Signature Dance Studio 2018 - 2019 Policies
> Registration
All students are required to register prior to enrolling in any classes at the studio. Registration for each new dance year will be held during late August and early September. Registration dates will be listed on our website as well as e-mailed to returning students. There will be a $25 non-refundable registration fee for all students (returning or new). Please note that registration is per child, and not per family. Cash or personal checks made to Signature Dance Studio will be accepted. Note: Should you be unable to attend registration dates – registration info may be mailed WITH payment to Signature Dance Studio at: PO Box 129 Homer, New York 13077
> Tuition/Monthly Payments
Tuition will be paid monthly and is based on a 10 month payment schedule (Sept. - June). A half-tuition payment will be due in June. All tuition payments are due the first full dance week of each month, on your dancers first dance day of the month. All payments received after the first full dance week of the month will incur a $10.00 late fee. Please note, if your tuition is more than 3 full months past due, your dancer will not be able to continue participating in classes. Payments will be accepted in the form of cash and/or check. Please make checks payable to: Signature Dance Studio. In the event of studio closings, you will be notified on tuition date changes via email. Please keep in mind there will be a returned check fee of $30. All tuition payments are non-refundable.
We understand that there will be an occasion where you are unable to make it to class. If your dancer is sick, or you are unable to attend class, your tuition will still be due by the end of the first dance week. If you have questions or concerns regarding your monthly tuition, you MUST contact Miss Meg or your tuition may still be considered late.
In the event your child is no longer loving dance, they will not be obligated to continue. However, we do ask that as a courtesy to the studio, you call the office and let us know.
> Recital
We will have our recital(s) to be held annually in June at the end of each season. The recital(s) will be held at the Homer High School Auditorium. Seating for our shows is assigned. Ticket sales begin one month prior to show time.
> Classes
A full dance season includes a minimum of 30 classes, beginning in September and ending in June. Additional rehearsals scheduled prior to performances (on-stage rehearsals) and other dance opportunities (ie: Business Showcase) will be considered classes, even if they are scheduled at times other than the regularly scheduled class time. These are included in your tuition and attendance is crucial.
> Class Cancellations
In the event that classes need to be cancelled due to weather or circumstances out of our control, you will be notified via e-mail. Cancellations will also be posted to our Website as well as our Facebook page.
Please note: Though we follow the Homer School holiday closings, school closings will not always mean the studio is closed. Closings for holidays and other important dates can be found on the Studio Calendar page. Make-up classes will not be required for classes that must be cancelled due to inclement weather. In the event the Center for the Arts requires us to cancel classes, a make-up class will be offered. Please note for solo lessons, if your dancer cancels, the teacher MAY offer a make-up class, but is not required.
Any changes to the main dance schedule will be announced in early September.
> Attendance
Whether taking one class or five classes, attendance during the dance season is crucial. If your dancer is sick and unable to attend class, please let the studio know. In the event your dancer has a minor injury, they are welcome to come, sit, and watch class in an effort to not fall behind. Please note that as we enter the spring season and approach our June show date, attendance will be extra important! Thank you for understanding!
> Dancer Attire/Footwear
Dancers are required to wear appropriate dance attire during all classes.
*Ballet - dancers are required to wear black leotard with black shorts/skirt and tights. Ballet shoes required.
*Preschool - dancers may wear non-restricting clothing: leotards with shorts/skirts and tights. Please refrain from sending your dancer in anything that may distract them while in class. Ballet shoes/black tap shoes required.
*Lyrical/Contemporary - dancers may wear non-restricting clothing. Leotards with dance shorts/skirt are preferred.
*Jazz - dancers may wear non restricting clothing. Leotards with dance shorts/skirt are preferred.
*Hip Hop - dancers may wear non-restricting clothing; tank tops/shorts or leggings.
Proper footwear will be assigned to your dancer at registration.
Please make sure your dancer wears their hair UP for classes. For Ballet, buns are required. Absolutely NO Street shoes on the dance floor.
> Dancer Etiquette
It is very important that our students grow to be respectful, polite, well-rounded individuals. Our dancer etiquette expectations will help to encourage our dancers to be just that!
*Be prepared for classes: All dancers should be at the studio 5 minutes prior to classes to get prepared for class.
*Teacher Respect: Dancers must show respect to all teachers and assistants. Dancers who do not show respect to our teachers or our studio, will not be able to participate in class time.
*Dancer Respect: Dancers are asked to be respectful to their fellow classmates and our older students are asked to remember that little eyes are on you! Our littlest loves are looking up to you - be great role models!
*Respect our Studio: We ask that all of our dancers please pick up after themselves. We want to keep our studio space clean and tidy!
*NO food or Drink (OR GUM): Dancers may not have food or any drinks other than water on the dance floor. Water bottles must be leak proof. Dancers will be asked to spit gum out before classes.
> Photography
Throughout the dance season, many photos will be taken at the studio and at various events (recitals, open house, etc.) of dancers. Upon signing our policies agreement, you give permission for us to use the photos on our studio website and Facebook page. You also agree that you are not entitled to payment/royalties for these photos. For questions or concerns regarding this - please contact Miss Meg.
> Costumes
Each dancer will be required to purchase at least one costume per class (ballet classes are an exception). Costume prices will vary depending on dance style/ dancer age/size. A set costume price will be given at registration. Costume fees may be paid as early as the first day of classes and are to be PAID IN FULL no later than November 30th. Please note that once a costume is ordered, it cannot be returned and you are obligated to pay the costume fee in full. If your costumes are not paid by November 30th, you risk the chance that a costume will not be ordered for your dancer.
> Fundraisers
We will offer many fundraisers throughout the course of the year to help offset various costs throughout the season. Our first fundraiser will start in the fall; information to be given out at registration. Please note that all fundraising is optional.
> Competitions
Signature Dance Studio looks to form a competitive team in the near future. A Competition team will be formed based on dancer interest as well as teacher recommendation.
> Studio Parking
Our studio is located inside of Homer Center for the Arts, and we take pride in being such an integral part of the most welcoming art community. However, we acknowledge that with the community atmosphere comes some challenges with parking. There are often many classes happening simultaneously at the Center, which will limit parking spaces; please plan accordingly. During major Center events, parking may be limited to street only. In an effort to keep our dance families informed, we will be adding a list of ‘street parking only’ dates to our monthly newsletters! Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.
> A note for parents
We know how sweet it can be to watch your dancer during their dance lesson. Parents are welcome to stay during their child’s class time, but will be asked to sit in our parent/student lounge or hallway waiting area. Parents will be not be allowed to sit in the main dance room and are also asked to keep the noise level down during class time. During the last five minutes of the last class of each month, parents will be invited in for a ‘Parent Preview.’
Parents are also asked to CHECK E-MAILS FREQUENTLY. This is our main line of communication. Thank you!
For any questions regarding our policies please contact the studio.
* All Signature Dance Policies are subject to change if deemed necessary.
All students are required to register prior to enrolling in any classes at the studio. Registration for each new dance year will be held during late August and early September. Registration dates will be listed on our website as well as e-mailed to returning students. There will be a $25 non-refundable registration fee for all students (returning or new). Please note that registration is per child, and not per family. Cash or personal checks made to Signature Dance Studio will be accepted. Note: Should you be unable to attend registration dates – registration info may be mailed WITH payment to Signature Dance Studio at: PO Box 129 Homer, New York 13077
> Tuition/Monthly Payments
Tuition will be paid monthly and is based on a 10 month payment schedule (Sept. - June). A half-tuition payment will be due in June. All tuition payments are due the first full dance week of each month, on your dancers first dance day of the month. All payments received after the first full dance week of the month will incur a $10.00 late fee. Please note, if your tuition is more than 3 full months past due, your dancer will not be able to continue participating in classes. Payments will be accepted in the form of cash and/or check. Please make checks payable to: Signature Dance Studio. In the event of studio closings, you will be notified on tuition date changes via email. Please keep in mind there will be a returned check fee of $30. All tuition payments are non-refundable.
We understand that there will be an occasion where you are unable to make it to class. If your dancer is sick, or you are unable to attend class, your tuition will still be due by the end of the first dance week. If you have questions or concerns regarding your monthly tuition, you MUST contact Miss Meg or your tuition may still be considered late.
In the event your child is no longer loving dance, they will not be obligated to continue. However, we do ask that as a courtesy to the studio, you call the office and let us know.
> Recital
We will have our recital(s) to be held annually in June at the end of each season. The recital(s) will be held at the Homer High School Auditorium. Seating for our shows is assigned. Ticket sales begin one month prior to show time.
> Classes
A full dance season includes a minimum of 30 classes, beginning in September and ending in June. Additional rehearsals scheduled prior to performances (on-stage rehearsals) and other dance opportunities (ie: Business Showcase) will be considered classes, even if they are scheduled at times other than the regularly scheduled class time. These are included in your tuition and attendance is crucial.
> Class Cancellations
In the event that classes need to be cancelled due to weather or circumstances out of our control, you will be notified via e-mail. Cancellations will also be posted to our Website as well as our Facebook page.
Please note: Though we follow the Homer School holiday closings, school closings will not always mean the studio is closed. Closings for holidays and other important dates can be found on the Studio Calendar page. Make-up classes will not be required for classes that must be cancelled due to inclement weather. In the event the Center for the Arts requires us to cancel classes, a make-up class will be offered. Please note for solo lessons, if your dancer cancels, the teacher MAY offer a make-up class, but is not required.
Any changes to the main dance schedule will be announced in early September.
> Attendance
Whether taking one class or five classes, attendance during the dance season is crucial. If your dancer is sick and unable to attend class, please let the studio know. In the event your dancer has a minor injury, they are welcome to come, sit, and watch class in an effort to not fall behind. Please note that as we enter the spring season and approach our June show date, attendance will be extra important! Thank you for understanding!
> Dancer Attire/Footwear
Dancers are required to wear appropriate dance attire during all classes.
*Ballet - dancers are required to wear black leotard with black shorts/skirt and tights. Ballet shoes required.
*Preschool - dancers may wear non-restricting clothing: leotards with shorts/skirts and tights. Please refrain from sending your dancer in anything that may distract them while in class. Ballet shoes/black tap shoes required.
*Lyrical/Contemporary - dancers may wear non-restricting clothing. Leotards with dance shorts/skirt are preferred.
*Jazz - dancers may wear non restricting clothing. Leotards with dance shorts/skirt are preferred.
*Hip Hop - dancers may wear non-restricting clothing; tank tops/shorts or leggings.
Proper footwear will be assigned to your dancer at registration.
Please make sure your dancer wears their hair UP for classes. For Ballet, buns are required. Absolutely NO Street shoes on the dance floor.
> Dancer Etiquette
It is very important that our students grow to be respectful, polite, well-rounded individuals. Our dancer etiquette expectations will help to encourage our dancers to be just that!
*Be prepared for classes: All dancers should be at the studio 5 minutes prior to classes to get prepared for class.
*Teacher Respect: Dancers must show respect to all teachers and assistants. Dancers who do not show respect to our teachers or our studio, will not be able to participate in class time.
*Dancer Respect: Dancers are asked to be respectful to their fellow classmates and our older students are asked to remember that little eyes are on you! Our littlest loves are looking up to you - be great role models!
*Respect our Studio: We ask that all of our dancers please pick up after themselves. We want to keep our studio space clean and tidy!
*NO food or Drink (OR GUM): Dancers may not have food or any drinks other than water on the dance floor. Water bottles must be leak proof. Dancers will be asked to spit gum out before classes.
> Photography
Throughout the dance season, many photos will be taken at the studio and at various events (recitals, open house, etc.) of dancers. Upon signing our policies agreement, you give permission for us to use the photos on our studio website and Facebook page. You also agree that you are not entitled to payment/royalties for these photos. For questions or concerns regarding this - please contact Miss Meg.
> Costumes
Each dancer will be required to purchase at least one costume per class (ballet classes are an exception). Costume prices will vary depending on dance style/ dancer age/size. A set costume price will be given at registration. Costume fees may be paid as early as the first day of classes and are to be PAID IN FULL no later than November 30th. Please note that once a costume is ordered, it cannot be returned and you are obligated to pay the costume fee in full. If your costumes are not paid by November 30th, you risk the chance that a costume will not be ordered for your dancer.
> Fundraisers
We will offer many fundraisers throughout the course of the year to help offset various costs throughout the season. Our first fundraiser will start in the fall; information to be given out at registration. Please note that all fundraising is optional.
> Competitions
Signature Dance Studio looks to form a competitive team in the near future. A Competition team will be formed based on dancer interest as well as teacher recommendation.
> Studio Parking
Our studio is located inside of Homer Center for the Arts, and we take pride in being such an integral part of the most welcoming art community. However, we acknowledge that with the community atmosphere comes some challenges with parking. There are often many classes happening simultaneously at the Center, which will limit parking spaces; please plan accordingly. During major Center events, parking may be limited to street only. In an effort to keep our dance families informed, we will be adding a list of ‘street parking only’ dates to our monthly newsletters! Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.
> A note for parents
We know how sweet it can be to watch your dancer during their dance lesson. Parents are welcome to stay during their child’s class time, but will be asked to sit in our parent/student lounge or hallway waiting area. Parents will be not be allowed to sit in the main dance room and are also asked to keep the noise level down during class time. During the last five minutes of the last class of each month, parents will be invited in for a ‘Parent Preview.’
Parents are also asked to CHECK E-MAILS FREQUENTLY. This is our main line of communication. Thank you!
For any questions regarding our policies please contact the studio.
* All Signature Dance Policies are subject to change if deemed necessary.