Studio Policies and Important Information
Our studio is proud of our reputation for building strong dancers and developing character. The following policies help foster a safe and friendly environment while building self-respect and respect for others.
Shaping Children’s Lives Through Dance
Student Conduct
• Students are expected to pursue the study of dance by actively learning or quietly observing.
• Students should create individual goals while supporting & encouraging fellow students in their goals.
• All students are to abide by the Studio of Dance Dress Code with the exception of adult and hip-hop classes. Students should arrive dressed accordingly, with all necessary hair accessories and extra shoes in a dance bag.
• Proper etiquette and respect for teachers, classmates and facilities are expected. Students must not disrupt the class.
Class Scheduling
• It is important that dancers be placed in the correct class level.
• Many levels require numerous years to master. Unlike school, the muscles, as well as, the knowledge of the movement must be accomplished in order to proficiently complete a level of training. It’s important for students and parents to understand that It is normal for students to repeat a level if necessary.
• The studio reserves the right to reassign and substitute a teacher at any time, cancel a class or shorten a class time due to insufficient enrollment and/or to close a class that has reached capacity.
• It is essential that students arrive on time for class. Students should arrive 10 minutes before class is scheduled to begin. Arriving late does not allow a dancer to sufficiently warm up and can result in injuries. In addition, arriving late disrupts both the teacher and the class.
• Cancellations due to inclement weather will be posted on the website and Facebook page. We will send emails and leave a message on the studio phone (508-867-8925). Classes cancelled for inclement weather are not rescheduled.
• Students will only be dismissed by the teacher. If a student needs to be excused during class, they must ask permission of the teacher. No child will be released from class on their own accord. For early dismissal, we ask the parent to make prior arrangements and come to the office to retrieve the child. This is a matter of safety.
Dress Code
For teachers to truly evaluate the technical progress of each student, proper attire is required. All students with the exception of “Hip-Hop” and “Adult” classes are to adhere to the following: Female Dancers – solid black leotard, pink tights for ballet, tan tights are to be worn in all other classes. Upper level jazz and contemporary/modern dancers may wear black dance shorts over black leotard. No bootie shorts, leggings, or bare midriffs showing. Appropriate shoes for all subjects of dance. Hair should be secured back, off of face and neck. No Jewelry and undergarments are not to show under leotards. Male Dancers – solid black sweat or jazz pants and solid white tee shirt or tank top. Male intensive dancers are to wear black tights or fitted dance pants for ballet class.
The Recital
All dancers will have the opportunity to participate in the annual recital, if they chose to do so. This presentation is an opportunity for your dancer to showcase his/hers hard work. Due to the preparation for the recital, make-up classes will not be offered after February 1. There are no credits or cash refunds for missed classes.
Costume Deposits
• Costume deposits are due in 2 equal payments of $45 on October 1st and November 1st, and are non-refundable after December 1st. Tights are included with the costume fee. All costumes are ordered during the month of December. Costumes orders are placed only for those whose costume deposits are paid in full.
• Dancers will be measured for costumes the first week in November. Special Order and Custom Made costumes may be subject to additional charges. Costume payments include tights. Once costumes are ordered there will be no refunds. Any and all alterations are the responsibility of the parents.
Attendance
Please notify the studio in advance of a class absence. Regular attendance is required as an essential component of proper training. A sincere effort is to be made to attend every class. Students are encouraged to make up missed classes by attending an alternate class of similar or lower level. Poor attendance may result in lower performance and may require a reassignment of class level. As there are no make-up classes after February 1st, students will be allowed to make up 5 lessons in advance. This will offset any classes missed due to snow days or illness. At the discretion of the director, for students missing more than 5 classes between the months of January and June and not keeping up with material taught, it may become necessary to be withdrawn from the recital piece. In the case of prolonged illness/injury tuition may be credited or refunded only upon receipt of doctor’s confirmation.
Tuition and Fees
• All monthly tuition payments are to be paid in full at the first lesson of the month. Included with your tuition fee you will receive a copy of the recital. Tuition is payable by cash, check, or credit card. Please place the student’s name in the memo portion of your check. You will not be invoiced unless an account is overdue. If paying by credit card there will be a 3% convenience fee applied to each payment.
• Tuition is based on an annual fee and divided into 10 monthly payments from September through June. May and June Tuition must be combined and paid no later than June 1.
• Payments made after the 15th of the month are subject to a $25 surcharge. • Any account 60 days in arrears will require payment in full before student(s) are allowed to continue in class.
• In order to receive costumes and perform in the June show, accounts are to be paid in full. Please call the office to arrange a payment plan if you should need one.
• In the case of withdrawal from the studio, the director should be notified immediately. Until such time, the space will be held for the student and the charges invoiced. Any fees in arrears will be assessed.
• There are no pro-rated fees for missed classes or holidays. You may make up your class. Please refer to attendance policies.
Safety and Security
• Students’ names should be on every item, especially dance shoes. The studio is not responsible for lost
or stolen items.
• Children are not to play outside unsupervised. All students, regardless of age, must wait inside for their rides. When dropping off/picking up students, enter the driveway nearest the studio and exit the far driveway.
• Students are to use only those areas, both inside and out, designated for studio use.
• Young children must be supervised at all times, both inside and outside the studio.
Notes to Parents
• Parents are welcome to schedule a meeting with any teacher. Please do not interrupt class or try to approach a teacher between classes. This takes valuable time from the next class. You may leave a note at the desk asking them to telephone you.
• While classes are in session, please refrain from loud conversation.
• Food and drinks (other than water) are not allowed in either studio or dressing room. Eating is allowed in the waiting room as long as the area is kept clean.
• Please, no gum in the building.
• Observation windows will be open the first week of the month.