Studio Policies

Tuition  is payable in advance and must accompany the registration form.  For both individuals and families, we offer a 10% discount on each second and third class (of equal or lesser value), and a 50% discount for each subsequent class, beginning with the fourth class.  A payment plan is available as follows: 25% down with registration in August, then three equal payments due by September 15, October 15, and balance due in full by November 15. Please inquire if you are interested.  Returned checks are subject to a $ 30.00 fee.

Refunds  are not made once a session is underway unless the studio must cancel a class.

Make-up classes  Missed classes should be made up in another, similar class and level during the current semester.  Classes not made up will be forfeited. 

Medical Situations   In the case of medical condition which prevents a student from dancing and exists for 30 days or more, a credit will be issued toward the next semester under the following conditions:  1) a letter must be presented from a doctor stating the medical condition and the number of days a dancer is unable to participate in class; 2) a credit, determined by the number of days as indicated by the doctor, will be issued toward tuition for the subsequent semester only and cannot be carried over to subsequent semesters; and 3) dancers, if physically unable to participate in class, must continue to attend and observe their classes so they do not fall behind in the curriculum. 

Lost items  Please label all belongings as the studio cannot be held responsible for lost items.  A lost and found box can be found in the studio’s dressing area.

Age Guidelines  are provided for entry level classes.  If you have any questions about placement, please contact the studio.  Children must be 3 years old by September 1, 2007 and fully toilet trained.

Parental Involvement   We encourage parental involvement by sending home regular newsletters with information about important studio news and events.  Parents are also invited to observe their dancer at our Parent Observation Week offered each semester.  We want parents to observe their child's progress and to offer encouragement and praise for their accomplishments.

Inclement Weather The safety of our students, teachers and parents is of utmost concern.  If the weather is bad (snow, ice, or dangerously cold), we may cancel classes.  Generally, we follow District 25's weather closures.  Sometimes, however, the weather and roads may clear in time for our afternoon classes.  Please call the studio or check this Web site for updates.  Classes missed because of weather closures may be made up in a similar class according to our make-up policy.  Classes will not be rescheduled and refunds cannot be offered.

A word about our levels...

Our classes are divided into levels based on a student’s ability, not necessarily by age (except for students under 7 years old). We divide our levels into three categories:  Beginning (Level 1 – Level 2/3); Intermediate (Level 3 – Level 4 Intermediate) and Advanced (Level 4/5 – Level 5/6).  The usual progression is Level 1, Level 1/2, Level 2…with each number representing a new level.  The split numbered Levels (like Level 1/2) are transition levels, not an indication that the student can be in either Level 1 or Level 2.  These transition levels are an opportunity for the students to refine their skills and learn new curriculum.  On occasion, a few students may skip a split level.  This is not common practice and is done only by recommendation of the instructor.

Unlike grade levels in school, students do not necessarily move to the next level each year.  We have a great deal of curriculum to cover in each level and we want to make sure that the student is comfortable, strong, confident and technically correct before moving up.  Some students may take a level for a couple of years, others may move through a level in less time.  The determination is made on an individual basis by the instructor.  Each student progresses at his or her own pace.  Students advance to more challenging levels as they safely master the requisite skills and techniques, not specific combinations.  Please be patient and encouraging with your child.  Dance is an art form and cannot be rushed.

Often our levels do not coincide with other studios.  Some studios have three levels while others may offer 10.  We have clearly defined curriculum for each level.  New students with previous dance experience need to be evaluated by our instructors to determine appropriate placement within our curriculum.

Our philosophy on placement...

We believe that it is important for a student to be placed appropriately so that he/she can get the most out of the class.  Our instructors take a personal interest in each student.  Initial student evaluation involves determining a student’s present ability in light of previous dance experience, individual skill and muscle development.  New students with no dance experience should register for a class according to our age guidelines.   New students who would like to register for a Ballet, Jazz or Tap class above our entry Level 1 should attend our placement class on Monday, August 18, 2008 or call the office for an appointment to be evaluated.   Our instructors closely monitor the progress of each student to maximize the benefits of their dance training while minimizing the risk of physical strain. 

Dress Code

Our dress code was established to promote the students’ freedom of movement and the instructor’s observation of correct technique.  Costumes for the Day of Dance are created by accessorizing the students’ leotards.  Hair should be worn off the face and neck, in a bun if possible.  This enhances the dancer’s vision and enables the instructor to observe proper alignment of neck and shoulders.

No baggy t-shirts or shorts allowed in Jazz or Modern.  No biking shorts or print leotards allowed in Ballet.