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Tara Repsher, Director
Alex Reekie, Assistant Director

MCDC HANDBOOK
for Parents & Students

Dance Information: (484) 664-3281
Class Registration: (484) 664-3087

E-mail: communitydance@hotmail.com

Contact Information – The Department of Theatre of Dance

Please direct all of your MCDC questions and concerns to director Tara Repsher or Assistant Director Alex Reekie.  We have also included contact information for Jessica Bien who processes all MCDC tuition payments, and our executive director Karen Dearborn in the rare case you should need an additional resource.  

Tara Rapsher, MCDC Director
Alex Reekie, Assistant Director
Office Phone: 484.664.3281
E-mail: communitydance@hotmail.com

Jessica Bien, Administrative Director
Phone: (484) 664-3087
E-mail: bien@muhlenberg.edu

Karen Dearborn, Executive Director
Professor and Head of Dance Program
Phone: (484) 664-3124
E-mail: dearborn@muhlenberg.edu

Teaching Philosophy:

MCDC Faulty is comprised of distinguished dance professionals as well as specially selected Muhlenberg College students among the elite pursuing their degrees in dance. 
MCDC aims to develop strong confidence and morals in our students through our examples as teachers.  We strive to develop students that are strong, creative and independent leaders as well as respectful, ethical and generous team participants; two major tools for success in life.

In order to achieve this goal we must constantly work on these same ideas ourselves, as teachers and mentors.  There is a discipline/respect/fun balance required in teaching:

• The technique of dance requires a strict discipline.

• Discipline is an important part of every learning process and dance is a great way to develop the beginning of lifelong organization and focus.

• Students must be disciplined in the technique of dance.

• Teachers must be disciplined in their teaching philosophy.

• Students must respect their teacher.

• Teachers must respect their students.

• Dance should be fun.
  
  

Classroom Expectations, Rules and Dress Code

RULES

• Food is not allowed. 
  
  
• Only water bottles will be permitted. 
  
  
• You are not permitted to touch the sound systems.

DRESS CODE

BALLET CLASS

Ballet Clothing for Girls

• Pink tights and simple leotard (preferably Black with NO attached skirt or embellishments), pink leather or canvas ballet slippers with elastic straps sewn on.

• With the exception of advanced ballet or with the directors permission, skirts and warm-up attire are not permitted in ballet class.  This includes leg warmers, shorts, wraps and other related attire.

• Hair MUST be pulled back in a bun and completely off face for ballet class.   Students who do not follow this rule will be asked to leave class and pull their hair back.  This is a safety concern.

Pointe Shoe Fittings (Girls)
Pointe shoes must be fitted by your ballet teacher ONLY!  This is to ensure a proper fit before you sew them and possibly waste money. 

Ballet Clothing for Boys

• White T-shirt and fitted black dance pants (pants must be fitted
  and expose ankles). 
• Black or neutral color ballet slippers. 
• Dance belt must be worn for all dance classes.

CLOTHING FOR ALL OTHER DANCE CLASSES: 

Clothing for Girls

• Fitted dance clothing – unitards, dance pants, tanks, leotards, etc. 
• If wearing dance shorts, girls MUST wear tights and proper under garments beneath.

Clothing for Boys

• Fitted dance clothing appropriate for each style. 
• Appropriate under garments including dance belt.

APPROPRIATE SHOES FOR EACH DANCE CLASS

• Modern – bare feet
• Jazz and Beginner Musical Theatre – soft soled jazz shoes
  (no jazz sneakers– they stick to our floors).
• Tap –Black Capezio CG55's or CG09’s are recommended, a solid oxford, no split soles.