You must be over 18 to register for an account.

[DARCI KISTLER’S DANCE STUDIO, LLC] – ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER

1. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF INHERENT RISKS
I understand that dance instruction, rehearsals, and related physical activities involve inherent physical risks. These include, but are not limited to, muscle strains, sprains, fractures, breaks, joint injuries, slips, falls, and physical overexertion. I acknowledge that these injuries can occur despite the studio utilizing proper flooring, safety measures, and qualified instructors.

2. VOLUNTARY ASSUMPTION OF RISK
Knowing these specific risks, I choose to participate (or allow my minor child to participate) in classes, recitals, and events hosted by [Darci Kistler’s Dance Studio, LLC]. I VOLUNTARILY ASSUME ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN RISKS OF INJURY ASSOCIATED WITH THESE DANCE ACTIVITIES.

3. RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND HOLD HARMLESS
BY SIGNING BELOW, I EXPLICITLY AGREE TO RELEASE, WAIVE, AND DISCHARGE [DARCI KISTLER’S DANCE STUDIO, LLC], ITS OWNERS, INSTRUCTORS, STAFF, AND INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS OF ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE.
I AGREE THAT NEITHER I, MY HEIRS, NOR MY LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES WILL SUE THE STUDIO FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURIES, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR WRONGFUL DEATH RESULTING FROM THE ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE OF THE STUDIO OR ITS EMPLOYEES. THIS WAIVER DOES NOT APPLY TO CLAIMS OF GROSS NEGLIGENCE, RECKLESSNESS, OR INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT.

4. EMERGENCY MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION
I certify that the participant is in good physical health and has no medical conditions that prevent safe participation in dance classes. In the event of a medical emergency, I hereby grant permission to [Darci Kistler’s Dance Studio, LLC] staff to secure necessary emergency medical treatment, including ambulance transport, x-rays, or hospitalization, if a parent or emergency contact cannot be reached immediately.

5. INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS
I agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless [Darci Kistler’s Dance Studio, LLC] from any and all claims, lawsuits, losses, or financial liabilities — including court costs and attorney’s fees — brought by myself, my child, or anyone else on our behalf, arising out of participation in any studio activities.

6. SEVERABILITY AND CHOICE OF LAW
I agree that this agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of Georgia. If any portion of this agreement is found by a court to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portions shall continue in full legal force and effect.

BINDING LEGAL SIGNATURE
By checking the box and typing my name below, I certify that I am the adult participant or the legal parent/guardian of the minor participant named in my account. I certify that I have read this Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver in its entirety, completely understand its terms, and understand that I am giving up substantial legal rights, including my right to sue the studio for ordinary negligence. I explicitly consent to my minor child’s participation and agree to be bound by all terms of this liability release. I agree that my electronic acceptance applies to all sections of this document and functions as my agreement to each individual term as if I had initialed them separately.

Darci Kistler’s Dance Studio
Comprehensive Studio Handbook & Code of Ethics

1. Studio Purpose & Core Philosophy

At Darci Kistler’s Dance Studio, we are dedicated to preserving the artistry, discipline, and the rich legacy of classical ballet. Our purpose is to foster an environment where technical excellence meets artistic expression. We are committed to nurturing the unique potential of every dancer with integrity, respect, and mutual support. This handbook serves as our blueprint for ensuring a safe, professional, and inspirational learning experience.

2. Scope of this Handbook

This comprehensive policy document and Code of Ethics applies to all members of our studio community:
• Faculty & Staff: Full-time and part-time instructors, artistic staff, guest choreographers, and administrative personnel.
• Students: All dancers enrolled in recreational, pre-professional, or intensive tracks.
• Parents & Guardians: Families, legal guardians, and regular drop-off/pick-up visitors.

3. Faculty & Staff Code of Ethics Professional Boundaries:

Faculty must maintain healthy, professional, and supportive relationships with students. Physical adjustments during technical coaching must always be professional, hands-on instructions intended solely for correct alignment and safety.

Inclusivity & Anti-Discrimination: The studio strictly prohibits discrimination, harassment, or bullying of any kind based on race, gender, background, body type, or physical ability.

Positive Reinforcement: Instructors will offer constructive feedback that builds confidence and artistic maturity rather than using language that diminishes a student’s self-worth.

Conflicts of Interest: Studio faculty may not offer independent, private coaching to registered studio students outside of official studio channels without prior administrative approval. Staff must not use the studio’s name, branding, or student rosters to promote outside commercial endeavors.

4. Student Code of Conduct & Etiquette Respect for the Art & Faculty:

Studio Discipline: Students will show utmost respect to all instructors, accompanists, and staff. This includes entering the studio quietly, listening attentively without talking back, and accepting constructive corrections with a positive attitude. Students must arrive on time and fully prepared. Punctuality is a sign of respect for the instructor and classmates.

Arrive Class-Ready: Students are expected to arrive at the studio fully pre-dressed in their mandatory ballet attire, with tights on and hair properly secured. Coming to the studio pre-dressed maximizes classroom instructional time and ensures a smooth, professional transition between classes.

Emergency Dressing Room Use: The studio provides a changing room, but it is reserved strictly for emergencies or unforeseen circumstances (such as unexpected school scheduling conflicts or clothing mishaps). It should not be used as a routine changing area before or after regular classes.

Peer Support & Inclusivity: Dancers will support their peers. Bullying, exclusion, negative comparisons, or whispering in class will not be tolerated. We celebrate each other’s progress and achievements.

Body Positivity & Self-Care: Students commit to treating their bodies with respect, keeping hydrated, fueling themselves properly, and communicating honestly with instructors about pain or injuries.

5. Parent & Guardian Code of Conduct Classroom Observation Policy:

Observation: To maintain a focused, undistracted, and highly disciplined training environment, parents and guardians are strictly prohibited from watching classes. Observation is only permitted on specific, pre-scheduled viewing days designated explicitly by the instructor or studio director.

Trust in Artistic Expertise: Parents agree to trust and respect the professional judgment of the faculty regarding student class placement, leveling, choreography, and casting decisions.

Constructive Communication: If a parent has a question or concern, they will schedule an official meeting via the administrative office. Parents must never approach teachers before, during, or between classes to discuss a child’s progress.

Waiting Room Decorum: Parents will maintain a positive atmosphere in the lobby area. Gossip, negative comments about other children, or criticism of faculty decisions undermine the studio culture and are strictly prohibited.

6. Shared Studio Policies Social Media & Digital Etiquette:

Neither students nor parents may post videos or photos of choreography, class combinations, or other studio students online without explicit permission from the studio director and said student.

Attendance & Reliability: Students and parents commit to consistent attendance and will notify the studio 48 hours in advance of any mandatory absences. Parents and participants will abide by the attendance policies listed in the liability waiver.

Health, Safety, & Injury Prevention: Instructors will never pressure a dancer to perform through severe pain or debilitating injury. Faculty teach developmentally safe techniques. Conversely, any signs of severe emotional distress or physical safety issues must be reported to leadership immediately.

7. Acknowledgment, Reporting, & Enforcement Reporting Violations:

Any suspected violations of this Code can and should be submitted directly to Studio Administration. The studio strictly prohibits any form of retaliation against an individual who reports an ethical concern in good faith.

Enforcement: Enrollment at Darci Kistler’s Dance Studio implies full agreement to this Handbook. Violations will be thoroughly reviewed. Faculty violations may result in formal warnings, suspension, or termination. Student or parent violations may result in private consultation, temporary suspension from classes, or, in severe cases, dismissal from the studio without a refund.

Binding Legal Signature:

By checking the box and typing my name below, I certify that I am the adult participant or the legal parent/guardian of the minor participant named in my account. I certify that I have read this Code of Ethics in its entirety, completely understand its terms, and explicitly agree to be bound by and comply with all conduct rules, behavior expectations, and standards outlined above. I agree that my electronic acceptance applies to all sections of this document and functions as my agreement to each individual term as if I had initialed them separately.

[DARCI KISTLER’S DANCE STUDIO, LLC] – STUDIO POLICIES AND FINANCIAL AGREEMENT

1. TUITION AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Tuition is billed on a monthly basis. For families enrolled in Auto-Pay, the full account balance will be automatically charged to your stored payment method on the bill date. For families not enrolled in Auto-Pay, the full balance is strictly due on the 1st of each month and must be paid manually through the parent portal.

2. EXCLUSION FOR DROP-INS AND PRIVATE LESSONS
The monthly billing schedule and late fee policies do not apply to single drop-in classes or private lessons. All drop-in classes and private lessons must be paid in full at the time of booking. Sessions will not be scheduled or reserved without upfront payment.

3. RECURRING LATE FEES AND PAST-DUE ACCOUNTS
Tuition is due on the 1st of the month. If an account remains unpaid, an initial late fee of $2.00 will be automatically applied 24 hours after the due date (on the 2nd of the month). After that initial fee, an additional recurring $2.00 late fee will be automatically added to the account balance every seven (7) days until the tuition is paid in full. If an account remains unpaid past the 15th of the month, the student's enrollment will be temporarily paused, and they will not be permitted to attend classes.

4. STRICT NON-REFUNDABLE AND WITHDRAWAL POLICY
All monthly tuition is billed and committed on a month-to-month basis. Once tuition is paid for the month, it is strictly non-refundable and non-transferable. If a student chooses to withdraw from a class or drop out of the studio in the middle of a month, no refunds, partial refunds, or prorated credits will be issued for the remaining weeks of that month. To prevent an automated charge for the upcoming month, parents must log into their portal and disable Auto-Pay before the next billing cycle executes. Drop-in class bookings and private lesson fees become completely non-refundable once the single allowed rescheduling opportunity has been used or missed. Annual registration fees are entirely non-refundable.

5. ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCE NOTIFICATION
Regular attendance is critical for technical progression and choreography retention. If a student must miss a class due to illness, injury, or an emergency, parents are requested to notify the studio via email or the parent portal as soon as possible. Please note that missed classes are not eligible for tuition discounts or refunds. However, students are permitted to take a complementary make-up class in an equivalent style/age bracket at any time during the following calendar month, subject to class availability. Unused make-up classes expire at the end of the following month and cannot be carried forward.

6. LATENESS AND SAFETY POLICIES
For the safety and physical well-being of the dancer, students who arrive more than 10 minutes late to class may be asked to sit and observe rather than physically participate. Missing the initial, structured warm-up drastically increases the risk of muscle strains, sprains, and other physical injuries.

7. STUDENT PICK-UP POLICY
Parents or designated guardians must pick up minor students promptly at the scheduled end time of their class. [Darci Kistler’s Dance Studio, LLC] is an instructional facility and does not provide childcare services before or after classes. A late pick-up fee of $1.00 per minute may be assessed starting 15 minutes after the final class of the day concludes.

BINDING LEGAL SIGNATURE
By checking the box and typing my name below, I certify that I am the financially responsible adult account holder or the legal parent/guardian of the student. I certify that I have read this Studio Policies and Financial Agreement in its entirety, completely understand its terms, and explicitly agree to abide by all tuition deadlines, auto-pay terms, portal management rules, drop-in/private lesson one-time rescheduling limitations and availability rules, recurring late fees, non-refundable mid-month drop policies, withdrawal deadlines, make-up class expirations, and studio rules outlined above.