SpringDance

We offer a variety of after-school and evening dance classes and workshops for children and teens in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Whether you have been dancing for years, or are just flexing your heels for the first time, you will find a place in our inclusive dance community. We have a dynamic group of class offerings this spring, which culminate in a recital performance at the Hudson Valley Beltane Festival (scroll down to learn more).

Class Calendar

Class Offerings

Information & Guidelines

Dance Institute Policies

CONDUCT & EXPECTATIONS

Attendance Commitment: By enrolling in our classes, you commit to attending and participating fully in all scheduled sessions, barring unforeseen emergencies or illness. Please make every effort to attend all classes and notify us in advance if you or your child will be absent. Students who repeatedly miss classes without valid reasons may not be able to participate in our institute performances (such as DanceFest, Beltane, SummerDance Student Showcase, and Into the Light). 

Representing the Company: When participating in classes at The Vanaver Caravan, you represent our company. It is important to uphold our values and treat the spaces we use, as well as the people who share these spaces, with utmost respect.

• Students and parents/guardians are only permitted to enter designated areas such as the bathroom and dance studio.

• Tampering with, removing, or touching any equipment or property without permission is strictly prohibited. Violators will be subject to indefinite suspension from all classes and activities.

• Parking and Driving Etiquette: Please be considerate of others when parking or driving into our studio spaces. Exercise caution and adhere to any posted regulations to ensure the safety and convenience of all. 

• The consumption of drugs or alcohol on any studio premises is strictly prohibited at all times. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding substance use to uphold a safe environment for all participants. Violators will be subject to immediate suspension from all classes and activities.

These guidelines are designed to ensure a positive and respectful experience for everyone involved in our dance classes. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these policies. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

DANCE ATTIRE & CLASS PREPAREDNESS

• Students should use the bathroom before class

• Jazz shoes / Ballet slippers / or sneakers for ALL classes

• Danceable clothing such as leotards, leggings, shorts, sweat pants and sports shorts

• Long hair should be pulled back 

• *Tap Shoes for Caravan Kids Level 1 and Level 2 classes are suggested

• Visit our online store to view our dance bags, sweatshirts, hats, water bottles, tees, and more

*TVC has a tap shoe bin with tap shoes of varying sizes which students can borrow with a $25 deposit. If you or your child has a pair of outgrown/unused taps, consider donating them to the tap bin! We cannot promise there will be a pair of shoes in your child’s size.

Age Policy:

Our classes are structured with specific age groups in mind (ages 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-12, 13+). For younger children wishing to enroll in an older age group, we strongly advise against it. 

However, rare exceptions may be considered if a child is almost the appropriate age and the dance teacher, parent(s)/caregiver(s) believe the advanced student can handle the challenges of the older class.

Parents should understand that our instructors are trained to teach students within the designated age range. Our Creative Movement Level One classes begin at 4 years old. Students musc be fully potty trained, comfortable being away from their parents for the duration of the class, and capable of independently managing their belongings (water bottles, shoes, socks, coats, accessories, etc.).

Families should be aware that refunds will not be issued if a student withdraws due to feeling overwhelmed by the experience after our refund period has ended (see below). Additionally, if the teacher feels that the class is not suitable for the student, they may request that the student be moved to the appropriate age group class.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY & Rehearsals

This season, all students in our Dance Institute have the opportunity to perform in our Beltane Spring Celebration Performance on May 18th 2025. Students who choose to perform in Beltane must attend a few additional rehearsals. The rehearsal schedule and call times will be posted here and sent out to registered participants at a later time.

Costume Requirements for all TVC performances

 The Vanaver Caravan Standard Costume Base

All dancers who plan to perform in upcoming shows must be prepared to have the following:

• a black tank top, tee-shirt, or leotard (to go underneath for costume changes)

• black compression shorts or biker shorts (to go underneath for costume changes)

• a white long-sleeved button-down shirt/blouse

• a black long-sleeved shirt

• black dress pants / slacks 

• white tights and/or white knee socks

• black dress shoes/jazz shoes/ballet slippers. (Sneakers such as Keds/Toms/Vans/etc are acceptable but must be 100% black and neutral-looking)

• NO obvious logos, tags, patterns, stripes, designs on any clothing

• NO jeans or sweatpants

• Tags and shirts need to be tucked in during the performance

• For all dancers, hair can be worn in any style but MUST be pulled away from the face

• Light street makeup (mascara, lipstick, rouge) is acceptable for performances

The Vanaver Caravan provides costumes and accessories to go over this base.

REFUNDS, Discounts & Scholarships:

• If a student needs to withdraw after the series starts, The Vanaver Caravan will refund 50% of the unused tuition fee or the balance can be donated to the Betsey Bergman Memorial scholarship fund.

• Siblings may use the discount code, Multiple5 for 5% off tuition

• The Betsey Bergman Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in 2017 to create opportunity and access for dancers with lower financial means or hardships. Since the fund began, we have been able to offer almost 30 full and partial tuition scholarships.

Cancellations & Snow Closings

• Classes at MaMA in Stone Ridge follow Rondout Valley Public School’s snow closings and cancellations

• Classes at Mountain Laurel in New Paltz follow Mountain Laurel Waldorf School’s snow closings and cancellations

• Please check local closings if there is inclement weather forecasted.

• In the event of a last minute snow closing/early dismissal, TVC will send an email (to the email address used at registration) no later than 3pm

• During the series, if we deem it no longer safe to hold live classes or NYS COVID-19 guidelines change, we will switch classes to a virtual format

• Makeup classes will be scheduled as needed

CONTACT INFO:

Please contact our office with any questions or concerns | vanavercaravan.org  | vcoffice@vanavercaravan.org | 845-256-9300 | 10 Main Street, Suite 322, New Paltz NY, 12561 

 --The Vanaver Caravan Faculty & Staff

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