Academy Standards of Conduct & Expectations:
It is important that Hokule'a has the most current email address as well as phone number of students/parents. We will be using the Band app for all communication. Note our season calendar, especially our closed/holiday dates. It is the customer's responsibility to stay informed on important dates.
Hokule'a is not responsible for the return of items left behind or any lost items so make sure items are labeled if need be.
Arrive at the studio at least five-ten minutes before class. Consistently arriving late to class only hinders the student in receiving a proper warm-up and learning crucial start-of-class procedures. Dancers that are 10 minutes or more late to class will NOT be allowed to participate.
Always behave respectfully in the Academy, its grounds, towards students, and guests. Treat all living plants, furniture, tables and walls with kindness to ensure our space is well kept and learning can flourish.
Please remove shoes immediately upon entering the academy. No shoes are ever to be worn in the studio. Children waiting for a student in class are not permitted to run through or play aggressively within the academy or to interrupt/disrupt classes while in session. Since the bathrooms at Hokule'a are on the studio side of our academy, they will be off limits while classes are in session to avoid distraction. In-between classes, the bathrooms can be used. This goes for students as well. No friend or family member is permitted to sit in and watch a class in session. This is disruptive to both the students and the teachers in class.
If a parent is 15+ minutes late in picking up his/her dancer after our CLOSING HOUR, the customer will be charged a $10 late pick-up fee per occurrence. For example, if we close at 9:00PM and the dancer's pick-up person does not arrive until 9:20PM, a $10 late pick-up fee will incur.
Smoking, drugs, or illegal activities are not permitted at any time on Academy grounds or during Hokule'a sponsored events. Alcohol is NOT permitted on the premises during classes; however, legal consumption may be allowed at special events when classes are not in session.
Family members of students who attend events are considered our extended Ohana (family). Actions and behavior are on public display, especially when wearing Hokule'a attire. Any and all behavior is a direct reflection of our academy, the brand and the students. Outrageous and/or uncalled for behavior will result in disciplinary action and may lead to termination of a student's enrollment.
Hokule'a posts weekly, if not daily, on social media! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @dancehokulea to ensure you stay in the loop.
Tuition, Fees, Billing, and Cancellation:
All customers are required to have an updated credit card on file and will be enrolled in Auto Pay.
If an updated credit card is not on file, Hokule'a will be unable to approve the registration of your dancer, therefor Hokule'a reserves the right to withhold services.
Customers can opt out of Auto Pay if they prefer. To do this, they will need to notify the academy through written form; email, Band message, etc.. Hokuleʻa staff will honor the opt out once the message has been received.
Complete tuition payment is due by the 20th of each month for the upcoming month of class(es). Hokule'a tuition is a flat rate each month/session regardless of how many weeks/classes are scheduled each month. Payment made after the 20th will incur a $15 late fee.
When participating in the production show or show season, all outstanding balances must be paid in full to receive costumes. Costume(s) will be held until the account is current.
If your account is 7+ days past due and you are NOT enrolled in auto bill, Hokule'a reserves the right to charge the credit card on file for the full amount due. Hokule'a reserves the right to withhold services to a customer who is 30+ days past due.
When renting costumes, any costumes damaged beyond reasonable wear and tear, lost or stolen will be automatically billed to your account for the full purchase price of that item.
Cancellation:
Non-attendance is NOT considered notice of cancellation. Written verification is required from the customer/parent/guardian in order to cancel enrollment. Cancellation requests received prior to the 20th of the month will not be charged starting with the upcoming month. Cancellation requests received after the 20th will be charged for that current month and then cease billing from the next following month onward. Previously paid -regardless of attendance- tuition, workshops, events, camps, etc... are non-refundable.
Attendance, Absences, and Make-Up Classes:
Tuition is billed regardless of dancer(s) attendance. No credits or refunds are given for missed classes.
If Hokule'a must cancel a class due to extreme circumstances such as an emergency, natural disaster or other weather events, we will reschedule the class. We try very hard to keep all classes running at their regularly schedule dates and times.
If a student misses 1 or more consecutive months, their membership with Hokuleʻa will be cancelled. If a student chooses to enroll again, they must re-register again and are responsible for all registration fees.
Studio/Class Rules & Expectations:
All cell phones and electronic devices are to be silenced once in the studio.
Students will practice "pa`a ka waha" (if words are exiting your mouth, wisdom cannot come in). When the teacher or assistant are speaking, quietly listen. Learn by observing.
Hula Pa'u (skirts) must be treated with care and respect. Pa'u (skirts) are to be put on once inside the academy before class begins and not worn to the Academy or exiting the Academy. Fold them carefully when putting them away.
If permitted to visit a class that is not your own, remain quietly in the back of the class as you are a guest.
During class, please hold your questions until the teacher or assistant teacher are finished teaching and ask if there are questions. Always ask questions to your teacher, and not your fellow students or other Ohana members in order to ensure you understand.
Video of any class is strictly prohibited unless authorized by the teacher.
Any video material is just for practice purposes and is NOT to be shared on social media.
If you cannot attend class, please contact the teacher or assistant teacher at least 2 hours before your scheduled class begins. It is your kuleana (responsibility) to get any missed class material or information to catch up.
Non-students are not allowed on the studio side at any time without the permission of the teacher.
Do not lean on the walls or lay spread out on the floor.
Horseplay is not allowed in the studio at any time.
The sound equipment, drums, instruments and implements are always strictly off limits.
Do not touch the mirrors or lean on them.
Students are to bring their own water bottle, filled with water to class. A water station is available for re-fills. Plastic one-time use water bottles are NO LONGER allowed at Hokule'a Academy.
All new students will begin at level I and will be placed at the appropriate level class once the teacher has decided.
Students must develop the discipline to practice at home, as well as memorizing and deeply understanding kahea (calls) and/or lyrics by the next class.
If you decide this class is not for you, and you are considering an exit, please let your teacher know as well as why it is not for you. We want to learn from your experience and often a different approach at something may work better. If you do decide to leave on good terms and wish to return, please contact your teacher.
It is important to know that you cannot dance under more than one teacher outside of Hokule'a and/or belong to more than one Polynesian dance school or entertainment company at a time.
Hokule'a Academy reserves the right to determine the suitability of all Haumana (students). Any decisions made on class placement or performance opportunities are not open for debate or dispute.
DRESS CODE AND HYGIENE:
All Dancers attending Hokule'a classes must have all class materials with them and be in appropriate Hokule'a Uniforms at the beginning of each class. All garments should be neat, clean and NOT wrinkled faded or outdated. Have respect for your school, class and other students in your class.
WOMEN / GIRLS
- Uniform Pa'u for Hula (Hawaiian dance)
- Uniform Pareu for 'Ori Tahiti (Tahitian dance)
- Uniform Shirt
*All Hair must be in a bun (or) pulled back for class and should have a flower worn in the hair.
*No leggings or pants of any kind are allowed to be worn under the uniform, as it inhibits the correct technique of the dances. During winter, the dancer will be allowed to wear leggings and/or a light jacket or sweatshirt JUST during warm-ups.
MEN / BOYS
- Uniform Shorts for Hula (Hawaiian dance)
- Uniform Pareu for 'Ori Tahiti (Tahitian dance)
- Uniform Shirt
Personal hygiene is very important, as classes are sometimes crowded. If body odors are noticeable, you may be asked to leave class.
Liability Waiver & Model Release:
I certify that the below-named student and I (his/her parent or legal guardian) have read, fully understand, and agree to the policies at Hokule'a Academy of Polynesian Arts, LLC. I (his/her parent or legal guardian) and the dancer agree to follow all the rules and policies at Hokule'a Academy of Polynesian Arts, LLC. I (his/her parent or legal guardian) certify that the below-named student is in good health and capable of participating in dance classes. I (his/her parent or legal guardian) hereby release Hokule'a Academy of Polynesian Arts, LLC, its agents, and employees from all liability for personal injury, illness, or property loss or damage. I also give consent for photographs and videos of my dancer to be taken and used for Hokule'a Academy of Polynesian Arts, LLC's promotional use.
