Policies

These guidelines are to acquaint you with our classroom expectations, as well as our business procedures. Their purpose is to create a smooth flow of personal and business procedures between students, parents and teachers. Your cooperation is appreciated.

TEACHERS INTENT

We do our best to place students in the class that supports their development and enjoyment. Most times, beginner students are placed in class by age whenever possible. Intermediate and advances students are placed according to ability with consideration given to age. Class placement is at the discretion of the teacher. If you are not satisfied, please talk with your teacher or the director. Together we can explore the options.

STUDENT SAFETY

Students should not arrive more than fifteen minutes before the scheduled lesson and are to leave the studio after the class is completed. Younger children will only be allowed to leave the studio if accompanied by a parent or responsible person previously reported to the instructor/director.

Little ones get very upset when their parents are late after class. For their safety, caution them about not leaving the building until you arrive. We cannot assume responsibility for students after class is dismissed, as there is no one to supervise their activities. Parents are responsible for supervising any additional children who are waiting in the lobby.

Parents are allowed to sit in the waiting room while their child is taking class, but please do not distract your child or others by tapping on viewing windows. Parents are not allowed in the classroom during class unless it is requested/approved by the instructor.

We understand the need to bring siblings to the studio, please supervise them at all times. 

It is not the responsibility of the instructor or studio for loss of materials or items left at the studio, waiting room, dressing room or other areas of the building.

No gum is allowed in the building at any time.

No food or drink is allowed in the dance rooms or main lobby, kitchen area only.

Viewing windows are only open during open viewing weeks which will be posted in September for the season.  Having the blinds open during class is very disruptive to the students and the students get a better dance education when they can focus on the teacher and not who is watching them in the window.  During open viewing weeks, the blinds will be open so you may observe your child's class.

All students are expected to behave in an appropriate manner during class and while at the studio and all Bella Pointe Dance events. Severe discipline problems will be discussed with parents. Any continuous problems with discipline may result in dismissal from the class and or school.

Contact the director as soon as possible if your child is struggling in a class or if the class is not challenging enough. We may be able to put them in a class that better meets their abilities.

Please call if you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or ideas. We encourage your feedback.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance is taken at the beginning of each class. Recognition via a Perfect Attendance Award will be given at the recital. Please make every effort to have your child at every class. Good attendance is imperative, as absences and tardiness can hold back an entire class. Classes missed due to illness and or vacations may be made up in another class. The studio office can help you select the appropriate class for make-ups. It is the student or parent’s responsibility to keep track of and pursue make-up classes. Cancellations due to inclement weather will be announced on the studio answering machine.  Refunds or credits will not be given for missed lessons. 

TUITION

Classes begin in September and run into June.  Classes meet once a week.  All holidays and recital rehearsals have been taken into consideration in the fees.  Classes meet once a week.  Tuition fees are pro-rated and based on lessons received for the full term.  There will be no refunds on tuition.  The fees have been broken down into monthly payments which are due by the 10^th of each month. Any payments received after the 10^th of each month are subject to a $10.00 late fee. There will be a $25.00 charge for each returned check. We offer a pre-payment discount as follows: 3mo/$9 off, 6/mo/$15 off, 10 mo/$30 off.

Consistent delinquent payments on accounts over 30 days may result in the suspension of that student’s participation in class. No student will participate in the recital until all fees, late fees; charges or costumes fees are received and cleared. If needed, please call the office to set up an alternate payment plan. We do not want to deny any student the opportunity to dance if a viable solution is available. We have discounts for multiple classes taken per person or family.

Class fees are as follows:  Classes meet once a week.

 There is a $15.00 per family non-refundable registration fee.

Pre-Ballet                 = $ 38.00/month

1 class                      = $ 42.00/month   

2 classes                   = $ 78.00/month   ($  6 discount)

3 classes                   = $107.00/month   ($19 discount)

4 classes                   = $126.00/month   ($42 discount)

5 classes                   = $137.00/month   ($73 discount)

DRESS CODE

We have a liberal dress code, as we feel bright colors and fun attire can encourage enthusiasm. However, body placement and alignment are impossible to correct when hidden by baggy clothes or long over shirts, therefore, THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED.  Please no street clothes. 

Required attire for children:

• Ballet – Leotard and/or tights , and pink ballet shoes. Ballet skirts are optional.
• Tap – Solid leotard, tights or dance pants, black tap shores.
• Jazz – Solid leotard, tights or dance pants, black jazz shoes or gores.
• Boys – Preferable dance pants and t-shirts (sweatpants are acceptable)
• Hip Hop - sweatpants, shorts, tights, tank, leotard, clean white sole sneakers or jazz shoes

Note: On cool days, leg warmers and dance sweaters may be worn in class.

All classes: Hair MUST be securely arranged off the face and neck. No jewelry should be worn in class.

SPRING PERFORMANCE

Students are invited to participate in our annual spring performance. The cost is not included in tuition. Students will be asked to buy costumes. The general purpose of this performance is to provide students with the opportunity to perform on stage some of what they have learned and to do so in costumes with stage lighting, audience, applause, etc.

The recital is held at a local high school auditorium.  Monthly tuition does not cover the auditorium hourly rental, school staff which is mandatory by the school, stage hands, programs, etc. Therefore, tickets will be sold. Students participating in the show do not need a ticket. Parents, friends, etc., who wish to watch the show must purchase a ticket. Special information about the performance will be given out early in the new year.

Costume Fees: Students will have to purchase a recital costume for each class they are taking. Costumes usually cost between $35 - $65. There could be additional charges for headpieces and tights.  The costume balance is due by January 16, 2010.  There will be a drawing for all families who have paid for costumes by January 9, 2010. If your child is not performing, please inform the instructor. If your student withdraws from classes after costumes are ordered, you are obligated to still pay for the costume. No refunds, credits or exchanges on costumes.

SUGGESTION BOX

Please feel free to place suggestions concerning the studio into our suggestion box at any time. We want to hear your suggestions to make the studio the best that it can be.

SHOE SWAP BOX

The shoe swap box has been provided to help curb the expense that comes with replacing dance shoes. Everyone is invited to drop a pair of shoes that no longer fit properly in the box and swap for a pair that do fit. Please examine shoes to make sure that they are in decent shape. Please fasten shoes together and indicate size clearly. This is strictly an honor system, so if you plan to take out a pair of shoes, make sure you replace them.

PARENT INFO

It is very important that the parents of our students know what is happening at various times throughout the year with our studio. Please come in and read our bulletin board for any important notices. We do have a newsletter, but at various times we post notices on the board. It is also important that our records stay current. Please be sure to update us regularly of any changes to address, phone or email.

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