BSD Dance Studio
Code of Conduct/Studio Policies
2024-2025

We intend for students and parents of the BSD Dance Studio to strive to behave in a positive and constructive manner at all times and to utilize truth, fairness and integrity in the development of personal decisions and relationships both inside and out of the studio.

BSD Dance Studio strives to offer a high-level of dance instruction in a positive, respectful and caring environment. In order to develop and ensure this environment, we ask all of our students and our parents/caregivers/families to abide by the following rules and code of conduct. These guidelines are intended to provide all dance parents and students guidance in interactions with BSD Dance Studio.

DANCER CODE OF CONDUCT
-Honesty and integrity are expected.
-No food or drink in the studios, other than water. No snacking during class time.
-Cell phones are not to be used in class and should be turned off or on mute.
-Keep hands off the mirrors. No hanging on the barres.
-Help keep your studio clean and tidy. Please throw away all the trash.
-Use the restroom prior to class.
-Be prepared for class. Proper dress code is required for all dance classes.
-Dancers must participate within BSD rules and respect all the teachers/staff/volunteers and their decisions.
-Dancers must respect their fellow dancers.
-Dancers must not distract other dancers with their behavior.
-Dancers must be polite and display good manners at all times.
-Dancers must refrain from gossip, cursing, exhibiting unsportsman-like behavior, using offensive racial or obscene speech, gestures or written materials.
-Dancers must refrain from talking back to adults or refusing to comply with reasonable requests. Dancers will not speak negatively about one another or the teachers.
-Always use strong arms, stretched feet, proper body alignment and 100% of your energies during class. Remember to smile, learn, and have fun!
-Dancers must refrain from physical, mental, emotional or cyber bullying other dancers, staff, or instructors. This includes social media postings referencing directly or indirectly to a student, staff, studio brand, and/or affiliations to the studio.
*See below ARTICLES 2(a), 2(b)
-Dancers and company members are the face of BSD and should conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the organization. *See below ARTICLES 2 (a), 2(b), 3

PARENT/GUARDIAN CODE OF CONDUCT
-Honesty and integrity are expected.
-Parents are encouraged to support their child’s/children’s involvement and help them enjoy the art of dance.
-Parents must demonstrate respect for faculty and staff at all times.
-Parents will strictly adhere to the Communication Policy for BSD Dance Studio
-Parents must not raise issues of disagreement publicly.
-Parents will not engage in inappropriate conduct towards instructors, staff, other dancers and families.
-Parents must discourage challenging and inappropriate conduct towards instructors, staff, other dancers and families.
-Parents will refrain from physical, mental, emotional or cyber-bullying other dancers, staff, instructors or families. This includes social media postings referencing directly or indirectly to a student, staff, families, studio brand, and/or affiliations to the studio.
-Parents must remember that children participate in dance for their own enjoyment.
-Parents will teach their children respect for other students, teachers and adults and lead by example.
-Parents will respect BSD’s drop off/pick up policies and stay clear of the glass windows in Studio A during classes.
-Parents will encourage and guide their child to accept responsibility for his/her own performance and behavior.
-It is essential that you read all emails, texts and/or notices that we send out. It is very important that you stay informed!

COMMUNICATION POLICY
We ask that communication be made through our main email at staff@bsodance.com. This email is checked routinely by Studio Administrators. Studio Phone number is (269) 550-3009. Phones are only monitored during studio hours.

It is our goal to respond to all inquiries (emails & voicemails) within 24-48 business hours, unless otherwise noted during studio closures.

PLEASE DO NOT USE FACEBOOK MESSENGER TO COMMUNICATE WITH BSD STAFF. THIS INBOX IS NOT ROUTINELY CHECKED AND NOTES MAY GET MISSED.

If messages/questions/etc. are necessary during a class, please communicate with a Lobby BSD Staff Member. If the staff member cannot answer your question, they will contact Studio Administration and you will receive an answer as soon as possible. No classes (including private lessons) are to be disturbed unless it is an emergency.

Parents are not to approach teachers during or between classes. ALL Studio/Class/Etc.-related questions or concerns are to go through Studio Administration and will be directed to the appropriate staff member.

BSD Dance Studio will establish and maintain a Google Classroom for Practice Videos throughout the semester. ALL other communication should be sent via the Parent Portal or via staff@bsodance.com.

FAMILY’S RESPONSIBILITY TO BE AWARE OF EVENTS
It is the responsibility of the parent and students to be aware of all studio activities, such as rehearsals, classes, and studio closing dates. The studio may post all such notices on the studio lobby bulletin board (for students to see) and as well as send emails, post on BSD’s social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram), and/or place paper notices in the windows as needed. It is the family’s responsibility to routinely check these sites or communicate with the Studio to ensure receipt of studio event information. Current Important Dates are posted on our website in the Studio Handbook (https://www.bsodance.com/studio-handbook)

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Your dancer’s attendance in class is very important to their peers and our teaching staff. Extended periods of absence from classes affect the student’s progress, sense of self-confidence and self-mastery, and also increases the possibility of injuries. We support students engaging in other activities; however, we ask that you keep in mind your dancer’s class commitments while considering other extracurriculars. Sporadic attendance may affect their ability to move to the next level and/or can impact their ability to participate in performances if they haven’t been able to learn the choreography.

In the event that your dancer is sick, please use your best judgement when deciding to send them to class or not. If your dancer has a fever, please refrain from sending them until they are fever free for 24hrs.

If your dancer is going to be absent for any reason, we ask that you please report an absence through the DSP Parent Portal (new feature in 2024-2025 season!). When you login, under Info -> Attendance, you will see a Report Absence button. Follow the instructions and this will notify staff about your dancer’s absence from class.

Attendance during Dress Rehearsal Week and Recitals is MANDATORY unless approval by staff has been given in advance.

Missed class due to illness or personal commitments?
Students are welcomed and encouraged to make up any class missed. Students may take make-up classes in any appropriate class (their level or lower) within 30 days of missed class. Makeup classes should be scheduled in advance by emailing request to staff@bsodance.com to ensure availability and avoid any inconvenience.

PHOTO RELEASE & AGREEMENT
I acknowledge that BSD, LLC occasionally captures photographs and videos for business-related purposes. I grant BSD, LLC the unrestricted right to publish and use photographs and video recordings of me and/or my student(s) for advertising, publicity or promotion in any form of media. I release BSD, LLC its ownership, personnel, successors, affiliates and assigns, from any claim, demand, cause of action or proceeding of whatever nature arising out of any use, publication and/or distribution of any photographs or video recordings in any media in accordance with the terms of this authorization. I acknowledge that the name of the participants portrayed in the photographs/videos will not be published for their safety. I understand that I can revoke my agreement to these terms and must notify BSD, LLC in writing or via the opt-out in the Parent Portal.

DROP OFF AND PICK UP
Students should be dropped off 5-10 minutes before class and promptly picked up after class.
For the safety of all dancers,
under 10 years old, parents must drop off and pick up their dancers at thelobby doors or inside the lobby.
over the age of 10, may be dropped off/picked up curbside; however, we are not responsible for students outside of the studio. Please instruct your child to remain inside the lobby until they see you. Dancers should not be crossing the parking lot alone.

If you will be more than 10 minutes late to pick up your dancer, please message us at staff@bsodance.com or call (269) 550-3009.

We continue to ask that Dancers bring as little into the Studio as possible. We have limited storage and with multiple classes happening at once, in addition to there being little to no passing time between classes, things tend to get lost. Dance bag, water bottle and change of shoes is what we are striving for. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

FINANCIAL POLICY
Payments are due on the 1st day of each month during the season. You will receive an electronic statement a week prior to the due date. See Studio Handbook/Tuition and Fees for season-specific information regarding costumes, etc. Payments that are received after the 4th are subject to a $5 late fee that will accrue each week until the payment is made. All tuition, costume fees, etc. are due prior to recital to ensure participation.

SUBSTITUTIONS
If the regularly-scheduled instructor is ill or otherwise unable to teach class, the studio reserves the right to provide a substitute teacher in the same or a different dance discipline. If BSD is unable to arrange a substitute, the class may need to be canceled and a makeup class scheduled.

EXTREME WEATHER OR OTHER INTERRUPTION TO CLASSES
If BSD must cancel classes due to extreme weather or events beyond our control, every opportunity will be made to reschedule the missed lessons. No refunds or tuition adjustments for lessons missed due to these reasons will be given. We will follow Portage Public Schools for delays and closures. A link to our BSD Calendar of Events will be shared at a later date.

LOST & FOUND
Please mark all dancewear, shoes, and personal items with your dancer’s name. We will make every effort to locate and return lost items; however, we cannot be responsible for any items that your child brings to class. Studio lost and found items will be purged and donated monthly.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS POLICY
If your child is feeling sick, please do not bring them to BSD. If your child has had a fever, vomiting or diarrhea in the past 24 hours, please do not have them attend class. If a dancer or any member of your family has a fever or is sick, your dancer must stay home. Please do not come to the Studio.

We advise that anyone who suspects they have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 or a variant to stay home and self-monitor for symptoms, and follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop. Please contact staff@bsodance.com to communicate with our staff regarding missed classes and a plan to return to the studio. BSD Staff will continue to place practice videos on our Google Classroom so that children who have to miss class can continue to practice at home.

BSD DANCE STUDIO MASK POLICY
At this time, mandatory masking will not be required. While the mask mandate has ended, anyone who chooses to wear a mask should be supported for their decision to mask up.

BSD Dance Studio reserves the right to reinstate a mandatory masking policy and/or virtual learning in our studio spaces should the need arise.

ARTICLES
1. Non-Discrimination Policy: BSD Dance Studio admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, age, disability, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, age, disability, national and ethnic origin in administration of its education policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs or any other programs.
2(a). Bullying and Harassment: Bullying and harassment of any kind (whether in jest or anger) by any student or any member of a student's family is explicitly prohibited while at BSD or at an BSD-related event. These behaviors will result in a meeting between the dancer, family member(s) and BSD Staff and may result in dismissal from the program. There are many forms of harassment, some of which include gender (negative remarks about societal roles based on gender) and sexual (negative remarks with reference to sexuality, including homosexuality). Other types of harassment include verbally threatening behavior and ethnic/racial harassment. Please treat others as you would like to be treated.
2(b). Further Clarification Regarding Bullying: All members of the BSD community (students and their family members) have the right to feel safe and protected from bullying. Bullying physically and/or emotionally harms a person; targets a person in a negative way for any actual or perceived characteristic; and/or creates a hostile environment in the dance studio. Bullying will not be tolerated in any form — direct or indirect, physical, emotional, social, verbal, written, electronic, or otherwise. Bullying threatens the very core of BSD. Even one documented bullying event will have repercussions. Immediate termination of enrollment may be imposed for serious violations. Anyone witnessed bullying or harassing another student, parent, or BSD staff member will be dismissed. If you or your child is being bullied, please alert BSD Staff as soon as possible. You may speak directly with someone or you may anonymously report an incident in writing. Each situation of bullying is unique and will be treated with urgency, proactivity, and sensitivity by BSD Staff.
3. Alcohol and Drug Policy: Students have the right to attend dance classes in an environment conducive to learning. As alcohol (given the age of the majority of our students) and drug use are illegal and interfere with both effective learning and the healthy development of young people, BSD takes seriously its responsibility to prevent the use of these substances and to maintain an alcohol and drug free environment. Use of alcohol and/or drugs while a student of BSD is strictly forbidden. Any student found possessing, distributing, or using alcoholic beverages or illegal or controlled substances of any kind will be subjected to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from our program. This includes improperly using prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Any student who knowingly remains present where alcoholic beverages are being consumed by minors, or where illegal or controlled drugs are being used, is also in violation of this policy and will be held accountable. Students who are in possession of drug or alcohol paraphernalia are also subject to disciplinary action.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY
I, the undersigned, acting individually and as legal and acting guardian of the participant(s) listed on my account, understand that potentially severe injuries can occur in any activity involving height or motion and recognize that it is the express intent of BSD, LLC to provide for the safety and protection of the participant(s). Therefore, the undersigned, acting for him/herself and as the legal and acting guardian of participant(s) assumes all risks and recognizes that the undersigned/participant has an independent duty to exercise due care in determining the safety of the dance or dance instruction and to consult with a health care provider, if necessary, to determine what activities are appropriate given the participant(s)’ physical conditioning and abilities.
The undersigned, acting for him/herself and as the legal and acting guardian of participant(s) hereby waives, releases, absolves, indemnifies and agrees to hold harmless BSD, LLC, its employees, agents, and instructors from any claim arising out of any injury or damage of any kind, including death, to the undersigned or the participant(s) including where such claims, demands or actions are based upon the ordinary negligence of BSD, LLC.
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BSD, LLC has put in place measures in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. However, notwithstanding any such efforts, it is simply not possible to guarantee that COVID-19 is not present nor to prevent you or your child from becoming exposed to, contracting, or spreading COVID-19. By entering BSD premises, attending or participating in activities in-person, and/or attending or participating in dance classes (“Activity”), you and your child are exposed to the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. By participating in certain activities associated with greater rates of disease transmission, you and your child are exposed to a high risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. Activities that may pose a high risk for COVID-19 include (but are not limited to): group transportation, exercise, athletics, any activity where people are closer than 6 feet apart, any large gathering of people indoors, and this Activity.

I understand that my child’s participation in this Activity is voluntary and is not required. I acknowledge that I have carefully read the above; understand the risks of COVID-19 associated with entering BSD premises or facilities, attending class in-person, participating in BSD activities in-person, and/or participating in this Activity. I voluntarily assume such risks, including the risk of serious illness, debilitating injury, or death to my child and myself. I further acknowledge that I understand that the risk of exposure to, contracting, or spreading COVID-19 may result from the acts, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including but not limited to the BSD staff, agents, representatives, volunteers; other students, program participants, and their families; and/or other individuals who may be present in BSD facilities or in attendance at any activity. I knowingly assume such risks, including the risk of serious illness, debilitating injury, or death to my child and myself.

By acknowledging this waiver, and in consideration for providing my child the opportunity to participate in the Activity, I voluntarily agree to waive and discharge any and all claims against BSD related to or arising out of COVID-19, and voluntarily release BSD from liability for any exposure to or illness or injury from COVID-19, including claims for negligent actions of the BSD or its staff, agents, representatives, and volunteers related to or arising out of COVID-19, on behalf of myself and my child to the fullest extent allowed by law. By acknowledging this waiver, and in consideration for providing my child the opportunity to participate in the Activity, I agree to release, discharge, and hold harmless the BSD and its staff, agents, volunteers, and representatives from all liability, claims, causes of action, or demands, including attorney fees, fines, fees, or other costs (e.g. medical costs) arising out of any exposure to or illness or injury from COVID-19.

*Please Remember – When representing BSD Dance Studio, dancers must continue to follow BSD Dance Studio’s code of conduct as they are representatives of our organization. It is a privilege to participate in dance classes and performances. One’s behavior must emulate that privilege.

On the occasion that repeated failure to comply with the Code of Conduct occurs, BSD Dance Studio reserves the right, at its discretion, to dismiss or take disciplinary action on any students or parent/guardian/family member who breach BSD Dance Studio’s code of conduct.

**Note: An overview of above information will be discussed with BSD students the first week of class in an age appropriate manner. Please have a conversation with your child before classes begin so they are familiar and ready to have a conversation about the expectations.

This Code of Conduct and the above statements must be agreed to before a dancer may be enrolled in classes. As always, we are open to feedback, so if any of the requirements are unclear or concerning, feel free to contact us at staff@bsodance.com.