BEYOND THE BARRE DANCE ACADEMY
2026–2027 RULES & REGULATIONS
Effective Dates: September 2026 – August 2027
Location: Beyond the Barre Dance Academy LLC, 359 Putnam Pike, Suite 102, Smithfield, RI 02917
All rules are strictly enforced. Enrollment in any Beyond the Barre Dance Academy (“BTB”) program constitutes acceptance of the following terms and conditions. Parents/guardians are responsible for reviewing these policies with their child(ren).
Definitions: Throughout this document, "BTB" refers to Beyond the Barre Dance Academy LLC, including its owners, directors, instructors, employees, volunteers, contractors, and representatives.
1. TUITION & PAYMENTS
1.1 Due Dates – Monthly tuition is due during the first week of each month.
1.2 Non-Refundable – All tuition is non-refundable once paid and will not be prorated, credited, transferred, or refunded for absences, illness, injury, withdrawal, holidays, inclement weather, studio closures beyond BTB's control, or any other reason.
1.3 Season Structure – Tuition is based on a 10-month instructional season with all scheduled holidays and vacations accounted for.
1.4 Registration Fees – A non-refundable annual registration fee of $30 per student or $40 per family is due at the time of registration to reserve class placement. If an additional family member registers at a later date, the $10 balance is due with the first month’s tuition.
1.5 Family Discount – A $10 monthly discount applies to families with two or more active dancers.
1.6 Payment Methods – BTB accepts cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Payments may also be made online through the Parent Portal or via Auto-Pay.
1.7 Auto-Pay – NEW THIS SEASON: All families are required to enroll in Auto-Pay and maintain a valid payment method on file for the duration of enrollment. Auto-Pay transactions will be processed on the 1st of each month and will include monthly tuition and any other outstanding charges on the account, including but not limited to costume fees, competition fees, recital fees, and other applicable charges.
1.8 Late & Returned Payment Fees – Tuition not received by the 15th of the month is subject to a $20 late fee. Accounts over one month past due may result in immediate withdrawal from classes. Returned checks incur a $25 fee, payable in cash along with the original tuition amount.
1.9 Finality of All Payments – All payments made to BTB, including but not limited to tuition, registration fees, costume fees, recital fees, competition fees, merchandise, tickets, private lessons, camps, and special events, are final and non-refundable unless otherwise required by law.
1.10 Tuition and fees are subject to periodic adjustment at the discretion of BTB.
1.11 Outstanding Balances – All outstanding balances remain the responsibility of the parent/guardian regardless of attendance, withdrawal, suspension, dismissal, or completion of the season. Accounts must remain in good standing for dancers to participate in performances, competitions, receive costumes, purchase recital tickets (where applicable), or register for future programs. Families with outstanding balances will not be permitted to register for future classes, camps, intensives, or other BTB programs until the account is paid in full.
1.12 Collections – BTB reserves the right to pursue collection of unpaid balances through reasonable collection efforts or legal remedies permitted by law. The parent/guardian agrees to be responsible for any reasonable collection costs, court costs, and attorney's fees incurred by BTB in collecting overdue amounts, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Failure to attend classes does not constitute withdrawal from the program and does not release the parent/guardian from financial obligations.
2. LIABILITY & INSURANCE
2.1 Medical Insurance Requirement – BTB does not provide medical insurance for students. All participants are required to maintain their own family health insurance coverage.
2.2 Assumption of Risk – Participation in dance, acrobatics, tumbling, fitness activities, competitions, performances, travel, and related activities involves inherent and unavoidable risks, including but not limited to falls, collisions, equipment failure, physical exertion, sprains, fractures, concussions, permanent disability, illness, and death. Participants voluntarily assume all known and unknown risks associated with participation.
2.3 Waiver of Liability – To the fullest extent permitted by law, the undersigned releases, waives, and forever discharges BTB, its owners, directors, employees, instructors, contractors, volunteers, and affiliates from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, damages, or causes of action arising from participation in BTB activities, except where prohibited by applicable law.
2.4 Supervision & Premises – BTB is not responsible for students before or after scheduled class times unless specifically under staff supervision. The use of the Dancer Den is strictly for dancers age 10+ and dancers must clean up after themselves. Parents/guardians remain responsible for supervising minor children except during their scheduled class time.
2.5 Personal Property – BTB assumes no responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged property regardless of cause.. Items left more than seven (7) days will be discarded.
3. MEDICAL EMERGENCY
3.1 In the event of illness or injury requiring emergency medical treatment, BTB staff may obtain emergency medical care for the participant if the parent/guardian cannot be reached. The parent/guardian accepts full responsibility for any resulting medical expenses.
4. MEDIA RELEASE
4.1 Consent – By enrolling, parents/guardians grant BTB the right to photograph and/or record students for use in advertising, marketing, and social media (including but not limited to BTB’s website, Facebook, and Instagram) without further consent or compensation.
4.2 Ownership – All such media remain the property of BTB. Parents/guardians waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product and acknowledge that no compensation will be provided.
5. CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE
5.1 Footwear – No street shoes in studios. Hip hop requires clean, white sole sneakers; tap shoes are to only be worn in Studio 1.
5.2 Bathroom Breaks – Students are encouraged to use the restroom before class to minimize disruptions. During weekday morning classes, BTB does not have additional staff available to provide restroom assistance. Children who are not yet able to use the restroom independently must have a parent or guardian remain on-site and available to assist if needed. BTB staff may supervise children entering and exiting the restroom and provide verbal guidance when appropriate but will not provide personal toileting assistance.
5.3 Food & Drink – Only water in a sealed, labeled container is permitted in studios. No food, gum, or candy.
5.4 Changing Areas – Changing is permitted only in designated bathrooms and changing room
5.5 Prohibited Behaviors – Running, touching mirrors, hanging on barres, or damaging property is prohibited. Students who create an unsafe environment may be removed from class immediately at the instructor's discretion.
5.6 Electronics – Cell phones are not permitted in class unless prior authorization is given for emergency purposes.
5.7 Observation – Parents/guardians are not permitted inside studios during class unless invited by the instructor for instructional purposes.
5.8 Illness Policy – Students with fever or contagious symptoms must remain home. Students who are unable to physically participate but are well enough to attend must observe the class.
6. PERFORMANCES
6.1 Participation – Performance participation is considered part of the educational curriculum. Students who choose not to participate may not be eligible to remain enrolled in that class or may be reassigned at the Director's discretion.
6.2 Rehearsals – Attendance at all designated rehearsals is mandatory for participation in performances.
6.3 Costs – Costume fees and ticket sales are non-refundable.
6.4 Dress Rehearsals – Only one parent/guardian per dancer may attend dress rehearsals.
7. GENERAL POLICIES
7.1 Withdrawal – Withdrawal from classes must be submitted in writing to BTB. Enrollment and billing will continue until written notice is received. Withdrawal from classes does not waive or eliminate any outstanding financial obligations. All tuition, fees, costume balances, competition fees, recital fees, merchandise charges, and any other amounts incurred prior to the effective withdrawal date remain immediately due and payable.
7.2 Schedule Changes – BTB reserves the right to modify schedules or cancel classes at the Director’s discretion at any point during the season.
7.3 Dress Code – Students must adhere to BTB’s posted dress code. Improper attire may result in being asked to observe class.
7.4 Attendance – Consistent attendance is required. Excessive absences may result in reassignment of choreography, removal from routines, or exclusion from performances without refund. Students arriving more than 15 minutes late may not participate that day.
7.5 Weather Closures – Weather-related closures will be posted on BTB’s social media and sent via text/email. BTB is not obligated to provide make-up classes or tuition credits for closures beyond its reasonable control.
7.6 Vacations – BTB generally follows the Smithfield Public School vacation schedule but may schedule mandatory rehearsals during breaks if necessary.
7.7 Class Placement – Placement decisions are made solely by BTB staff based on age, skill, maturity, and progression.
7.8 Smoking – Smoking is prohibited within 50 feet of any studio entrance.
8. CODE OF CONDUCT
8.1 Behavior Expectations – Students must show respect toward instructors, staff, peers, and property at all times. Disruptive, disrespectful, or unsafe behavior may result in dismissal without refund.
8.2 Pick-Up & Drop-Off – Students must be picked up promptly in the front lobby. No student may leave the facility without a parent/guardian or written consent.
8.3 Social Media – Harassment, bullying, threats, or defamatory statements directed toward BTB, its staff, students, or families, whether in person or online, may result in dismissal from the program.
8.4 Recording Policy – Recording of classes or choreography is prohibited without instructor approval. Approved recordings may not be posted publicly or on social media platforms. Choreography remains the intellectual property of BTB and/or its instructors and may not be reproduced, taught, distributed, or publicly performed without written permission.
8.5 Parental Conduct – BTB reserves the right to dismiss or suspend any student or family whose behavior or conduct is deemed disruptive, abusive, threatening, unsafe, or otherwise detrimental to the safety, reputation, operation, or positive environment of the studio. Such dismissal or suspension may occur at the sole discretion of BTB and shall not entitle the family to any refund, credit, or cancellation of financial obligations. All tuition, fees, and any outstanding balances remain due and payable in accordance with this Agreement, regardless of dismissal or withdrawal.
9. ASSUMPTION OF RISK & RELEASE
By participating in BTB programs, the undersigned acknowledges and accepts the risks inherent in dance instruction, rehearsals, performances, and related activities, including but not limited to physical injury, illness, and property damage. By signing below, the undersigned acknowledges that they have carefully read and understand this Agreement, voluntarily accept all risks associated with participation, and agree to release, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless BTB, its owners, directors, instructors, employees, contractors, volunteers, landlords, and affiliates from any claims, liabilities, damages, costs, attorney's fees, or expenses arising from participation in BTB activities, except where prohibited by law.
10. RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE
10.1 BTB reserves the right to refuse enrollment or discontinue services to any student or family whose behavior, conduct, or account status is determined to be disruptive, unsafe, abusive, or otherwise inconsistent with the studio's policies, values, or best interests. Such dismissal may occur without refund.
11. FORCE MAJEURE
11.1 BTB shall not be liable for delays, interruptions, cancellations, or inability to provide services resulting from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, severe weather, fire, flood, public health emergencies, government orders, utility failures, labor disputes, or other unforeseen events. No refunds or credits shall be issued in such circumstances.
12 GOVERNING LAW
12.1 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Rhode Island. Any legal action arising from participation at BTB shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located within Rhode Island.