We Dance Academies Rules & Policies
1. Intro
2. Attendance and Commitment
3. Missed Classes & Makeup Classes
4. Illness and Injuries
5. Rehearsals
6. Dance Etiquette
7. Punctuality
8. Appearance
9. Cleanliness
10. Dress Code
11. Manners
12. Use and Misuse of Facilities
13. Attention in Class
14. Where to Stand at the Barre
15. Role Models
16. Drinking Water During Class
17. Permission to Leave Class
18. Parent Rules
19. Class Placement
20. Schedule/Instructor Changes
Admissions, Tuition & Fees
21. Admissions Policy
22. Registration Fees
23. Participation in other Productions than MCBT
24. Dance Tuition
25. Annual Recital Participation
26. Adult Classes
27. Drop In Classes
28. Returned Payments
29. Discounts
30. Student Evaluations
31. Extracurricular Activities
32. Other School Rules
33. Inclement Weather
34. Changing Room Etiquette
35. Lost & Found
36. Food and Drink
37. Electronic Devices
38. WDA Electronic Devices
1. Intro
We Dance Academies offer classes and opportunities for students from ages three to adult. Our students are equally valued by our faculty, who have dedicated their lives to dance.
Our aim is:
-To provide the best training possible.
-To make the learning process fun and easy for the social dance students
-To prepare our academy dancers for the stage and competitions
-To develop skills of self-motivation, confidence, poise and respect.
We hope to create a work ethic that remains with our students throughout their lives and careers.
Our curriculum is divided into the Ballet Academy, Ballroom Academy , and Other Styles.
Parents and students should read all We Dance Academies rules and regulations! If any clarification is needed, please feel free to ask the Administrator and/or Artistic Director for more information. Proper understanding of dance etiquette and the school’s rules will lead to a more positive experience for all.
2. Attendance and Commitment
We are very proud of our unique tuition program that provides our students quality in training. However, please keep in mind that students are expected to attend all classes regularly. Dance is a disciplined art form that requires students to be completely committed. Consistency is one of the most important components in the progress and success of our students.
3. Missed Classes & Makeup Classes
There are no discounts for partial class participation. ALL missed classes must be made up within the same month of the absence or forfeit the class - they are not transferable from month to month. Each student has a total of 5 make up classes to use throughout the academic year for personal reasons. Any additional make-up classes require proper documentation, for illness, mandatory school commitments or injury only. Tuition is still expected to continue to hold your dancer’s spot, as the tuition rates are based on the fiscal school year. Holidays (unless specified otherwise by admin), family events, school commitments or missed tuition due to late enrollment in the month aren’t considered a valid reason to schedule a make-up class.
In order to schedule a makeup class, you must email the studio, provide necessary medical paperwork from your doctor or documentation from your school, and receive approval from the admin prior to attending, so to insure that there is room in the class you are wanting to attend. You may only take a makeup for the same class that you missed - if this is not possible, you may take the same style at a lower level. In the case of severe injury where medical documentation is required, WDA owners will discuss options with individuals privately.
4. Illness and Injuries
Dancers must report any illness/injury to the Artistic Directors BEFORE class or rehearsal begins. Dancers are not to phone during class or rehearsal to discuss absences or rehearsal schedules except in an extreme emergency. If a student is injured to such a degree that participation in class or rehearsal is not possible, then the student is expected and welcomed to observe class and/or rehearsal. It is the parent/student’s responsibility to notify the Artistic Director in advance of any injury or sickness that requires the student to stay home. Students should NOT attend class or rehearsal when sick to reduce the risk of making others ill.
5. Rehearsals
In preparation for performances, some regularly scheduled class time may be used for rehearsal.
No talking, whispering, texting or using cell phones during class or rehearsal. Cell phones are NOT allowed on the dance floor.
Mandatory Warm-Ups: it is very important for students to warm up their muscles properly to prevent potential injury. Students at the higher levels are required to attend all warm-up classes scheduled before rehearsals and performances. Failure to attend warm-up classes may hinder the student’s eligibility to be cast in performances and productions. For the safety of students, teacher reserves the right to ask the student to sit and observe the rehearsals only if they miss the required warm-up. If a student must absolutely miss a warm-up class, it is the responsibility of the student to inform the teacher in advance and to arrive as early as possible to properly warm up before being allowed to rehearse. Dancers who are cast in a production and later incur a short-term injury are required to come to the studio and observe all rehearsals.
Dancers are responsible for remembering their parts by reviewing them between rehearsals.
Tardiness is NOT ACCEPTABLE, nor is leaving early. “ON TIME” means dressed, with shoes and hair ready. Dancers must be warmed up. This generally means you should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to class/rehearsal.
Dancers must report any illness to an Artistic Directors BEFORE class or rehearsal begins. Dancers are not to phone during class or rehearsal to discuss absences or rehearsal schedules except in an extreme emergency.
Students must notify the school via email in the event they will be absent from a scheduled rehearsal. Students are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals. Missing more than 2 rehearsals will result in the student being removed from the production or performance.
Email is the primary form of communication at WDA. Dancers and their parents are responsible to ensure they are receiving and reading all emails and posts from the studio. It is the responsibility of the dancer or parent to provide a current email address and resolve any issues with their email provider to ensure delivery of WDA emails.
6. Dance Etiquette
Studio etiquette is very important. We expect our students to respect faculty, staff, their classmates, other students, and the art. All guests, students, and teachers are expected to be courteous, treat one another with respect, and respect others’ property. There will be no talking permitted at any time in class unless the teacher asks the student a question.
7. Punctuality
Be on time for every class. This means you should be at the studio 15 minutes early to change shoes and stretch allowing you to be in the classroom before the music begins. Arriving late is disruptive to the class energy, other students and the teacher. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be allowed to take the class and must observe.
8. Appearance
Girls must have their hair pulled back off the face and neck and firmly secured in a ballet bun. Jewelry is not allowed in class or in the studio. Necklaces, bracelets, and dangling earrings are distracting and not allowed in class, rehearsal or in the studio. Small earrings are allowed.
9. Cleanliness
Please make sure that your clothes and shoes are clean and prepared for class. Please take care of your personal hygiene. Use a non-perfume deodorant. Do not use strong perfumes or colognes. Expression of the hands is very important in dance. Please keep your hands clean, with no chipped fingernail polish. Show others you have respect for yourself by coming to class clean, neat, and ready to learn. Keep your dance shoes clean and nice.
10. Dress Code
We expect our students to wear proper class attire. Students are required to wear the designated uniform for their level and class to all classes and rehearsals. Your teacher must observe movement to make sure the dancer is working correctly. You will take your work seriously, feel more confident and dance better when you are properly dressed for class. Warm-up attire is used to warm up the dancer’s body. Unless a dancer is injured, use of warm-up attire during the class is not permitted since it prevents the teacher and the student to detect improper alignment. Wear appropriate street clothes and street shoes when arriving and leaving the studio. Never wear dance shoes outside on concrete or asphalt surfaces, as it will ruin dance shoes, and you will also bring in dirt from the outside to the dance studio. Remember, how you enter the studio says a lot about who you are as an individual and what you are there to do. Any student who is not following the dress code will not be permitted into class. Use of leotards and dance wear with school logos other than WDA are not permitted in any WDA classes.
11. Manners
Be polite. Rudeness to teachers, your classmates, accompanist and staff is absolutely unacceptable in ballet. Talking, yawning, whispering, or having private giggle sessions with your friends during class is unacceptable and will be cause for dismissal.
12. Use and Misuse of Facilities
Students are not allowed to run in the facilities. Students are encouraged to warm-up and stretch in the lobby before starting class. Students enrolled in Primary, Primary I and Primary II must wait in the lobby area for the WDA faculty to bring them to their classroom. It is imperative that all young students are reminded to use the bathroom before entering the class. All Primary students must be chaperoned in the bathroom, which poses a challenge during class. Students must throw all trash in the waste cans provided. Respect the WDA as you would your home.
13. Attention in Class
Dancers are in class to work and learn. Our students are expected to learn, understand and know the proper vocabulary to pick up steps quickly and correctly. Attention is important. Teachers may not show the combination more than once. It is your responsibility to be attentive and learn quickly. Always raise your hand and ask questions or ask for help if you are not sure of the work. Perform the combinations as they are given, and finish every combination no matter what. The discipline of ballet is to finish a combination to the best of your ability. Stomping your feet, making faces, making rude verbal noises or comments, or showing your frustration or other negative emotions is considered inappropriate.
14. Where to Stand at the Barre
If you are new in class and not sure where to stand, then ask your teacher to suggest a place for you. Find an empty place or ask your fellow classmates if there is room for you to stand next to them. When class moves to the center, the teacher may find a place for you in line. We work hard to rotate the lines when repeating combinations. If lines do not rotate, it means the teacher trusts you to be an example and a leader to others. Working hard to stand in the front of the class is considered an honor and usually is given to the best students. When moving across the floor or from the back to the front of the room, take your position in line and be ready to go. If you are not intending to go, make it clear to others by getting out of the way. Students are not allowed to sit during the class. Mirrors may not be touched for any reason. Students are not allowed to hang on the barres for any reason.
15. Role Models
We expect our students who have studied at WDA more than one year to help new students and be role models.
16. Drinking Water During Class
It is a good idea to drink water before and after class. It is inappropriate to drink water while a teacher is giving a combination.
17. Permission to Leave Class
Dancers should always ask permission to leave the studio while class is in progress. Always let the teacher know if you are ill, not feeling well or have hurt yourself. Do not disappear from class without first notifying your teacher. If you must leave class early, please let your teacher know before class starts; and then when it is time to leave, do so quietly. Catch the teacher’s attention at the end of a combination, wave thank you or curtsy and silently leave. This will cause less distraction and not disrupt the flow of class when you leave.
18. Parent Rules
Parents not following studio etiquette and behavior rules will be asked to leave the studio.
Parents who bring siblings of dancers to the studio must control their child/children at all times. If a sibling is being disruptive and/or not under parent supervision, the parent and sibling will be asked to leave.
A parent or guardian must accompany all students under the age of 11 into and out of the WDA facilities. Students are not permitted to wait for rides outside of the WDA facilities: WDA is not responsible for the monitoring arrival and departure of students. WDA staff will not supervise children after the end of the class; parents must pick up their children on time. Late fees will be assessed for late pick-ups; $5 for the first 10 – 15 minutes after the class ends and $1 per minute there after.
Students achieve the most success when parents do not observe each class. It is important for the student to develop a sense of independence and build a relationship with the teacher. Parents may only observe class or rehearsals on observance days scheduled by the WDA staff. Under no circumstances may a parent communicate with his/her dancer, enter the studio or disrupt in any way, when a class is in session.
Parents are expected to follow the same behavior code as their dancer.
19. Class Placement
Every effort is made to place each student in the appropriate class. Class placement is at the sole discretion of the Artistic Director. Students are initially placed in Creative Movement, Primary I or Primary II Ballet & Petite Ballroom based on age. Placement for new students in upper levels will be based on age, evaluation and previous experience. At the end of the school year, continuing students will be evaluated and designated their class level for the coming school year. To advance to the next level, the student must demonstrate technical and artistic development, as well as good attendance and hard work during all calendar year. It is not unusual for a student to stay in one level for more than one year. We recognize that every student progresses at a different pace and often times a student needs more time for growth and development. We must make sure that a student is both physically and mentally ready to advance before they are moved up to the next level. It is essential that the body is in proper alignment and the muscles strong enough before more advanced exercises are undertaken. Advancing before a dancer is ready leads to injury, which we strive to protect our dancers from. At any time during the school year, the Artistic Director reserves the right and responsibility to place a student in his/her appropriate level.
20. Schedule/Instructor Changes
WDA staff has the right to change the school schedule and/or instructors as necessary due to instructor illness or other reasons the owners deem necessary. This will only done when absolutely necessary. If the schedule must be altered, every attempt will be made to offer an alternate class and/ or teacher at the regularly scheduled time
Admissions, Tuition & Fees
21. Admissions Policy
WDA's classes are open to all student applicants who desire to dedicate themselves to train in classical ballet, ballroom and other dance forms. WDA is an equal opportunity school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, national origin or sexual orientation. Students are accepted with or without previous training. WDA practices an open enrollment policy. Through a process of audition, acceptance and placement, we accept new students during all calendar year. We do not require previous dance training or experience to enroll. Students are placed by our instructors in the appropriate class based on ability.
22. Registration Fees
The registration fee for all students beginning a new season is $50 for individual students or $95 for a family. The registration fee is due upon enrollment. If a student ceases participation in classes for longer than three months, upon return to classes at WDA, a re-enrollment fee of $50 will be assessed to the account. Registration and re-enrollment fees are not refundable or transferable. If tuition falls behind 30 days and there has been no attempt to make a payment, We Dance Academies will automatically apply AutoPay to the account on file. There will be a late fee automatically added of $25.00 per month to the debit or charge on the account.
23. Participation in other Productions than WDA
All WDA students should not attend any other dance school, dance program, and/or dance activity outside of WDA, since this creates conflict with our educational methodology, philosophy, and style, and consequently creates confusion in the student’s training. In case of participation in any production/workshop/class/workshop without the permission of the Artistic Director, your tuition will be canceled without a refund and your WDA registration will be annulated with the written notice by e-mail.
24. Dance Tuition
WDA operates using dance tuition. Tuition is based on the entire academic year of September - May. The Yearly rate is divided into monthly payments due on the 1-5th of every month. All payments are equal regardless of the number of lessons or weeks any given month may have including December. Although you may adjust your classes as needed, we highly encourage students to keep to the same number of classes that they originally signed up for. If a change of tuition plan is absolutely necessary, permission of the the Artistic Director and Admin shall be requested, and we will discuss the matter with individuals privately. Tuition is non-refundable per the terms of registration.
WDA offers 3 payment options. Option 1: Enroll in AutoPay. Tuition will be automatically debited through AutoPay by the first day of each month (not including September). Option 2. Pay over the Parent Portal online by the 1st of each month.
All payments must be made by the 1st of every month no later than the 5th of every month to avoid a $25.00 late fee that is automatically applied to your account. The monthly payment plan is for your convenience only. If your child has an illness or injury and cannot attend class temporarily, tuition is still expected to continue to hold your dancers spot as the tuition rates are based on the fiscal school year. If you are enrolled in the monthly payment plan, you must give notice by the 20th of the month in order to discontinue lessons so that you will not be charged for upcoming months. If an account is not current the student will not be permitted to attend class, participate in rehearsals or performances. No reimbursements will be made for missed classes.
25. Annual Recital Participation
There are many benefits of participation in the Annual Showcase. It is a fun experience that creates lifetime memories and boosts self-confidence. It gives dancers stage experience. Preparing for a show is a way for dancers to work on memorization skills, rhythm, technique, teamwork, and much more. Athletes have games, Dancers have performances. This is what we practice for all year long! Family and friends get to see what their dancers have learned in dance class.
To register for the Annual Showcase we will need to receive your registration payment, photo session fees, costume fees and measurements by December 1st of each season. Costumes must be ordered early as it takes time to receive them from the manufacturer. Please pay attention on the deadlines and register on time for performance and all extra services to avoid extra fees.
If the student participates in more than one class, a costume must be ordered for each class: ballroom, contemporary/jazz, ballet.
If an adult size is required for lower level students, it will be an additional $5.
The following measurements needed are: Bust - around the fullest part of the chest; Waist - around the narrowest part of the upper body; Hips - around the fullest part of the lower body; Girth - from the center of one shoulder, down the front through crotch, and back to starting point.
There will be a Mandatory General Rehearsal prior to the Recital, date and time TBA.
Costume fittings will take place during regularly scheduled class time.
*** Is your dancer in need of extra practice? You can schedule a private lesson with your instructor by contacting the studio or scheduling through your Portal.
26. Adult Classes
Adult dance cards are good for 60 days or 90 days from the date of purchase. Once a dance card is purchased, fees are non-refundable and each dance card may only be used for the style of dance assigned to it. It is the sole responsibility of student to use dance card classes before the dance card expires. Unused classes will not be refunded for any reason. Class cards are not transferable from one student to another.
Adult classes are scheduled with adult dancers in mind; however, we do allow Level 3 academy dancers and drop in students to attend adult classes. Attending Level 3 students may purchase a separate from tuition adult punch card to attend Adult Classes or pay a drop-in class fee. Please keep in mind that adult classes must have at least 1 adult, or 3 Level 3 academy dancers/ drop in students or the class will be cancelled.
27. Drop In Classes
Any student may take drop in classes for $25 ($20 for Adult drop in classes or $30 for Level 2 drop in classes). However all students will be required to officially register as an WDA member and pay the $35 registration fee after one drop in class. All first classes are free trials.
28. Returned Payments
Checks returned for insufficient funds will incur a $25. Credit card declined transactions will incur a $35. Advanced payment by cash will be required if a student ‘s account has had two or more returned checks.
29. Discounts
Families with 2 or more students enrolled at WDA are eligible for a discount on the second and all additional siblings. A 5% discount is applied to the 2nd sibling and 10% discount is applied to 3rd, 4th, ect. siblings. Discounts are always applied to the lowest tuitions. Single “drop in” classes, master classes, special sessions, and summer programs are not eligible for the sibling discount or male student discount. Adult family members taking classes at WDA are not eligible for sibling or male student discounts.
30. Student Evaluations
Parents may request a time to meet with their child’s teacher to discuss how the child has progressed throughout the year. Upon notice via email, WDA will organize the meeting for the entire faculty with notes from class to discuss students progress and recommendations for class placement.
31. Extracurricular Activities
Ballet/ Ballroom is an art. We do not treat the training, discipline and hard work as an activity. While we recognize the need for our dancers to pursue school activities, we will support short-term endeavors when possible. Activities such as cheerleading, dance team, or school sports can and will cause injuries, and will affect the dancer’s regular class work and rehearsals. Any dancer who chooses to participate in a school activity must meet the class requirement and rehearsal schedule to be eligible to perform as a member of any production or performing opportunity. We reserve the right to not cast any student who is participating in such activities as it delays and disrupts the rehearsal schedule for all dancers involved in any given production. All students must meet their regularly scheduled class and rehearsals on a continual basis.
32. Other School Rules
Students and waiting parents are expected to keep the noise level to a minimum in the lobby, dressing area, and hallways out of respect for those working nearby.
Continued tardiness for classes will result in dismissal from the school; students will be released from the casting for performances for habitual lateness or missing rehearsals.
We Dance Academies are not responsible or liable in any way for injuries sustained during attendance at the dance school or any of its related functions.
Students are not allowed to use cell phones in the classrooms. Cell phones must be turned off before entering class. Students are not allowed to take photographs with cell phones in the facility (including during class or in the dressing rooms) without permission.
Animals in WDA, other than service animals, are not permitted.
No one may smoke, chew gum during the class or use bad language, alcohol or drugs in or near the dance studio.
Fireworks, explosives, burning candles and highly flammable materials are prohibited. The use or possession of weapons is not permitted.
All public displays of affection are inappropriate and not permitted.
Students are expected to have respect for the property of the school and other students. An individual found guilty of stealing will be immediately dismissed from the school.
Any student or parent who verbally or physically abuses anyone, verbally defies any faculty or staff member, commits any unlawful action, or commits any other action deemed by WDA to be grossly inappropriate will be dismissed from the school immediately. A person dismissed from school due to misconduct will not be entitled to any refund.
In keeping with the honor system, students who witness infractions of rules must report them immediately to the appropriate staff person. Those who do not may be subject to disciplinary action.
33. Inclement Weather
We Dance Academies follows the school closure policy of the public and private schools when threatening weather conditions occur. Students and/or parents should call the office to confirm if necessary. The office will send emails or text messages when a cancellation must take place. If you have not received notice that a class has been cancelled but the weather is severe in your area, we do not expect any parent or student to travel under dangerous circumstances. In these situations, safety is paramount, and the tardiness policy is not an issue.
34. Changing Room Etiquette
We ask that all students use the changing area for changing only. Please do not loiter within or in front of the changing area as there is limited space and we want all students to have quick and easy access to it. Out of courtesy to your fellow students, please keep your items organized and stowed away. Students are expected to pick up after themselves. If you choose to use a locker, please make sure to empty it prior to leaving the studio each day. All items left in the changing rooms will be placed in Lost & Found. Please see below for our Lost & Found policy. Any misbehavior in the changing rooms will not be tolerated. If you wish to store your dance shoes or mat in the changing area, please ask for permission and placement from our staff. Do not leave expensive items in the changing area, as WDA will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items.
35. Lost & Found
WDA will keep a lost and found container. If you are missing something, please check there first. All lost and found items will be removed and donated at the end of each week. Please feel free to ask any one of the staff if you need assistance finding something since we are here most of the time. If we find an item of greater value (i.e. an iPod, wallet, cash, etc.) we will keep it locked up in the office. The weekly time frame applies to those items as well.
36. Food and Drink
Food and drink are not allowed in the dance areas or dressing areas under any circumstances. Dancers are permitted to snack in the lobby, and all students are expected to pick up after themselves. We recommend having a small snack 30 minutes prior to each class or lesson. A water bottle is also recommended and can be filled at the water cooler at WDA. It is also possible to purchase beverages at the front desk.
37. Electronic Devices
We ask that cell phones are put in silent mode upon entering the classroom. No devices capable of taking photos or videos are permitted in the changing rooms.
38. WDA Electronic Devices
All electronics belonging to WDA (computers, phones, monitors, TVs, etc.) are off-limits to students. Please do not use them without the express permission and supervision of the WDA staff.