24-25 RULES & REGULATIONS
TUITION: Tuition is due at the first of each month. Tuition is due regardless of holidays or absences. A 5% late fee will be assessed at midnight on the 10th of the month for which payment has not been received. Statements will not be sent until an account is past due. Tuition is based on a semester system and is divided into monthly payments for your convenience. For this reason, no adjustment is made for “short” or “long” months. A $5/month family discount is available for each additional family member. Tuition and recital fees may be paid in full at the beginning of the year/semester for a discount. Full year and semester tuition must be paid within one month of the start of the semester to qualify. Payment for the full year receives a 10% discount. A full semester receives a 5% discount. Tuition and recital fees are non-refundable.
RETURNED CHECKS: All returned checks receive a $35 charge to cover bank fees and processing.
REGISTRATION FEE: An annual non-refundable registration fee of $45 is required from each dancer at the beginning of their dance year. A $10 family discount is available for each additional family member. In January the fee drops to $25, with additional family members paying $20. A returning student’s registration fee is $35; the family discount still applies.
RECITAL FEE: An annual recital fee of $75/dancer is due on March 1st. Each dancer performing in the spring show must pay this non-refundable fee. This fee covers auditorium rental, sound and light technicians, programs, scenery, security, janitors, guest artists…an endless list of expenses!
RECITAL COSTUMES: Recital costumes are ordered over the Holiday break. Costumes must be paid for by the studio in advance, and once ordered cannot be canceled or returned. Costumes usually range in price from $65-$90 depending on the style selected and size of the dancer. Sizes are selected based upon measurements taken during class in November. “Two fingers” of growing room is allowed for all growing children. A costume deposit of $45 is required for each performing class a dancer will participate in by November 1st. The balance of the costume is due when classes resume in January. Costume sizes are selected from measurement charts specific to each costume company. Recital costumes are not custom, they are sized to fit the average person of that girth. We usually “error” on the large side, as costumes are easier to take up than to let out. We make every effort to give each dancer the best fit possible with standard size costumes, but most dancers should expect to need some alterations. Any costumes not picked up by the start of the following fall semester become property of The Dance Collective.
NUTCRACKER/HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE: Each year we have a Nutcracker performance in early December along with a holiday performance. Holiday performance costumes are basic and usually cost $30-40 each. Holiday costume money is collected in November along with spring recital costume deposits. The holiday performance fee is $75 per dancer. Each performance fee includes 2 tickets for each performance. This fee is to help cover the many expenses related to having a performance such as those listed under the recital fee section earlier.
ABSENCES AND MAKE-UPS: The best way for your dancer to reach their potential is with regular attendance at the most appropriate class level. We understand that this is not always possible. Make-up classes are available upon request and should be scheduled with the front desk. Any dancer who misses two consecutive classes should be contacted by the studio office.
CONTACTING YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Classes are scheduled back-to-back. To stay on schedule, instructors will not be able to visit with parents or students between classes. Our instructors will be happy to answer any questions our front desk cannot. Please visit the office and let them know your questions and they will arrange the best way for communication.
PLACEMENT: Students will be placed in classes which are most appropriate for their age and ability. It is important that students do not advance too rapidly, missing important training along the way. Placement will be decided by class instructors.
CANCELLATIONS: The Dance Collective reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any class which does not have sufficient enrollment.
HOLIDAYS AND CLOSINGS: The Dance Collective will close for Labor Day, Sept. 2; Thanksgiving, Nov. 25-30; Christmas and New year, Dec. 21-Jan 3; Spring Break, March 17-22; and Memorial Day, May 26. In the event of inclement weather studio closings will be emailed to the address on file and will be posted on social media. Missed classes due to inclement weather may be made up as covered above under absences and make-ups.
DROP OFF/PICK UP: Students should be dropped off and picked back up within ten minutes of their scheduled class time. We are not staffed to supervise children for extended periods of time outside of the classroom. If you have an emergency or get caught in traffic, please call the studio office so we can let your dancer know where you are.
WITHDRAWALS: Tuition payment is expected until the studio is officially notified that a student has withdrawn by the parent/guardian.
ATTIRE: Proper dance attire is important so that our instructors can properly train students and is an important part of the discipline instilled in a young dancer. Proper attire and shoes are required for each class. Hair should be pulled back out of your face for all classes. Cover ups should be worn whenever not in class at the studio. For your convenience, shoe selections are on file with local dancewear stores.
Introductory students: Solid color leotard and tights. No attached skirts. Hair pulled out of face. Pink/skin tone Ballet shoes and black Tap shoes with tap ties/velcro. All shoes should be labeled with the dancer’s name.​
Ballet/Pointe: Girls: Black leotard and skin tone tights for all lower levels. Advanced dancers may wear any solid color leotard and skin tone footed/convertible tights. Fitted knit “warmers” are acceptable. Hair should be secured tightly in a bun or similar fashion, no ponytails. Skin tone Ballet shoes to match tights. Pointe shoes are selected on an individual basis with instructor approval. Boys: Black tights or fitted sweatpants, plain white T-shirt or leotard, black or white Ballet shoes with matching socks, and a dance belt.
Jazz/Tap/Lyrical/Contemporary: Fitted dance clothing, jazz pants and “bike shorts” are acceptable, also fitted camisole tops. Be sure that clothing is properly sized. Pants which are too large can be unsafe. Hair should be secured such that it does not hit your face when turning. Shoes: Black Tap shoes - Capezio Tic Tap Toe is preferred for older dancers; Jazz - Black leather pull on gore boot; Lyrical - Same as Jazz for class but will probably need the tan gore boot for performances depending on costuming.
Hip Hop: Comfortable fitted clothing. Remember that Hip Hop usually involves floor work, so long pants should be worn to help comfort your knees and to prevent skin rubbing on the floor. Jazz or clean tennis shoes are acceptable, but shoes should not leave scuff marks or debris (such as mud or dirt). Loose clothing may be worn over fitted clothes.
PERSONAL PROPERTY: Be sure to label your belongings. Do not bring toys, purses, cell phones or any other item which you do not want to lose. Shoe bags/backpacks may be brought into the classroom and placed in the designated area. The Dance Collective is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. Unlabeled items we find will be placed in Lost and Found. They will be stored until it becomes full, then they will be given to Goodwill. Remember, if your lost item is labeled it will be much easier for us to return it to you! Cell phones and watches should be set to Do Not Disturb during class.
PICTURES/VIDEOS/COSTUMES: Any pictures, costumes, tights, or videos that have not been picked up by the beginning of the following fall semester become property of The Dance Collective.
CURRENT EVENTS: We want you and your dancer to stay informed so that you may both have an awesome experience! Expect periodic newsletters and briefs to be emailed to you at the address listed on your registration form.
OBSERVATION WINDOWS: We are happy for you to watch as your dancer becomes the best that they can be. Please be aware that if you watch your dancer in every class, you may not notice their improvement as well as if you visit periodically.
SIBLINGS: We understand the need to bring younger siblings to the studio, please supervise them so that classes are not interrupted, and property is not damaged. We also would like to keep a pleasant lobby atmosphere. Children who are disruptive or destructive will be asked to sit quietly or may be asked to leave.
PRIVATE LESSONS: Private lessons should be scheduled through the studio office. The rate is $90.00/hour. They may be scheduled in ½ hour or full hour increments.
COMMUNICATION: Please feel free to bring any questions, concerns, compliments, or ideas to our attention as soon as they arise. We want this to be an outstanding experience for our students and their parents!
​Thank you for choosing
THE DANCE COLLECTIVE!​