Dance Live Dream Center Studio Policies
At Dance Live Dream Center (DLDC), we are more than just a dance studio; we are a dance community. Our top priority is the well-being of our students and staff. While our teachers excel in providing dance education, they also impart essential life skills such as self-confidence, perseverance, respect, discipline, and an appreciation for the arts. To ensure that DLDC runs smoothly and safely, and that everyone has an enjoyable experience, we've laid out our Studio Policies below.
These policies and guidelines reflect our shared values and goals. We ask all students and parents/guardians to familiarize themselves with these policies before joining DLDC.
General Policies 2
Attendance 2
Private Classes 2
Emergency Cancellation of Classes 3
Studio Expectations for Students 3
Studio Expectations for Parents/Guardians 4
Studio Expectations for Teachers and Staff 4
Dress Code 5
Lost and Found 5
Studio Parking 5
Payment 6
Class Withdrawals 6
Make-Up Lessons 6
No Solicitation Policy 6
Holidays 7
Costumes 7
Performances 7
Spring Recital 7
Recital Rehearsals 7
Photography 8
Social Media 8
Communication 8
Anti-Bullying Policy 8
Behavior 9
DLDC Contact List 9
General Policies
- All students and parents/guardians are expected to conduct themselves respectfully at all times, including during classes, performances, and events.
- Respect for instructors is a fundamental expectation for students, parents/guardians, and siblings.
- DLDC reserves the right to make changes to teachers or timetables as needed throughout the year.
- Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring timely drop-off and pick-up of their students. In case of emergency or unavoidable delay, please inform the teacher ASAP.
- Choreography, costuming, and studio policies remain the intellectual property of DLDC and may not be reproduced or sold by any students, parents/guardians, or staff without explicit permission.
- For any questions or concerns, please communicate directly with the Studio Director. Personal meetings can be arranged via email.
Attendance
Regular attendance is important for every DLDC student, as it signifies their commitment to their class, peers, and teachers. Attendance is especially important for performing classes, as absences and tardiness can disrupt routines and affect the readiness of other students.
If a student plans to miss class due to another commitment, the teacher should be notified at least a week in advance. If a student is sick or needs to miss class for another urgent matter, please email the teacher ASAP.
If a student misses four or more consecutive weeks of classes at any point during the dance season, they will not be allowed to participate in the Spring Recital. If a student loses performance privileges due to poor attendance, no refund will be given for costumes, tickets, tuition, or any other performance-related expenses. Make-ups are not provided for missed classes due to vacation or personal reasons. Tuition is nonrefundable and no discounts can be applied or pro-rated. It is the student's responsibility to join via Zoom if a class is missed.
Private Classes
Private classes are intended to give students one-on-one time with their teacher and are subject to availability. For those enrolled in private classes, regular attendance is important. If a student is unable to attend class, they must give their teacher at least 24-hour notice. A class may only be rescheduled if both the teacher and student agree on an alternate time at least 72 hours before the originally scheduled time.
Emergency Cancellation of Classes
In case of an emergency closing, an email will be sent out, and it will be posted on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. Classes will not be rescheduled and there will be no refunds or prorating. Students are encouraged to make up the class at an equivalent level to the one canceled within 2 weeks of the missed class. However, it is the responsibility of the student to make these arrangements.
Studio Expectations for Students
Students should arrive at least 5 minutes before class starts to prepare themselves appropriately. For private lessons, please arrive 15 minutes early to stretch before your class. If Studio A is available, it may be used to stretch and prepare for class.
If a student is late (less than 15 minutes or has an arrangement with the teacher), they’re asked to join the class discreetly without disrupting the class.
- If a student arrives more than 15 minutes late, they will not be able to join class in person (unless excused by the teacher in advance). Students may still join the class virtually via Zoom, and no refund will be given.
- If a student needs to leave class early, they must ask the teacher’s permission before class begins. Students are asked to leave class discreetly so they do not disturb others.
- DLDC staff and teachers cannot take responsibility for students who are dropped off too early (10 min. prior) and not picked up on time (10 min. late). If a parent/guardian is continuously late picking up their student, we will provide a warning. If a parent/guardian is continuously late after the warning, they will be charged $2.00 per minute after 10 minutes or may be asked not to return to DLDC due to supervisory issues.
- Students are expected to bring a good attitude and show kindness during all classes and events. Attitudes that are disrespectful, uncooperative, or aggressive do not have a place at our studio. DLDC teachers and staff reserve the right to ask students to leave if they display disruptive behavior.
- Only water is allowed in the dance studio, no other food or drinks.
- Cell phones must be turned off or on silent during class, unless the teacher specifically allows their use for recording purposes to practice their dance.
- Students are not allowed to touch the mirrors or hang on the ballet barres.
- Students should appreciate their teacher's corrections and apply them to ensure continued progress.
-- Please note, for proper placement and correction of body alignment, choreography, and instructional purposes, it may be necessary for the teacher to place their hands on the student to guide them.
Studio Expectations for Parents/Guardians
Parents/guardians are encouraged to be involved with their student’s dance involvement as much as possible. However, parents/guardians will be held to the same standards as their dancers and DLDC staff.
- We require parents/guardians to engage in positive and respectful communication with DLDC teachers, staff, fellow students, and other parents/guardians. All concerns and communications are welcomed, provided they are approached with a collaborative and positive constructive perspective.
- We appreciate our students’ families and their support, but we ask parents/guardians to view their student’s progress from outside the studio or via Zoom. If you don’t have the link, please reach out via email.
- If you choose to watch from outside the studio, please be mindful of the noise level and minimize distractions for the class. If you notice students, including your student, repeatedly looking towards you, kindly move away from the window. Students may feel additional pressure when trying to please a parent/guardian, so it's important for all students to remain focused during class. If distractions persist, the teacher may need to draw the curtains or blinds.
- Parents/guardians wishing to discuss their student’s progress or questions with the teacher should send an email after class. It is very difficult for teachers to maintain their tight class schedules if they are answering questions in between classes.
Parents/guardians are not allowed in the dance studio during class unless there is an urgent need which may include injury or excessive crying.
- Siblings of students must be supervised at all times. There should be no running, yelling, or playing inside the studio or right outside the door of the studio.
- Any parent/guardian who disrupts class or approaches a teacher, student, or another parent/guardian with the intent to cause dissent or violate DLDC policies will be dismissed immediately.
To streamline communication and address various issues that may arise, please review the contact list below to be connected with the appropriate point of contact.
Studio Expectations for Teachers and Staff
At DLDC, our teachers and staff are committed to treating all students with kindness and respect. Our primary goal is to nurture our students’ learning experience, encompassing technique, positions, flexibility, and the creative elements of this beautiful art form.
Class Placement
At DLDC, staff and teachers reserve the right to place students in classes suitable for their level, considering both ability and maturity, which may differ from their age. If significant progress is demonstrated throughout the year, DLDC is open to reassessing class levels as needed.
Dress Code
This dress code was created to keep students safe, prevent injuries, and ensure that everyone receives the best dance instruction possible.
- Leotard and tights or fitted dance top with dance shorts or leggings.
- Form-fitting dancewear that allows for freedom of movement and enables the instructor to see body alignment.
- Avoid baggy or loose clothing that may hinder movement or obscure the teacher’s view.
- No street clothes such as jeans, skirts, or excessive layers and no revealing attire (i.e. tube tops or short shorts, etc.).
- Hair should be neatly secured away from the face and neck to avoid distractions and ensure safety during movement.
- Dance shoes should not be worn outside the studio, especially tap shoes. Concrete or other hard surfaces will scratch the metal tap, which will scratch the studio dance floors.
- No jewelry (except for small earrings) is to be worn to class.
- For our Disney ballet/jazz classes, students are encouraged to wear costumes that reflect the theme, provided they do not hinder their ability to move safely in class (i.e. no long capes). If a student opts to wear a dress, they must also wear tights or shorts underneath.
Lost and Found
DLDC has a Lost and Found box located in Studio A by the cubbies near the window, but we ask that all students mark all dancewear, shoes, and personal items with their first and last names. Lost items will be kept for 4 weeks before being donated. DLDC will not be held responsible if belongings are lost.
Studio Parking
DLDC has designated parking spots in front of the studio marked “DLDC†and we ask that students and their families utilize these spaces. If they’re full, you may park in the other parking spots if it is AFTER their operating hours (noted below) or use street parking around the studio. However, if one of the businesses asks you to move your car we request that you do so immediately.
Additionally, for emergency purposes, please do not stop at any time in the middle of the parking lot and block the driveway.
Vortman’s Fine Jewelry
Tuesday-Friday from 9:00-1:00pm
Saturdays from 9:00-12:00pm
Closed on Sundays
Evolve Real Estate
Monday-Friday from 8:00-6:00pm
Saturday-Sunday from 8:00-5:00pm
Payment
Tuition is based on a 12-month program (year-round), July through June. Tuition is divided into 12 equal monthly installments and does not include the Spring Recital rehearsals. Rates are based on a 45 to 60-minute class (per student/Bi-monthly). Even though some months have 3 weeks, other months have 5 weeks; it averages out for the 12-month program. Additionally, there is an annual registration fee of $55 per year that is due on July 1 every year. Tuition must remain consistent throughout the year for students to participate in the Spring Recital.
REGISTRATION: Payment is processed through our Dance Studio Pro (DSP) Parent Portal. All students must be registered through DSP Parent Portal on our website, all forms must be signed via DSP – Liability Waiver & Release AND Studio Policies, and a credit card must be put on file – BEFORE taking a class at DLDC. This applies to both drop-in and first-time students.
LATE FEES: A $20 late fee charge is automatically charged on any tuition not paid by the 25th day of the calendar month.
TUITION IS NON-REFUNDABLE: All tuition, late fees, and competition/convention fees are nonrefundable. No adjustments will be made for days missed due to illness, personal inconvenience, vacations, school activities, or any other reason.
DROP-IN RATE: Drop-in classes are intended for students who are new to DLDC or for current students who would like to try a new class. Students who wish to take a drop-in class must register and make payment on our website before the scheduled class.
Class Withdrawals
There is a two-month minimum for all lessons. If a student needs to withdraw from a class, they must give notice at least 30 days before the next billing cycle. Tuition is due on the 15th of every other month (ie. June 15, August 15, October 15, December 15, February 15, April 15). If a student withdraws after the 30 days, tuition will not be refunded for that session. Once tuition is charged via credit card, it is non-refundable. Notice must be given via email to the Director at Dancelivedreamcenter@gmail.com. Any other withdrawal notices will not be accepted.
Make-Up Lessons
All DLDC classes are live-streamed via Zoom and available for students who are unable to attend classes.
No Solicitation Policy
Out of respect for DLDC, we request that current students and guardians refrain from soliciting or attempting to recruit DLDC's students or guardians for alternative dance or cheer instruction.
Holidays
Holiday dates will be posted and will be given to your student before holiday periods included in newsletters, email reminders, and on our social media pages.
Costumes
All costumes are an additional fee and payment will be due in February. DLDC orders costumes early to ensure timely arrival, and once ordered, no refunds will be given. If a costume needs to be returned or exchanged, there will be a $50 fee, with no guarantees.
For cheer, there will be no exchanges or refunds after purchasing pom-poms, shoes, or team apparel.
Failure to comply with fee or costume payment obligations may result in late fees, exclusion from class or performances, and potential external debt collection at the expense of the student’s family. Costume expenses are the responsibility of the student or their guardian, and costumes will not be issued to students with unpaid class fees.
Performances
** Spring Recital
All students are expected to participate in the spring recital. This is the highlight of the year for our students as they are given the opportunity to show off all of their hard work to family and friends. The recital is typically held in mid to late May. Audiences can expect performances across a variety of dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop.
Recital Rehearsals
As we get closer to our recital in May, class, and rehearsal attendance is extremely important. Missing these crucial rehearsals before the recital may result in students being excluded from certain parts of the dance or, in some cases, removed from the dance altogether.
Two weeks prior, DLDC will hold dress rehearsals at the studio during normal class times. This means students are expected to come to their regularly scheduled class in costume from head to toe. This is a critical rehearsal and students are expected to stay for the entire rehearsal time to fix any mistakes, make necessary changes, and polish their dance. Even one absence can disrupt the spacing and balance of a dance routine.
On the day of the recital, DLDC will hold a mandatory dress rehearsal at the event venue. This will give students the chance to rehearse their dance before the recital that evening.
DLDC may participate in community events (i.e. Alameda County Fair, Fall Festival, etc.) to offer students additional performance opportunities. However, the selection of classes to perform at the events will be determined by DLDC staff.
Photography
Periodically, we share photos of our classes, performances, and studio life for advertising purposes on Facebook, Instagram, and on our website. If a student does not want to be photographed, please inform our staff via email.
Social Media
Should you wish to engage on social media while identifying as a DLDC student, parent/guardian, volunteer, staff, or teacher, you may only do so with integrity and respect.
Any comments or posts perceived to be obscene, defamatory, threatening, harassing, discriminatory or hateful towards DLDC staff, students and/or families may subject the poster to disciplinary or legal action.
When posting on social media, it's crucial to remove any identifying information of featured minors, including their full names and ages.
While affiliated with our studio (i.e. images of students inside DLDC or wearing DLDC clothing), we will not tolerate any posts that are racially, sexually, physically, or religiously offensive.
All matters pertaining directly to the studio – including fees, scheduling, placements, or performance opportunities – may not be communicated via social media. We encourage all communication, concerns, and feedback to be communicated to DLDC directly upon appointment via email.
Communication
All communication will be sent via email, so we encourage students and their guardians to keep an updated email address on file and check their inboxes often. We’ll also put notices on the studio bulletin board.
Anti-Bullying Policy
At DLDC, we prioritize creating a safe and supportive community where students can cultivate a lifelong love for dance and creative expression. Bullying in any form—physical, emotional, social, or otherwise—is not tolerated, as it goes against our mission of empowering individuals and embracing individuality. Bullying is defined as any behavior—physical, emotional, verbal, or written (whether electronically or in person)—that targets a student based on any actual or perceived characteristic or creates a hostile environment in the dance studio. Any documented bullying incident may result in serious repercussions, including immediate termination of enrollment for egregious violations.
At DLDC, respect and compassion are two of our core values. Every dancer deserves to learn and grow in a positive, respectful environment. We understand that each reported incident requires careful consideration and a unique follow-up approach.
We also acknowledge that bullying can involve parents/guardians. Any parent/guardian found to be harassing another student, parent/guardian, or DLDC staff member may face suspension or termination of the student.
We urge all members of our community to promptly report any incidents of bullying to the Studio Director. Please note that if dismissal from DLDC is necessary, no refunds will be provided.
Behavior
DLDC promotes kindness, leadership, discipline, and teamwork. We expect our students to behave appropriately and show respect for their teachers and peers at all times. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of disrespect from students or parents/guardians. Individuals who display disrespectful, rude, threatening, or conflictive behavior may be removed from DLDC to maintain a positive and inclusive environment for our community. While we strive to make every effort to work with the students having difficulties in dance class, chronic disruptive behavior that affects the well-being of others may require the following actions:
- If a student breaks a studio policy (outlined above) 2 times, they will sit out for approximately 10 minutes or based on age appropriateness.
- If a student breaks a studio policy (as outlined above) 3 times, they will sit out for the remainder of the class.
- If a student is asked to sit out of class repeatedly, DLDC will call a meeting for the student, parent (if applicable), teacher, and Director to discuss the matter and develop a plan to address the behavior.
- If the problem escalates or continues after this point, the student will be suspended from DLDC.
- If a suspension is decided, a parent/guardian will be asked to take the student home immediately and asked not to return to DLDC. No refunds will be issued in the instance of dismissal.
The studio also reserves the right to suspend the enrollment of a student for the following reasons:
- Exhibits a behavior, which is harmful to him/herself or others
- Non-payment or excessive late payment of fees
- Student has needs that we cannot adequately meet with our current staffing
DLDC Contact List
Dance class and/or logistic-related issues, and the order of escalation:
1. Teacher
2. Monica Dominguez (Studio Director) at dancelivedreamcenter@gmail.com (only if a satisfactory resolution was not achieved in a positive manner with the teacher and Program Director.)
3. The Board of Directors (only if a satisfactory resolution was not achieved in a positive manner with the teacher and Studio Director.)
Finance or account-related issues, and order of escalation:
1. Adriana Borrero (Admin) at adriana.lovedance@gmail.com
2. Monica Dominguez (Studio Director) at dancelivedreamcenter@gmail.com (only if a satisfactory resolution was not achieved in a positive manner with admin)
3. The Board of Directors (only if a satisfactory resolution was not achieved in a positive manner with the front Admin or Studio Director.)
