STUDIO INFORMATION
STUDIO INFORMATION
Studio Information
Class Behavior:
It is expected that all dancers behave with a level of self-control and respect that is appropriate for their age. Students will be verbally corrected when necessary. If a behavioral problem persists after 2 teacher warnings: students will be asked to sit-out and refocus their energy. Students who are ready to listen and participate as requested will be allowed to join back in as soon as they are ready.
Arrival & Departure:
Students should arrive 5-10 minutes before class start time.
Students should be picked up no later than 5 minutes after class end time.
If you are running late, please notify the office staff immediately.
It is expected that parents are punctual and have their students arrive to class on time. Arriving late disrupts the flow of dance class and distracts students. For their safety, dancers who miss warm-up and stretch will likely be required to observe class instead of participate.
Restroom Use:
Dancers are expected to use the restroom before and/or after class. Restroom use during class should happen on an “emergency” use basis only.
Missed Classes:
We do not offer make-ups or credit for missed classes.
Studio Rules:
• No food or drink (except water) is allowed inside the studios. Please do not send your child with snacks to be eaten in class.
• No street shoes should be worn in class at any time.
• No dance shoes should be worn outside of the studio.
• All parents and dancers are expected to behave in a respectful manner at all times.
Communication:
• Communication is very important!
• All classes have a BAND page. Band is a free app you can download onto your phone (computer, iPad, etc.). Parents AND dancers can both be on BAND!
• Please turn “on” notifications for BAND on your phone.
• Please check your BAND before coming to class each week for important correspondence.
• Please make sure you have joined a BAND for each class your child(ren) take.
BAND holds the following and more:
- Class reminders
- Studio reminders, information, important announcements, etc.
- Practice videos and music
- It’s a great way to connect with questions!
Inclement Weather:
• When the weather is bad, Next Step Dance will make a call to cancel classes if it is in the best interest of our family: students, parents, staff.
• Weather closings are announced on the BAND page for each class.
• In general, we close when public schools close, but since we have students from several school districts, it is best to check your BAND.
• Classes canceled due to inclement or severe weather are not made up.
Lost & Found:
• Items left at the studio are placed in our Lost & Found located in the front of the building.
• Items are donated to charity just after each performance.
Summer:
• We offer a variety of dance camps during the summer.
• Registration will typically open in February.
Follow us on social media!
Instagram & Facebook: @nextstepdanceor
Studio Policies
Policy Agreement
Parents are responsible for completing and signing a Policy Agreement annually. This is done at the time of registration.
Illness Policy
The safety and wellness of our Next Step Family is our top priority. Please do not send dancers to class or studio events if they are ill.
Parent/Student Handbook
At the time of registration, you acknowledge that you have read and understand Next Step Dance Studio’s policies, agreements, and general studio information provided in this online handbook. This online handbook supersedes all previously issued handbooks. This online handbook may be modified by Next Step Dance at any time without advance notice to parents and/or students. In addition, throughout the year, new or revised policies and/or agreements may be made and supersede the contents contained herein.
Registration Fee
An annual non-refundable registration fee of $30 per student ($10 for each additional sibling) is due at the time of registration. This fee starts over at the beginning of each season (August). A student is not considered registered or able to attend class until this fee has been paid. Online registration requires full registration information and your acceptance by electronic signature of studio policies and hold harmless agreement.
Tuition
All tuition and dance related fees, (registration fee, monthly tuition, costume/performance fees, photos, additional items purchased like studio gear, etc.) will be automatically charged to my account in my Parent Portal on the 25th of each preceding month. I understand that tuition is due on the 1st of each month. Furthermore, I understand that payment of all fees is my responsibility and that a $10.00 tuition late fee may be applied to my account if my payment is not made by the 1st of each month. I understand that I may not deduct for classes missed due to illness, vacation, etc. I understand that there are not make-up classes for studio closings.
Costume/Performance Fee(s)
Costume fees differ by class and number of dances. It is necessary to order costumes in October to ensure that we have them in time for performances. I understand that Costume fees are non-refundable. I understand that if costume fees are not paid, then my dancer’s costume(s) will not be ordered. I understand that I am responsible for filling out the costume order form. I understand that one costume – per class – will be purchased for the year, and if my dancers joins after October – we will receive either the same costume as other dancers in their class or a costume as close as can be obtained. I understand that changing classes during the season will require the purchase of a new costume at full price.
Student Information
I understand that my dancer(s) name(s) are pulled directly from my Parent Portal account. By agreeing to this policy, I have reviewed the spelling of my dancer(s) first and last name(s) and attest to its accuracy.
Refund Policies
Tuition refunds are offered in full if a class or camp does not meet its minimum enrollment. Refunds are not available should your plans change after you have registered and paid the tuition fee. Students who drop after classes begin must have a parent provide written notice two weeks prior to dropping class. Tuition charges are based on the date of when the written notice is received, not the last class attended, and not when the notice was filled out. Unused fees will be credited to your account for future use at Next Step Dance. Costume & Performance Fees are non-refundable. Credits are non- transferable.
Dropped Classes
Students who drop after classes begin must submit a drop form to us @ nsdanceoffice@gmail.com. You can find the drop form online under “Quick Links” on our website and on this online handbook. The drop form CANNOT be completed over the phone. We require a two-week notice to drop a class. Tuition charges are based on the date of when the written notice is received, not the last class attended, and not when the notice was filled out. Tuition fees must be current in order for a student to drop class. Dancers who enroll and then decide to drop their class will not receive a refund for paid tuition. There may be times where you have tuition credited to your account for future classes or camps at Next Step. Credits are non-transferable.
Allergies
Next Step Dance holds classes in a facility that is often used by other dance groups. We cannot guarantee that the studio will be free of food allergens including but not limited to peanut/tree nuts. Dancers with life threatening allergies are expected to carry an epi-pen in their bag at all times.
Image Release
I hereby grant permission for videos and photographs to be taken during class time, at the studio, events, and other performances. I understand that this media will be produced and used for advertising purposes and all social media outlets. I authorize the Next Step Dance Studio Inc. to use my photograph or video on their website, printed material, and/or all social media without further consideration. I also acknowledge that Next Step Dance may not choose to use my photo/video at this time but may do so at its own discretion or at a later date. I also understand that there is no compensation for this media. If you do not agree to the image release, you must notate on your registration under the student additional information box AND email hte office staff @ nsdanceoffice@gmail.com.
Hold Harmless
I have full knowledge that the nature class participation will include exercise and body contact along with associated dangers. In recognition of the possible dangers connected with any physical activity, students hereby knowingly and voluntarily waive any right of cause of action of any kind whatsoever arising as a result of such activity from which any liability may or could occur to Next Step Dance Studio LLC., Sheldon Colleens Inc. The Emerald Square Dance Center, Hillary McClintick, its officers, agents, or employees, instructors, or assistants. I agree to waive claims against any person or organization connected with Next Step Dance Studio LLC. for any injuries I may sustain and likewise assume full responsibility for all my actions in connection with said classes, workshops, clinics, or camps. I understand that Next Step Dance Studio LLC. and its agents urges all students to obtain a physical examination from their physician prior to attending any class.
Automatic Draft
I authorize Next Step Dance Studio LLC. to use the credit card number and expiration date I've provided online via the Next Step Dance Studio Parent Portal. I understand that this card will be used by Next Step Dance Studio to make payment on all of my dance fees on their respective due dates. I further understand that it is my responsibility to maintain a valid credit card number and expiration date in the Next Step Dance Parent Portal, and that any changes or updates must be made by me through the Portal. No changes or updates will be accepted by phone or at the studio.
Electronic Signature
I understand that submission of this online registration includes my electronic signature and that my electronic signature requires my understanding and acceptance of ALL Next Step Dance Studio Policies and conditions, including those provided on our website. Parents of dance team students acknowledge that there may be additional policies that they will need to sign separately.