Payment of Fees:
Empire Dance Academy, LLC conveniently collects fees directly from your credit card account (ePAY). By entering your credit card information online, you hereby elect to allow Empire Dance Academy, LLC to electronically collect all fees for your account. Student Registration Fees or First Months Tuition may be charged upon enrolling online for the selected classes. This will hold and guarantee the students place in class for the upcoming school year. Your enrollment is not final until the registration fee or first months tuition is received and applied to your Studio account. Future fees, including but not limited to Tuition, Recital Costume Deposits, Recital Costume Balances, Company Fees, etc. will be charged to your account on the corresponding due dates.
Tuition is paid monthly on the 1st of each month. Payments remain the same each month regardless of the student's attendance, school closures, or holidays. Tuition is not based on how many classes a student may or may not attend. If you choose to not have your account charged and instead opt to pay cash in person, Empire Dance Academy does not mail invoices. Cash payments must be received before the first of the month, otherwise the card on file will be charged. If balances are not paid within 7 days of the due date a $20 late fee will be applied. Additionally, there is a $20 fee for payments that are returned for any reason or for transactions that are unable to be processed. All charges are non-refundable. Payments must be kept current in order for students to continue their participation in classes, receive costumes and/or perform in our showcase. Please make payments on time to avoid late fees.
Cancellation Policy:
Please note when cancelling from any class at Empire Dance Academy, there are no refunds for tuition. To drop from a class, the request must be submitted by email to: empiredancekc@gmail.com. The request must be received 30 days in advance of the next billing date in order to be made effective before the following months fees are assessed. There is no prorating for the current period in which the request is received, and tuition will still be due for the current period in which the request is made. The student is still considered enrolled in the class and will continue to be charged tuition until the student is dropped from the class.
Showcase:
All young artist students are featured in our annual year end Finale Showcase. Our teachers plan their routines and choreography based on the students who are enrolled in the class. We encourage ALL students to participate in the show. If you cannot participate please notify us immediately. The Showcase Fee is $60 per student and is charged on March 1st. The Showcase Fee includes 2 tickets. Important information you will need regarding dates, times, costumes, rehearsals and more will be distribute in the months prior to the Showcase.
Costume Fee:
Each class participating in a routine will have a costume to purchase. Costume fees are non-refundable. Prices vary greatly, but we aim to keep costs between $50-$80 per dance. A $50 Deposit is due by November 1st. Costume balance invoices will be sent out in December and any remaining amounts will be due January 1st.
Communication:
Empire Dance Academy communicates through periodic handouts in class, director emails, social media updates and our website at www.empiredancekc.com. Communication is essential and it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to stay informed.
Parent Observation:
Parents and guests are invited to observe classes at the studio during Parent Observation Weeks (normally held the last week of each semester).
Attendance:
Students are expected to be in attendance and on time for all classes. There are no refunds or prorating of tuition for missed classes. Attendance is required the week before any performance in order to participate. If a student is more than ten minutes late, late entry is up to the discretion of the teacher. In cases of ongoing attendance issues, Empire Dance Academy reserves the right to dismiss a student and any fees paid up to this point remain nonrefundable. Missed classes can be made up, please email us as soon as possible for options to make up. Make up lessons must be completed within 2 weeks of the missed/canceled class. If a student withdrawals from the class all make up lessons will be forfeited.
Studio Closings:
The Young Artists Program schedule is similar to school calendars; however, we are not closed for every school holiday. We are also not closed for teacher in-service days, conferences, and other school closings of this nature. The Young Artists Program weather policy follows the KC, MO School District's open/close schedule. When the studio closes for bad weather, we will notify you via email. The safety of our staff and students is our number one priority. There are no refunds or prorating of tuition for classes canceled due to inclement weather, however make-up class options are available and encouraged.
Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up:
Please be prompt in dropping off and picking up your child. Do not drop students off more than 10 minutes prior to class starting and be sure to pick them up promptly after classes. Empire Dance Academy is not responsible for providing before or after class supervision. For your child's safety, please come inside the studio to drop off and pick up any students age 12 and under.
Class Placement and Size:
Students are placed in classes based not only by age, but by ability. Empire Dance Academy’s qualified instructors may move a student at any age to better suit their level and ability. A reasonable class size will be maintained. Classes require a minimum enrollment of 5 students. If a class size does not meet this requirement it may be canceled, combined, or an alternative day and time will be suggested.
Registration:
A Registration Form must be filled out prior to the first class, either online or at the front desk. There is an annual non-refundable registration fee of $40 per student ($55 family), which covers the regular session. Student registration is valid for the entire regular session. There are no summer registration fees or registration fees for adult classes.
Classroom Attire, Rules, and Behavior:
Students must be in the proper attire and shoes or they will not be allowed to take class. During the first week of classes a handout is distributed and discussed in class regarding attire, proper behavior and rules for the studio. In case of ongoing attendance issues, conflicts, behavior problems, etc., Empire Dance Academy reserves the right to dismiss any student and/or parent from the studio whose attitude, attendance, or conduct is found to be disruptive or unsatisfactory. Any fees paid up to this point are non-refundable.
Substitutions:
The studio reserves the right to provide a substitute teacher if the regularly scheduled teacher is ill or otherwise unable to teach classes. If a teacher is ill and the studio cannot arrange a substitute any missed classes will be offered a make-up class.
Food & Drink:
You may bring water to class. Food and drinks besides water must stay out of the classroom.
Lost and Found:
Items left at the studio are kept for a limited time only. All unclaimed items are donated to local charities.
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