A printable copy of the JMAD Studio Handbook
is available at the link below.
is available at the link below.
2024-2025 Studio Policies
Behavior and Conduct
Joy McDaniel Academy of Dance and Gymnastics strives to be a positive, respectful, family friendly dance and gymnastics academy.
1. General
Joy McDaniel Academy of Dance and Gymnastics strives to be a positive, respectful, family friendly dance and gymnastics academy.
1. General
- Students, parents/legal guardians, guests, and any person(s) associated with students or parents/legal guardians are expected to be attentive, respectful, and polite to all JMAD instructors, staff members, fellow students, parents/legal guardians, and other persons present on the JMAD premises, at any event or function where they are representing JMAD (including but not limited to: performances, recitals, dance competitions, conventions, etc.)
- Gossip, intimidation, abuse, or disrespectful comments of any kind about JMAD, its staff, instructors, affiliates, students, and/or parents/legal guardians will not be tolerated whether on or off JMAD premises.
- Any grievances should be brought to the immediate attention of Joy McDaniel (Owner and Director) and not shared with other parents/legal guardians or students of JMAD past or present.
- The failure of students, parents/legal guardians, guests, and any persons associated with the student or parents/legal guardians to abide by these rules may result in the administrative withdrawal, suspension, or termination of the student.
- Students should arrive to class on time, wearing proper attire (leotard, tights, etc.), and with the appropriate shoes.
- No chewing gum is allowed in the classroom.
- Students are expected to participate in class and behave respectfully toward instructors and classmates.
- Instructors are expected to make every effort to cultivate a healthy and respectful learning environment, and therefore reserve the right to implement class specific policies (including but not limited to: dress code, tardiness/absences, language, and cell phones). It is each individual instructor's responsibility to communicate any class-specific policies to students and parents.
- Regarding disruptive behavior in the classroom, instructors may discipline children by using time outs, or withholding rewards (such as stickers) as necessary. Instructors are expected to communicate with parent/legal guardians regarding disruptive behavior.
- JMAD allows and encourages the use of social media to celebrate the hard work of our students and promote the art of dance and gymnastics.
- Slanderous, explicit, or abusive statements, videos, or posts made on any social media accounts including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc... toward, about or in association with JMAD, its staff, instructors, students, Parents/legal guardians, and affiliates will not be tolerated.
- Violation of this regulation may be grounds for immediate administrative withdrawal, suspension, or termination from JMAD.
- JMAD reserves the right to pursue legal action for any slanderous, explicit, or abusive social media posts that may cause harm in any manner to JMAD or its owners, directors, managers, instructors, or employees.
- It is highly recommended that parents/legal guardians supervise the JMAD related pictures and posts on their child's social media accounts.
- No horseplay: Parents are asked to keep students and waiting siblings from aggressive horseplay and running in the lobby.
- No tumbling: Students should not be doing any tumbling in the lobby.
- No food or drinks, except water.
- Courtesy: Please be courteous to fellow parents. Our lobby can become crowded, and a little common courtesy can go a long way.
- Please be on time to pick up your child, and please do not leave your child early as supervision cannot be guaranteed because there are no breaks between classes.
- Please come to the door to pick up your child. Students under the advanced level classes will not be released to the parking lot without an adult.
- Please do not leave siblings in the lobby without a parent/guardian. The staff cannot be responsible for their safety.
- Contacting instructors: Instructors can be contacted through the Parent Portal by selecting Contact Us and entering Attention: [Instructors Name] in the subject line of your message. Messages may also be left at the studio desk for instructors to call you back.
- Please do not call or text teachers at home on their personal phones – please respect the time they have with their families.
- Parents/guardians have access to their studio account via the Parent Portal link on the JMAD website.
- From the Parent Portal you can send messages to the studio, view your registered classes, update your credit card, or bank account information, make payments, and more.
- Your Parent Portal can be accessed on our JMAD app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play store. In the app you can view and enroll in classes, make payments, manage your information, and receive notifications.
- Communication from the studio will be done by email. You are responsible for keeping a current active email address on file with the studio.
- If your email address changes, please login to your Parent Portal and make the change in your contact information.
- JMAD uses the JMAD App to send out urgent messages/information. To receive these urgent messages, the JMAD App should be downloaded and PUSH notifications should be allowed.
- Information will be posted on the bulletin boards in the lobby. Please come in on a regular basis to check for new information.
- Social media: JMAD is on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Become a fan and keep up with the latest JMAD news and contests. (Use of photographs and/or videos on TikTok and YouTube require separate written permission from the parent/legal guardian.)
- Please label all shoes, dancewear, dance bags, coats, etc. with the student’s first and last name. Please write your dancers name on the bottom of their shoes.
- Please do not send toys or jewelry with your child.
- Lost and found Items will be placed in the plastic bin in the lobby. Please check the bin for any lost items. At the end of the dance year (May), any unclaimed items will be donated.
- Regular attendance is imperative, as absences and tardiness can hold back an entire class.
- Please make every effort to have your child at every class. If your child must be absent from any class, please call/email JMAD ahead of time to inform them of the absence.
- If a student does not attend school due to illness, please do not send them to the studio.
- There will be no refund, nor any make up classes for missed classes.
- If a student misses 3 or more consecutive classes, the child may be administratively withdrawn and/or unable to participate in the annual recital with no refunds.
- In the event it becomes necessary to withdraw a student from a class and/or JMAD, the parent/legal guardian must complete a withdrawal form (available at the studio) and return it to the front desk before the 1st of the month.
- If the withdrawal is submitted after the 1st of the month, the parent/legal guardian is responsible for that month's tuition. The tuition will be paid by one of the following:
- Automatic e-payment for those enrolled in Automatic e-Payments
- Pre-paid May tuition paid at the time of registration for those enrolled in Pay at Studio/Parent Portal.
- The parent/legal guardian is responsible for any outstanding balance on the account. The outstanding balance is due at the time of withdrawal.
- In the event of inclement weather, morning classes may be cancelled.
- For afternoon classes, please call the studio or check the website after 2:30 to see if classes will be held. We do not always cancel afternoon classes because many times the roads are clear by the afternoon.
- There is one week of inclement weather built into our 32- week schedule. Classes will only be made up if 2 or more weeks are missed due to inclement weather.
- No observers are allowed in the classroom during classes.
- There will be Zoom observation days in October for weekly classes.
- In-person observation and Recital meetings will be held in January for weekly classes.
- Weekly observation is available through Spot TV.
- For 6-week classes, there will be a Zoom observation time the last class of each 6-week session.
- The annual recital is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025.
- Mandatory Stage Rehearsals are tentatively scheduled for May 20-24, 2024. Students must attend their scheduled mandatory rehearsals to be in the recital.
- Since costumes add excitement and a professional quality to our recital, all our students perform in costume.
- Costume prices are approximately $75 each.
- Combination dance classes will have two costumes and other classes will have one per subject.
- Costumes payments will be divided into 2 non-refundable payments due in November and February.
- A non-refundable recital fee is due in February. The recital fee is $90 for one student and $110 for two or more students.
- Photographs and/or videos of students and/or their class(es) may be taken for the promotion of JMAD.
- Any photographs and/or videos may be used for, but not limited to brochures, literature, newspaper advertising, website, social media accounts, etc. (Use of photographs and/or videos on TikTok and YouTube require separate written permission from the parent/legal guardian.)
- Students’ names will not be included with the photographs unless the director of JMAD obtains separate permission from the parent/legal guardian.
- No compensation will be provided for such use.
- Students are to enter the dance room fully dressed for class and proper shoes on.
- Combination classes (Preschool, Advanced Beginner, and Intermediate dance classes) will need to have ballet shoes on each week when entering class. Please put tap shoes in a dance bag that they will bring into class with them. Put your child’s name on shoes and bag. The teachers and assistants will help dancers change shoes in the middle of class.
- The Lobby can be very crowded the first few weeks of classes. This will settle down after the first few weeks.
- Like school, the first few weeks of class are review. This allows everyone to get comfortable with new classes and new teachers. Also, teachers can evaluate students to be sure they are in the correct class.
- If students have been placed in classes that are not correct for them—Don’t worry, we will find a more suitable class!
- The parking lot can be very busy, especially as classes are changing. This is something that can’t be helped. Please be careful to watch for children!
- It is best to get your child in class on time, ready to dance.
- Younger students will be walked out into the lobby to the exit door for pick up.
- The youngest dancers will often have tears or anxiety the first few weeks. This is normal. The teachers are trained to get children “on task” quickly. It is not uncommon to have a few dancers on a few hips the first month of class!
- The best way to ensure success is for parents to assure them they are going to have fun. Leave as quickly as possible and make sure the door is closed. Please keep noise down in the lobby, and don’t let siblings open or knock on the door. This will distract the students.
- Please have all students use the bathroom before class. Teachers will gladly take students if they do need to go during class, but this can be a disruption.
2024-2025 Tuition & Fees
*For more information on Costumes and Recital Fee see page 12 or the appropriate tab.
Annual Tuition Discount
A 10% tuition discount is available for students wishing to pay the entire year in advance. This offer expires September 5th. ANNUAL TUITION IS NON-REFUNDABLE
Late Fee
A late fee of $10.00 will be added if tuition is not paid by the 15th of the month.
Returned Check/Auto-E-Payment From Bank Account
A $25 Fee will be added to returned checks or returned EFT.
Annual Tuition Discount
A 10% tuition discount is available for students wishing to pay the entire year in advance. This offer expires September 5th. ANNUAL TUITION IS NON-REFUNDABLE
Late Fee
A late fee of $10.00 will be added if tuition is not paid by the 15th of the month.
Returned Check/Auto-E-Payment From Bank Account
A $25 Fee will be added to returned checks or returned EFT.
Payment Options
1. Annual Payment -Tuition for the year paid in full.
- A 10% discount will be given for tuition paid in full for the 2024-2025 year by September 5, 2024. This fee is non-refundable.
- Annual Tuition can be paid at the studio by the first class in August or by Automatic E-Payment to be processed on August 5, 2024.
- With Annual payment option, the following fees will be processed automatically if not paid prior to the due date:
- Costume deposit of $55 per costume on November 14, 2024. The Costume Fee is non-refundable.
- Costume balance on February 20, 2025. The Costume Balance is non-refundable.
- Recital Fee of $90 for one child or $110 for 2 or more children on February 20, 2025. The Recital fee is non-refundable.
- Monthly tuition can be paid by enrolling in automatic e-payments using a bank account or credit/debit card when registering.
- Families enrolled in automatic e-payments using a bank account will receive an auto-pay discount on their monthly tuition. A $25 fee will be charged to all returned bank drafts.
- A $10 late fee will be added to all declined/returned automatic e-payments if tuition is not paid by the 15th of the month. If a payment is declined/returned, the parent/guardian is responsible for verifying account information and making the payment either through the Parent Portal or at the studio.
- Monthly Automatic E-payments for tuition will be processed on the 5th of each month, August-May, unless JMAD is notified in writing to discontinue them. If you need to change this agreement, you are responsible for changing your payment option and/or your account information in your Parent Portal; and May tuition will be due immediately if changing payment options.
- With Monthly Automatic E-payments, the following fees will be processed if not paid prior to the due date:
- Costume deposit of $55 per costume on November 14, 2024. The Costume Fee is non-refundable.
- Costume balance on February 20, 2025. The Costume Balance is non-refundable.
- Recital Fee of $90 for one child or $110 for 2 or more children on February 20, 2025. The Recital fee is non-refundable.
- Tuition may also be paid in person at the studio each month by cash, check, or credit/debit card or paid on the Parent Portal by the parent/guardian.
- With this option, tuition for May 2025, is due when enrolling or when changing to this payment option.
- Tuition is due by the first lesson of each month, August-April. Monthly statements are not sent out unless the account is past due.
- A $10 late fee will be added to tuition not paid by the 15th of the month. A $25 fee will be added to all returned checks.
6-Week Classes
- No Membership fee for six-week classes.
- Payment of $75 will be processed to credit card/bank account on file when registering for each session. Six-week classes are not eligible for Pay at Studio/Parent Portal Option.
- Six-week classes are not eligible for multi-class or auto-pay discounts.
- Six-week classes do not participate in the May Recital.
- For 2/3 year 6-week classes, there will be an observation on Zoom during part of the last class of each 6-week session.
- No Membership fee for Summer sessions.
- There are no discounts offered for the Summer Session.
- Payment for the summer session will be processed to the credit card/bank account on file when registering for each Summer session. Summer Sessions are not eligible for Pay at Studio/Parent Portal Payment Options
- Summer Session camps and classes are available on the JMAD website.
Tuition and Membership Fees
- Membership Fee - A non-refundable $40 per student Membership Fee is due at registration. The Membership fee is processed automatically upon receipt of registration.
- Rollover membership will occur on May 1 of each year for currently enrolled students. With Rollover Membership, the membership fee will be automatically processed to the account or card on file on May 2 unless an opt out form is completed by April 30.
- Standard Tuition – Tuition is $68 per month for one class per week. A multi-class discount is available and is based on the total number of classes per family. Multi-class fees can be found on page 5 of the Studio Handbook. An additional discount is given to families enrolled in automatic e-payments using a bank account.
- For students registering after the first of the month, the first month's tuition will be processed to the account or card on file at the time of enrollment.
- Failure to pay tuition by the 20th of the month may result in your child(ren) being administratively withdrawn from JMAD.
- Tuition is based on 32 weeks of classes and payments are averaged out over 9 1⁄2 months. Our 32-week schedule includes an inclement weather week.
Attire for Classes
Combination Ballet & Tap Classes Girls |
Combination Ballet & Tap Classes Boys |
Black leotard Pink Tights Pink Ballet shoes Tan tap shoes |
T-shirt Shorts or pants that they can move in (no blue jeans) Black ballet shoes Black Tap shoes |
Gymnastics Classes Girls |
Gymnastics Classes Boys |
Leotard (any color or style) Shorts may be worn White Gymnastic shoes |
T-shirt Shorts or pants that they can move in (no blue jeans) Black gymnastic shoes or barefooted |
Ballet Level Classes |
Ballet Technique Classes |
Leotard (any color) Tights (any color) Ballet skirt (optional) Booty shorts (optional) Pink ballet shoes |
Black leotard Convertible pink tights Black ballet skirt Pink ballet shoes |
Tap Level Classes |
Jazz Classes |
Leotard (any color) Tights (any color) Booty shorts (optional) Bloch black lace-up tap shoes (if buying new ones) |
Leotard (any color or style) Tights (any color or style) Booty shorts, jazz pants, or leggins (optional) Tan Jazz shoes |
Contemporary |
Hip Hop Girls & Boys |
Leotard (any color) Contvertible Tights (any color) Booty shorts (optional) Ballet shoes or Footies |
Comfortable clothes you can move in (no blue jeans) Girls - no crop tops - must wear long t-shirt or leotard Tennis shoes |
6-week Pre-Ballet Class Girls |
6-week Pre-Ballet Class Boys |
Leotard Tights (optional) Pink Ballet shoes |
T-shirt Shorts or pants that they can move in (no blues jeans) Black ballet shoes |
Toddler Music & Tumbling Girls |
Toddler Music & Tumbling Boys |
Clothes that they can move in (no blue jeans or dresses) Gymnastic shoes or tennis shoes |
T-shirt Shorts or pants that they can move in (no blue jeans) Gymnastic shoes or tennis shoes |
2025 Recital
Recital Date and Times
Ads will be sold for our Recital program book. Selling ads is optional. There will be 2 award winners with the first-place ad seller wining a year’s tuition scholarship (1 class per week) to JMAD for 2025-2026 season. The Ad information letter and the Advertisement contract will be available by March.
Pictures
Group pictures to go in our Recital program will be taken at the studio in April. Individual pictures will also be taken at the studio at the same time as group pictures. Group and individual pictures will be available for purchase. Dates and times will be announced in the Spring.
Optional Recital Items
- The ANNUAL RECITAL is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025.
- Recital times to be announced.
- MANDATORY Stage Rehearsals are tentatively scheduled for May 12-16, 2025.
- All students must be present and participate in MANDATORY stage rehearsals with their class(es) to perform in the Annual Recital.
- Any school graduation, concert/performance, or other significant event dates conflicting with any of the MANDATORY rehearsal dates must be submitted in writing to JMAD by February 1, 2025. After this date, there will be no alterations to the rehearsal schedule.
- Costumes are required for performance in the annual recital. Costume prices are approximately $75.
- Combination dance classes will have two costumes, and other classes will have one per subject.
- The costume deposit of $55 per costume is due November 14, 2024, and the costume balance is due February 20, 2025. The costume deposit and the costume balance are non-refundable.
- Costumes will be distributed after Spring Break. Your account balance must be paid in full before your student can receive costumes.
- A non-refundable Recital Fee is due February 20, 2025. The Recital Fee is $90 for one student and $110 for families with 2 or more students.
- The Recital Fee covers stage rental, scenery, lighting, programs, sound, and other facility expenses.
- More information will be available closer to Recital time.
- Auto e-Payment Accounts: Fees for your student(s) will be charged to the card/bank account you have on file, unless you have already paid the fees by the due dates. (See Costume Policy and Recital Fee above.)
- Pay at Studio/Parent Portal Accounts: Fees are to be paid at the studio or on your Parent portal by the due dates. (See Costume Policy and Recital Fee above.)
- All costume deposits, costume balances and recital fee must be paid by the due dates. A $10 late fee will be added if fees are not paid by the due date.
- If any payments become overdue, you are responsible for working with the director of JMAD to set up a payment plan. Failure to pay the required costume fee and recital fee may result in your child(ren) not being allowed to participate in the annual recital.
Ads will be sold for our Recital program book. Selling ads is optional. There will be 2 award winners with the first-place ad seller wining a year’s tuition scholarship (1 class per week) to JMAD for 2025-2026 season. The Ad information letter and the Advertisement contract will be available by March.
Pictures
Group pictures to go in our Recital program will be taken at the studio in April. Individual pictures will also be taken at the studio at the same time as group pictures. Group and individual pictures will be available for purchase. Dates and times will be announced in the Spring.
Optional Recital Items
- Recital Digital Download - Our Recital is professionally recorded. Ordering information for the downloads will be available in April. Downloads are optional.
- Recital T-shirts - Recital T-shirt order forms for the 2025 Recital will be available in April. T-shirts are optional.
- Roses & Recital Bears – Roses and Recital bear orders will be available in April. Roses & bears are optional.
- Recital Experience Bundles – In February, optional items will also be available as a bundle at a discounted price.
Studio Calendar
The dates listed below are subject to change.
August 2024
10 – (10:00-1:00) Open House & shoe fitting
23– (4:30-6:30) shoe fitting
17-23 – 1st week of classes
31 – no classes (Labor Day)
September 2024
2 – No classes (Labor Day)
5 – (5:00-6:30) Shoe fitting
October 2024
14-19 – FALL BREAK
25 -31 – Whacky Week (wear costumes)
November 2024
4-9 - ZOOM Observation Week
14 – Recital Deposits due
25-30 – THANKSGIVING BREAK
December 2024
TBA –Christmas Dance Performance
21-January 3 – CHRISTMAS BREAK
January 2025
4 – Classes start back
TBA – Recital Meetings & In-Person Observation
27- Feb 1 – PJ Week
February 2025
27 – Costume Balances & Recital Fee due
March 2025
17-22 – SPRING BREAK
April 2024
TBA – Group & Individual Pictures
TBA – Production Picture & Rehearsal
26 – Arlington in April
May 2025
5-10- Studio Rehearsals
12-16 – Mandatory Stage Rehearsals
17 – RECITAL
10 – (10:00-1:00) Open House & shoe fitting
23– (4:30-6:30) shoe fitting
17-23 – 1st week of classes
31 – no classes (Labor Day)
September 2024
2 – No classes (Labor Day)
5 – (5:00-6:30) Shoe fitting
October 2024
14-19 – FALL BREAK
25 -31 – Whacky Week (wear costumes)
November 2024
4-9 - ZOOM Observation Week
14 – Recital Deposits due
25-30 – THANKSGIVING BREAK
December 2024
TBA –Christmas Dance Performance
21-January 3 – CHRISTMAS BREAK
January 2025
4 – Classes start back
TBA – Recital Meetings & In-Person Observation
27- Feb 1 – PJ Week
February 2025
27 – Costume Balances & Recital Fee due
March 2025
17-22 – SPRING BREAK
April 2024
TBA – Group & Individual Pictures
TBA – Production Picture & Rehearsal
26 – Arlington in April
May 2025
5-10- Studio Rehearsals
12-16 – Mandatory Stage Rehearsals
17 – RECITAL
Holidays
The Studio will be closed for the following holidays.
Labor Day - August 31-September 2, 2024
Fall Break - October 14-19, 2024
Thanksgiving - November 25-30, 2024
Christmas Break - December 21, 2024 - January 3, 2025
Spring Break - March 17 - 22, 2025
Labor Day - August 31-September 2, 2024
Fall Break - October 14-19, 2024
Thanksgiving - November 25-30, 2024
Christmas Break - December 21, 2024 - January 3, 2025
Spring Break - March 17 - 22, 2025
**A minimum number of students is required to hold class**
COMBINATION CLASSES are a 45-minute combination of ballet & tap. Students will learn the fundamentals of ballet & tap while incorporating creative movement into the class. The combo classes are divided into ages and abilities.
6 WEEK CLASSES
COMBINATION CLASSES are a 45-minute combination of ballet & tap. Students will learn the fundamentals of ballet & tap while incorporating creative movement into the class. The combo classes are divided into ages and abilities.
- Preschool – ages 3-5 (no experience required)
- Advanced Beginner I –Kindergarten age & beginner 6-year-olds. No experience required.
- Advanced Beginner II – ages 6-7 with experience
- Intermediate I – ages 7-9 with experience (pre-requisite Advanced Beginner II or instructor’s permission)
- Ballet I/Tap I is an hour combination class for ages 8 & up with experience & instructor’s permission. Level ballet classes are a combination of classical ballet & lyrical. Tap I builds on skills and steps learned in previous levels.
- Ballet I is a-45-minute class for ages 8 & up with experience & instructor’s permission. Level ballet classes are a combination of classical ballet & lyrical.
- Tap I is a 45-minute class for ages 8 & up with experience & instructor’s permission. Tap I builds on skills and steps learn in previous levels.
- Jazz I is a 45-minute class for ages 7 & up. Jazz students must also take a ballet class either in a combination class or a ballet technique or an advanced level ballet class. Jazz is set to popular music & is a fun dance style that relies heavily on ballet training and often uses bold, dramatic body movements, including body isolations and contractions. No previous jazz class required.
- Ballet Technique I is a 45-minute class for ages 8 & up. The class is classical ballet with the focus on barre work & placement of the body. No previous ballet class required.
- Hip Hop I is a 45-minute class for ages 7 & up. Hip Hop dance refers to street dance styles primarily performed to hip-hop music. It includes a wide range of styles primarily breaking, locking, and popping. JMAD hip hop includes age-appropriate songs & movements. No previous dance class required.
- Contemporary I is a 45-minute class for students in Level I or II classes with ballet experience. Contemporary students must also take a ballet technique or an advanced level ballet class. Contemporary is a style that fuses Jazz and Ballet.
- Contemporary II is a 45-minute class for students in Level III or IV classes with ballet experience. Contemporary students must also take a ballet technique or an advanced level ballet class. Contemporary is a style that fuses Jazz and Ballet.
- Level II, III, & IV Classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Ballet Technique & Hip Hop are 45-minute or 1-hour classes. Students must have mastered the prior level and obtain the permission of the instructor to register for these classes.
- Gymnastic Classes are 45-minute classes. These classes include basic floor tumbling skills. A floor balance beam is used to strengthen balance and a mini-tramp is used to develop spring skills. Each level progresses from forward rolls and cartwheels to advanced tumbling, including handsprings & ariels. Instructors work with each student on their individual level focusing on flexibility and agility.
- Beginner Gymnastics – ages 4-6 and 6-8
- Advanced Beginner – ages 7-10 with experience
- Intermediate/Advanced Gymnastics– ages 8 & up with experience and permission of instructor
- Preschool Tumbling – ages 3-5 (no experience required) basic tumbling including tricks & exercises in balance and strength.
6 WEEK CLASSES
- Pre- Ballet -2/3 year old class -Each class is a 30-minute class once a week for 6 week sessions. Emphasis is on introducing ballet and creative movement to the student. The students must be 2 by the start of class.
- Toddler Music & Tumbling - Each class is a 30-minute class once a week for 6 week sessions. Classes include music activities and tumbling. The student must be 2 by the start of class.
Please stop by the front desk if you have questions or concerns.
We want your JMAD experience to be positive and rewarding.
We want your JMAD experience to be positive and rewarding.