Official BDA 2026-2027 Season Parent & Student Handbook
Aug 03, 2026 08:20 PM
Welcome to Baytown Dance Academy's 2026-2027 Season
Dear Baytown Dance Academy Families,
Welcome to our academy!
We are honored that you have chosen Baytown Dance Academy to be part of your dancer's journey.
At Baytown Dance Academy, dance is about far more than learning steps and performing on stage. Every class is an opportunity to develop discipline, confidence, respect, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership.
Our instructors are committed to creating a positive environment where dancers are challenged to become the very best version of themselves—both inside and outside the studio.
Our mission is simple:
To develop disciplined dancers with passionate hearts while pursuing excellence in everything they do.
Thank you for trusting us with your child. We look forward to an incredible season together.
Mission
To inspire confidence, character, and excellence through exceptional dance education.
Vision
To become the premier dance academy in Baytown by creating confident dancers, strong leaders, and lifelong learners.
Core Values
Discipline
Success begins with consistency.
Passion
Love what you do and give it your best every day.
Excellence
Always strive to improve.
Not perfection.
Excellence.
Baytown Dance Academy Parent & Student Policy Agreement
2026–2027 Dance Season
By registering my child or children with Baytown Dance Academy, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the following policies, procedures, and terms.
Tuition & Payment Policy
* A valid debit or credit card must remain on file for every enrolled account.
* Auto-pay is required for all tuition payments. By signing this agreement, I authorize Baytown Dance Academy to process monthly tuition and any applicable fees using the card on file.
* Tuition is due on the 1st of each month and must be paid in full before the dancer’s first scheduled class of that month.
* If payment is not received by the dancer’s first class of the month, the dancer may not participate until the account balance is paid in full.
* Any failed or declined auto-pay transaction will result in a $25 failed auto-pay fee.
* Tuition is based on enrollment and the dancer’s reserved placement in class, not attendance. Missed classes do not reduce or eliminate tuition obligations.
Registration Policy
A non-refundable annual registration fee of $49 per dancer is required upon enrollment for each dance season.
Baytown Dance Academy’s dance season runs from August through May.
The annual registration fee is valid for one dance season only and renews at the beginning of each new season, regardless of the dancer’s original enrollment date.
Dancers who enroll after the season has started are still responsible for the full annual registration fee unless otherwise approved by Baytown Dance Academy.
Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Studio Closures & Holiday Schedule
Baytown Dance Academy generally follows the Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District (GCCISD) Academic Calendar for scheduled school holidays and breaks.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Winter Break
Spring Break
Thanksgiving Break
Labor Day
Memorial Day
Other recognized GCCISD school holidays
Baytown Dance Academy also reserves the right to close in observance of federal holidays, inclement weather, emergencies, instructor training, studio events, or other circumstances deemed necessary by the Director.
Any additional closures or schedule changes will be communicated through the studio's official communication channels.
Tuition is based on the annual dance season and reserves each dancer's place in class. Tuition is not prorated, reduced, credited, or refunded due to scheduled holidays, school breaks, or studio closures.
Baytown Dance Academy reserves the right to modify the studio calendar, add or remove closure dates, or schedule makeup classes when deemed appropriate.
Dance Shoe Policy
* Proper dance shoes are required for all classes and must be purchased directly through Baytown Dance Academy.
* This requirement applies to all dancers and class styles to help ensure proper fit, safety, consistency, and appropriate training.
* Ballet shoes must be professionally fitted and purchased through Baytown Dance Academy.
* Outside ballet shoes, jazz shoes, turners, or other required studio footwear are not permitted unless approved in writing by the Director.
Attendance Policy
* Regular attendance is essential for dancer development, class progression, choreography, and performance preparation.
* If a dancer will be absent, a parent or guardian must notify the studio as soon as possible through an approved studio communication method.
* Missed classes are non-refundable.
* Makeup classes are not guaranteed and may only be offered at the discretion of Baytown Dance Academy.
* Excessive absences may affect a dancer’s class placement, performance participation, formations, choreography, or eligibility for certain opportunities.
Drop-Off, Pick-Up, Tardiness & Late Fees
To ensure the safety of every dancer, parents and guardians are responsible for following all drop-off, check-in, and pick-up procedures.
Drop-Off and Check-In
* Dancers may arrive no earlier than five minutes before their scheduled class time.
* A parent or guardian must exit the vehicle, escort the dancer to the studio entrance, and ensure the dancer is properly checked in.
* Dancers may not be dropped off in the parking lot or expected to walk to the studio unattended.
* Baytown Dance Academy is not responsible for supervising a dancer until the dancer has entered the building and completed check-in with studio staff.
* If a parent or guardian does not exit the vehicle and escort the dancer to the entrance, Baytown Dance Academy assumes no responsibility for the dancer before proper check-in.
Tardiness
For safety purposes, any dancer arriving more than 10 minutes after the scheduled class start time will not be admitted into class.
Proper stretching and warm-up are required at the beginning of every class to help prevent injury. Missing the warm-up portion of class increases the dancer’s risk of injury and disrupts instruction for the class.
No refund, credit, or makeup class will be issued when a dancer is unable to participate because of late arrival.
Pick-Up Procedures
* Dancers must be picked up promptly at the conclusion of class.
* A parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult must exit the vehicle and pick up the dancer from the studio entrance.
* Dancers will not be permitted to walk through the parking lot or wait outside unattended.
* Baytown Dance Academy’s supervision ends once the dancer has been released to an authorized adult at the studio entrance.
* Baytown Dance Academy is not responsible for a dancer after the dancer has been checked out or released.
Authorized Pick-Up & Identification
If someone other than the dancer’s parent, legal guardian, or a person regularly recognized by Baytown Dance Academy will be picking up the dancer, the account holder must notify the studio in writing and with reasonable advance notice.
The written notice must include the authorized adult’s full name.
Any individual who is not recognized by studio staff will be required to present a valid government-issued photo ID before the dancer is released.
The name on the identification must match the name provided by the account holder.
Baytown Dance Academy will not release a dancer if written authorization was not received, identification cannot be verified, or staff members have any safety concerns.
All authorized individuals picking up a dancer must be at least 18 years of age.
Late Pick-Up Fees
* A 10-minute grace period will be provided after the scheduled conclusion of class.
* After the grace period, a $10 late pick-up fee will be charged for every additional 10-minute increment, or portion thereof
* Late pick-up fees will be automatically charged to the card on file.
* Continued late pick-ups may result in increased fees, suspension, or dismissal from Baytown Dance Academy.
Repeated violations of the drop-off, check-in, tardiness, or pick-up procedures may result in disciplinary action, suspension, or dismissal at the discretion of Baytown Dance Academy.
Class Policies & Studio Etiquette
Dancers are expected to follow all classroom and studio expectations, including the following:
* Arrive on time and be prepared to begin class promptly.
* Water bottles must be clearly labeled with the dancer’s name.
* Hair must be secured up and completely out of the face.
* Hair clips and bobby pins are not permitted during class.
* Jewelry may not be worn during class.
* Water is the only beverage permitted. Colored drinks are not allowed.
* Food, gum, and glitter are not permitted inside the studio.
* Dancers must wear the proper dance shoes required for each class.
* Appropriate dance attire must be worn at all times.
* Ballet shoes must be properly fitted and purchased through BDA.
* Outside ballet shoes, jazz shoes, and turners are not permitted without written approval.
* Dancers must treat instructors, staff members, classmates, parents, and guests with respect.
* Bullying, gossip, exclusion, harassment, disrespectful behavior, or negative talk about another dancer, parent, instructor, staff member, or the studio will not be tolerated.
* Dancers are expected to demonstrate kindness, discipline, respect, responsibility, and good sportsmanship at all times.
Failure to follow these policies may result in the dancer being asked to sit out, leave class, receive disciplinary action, or be dismissed from the studio.
Dress Code Policy
* Dancers must attend class in the required dance attire, shoes, and hairstyle assigned for their class.
* Dancewear must be clean, properly fitted, and appropriate for movement.
* Failure to follow the required dress code may result in limited participation or the dancer being asked to observe class.
* Repeated dress-code violations may result in additional disciplinary action.
Hygiene Policy
Personal hygiene is an important part of dance training and demonstrates respect for classmates, instructors, and the shared studio environment.
* Dancers must arrive in clean dance attire.
* Dancers are expected to practice good personal hygiene and wear deodorant when age appropriate.
* Feet, tights, socks, dance shoes, and dancewear should be kept clean.
* Strong perfumes, heavily scented body sprays, and strongly scented lotions should be avoided out of consideration for individuals with allergies or sensitivities.
* Dancers with hygiene concerns that affect the class environment may be privately addressed by studio leadership.
Withdrawal Policy
* A **30-day written notice** is required to withdraw from classes.
* Written withdrawal notice must be submitted by email to dance@baytowndanceandwellness.com
* Tuition remains the responsibility of the account holder until written notice is received and processed.
* Failure to provide written notice at least 30 days before withdrawal will result in one additional full month of tuition being charged.
* Verbal notice, text messages, social media messages, non-attendance, or communication with an instructor do not constitute official withdrawal notice.
* Simply discontinuing attendance does not cancel enrollment or financial obligations.
* All outstanding balances must be paid before the withdrawal is considered complete.
Events & Performances
Baytown Dance Academy presents two annual performances during each dance season:
* A Winter Showcase
* A Spring Recital
Participation in both performances is required for all registered students because recital choreography, formations, and performance preparation are incorporated into weekly class instruction.
* If a dancer is unable to participate in a performance, the studio must receive written notice by email at least 60 days before the event.
* Failure to provide at least 60 days’ written notice will result in a $300 choreography adjustment fee** charged to the account on file.
* This fee helps cover the time and resources required to restage routines, revise formations, adjust choreography, and conduct additional rehearsals.
* Verbal notice, text messages, social media messages, communication with an instructor, or non-attendance do not constitute official notice.
* Performance, recital, costume, ticket, picture day, and event-related fees are separate from monthly tuition.
Behavior Policy
Baytown Dance Academy strives to provide a positive, respectful, encouraging, and professional environment.
* Disruptive, disrespectful, aggressive, threatening, or inappropriate behavior from dancers, parents, guardians, guests, or family members will not be tolerated.
* Dancers must follow instructor directions and participate in a manner that does not interfere with the safety or learning of others.
* Baytown Dance Academy reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any student or family for behavior that negatively affects dancers, staff, operations, or the studio environment.
* Dismissal for behavior-related reasons does not automatically release the account holder from outstanding financial obligations.
Parent and Guardian Conduct
Parents and guardians are expected to model respectful and appropriate behavior at all times.
The following conduct will not be tolerated:
* Disrespectful or abusive language
* Harassment or intimidation
* Threatening or confrontational behavior
* Gossip or spreading false information
* Public or private attacks against dancers, families, instructors, staff members, volunteers, or the studio
* Interfering with instruction or studio operations
* Entering the dance room without permission
* Confronting a dancer or another family’s child
Violations may result in restricted studio access, suspension, or immediate dismissal of the family from Baytown Dance Academy.
Social Media Policy
Baytown Dance Academy maintains a zero-tolerance policy for online bullying, harassment, threats, false statements, or harmful social media activity directed toward the studio, dancers, parents, instructors, staff members, or affiliated organizations.
Inappropriate online conduct may result in disciplinary action, removal from performances or teams, suspension, or immediate dismissal from the studio without refund.
Concerns should be addressed privately and professionally with studio leadership rather than through public social media posts or online discussions.
Communication Policy
Official studio communication may be sent through:
* Email
* The Parent Portal
* BAND App
* Text messaging
* Studio social media pages
* Flyers/Parent Letters
It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to:
* Maintain accurate contact information
* Regularly review emails and studio announcements
* Check the Parent Portal and BAND
* Review deadlines, schedules, fees, and performance information
Failure to read, receive, or review studio communications does not exempt a family from deadlines, fees, policies, or financial obligations.
Parent Observation Policy
To reduce distractions and maintain a focused, productive learning environment:
Parents, guardians, siblings, and guests may not enter the dance studio or instructional space to observe classes.
Class observation through the lobby television or approved video recording may be offered during designated observation weeks at the discretion of Baytown Dance Academy.
Parents and guests may not coach, correct, communicate with, call out to, photograph, record, or otherwise distract dancers during class.
Only authorized Baytown Dance Academy staff may enter the instructional space while classes are in session.
The Director reserves the right to limit, suspend, or discontinue observation privileges when necessary to protect dancer privacy, safety, focus, and the overall learning environment.
Illness Policy
To help maintain a healthy environment, dancers should remain home when experiencing:
* Fever
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Contagious illness
* Persistent coughing or symptoms that interfere with class
* Any condition that may place other dancers or staff members at risk
Dancers should be symptom-free for at least **24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication** before returning to class.
Baytown Dance Academy may ask a dancer to leave or remain home if illness symptoms are observed.
Inclement Weather & Emergency Closures
Baytown Dance Academy reserves the right to cancel, shorten, relocate, reschedule, or modify classes due to:
* Severe weather
* Utility outages
* Building or maintenance issues
* Safety concerns
* Emergencies
* Government orders
* Circumstances beyond the studio’s control
Closure announcements will be shared through official studio communication channels.
Tuition will not be refunded or prorated for weather-related or emergency closures. Makeup classes may be offered at the discretion of the studio.
Personal Belongings Policy
* All dance shoes, bags, water bottles, clothing, and personal items should be labeled with the dancer’s name.
* Baytown Dance Academy is not responsible for lost, stolen, misplaced, or damaged belongings.
* Valuable items should not be brought into the studio.
* Unclaimed items may be donated or discarded after a reasonable period.
Refund Policy
All payments made to Baytown Dance Academy/Baytown Dance & Wellness LLC, are non-refundable and non-transferable, including, but not limited to:
Tuition, Registration fees, Recital fees, Costume fees, Choreography fees, Competition fees, Convention fees, Performance fees, Late fees, Merchandise purchases, Private lesson payments, Team fees, Event fees, Payments may not be transferred to another dancer, family member, class, season, program, event, or account.
Non-attendance, withdrawal, dismissal, scheduling conflicts, illness, injury, relocation, performance conflicts, or changes in personal or financial circumstances do not qualify an account for a refund, credit, transfer, or tuition adjustment.
Liability Waiver and Assumption of Risk
I understand that participation in dance classes, rehearsals, performances, conditioning, stretching, acrobatics, competitions, events, and related activities involves physical movement and carries an inherent risk of injury.
I voluntarily assume these risks on behalf of myself and my child or children.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release Baytown Dance Academy, Baytown Dance & Wellness LLC, its owners, directors, instructors, employees, contractors, volunteers, representatives, and affiliated facilities from liability for injuries, accidents, property loss, or damages that may occur during participation in studio activities, except were prohibited by law.
I authorize Baytown Dance Academy staff to contact emergency services and seek reasonable medical assistance for my child when necessary. I understand that I am responsible for any related medical expenses.
Media Release
I grant Baytown Dance Academy permission to photograph, record, and use images or videos of my child for legitimate studio purposes, including:
* Social media
* Studio websites
* Promotional materials
* Advertisements
* Flyers
* Programs
* Recital videos
* Community publications
* Educational or training materials
No additional compensation will be provided for the use of approved photos or videos.
Policy Updates
Baytown Dance Academy reserves the right to amend, modify, clarify, or update studio policies, procedures, schedules, fees, and operational requirements when necessary.
Parents and guardians will be notified of significant changes through official studio communication channels. Continued enrollment after notice of an update constitutes acceptance of the revised policies.
Mandatory Dress Code & Class Preparedness Agreement General policy effective August 1, 2026
Shoe-check enforcement begins September 1, 2026
Baytown Dance Academy is a dance academy, and the dress code is mandatory. Dancers must arrive on time, fully dressed, groomed, and equipped for their specific class. There will be no exceptions to the requirements below.
Required Dancewear & Hair
• All classes require fitted dance attire, such as a leotard, dance leggings, or tights. Attire must be dancewear. Pajamas, jeans, and clothing with inappropriate images or wording are not permitted.
• Hair must be secured up and completely out of the dancer's face for every class. Hair clips, bobby pins, and hair glitter are not permitted. Use hair gel or a hair glue stick to secure flyaways. These rules support dancer safety and help protect our Marley flooring.
• Ballet: ballet leotard, tights, ballet shoes, and hair in a bun.
Jazz: jazz shoes or turners.
Acro: barefoot.
Hip Hop: hip hop shoes.
Conditioning: non-slip socks or hip hop shoes.
Tap: tap shoes.
Required Shoes, Uniforms & Ordering:
• Every class has a required dance shoe. To ensure uniformity, proper fit, safety, and the correct shoe for each dance style, all dance shoes must be purchased directly through Baytown Dance Academy.
• Outside dance shoes are not permitted for liability and safety purposes. Any other brand, color, or shoe not purchased through the Academy will result in the dancer not being admitted to class beginning September 1, 2026.
• All shoes, uniforms, and studio merchandise must be ordered through the Parent Portal website or app. Shoes generally take 7-10 business days to arrive. Sample shoes are available at the front desk for sizing during business hours: Monday-Thursday, 5:30-7:30 PM.
Water & Hair-Tie Preparedness Fees:
• Dancers must arrive with a clearly labeled water bottle and a hair tie. A dancer who arrives without water will be given a labeled water for a $2 fee. A dancer who arrives without a hair tie will be given one for a $2 fee so the dancer may be admitted to class.
• Water is the only beverage permitted. Colored drinks and all other beverages will be disposed of, and the dancer will be provided a labeled water for a $2 fee.
Applicable fees will be charged to the card on file. Parent/Guardian
Acknowledgment:
I have read, understand, and agree to the Mandatory Dress Code & Class Preparedness Policy.
I understand that failure to comply may result in my dancer not being admitted to or participating in class.
I authorize Baytown Dance Academy/Baytown Dance & Wellness LLC to charge the card on file $2 for each water and/or hair tie provided under this policy.
Baytown Dance Academy's 2026–2027 Parent & Student Acknowledgment and Agreement
By signing below, I acknowledge and agree that:
I have read, understand, and agree to comply with all policies, procedures, and financial obligations contained in this Parent & Student Handbook.
I understand that Baytown Dance Academy's regular dance season runs annually from August through May.
I understand that the $49 annual registration fee is required upon enrollment each dance season, is valid only for that dance season, and renews at the beginning of each new dance season regardless of my dancer's original enrollment date.
I understand that these policies apply to my dancer, myself, and any guests or family members who attend studio activities.
I authorize Baytown Dance Academy to charge the card on file for tuition and all applicable fees described in this agreement.
I understand that failure to comply with studio policies may result in fees, limited participation, suspension, or dismissal from Baytown Dance Academy.
Parent/Guardian Name: ___________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________
Dancer Name: ___________________________________________
Date: _____________________________________________________
Primary Email Address: _____________________________________
Primary Phone Number: _____________________________________