This digital handbook outlines the policies, expectations, and resources that help us maintain a culture of excellence. Please read through each section carefully and refer back as needed throughout the year.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Collage operates independently of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools calendar. While some breaks and closures may align, families should refer to the Important Dates section of this handbook for official Conservatory closures and holidays. Similarly, weather-related closures are made at the discretion of Collage leadership and may not follow local school district decisions.
Monday–Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Drop-offs and pick-ups must occur within posted hours. Collage is not responsible for students outside of these times.
We communicate primarily via email and text. Please ensure your contact information is current. Monthly newsletters are typically sent on the first Thursday of each month. To add a second email, contact the front desk at (901) 800-1873 or email theschool@collagedance.org.
To stay informed:
Important: Parents are responsible for ensuring they are actively receiving Conservatory communications. Collage is not responsible for emails that do not reach families due to spam filters, unsubscribes, or outdated contact information. Families should regularly check the Parent Portal and confirm they are on the email distribution list.
Unsubscribing from Collage emails will result in missed essential information. Please remain subscribed throughout the year.
To withdraw from the Conservatory, parents must complete the official withdrawal form.
Refunds will not be issued for tuition already paid. Parents are responsible for tuition until the date the withdrawal form is submitted. All balances must be paid in full before re-enrollment for future terms will be permitted.
First Day of Classes
No Classes – Labor Day
OCT 12 – 17
No Classes – Fall Break
OCT 24
No Classes – Fall Performances
Parent Observation Week #1
No Classes – Thanksgiving Break
AMAZING GRACE -Holiday Performances
No Classes – Winter Break
No Classes – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
Parent Observation Week #2
RISE – Winter Performances
No Classes – Winter Performance
Costume Payments Due
No Classes – Spring Break
No Classes – Easter Holiday
Annual Gala Benefiting the Conservatory
Petit Pas 1 Last Day & Spring Showcase
Last Day of Creative Movement Semester
MAY 31
No Classes – Memorial Day
Student Concert at the Cannon Center
Additional Guidelines:
Dance is a cumulative art form, and consistent participation is essential for student progress and class cohesion. Performing is a privilege, not a right. Excessive absences are disruptive and unfair. Students who exceed the absence limit for their level will not be allowed to perform in the end-of-year concert.
Our goal is for students to attend all of their classes. We understand that life happens—illness, travel, emergencies—but the maximum number of absences listed below is the limit, not a suggestion. Any exception to this policy must be submitted in writing and approved by the Executive Director.
Maximum Number of Absences Allowed:
Program
Max # of Absences Allowed
4
8
8
12
Étude Classical 1 – 2
12
15
Professional Division
15
Electives
5
IMPORTANT NOTE: Collage does not offer makeup classes for missed sessions. Students are not permitted to attend a different class section than the one they are enrolled in. For example, if a student misses their Friday Petit Pas 1 class, they may not attend the Saturday Petit Pas 1 class in its place.
Additionally, Collage does not prorate or adjust tuition for missed classes, regardless of the reason.
Each exercise in ballet builds on the previous one. Late arrival disrupts this sequence, compromises student safety, and distracts the entire class.
Young Ladies
Young Men
Hair Guidelines
To ensure students arrive prepared:
This section outlines the expectations for student behavior, classroom etiquette, and how we support a positive and respectful learning environment. Conservatory students are held to a high standard of conduct both in and out of class. These policies are in place to ensure all dancers thrive in a safe, focused, and encouraging space.
Proper etiquette is essential for dancers to develop discipline and mutual respect. Students should:
We have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying. Dancers must use respectful, kind language with each other at all times. Behavior that seeks to exclude others – whether overt or subtle – will not be tolerated. No “mean girl” or “mean boy” antics, period.
All students are expected to be courteous and respectful to peers, instructors, and staff. Inappropriate behavior will result in disciplinary action:
Accumulation of 3 or more pink slips may result in loss of performance privileges or dismissal from the program without refund
To support technical development, instructors will use appropriate hands-on corrections. This is an essential part of ballet training to help dancers activate specific muscles and align their bodies correctly. If you have questions about this policy, please contact Executive Director Marcellus Harper.
Dressing room use is a privilege. The majority of problematic behavior at Collage occurs in these spaces, so students must adhere strictly to the following rules. Students who break these rules may lose dressing room access entirely.
As part of our transition to Amilia, our new registration and account management platform, you may notice two additional fees during checkout:
ADMIN FEE
This fee helps offset the cost of the Amilia platform and supports the tools that make registration, scheduling, payments, account management, and communication more convenient for families.
TRANSACTION FEE
This fee covers the processing costs charged by banks and credit card providers for electronic payments (credit card or ACH/bank transfer).
WANT TO AVOID THE TRANSACTION FEE?
Families who prefer not to pay the transaction fee may make their tuition payments by cash or check. If you would like to do so, please contact us before making your payment, and we’ll be happy to assist.
Our goal is to provide a more streamlined, secure, and user-friendly registration experience while keeping tuition costs as affordable as possible. Thank you for your understanding and continued support of Collage Dance.
Clear guidance on additional fees, payment deadlines, and how families can support the Conservatory’s financial sustainability.
Collage does not issue tuition refunds. Parents who choose to pay in full should consider this carefully. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a safe, courteous, and responsible manner. Collage reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any student whose conduct, attitude, or attendance is found to be unsatisfactory. No refunds will be issued if a student is dismissed due to conduct. Tuition refund requests related to relocation or medical issues will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and must be submitted in writing to the Executive Director.
Costume Fees (Due February 27, 2027):
Note: Costume fees are non-refundable for any reason.
Charges for uniforms, shoe spray, and any forgotten items (such as hair kits or tights) will be billed to the card on file at the time of purchase. By signing your enrollment waiver, you agree to these incidental charges if incurred.
Collage Dance is a nonprofit organization. Tuition covers less than 22% of our operating costs. Gifts from families and supporters help ensure we can continue providing excellent dance education at accessible rates.
Each year, we ask families to support our Annual Fund and join us at our Annual Gala Fundraiser to benefit the Conservatory.
To discuss giving opportunities or make a gift, please contact Executive Director Marcellus Harper at marcellus@collagedance.org or call (901) 800-1873.
Note: There is no correlation between a parent’s gift and their child’s placement or casting.
Our performances are a celebration of growth, artistry, and collaboration. Participation requires commitment, and this section provides everything families need to prepare for rehearsal and performance periods.
Students have the opportunity to perform in two major performance events this year:
RISE – Winter Concert: February 19 – 21, 2027
RISE is open to students in the upper school. Auditions will be held October 24–26, 2026. Rehearsals for selected students take place on weekends from October through February.
Annual Student Concert – End-of-Year Concert: Sunday, June 6, 2027 at 3:00 p.m.
Students who meet all performance criteria, including attendance, will be invited to participate. Dancers in Petit Pas 2 and up are eligible to perform in the End-of-Year Concert.
The Petit Pas 1 student showcase will take place May 15th. Creative Movement dancers do not perform.
Important: Please do not schedule travel during the two weeks leading up to either performance. Tickets to student performances sell out quickly. No tickets will be held or guaranteed for families. Purchase as soon as they become available.
Each Collage student receives one complimentary ticket to attend the professional company’s fall and holiday concert with the purchase of a full-price adult ticket.
ORIGINS | October 23-25, 2026 | Playhouse on the Square
AMAZING GRACE | December 19-20, 2026 | Crosstown Theater
RISE | February 19-21, 2027 | Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
(Note: No complimentary tickets are provided for the RISE winter concert.)
Parents are invited to observe their child’s class during scheduled observation weeks:
Observation Guidelines:
We take our performances seriously, and technical preparation is essential. Please carefully review the expectations for rehearsals and performance days.
Technical & Dress Rehearsals
Bring:
Show Days
In addition to the above, please bring:
Dance training is holistic. These policies and enrichment opportunities support the physical, mental, and artistic well-being of our students.
We’re here to support you in supporting your dancer. Below are the primary tools and contacts you’ll need throughout the year.
The Parent Portal is the hub for all Conservatory info and updates. Access it via collagedance.org in the top menu bar.
Username: Conservatory
Password: Parent2627
There you’ll find:
We occasionally use text alerts for weather-related or emergency notifications. All mobile numbers shared as part of your dancer’s registration will be included to receive text alerts. We strongly encourage you to remain opted in to receive these text messages throughout the school year.
To withdraw from the Conservatory, parents must complete the official withdrawal form.
Refunds will not be issued for tuition already paid. Parents are responsible for tuition until the date the withdrawal form is submitted. All balances must be paid in full before re-enrollment for future terms will be permitted.
Email: theschool@collagedance.org
Phone: (901) 800-1873
Front Desk Hours: Same as Conservatory operating hours
Four bold, unforgettable ballets. Three showtimes. One weekend to experience it all live.
Four bold, unforgettable ballets. Three showtimes. One weekend to experience it all live.
