Art & Dance Studio Policies

• GENERAL INFORMATION.

  
  

  Our school year runs from August to June, we have a big recital in December. We also host class showcases and exams between May and June. Summer programs run from the end of June till the beginning of August and we observe all of the Federal Holidays. 

  From August to December we prepare for recitals and build performance skills as well as follow first semester methodology in our formative classes (like ballet), so our students can appreciate and take advantage of being in a big show.

  From January to June we prepare our students for exams and end-of-the-year class showcases as we continue to build on the second-semester methodology for our formative classes, this is the time when we give a significant push in terms of technique and also discover talents for competitions, shows and recitals.

  
  
  
  

  We strongly recommend you stay until the END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR (June)

• CODE OF CONDUCT AND CLASS ETIQUETTE

  
  

  We are dedicated to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members. Our Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behavior and expectations that we uphold to ensure a positive experience for everyone. By joining our facility, you agree to abide by the following principles:

1. Respect and Inclusivity:

• Treat fellow members, trainers, staff, and visitors with respect, regardless of their background, gender, race, age, or skill level.

• Embrace diversity and inclusivity by fostering an environment where everyone

  feels welcome, regardless of their background.

  
  

2. Health, Safety and Equipment:

• Follow safety guidelines and instructions provided by trainers and staff to prevent injuries.

• Properly use and care for equipment and facilities.

• Report any damaged equipment or safety concerns promptly.

• Return all equipment to the original place for proper storage after every use.

• Avoid visiting the facility if/when exhibiting any symptoms that are potential flu-like

  indications such as fever, cough, or any difficulty with breathing

3. Compliance with Studio Rules:

• Adhere to all policies, rules, and guidelines set forth by trainers and staff.

• Failure to comply with facility rules may result in disciplinary actions, including suspension or expulsion.

By adhering to the Code of Conduct, we create an environment where every member can pursue their dance education goals in a positive and supportive atmosphere. Failure to comply with these standards may lead to appropriate consequences, as determined by the facility's management.

We appreciate your commitment to upholding these principles and contributing to the success of our company.

• STUDIO ETIQUETTE FOR STUDENTS:

• Must come prepared and dressed appropriately for each class

• Be on time

• Do not be disruptive during class with your peers

• Please be respectful of your instructors and your peers

• No running or horseplay in the studio

• Dispose of trash and leave the space as you found it

• Use the restroom before your class begins

• No food is allowed inside the class, only water bottles.

• STUDIO ETIQUETTE FOR PARENTS:

• Parents are not allowed into the rooms during class time, you are welcome to watch through the viewing window, unless it is an OPEN CLASS

• Please come inside to pick up / drop off students under 15 year of age

• Please inform the studio if you will be late to pick up a student so we can plan accordingly

• If the receptionist is out and classes are in progress, young children are allowed to sit in the next class until their parent arrives, this will prevent them from waiting alone in the lobby.

• Please inform the studio of the student's absences via your parent portal.

• Please do not discuss important information with the instructor immediately after class as they only have a short break before the next class; if you would like to schedule a conference with your child's instructor, please speak to the front desk or email us through your portal.

• Please be respectful to our instructors and office staff, if you do not agree with the way class is being directed, please schedule a conference with our Academic Director or the General Manager

• ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all members, trainers, staff, and visitors. Our Anti-Bullying Policy outlines our stance against bullying and provides guidelines for prevention, intervention, and addressing such behavior.

1. Definition of Bullying:

Bullying is any repeated, intentional, and aggressive behavior that causes

distress, discomfort, or harm to another individual. This includes verbal, physical, or written actions that demean, intimidate, threaten, humiliate, or harm.

2. Prohibited Behaviors:

Bullying, in any form, is strictly prohibited within the premises and related activities.

3. Reporting Mechanisms:

Anyone who experiences or witnesses bullying is encouraged to report the

incident promptly to a trainer, staff member, or management.

Reports can be made in person, in writing, or anonymously if preferred. Contact information for reporting will be prominently displayed within our facility.

4. Confidentiality:

All reports of bullying will be treated with the utmost confidentiality to the extent permitted by law. Only individuals involved in the investigation and resolution process will have access to the information.

5. Investigation and Resolution:

Upon receiving a report, management will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.

Appropriate actions will be taken to address the situation, which may include

disciplinary action, or involve law enforcement if necessary.

6. Non-Retaliation:

Retaliation against individuals who report bullying, participate in investigations, or support the resolution process is strictly prohibited and will be met with

disciplinary action.

7. Supportive Environment:

We are committed to providing support for individuals who have experienced

bullying. 

8. Prevention and Education:

We will provide regular training and education to members, trainers, and staff on the importance of preventing bullying and creating a respectful culture.

9. Consequences:

Any member found to have engaged in bullying behavior may face immediate

disciplinary actions, up to and including suspension or expulsion from our facility. 

10. Review and Revision:

This policy will be periodically reviewed and updated as needed to ensure its

effectiveness and alignment with current best practices.

By adhering to the Anti-Bullying Policy, we create an environment where all individuals can pursue their dance education goals without the fear of bullying. We appreciate your commitment to upholding these principles and contributing to a safe and respectful studio culture at our facility.

• CLASSES, ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY:

One free trial class per dance category is available for new students, you can schedule your trial through your parent portal  or we can do it for you at the front desk.

The placement class is FREE and will be counted as a free trial class, once the level is defined, the corresponding registration and monthly costs will apply. Payment must be made at the time of registration to secure your place in class

The end-of-year recital, exams and any other scheduled presentation in the A&DS calendar, are part of the A&DS academic training program

NO REFUNDS will be made for missed classes; only if and when  A&DS is the one who cancels the class, it will be responsible for finding the mechanisms to make up for that class.

Classes that are missed due to illness or injury, can be made up for during the same month when the class was missed and are not transferable. If the same level class is not available, the class must be taken at a lower level. Missed classes are non-refundable since you are paying for a spot in the class, not number of classes in a month.

Classes begin promptly; for their own safety if the student arrives after the class starts, he/she may enter only at the teacher’s discretion; If the student arrives 15 minutes after the start of the class, he/she can only enter as an observer in order to avoid injuries since he/she will have missed the warm-up section.

A&DS, recommends that students take the full year with all the subjects indicated for their level thus ensuring the maximum advantages of the lessons and the correct development of their skills.

Any closures will be announced ahead of time.

The schedule is subject to change

• MAKEUP CLASS POLICY AT ART & DANCE STUDIO

At Art & Dance Studio, we recognize the importance of consistency in achieving dance goals and skill development. Therefore, we offer makeup sessions for missed classes, provided certain guidelines are adhered to:

1. Makeup Class Guidelines:

   - Makeup classes are non-transferable to other students.

   - Makeup sessions are optional. If a parent or student decides not to attend a makeup class, no refund will be issued for the missed class.

   - Holidays are not considered missed classes, as they were not initially scheduled for instruction.

   - Makeup classes must be completed within the same semester the missed class occurred.

   - Students can make up classes in a different class within the same age category.

2. Scheduling Makeup Classes:

   - Makeup classes need to be scheduled in advance by contacting our office at 210-935-2597.

   - Makeup spots are limited, similar to trial classes, to avoid overcrowding and ensure a positive learning environment.

   - We restrict makeup spots to a maximum of two people per session.

   - Please notify us in advance if you cannot attend your scheduled makeup class, so we can reschedule and open the spot for others.

3. Limitations and Rescheduling:

   - Missed makeup appointments cannot be rescheduled. The makeup will be marked as completed.

   - Only two makeup classes per month are permitted. If a student misses more than this, additional makeup classes cannot be accommodated within the same month.

   - Makeup classes must be scheduled and completed within the next month of the absence. Advanced scheduling is encouraged to ensure availability.

   - Makeup sessions must be scheduled with the front desk at least two days in advance. No same-day makeup sessions will be allowed.

   -Taking a makeup class does not remove or justify the absence. Please note that exams, showcases, recitals, and all other events hosted or attended by the school will take 80% attendance into consideration for participation.

4. Additional Information:

   - For further details on makeup classes, general guidelines, and financial policies, please visit our website at [www.artandancestudio.com](http://www.artandancestudio.com/...).

   - If you have not yet signed the All-In-One Studio Policy Waiver, please do so by logging into your parent portal and clicking on waivers.

We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all our students. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to contact us.

The studio will be closed on all major and official school holidays. The classes can be made up before or after the date as long as they are made on the same month but there will be NO REFUNDS OR READJUSTMENTS ON TUITION for those dates. MAKE-UP CLASSES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR DEC 25th AND JAN 1st

Priority Enrollment. Once enrolled you will have access to our parent portal where

you will be able to secure a spot in all the desired classes before they are publicly posted

• ON SAFETY

  
  

We strongly suggest that parents add any emergency contact, medical information including allergies, PCP information, and insurance in their parent portal.

I'm case of emergency the studio will contact the ambulance first and the parents second,  if unreachable, we will start contacting the emergency contacts left in the parent portal.

Parents or guardians should make sure A&DS is open before leaving students for their classes; parents can wait in the A&DS lobby for students to finish their classes. 

For their safety it is forbidden for students to go out to the parking lot and surrounding areas without the presence of the parent or authorized guardian.  If none of the above are able to pick up the student, the parent must notify A&DS IN ADVANCE and send the person’s information and a copy of their ID to make an authorization pass. Please send the information of the 1 time authorized person to pick up your child via email at artandancestudio@gmail.com

In case of extreme weather, a notice will be posted on the A&DS Facebook page with the availability of classes, the information will be sent via whatsapp as well.

When a student enrolls in the middle of the semester or later on, they might require regularization lessons. Such lessons will be considered as private lessons and rates will apply. The amount of regularization lessons will depend on the students technical level upon arrival and suggested by the teacher of the level the student is joining

• COSTUMES AND RECITALS:

The annual recital is optional except for students enrolled in the A&DS academic program, members of A&D Company, Competition Teams or scholarship holders.

Some of the regular class schedules will be used for recital rehearsals, if the student does not participate in the recital, he/she will be included in the choreographies and will learn the choreography for skill development and take the rehearsals during class time.

For the participants in the recital, there will be a deposit per costume of 50% of the total value of it and the remaining 50% will be settled upon delivery; the payment of the costume is NON-REFUNDABLE. If the costume or recital fees are not covered, the student will forfeit the right to participate in it. The student will take the costume home after the recital regardless.

To participate in the recital, all yearly and monthly fees as well as the recital’s registration fee of $ 70 per student or $100 for 2+students (Family rate) must be covered in full. These fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.

It is possible that extemporaneous rehearsals will be held for some groups and soloists prior to the annual performance, some fees may result from these rehearsals. The students that ask for extra rehearsals or that need make-up rehearsals, they can schedule them at the front desk and it would be conducted as a private session and rates will apply.

Pictures of the students will be taken at the studio prior to recital weather with or without the costumes for yearbooks, hand programs, flyers, studio's calendar, newsletter and any other printed and/or digital need from the studio. If you do not wish your dancer to be considered for such photos, please opt out of the sessions through your parent portal

• FINANCIAL POLICY:

• Registration policies, monthly payment and class punch cards:

Each student -weather enrolled in the program or in our monthly packs- pays a season REGISTRATION FEE in August and is paid prior to starting classes at Art & Dance Studio; this annual fee is $35.00 USD for the 1st student and $20 for the subsequent students of the same family. It must be paid with the first season in which a student enrolls and is effective only for that season. The season goes from August to June, if the student registers once the term has begun, the fee will NOT be prorated. (only tuition fees will be prorated). 

July is considered within the summer and a separate registration fee and other fees may be required to participate in the summer season.

The family registration fee rate applies to families that have more than one student enrolled.

Registration fees are non-refundable, non-transferable and non-extendable

The first monthly payment is paid at the time of registration or at the beginning of the class period and it will be prorated weekly (4 weeks per month)

Art & Dance Studio reserves the right to cancel a class for lack of quorum a minimum of five (5) students is necessary to open or maintain a class. 

The parent of any student under the age 15 who registers must fill out a registration form that includes the names and ID copies of the parents/guardians authorized to pick them up. If no emergency contact and authorized person is set in the form, the parent's information in the account will be entered by default

Cash, check or credit/debit card payments are accepted at the studio.

Payments can also be made online via our website’s parent portal at www.artandancestudio.com by credit or debit card; request your invoice by email  artdancestudiopayments@gmail.com

A fee (NSF) of $25 USD will be charged for any bounced check

Students who do not wish to enroll in the A&DS program can choose to enroll in our Monthly Packs or pay for Punch Cards/ drop-ins. (Punch cards/ drop-ins will not be considered in recital)

The entire period is considered 11 months from August to June. Therefore, there will be 11 full payments, the month of July is considered within the summer session and will be charged separately if and when the student enrolls in it. TUITION DURING THE HOLIDAYS WILL BE PAID IN FULL.

The monthly payment is considered overdue after the 5th day of each month and a late fee of 10% will apply; If left unpaid, after 2 weeks, the student will not be able to access the class until the accumulated debt is fully covered. It is the responsibility of the parents to verify the due date of their monthly payments in their parent portal account

Dance cards can be found and paid for in our parent portal, they are electronic and free of registration fees. They are managed and punched online. If you would like to print out your punch card, you can do so from your parent portal or ask at the front desk and we will be happy to print it out for you. 



ART & DANCE STUDIO IS NOT OBLIGATED TO NOTIFY FAMILIES OF ANY INCREASES IN OUR RATES. 

• DISCOUNTS:

Any Specials and discounts are not cumulative and are not eligible for other promotions or discounts.

We automatically offer a multi class and a multi student discount; such discount depends on the number of students and/or the number of classes a student is enrolled in.

When the school year is pre-paid in full, a 10% discount will apply. Please approach the front desk to have it applied.

We offer a 10% discount to our military families. Please approach the front desk to have it applied.

• DROPPING A CLASS:

In order to avoid late fees and charges you must drop classes before the 1st of the month by visiting the front desk. If you do not drop classes before the 1st of the month, you will continue to be charged monthly tuition as you are ultimately paying for a spot in a class of instruction that otherwise could have been filled with another student. 

If you owe any amount after dropping, the card on file will be automatically charged (whether it is on auto-pay or not).

If you drop between the first and the fourth of a month (before tuition is due), you will only be charged for the classes that occurred during this time (you will still be charged even if your child did not attend since you are paying for the spot in the class). 

If you drop between the first and the 4th of a month, you acknowledge that your card on file will automatically be charged the balance (the amount of classes that occurred during that time whether it is on auto-pay or not).

Failing to show to a class does not constitute canceling or dropping the class. If you are on Autopay, your card will continue to be on file until you cancel or drop. You must contact the front office to complete this process. 

• REFUNDS & WITHDRAW:

A&DS recommends students to finish the full year, however, if the student wishes to interrupt their training, they must give a two week’s written notification to the school management explaining the reason for their withdrawal and the day on which it will become effective.

If there are debts at the time of the withdraw, the parent or guardian of the student will be responsible for covering these debts right up until the day in which the studio receives the notification of the withdrawal in writing.

The student who is absent for 2 months and 1 day will be automatically withdrawn from the system so he/she will have to pay registration fees again if they wish to enroll.

All students who have dropped all classes are considered inactive and will have to re-enroll if they wish to come back, in that case, registration fees would apply.

All payments made prior to notification of withdrawal are non-refundable and non-transferable

All refunds made will have a processing fee deduction

• COMMUNICATION AND ETHICS:

Communication with A&DS can be done by call or text on (210) 935 2597, via whatsapp on the same number,  through the parent portal, email artandancestudio@gmail.com, and our website. To view our newsletter you can visit https://www.artandancestudio.com/news/_news.

A&DS students and parents should lead by example and always handle themselves with respect to staff, faculty instructors, and peer students. Any disrespect or disruptive behavior may merit temporary suspension.

• SEXUAL ABUSE AND HARRASMENT PREVENTION POLICY

We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all members, trainers, staff, and visitors. Our Sexual Abuse Prevention and Reporting Policy outlines our commitment to preventing sexual abuse and misconduct and provides guidelines for reporting and addressing such incidents.

1. Zero Tolerance for Sexual Abuse:

We have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of sexual abuse, harassment, or misconduct.

2. Definition of Sexual Abuse and Harassment:

Sexual abuse includes any unwanted sexual conduct, advances, comments,

gestures, or contact, whether verbal, physical, or electronic, that creates a hostile or intimidating environment.

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual

favors, or any other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that interferes

with an individual's participation in facility activities.

3. Reporting Mechanisms:

Any member, trainer, staff, or visitor who experiences or witnesses sexual abuse or harassment is encouraged to report the incident to management or the owner promptly.

Reports can be made in person, in writing, or anonymously if preferred calling 210 935 2597

4. Confidentiality:

All reports of sexual abuse and harassment will be treated with the utmost confidentiality to the extent permitted by law. Only individuals involved in the investigation and resolution process will have access to the information.

5. Investigation and Resolution:

Upon receiving a report, management will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.

Appropriate actions will be taken to address the situation, which may include involving law enforcement.

6. Non-Retaliation:

Retaliation against individuals who report sexual abuse or harassment, participate in investigations, or support the resolution process is strictly prohibited.

7. Supportive Environment:

We are committed to providing support for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or harassment.

8. Prevention and Education:

We will provide regular training and education to trainers, and staff on the importance of preventing sexual abuse and harassment and creating a respectful facility’s culture.

9. Consequences:

Any member or individual found to have engaged in sexual abuse or harassment may face immediate disciplinary actions, up to and including suspension or expulsion from our facility.

10. Review and Revision:

This policy will be periodically reviewed and updated as needed to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with current best practices.

By adhering to the Sexual Abuse Prevention and Reporting Policy, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all individuals can pursue their dance education goals free from the fear of sexual abuse or harassment. We appreciate your commitment to upholding these principles and contributing to a safe and respectful studio culture at our facility.

• PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO RELEASE:

As a dance studio, we enjoy taking photos and videos of our students in order to show them off on our social media, website, and on the walls of our studio.

You are automatically Opt-in for media release. You can change your settings at anytime through your parent portal in the waiver section

Please note that if you do Opt-Out of this option, we will not use your pictures and /or videos for any purposes like competition recognition, recital news or any other digital or printed media or communication, nor will there be photos or videos available to purchase.

• CONCUSSION PROTOCOL

STEP 1: INJURY OCCURS 

Either the League Director and/or coach/staff/parent observe the injury or the student-dancer reports it. At the point that a suspected concussion has occurred, the injured dancer is immediately removed from class/show. 

STEP 2: INJURY EVALUATION 

A concussion can affect memory, judgment, reflexes, speech, balance and muscle coordination. People with concussions often report a brief period of amnesia or forgetfulness, where they cannot remember what happened immediately before or after the injury. They may act confused, dazed or describe "seeing stars." Paramedics and athletic trainers who suspect a person has suffered a concussion may ask the injured person if they know their name, what month/year it is and where they are. 

Even mild concussions should not be taken lightly. Neurosurgeons and other brain injury experts emphasize that although some concussions are less serious than others, there is no such thing as a minor concussion. In most cases, a single concussion should not cause permanent damage. A second concussion soon after the first one does not have to be very strong for its effects to be permanently disabling.

Common Symptoms of Concussion

A. Confusion

B. Headache

C. Vision disturbances (double or blurry vision)

D. Dizziness or imbalance

E. Nausea or vomiting

F. Memory loss

G. Ringing ears

H. Difficulty concentrating

I. Sensitivity to light

J. Loss of smell or taste

K. Trouble falling asleep

If any of these occur after a blow to the head, a health-care professional should be consulted as soon as possible. 

No student who displays symptoms of a possible concussion will return to class/show the same day. 

STEP 3: INJURY REFERRAL

A. Once a concussion is observed and/or suspected, the Director, designee, or staff, or coach contacts the parents with details of the observation cues, symptoms to watch for, and advise dancer cannot return without their physician release.

B. The Dancer must receive clearance prior to returning to class from a medical provider following a concussion assessment and treatment.

STEP 4: INJURY FOLLOW-UP CARE

A. The Director, staff, coaches and parents monitor a gradual return to daily activities, school, and exercise.

B. This includes the development of a return-to-play plan and observation.

C. Together, the  Director, coaches, staff and parents monitor the development and improvement of symptoms.

D. Concussed dancers should refrain from all physical activity immediately following injury. Once their condition begins to improve, they may resume low-level activity.

E. Once the injured dancer is symptom free, attending school full-time without accommodations, and their physician has issued a medical clearance, they may begin the return-to-play protocol.

STEP 5: RETURN-TO-PLAY

In order to return to class, the injured student must complete all steps of a graduated exercise progression, and receive written clearance from a healthcare professional.

A. Graduated Return-to-Play Progression: Injured students must complete each step without a return of symptoms before progressing to the next step. If symptoms return during a step, the student should rest for 24 hours and then resume activity a step below the level where the symptoms occurred.

B. Symptom-Limited Activity: Relative rest for 48-72 hours. Low intensity physical and mental activity at a level that does not exacerbate current symptoms. This also applies to the return-to-learn process and may include recommendations to stay home and limit school hours and homework. Gradual reintroduction of light activity while limiting symptoms.

C. Light Aerobic Exercise: Walking or stationary bike at low to moderate intensity; no contact, resistance, or weight training.

D. Sport Specific Exercise: warmup, skill development and choreography; no jumps or  impact activities.

E. Non-Contact Training: More complex exercises and combinations. Weight training or resistance training may begin.

F. Unrestricted Return-to-Participation/Full Competition or performance participation

• ACCIDENT WAIVER.

I fully understand that Art & Dance Studio’s instructors, agents, and employees are not physicians or medical practitioners of any kind. With the above in mind,I, the undersigned, wish to participate in all activities offered. I understand that these Activities involve physical exertion, which may include cardiovascular exercises, and the use of facility’s equipment. I acknowledge and agree to the following:

● I am voluntarily participating in the Activities at my own risk. I am aware of the

physical demands and potential risks associated with these Activities, including

the risk of injury, illness, or death.

● I am in good physical condition and have no medical conditions that would

prevent me from participating in the Activities. I have consulted with a medical

professional if I have any concerns about my health or ability to participate.

● I understand that its trainers, staff, and representatives are not responsible for

any injuries, damages, or losses that may occur as a result of my participation in

the Activities, including those caused by the negligence of its personnel.

● I hereby release and discharge the company, its owners, trainers, staff,

contractors, and representatives from any and all claims, liabilities, demands,

actions, or causes of action arising out of or related to my participation in any

activity.

● I agree to indemnify and hold harmless its owners, trainers, staff, contractors, and representatives from any claims or liabilities arising from my actions or behavior during the Activities.

● I agree to follow all facility rules, guidelines, and instructions provided by staff during my participation in the Activities.