DANCE DESIGNS is one of the most renowned dance studios on Cape Cod.
It was founded in 1985 by Susan Friedman and has had a permanent home in Hyannis since 1993. Dance Designs is dedicated to providing the highest quality of dance education in a creative and non-competitive fashion. The program is based on the philosophy that dance education plays an integral role in the development of all children. The classes are appropriately structured yet fun-filled, enabling students to progress at their own rate. The program fosters a supportive environment and welcomes students at all levels and abilities. Classes include Creative Dance, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical and Tap for children, teens, and adults. Classes in ballroom dance and wedding preparation are also offered. Dance Designs is also recognized for its innovative and experienced faculty. Susan Friedman, owner and director of the program, has been dancing since she was a small child. She trained in New York, where she was raised, and danced at the college level in Boston, MA. She was an original member of the Summer Dance Theater of Cape Cod, which performed on the Cape, throughout Massachusetts, and in New York City. Susan earned a B.S. in Early Childhood Education in 1975 from Wheelock College. It was there that she gained her expertise in dance movement for the young child. All teachers on staff at the studio are trained dance professionals who bring a wide range of talents and experience to the program.

LOCATION Dance Designs is conveniently located between Routes 28 and 132 in Hyannis, off Bearses Way on 11 Enterprise Road. It can be found at Enterprise Corners, Units 17 and 18, close to the Cape Cod Mall. See a map and directions.

CALENDAR The year is divided into three dance sessions that follow the public school vacation calendar. The studio is closed for most national, school, and religious holidays. Summer DANCEcamp™ 1, 2, and 3 are available for many ages and ability levels. Each summer session is one week long and focuses on dance technique and all other related topics. Other weekly classes are also available for children and adults during the summer months.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES abound at Dance Designs throughout the year. National Dance Week is celebrated each April with many exciting dance activities that involve students, parents, friends, and the community. During this week, instructors and student assistants conduct daily workshops with local public schools and perform locally for Cape Cod audiences. Susan Friedman was appointed the Regional Director for The National Dance Week Organization in 1998. Performance opportunity is available to all students with the annual "On Stage" student recital held each June. A variety of workshops and master classes are also held during the year. Dance Designs organizes frequent trips for students and their families to attend professional shows and dance performances. Students also have opportunities to attend national dance conventions whenever possible. The Doug Horton Dance Video Library was established in 1995. Commercial dance and recital videos are available to all students on a lending basis. This is funded entirely by community contributions. 3D is a group of dedicated dancers who show proficiency in all styles of dance and have a desire to compete and perform frequently. Members of 3D (Dance Designs Dancers) are at least 12 years old and are chosen by audition yearly. Rehearsal time is scheduled in addition to regular weekly classes. Parent participation in planning, fund-raising, and travel are required.

TUITION is required before or by the first class of each dance session. Tuition is not refundable after the second class meeting. Payments may be made by check or cash. There will be a fee for any returned checks. Absences may be made up during the current dance session with prior consent of the instructor. They may not be credited to future sessions. Canceled classes will be rescheduled by the instructor during the current session.

SCHOLARSHIPS The Rebecca T. Horton Scholarship is a special fund subsidizing yearly dance tuition for eligible students. It was established in 1994 in memory of our beloved friend Becky who was a student at Dance Designs for many years.

DANCE ATTIRE Basic dance wear, including leotards, tights, and jazz pants, is required for each class. Chiffon skirts may be worn for ballet and pointe. Warm-up wear may be worn only during the beginning of the class and must then be removed. Instructors will provide requirements for specific shoes and clothing prior to the first class. Hair must be pinned or tied back securely. Hair buns are recommended for all ballet and jazz classes. Street clothes are not permitted. No intricate jewelry or gum chewing is allowed. At Dance Designs, we live by our motto,"Dress like a dancer, look like a dancer, feel like a dancer, dance like a dancer!" It really works!

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

CREATIVE MOVEMENT is specially designed to provide a developmental approach for youngsters ages 3-6. This unique program provides the young dancer a strong foundation in movement which is essential for subsequent dance instruction. The focus is on basic elements of movement as it relates to time, weight, space, locomotion, and rhythm in a fun and creative way.
BASIC BALLET introduces basic ballet technique and terminology in a creative and nurturing way. Beginning barre,center, and across-the-floor exercises are combined with less structured activities.
BALLET/POINTE classes focus on technical training, covering the positions of classical ballet, barre, center work, and knowledge of terminology. Students progress at their own rate and are encouraged to take additional classes per week if a higher level of proficiency and strength are desired.
TAP instruction from Tiny Taps through Advanced Tap introduces students to the basics and they continue to progress at their own rate. Classes include rhythmic exercises, center, barre work, and progressions emphasizing clarity, style, speed, and knowledge of tap vocabulary.
BALLET/JAZZ includes a half hour of ballet instruction, focusing on barre and basic technique, along with a half hour of jazz fundamentals taught in the center and across the floor. This is for the younger student with at least one year of previous Ballet instruction.
JAZZ is offered to students at all levels of ability. Basic jazz skills, technique, and terminology are emphasized in all classes. Students work on effective warm ups, turns, jumps, floor crossings, and progressive combinations to help them advance to the next level.
LYRICAL DANCE is offered for the young teen student with a solid background in ballet. Modern, jazz, and ballet skills are emphasized along with personal interpretation of music and lyrics.
DANCE BIRTHDAY PARTIES  Dance Designs offers individually designed birthday parties for that very special birthday child. A wide range of themes is available and can be personalized for the occasion. Party details and reservations must be made with the director.
STUDENT WORK/STUDY PROGRAM  Students enrolled in Level III or above, taking more than three classes per week, and who are at least 14 years of age are eligible for this student assistant program. Qualified dance students gain valuable teaching experience while offsetting their tuition.

STUDIO POLICIES - For students and parents (as of January 2008)

Fees & Tuition A deposit of half tuition is due upon registration in order to secure a space in desired class. Refunds will be given only with 48 hour notification of withdrawal from the class with a walk-in fee charged for each class regardless if the student has been in attendance. After the second scheduled class, tuition refunds will only be given for medical reasons with a doctor’s documentation. A $20. administrative fee will be charged for each withdrawn class regardless of when this withdrawal occurs.
Tuition balance is due by or at the first scheduled class meeting. A late fee of %10 on any outstanding tuition will be charged after mid semester. This would be done, for instance, the 6th week of a 12 week session, and will be added to the total balance due. Students who have an outstanding tuition balance by the time of the June recital will not be issued free tickets or able to participate in the show.

Holidays/Calendar Dance Designs’ schedule roughly follows the public school schedule. The studio is closed for Thanksgiving, Winter, February, and Spring breaks , as well as National Holidays. Please take note of dates “NOT” meeting on the current schedule. Other cancellations are posted occasionally- so please check the bulletin board in the studio and the special private "Members Only" area of this website on a regular basis. There are three sessions of dance classes plus a summer session each year.

Class Cancellations due to weather will be available by calling the studio phone message machine at least 2 hours prior to scheduled class time. If no announcement of cancellation is heard, then assume classes are being held. If possible, canceled classes will be made up at a later time.

Absences due to illness,may be made up in another appropriate class during the current session, and with prior consent of the instructor. They may not be carried over to future sessions.

Dance Attire should include simple leotards and tights, neatly tied back hair, and simple jewelry. Warm-ups should be removed after warm-up section of class/no street clothes permitted i.e. boxer shorts, tank tops, etc. No gum chewing or large jewelry allowed.

While classes are going on, please keep the waiting areas as quiet as possible so as not to disturb the students in class (especially when the studio doors are open). Food or cold Beverages should not be left on the carpet at any time. Young children in the waiting area must be quiet and supervised by their parents at all times.
If you need to reach/talk to an instructor, please leave a note and phone number for contact. Time between classes does not allow sufficient time for this. Teachers can also be reached by email. Please do not leave any valuables unattended in the waiting room during class times. Dance Designs will not be held responsible for any loss or theft of personal items.

Hands-on Parents should be aware that our classes are conducted in a ”hands-on’” fashion. This will ensure that each dancer receives personal correction of placement and technique that will help them to improve in dance.

Parking Although it' s sometimes difficult, please park cars in designated parking spots and not at curbside.

Visitors or friends of dance students may observe a class with prior consent of the instructor. It is the teachers decision to keep studio doors opened or closed during class.

Manners All simple rules of manners and etiquette are expected of our students and their families at all times.

Cell Phones All cell phones must be silenced. We also do not allow charging of phones on the premises.

Safety To ensure students’ safety, please do not leave them unattended before or after their scheduled class.