Policies and House Rules

Policies and Procedures 2024

REGISTRATION
There is a $29 registration fee per student or $45 per family for recreational students, or a $50 registration fee for Dance Company and All-Star Cheer Teams which is required with the registration form. Registration is not considered complete and class space is not reserved until the fee is paid. Registration fees are non-refundable.

TUITION

Tuition is due on the 1st of each month. We accept cash, check and credit card payments. Online payments are also available through the "Parent Portal." You can access the portal using the link www.dancestudio-pro.com/online/studioa. When tuition becomes overdue by more than 14 days, the debit/credit card on file will be billed for the full amount due; a 3.75% convenience fee will also be added. Should said payment be declined you will have 3 days to remit payment in full otherwise your dancer(s)/athlete(s) will not be allowed to return to class until your account becomes current and this may affect their participation in any upcoming shows, competitions, events, etc.

Automatic monthly payments using a credit/debit card can be set up in your Parent Portal. If you choose to set up auto pay, all fees will be included in the auto charge. Additional convenience fees will be applied.

TUITION REMAINS THE SAME WHETHER IT IS A LENGTHY 5-WEEK MONTH OR A SHORT 3-WEEK MONTH, REGARDLESS OF ABSENCES. Tuition is the price of class totaled for the season. Tuition may be broken into monthly payments.

Monthly statements will not be mailed. If you wish to have a copy of your statement, they can be emailed to you by request.
All fees must be paid in full before any student is allowed to participate in any shows, competitions, or events etc.
If tuition is paid by using a credit card, there will be a 3.75% convenience fee added to the amount.
Withdrawal from the program must be made in writing or tuition will still be due. Tuition is NOT REFUNDABLE for any reason. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Monthly tuition payments take priority over any additional fees. Before any costume, uniform, competition, or vendor fees can be processed, all outstanding tuition balances must be paid in full.

TUITION BOX/PAYMENTS

Please deposit all check/cash payments into our tuition box located in the lobby.

Payments by Check

Please use separate checks for all items (tuition, costumes/uniforms, showcase fees, etc.).

LABEL each check with the student’s name and what the payment is for.

Checks can be deposited into the tuition box without an envelope.

Cash Payments

An envelope MUST be used for all cash payments. Envelopes are located at the tuition box.

Please label the envelope with your name, student’s name and what the payment is for.

Be sure to have the exact amount for cash payments as we don’t always have cash to make changes on site.

COSTUME/UNIFORM PAYMENTS

Costume and uniform fees will be posted onto your account throughout the season depending on what your child is registered for. These fees must be paid in full by the given deadline to ensure timely ordering and delivery.

No costume or uniform will be distributed to any athlete or dancer with an unpaid balance on their account.

Costume, uniform, competition, convention, etc. fees are non-refundable once orders and registrations have been made, as vendors do not allow cancellations or returns.

COMPETITION AND OUTSIDE VENDOR PAYMENTS

Any additional fees for competitions, choreography, private lessons, or outside vendor services must be paid according to the designated payment schedule.

Failure to pay competition or vendor fees on time may result in an athlete or dancer being unable to participate in the related event or service.

COMPLIANCE WITH PAYMENT POLICIES

By enrolling in any program at Studio A Dance & Cheer, families agree to abide by this policy. Non-compliance may result in an athlete or dancer being unable to participate in classes, performances, or competitions until balances are cleared.

INSUFFICIENT FUND PAYMENTS

If a personal check is returned to Studio A Dance & Cheer Company due to insufficient funds, we will notify you via email and we will automatically deduct a payment from the credit/debit card we have on file for the amount of your original check, plus an insufficient funds fee of $25 and a 3.75% convenience fee. If you do not have sufficient funds on your card on a file, we require that you remit a cash payment for all amounts due, including the $25.00 fee, within 7 days of receiving notification of the insufficient funds.

Should Studio A receive 2 insufficient checks from you, then we will no longer be able to accept checks as your method of payment. You will be required to make cash or credit/debit card payments for the remainder of the current season.

AUTOMATIC CREDIT/DEBIT CARD PAYMENTS

Should your payment be declined due to insufficient funds, you will be notified via email/text, and you will be required to remit a payment via cash or check immediately for all amounts due including the $25.00 fee.

If your payments are unable to be processed for 2 consecutive months, we will no longer be able to accept debit/credit cards as your method of payment. You will be required to make payments using cash or personal checks for the remainder of the current season.

LOBBY RULES

Parents are not required to remain at the studio/gym during their child's classes unless their children are under 4 years old. If you do wish to stay please abide by the following;

Please respect the classes in progress by keeping the lobby as quiet and clean as possible.

Parents are fully responsible for watching siblings in the lobby area and it is their RESPONSIBILITY to CLEAN up after their children.

Children playing with toys, etc. should do so quietly.

Rough-housing, running, tumbling, or loud voices/noises are not permitted in the lobby.

Please do not interrupt the instructor while a class is in session.

Please refrain from sitting on the STAIRS as this is a fire hazard.

Please refrain from placing chairs or sitting on the floor in the middle of the lobby or entryway.

Please do not place bags or other personal belongings on the stairs or in the middle of the floor or in the entranceway.

Students MUST use cubbies available in the lobby or hallway for their belongings, or inside the studio/gym space. Do not place bags/book bags etc. on the lobby chairs.

PARKING

Please be advised that Studio A shares the parking lot with Heavey-Quinn Irish Dance and other neighboring businesses. Double parking is permitted in our lot. In the event someone is parked behind you, and you are unable to move your vehicle. Kindly let us know in the front lobby and we can help to have the vehicle moved. We do not advise anyone to park across the street at Sunny Acres as they do have signs posted that they tow.

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is vital to student progress and group choreography. Attendance is necessary if a child wishes to show a marked degree of improvement and to allow teachers/coaches to do the best job possible.

Make-up classes are only offered if the classes are cancelled due to the teacher not being able to be present and at the discretion of the Director.

Please make every effort to attend each class.

Repeat absences/tardiness may result in the student being pulled from the upcoming showcase, competition, parade, festival, etc. A minimum attendance level will be required. If a student misses more than 3 consecutive classes without written notices, the director will assume the student will not be in the upcoming performances. Students missing more than four classes after January will not be allowed to participate in the year-end showcase, festivals, competitions, etc.

SPRING SHOWCASE

Each year, the season is ended with a fully staged, professional Showcase. We encourage full participation from all our students. Each class will be entitled to one routine in the showcase if the class has a minimum of 5 students. A class with less than 5 students may be in the Showcase but this is at the discretion of the Director. Combo Cuties jazz/hip hop and ballet/tap classes may be offered 2 or more dance routines in the showcase. Again, this is at the discretion of the Director. These classes must reach a minimum of 8 students to have 2 dance routines in the showcase or at the discretion of the Director. The Director reserves the right to combine classes for their routines in the show at any time. The showcase will be in May; exact dates can be found on our Season Calendar. Routines are planned according to the theme or production story line. There will be auditions held for main roles if the show is a production. The students selected for main roles will be making a large commitment and will be expected to attend additional rehearsals. The Director reserves the right to combine all classes as one routine in the production.

SHOWCASE FEES

There is an annual Showcase Fee due for all families. The showcase fee covers the additional staff salaries, rental cost of the auditorium, lights and sound, security, printing, etc. The showcase fee is typically due in late March.

$85 per dancer/athlete (includes t-shirt and a Digital Copy of the show)

$125 per family (includes t-shirts for students and a Digital Copy of the show)

SHOW TICKETS

Anyone attending our Showcase will need a ticket, unless they are 2 and under. Dancers/athletes that are performing in the show do not need a ticket to the show. “Dad” participants in the daddy/daughter dance MUST purchase a ticket for the showcase.

SHOW CANCELLATION

In any rare event that any of our shows had to be cancelled, Studio A would reimburse for any tickets that were pre-purchased.

SOLOS/DUOS/TRIOS

This is for Company students who are considering a solo or duo/trio routine. Students will learn their entire choreography over a 2-6 hour choreography session (day & time based on studio/choreography availability). The students will then be assigned semi-private rehearsals each week for the season. These semi-privates will focus on rehearsing and cleaning routines. Students need approval from the director to participate. Choreography sessions happen during our preseason July/August. Payment will be required in advance.

SUBSTITUTION

Studio A reserves the right to provide a substitute teacher/coach if the regularly scheduled teacher/coach is ill or otherwise unable to instruct classes. If a teacher/coach is ill and the studio/gym cannot arrange a substitute, any missed classes will be made-up.

CLASS SCHEDULE

A class must have a minimum of three students enrolled for the class to run, unless authorized by the Director. For the class to participate in the showcase, there must be a minimum of 5 students in the class. Classes are subject to change due to lack of enrollment. This is all at the discretion of the Director.

GYM AND STUDIO ETIQUETTE

Dance/cheer training is built on standards that reflect respect and professionalism. These standards include listening to your teacher/coach, applying your corrections, and wearing the required dress code. We expect our dancers/athletes to arrive on time, ready for dance/cheer, and to display courtesy to their parents, teachers, classmates, and Studio A’s property. Any misconduct unbecoming to students, guests, or teachers may result in suspension from dance or cheer class.

A good attitude is very important in any learning environment.
No gum chewing is allowed during class.
Cell phones must be silent and are not permitted during class time.
Classes will start promptly at the specified time. If you are late, please come in quietly so you are sure not to disrupt the class.

If a student or parent/guardian is asked to leave the studio/gym due to misconduct, there will be NO refunds.

DRESS CODE

Dress code is important for the student’s safety. Teachers/coaches must be able to see body lines and make appropriate corrections. This helps to maintain proper posture/body positions as well as decrease the chance of bodily injuries associated with dance/cheer. Please see our website for a list of class dress codes and shoes.

HAIR & JEWELRY

ALL STUDENT’S HAIR MUST BE TIED BACK IN A HIGH PONY TAIL OR BUN AND SECURED FOR ALL CLASSES. NO EXCEPTIONS.

No jewelry is to be worn during class (earrings, watches, necklaces, etc.)

HAIR LICE

Children with lice eggs (nits) or lice in their hair are sent home and not allowed to return until the NITS ARE GONE. The NO NIT policy is an administrative, public health policy for control and prevention of head lice outbreaks. Please remember to NOTIFY THE STUDIO if you find nits or lice on your child. This allows us to avoid any outbreak. This is not something that Studio A takes lightly and it is extremely important we emphasize to our children that they are NOT TO SHARE hair products such as elastics, pins, or brushes. It is also important to wear our hair in a HIGH TIGHT BALLET BUN to dance to help reduce the risk of children playing with their hair during dance class.

LOST, STOLEN, OR DAMAGED ITEMS

It is very important that all dance/cheer shoes, bags, etc. are labeled with the student’s name. We suggest leaving any valuables at home. Studio A Dance & Cheer Company is NOT responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items.

CLASS MAKE-UP

We understand how life can be unpredictable and how things can come up. Sometimes, this applies to not only our students, but to our dedicated staff as well. If a recreational student would like to make up a class, they may do so by contacting our director via email/text. Make-up any class you miss that is in your age range/level. All make-ups must be made within 4 weeks from when make up class was missed and cannot rollover to the next season, please plan accordingly. You may attend ANY style dance/cheer class as make-up! Make-up classes have no cash value.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

In the event of inclement weather, you will receive an automated voice call via telephone regarding evening classes. If your child has class during the day (before 3pm) at Studio A, and Chelmsford Public Schools are closed, then Studio A will also be closed. Please note the studio does not always follow school closings for evening classes, as roads are often cleared by the time our evening classes begin. There will be no make-up classes per routine policy, but classes may be made up at the discretion of the instructor/director.

HOLIDAYS

Studio A Dance & Cheer Company will be closed for certain holidays throughout the season. Please reference our Season Calendar on our website at: www.studioachelmsford.com. Studio A may be opened for Dance Camps, Workshops, and other events during February and April vacation. If there is an early school dismissal for a reason other than inclement weather, classes will be held as usual.

CLASS OBSERVATION/STUDIO LOBBY – WAITING AREA

At Studio A, we offer parents the opportunity to observe classes occasionally. We recommend that parents, guardians, and siblings of dancers/athletes ages 6 and up do not remain at the studio during their child’s lessons when they have multiple classes that are back-to-back. This causes a major distraction to many of the students and instructors, and may result in slowing progression for our students. Private meeting with the teacher/coach and/or Director may be arranged if a parent is concerned about their child's progress.

Per our Studio A House Rules, parents/guardians and siblings are not permitted in any of our dance studios/gym unless instructed to by a staff member. This is for the safety of all our students and staff.

During classroom viewing, we ask that you observe quietly, that cell phones be turned off, and that siblings are monitored and quiet during observation.

Studio A’s lobby/waiting area is not a lounge for parents and siblings. Our studio is a large facility, and we do have ample space for students to be dropped off and picked up safely and orderly in between classes. The lobby is set up as an open concept that will allow parents to sit/stand while they wait a few minutes for their child to enter/exit class.

INSURANCE

Studio A Dance & Cheer Company does not carry medical insurance for its students. It is required that all students be covered by their own family insurance policies and if injury occurs, it is understood that the student’s own policy is your course of reimbursement. An updated release of liability waiver must be signed before your child can participate at Studio A Dance & Cheer Company.

PHOTO RELEASE

The studio/gym is hereby granted permission to take photographs of the students to use in brochures, websites, posters, advertisements, and other promotional materials the studio/gym creates. Permission is also hereby granted for the studio/gym to copyright such photographs in its name.

PICK-UP/DROP-OFF

Please be prompt in picking up your child at the end of class time. We also suggest that someone accompany little ones at the beginning as well as at the end of class time. Students are not to be left at the studio/gym for excessive time before or after class.

Parent/guardians MUST come into the building to pick up their children. Students are not permitted to exit the facility without a parent/guardian.

MISCELLANEOUS

Home practice is needed by each student to progress. We encourage parents to support this as it will help the teachers move each class and student at a faster rate, as well as promote progress.

Make it a weekly basis of asking your child if the teacher gave out any notices, etc. Many times notices are left in a student’s bag and parents never see them.

Please inform your instructor of any injuries, allergies, or special needs that may require extra attention.

STUDIO A HOUSE RULES

Please keep the dance studio clean.
Please dispose of any trash in the trash cans provided.
Please empty and liquids into the bathroom sink before exposing of their containers into the trash.
NO FOOD or DRINK permitted inside the studios/gym other than WATER.
Snacks are to be eaten in the front lobby only and only during break time.
NO PEANUT OR NUT PRODUCTS ALLOWED IN STUDIO A!
Please arrive to class in street shoes and change into your dance/cheer shoes in the lobby.
Dance/cheer shoes are NOT allowed to be worn outside.
Dress in appropriate dance/cheer attire at all times.
DO NOT leave your belongings and shoes in the front lobby area.
Students and Parents are expected to be courteous at all times.
Hair should be UP IN A HIGH, TIGHT BUN OR PONY TAIL and off face at all times
Please NO jewelry or long earrings.
Studio A is NOT responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items.
ALL CHILDREN/SIBLINGS must remain in the front lobby and MUST be supervised at all times (please see Front Lobby rules above).
PARENTS MUST REMAIN IN THE FRONT LOBBY. PARENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN ANY OF THE DANCE STUDIOS OR IN THE GYM UNLESS INVITED BY AN INSTRUCTOR.
Please DO NOT rearrange our furniture in our Front Lobby. It is not safe to have furniture in the middle of the lobby. This is a high traffic area.
Please DO NOT sit at the Front Lobby desk. This is reserved for Studio A & Heavey-Quinn STAFF ONLY.

Please remember Studio A Dance & Cheer Company is here to serve you with your child’s dance/cheer education. Please contact us at any time with any questions, comments, or concerns. We look forward to the coming year with excitement as we watch your child grow and develop in dance/cheer.

Studio A reserves the right to change the above policies at any time. Should the policies be changed during the current season you will be provided with a copy via email.

POLICIES AND HOUSE RULES