By clicking this, you are agreeing to the policies the studio has put into place. Policies and waivers are subject to change as our lawyers and the studio see needed.
To read them more easily, use this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRpYfDOyRd7gijFVRCO4JwekVS0LTQ4Jta0_Ph8Whhy-NOTPn1UmS0SFrZLZwmR-xEZX75wecZ9frnw/pub
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2022 - 2023 STUDIO POLICIES
WAIVER OF LIABILITY
I understand that I (my student) am participating in a dance/fitness class by my own will and at my own risk. BY signing this agreement I understand Gasper's School of Dance and Performing Arts will not be held liable for any injuries or accidents that occur throughout the duration of the dance/fitness class being attended. I also understand that Gasper's School of Dance and Performing Arts is not responsible for any lost or stolen materials.
I agree that my safety is primarily my own responsibility. I agree to make sure that I know how to safely participate in the activity, and I agree to observe any rules and practices that may be employed to minimize the risk of injury. I agree to stop and seek assistance if I do not believe I can safely continue, to limit my participation, to reflect my personal fitness level, and to refrain from any and all actions that would pose a hazard to myself and others.
The properties of:
Gasper’s School of Dance (Home of the FMBallet) at 524 7th St N, Fargo, ND 58102; and/or
Gasper’s School of Dance South Fargo at 4431 40th Ave S, Ste 120, Fargo, ND 58104.
** PAYMENT & TUITION**
GENERAL PAYMENT POLICY
- Gasper's School of Dance's tuition billing cycle is in 4-week increments called "Rounds." Please note that the beginning of each round does NOT coincide with the beginning of the month.
- A non-refundable registration fee of $30.00 per student ($60 family max) will be charged during registration; including pay-as-you-go students. This registration fee is applied at registration each season.
- All students are registered for the season ((9) 4 week rounds); unless a drop form is received (SEE DROP FORM POLICY).
- Tuition is due the FIRST Monday of the round.
- All merchandise will be taxed based on the ND sales tax rates.
BILLING & TUITION
- All families must have a credit card / debit card on their account.
- Tuition must be paid by check, cash, Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover, or ACH.
- Statements are emailed and available on your parent portal 3.5 weeks prior to the new round.
- Auto Pay is run by our billing department on Thursday the week prior to the due date with the total owing to be deducted from your bank account the first Monday of the new round.
- If you do not want your balance to be withdrawn on auto pay, payments must be made by the Wednesday before the due date.
- Any outstanding Tuition payments after the first Monday of the round will be issued a $15.00 late fee every 30 days until it is paid in full.
- Any outstanding Private Lessons, Coaching Sessions, Choreography, Merchandise, Spring Gala Costumes, etc will be issued a 2% late fee and every 30 days until it is paid in full.
- NEW this season. All credit card payments will incur a 3.5% credit card fee and Debit Card / Bank payments through the dance management system a 1% fee.
- Pay by check, cash or ACH Bank through Gasper's School of Dance to avoid these fees.
- To opt out of the direct debit, simply pay your tuition in person or over the phone any time BEFORE the Wednesday the week prior to the new round.
- Checks are payable to Gasper's School of Dance. (A CARD IS STILL REQUIRED TO BE ON FILE AT ALL TIMES.)
- Students will be responsible for the full payment of all classes they have registered for, prior to the start of each round.
TUITION INFO & COSTS
- Pay-as-you-go cost: $20.00 per 1 hour class, $25.00 per 1 ½ hour class.
- Cost of tuition is stated on our website (https://www.gaspersschoolofdance.com/tuition)
- College rate is $10.00 per 1 hour class with a valid ID. Students must sign-up for the round to receive this special rate.
- College Drop-In Rate is $12.00.
- Parent rates are indicated on our pricing page on the website.
- To receive a parent rate, you must have a child actively enrolled in a class.
- NO REFUNDS: No refunds are given for any reason, including, but not limited to, missed classes due to weather, sickness, performances, vacation, family matters, and/or school obligations.
- Students wishing to make up any missed classes must do so within 4 weeks of missed class, otherwise the student forfeits that class and tuition.
ACH BANK PAYMENTS
- BEST option! Sign-up for ACH with a blank check and avoid all fees!!
- There are no fees associated with this.
- Bring a Blank VOIDED Check into the Studio and fill out the ACH Bank form we provide.
- Tuition and other charges on your account that are due will be withdrawn the first Monday of the Round (processing date is the Thursday prior to the new round).
TRIAL CLASS
- Credit Cards or Bank Accounts will not be charged unless a dancer is enrolled in the class.
- A trial class is when a dancer attends ONE class to see if it is a good fit for them.
- No registration fee will be due at the time of the trial class, we will apply a registration charge upon the dancer's enrolled in the class.
PRIVATE LESSONS
- Private Lesson, Coaching and Choreography payments are due by the DAY of the lesson.
- Payments received after this date will be charged a 2% late fee every 30 days until the lesson is paid in full.
- If YOU need to cancel a lesson, you must give 24 hours notice, or you will be responsible for the “NO-SHOW” fee of $30.00
- If you do not show up for your scheduled lesson, you will be charged a NO-SHOW fee of $30.00.
LATE PAYMENTS
- Accounts with past due tuition will be assessed a late charge of $15.00, one (1) day after tuition payment is due (1st Tuesday of the new round), and again for every 30 days the balance is left unpaid.
- Non-tuition late transactions: a 2% late fee will be accessed on those transactions every round (private lessons, Gasper gear and accessories, spring gala costumes, competition costumes, etc)
- Competition Late Fees: Dancer's who are part of our competitive division and do not pay their competition performance fees on time will be assessed a late fee of at least $30 per routine fee (this will be evaluated per competitions late fees)
- Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF or returned checks) will result in a $25 fee that will be placed on your account.
- Accounts past due for over 90 days will be sent to collections and students will be withdrawn from class until balance is paid.
FULL & HALF SEASON TUITION
- Pay a full or half the season and SAVE!
- 5% discount for the FULL Season (paid by the first day of Round 1)
- 2% discount for HALF the season payment (Rounds 1 - 4 and Rounds 5-9) Payment received by the FIRST day of Round 1 or Round 5.
- NO REFUNDS. You are committing to taking class for the amount of time paying for.
- Additional classes added at a later date, will be priced at the one class rate (and discounted if more additional classes added) and will not be discounted per the Full or Half season classes paid for.
- Competition Practice is NOT discounted, as these are already discounted rates. Competition Practice can be paid for the 1st Semester up-front, but in the 2nd Semester we ask you to pay Round to Round.
DROP FORM
- If you need to drop a class, you MUST do so by 2 Monday's prior to the next round (as indicated on our Studio Season Calendar (https://www.gaspersschoolofdance.com/calendar)
- Drop forms received AFTER these dates listed on our Season Calendar will be processed for the next round. NO exceptions.
- Tuition will be due in full and you will be dropped for the following round if these are not received by the Drop -- -- Deadline laid out on our Season Calendar.
- Classes missed during the month, can be made up in any of our classes at your dancer's level.
- DROP FORM LINK: https://forms.gle/o43C86qxcLTYXdZ1A
**CLASSES & CLASSROOM**
CLASSES
- Class enrollment must have FIVE (5) dancers for the class to continue.
- Classes need at least three (3) students to begin class.
- If less than three (3) students show up for the class, start time and end time is at the discretion of the instructor.
- Account will be charged the full amount for the hour regardless.
- No student will be admitted to class if they are more than 10 minutes late.
- Tardy students must wait to be invited in by the instructor.
- Scheduled class times and locations are subject to change at any time, at the discretion of the studio, management staff and studio owner.
- Placement of all students is at the discretion of the directors of Gasper's School of Dance and Performing Arts.
- The completion of one level does not guarantee acceptance in the next. Advanced classes are offered by invitation or audition only.
- Students may audition for a higher level class at any time at the cost of $25 per class, upon approval of the studio director.
- Add a Class: Students may add a class at any time during the season. Registration fee may apply.
DANCERS EN POINTE
- ALL pre-pointe students must be enrolled in ONE (1) ballet class in addition to their pointe training. We HIGHLY recommend 2 ballet classes to help with technique and strengthening.
- ALL Pointe 1, 2, and 3 dancers must be enrolled in TWO (2) ballet classes in addition to their pointe training class.
- This is to help build strength, technique and help avoid injury in training.
- Per the discretion of the instructor, Pointe dancers may be asked to remove their pointe shoes and wear ballet slippers for their safety.
MISSED CLASSES
- If class is missed due to illness, school functions, family vacations, weather, etc, you will be allowed to make up the class within 4 weeks of the missed class
- The exception of the final Round; please make these classes up prior to the end of the season)
- No make-ups will be given or transferred over to a new season or to summer sessions (please make-up prior to the missed class).
- There ARE NO REFUNDS or credit for classes missed or classes canceled due to weather or rescheduling because of a studio event, competition or FMBallet production.
- Contact the front desk to help schedule a make-up class or do so through your parent portal.
PARENTS / VISITORS / GUARDIANS
- Downtown Studio portals (windows) are for class observation, please do not talk to your child, or tap on the glass. This can be very distracting to not only your child but the entire class. And is disrespectful to the instructor.
- Parents are not allowed to enter the classroom at all, unless invited by the instructor. This is very distracting to not only your child, but the rest of the class. Our staff is trained to handle situations and will dismiss your child if they see needed.
- South Studio Spaces: Parents do not open the doors during class time to peer into the classroom. This is disrespectful and distracting to a class and instructor.
- If we find you are a distraction to the class or your dancer, we may ask you to step away from the viewing area. -- This is in the best interest of your dancer and those in class to get the most out of the lesson.
- Keep talking to a minimum and at a whisper in classroom observation areas. Silent phone ringers and sounds. -- Take any phone calls and conversations to the lobby or vestibules.
DROPPING A CLASS
- To drop a class, students must submit a drop form, available at the front desk.
- The Drop Form MUST be submitted by 2 Monday's prior to the start of the next round. Failing to do so, the student will be responsible for the next session's tuition.
- Students may drop a class for up to 3 rounds and return to class without being charged a registration fee. Dropping more than 3 rounds will result in an additional registration fee at time of re-enrollment.
- Please refer to Payment & Tuition DROP DEADLINE Information above.
**NOVICE DANCERS**
Thank you for choosing Gasper's School of Dance as the place for your child to grow not only as a dancer, but as a person. We strive to help our dancers from a young age understand the discipline and structure of dance and a dance class in a nurturing, fun environment. We pride ourselves on providing excellent training and understand that all individuals are different and learn at various places. At Gasper's School of Dance, we have been teaching dance to all ages for over 44 years in the Fargo-Moorhead community and continue to strive to employ the best instructors to give your child the best training possible in the FM area. Please contact the studio director (Matt Gasper) or front desk staff if you have concerns and we will assess the situation in the classroom. We look forward to seeing the growth of your child and their dance training.
Matt Gasper
Gasper’s School of Dance
Studio Owner & Director
PARENTS WITH YOUNG STUDENTS (Ages 3 - 6)
Our mission is to provide the highest-quality of dance education in a healthy, secure, nurturing, and stimulating environment. GSD serves the physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of your young dancer. We meet these goals with our age-appropriate curriculum and ongoing communication with parents. The first few weeks of classes serve as an introductory phase to help students become comfortable with the overall dance experience, the classroom, their teacher, and their classmates. Right from the beginning we focus on your child's coordination, listening skills, musical awareness, and developing imagination. We accomplish this through age-appropriate music and song, simple stretching exercises, ballet and dance basics, and games in an environment of creativity. Itty Bitty and Pre-Ballet is about helping children learn to tap into their imaginations and express themselves creatively, not necessarily about learning steps (although they do get introduced to some basic steps). So don't be disappointed if your child doesn't pirouette around the house or look like a budding ballerina right away.
A dancer typically stays in Itty Bitty and/or Pre-Ballet for 2-3 years (like our upper levels), honing their skills to advance to a higher level of dance. The Instructor and studio director are constantly evaluating your dancers progress to move up in level.
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS & GUARDIANS
Please be respectful of our space, instructors and classrooms. We have the following policies in place to give your dancer the best training we can. As your young dancer begins their journey, we would like to remind you of a few of our etiquette rules that we follow at our studio.
STUDIO SPACES
- Please do not enter studio spaces unless you are invited to do so by the instructor. We provide parent portals OR video monitors for you to watch your child as they are learning new skills.
- If your child is a distraction or needs to exit the room, our instructor will dismiss the dancer and have a student assistant help the dancer to the restroom, or to find the parent / guardian.
- We ask parents, guardians, caregivers and/or siblings to refrain from talking to your dancer as class is in session. Our instructors are trained to work with this level of dancers, and have methods to control the room. We want to keep your dancer engaged in the class, and not distracted by things outside the classroom. Trying to talk to your dancer can be distracting not only to your child, but others in the class. The class instructor and/or assistant will handle situations of unsafe matters or a disruptive child.
- Please do not open the doors at our South Studio while class is in session. The instructor or student assistant will do so at the completion of class. The front desk manager will assist if the student arrives late. To keep the distraction and disruptions to a minimum and not distract the rest of the class.
- Students that arrive late, should wait in the doorway until invited in by the instructor. This is our policy for all dancers at our studio.
LEVELS & ADVANCEMENT
- Advancement from Itty Bitty & Pre-Ballet is based on dance technique that is learned and can be somewhat executed as well as understood, as well as maturity of the dancer.
-Itty Bitty: Children in Preschool Age (often ages 3-5)
- Pre-Ballet (Pre-Jazz / Pre-Tap: Children in Kindergarten (often ages 5-7).
PERFORMANCES
Itty Bitty & Pre-Ballet students perform one dance routine in our annual recital per style they are enrolled in.
** DRESS CODE **
GENERAL DRESS CODE INFORMATION
Visit our dress code page on our website for photos as well as where to purchase.
Our dress code is put into place to help with classroom uniformity. It has given our instructors the ability to be able to see the dancer's dance lines, body positions, and help correct their technique while not being distracted by multiple different colors and clothing styles.
-- Dancers have 30 days to comply and acquire items needed for said dress code.*
-- After 30 days without the uniform, the student will be asked to sit and watch the class until they have the proper attire
-- Failure to comply with the ballet leotard uniform / dress code after 30 days will be an automatic leotard charge to your parent account and credit card.
-- Also, if an instructor in all other styles feels the dancer does not come in proper dress code, we will choose items from our studio shop and charge your card on account for these items.
If you have any questions regarding our Dress Code, please contact us, we are always more than happy to help.
By Email: info@gaspersschoolofdance.com
Phone: 701-234-9440
Or visit us at the front desk
The studio has leotards for Itty Bitty level through Ballet 6 at the studio for purchase. In addition, we have ballet slippers, tights, and jazz shoes.
* Dancer's who have ordered a leotard through our studio may experience delays, please wear a black leotard until your class leotard arrives. We will make this note on your dancer's account.
HAIR (Season & Summer)
-- All Non-Ballet Styles of Dance: All hair must be secured and pulled back and out of the dancer's face.
-- Ballet and Pointe Class: all hair must be in a neat ballet bun. NO ponytails or hair down.
--SEASON DRESS CODE--
BALLET
- Itty Bitty & Pre-Ballet: Light Pink Leotard (with or without attached skirt); pink ballet slippers, pink tights
- Level 1 & 2: Fuchsia Leotard; pink ballet slippers; pink tights (no skirts)
- Level 3 & 4: Royal Blue leotard; pink ballet slippers; pink tights (no skirts)
- Level 5 & 6: Eggplant leotard; pink ballet slippers, pink tights (no skirts)
- Level 7: Black leotard; pink ballet slippers, pink tights (no skirts)
- Level 8: Color of Choice leotard; pink ballet slippers, pink tights (no skirts)
- Teen Ballet: Black Leotard (skirt okay); pink ballet slippers; pink tights
- Adult Ballet: athletic wear, or leotard and tights, ballet skirts, ballet slippers
- Males: Black ballet tights; white or black plain t-shirt or tank top; black or white ballet slippers
POINTE DRESS CODE
- Pre-Pointe: Black (or ballet level color) leotard; pink tights; pink ballet slippers
- Pointe: Black leotard (or your dancer’s ballet level color); pink tights; pointe shoes
- Please visit with Mr. Matt or a pointe instructor to make sure your shoes are correct for your feet.
JAZZ & MUSICAL THEATRE DRESS CODE
- Females: Black Leotard (or if you are coming from ballet, your level leotard color) or Black shirt* or black tank top* (no logos or designs);
Black jazz pants, black leggings, black dance shorts; Jazz Shoes. Musical Theatre (optional): Character shoes.
- Males: Black or white shirt* (no logos or designs); Black jazz pants or black athletic pants or black shorts; Jazz Shoes
- Teen Jazz / Musical Theatre: Comfortable attire, preferably more fitted so the instructor can help correct dance lines and technique. Jazz shoes.
LYRICAL, CONTEMPORARY, & MODERN DRESS CODE
- Females: Black Leotard (or if you are coming from ballet, your level leotard color) or Black shirt* or black tank top* (no logos or designs); Black jazz pants, black leggings, black dance shorts; ballet slippers, turners, socks or no shoes
- Males: Black or white shirt* (no logos or designs); Black jazz pants or black athletic pants or black shorts; ballet slippers, turners, socks or no shoes
- Teen Lyrical, Contemporary or Modern: comfortable attire, preferably more fitted so the instructor can help correct dance lines and technique; ballet slippers, turners, socks, or no shoes.
TAP DRESS CODE
- Females: Black Leotard, tank top, fitted t-shirt; leggings or shorts; Tap shoes
- Males: t-shirt, tank top; athletic pants, shorts; Tap Shoes
HIP HOP DRESS CODE
- Females: Comfortable clothing. No Jeans. Tennis Shoes: all street shoes must be clean and dry.
- Males: Comfortable clothing. No Jeans. Tennis Shoes: all street shoes must be clean and dry.
* Gasper's School of Dance studio wear in black may be worn during jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, hip hop (however not during ballet class).
--SUMMER DRESS CODE--
Please note that our summer dress code is slightly different than during our season dress code as levels are sometimes combined.
SUMMER BALLET DRESS CODE
- Novice Dancers: Ballet Pink leotard with (or without) attached skirt, or Black leotard with (or without) attached skirt; pink ballet slippers, pink tights
- Ballet Beginning - Advance: Black Leotard; pink ballet slippers; pink tights
- Adult: something you can easily move in
- Males: Black ballet tights; white or black plain t-shirt or tank top; black or white ballet slippers
SUMMER JAZZ & MUSICAL THEATRE DRESS CODE
- Females: Black Leotard or Black shirt* or black tank top* (no logos or designs); Black jazz pants, black leggings, black dance shorts; Jazz Shoes. Musical Theatre (optional): Character shoes.
- Males: Black or white shirt* (no logos or designs); Black jazz pants or black athletic pants or black shorts; Jazz Shoes
- Teen Jazz / Musical Theatre: Something comfortable to move in. Jazz shoes.
SUMMER LYRICAL, CONTEMPORARY, & MODERN DRESS CODE
- Females: Black Leotard (or if you are coming from ballet, your level leotard color) or Black shirt* or black tank top* (no logos or designs); Black jazz pants, black leggings, black dance shorts; ballet slippers, turners, socks or no shoes
- Males: Black or white shirt* (no logos or designs); Black jazz pants or black athletic pants or black shorts; ballet slippers, turners, socks or no shoes
SUMMER TAP DRESS CODE
- Females: Black Leotard, tank top, fitted t-shirt; leggings or shorts; Tap shoes
- Males: t-shirt, tank top; athletic pants, shorts; Tap Shoes
SUMMER HIP HOP DRESS CODE
- Females: Something comfortable to move in. No Jeans. Tennis Shoes: all street shoes must be clean and dry.
- Males: Something comfortable to move in. No Jeans. Tennis Shoes: all street shoes must be clean and dry.
**LOCKER ROOMS**
In addition to the development of our dancers and the enjoyment of the sport, the safety and protection of our participants is central to Gasper's goals. Gasper's has implemented a locker room policy as a means to help protect its participants from abuse and misconduct, including, but not limited to, emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment, and hazing. To help prevent abuse or misconduct from occurring in our locker rooms, Gasper's has adopted the following locker room policy. This policy is designed to maintain personal privacy as well as reduce the risk of misconduct in locker rooms. For the purpose of this policy, the term locker room includes, but is not limited to, any space used to prepare for a dance practice or event, which includes a space that participants may use to get dressed, whether at Gasper's or another location.
Parents in Locker Rooms: Except for younger participants, we discourage parents from entering locker rooms unless it is truly necessary. If a participant needs assistance, if the participant is or may be injured, or a participant's disability warrants assistance, then we ask that parents let Gasper's know beforehand that he or she will be helping the participant. With our younger age groups, it may be necessary for parents to assist the participants getting dressed. We encourage parents to teach their participants as young as possible how to get ready for practice or a performance so that participants will learn as early as possible how to get prepared independently. In circumstances where parents are permitted in the locker room, we ask that the parents abide by the same policies as the participants. Gasper's, in its discretion, may prohibit parents from a locker room.
Cell Phones and Other Recording Devices: Cell phones and other devices with recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras, and video cameras, are not permitted to be used in the locker rooms. If phones or other such devices must be used, they should be taken outside of the locker room. Gasper's reserves the right to collect any phone that is used in the locker room. Gasper reserves the right to look at the phone to ensure the phone does not contain any pictures or videos that compromises another participant's privacy.
**PHOTO & VIDEO RELEASE**
- Student photos and videos taken by Gasper's School of Dance staff during rehearsals, classes, photo shoots, events, and GSDPA activities may be used for publication, marketing, and website purposes.
- Video taping of class may be used by you for personal use only. You may not post more than 30 seconds of a choreographed dance on-line.
- GSDPA reserves all rights to choreography and class syllabus.
** PRIVATE LESSON POLICY**
Our Private Lesson, Coaching and Choreography Agreement is to make the process of scheduling and payment consistent across the board. It also helps everyone involved understand the process and policies of these lessons. Please read the following agreement and sign before private lessons are scheduled through the Front Desk Manager.
SCHEDULING
- ALL lessons must be scheduled through the Front Desk Manager in person or by phone during business hours, OR email info@gaspersschoolofdance.com at least 48 hours before the lesson (please no text messages to Front Desk Managers, Staff, or Studio Directors.) OR coordinate with the instructor for the lesson.
- At the time of scheduling, please indicate if the lesson is: Private Lesson, Coaching, or Choreography.
- All lessons need to be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance and during business hours (hours subject to change).
- Classes, rehearsals, and practices will trump a private lesson, if one needs to be scheduled. You will not be responsible for paying for a canceled Private lesson by the studio.
PAYMENT
- Payments are due the DAY OF THE LESSON.
- A late fee of 1.75% will be assessed if this payment is not received by the day of the lesson.
- Payments can be made through your parent portal or by check or cash.
REOCCURRING LESSON PAYMENTS
- Reoccurring private lessons with an instructor payments will be invoiced and collected with Tuition Payments at the TOP of the round (prior to the lessons). Not applied to the next round.
- If a lesson is canceled during that round and not rescheduled in the time frame, you have the option to have the payment carry over to the next round or put towards your tuition payment. No refunds.
- A 2% late fee will apply to past due payments.
CANCELLATION
- If an instructor needs to reschedule or cancel the lesson, the Front Desk Manager, Studio Director or Instructor will contact you ASAP.
If the dancer needs to cancel, this needs to be done 24 hours in advance or more of the lesson or you will be charged a $30 cancellation fee.
- The balance of the private lesson cost paid for the missed/canceled, after cancellation fee, will be credited to your account (which can be used towards tuition or future private lessons), no refunds will be given.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- GSD classes, workshops, master classes, FMBallet rehearsals, FMBallet company classes all trump private lessons, coaching and choreography. In the case that one of these need to take place, the Front Desk Manager and/or Studio Director will help reschedule the lesson.
COSTS
These are the prices for the 2022-2023 Season
Private Lessons
$75 / hour
Includes full class warm-up, center work, across the floor, and combinations.
Coaching
$50 / Hour
Coaching sessions focus on a specific piece of choreographic work(s) the dancer is working on for performance or personal use
Choreography
$375.00
Development of choreography by an instructor. Includes edited music and a routine.
All dancers who have a private lesson, choreography session or coaching session must have this agreement signed prior to scheduling a lesson.
