Backstage Dance Studio 2023-2024 Student Waiver and Release of Liability
STUDIO AND TUITION POLICIES
TUITION PAYMENTS
The first tuition payment along with a registration fee is due at the time of registration. Tuition is due the 1st of each month Sept-April. Backstage does not mail out invoices. Backstage requires a current VISA, MasterCard, Discover or Amex card to be kept on file. Card payments will incur a 3.5% processing fee, while ACH payments will have a 1.25% processing fee. To avoid convenience charges, pay by cash or check to the front desk. Please make checks payable to Backstage Dance Studio LLC. For AutoPay customers, AutoPay will be charged on the 1st of every month for the full balance from the previous month. Processing fees for AutoPay are 3% for cards and 1% for ACH payments. In order to maintain a permanent spot in class, tuition must be paid on or before the first of the month.
After the 15th of the month, a $15.00 late fee or 1.5% (whichever is greater) will be added. If payment is not received by the end of the month, your child will not be allowed to return to class until the account is brought current. Once a class is taken in any given month, tuition paid is completely non-refundable and non-transferable to another student or class. For all returned checks a $30.00 fee will be added and payment must be made by credit card or cash to bring the account current.
SOWTROUPE PAYMENTS:
All show troupe fees (any fees that are not recreational and are related to show troupe) are due the 1st of the month after the 15th of the month, a 5% late fee will be added to your account. If payment is not received by the end of the month your child may be removed from the show troupe team for the remainder of the season or until the account is paid in full. For all returned checks a $30.00 fee will be added and payment must be made by credit card or cash to bring the account current.
ATTENDANCE
Dance requires discipline and consistency. For this reason, we expect students to attend class every week. When a student misses a class, it not only hinders their performance, it hinders the overall progress and cohesiveness of the group. If a student misses more than 10% of their classes, they may be asked not to participate in the recital at the end of the year. Class attendance is mandatory throughout the Month of March and April as we are in the final preparation for the recital.
ABSENCES
Always call the studio before class starts whenever any absence is necessary. Absences must be made up within one month. Refunds are not given for missed classes.
CLASS WITHDRAWAL AND REFUNDS
Dancers shall be permitted to withdraw from classes without penalty until November 1, 2023. Requests for withdrawal from one or more classes must be made by the Parent/Guardian in writing with a Withdrawal Form, which can be obtained at the front desk. After November 1, 2023, the Parent/Guardian shall remain responsible for the full annual tuition. Registration fees are non-refundable.
RECITAL COSTUMES
Each Costume cost approximately $70-$85 (depending on child’s age and complexity of costume). All costumes will be billed and due November 1, 2023. Costumes will not be ordered if they are not PIF.
RECITAL FEE
A recital fee of $65 per student or $75 per family will include two recital tickets and a digital download of the recital. Recital Fee is due November 1, 2024 when costumes are ordered. Recital fees are non-refundable. No tickets may be picked up, or purchased if there is a balance on your account, which includes tuition or any other miscellaneous charges. Additional tickets may be purchased in April on a first come first serve basis.
MINIMUM ENROLLMENT
Minimum enrollment is six students per class. If the minimum enrollment is not met, the class may be canceled or combined with a similar class.
CLASS ETIQUETTE
All students are expected to be on time and properly attired for class. Students who do not adhere to the dress code will not be permitted to participate in class. ALL STUDENTS MUST IN PROPER SHOES AND ATTIRE BY THE SECOND WEEK OF CLASS. Please visit the studio website for shoes and dress codes for each class (posted in August). Students are expected to behave properly at all times. Gross misconduct will not be tolerated. We will not tolerate any bullying nor inappropriate social media postings. Examples of such conduct might include offensive posts meant to intentionally harm someone’s reputation or posts that could contribute to a hostile environment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, physical or mental disability, or personal appearance. This is grounds for immediate dismissal.
VISITING DAYS
Are held twice yearly so that parents may observe their child’s progress. An email will be sent specifying these dates and times. Please make every effort to attend these two days at the studio. No visitors are permitted in the classroom at any other time unless the instructor gives permission.
COMMUNICATIONS
Important studio updates and announcements are sent out via email. It is imperative that all families have a current email on file to receive these updates as this will be our main source of communication with parents. Please inform the studio if there is any change in email addresses. We strongly encourage you to opt into receive text messages as well. Please opt-in to receive text messages by texting to 1-954-256-7899 from the phone(s) that you want to receive text messages from us.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
In case of bad weather conditions, an email or text message will be sent with cancellation information. We do not follow Ho Co school closings. In any case, please do not feel obligated to travel to class if you are uncomfortable with the weather conditions.
EARLY DROP-OFF AND LATE PICK-UP
Students are not to be dropped off at the studio any earlier than 15 minutes prior to their first class, and must be picked up no later than 15 minutes following the conclusion of their final class of the day. A fee of $20.00 will be assessed for every 15 minutes, or portion thereof for early drop-offs and late pick-ups. This does not apply for students waiting for siblings to finish their last class of the day. Students MUST be picked up on time for the last class of the night.
SIBLINGS
For liability reasons, persons under the age of 18 who are not attending class at Backstage on a given day are not permitted to be left in the studio without a parent or guardian while a sibling is in class.
PERMISSION TO USE PHOTOS
Student pictures are taken throughout the year for purposes of marketing and promoting Backstage Dance Studio and all programs run through the studio. Parent/Guardian permission is granted to use any and all pictures taken.
VIDEO AND AUDIO RECORDING
Dance rooms are subject to video and audio recording for security purposes.
WAIVER & RELEASE OF CLAIMS
Parent/Guardian and dancer recognize the risk of injury inherent any dance program. Parent/Guardian acknowledges that the dancer is participating upon his/her express agreement that injury may occur and agrees to release Backstage Dance Studio, its employees, directors and volunteers from any and all liability relating to such an incident.
ATTORNEY FEES
If any legal action or other proceeding is brought for the enforcement of these policies, or because of an alleged dispute, breach or default in connection thereof. The successful or prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs incurred in connection with that action or proceeding, in addition to any other relief to which such party may be entitled.