**Dance Studio Policies and Procedures**
Welcome to LIFE ON POINTE | School of Dance! LOP is a conservatory-style dance program that is dedicated to the whole dancer including physical, mental, & emotional wellbeing, career coaching, and of course premium technical training in every dance style we offer.
To ensure a safe and positive experience for all our students, families, and faculty, we have established the following policies and procedures. Please read and familiarize yourself with the following:
1. Registration and Enrollment:
All students must complete a registration form and pay the required fees before participating in classes.
Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis, and class sizes are limited (10/class Pearls-Emeralds, 8/class Rubies-Diamonds, 10/class workshops).
All students and families are required to sign a release of liability for the dance studio before participating in classes.
Students ARE WELCOME to take classes elsewhere during their training at LOP School of Dance. However, we advise that you do this around the ages of 12 & up, as the students will not benefit from this below the suggested age due to their cognitive development.
2. Attendance and Punctuality:
Classes will start promptly and on time, therefore, students are expected to arrive on time for classes. Late arrivals disrupt the class and may result in exclusion from the session. It is beneficial for dancers to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to class start time in order to be fully prepared to begin punctually.
If a student will be absent, please notify the studio in advance whenever possible. Students are encouraged to make up their classes at their appropriate level.
3. Dress Code:
Students must adhere to the studio's dress code for each class. Proper attire and footwear are essential for safety and optimal performance. Please see the dress code key following the P&Ps.
Leotard requirements: no cutouts, no asymmetrical lines, & no more than 4 straps.
Pink tights only: this is for the purpose of matching to dancer’s pink ballet shoes. During hot summers you may wear biker shorts. If you are a dancer of color who would like to wear tan tights, tan shoes/skin colored pointe shoes, please feel free to let us know and we will make suggestions on dress code.
Pink ballet shoes only.
Skirts: dancers may wear skirts at the discretion of the teacher.
Boys Attire:
White t-shirt / white tank top.
Black biker / basketball shorts / black tights.
Black or white ballet shoes (please match shoes to tights).
Adult Attire:
Tight t-shirt or tank top / Leggings are an option, or you may adhere to the guidelines above!
EXAM ATTIRE:
A uniform is required for Royal Academy of Dance Examinations. Parents will be alerted and may purchase their uniforms at the time of exam fee deadlines.
Hair should be slicked back in a ballet bun WITH HAIR PINS (if you’re unsure how to do a ballet bun, please feel free to ask!). Hair shoulder length or shorter may be tied, clipped, or pinned back. Students’ hair can be a distraction for them and the teachers when this is not adhered to.
Jewelry should be kept to a minimum.
Children under the age of 12 should have NO Jewelry (small studs okay).
Dancers 13+ may have dainty jewelry. Please no watches (sports watches included), bangles/bracelets, large necklaces or heavy earrings in class.
4. Behavior and Respect:
Students are expected to show respect to instructors, staff, fellow students, and studio property at all times. Please pick up your items and trash to take care of the studio space.
Disruptive or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from the class or studio.
Gossip and slander are NOT TOLERATED by parents or students at LOP. If there is an issue with another child, parent, or faculty member, please take it straight to Ms. Elyanna Kim to ensure a safe environment. Please treat others the way you would want to be treated and encourage one another (including the children) to do so as well.
Please help everyone feel included. It is natural for cliques to form in dance studio culture, but LOP is committed to valuing one another and including everyone in the conversation to create a fun, safe, and welcoming learning and growth environment.
Please trust the teachers. Faculty members at LOP are experienced, capable, educated and qualified to teach their subject. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask, and avoid assuming that the teachers do not have you or your child’s best interest at heart. LOP is committed to hiring the best quality teachers to foster a SAFE learning environment for parents and students alike. If you have concerns that you or your child’s best interests are not taken into consideration, please email the studio at info.lifeonpointe@gmail.com.
5. Safety and Injury Prevention:
Safety is our top priority. Students must follow all instructions given by instructors to prevent injuries. Report any injuries or concerns to the instructor or studio staff immediately.
INJURY RECOVERY: Dancers are encouraged to inquire with the studio for an injury recovery plan. LOP is committed to working with medical physicians and has connections to medical practitioners in regards to benefiting dancers in injury recovery and prevention.
POINTE: Dancers who are eligible for pointe (Grade 5 & must be the minimum age of 11) are required to see a physician and have an x-ray and appropriate testing on their feet and ankles to ensure their growth plates are ready for pointe shoes. Not doing this may result in minimal to life-altering injuries and damage to their growth process during adolescent years.
6. Parent/ Guardian Involvement:
Parents/guardians are encouraged to support and participate in their child's dance education. Ask questions and learn with their child about dance as a whole.
Parents/guardians are welcome to observe classes from designated viewing areas, but are asked not to interrupt the class.
Parent Observation Week will be held the week before Thanksgiving Break. This is an opportunity for family and extended family to observe class and for the students to show what they’ve learned and the knowledge they’ve acquired from the past quarter.
Parents/guardians are requested to be present for ANY conversation that needs to be held privately with a minor about their career progress, injury recovery plans, or any topic that will need to be addressed 1-1. LOP hopes that the parents learn on the journey with their child as they pursue their passion and potential career.
7. Communication:
The studio will communicate important information, updates, and announcements via email, website, or notice board.
Please ensure your contact information is up-to-date to receive important notifications.
8. FINANCIAL POLICY:
- Tuition: Tuition fees are due the first 10 days of the month, after which a $25 late fee will be applied to your account.
- Late Fees: Late payments may result in a $25 late fee or suspension from classes.
- Refunds: Tuition fees are non-refundable. Exceptions may be made for medical emergencies with proper documentation.
- Class Cancellations: If a class is canceled by the studio, a make-up class will be scheduled. If a student misses a class, no make-up class or refund will be provided.
- Costume Fees: Costume fees for performances are due by the specified deadline. Late payments may result in additional charges or non-participation in the performance.
- Withdrawal Policy: Students who wish to withdraw from a class must provide a 30-day written notice. Tuition for the final month will still be due and payable.
- Discounts: Families with multiple students enrolled may be eligible for a family discount. Please inquire by calling the studio or emailing info.lifeonpointe@gmail.com.
- Payment Plans: Payment plans for performances and Vocational Dance Division may be available upon request. Please contact the studio’s financial office to discuss options.
9. Class Placement and Progression:
Students will be placed in appropriate classes according to their age, skill level, and experience.
Progression to higher levels will be determined at the end of every season by the senior instructor based on the student's development and ability. Evaluations will be taken at the end of each quarter and emailed to parents/students.
All dancers in the conservatory program (Pearls-Diamonds) are guaranteed a 1-1 progression meeting at the end of the year.
Career coaching for Ruby & Diamond Levels will be available upon request and/or suggestion from the senior instructor.
10. Cancellations and Make-up Classes:
The studio reserves the right to cancel classes due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, efforts will be made to reschedule or provide make-up classes.
In the event classes are canceled in advance, a prorated amount will be applied to your next billing cycle.
Make-up classes for student absences may be offered based on availability.
Holidays are not eligible for prorated amounts.
13. Masterclasses:
Masterclasses will be held on Saturdays and will be divided by level and are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Various types of styles will be learned within these masterclasses.
Educational classes may be held during masterclass sessions such as:
Medicine & Dance Science
Nutrition & Dance
Somatic Practices
Mental Health & Dance
Parents are encouraged to attend these events with their students!
By enrolling in classes at LIFE ON POINTE | School of Dance, you agree to abide by the above policies and procedures. We are committed to providing a nurturing and enriching dance experience for all our students. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at 661-303-5689 or email info.lifeonpointe@gmail.com.
**SUGGESTED DRESS CODE**
Please shop at https://www.shopnimbly.com/lifeonpointe under the appropriate level for dress codes!
**RELEASE OF LIABILITY**
I, _______________________, hereby acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions in consideration of being permitted to participate in activities, classes, events, or programs offered by LIFE ON POINTE | School of Dance (the "Studio"):
Initial here: _______ I understand that dance activities involve a certain level of risk, including but not limited to physical injury. I voluntarily assume all risks associated with my participation in these activities.
Initial here: _______I release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue the Studio, its owners, employees, instructors, volunteers, and agents from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or rights of action which are related to, arise out of, or are in any way connected with my participation in the Studio's activities, classes, events, or programs.
Initial here: _______ I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Studio, its owners, employees, instructors, volunteers, and agents from any and all liabilities or claims made as a result of my participation in the Studio's activities, classes, events, or programs.
Initial here: _______ I agree that this Release of Liability is binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns.
Initial here: _______ I certify that I am physically fit and able to participate in the activities offered by the Studio. I agree to follow all instructions given by the Studio's staff and instructors.
Initial here: _______ I understand that this Release of Liability is a legally binding document and that by signing it, I am giving up certain legal rights, including the right to sue.
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understood this Release of Liability and voluntarily agree to its terms.
WAIVER
I, [Parent/Guardian] a minor under the age of 18 OR Student 18 years old or older, hereby acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions in consideration of allowing my child to participate in activities, classes, events, or programs offered by LIFE ON POINTE | School of Dance (the "Studio"):
I understand that dance activities involve a certain level of risk, including but not limited to physical injury. I voluntarily allow my child to participate in these activities and assume all risks associated with their participation.
I release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue the Studio, its owners, employees, instructors, volunteers, and agents from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or rights of action which are related to, arise out of, or are in any way connected with my child's participation in the Studio's activities, classes, events, or programs.
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Studio, its owners, employees, instructors, volunteers, and agents from any and all liabilities or claims made as a result of my child's participation in the Studio's activities, classes, events, or programs. I agree that this Release of Liability is binding on myself, my child, our heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns.
I certify that my child is physically fit and able to participate in the activities offered by the Studio. I agree to ensure that my child follows all instructions given by the Studio's staff and instructors.
I understand that this Release of Liability is a legally binding document and that by signing it, I am giving up certain legal rights, including the right to sue for myself or on behalf of my child. By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understood this Release of Liability on behalf of my child and voluntarily agree to its terms.
