Home Base/ In- Studio programing 

WINTER/SPRING 2024 Parent Need to Knows

WINTER/SPRING Session: JANUARY 29TH - JUNE 14TH, 2024

Hello, Friends!

We thank you for enrolling your child in WR Arts’ Homebase programming. We’re excited for another Spring session full of dance and creativity. Please see below for our updated 2023-2024 information including studio dress code, Frequently Asked Questions, COVID-19 policies and all other “Need To Knows” for guardians & parents.  

With care,

Nicky Guiland 

WR Arts President, Executive Director  

Studio Address

573 Metropolitan Avenue, Basement Level. We’re located at the bottom of the outdoor stairs in front of the building. You’ll find our doorbell at the 1st glass door at the bottom of the steps.  Please do not enter through the main, residential entrance. 

Program Dates

Winter/ Spring Session: January 29th - June 14th, 2024

Saturday 13 Week Session: February 3rd - May 18th, 2024

Studio Fall/ Winter Session Closure Dates*

Our regularly scheduled programing will not be held on the following dates. 

  • Monday, February 19th - 25th, 2024 - Mid Winter Recess

  • March 7th - Parent/Teacher Conferences

  • Friday, March 29th - April 1st - Easter Weekend

  • Wednesday, April 10th - Eid al-Fitr

  • Monday, April 22nd - April 28th - Spring Break [Studio is OPEN on 29th & 30th]

  • Monday, May 27th - Memorial Day

*Note: WR Arts Home Base closure dates DO NOT always align with the NYC DoE calendar. On days when schools are closed but WR is open, After school pick-up students may be dropped off at 3:00. Wednesday families: note we are closed a day early for Thanksgiving break. 

May performance information

Our Winter/ Spring session culminates in staged performances; Date(s) in May to be announced. Each class will have its time to shine, be it on stage or in an intimate theater setting. 

Individual costuming fees are charged at enrollment to ensure time for the ordering and shipment of your child’s performance wear. Performance fees may be charged at the time of enrollment but no later than May 1st, to ensure our production costs are covered by your funding. 

What is the flow of the day? 

2:30 - 3:30 After school pick up students brought to the studio.

3:30 - 4:30 1st afternoon class

4:30 - 4:45 1st dismissal 

4:30 - 5:30 2nd afternoon class

5:30 - 5:45 2nd dismissal

Pick Up students that are not taking a 3:30 class will have extra time to handle changing into dress code, homework, snacking, and socializing before the start of their class. Due to limited space, we’re unable to offer this pre-class waiting time to general students attending 4:30 classes. 


Drop Off and Dismissal:

Doors open 5 minutes before the start of each class for participants not taking part in our after school pickup program. All entries must take place through the first door at the bottom of the stairs. Please DO NOT drop your student off earlier than 5 minutes prior to the start of their class. Your child’s guardian will be required to wait with them until the 3:25 or 4:25 entry time. 

DROP OFF STUDENTS MUST COME READY TO DANCE. There is very little space provided for changing students into dancewear; In the event you’re unable to change your drop off student into leotard & tights, please come dressed in the all-gender option provided.

Students will be dismissed by a WR Arts staff member at the end of class. Parents are encouraged to wait at the top of the stairs, students will be dismissed directly to parents or guardians. For the first few weeks, please be ready to potentially show your photo ID. 

Strollers/Scooters/Storage/Animals

We are located on the basement level, with an entry down a set of stairs from the street. We do not have regular access to an elevator and there is no official waiting room. We request parents leave the studio/premises during classes and take along with any strollers/scooters//bikes/etc. brought with them. Additionally, we LOVE pets but ask that you do not bring any into the waiting space. 

After School Pick Up Program and Extended Day
How does it work? 

Our caring crew of Teaching Artists arrive at partnering schools during dismissal, wait at the designated after school program pick space where students are dismissed directly to us. Our team accounts for all students and carefully walks to 573 Metropolitan Avenue (NOTE Scooters, Bicycles, strollers, etc. are NOT permitted during pickup by our staff and will be left at your child's school. In order to ensure the safety of all students, please plan accordingly). 

Our After School Pick Up locations:

  • PS 110*

  • PS 132

  • Brooklyn Arbor 

  • PS 34* - Wednesdays only

* PS 110 and PS 34 students are escorted via bus or subway. In the event there is extreme inclement weather (torrential rain, blizzard, smoke/ smog, etc.) students may take Lyfts/ cabs to the studio. 

Prior to the start of class, performers get approximately 30 minutes of "downtime" to snack, socialize, handle some homework, and change into dress code. At 3:30 students will enter their designated classroom spaces.

WR Arts sends schools our list of attendees and pick up staff in advance. To be sure your child’s teacher is aware, please alert them directly to this change in your child’s afterschool routine. 

If your child is NOT in attendance/ Will not need pick up from school, contact us as soon as possible. WR Arts must be emailed, called, or texted by 12PM if your child will not be picked up by our team that day - Unknown absences delay our pick-up schedule & lead to further disruption in the school's main offices. 

Dress Code

An important part of your child’s dance & theater arts education is being “class ready”. WR Arts dress code will return to implementation, to support a well-focused arts class experience. Be sure your child is prepared to dance in clothing that allows unrestricted movement; no jeans, jean shorts, school uniform slacks, dresses, or skirts (without shorts beneath). Students not in the appropriate dress code for class will be asked to sit out.

Hair must be worn in a ponytail or bun for Ballet classes or neatly pulled off of the face in a secure ponytail for all other classes. If your child has short hair, please secure hair off of the face with clips or a headband. Children with longer hair should also secure hair back with a headband.

Keep jewelry (Oversized earrings, necklaces, crowns, mask chains) to a minimum! Small earrings and light bracelets are welcome. 

Leotards, tights, and shoes can be purchased online through Discount Dance Supply & Amazon but we encourage checking with local dance shops to enrich your child's dance experience. 

For 2023-24, the universal dress code color will be BLACK. Any child can wear black, no matter your level & identity. Your child is welcome to wear the assigned dress code colors noted below or may wear a black leotard, leggings, tights, sweatsuit, etc. as a general alternative. 

Class-Specific Dress Codes:

  • Saturday Ballet/ Tap Combo: Any Leotard and Tights combination. Ballet skirts are welcome. 

  • Creative Level Classes: LIGHT PINK. Ballet skirts are welcome. 

  • Level 1A Classes: LIGHT PINK or LIGHT BLUE

  • Level 1B Classes: LIGHT BLUE, NAVY, or ROYAL BLUE

  • Level 2 /3  Classes: NAVY, ROYAL BLUE or BLACK leotard. Ballet pink or flesh toned tights for ballet; Footless flesh toned or footless Black tights for Modern, Tap, and Jazz. Jazz pants/ bootcut leggings may be worn in Tap & Jazz as well. 

  • Tap and Intro to Modern: BLACK Leotard with black tights, leggings, or wide-legged pants

  • Theater: No color assigned. Must attend in clothing that is easy to move in (Leggings, Sweatpants, Shorts, Well-fitting Tees) Skirts & or Dresses are not recommended. Please wear shorts under skirts/ dresses, if choosing to wear these items. 

  • Hip Hop: no color assigned. Leggings and sweats are welcome. Kids will need CLEAN sneakers. We request that they carry their spare shoes vs. wearing them into the studio. 

  • WR ALL-GENDER: White, Black or Level Appropriate colored T-Shirt with BLACK leggings. NO wording on tees, with the exception of WR:ARTS studio tees. Please be sure T-shirts are well fitted. 

Home Base students must have the appropriate uniform and shoes for their class. For additional information about dress code follow this link. If you need guidance, don’t hesitate to email us for assistance. 

COVID-19 policies 

While it’s not required, students are strongly encouraged to wear a mask and/or will be given a mask when exhibiting any symptoms (excessive coughing, sneezing, runny nose, or complaint of headache or fever) and will be required to wear it for the duration of the class.

While our Studio programming does not require it, we do encourage COVID-19 vaccinations for all eligible.  

WR Arts will follow the city’s guideline and policies for maintaining spaces and screening students if needed, and will report any observed illness concerns to parents and guardians. 

If your child is ill or has contracted COVID-19, notify us of your child’s absence immediately. Students will be permitted to return on their day 6 of quarantine and MUST test negative twice within a 48 hour period before returning to class.

If your child is NOT in attendance/ Will not need pick up from school, contact us as soon as possible. WR Arts must be emailed, called, or texted by 12PM if your child will not be picked up by our team that day - Unknown absences delay our pick-up schedule & lead to further disruption in the school's main offices. 

FAQs and Additional Information:

What happens when my child is absent?

WR Arts must be emailed, called, or texted by 12PM if your child will not be picked up by our team that day - Unknown absences delay our pick-up schedule & lead to further disruption in the school's main offices. 

  • If your child is absent from class you will be offered 1 make-up class (they have the opportunity to try something new!) the last two weeks of the session. 

This is my child’s first dance class - can I watch? 

While we’re so thankful that you’ve placed your trust in WR Arts, class observations outside of our scheduled Parent Observation periods are NOT permitted. We do our best to share bright moments safely on our Instagram page. Visit @WeAreWR to follow along.

Can I keep my child’s dance uniform at the studio?

Due to limited storage space, we are currently unable to house your child's uniform. After School students are responsible for bringing their dress code compliant uniform along with all necessary items (shoes, tights, leggings, etc) each week.

Alternate Guardians at Pick Up

We must be notified in advance via email or text if someone new is picking your child up. 

What snacks should I pack?

With a number of students with allergies, we kindly request you pack a Nut free snack for your child to enjoy. WR Arts may have snacks available at an additional cost, if interested. $1.00 Snack options (Pretzels, Sun Chips, Fruit) are subject to change day to day depending on availability. IF YOU DO NOT want your child asking for/potentially eating any of the above options, let us know! 

Cancellation Policy:

  • Cancel enrollment by March 1st to receive a prorated refund. 

  • No refunds for cancellations on or after March 1st, 2024. 

  • In the event a mandatory city shutdown occurs, all programming will be offered virtually. There will be no refunds or prorations for this particular shift in the programming location. 

  • All credit/debit processing fees cannot be refunded after registration.

In Case of Emergency, CONTACT

WR Arts: 917-847-5727 (call or text) 

info@WRarts.org

Nicky Guiland: wrnicky@gmail.com

Parents & Guardians are welcome to contact the WR Arts Staff during morning Administrative hours between 11 - 1PM M-F, to discuss any concerns. In case of an emergency text &/ or call 917-847-5727 for assistance. Please note EMAIL & TEXT are our preferred modes of communication.