Enrollment Policies and Guidelines

We do not charge an enrollment fee at Academy Dance. Academy Dance, LLC, and the Academy of Performing Arts, reserve the right to dismiss without refund anyone whose behavior, attitude, poor attendance, or lack of effort hampers the over-all progress of class and establishment.

We are not responsible for injuries incurred due to a student’s lack of preparation, carelessness, or lack of parental supervision of children in the lobby.

Enrolling your child reserves your space for the entire dance year and obligates you to meet your financial commitments. However, as stated in the tuition section, you must state in writing if your child is dropping a class.

Tuition Policy & Late Payments:

You have the option of paying tuition monthly or by the semester, First Semester is Sept.-Dec. and Second Semester is Jan.-May. Tuition is the same amount each month and due by the first session of classes each month. A 10% of your current balance late fee will be charged to your account for payments not received by the 8th of each month. There is a $30.00 fee for returned checks. There is no refund for missed lessons. If there are more than 2 missed lessons due to snow days or instructor cancellations make-up lessons will be scheduled. It is your responsibility to alert the studio director and teacher if there will be a series of extended absences. To withdraw from a class, you must provide written notification to Tracie Davis. There will not be any refunds for tuition paid through the end of the current month. Please note that Academy Dance will continue to charge your account and the student will continue to be enrolled in classes until we have written (not verbal) notice on file in our office. Please refer to the Academy Dance Calendar for Holidays.

Absences and Tardiness:

Classes are expected to begin and finish on time. We encourage students to arrive 10-15 minutes before class to prepare: change attire, use the restrooms, get a drink of water, etc. Tardiness disrupts the class and prevents the student from “warming up” properly which can lead to injury. Therefore, if a child is more than 10 minutes late to class they will be required to observe in order to prevent injury. Student pick-up must also be on time and will result in an additional fee for keeping a child into another class time.

Students are expected to attend classes regularly. Children need to be in class in order to learn as well as keep up with the progress of the class as a whole. If there are multiple absences, the student may be required to take private lessons until he/she has caught up. Private lessons are available for an additional fee.

Parent Watch Week:

Parents are allowed to visit and observe class only during Parent Watch Week which is indicated on the Academy Dance Calendar. It is generally the first week of the month. During all other classes, parents and siblings must wait in the waiting areas if they decide to stay. Exceptions will be made for special needs children and visiting out of town relatives.

Dress Code:

Students are required to wear cover-ups when entering and exiting the studio, and are not to wear dance shoes outside. Students are also required to wear appropriate attire and footwear according to the technique class they are enrolled in. *Please note that students will not be allowed to participate in class if dressed inappropriately or without dance attire. They will be asked to observe. It is the student’s responsibility to remember correct shoes and attire for dance class. The student should have a dance bag which contains all shoes needed for class/classes. Please write your name on all of your shoes and belongings in the event of misplacement!

Class Attire:

Appropriate Dress:

Students may wear any color leotard (leotards with skirts attached are fine) and/or unitards. Leotards may be worn with tights or leggings of any color or with thin bobby socks for ballet shoes and tap shoes. Hair must be pulled out of the face and up. Warm up clothes may be worn over dance attire, but will need to be removable. Shorts and a T-shirt are not suitable because instructors can not see body lines. This instills proper form for technique, discipline, etiquette, and safety.

Shoes:

Pink leather ballet shoes & black tap shoes purchased from a dance store are required. House shoes or slipper like ballet shoes are not suitable. Patent shiny tap shoes are fine for Levels 1 and 2, however, Levels 3 and 4 are encouraged to buy oxford style tap shoes. Levels 5 and 6 must have oxford style tap shoes.

**Pointe shoe candidates are chosen by the director of the school in careful consideration with teachers. This is for your children’s safety. Please do not buy pointe shoes unless instructed by the director. When a student has been approved to start “en pointe”, the instructor will guide you on how to purchase the shoes. Once purchased, shoes must be brought to instructor in order to insure proper fit, so please do not alter the pointe shoes in any way (sewing etc.) until instructor has approved the shoes.

Student Behavior and Code of Conduct:

I will respect myself, the studio staff and property, other students, and the art of dance!

I will do this by:

• Arriving early for class so I am ready to begin on-time!
• Attending classes regularly!
• Dressing appropriately! This includes my shoes, hair and attire.
• Staying focused, showing self-control, listening to instructors and applying corrections.
• Adhering to all Studio rules and policies!
• Speaking to school director if there is an issue or problem.
• NOT hanging on ballet barres, touching mirrors, running or jumping.
• Keeping my voice low in the hallways and dressing rooms.
• NOT bringing food or drink into classrooms. (Bottled water is allowed for upper levels.)

Teachers are expected to:

• Challenge students and teach new technique each week building upon the prior lessons.
• Keep order in the class/ maintain discipline
• Play appropriate music for techniques and age level (this includes appropriate content)
• Maintain a positive atmosphere
• Make dance a fun and loving experience for all students while maintaining a high standard.
• Start and finish classes on time.

Recital/ Annual Performance:

We do not have a recital fee like you will find at other studios. There is a charge for tickets of $7.00 a person -children under the age of 2 are free. All performers and backstage helpers are free. Please check take home notes, call board and online for dates, times and ticket sales. Recital is usually in late May or early June.

Costumes:

Academy Dance will charge an appropriate costume fee for each costume. We will order costumes Late November. Therefore, costume fees will be due late October.

Stage/ Dress Rehearsal:

All dancers must attend! The morning dress rehearsal is mandatory. Dress rehearsal allows the student to prepare for the performance, spacing on-stage, and quick changes (if applicable). It is not only a responsibility to the individual, but also one to their classmates. Schedule and Times are announced closer to the performance date.

Why So Many Rules?

Academy Dance wants only the best for our students. That is why we outline these rules as clearly as possible. We approach class with a positive outlook because we believe it is important to raise self-confidence in each individual in a productive, appropriate and loving environment.