between parents, the Board and the Artist Director.

Parents need to volunteer! Our biggest need for parent volunteers is during rehearsal and recital time during our annual Go Nuts Show. Due to the lack of parents that have helped in the past few years we may have to start hiring help to produce the Go Nuts Show which will reduce the fundraising profit. Parents are also required for a Dance Festival trip.

Photography
We often take photos of our students in class and during performances and use them for publication on the website and to promote the organization. If you do not wish your picture to be used please notify the Board of Directors.

Punctuality
Students are required to be on time for class and performances. Students who are consistently late for class will be required to meet with the Artistic Director and their parents/guardian to discuss these concerns.  If the problem is severe, a student may be asked to leave the program, with no refund for fees.

Please inform the Treasurer of any changes to banking information or residence.

Proper attire and grooming is an essential part of dance training and helps the dancer be prepared for his/her class. It also assists the instructors by enabling them to focus more on body line and muscle movement.

• Please -- do not wear clothing with stripes, logos, symbols, or polka-dots, as these may inhibit the instructors’ ability to properly see and make corrections. Hair MUST be worn back from the face, and up off the neck. Water bottles are required at all times

• Plain-colored leotard & tights
• Ballet slippers (canvas or leather)
• Tight-fitting, plain-colored spaghetti strap shirt over top of leotard-no tank tops or T-shirts (Optional)
• Black spandex shorts (Optional)

• White T-shirt
• Black shorts
• Black tights
• White or black ballet slippers

• Plain-colored leotard with jazz pants
• Tight-fitting T-shirt, tank top, or spaghetti-strap shirt over leotard (Optional)
• Jazz oxfords

• Sweat pants, knit wear, your favorite shirts and sweatshirts
• No street pants, jeans, or jewelry will be permitted

• Jazz runners
• Jazz oxfords
• Ballet slippers (canvas or leather) - no holes
• Pointe shoes (where applicable)
• Pink and black tights - clean, with no runs
• Nudi-tards (dance undergarments—with clear straps (NO BRAS)
• Base, blush, black eyeliner, white eyeliner, dark & light eye shadow, mascara, and lipstick
• Hair gel, spray, brush/comb, pins, hairnet, elastics, needle and thread.

• Sportees Active Wear, 6098 6th Ave   867-668-2691-more information to follow on a discount offered to EMYS students.
• 2nd Time Around Sports, next door to Leaping Feats has many items of dancewear and shoes for sale at a 15% discount for Extremely Moving Youth students. They also have consignment dancewear and shoes for sale.
• Various online dance companies will ship dance wear to the Yukon.

Time Commitment
A one-year commitment is made by all students that are registered on time. That student is expected to remain in the program until the year-end show at the Yukon Arts Centre, which completes their year of training. If, through exceptional circumstances dancers will be unable to perform in any show throughout the year, they must notify their instructors by September 30th, 2008. Regardless of whether a student completes the program, the cost for the program must be paid to EMYS so that we can honor our contract commitments.

Tentative dance schedule for 2008-09

• Juniors 4:00-6:00 Monday through Friday 10 hours/week
• Seniors 4:00-6:00 Monday through Friday 10 hours/week
• EMYS Annual General Meeting  end of September 2008 -- Details to follow
• Repertory Dance Development with Guest Artists 2-3 weekends -- Details to follow
• Go Nuts! Student Choreography Showcase January 2009 -- Details to follow
• Rendezvous Performance in February 2009
• Possible Spring 2009 School Tours (Dates T.B.A) Friday (may miss 2 days of school)
• Dance Festival Trip(Dates T.B.A)
• Dancing Through Life rehearsals and performances May/June 2009 (Dates T.B.A)
• Various Fundraising events throughout the year 
• EMYS and Leaping Feats Creative Danceworks will do their best to keep students and 
• parents/guardians informed of upcoming dance opportunities in a timely fashion.

Classes do not take place on statutory holidays, Christmas or Spring Break.

• If your child has auditioned and has accepted the position to dance with EMYS for the current year it is assumed that both the student and the parents are committed to providing or raising the funds needed to go on a dance trip. A trip outside the Territory will cost approximately $1000.00 per student and this cost is not included in the overall dance tuition.
• Dancers are required to commit to fundraise and/or pay for a trip.
• Fundraising activities are organized by the EMYS Fundraising Committee.
• The trip may involve missing up to 5 consecutive days of school.
• Time will be put aside for homework assignments during such trips so students do not fall behind in school.
• A trip outside the Territory requires a lot of organization and parental help. A “trip committee” will be formed at the beginning of the dance year. This committee will be in charge of creating a budget, planning meals, booking accommodation and arranging transportation and chaperones. IF THERE IS NO TRIP COMMITTEE FORMED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, THEN NO TRIP WILL TAKE PLACE.
•  A minimum ratio of 1 chaperone for every 4 dancers is required and if your child is in need of extra help then it is recommended that you volunteer as a chaperone. A chaperone will have their trip subsidized. IF EMYS DOES NOT HAVE 6 VOLUNTEER CHAPERONES AT THE BEGINNING OF THE DANCE YEAR, THEN NO TRIP WILL TAKE PLACE.
• A chaperone is needed to oversee all dancers’ needs during this trip. This includes providing encouragement, support and guidance when needed; helping with homework, food preparation, supervision; keeping medication; safeguarding valuables; helping with costumes; providing back stage assistance with hair and make up and many other tasks.
• If you choose to drive to the dance festival with your child/student they will still be required to help share in all costs associated with the trip.
• If your child’s behavior is unacceptable, you will be responsible for the financial cost of having them returned home.
• Proof of travel insurance is needed for all students and chaperones.
• Dance festivals offer opportunities for students to perform a solo or duet. The cost to enter such a dance is paid by the student/parent and can range from $15-30. Dancers are also responsible for covering the cost of their costume.  Participation in these events requires the student to pay for private lessons with a dance teacher. The hours for lessons will range depending on the student, but you should budget a minimum of $200.00 for lessons before the trip.

Tuition
The 2008/09 dance year fee is $2600.00 per student; a $200.00 deposit is required prior to audition. EMYS does not accept credit cards or debit. Full payment can be submitted at the time of registration or you may choose the post-dated cheque plan. If you choose the latter option, please provide eight (8) $300.00 cheques dated September 1, 2008; October 1, 2008; November 1, 2008; December 1, 2008; January 1, 2009; February 1;2009 March 1, 2009; and April 1, 2009. Receipts will be issued when full payment is made or when payment plan is finished. Payment must be made in order to dance.