Yonim Policies
Membership in Yonim: Yonim is the Jewish Federation of Madison’s one and only Israeli Dance Troupe. Yonim is open to children entering Kindergarten through 12th grade. Yonim admits students of any race, color, ability, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students in Yonim. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ability, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs or athletic and other Yonim administered programs.
Mission: By exploring Jewish Heritage through Israeli Dance, kids of all ages will develop friendships, have fun and enjoy cultural enrichment. Yonim provides structured educational and social opportunities for everyone.
Purpose of Contract: Throughout its history, Yonim has achieved an outstanding reputation based upon highly qualified youth programming and culturally enriching performances within our community, regionally and at international festivals across the country. The key to our success has been a unified and professional staff combined with teamwork between the staff, dancers and their families. In order to continue our success we ask that the Yonim participants and their guardians read through the materials together to ensure a clear understanding of the responsibilities involved in becoming members of Yonim.
Attendance at Classes/ Rehearsals and Performances: Yonim dancers are required to attend all rehearsals and performances. The dances are choreographed specifically for each group and each member is an integral part of every rehearsal and performance. Attendance is taken weekly. In the event of an unavoidable absence or late arrival we ask that you contact the Yonim Program Coordinator at Yonim@jewishmadison.org. Absences may result in dancers being excluded from portions of the choreography. In the event of an unavoidable absence from a performance, dancers are responsible for delivering and retrieving their props/costumes to their substitute or a Yonim staff member.
Costumes: Costumes are issued on a loan basis and must be returned at the end of each performance year (cleaned, ironed if necessary and in good repair). Alterations may be made only with the permission of the Yonim staff. Dancers are responsible for having their costumes presentable at all performances (cleaned, hemmed and ironed if necessary). Dancers are responsible for the replacement/repair cost of lost or damaged costumes. All dancers are required to wear their Yonim t-shirts to all performance warm-up sessions, all group events and when requested by Yonim staff (replacements can be purchased at cost). Dancers will not be allowed to perform without their costumes (including props) specified for each event. *Additional charges may be added when new costumes need to be purchased or basic costume items need to be replaced.
Photographs and Videotaping: Occasionally, the Yonim dancers are photographed or videotaped during performances and rehearsals. Pictures may be used for various publicity events, newspaper articles etc. By signing this contract, you are authorizing your dancer’s photograph/video to be published or displayed. Responsibility to the Group: In order for this group to function successfully it is essential for all participants to cooperate completely. In the unlikely event that a participant’s behavior prevents the group from functioning smoothly, parent and student will be contacted and an effort made to resolve the conflict. This includes any problems during rehearsals, performances and on retreats. If a successful resolution is not achieved, the student may be asked to leave the event and/or leave the group.
Special Note to Parents: Thank you for your involvement. Every dancer is an integral member of our troupe and choreography and we know she/he wouldn’t be here without your support and dedication. It takes the participation of the entire Yonim community to make this program work and we depend on the parents to volunteer, help with carpools and participate in various events and fundraisers. We ask that all of the parents behave as role models for the dancers, treat all of the dancers and families with respect, and help us to represent Yonim in a positive manner.
Fees: The performing season costs and costs for preprogrammed events are all rolled into one request. Fees include: All rehearsals, performances, potluck events, costume rental, Yonim t-shirts (new dancers), yearly performance music soundtrack, Bet/Gimel retreats and end of the season party. Fees are nonrefundable.
*Fees do not include the Gimel out-of-state trip or Sharsheret Festival
