I have FULLY read and accept all the terms and conditions required for enrollment in classes at Center Stage Dance Studio.

TERMS FOR ENROLLMENT AT CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO

When we enroll new students or re-enroll students we trust that parents and/or students will honor their commitment to Center Stage Dance Studio and pay all costs incurred. We ask that all parents and students abide by the terms and conditions as set out below.

Fees & Payments

1. Monthly tuition is posted to the student’s account a minimum of one week prior to the auto-pay processing date and a statement of your account is emailed to you.

2. Autopay will be processed for your FULL ACCOUNT BALANCE on the 1st day of the month.

3. If you are enrolling a new student at Center Stage for the 2024-2025 season, a $125 registration fee PER DANCER will be charged along with your first month's tuition, if it has not been paid prior to the autopay processing dates above.

4. If you choose to participate in the recital, there is a costume fee for each class. Costume balance (various amounts, depending on each particular costume) payments will be processed on December 15, 2024 unless previously paid at an earlier date manually by you. All costumes must be paid in full by the deadline and your account balance must be zero to receive them. There are no refunds on costume deposits or fees.

5. If your account remains past due on the last day of the month, you will receive notice that your student's attendance will be suspended until the account is returned to current status.

6. All fees paid are non-refundable. (Physician note for medical reasons is an exception for long-term absence or withdrawal)

7. Autopay transactions are processed through the method you choose: DSP Merchant Services, Paypal, or ACH bank draft.

***9. A three week notice in writing (email is accepted) is required to withdraw from classes and autopay. ***This is VERY IMPORTANT!!!

10. There are no refunds or credits for missed classes. Provided there is a vacancy, students can do a make-up class within the same month that a class is missed.

11. Long-term absences: If you do not want to be charged due to an extended absence (over 1 month), there will be a $25 re-enrollment fee at the time of your student's return. We do not guarantee any placements in classes should you withdraw and re-enroll. If you have committed to participating in the recital you cannot withdraw and re-enroll from your class.

12. Payments for drop in classes must be made at the beginning of class or arranged prior.

13. Payments for single private lessons must be made at the time of booking.

14. Payment of fees can be made by credit card, bank draft or with Paypal through your parent portal fee payment page. If fees are paid before the auto-pay processing dates listed above, then nothing will be charged on the auto-pay date unless there is a balance owing on the account.

15. All camp activities at Center Stage Dance Studio must be paid for upfront, before the camp begins. I understand and agree that if enrolled in Summer Camps, my tuition is due by the first day of camp.


MEDIA & INJURY RELEASE FORM

Parent Release for Photography and Videography

I, the undersigned, give permission for Center Stage Dance Studio to use video footage and / or photographs of my child/ward. This usage may include (but is not exclusive to) displaying publicly, distributing, or publishing, photographs, and/or video of my child for use in materials that include, but may not be limited to:

- printed materials (eg - brochures and newsletters)
- online and offline advertising and promotion
- videos and digital images such for use on Social Media.

By checking the box below on this form, I acknowledge that I am giving unrestricted permission for my child's image to be used in print, video, and digital media. I agree that these images may be used by Center Stage Dance Studio for a variety of purposes and that these images may be used without further notification. I understand I will not be paid for the use of said likeness. I do understand that any identifying information including surname and location will not be used in conjunction with any video or digital images.


Health Information and Medical Release/Waiver Form
HEALTH INFORMATION AND MEDICAL RELEASE/WAIVER FORM

I, the parent/guardian acknowledge that participation in dance is potentially dangerous and there is an inherent risk of injury involved.

In allowing my child to participate in CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO classes and activities, I hereby assume all the risks associated with the performing arts. I fully understand that any medical treatment given to my child or myself will be for first aid only, but I give emergency treatment authorization if I cannot be reached. This form can be photocopied for emergency treatment. I understand the importance of myself and my child following the instructions and rules set by their instructor/s, and I agree to release CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO and it's employees and contractors of any and all claims of liability which may arise as a result of my child's participation in activities at CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO.

By clicking the box below I understand and agree to all of the above terms and conditions.

HEALTH INFORMATION AND MEDICAL RELEASE/WAIVER FORM

I, the parent/guardian acknowledge that participation in dance is potentially dangerous and there is an inherent risk of injury involved.

In allowing my child to participate in CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO classes and activities, I hereby assume all the risks associated with the performing arts. I fully understand that any medical treatment given to my child or myself will be for first aid only, but CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO is given emergency treatment authorization if I cannot be reached. This form can be photocopied for emergency treatment. I understand the importance of myself and my child following the instructions and rules set by their instructor/s, and I agree to release CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO and it’s employees and contractors of any and all claims of liability which may arise as a result of my child’s participation in activities at CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO.

By clicking the box below I understand and agree to all of the above terms and conditions.

Parent Release for Photography and Videography

I, the undersigned, give permission for Center Stage Dance Studio to use video footage and / or photographs of my child/ward. This usage may include (but is not exclusive to) displaying publicly, distributing, or publishing, photographs, and/or video of my child for use in materials that include, but may not be limited to:

- printed materials (eg - brochures and newsletters)
- online and offline advertising and promotion
- videos and digital images such for use on Social Media.

By checking the box below on this form, I acknowledge that I am giving unrestricted permission for my child’s image to be used in print, video, and digital media. I agree that these images may be used by Center Stage Dance ST for a variety of purposes and that these images may be used without further notification. I understand I will not be paid for the use of said likeness. I do understand that any identifying information including surname and location will not be used in conjunction with any video or digital images.

OTHER CONDITIONS

i. You are responsible for ensuring you and/or your child/children are medically fit for dance classes.

ii. Center Stage Dance Studio staff takes all reasonable care in conducting classes but accepts no responsibility for injury or loss caused in or near the classes. Center Stage Dance Studio and individual staff is not responsible for any personal property.

iii. Any children in the studio premises who are not Center Stage students must be supervised accordingly.

iv. Students under 12 years old who are dropped off earlier or collected later than 20 minutes before/after their class will be charged a $15 supervision fee if arrangements with studio staff have not been made prior.

v. Parents and students are reminded they must be punctual to class to ensure students do not miss out on the warm up, which is necessary to avoid injury while dancing. Students arriving more than 15 minutes late to class will not be allowed to participate but can observe the remainder of their class.

vi. Only students registered for classes at Center Stage Dance Studio will be able to participate in the end year recital routines and performances.

vii. Recital participation is optional and a privilege. It is within the rights of Center Stage Dance Studio to refuse participation for any student or family who do not abide by studio policy, given ample warning and opportunities to comply.

viii. To participate in the year end recital, we must receive a signed participation agreement. Failure to abide by the required dates in the agreement will result in not being able to perform in the recital.

x. Any threatening, abusive or violent behavior towards any member of staff, any student or other parents will not be tolerated and your enrollment will be withdrawn immediately.

xi. Center Stage Dance Studio and staff reserves the right to place students in classes that are appropriate for each student’s ability and maturity level and not just by their age.

xii. You are responsible for reading all information that is emailed to you, e.g. newsletters and releases, to be informed on important dates, deadlines and studio events. Please maintain your contact information in this system, as it is the primary way we contact you.

xiii. You are responsible to read through the Center Stage Dance Studio recital handbook upon receiving it (if you are participating) and commit to the required dates and requirements for the recital performance. Failure to attend a mandatory rehearsal will result in not being allowed to perform in the recital performances.

The privacy of your personal information is very important to Center Stage Dance Studio. We will not sell, rent or trade your personal information to any third party. We will take special care to protect the privacy and security of your information. This policy explains our information practices and the way that Center Stage Dance Studio collects and uses your information. This Privacy Policy covers the information you provide to us offline and at Center Stage Dance Studio web site.

HOW DOES CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO COLLECT AND USE MY INFORMATION?
When you register for classes at Center Stage Dance Studio, we collect contact information such as guardian names, addresses, phone numbers, emergency contacts, e-mail address and student information such as student names, birthdays, medical conditions, and your comments. Some of the information is required and is noted with a red asterisk on the forms. This information is needed to manage studio business and will not be used or sold for any other purpose, except as described below. Some of the information is optional (NOT marked with a red asterisk). Optional information is requested to help us better understand our customers and is used only as needed for studio business. This information will not be used or sold for any other purposes, except as described below.

WHO HAS ACCESS TO MY INFORMATION?
When you register, you are required to enter an e-mail address and a password. The combination of that e-mail account and password is used to ensure that only you have access to, and only you have the ability to modify, your personal information through Center Stage Dance Studio's website. Center Stage Dance Studio staff have access to your personal information only to manage the studio business.

Center Stage Dance Studio will access your personal information and/or share it with third parties only for the following purposes: (i) as needed for studio business; (ii) if required to do so by law or to comply with legal process; or (iii) to protect the rights, property, or personal safety of the public.

If you have any questions about our Privacy Policy or if you wish to update or remove any of your personal information, please contact the office.

WELCOME
Thank you for choosing Center Stage Dance Studio for your child’s dance education. We purchased Center Stage in April 2020 and are more committed than ever to instilling a love for the performing arts in each student. We realize you have choices in West Texas for dance instruction and we are very pleased you have chosen us. We strive to provide the best customer service to all our students and their families and to provide an exceptional quality dance education in a positive, structured but nurturing environment. We want to make the time you spend at the studio as pleasant as possible; therefore, we have policies in place in order to accomplish this. Contained in the following pages are guidelines concerning attire, class placement, behavior expectations -- just to name a few. We have tried to give you as much information as possible so you will know what is required of both you and your student as we begin a new season together. Please feel free to ask us questions if there is something you do not understand. Please do not hesitate to contact me if there is a problem, as nothing can be fixed unless we know of the situation. You can contact me at the studio at 432-272-1883 or via e-mail at Ms. Misti@centerstageodessa.com. Because there are no breaks between classes, please contact me during non-class hours so that I may give you my full attention.
Ms. Misti Smith
PLACEMENT
Current age, years of previous training, technical skill, previous styles of dance studied, determination, work ethic, and maturity of student will be taken into consideration. Class placement is made by Ms. Misti in coordination with the other instructors. Placement in classes from other dance studios does not necessarily correspond with placement at Center Stage. Teaching varies widely from studio to studio. It is better for a student to be placed in a lower class and be moved up, than vice-versa. Ms. Misti has the final say in all class placement.
RATES
Your tuition rate is based upon class length and does not vary from month to month. You will be paying for the entire school year of 32 weeks of classes held over 9 months, September – May. This is an average of 3.5 weeks per month. You are not paying for scheduled school vacations and Holidays. Please see our published holiday calendar in this document. The registration fee for new students is due when registering. All other months are due on the first of each calendar month.
PAYMENT
Payments can be made in person with cash, check, or credit/debit card or online with debit/ credit card, or ACH draft. Center Stage has a very fair policy regarding payment for tuition and subsequent assessment of late fees. Payments are due by the first class of each calendar month. There is no late fee assessed until after 10th of the month. Any account unpaid after the 10th of the month will have late charges assessed for 10% of the total account balance, including past due late fees. All accounts will receive a statement by email when the upcoming month’s tuition is posted to your account.
If you make a payment late, please include your late fee or you will be billed. If you make your payments by mail, be certain to allow adequate time for mail delivery. Thank you for your cooperation.
Recurring billing accounts will be run for the balance on the account. This will include recital fees and costume fees when they become due. We strongly encourage automatic billing! It makes things easier for everyone. If you want to make payments on costumes, arrangements MUST be made with Ms. Misti. A returned check incurs a fee of $35.00. Any student with an overdue balance of more than 30 days will not be allowed into class until payment in full is received. Overdue balances must be paid by cash, money order, certified check, or by credit/debit card if paying online. If you wish to terminate enrollment, written or direct verbal notification to Ms. Misti is required before the 1st of the upcoming month. Monthly billing will continue until Center Stage Dance Studio receives written notice. You will be expected to pay tuition for any month in which your dancer actually attends class. Refunds are not made once a session is underway unless the studio must cancel a class without the ability to reschedule a makeup class. No credit is given for student absences or missed snow cancellation makeup classes.
FEES
Registration Fee: A non-refundable registration fee for NEW students of $50.00 (per student) or $100.00 (per family). If your student withdraws for any reason during the session, the student will lose her place in class/level, and a reinstatement fee must be paid to re-enroll in that same session.
Costume and Recital fees: Costumes are required for participation in the Spring Recital. Parents will be responsible for costume and recital fees. More information will be forthcoming in early October about recital and costumes during a Parent Observation Day. The recital fee is $75 per dancer and covers costs associated with securing the performance venue and other production expenses. The recital fee will be charged to your account in October and will be due by October 31st. If unpaid by October 31st, it will process with autopay with November 1st tuition. To ensure a costume is ordered for your child, all costume fees must be paid by the deadline. Participation in the May recital performance is NOT required (an Opt-Out form will need to be signed no later than October 31st). However, once your decision is made to participate, the studio and your student’s classmates consider you committed. Payment of the recital fee and your commitment document will be considered your agreement to participate in the recital. Costumes and recital fees are non-refundable. No costumes will be released until all current and past due tuition and fees are paid. All accounts must be up-to-date as of May 10th for your child to participate in the recital.
DISCOUNTS
• 10% discount off the total tuition bill for enrollment of multiple members in a family.
• Payment of the full year tuition can be discussed with Ms. Misti for a discount or special incentive.
ATTENDANCE
Just like regular school, attendance is very important! We learn new things every class and repetition of the steps solidifies learning and muscle memory.
Center Stage takes all holidays set by ECISD. A note from the studio will proceed these holidays. In case of bad weather, the studio will cancel classes if ECISD cancels school.
To ensure that dances are performance ready any student who misses more than three classes from the start of classes until the Christmas Show or from Spring Break until the recital may forfeit their opportunity to participate in the shows.
DRESS CODE
The simple leotard and tights make it possible for the instructor to see the dancer’s body so they can make the proper corrections. Young dancers are sometimes distracted by their own dance wear. Large skirts and/or tutus become the dancer’s focus instead of the instructor. Learning to dance and work together as a team can be more easily achieved by removing the distraction of different dancewear. Instructors are able to choreograph dances more easily when the dancers are dressed the same. Therefore, please adhere to the following dress code:
Ballet Girls – Light pink footed or convertible tights (not footless), a leotard, and pink leather ballet shoes. Ballet skirts (no tutus) may be worn over leotards. Hair must be worn in a bun, without bangs. Hair that is too short for a bun should be pulled securely away from the face. Panties are NOT worn underneath the tights at any age (the tights take the place of panties). Jewelry should be minimal.
Ballet Boys - Boys/men’s black milliskin footed or convertible tights (heavier than girls tights), dance belt, fitted white t-shirt, and black ballet shoes.
Tap-Ballet attire is preferred for all combination classes or classes that immediately follow ballet. However, jazz pants or tap shorts are allowed. Black tap shoes. Ribbon ties are to be removed and additional elastic added so that your student can slip the shoe on and off while staying securely on the foot. Hair should be pulled securely away from the face.
Jazz-Any color leotard or tights or jazz pants and form fitting shirt and tan jazz shoes. Knees MUST be covered either with tights or leggings/pants. No shorts unless they are worn over tights and leotard. Hair should be pulled securely away from the face.
Contemporary- Any color leotard and tights or leggings and form fitting shirt. Dancers should have toe booties. Knees MUST be covered either with tights or leggings/pants. No shorts unless they are worn over tights and leotard. Hair should be pulled securely away from the face.
Hip Hop-Black leggings/sweats and t-shirt. Tennis shoes can be worn for hip hop. Hair should be pulled securely away from the face.
Cheer-black leggings or spanks (shorts), sports bra or fitted shirt and cheer shoes. Hair should be pulled securely away from the face.
Mommy & Me Comfortable clothes, such as leggings, yoga pants, t-shirt, tennis shoes. Ballet shoes can be worn and are preferable to socks. The floor does get dirty despite weekly cleanings of the floor.
CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO HOLIDAYS
Labor Day-September 6th
Columbus Day-October 11th
Thanksgiving-November 22nd--26th
Christmas-December 20th-January 3rd
Spring Break-March 14th-18th
PARENT VISITATION & OBSERVATION
The studio will hold parent visitation days throughout the year. Specific dates for visitation are listed below and will be posted in the waiting area and on the studio website. If changes to these dates need to be made, you will be notified in advance. At each of these visitations, important information will be disseminated. Please have at least one parent attend each Visitation.
October 4th-7th
Christmas Program – Saturday, December 11th
March 7th-10th
May 2nd-5th (costume distribution week)
Spring Recital-tentatively scheduled for May 15th
For the October, March, and May visitations, in classes that meet twice per week, only the first class of the week will hold visitation. Otherwise, parents are invited to all other classes during the visitation week. Parent Visitation is not really a “performance”; it is for you, as parents, to observe the progress being made within the context of a regular dance class. Please restrict visitation to 2 members for each dancer, including siblings, as crowding can become an issue. Also, be aware that very young siblings can be a distraction to the dancers and to the other observing parents. It is not recommended that siblings or extended family attend parent observation days.

By signing your dancers up for classes at Center Stage you understand that they are subject to social media posts. No dancer’s names will ever be used without the permission of the parent, but pictures from classes and performances could be used.
SAFETY
• The wellbeing of students is of the utmost concern to all of us at Center Stage. Please escort young dancers from the car to and from the studio.
• Students must wear cover-ups over their tights/leotards as they enter and exit the studio.
• Dancers waiting for a ride are asked to remain inside the studio.
• Please have rides arrive on time.
• Younger children are not allowed into the office area and should never be left unattended in the waiting areas.
• Purses, jewelry and other valuables should not be left unattended in the dressing room or waiting area. Dancers should bring their dance bag into the dance room so that they can quickly change shoes and avoid distractions that can occur in the dressing rooms.
• Center Stage Dance Studio will not be responsible for loss or theft of personal items.
DANCER’S CODE OF CONDUCT
• Have fun!
• Respect all classmates and instructors.
• No excessive talking in rehearsals or classes.
• Dress code is strictly enforced. (see last page)
• No hanging on the ballet barres.
• No gossiping.
• No negative comments to or about anyone. This applies to comments about other studios or dancers from another studio.
• Come to classes and rehearsals prepared. This includes shoes, proper dancewear, and hair appropriately secured for the particular class. This is called “work ethic”.
• Always give 100% effort. This is called “heart”. This will pay off in the end, I promise.
• No sitting down in class or rehearsal, unless authorized by your instructor. Even if you are not dancing during a particular sequence, you should be practicing in the back of the class without being distracting or disruptive.
• Tell your teacher before rehearsal if you are ill or have an injury.
• Work together as a team. Support each other with positive feedback. Remember that everyone will have his or her time to shine.
• Have consistent attendance and be on time. These qualities complement and enhance the overall learning experience.
• PLEASE be as punctual as possible. When late, please wait at the door for the teacher's permission to enter the studio; DO NOT walk in during the middle of an exercise. Tardiness disrupts the work and progress of others.
• At the teacher's discretion, a tardy student may be asked to sit and observe the remainder of class. This is not a punishment for the student but a precaution against injury.
• Teachers reserve the right to dismiss any student who repeatedly disrupts the class.
• No food, gum, candy, or sodas allowed in the studio. Water bottles are allowed.
• Please also be advised that the waiting areas and hallways are just that --a waiting room. It is not a snack room or a playground. This is a shared space for all dancers, so please be respectful of your property and others’.
• Silence cell phone.
• Students will be verbally corrected when necessary and will only be asked to leave class if they refuse to cooperate with the teacher, use vulgar language, or become physically or verbally abusive to the teacher or other students.
PARENT’S CODE OF CONDUCT
• MOST IMPORTANT!! You MUST take your dancer to the restroom before class begins. DO NOT ask your little one if they “need” to go…just take them! Again, this is THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE IN THIS LIST!
• Please do not interrupt classes to ask questions. The instructor will promptly reply to written notes, phone calls, or emails should you have questions, concerns, or comments.
• Arrive at the studio no more than 10-15 minutes prior to class but allow enough time to remove cover up, change shoes and be ready to dance at class starting time.
• No food, gum, candy, or sodas allowed in the studio. This includes siblings’ sippy cups and toddler baby bottles. Water bottles are allowed. Parents, you are NOT an exception to this rule!
• Promptly pick up your dancer after class. Unfortunately, the teacher will not be available to baby-sit due to back-to-back classes. Please be considerate of studio hours and class times.
• PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW YOUR STUDENT TO WEAR HIS/HER DANCE SHOES OUTSIDE! This ruins your dancer's shoes and brings dirt and grime onto the dance floor. Please put on and take off dance shoes in our waiting areas.
• Support all dancers, even those not related to you.
• No negative comments to or about any dancer or parent. You will be amazed how fast gossip travels in a dance studio. Comments taken out of context can snowball into ridiculous, petty, damaging and hurtful arguments between parents, dancers and faculty.
• Negative comments about other dance organizations or studios will not be tolerated.
• Please refrain from giving comments to dancers from the "sidelines".
• Positive encouragement before entering the classroom is the way to go!
• Always give honest, positive feed back to dancers after they perform. Let them be proud of their performance.
• If you are pleased with your experiences at Center Stage Dance Studio, we would be extremely grateful for positive comments posted to any social media, i.e. Facebook, Google reviews, etc.
• Please do not try to peek into class from the hallway, as it is distracting to students AND the instructors.
• Only students enrolled and paying for a class can participate in a class. Please do not let siblings, friends, etc. go in the dance room unless it is their scheduled class.
• Extra people in the dance classroom is distracting and takes class time and teacher attention away from those students who are paying for the class. Therefore, parents will only be allowed to watch class during the scheduled Parent Visitation days.
• Dress code for each class will be strictly enforced.
• Panties are NOT worn under tights.
• If a student’s dance wear becomes a distraction (such as skirts, sweaters, etc.), Your dancer’s teacher reserves the right to have the student change or remove the item.
• We discourage excessive ornamentation in the hair, as it often becomes a distraction. A bun cover or simple ribbon is best.
• Students must bring all dance shoes for each class in a proper dance bag.
• Dance shoes are only be worn IN class – not to and from the dance studio.
• Cover-ups must always be worn to and from the studio. Please do not wear dancewear without cover-ups to regular public places.
• No cover-ups, T-shirts, or shorts allowed over leotards during class time, unless teacher specifies otherwise.
• Label all dance shoes (after the first class to ensure proper fit) and dance bags.
• All dancers not properly dressed for class will be asked to sit out and observe.
How to Achieve the Proper Ballet Bun
• The correct “tools” are essential for a ballet bun to stay in place.
• A dancer’s bun is NOT the same as a fashion bun!
• Do NOT use a donut to make your bun for dance class! It will not stay secure!
1. Smooth all hair into a ponytail that is fairly high on the back of the head.
2. Use a thick, strong ponytail holder to make the ponytail.
3. Twist the ponytail until it begins to fold up on itself.
4. Using HAIRPINS, begin inserting your pin directly into the head, grabbing only a small portion of the hair in the side of the bun, and then turn it 45 degrees and slide it into the folds of the ponytail.
5. Continue inserting HAIRPINS around the bun as the twisted hair wraps around the center until hair is secured.
6. You DO NOT need to secure this further with another ponytail holder!
7. Smooth flyaway hair or “wispies” with bobby pins, hairspray or hair gel.
8. It is acceptable to adorn the bun with a bun cover or ribbon.
9. It is also acceptable to put hair up in double buns (2 buns from pigtails).
If you are having difficulty with a secure bun, please ask Ms. Misti for a demonstration or watch the video on the website.