`

I understand that my dancer’s success in dance class includes consistent, regular class attendance in order to provide for:
• Continuous, uninterrupted exposure to class material,
• Consistent stretching, strength building, and flexibility training,
• Ongoing technique training and application,
• Dedicated efforts to improve musicality and rhythm,
• Regular accessibility to live choreography instruction,
• Consistent practice and adequate preparation time for performances,
• Stable, regular connection to and engagement with classmates,
• And steady involvement in studio culture and supporting activities.
________________________________________
Students with excessive unexcused absences over the course of the season will not be allowed to participate in any final performance, according to the following guidelines:
Unexcused student absences should not exceed:

30-Minute Classes:
Before Jan 1st: 3
After Jan 1st: 3
Total: 6

45-Minute Classes:
Before Jan 1st: 3
After Jan 1st: 3
Total: 6

1-Hour Classes:
Before Jan 1st: 3
After Jan 1st: 3
Total: 6

Elective Classes:
Before Jan 1st: 3
After Jan 1st: 3
Total: 6

“Absence” means that a dancer is physically not in the classroom. Those who have the necessity to attend class in person but with limited participation or may only be able to watch are counted as present.

Virtual class participation is not an option this season. Center Stage Dance may only offer a virtual class option should federal or state law prohibit in-person participation in the studio.

Attendance will be taken by the instructor or Studio Assistant in each class, and records will be kept in the studio management system.

Attendance records are part of the student profile and are accessible to parents via the Parent Portal.


Excused absences include:
Absence due to illness treated by a healthcare practitioner with note showing date(s) of treatment and “ok to return” date(s)

Absence due to mental health-related issues treated by a healthcare practitioner with note showing date(s) of treatment and “ok to return” date(s)

Absence due to school function when attendance is required for a grade or that factors into grade point average with a note signed by the teacher or via email from the teacher to the studio

Absence due to a death in the family

Absence when a CSD staff member sends a child home from class due to illness or injury

Unexcused absences include but are not limited to:

Absence due to participation in any activity including but not limited to sports, gymnastics, choir, band, color guard, theater, instrument/voice lessons, horseback riding, or any other academic/non-academic activity deemed “extracurricular”

Absence for more than two (2) weeks due to injury not sustained in dance class (See “Student Injury Guidelines” in this policy.)

Absence due to travel including but not limited to vacations, family trips, school trips, church trips, or civic-group travel

Absence due to minor illness/injury/issues including but not limited to headaches, menstrual cycle or cramps, skinned knees, a hurt toe, stress, sunburn, tired, or other minor concerns

Any other event or issue that precludes a dancer from being physically present in class

Dancers who exceed his/her absence limit will forfeit performance participation and be removed from show plans, routines, and line-ups but may elect to continue to take class and receive quality instruction.

Dancers who exceed his/her absence limit may elect to withdraw from class according to withdrawal policies and discontinue participation.

Tuition and fees are not refundable or pro-rated in the event of student absence or if a student exceeds the absence limit and elects to drop the program. No make-up classes, extra class time, or private lessons with an instructor or assistant are offered to dancers who miss class.

As a courtesy, dancers are asked to notify the studio in advance (if possible) that they will be absent from class.

It is the mission of Center Stage Dance to provide dance instruction within a structured, disciplined framework while fostering the joy of dance in our dancers. We wish to inspire, motivate, energize, and empower each student to develop a work ethic necessary for reaching personal goals, building confidence, and being successful in life.

We maintain a friendly, inspiring, drama-free, professional, non-competitive environment at all times. Parents and students may discuss displeasure or disagreement with studio policies, events, persons, choreography, costumes, line-ups, pricing, or teaching methods with an Instructor, Office Administrator, or Studio Director at an appropriate time, in an appropriate setting, and in a professional manner.

Parents who fail to do so and otherwise visibly or vocally complain to others while on the premises will be asked to leave. Parents who complain about the same on social media or who are reported to excessively speak negatively of the studio and/or its students outside the studio will be asked to leave.

Any attendee of a Center Stage Dance performance or event who violates policies concerning participation, who engages in conduct which violate Center Stage Dance ethics and standards, or who threatens the order and dignity of proceedings will be asked to leave the venue.

Children with ongoing disciplinary problems may be dropped from class. We will not tolerate drama of any kind and encourage all to find the studio that is right for their family if it happens to not be Center Stage Dance.

I have read the Registration Confirmation document/notification sent to me carefully and completely, and I have been informed of all costs, schedules, requirements for participation, and expectations for my dancer for the coming season. Throughout the season, I understand that the studio sends important communications via e-mail and text message. I understand that the studio employs other modes of communication, which are always readily available to me, including:

• Information posted on studio walls,
• Information displayed on the studio’s scrolling lobby monitor,
• Information posted on the studio’s various social media sites,
• Information posted on studio apps,
• Information printed and available via hardcopy at the front desk,
• Information shared with older dancers verbally in class,
• Information shared with parents verbally in the lobby,
• And information posted via a calendar accessible online and in the studio.

I will read all studio correspondence, stay informed, and remain aware of deadlines by utilizing at least 2-3 methods of communication employed by the studio to do so.

I will keep my name, mailing address, phone number(s), and e-mail address current via the online Parent Portal.

I understand that some email hosts may have difficulty sending/receiving emails to/from Center Stage Dance, and that it is my responsibility to maintain an email address that can send/receive emails to/from Center Stage Dance in order to keep this line of communication open.

I will be responsible for any costs incurred by the studio resulting from my failure to update my personal information timely.

All dancers are required to wear leotards, tights, and sanctioned dance shoes to every class (both in-person and virtual classes). Leotards must be black with the exception of Movers classes which must be pink or purple. Tights may be black, white, ballet pink, or suntan. No tutus are allowed in class. All dancers are required to wear tights that can cover the feet while wearing dance shoes (i.e. footed tights or convertible tights). Soft ballet skirts are allowed for students in 1-hour classes and above (check with the studio for your class level). Leotards and tights are available for purchase at the studio, but may be purchased anywhere. Dance shoes MUST be purchased from the studio. Hair must be worn up and out of the face at all times. NO JEWELRY may be worn in dance class (except small stud earrings). NO PANTIES should be worn under tights and leotards, except for toddlers who are potty training. Boys will be instructed on proper attire and shoes for dance class. Elective classes may have different guidelines for dress and should be noted upon registration for those classes. "Substitute" leotards or tights (i.e. that extra pink leotard you have or those hot pink tights) may not be worn to class in place of the required leo/tights if items are lost or being laundered. Please be prepared for class or purchase the needed items at the front desk before class starts.
Students who participate via live-streaming virtual classes must adhere to this dress code policy. Exceptions or amendments to this policy will be made on an as-needed basis to ensure optimum participation. Exceptions and amendments will be communicated clearly and timely to dance families via email and text message, as well as posted on the Parent Facebook Group page.

Students who are out of dress code may be given a reminder postcard at the end of class. Receipt of a postcard should be interpreted as a gentle reminder to return to the next class properly attired and in keeping with the studio dress code. Frequent violations of dress code could result in a student being dropped from the program. Parents are encouraged to speak with the studio about any dress code concerns or special needs.

The good health and well-being of every dancer, dance family, and staff member is of supreme importance. We cannot dance together if our bodies are not healthy and our environment is not safe. Center Stage Dance has always made every effort to provide a clean, comfortable facility.

At the time of registration, a signed agreement with all policies and procedures, particularly those related to health and safety, are required for participation. Protocols may be modified or discontinued at any time. Communications will be posted in the studio and sent via all usual methods that detail changes in protocols.

SANITATION
To help minimize exposure to communicable illness, our studio is professionally cleaned by a janitorial service whose staff is particularly attentive to our needs. With children and families in mind, our cleaning crew uses nontoxic, hospital-grade products that disinfect and sanitize the air we breathe and the surfaces we touch. Our teachers and administrative team also work to further maintain the cleanliness of the studio by following a defined cleaning protocol before, between, and after classes.

ENTRY PROTOCOL
By entering our facility, staff, contractors, students, family members, and guests attest that they have no symptoms of a communicable illness (including COVID, seasonal flu, the common cold, strep, stomach virus, and other illnesses which can be contagious) and that they have no immediate household family members with symptoms of a communicable illness.

Those who enter the studio deemed to have symptoms of a communicable illness will be asked leave and return when they are well. Testing that confirms wellness may be required.
Time in the classroom may be adjusted to accommodate entry/exit procedures to help minimize the spread of communicable illness. Entry protocols may be modified without notice.

LIMITED CAPACITY
No more than two (2) guests per dancer may enter the studio and wait in the lobby. This includes siblings, parents, friends, and other family members.

The kitchen area, staff bathroom, and upstairs office area are off limits to students, families, and studio assistants.
Capacity limits may be modified at any time without notice. The studio may limit the number of people inside the building to only essential staff and students as necessary to minimize the spread of communicable illness. Dance floor space may be limited to a specific number of students. Dressing rooms may be closed, and the water fountain may be inaccessible.

PERSONAL HYGIENE
All staff members, contractors, students, and family members will be required to wash hands and use hand sanitizer upon entry and periodically while in the building. Center Stage Dance encourages the use of tissue, coughing into one’s elbow, and customary wellness practices.

Center Stage Dance will provide tissue, hand soap, and hand sanitizer. Students may use their own products. Those who use tissue, hand soap, and sanitizer provided by Center Stage Dance accept the risks associated with the use of such products and will hold the studio harmless.

DANCER REQUIREMENTS
Center Stage Dance will require the following from dancers of all ages:
• Only necessary items should be brought into the studio (i.e. dance shoes, water bottle, hand sanitizer, tissue, towel, etc.). No soccer gear, personal clothing for the sleepover later, or other extra items should come into the studio, for instance.
• Water bottles must contain clear liquids only and have a lid that closes tightly which can be easily opened and closed by a child.
• The dancer’s name should be CLEARLY MARKED on all items. A bag tag MUST be attached to the outside of all dance bags so the student’s name can be easily found.
• In the event of limited capacity protocols whereby only dancers may enter the building, dancers MUST be able to go to the bathroom independently, without help undressing, dressing, doing the paperwork, and washing hands. Specific accommodation will be made and communicated for three year old dancers.
• Dancers may only bring in food if they have not eaten a substantive meal that day, will be at the studio for more than two (2) hours and may miss a meal, or have health concerns that require frequent meals (i.e. blood sugar issues). Food may only be consumed at the counter in the Student Lobby, and social distancing should be observed. The kitchen, including use of the microwave, coffee pot, and refrigerator, is limited to use only by administrative staff and teachers.
• Items left behind in the studio will be posted on the Parent Facebook Group page for identification and claim, then kept one (1) week. After one week, items will be discarded or donated.
• Students will be required to enter/exit the studio, wait for class, and store items in an organized way prescribed by Center Stage Dance that encourages wellness and minimizes exposure to illness. All requirements MUST be followed. Students who do not follow the rules will be counseled, the issue will be discussed with parents, and he/she may be ultimately asked to leave the studio after repeated failure to follow the rules.

VIRTUAL CLASSES
Center Stage Dance will not offer a virtual class option this season. However, the studio reserves the right to conduct classes virtually exclusively or in combination with in-person classes in the event of a government/community shutdown, quarantine, or other unforeseen circumstances.

I understand that classes may include, without limitation, physical exertion, stretching, barre work, across-the-floor work, dance combinations and routines, dancing with props, tumbling, partner work and stunts, stage performance, and other related activities. I understand that all these activities could be strenuous and involve some risk of strain or bodily injury. I understand that my student(s) must comply with studio and classroom rules and that failure to do so could result in injury. I understand that I am assuming liability for the injury or risk that the enrollee sustains as a result of participation in class, participation in stage performance, or while on the premises of Center Stage Dance.

I understand that, simply by leaving my home and entering public places, including but not limited to the dance studio, my dancer may be exposed to communicable illness. I assume this risk and will not hold Center Stage Dance liable for the exposure to, contraction of, or treatment of any communicable illness resulting from participation at the studio or participation offsite at any studio-related event.

I understand that in the event my dancer participates from home in virtual live-streaming classes, I must ensure he/she has adequate space, proper attire, sufficient flooring, and appropriate supervision to ensure safe participation. I understand that I am assuming liability for the risk or injury that the enrollee sustains as result of participation from an offsite location in virtual classes.

Center Stage Dance is not responsible for personal property left on its premises or at performance venues. Enrollees will compensate the studio to replace props, studio equipment, set pieces, and other studio property lost, broken, or stolen as a result of horseplay, negligence, or general misconduct of the participant.

I understand that Center Stage Dance requires that all families pay via the Auto Pay method. I agree to keep a current debit/credit card on file at all times for the purpose of Auto Pay each month for tuition and fees. I understand that on the first Friday of every month, which shall be referred to in this policy as "the charge date", I am authorizing Center Stage Dance to charge the card on file for monthly tuition and any outstanding balance due.

I understand that while Auto Pay is required, I am NOT signing a contract for participation in the dance program and will be charged on a month-to-month basis. Tuition and fees are nonrefundable.

To discontinue participation and service, the studio requires a thirty- (30) day notice of withdrawal in writing via letter or email. At the end of the thirty-day period, which begins on the date of receipt of the withdrawal notice, the student account will be deemed “inactive”, the student will be withdrawn from all classes, and access to all social media afforded to registered dance families will be removed.

In the absence of a thirty (30) day written notice of withdrawal, a student will be deemed “inactive” after not having come to class four (4) consecutive weeks without communication. The account will be charged the current month’s tuition (if not already paid) and the following month’s tuition. Collections efforts will begin (including legal remedy to collect) after sixty (60) days of nonpayment.

I understand that I may still choose to make a manual payment on my account in the studio or online anytime (either partial payment or total balance payment). The Auto Pay system will charge my card for any outstanding balance on my account at the time of billing. There will be no charge to my card on the charge date if my account balance is at $0.00 due to my having made any manual payments prior to the charge date.

I have the option of adding the cost of merchandise (i.e. leotards, tights, dance shoes, etc.) or other items (i.e. tickets, photos, etc.) that I purchase to my online account for the sake of convenience. Any charge I authorize to my account can be collected via the Auto Pay method at the next charge date.

Center Stage Dance will add a $30.00 late fee to accounts if a card is declined or a valid card is not present for billing on the charge date for any reason (including fraud, loss of card, theft, or bank cancellation). There is no grace period or exception. Cardholders will be notified immediately upon unsuccessful charge and must submit payment (including the $30 late fee) within five (5) days to avoid further service charges, allow for the child to continue to attend class(es), and/or avoid collections proceedings. A $30.00 late fee will be added to the account on each subsequent charge date as long as an account is past due. Those who remove the card on file to avoid charges and auto drafts will be assessed applicable fees and subject to collections proceedings.

I understand that I must keep a current card on file and am responsible for keeping information current that facilitates successful credit card processing, including current card number, expiration date, name on card, address associated with the card, etc. I may log in to the Parent Portal at any time to update personal data and card information. Failure to timely update data or card information that prohibits credit card processing will result in applicable late fees.
I understand that my dancer may not return to class if tuition falls one (1) month behind and can only return to class when all outstanding balances (including late fees and/or service charges) are paid in full. All tuition and fees are non-refundable. I am aware that my child(ren) will not receive costumes or be allowed to participate in performances or events if the outstanding balance on my account is not satisfied at least four (4) weeks prior to the performance opportunity or event in question.

Center Stage Dance charges $50.00 for all returned checks.

I understand that I have the option to pay my season's tuition and fees in full and receive an 8% discount if paying by cash/check or a 6% discount if paying by credit/debit card, henceforth known as the "Pay-In-Full Option". I understand that the Pay-In-Full Option requires that I complete and sign a Pay-In-Full Agreement which outlines the terms of the Pay-In-Full Option, the payment deadline(s), and the payment amount(s). The Pay-In-Full Option expires December 1st and is no longer offered after that date. I understand that failure to comply with the terms of the Pay-In-Full Agreement will result in a default and will be handled according to the terms stated in the Agreement. All fees paid in advance via the Pay-In-Full Option are non-refundable regardless of the reason that a student voluntarily drops or is dropped involuntarily by CSD from class(es).

I understand that my dancer is expected to participate in performances and events as assigned throughout the dance season. Dancers are expected to participate in performances and events as assigned in totality and may not arrive late, leave early, or join intermittently. Details of performance opportunities and events are communicated to all dance families clearly and timely, including that concerning dates/times, venue, participation requirements, fees, and logistics. I understand it is my responsibility to know my performance dates and times.

Center Stage Dance reserves the right to decrease/increase the number of performances and events at any time based on circumstances relative to health and safety, availability of venue, weather, environmental concerns, student preparedness, and/or a number of other situations.

I understand that all rehearsals are mandatory, and that rehearsals were scheduled and confirmed in my Registration Confirmation document/notification. I understand that I am responsible for knowing the rehearsal date(s) and time(s) for my dancer, and I acknowledge that if my dancer misses any mandatory rehearsal, arrives late, or leaves early, he/she will not be allowed to dance in any performance or event.

I understand that my dancer's failure to participate in any performance or event will adversely affect the class(es). The studio MUST be notified by December 1st if a dancer expects to miss year-end performances or events. Dancers may opt to take class without participating in final performances or events with special permission from the Studio Director and Instructors. Students who abuse or disregard participation policies may be removed from the program or prohibited from future enrollment. I will adhere to performance requirements and participation rules as set forth by the studio.

I understand that I may withdraw from dance class(es) at any time, and any fees paid, including performance participation fees, are non-refundable. I understand that I may voluntarily pick up any costumes for which I paid in full within two (2) weeks after the final performances or events, or they will be forfeited.

I understand that my dancer may be photographed by Center Stage Dance or its agent periodically during dance class, performances, or studio events, and I agree that such photos may be used for marketing purposes, as studio décor, on the studio social media sites, and/or on the studio website. I understand that my dancer could be photographed individually or in a group as part of his/her dance class and that such photos may be used in a yearbook, program, or otherwise shared publicly according to Center Stage Dance policies.

If a student is injured in class at Center Stage Dance and is deemed unable to participate further in that dance class, studio staff will:

• Immediately see to the student and provide assistance as appropriate.
• Call the parent/guardian at the number listed in the Parent Portal.
• Call emergency services, if immediate medical attention is required.
• Ensure the student can safely leave the premises with a parent/guardian.
• Follow up with a parent/guardian to determine student wellness and next steps.
• Work with the student’s parent/guardian to establish plans for moving forward with dance class or withdrawal, as appropriate, considering the extent of the injury, necessary follow-up treatment, and timeline.
• Require a physician’s release for full participation before returning to dance class in any capacity.

If a student is injured outside of class and is deemed unable to participate in dance class for any given period of time:
The student’s parent/guardian will immediately notify the studio of the injury and the extent of the injury.

Students with an injury that occurred outside of dance class will not be allowed to participate in class without a full release to return to normal physical activity from the treating healthcare practitioner.

The injured student will not be allowed to sit and watch dance class unless a parent/guardian has discussed the injury with studio staff and offered a statement of treatment by a healthcare practitioner.

“Prolonged injury” means an injury that precludes a student from full dance class participation for more than two (2) consecutive weeks.

Students may not sit and watch dance class due to a prolonged injury for more than four (4) weeks in succession.
Only the first two (2) absences due to injury outside of dance class will be excused with a note from a treating healthcare practitioner, regardless of the extent of the injury or the treatment timeline.

Students who are not fully released to participate by the treating healthcare provider for four (4) weeks or more after April 1st (or if April 1st falls with a period of time four weeks or greater that a student is under a practitioner’s care and out with a prolonged injury), who must wear a boot, who must utilize crutches or any other equipment to be ambulatory, who is required to utilize any other apparatus in the healing of an injury or ailment, may not participate in final performances.

A student will not be allowed to participate in final performances following an injury if he/she is not released by the treating healthcare provider for full participation in all classes and rehearsals at least 6 weeks prior to final performances, AND a student must attend at least four (4) weeks of regular season class and be able to fully participate in all rehearsals (in-studio or on-stage) prior to performance time.

Parents/Guardians and students who fail to notify or timely notify the studio of a student injury that may in any way affect participation in dance class will be immediately dropped from the program and no longer permitted to register at Center Stage Dance.

Parents/Guardians and students who falsify an injury or illness or the extent of an injury or illness will be immediately dropped from the program and no longer permitted to enroll at Center Stage Dance.

Illness will be regarded the same as injury in this policy and its guidelines.

If a student is suffering an illness or injury at performance (whether sustained as the result of dance participation or sustained outside of dance), he/she must inform the Studio Director to discuss the extent of the injury and determine feasibility of continued participation. Failure to directly notify the Studio Director of an illness or injury will result in dismissal from the program and will preclude future enrollment at CSD.

No student or staff member may take medication for an injury or condition that might inhibit participation in class, rehearsal, or performance in any way (e.g. opioids, narcotic analgesic combinations, anti-inflammatories). The Studio Director must be notified about the administration or consumption of such medication that may inhibit participation. Failure to directly notify the Studio Director of such medication will result in dismissal from the program and will preclude future enrollment at CSD.

Tenure at CSD is earned by completing a full season of dance classes while maintaining an acceptable attendance record as defined by the Absence Policy.

If an emergency, religious holiday, or conflict prevents a dancer from performing in the show, he or she will not lose tenure if they have completed a full season of classes with an acceptable attendance record. The Studio Director must be informed in writing as to a student’s inability to participate in final performances due to a religious holiday or conflict. Emergencies will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

If a student withdraws before the season ends and does not complete the season fully, OR if a student sits out a year, tenure ceases, and the student must begin again.

If a student voluntarily withdraws from participation in final performances due to a conflict, the student must continue to come to class and fully participate to maintain tenure. A student who voluntarily withdraws from participation in final performances due to a conflict and does not continue to come to remaining classes and fully participate forfeits his/her tenure. (For example, a student may not voluntarily withdraw from final performances due to a conflict a month before the show then stop coming to class. Tenure will be forfeited.)

After notification of a student’s withdrawal from final performances, the Studio Director may require instructors to immediately modify choreography, line ups, blocking, and any other element of performance to cover the non-participating dancer’s impending absence. The non-participating student will be accommodated in class, remain included in activities, and will continue to receive quality instruction following modification.

Tenure awards may not be purchased, duplicated, or earned by a third party (in another's place).

Families and students work hard to maintain their commitment to dance, push through hardships to make it to class, and continue instruction year after year despite struggles to build tenure. We honor that commitment with a 5-year blanket, a 10-year jacket, and a 15-year award. Our policy concerning tenure ensures integrity of the award and fairness to all those willing to dedicate themselves to dance.