Odyssey Dance Studio – Student and Parent Handbook (2026-2027)
Please take a moment to review and accept our studio policies below.
*** ODS is a nut-free facility. No peanuts or tree nuts are allowed on the premises. ***
1. ATTENDANCE, ADVANCEMENT & CONDUCT
* Absences & Tardiness: Please report all absences to the office before class time. Regular, timely attendance is required for technical progression and performance eligibility. Students arriving more than 15 minutes late will be asked to observe class to avoid injury from missing the physical warm-up.
* Level Advancement: Placement and advancement are determined strictly by the Studio Owners and ODS faculty based on consistent attendance, technical skill (posture, strength, musicality), and a positive, cooperative attitude. Students frequently remain at the same level for multiple years to master technique.
* Studio Etiquette: Students must show respect to faculty, classmates, and the facility. No gum, food, or drinks (except water) are permitted in the studios. Cell phones must be kept silent. Students must stay indoors while waiting for pickup; children ages 9 and under must be picked up inside the building by a guardian.
* Classroom Conduct: Students are expected to stay focused, pay attention to corrections, change groups quickly, and remain on the floor until dismissed by the instructor.
2. DRESS CODE & STUDIO SHOES
* Attire: To best observe body alignment and ensure safe technique, leotards and tights are highly encouraged. Form-fitting athletic wear (such as snug tank tops, leggings, or bike shorts) is also fully acceptable. All clothing choices are gender-inclusive—dancers are welcome to wear whichever combination feels most supportive.
* Footwear: No street shoes are permitted in the dance studios, and dance shoes must never be worn outdoors. Hip Hop students must bring clean, indoor-only sneakers. All other appropriate footwear will be outlined in our dress code (see
3. DANCE SEASON, WEATHER & CANCELLATIONS
* Class Guarantee: Our 9-month Fall/Recital season builds 33–34 scheduled classes into the calendar to guarantee a minimum of 32 sessions per weekly class. This extra buffer accounts for emergency or weather closures. While ODS will attempt to offer make-ups if closures exceed this buffer, they are not guaranteed.
* Weather Alerts: Cancellations will be posted exclusively on www.odysseydancestudio.com and Facebook. If you have Robo-text enabled on your account, you will also receive a text notification.
4. TUITION & DISCOUNTS
* Flat-Rate Tuition: Tuition is calculated as a flat rate based on the season length. It is not prorated for holidays, studio closures, personal absences, or late enrollment (as studio operating costs remain fixed).
* Monthly Rates (Subject to change based on external cost factors/rent adjustments):
- 30 minutes: $36/month
- 45 minutes: $38/month
- 60 minutes: $40/month
- 75 minutes: $42/month
* Discounts: Students taking 8 or more classes per week receive a 5% tuition discount. Families with multiple children enrolled simultaneously receive 3% off monthly tuition for the second child and 5% off monthly tuition for each additional child thereafter. (see financial policies for more information)
* Drop-Ins & Trials: $25 per class (advanced registration required).
5. AUTOMATIC PAYMENTS, LATE FEES & WITHDRAWALS
* Auto-Pay Requirement: All accounts must maintain a valid credit card or bank account on file for automatic monthly processing. Credit/Debit card payments incur a 3.00% processing fee; Bank Account (ACH) payments incur a 2.00% fee.
* Late & Declined Fees: Payment is due on the 1st of the month. A $15 late fee is automatically applied to any account balance remaining unpaid as of the 11th of the month. Declined auto-payments will be automatically retried by the system every 24 hours until resolved.
* Withdrawal & Drop Policy: All class changes or studio withdrawals must be submitted in writing via email to connect@odysseydancestudio.com.
- Before Classes Begin: $15 drop fee per individual class withdrawal and a $50 administrative fee.
- After Classes Begin: $20 drop fee per individual class withdrawal and a $50 administrative fee.
- A $5 class change fee will apply as necessary.
- No refunds or credits are issued for classes missed or attended prior to written notification. Remaining balances are issued as studio credit only.
- Exceptions: Verified medical withdrawals (with a doctor's note) or family relocation 30+ miles away are eligible for a prorated account credit calculated from the date your written notice is received.
6. SAFETY, CODE OF CONDUCT & EXPECTATIONS
* Zero Tolerance: ODS maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward harassment, bullying, cyberbullying, teasing, gossip, or aggressive behavior by students or parents. Violations may result in immediate disciplinary action or permanent dismissal from the studio.
* Notice of Non-Discrimination: Odyssey Dance Studio proudly admits and welcomes students of any race, color, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation. We are where EVERYONE gets to dance.
* Teacher-Student Contact: Professional, respectful physical contact is used by instructors solely to correct anatomical alignment or technique. One-on-one instruction occurs in visible, open areas, and parental consent is required for non-emergency private meetings with minors.
* Health & Emergencies: Parents must notify ODS of any medical conditions affecting participation. Rejoining class after extended illness/injury requires written medical clearance. In emergencies, staff will contact guardians first; if unreachable, emergency contacts will be notified. 911 will be called for serious situations.
7. SOCIAL MEDIA, PHOTOS & VIDEOS
ODS uses social media to share studio news, event highlights, and celebrate our community. By accepting these policies, you consent to ODS using photos and video footage of your dancer for promotional, marketing, and community-sharing purposes.
8. PRIVACY & SECURITY NOTICE
* Data Collection & Use: We only collect information you voluntarily provide via our website or portal. We do not sell or rent your data. Your information is used strictly to provide services, process payments, and manage your account.
* Data Security: Sensitive information submitted via our website is encrypted and secure. Offline, your personal information is stored securely within Studio Pro and Google Workspace, with access restricted solely to authorized staff members. You may contact us at connect@odysseydancestudio.com at any time to view, correct, or delete your data.
STUDIO CONTACT INFO:
Email: connect@odysseydancestudio.com
Telephone/Text: 224-338-9116