KJ STUDIOS – 2026 DANCE FAMILY POLICY HANDBOOK
WELCOME
Welcome to KJ Studios, where creativity, connection, and community come first.
We are more than a dance studio; we are a place where confidence is built, friendships are formed, and dancers learn that growth happens when you show up, try again, and dance with heart.
At KJ Studios, we nurture the whole dancer. We celebrate individuality, encourage teamwork, and prioritise kindness, effort, and respect over perfection. We are proud of the strong, supportive community built here — a vibrant family of dancers, parents, teachers, and creators.
2026 is set to be one of our biggest years yet, with new classes, new faces, and endless opportunities to create, grow, and shine. Thank you for being part of the Fox Pack.
1. KEY DATES
- KJ Dance Awards: 6 March
- Mid-Year Show (Otumoetai College): Currently scheduled for 6 June (subject to change)
- End-of-Year Show (Baycourt Theatre): 24 November – 1 December
Important:
Students away the week prior to or during the show (including school camps) will not be able to participate.
2. TERM DATES (BASED ON AN 8-WEEK TERM)
- Term 1: 9 February – 4 April
- Term 2: 20 April – 19 or 26 June (No classes ANZAC Day or King’s Birthday)
- Term 3: 20 July – 18 or 25 September
- Term 4: 12 October – 5 December
Classes do not run on public holidays.
Term dates are subject to change due to exams, competitions, or studio events.
3. EXAM INFORMATION
Exams are typically held in August. We are aiming for 8–14 August 2026, subject to confirmation by our affiliations.
4. UNIFORM POLICY
General Uniform Expectations
It is compulsory for dancers to wear the correct uniform for their class. Proper attire helps ensure confidence, safety, and readiness.
No jewellery (including watches) — small stud earrings only.
All uniform and shoes are available in the KJ shop.
Creative Kids/Mini Classes:
- KJ pink, grey, black, or white shirts/singlets
- KJ shorts or leggings
- Plain black shorts/leggings allowed
All Other Classes
- KJ tops (any style)
- KJ shorts or leggings
- Plain black bottoms only — no coloured logos or patterns
- Dancers have 3 weeks to purchase their uniform
- Incorrect uniform may result in being asked to sit out
Hip Hop Exception
- Hip Hop dancers may wear clean, tidy streetwear and suitable shoes.
5. PARENTS IN CLASS
We understand the importance of seeing your dancer’s progress; however, having parents in the room can be distracting for students.
Our policy:
Parents may watch only the first-ever lesson until their dancer is settled. After that, parents must wait in the foyer. Watch Weeks are scheduled each term and announced in advance. If your child requires extra support or has specific learning needs, please let us know so we can help. Parent–teacher check-ins are available upon request.
No parent may enter or disrupt a class while it is in session.
6. BILLING & FEES
General Billing Requirements
All classes now have waitlists.
→ 50% of term fees must be paid before the term begins to secure your spot.
10% Early Bird Discount applies only when full fees are paid before term starts to amount AFTER 10% has been pre paid
Incorrect discounts will be re-invoiced.
Fees must be fully paid by the end of each term for dancers to continue.
Unpaid fees at term end may be sent to debt collection, including additional costs unless otherwise arranged with our accountant.
7. ENROLMENT PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS (2026)
To secure your dancer’s place:
1. Deposit – 10% of Term 1 Fees
Due at sign-up or within the same week
Final due date: Friday 5 December 2025
2. Second Payment – Additional 40%
Due Sunday 12 January 2026
Total of 50% paid to hold your space
If Payments Are Not Met
Your dancer will be removed from the class
Their space will be offered to the next dancer on the waitlist
Purpose of This Structure
✔ Fairness and equal opportunity
✔ Accurate planning
✔ Sustainable studio operations
✔ Balanced class sizes
These enrolment payments do not include Troupe fees.
8. REFUND POLICY
Not Refundable
- Change of mind after sign-up
- Missed classes due to family holidays (unless arranged in advance)
- Missed classes due to public holidays
Refundable
- KJ Studios cancels a class and no make-up is provided
- (Term 4 show rehearsals count as classes regardless of participation)
- Timetable changes resulting in the student being unable to attend
- Illness or injury with immediate medical certificate
Refunds may incur admin fees and are granted at KJ Studios’ discretion.
9. COMMUNICATION & CONCERNS
We value open communication and welcome feedback.
If you have concerns:
Contact us via email or phone
Do not speak to teachers before, during, or after class Parents must not enter or interrupt classes in progress
10. BEHAVIOUR & CONDUCT
Respectful Environment
All dancers, parents, and caregivers must treat teachers, staff, and one another with respect at all times.
Zero Tolerance For:
a. Inappropriate or unkind comments
b. Disruption, refusal to participate, or lack of cooperation
c. Bullying of any kind — dancer, staff, or parent
d. Any adult (parent/guardian) engaging in disrespectful behaviour, gossip, rudeness, or hostility
Breaches may result in:
- Removal from class
- Removal from the studio community
- Dismissal of the family from KJ Studios
- Damage to Property
- Any damage (accidental or intentional) is the financial responsibility of the individual or family.
11. EXPECTATIONS
We are a diverse, inclusive, human-first community.
We expect:
Students to be respectful and kind
Parents and adults to uphold the same standard
No bullying, negative behaviour, or harmful actions from any member of our community
KJ Studios is a tribe — we protect our culture fiercely.
12. TEACHERS
We are proud to employ highly trained dance teachers from across New Zealand. KJ Studios may replace a teacher at any time due to professional commitments. Any concerns about a class or teacher must go directly to admin via email. Teachers are not to be approached before, during, or after class regarding issues.
13. PRIVACY
Personal information collected via enrolment forms is protected under the Privacy Act 1993.
Families may request access or corrections at any time.
Information is securely held at:
KJ Studios, 8/47 Waihi Rd, Judea, Tauranga, New Zealand.
14. LOST PROPERTY
Please label all shoes, uniforms, and belongings. KJ Studios is not responsible for lost or misplaced items. A Lost Property box is available onsite.
15. DISMISSAL
KJ Studios reserves the right to dismiss any student or family who breaches this policy, disrupts classes, engages in harmful behaviour, or damages property. This decision is at the discretion of the Studio Directors.
16. CHOREOGRAPHY
All class, performance, and competition choreography remains the intellectual property of KJ Studios and/or syllabus providers. Dancers who leave KJ Studios may not perform choreography created for them by KJ Studios teachers — solo or group — without written permission.
17. PHOTO & VIDEO POLICY
Parents and visitors may not photograph or video students in class or at concerts unless authorised by KJ Studios. KJ Studios may use class or event images for marketing or promotional purposes. If you do not consent to your child being photographed, please notify the office in writing.
18. AGREEMENT
By enrolling at KJ Studios, you acknowledge and agree to all policies, terms, and procedures outlined in this Handbook and published online. Your enrolment signifies your commitment to respecting the culture and expectations of KJ STUDIOS.
