UNIVERSE DANCE SCHOOL
Policies & Procedures | 2026–2027
Welcome to Universe Dance School (UDS). Our policies are designed to provide a safe, professional, respectful, and positive environment for every student and family. By enrolling at UDS, families agree to follow the policies below.
1. Enrollment & Class Placement
* The school year consists of two semesters: August–December and January–May.
* Student placement is determined by UDS directors and instructors based on age, experience, technique, and readiness.
* Placement and advancement to another level are at the discretion of the UDS teaching staff.
* Schedule changes or withdrawals must be submitted in writing at least 30 days in advance.
* Workshops, masterclasses, private lessons, competitions, and specialized programs are not included in regular tuition unless otherwise stated.
2. Tuition & Payments
* Monthly tuition is due on the 1st of each month.
* Payments received after the 5th are subject to a $25 late fee.
* Tuition reserves the student’s place in class and is due regardless of attendance.
* No tuition adjustments are provided for individual absences or vacations unless arrangements are made with administration at least 30 days in advance.
* A 10% sibling/family discount may apply to eligible students from the same immediate family when tuition is paid together.
* Additional fees may apply to credit/debit card and online/app payments. Cash payments have no processing fee.
* Performance, costume, competition, workshop, masterclass, and other special-program fees are separate from regular tuition unless otherwise specified.
3. Withdrawals, Credits & Make-Up Classes
* All withdrawals must be communicated to UDS administration in writing.
* Tuition and fees already paid are generally non-refundable.
* In cases of injury or illness, unused tuition may be considered as school credit at the discretion of UDS administration.
* Approved credits are non-transferable and must be used within the same school year.
* Students may make up a missed class in the same or a lower level, subject to availability and instructor approval.
* Make-up classes should be completed within the same month whenever possible.
4. Attendance & Arrival
* Students should arrive approximately 10 minutes before class.
* Students arriving more than 10 minutes late may not be admitted to class for safety and to avoid disruption.
* Parents/guardians are responsible for timely drop-off and pick-up.
* Children under 10 may not be left unattended without an instructor present.
* UDS is not responsible for students who leave the premises during breaks or between classes.
5. Parent Communication
All questions regarding tuition, schedules, placement, performances, or student concerns must be directed to UDS administration/directors.
Parents should not contact instructors directly regarding school matters. If a private conversation with an instructor is necessary, UDS administration will help arrange an appropriate meeting.
Official communication may be sent through email, text message, phone, or in person.
6. Studio Conduct & Safety
Students are expected to demonstrate respect, discipline, and appropriate behavior at all times.
* Bullying, harassment, fighting, theft, or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.
* Students may be removed from class if their behavior creates a safety concern or significantly disrupts instruction.
* Running, hanging on barres, or touching mirrors is prohibited.
* Food, gum, and beverages are not permitted inside studios, except water in a closed bottle.
* Cell phones should not be used during class.
* UDS is not responsible for lost, damaged, or unattended personal belongings.
* Any injury or physical limitation should be communicated to the instructor or administration.
UDS maintains surveillance cameras for the safety and security of students, families, staff, and the facility.
7. Dress Code
Students must follow the uniform requirements for their assigned level.
Ballet Leotards
* Baby Ballet: Any color
* Primary: White with white skirt
* Beginner Ballet: Pink with light pink skirt
* Levels 1–5: Black
* Pre-Professional Levels 6–8: Black
Ballet Hair Ribbons
* Primary: White
* Beginner: Light Pink
* Level 1: Golden Yellow
* Level 2: Purple
* Level 3: Dark Green
* Level 4: Dark Blue
* Level 5: Red
* Pre-Professional: Black
Hair must be neat and secured. Ballet students should wear their hair in a bun when required.
For Contemporary, Lyrical Jazz, Hip Hop, Physical Training, and Acro, students should wear appropriate black dancewear that allows safe and unrestricted movement.
8. Class Observation
Parents and guests may observe classes during designated Parent Watch Weeks or with prior approval from UDS administration.
Parents observing a class must avoid interacting with or distracting students during instruction.
9. Photos & Videos
Parents/guardians will have the opportunity to authorize or decline the use of their student’s photographs or videos for UDS promotional purposes, including the school website and social media.
10. Performances & Special Programs
UDS provides students with opportunities to participate in productions, showcases, competitions, and other special events.
Participation in productions such as The Nutcracker and year-end performances may require separate registration, rehearsals, costumes, production fees, and additional commitments.
Selected students may also be invited to participate in Universe Dance Company, our competitive youth company.
11. Severe Weather & Emergencies
In the event of severe weather or an emergency, UDS will communicate cancellations or schedule changes to families as soon as possible.
Parents should keep their contact information current and remain available by phone while their child is attending class.
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Parent/Guardian Agreement
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to follow the Universe Dance School Policies & Procedures for the 2026–2027 school year. I understand that failure to follow school policies may affect a student’s participation or enrollment.
