I acknowledge that:
Attendance:

I understand that consistent attendance is essential for progress and class cohesion.
*Known absences must be submitted in advance using the studio’s Google Form prior to the start of recital choreography.
*Any unplanned absences should be communicated to the studio as soon as possible.
*Missing three or more classes after recital choreography begins may result in removal from the recital at the discretion of the instructor and studio owner.
Withdrawals:
*
I understand that enrollment at RiverPointe Dance Academy is a semester-long commitment.
*If I choose to withdraw mid-semester, I agree that tuition will still be owed through the end of the semester.
*I understand that I am also responsible for any recital-related expenses (including costumes and fees), unless I opted out by the published cutoff date.

I have read and agreed to all policies and expectations for the 2025-2026 dance season in the handbook below.

Welcome

Welcome to our 2025–2026 dance season! We are excited to have you join our studio family. Since 2009, RiverPointe has been providing Vicksburg, MS, with a professional studio atmosphere, geared towards all ages and skill levels, and offering sound technical training in many genres of dance. We believe that ballet is fundamental for learning any style of dance, and all of our dancers train in ballet at least once a week. We also strive to teach our students to to be confident, encouraging, and compassionate in and out of the studio. Above all else, RiverPointe’s goal is to teach dancers to use their talent to glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is by His amazing grace that we can move and enjoy doing something that we love!

Studio Mission & Values

We aim to develop strong, confident, and respectful dancers through:

* Technical excellence across multiple dance genres
* Positive and nurturing instruction
* Age-appropriate music, movement, and costumes
* Emphasis on teamwork, integrity, and character development


Studio Culture

We believe in creating a welcoming, family-centered studio culture rooted in mutual respect.

Students are expected to:

* Arrive on time and prepared
* Treat instructors and classmates with kindness
* Show a positive attitude and willingness to grow

Parents/Guardians are expected to:

* Support instructors and studio policies
* Communicate respectfully
* Refrain from sideline coaching

Siblings/Guests:

* Must remain supervised at all times
* May not run, yell, or climb in the lobby
* Should bring quiet activities while waiting

We reserve the right to dismiss any student or family not upholding our behavioral standards.


Studio Policies

1. Attendance & Punctuality
Regular attendance is key to progress. Dancers who miss the first 10 minutes of class may not be admitted for safety reasons. Prior to beginning choreography for recitals, dancers must submit any known absences. Missing three or more classes once recital rehearsals begin may result in removal from the recital piece at the discretion of the instructor and studio owner.
2. Injury & Illness
Notify us of any injuries. Minor injuries should be reported to the instructor at each class. Sick dancers should stay home until symptom-free.

3. Class Etiquette
Disruptive behavior, excessive talking, or lack of respect for instructors will not be tolerated. Teachers will first work on handling any issue in class, but if the issue is not resolved, parent involvement will be requested.

4. Classroom Conduct
We have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, intimidation, or exclusionary behavior. All students should feel safe and supported in class. Disrespect toward peers or instructors—whether verbal, physical, or social—will result in disciplinary action, including potential dismissal from the studio.

5. Communication
All concerns should be emailed to the studio. Instructors cannot hold conversations between classes.

6. Lost Items
Label all belongings. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items. We do have a lost and found basket, but items will be donated throughout the year.

7. Studio Environment
No running, yelling, or roughhousing in lobby or hallways. No students allowed outside unsupervised.

8. Make-Up Classes
Must be taken within 30 days of a missed class. Advance scheduling required. Make-ups cannot replace tuition and are not guaranteed if an appropriate substitute class is not available.

9.Studio Closure
The studio follows the VWSD schedule and will be closed when school is not in session for scheduled holidays. In the event of a weather situation, we will decide on whether we will remain open or close as needed. Make-up classes may not be offered.

9. Dismissal Policy
The studio reserves the right to refuse service to any student or family at any time.



Tuition/Fees Policies

* Tuition is due on the 1st of each month
* A late fee applies after the 10th
* Tuition is based on a yearly fee per class. We break this up in 10 monthly payments for your convenience. If you wish to may payment in full at the beginning of the school year, we offer a 10% discount. If you would like to pay a semester up front, we offer a 5% discount.
*All accounts must have a current card on file. You can add a card by going through your parent portal. You are not required to enroll in auto-pay but it is recommended.
* Students with overdue accounts may not participate in classes or performances.
* A fee of $35 applies to returned checks.
* Tuition must be current for costume orders and recital participation.
*Recital related fees will accrue a $35 late fee after the due date. Auto-pay does NOT run for recital related fees. You must pay this charge manually in your portal or at the front desk with check or cash.
*For recital related fees that are overdue, cards on file will be charged for the late fee plus the recital fee that is due.



Class Changes & Withdrawal

*Adding/Dropping Classes- Adding classes can be done through your parent portal. If you need to drop a class, it must be arranged through the front desk.

*Withdrawing from RiverPointe- Enrollment with RiverPointe Dance is a semester commitment. Dancers can withdraw from the program at the end of each semester without penalty. If you wish to drop in the middle of the semester, tuition through the end of the semester and any recital related fees (if you have not previously opted out of recital) are your financial responsibility. To withdraw, please send a request through our email at rpda@yahoo.com.





Dress Code


All dancers must wear proper attire for their class.

**General Guidelines:**

* Leotards, tights, and appropriate shoes required
* No bare midriffs or baggy clothing
* Hair must be secured out of the face (bun preferred for combo and Foundations ballet and required for 1A and up)

**Class-Specific Requirements:**

* Ballet: Pink tights and pink ballet shoes, skirt preferred for 1A and up
* Jazz: Leotard, tan tights and tan jazz shoes, hot shorts allowed
* Contemporary: Leotard, tan tights, tan turning shoes, leggings/hot shorts allowed
* Tap: Leotard, tan tights, tan tap shoes, hot shorts or leggings allowed
* Musical Theater: Leotard, tan tights, tan character shoes, hot shorts allowed
* Acro: Fitted full length top and leggings or leotard and tights/shorts. No bare knees or stomachs.


Performance Opportunities

We hold two main recitals:

* Christmas Recital- festive performance in December
* Spring Recital: Our full-studio end of season performance held in May

All classes are invited to perform. Details and fees are outlined in the recital packet distributed in fall. Participation is not required but encouraged. Dancers must opt out by the given date or all recital related fees will be the financial responsibility of the account holder.




Evaluations & Placement

Students are continually evaluated for growth and placement. Promotions are based on:

* Technique mastery
* Consistent attendance
* Maturity and focus
* Readiness for increased difficulty

Advancement typically takes 2 to 3 years per level and is at the discretion of faculty. We ask that parents refrain from requesting specific classes or placements for their dancers. Each decision is made with great care, thoughtful consideration, and prayer.
Our primary goal is to set every dancer up for success- helping them grow in both skill and confidence. Placement decisions are based on a variety of factors, and we are confident in the process we follow each year.


Communication

* Email is our official and primary method of communication. It is your responsibility to check your email regularly. All important updates, deadlines, and studio information will be sent this way. Failure to stay informed due to missed emails will not excuse missed requirements or responsibilities.

* If you need to speak with a teacher or with Ms. Bridgett, please email rpda@yahoo.com to request a meeting. We kindly ask that you do not approach instructors between classes or at the end of the night, as those times are reserved for class preparation and end-of-day responsibilities.

Registration

* Registration opens each summer. We will notify parents through email that registration will be opening.
* Families receive class placement recommendations via email or evaluation letter
* Follow us on social media and check email regularly for updates

In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way at RiverPointe Dance Academy, LLC (“RiverPointe”), including classes, rehearsals, performances, and any other related events or activities (collectively referred to as “Activities”), I, the undersigned, acknowledge and agree to the following:
Assumption of Risk
:
I acknowledge that participation in dance and movement-related activities involves inherent risks of physical injury, illness, or even death. These risks may include, but are not limited to, muscle strains, sprains, falls, or injuries resulting from physical exertion or contact with other participants, props, or flooring. I knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks, both known and unknown, associated with my (or my child’s) participation.
Release of Liability
:
I, on behalf of myself and/or my minor child, hereby release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless RiverPointe Dance Academy, LLC, its owners, instructors, staff, agents, employees, volunteers, and representatives from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, illness, injury, including death, that may be sustained by me or my child while participating in Activities, whether caused by the negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise.
Medical Treatment Authorization
:
In the event of an emergency, I authorize RiverPointe to seek medical treatment on my behalf or that of my child. I agree to be financially responsible for any costs incurred as a result of such treatment.
Acknowledgment of Policies
:
I understand and agree to abide by all studio policies and procedures as outlined by RiverPointe Dance Academy, LLC.

Photo, Videography & Social Media Waiver
RiverPointe Dance Academy, LLC
I give permission for RiverPointe Dance Academy, LLC (“RP”) to use my dancer’s name, image, and likeness in photos and videos for marketing, advertising, and social media purposes, including but not limited to the studio’s website, print materials, and official social media accounts.
I understand that:
If my dancer participates in the recital or other public performances, RP cannot prevent photography or videography by audience members or the studio’s hired videographer.
If I wish to opt out of all photo/video use for my dancer, I must do so by selecting the Photo Opt-Out option in the Parent Portal. The opt-out is not valid unless completed in the portal.

I acknowledge and agree to the following payment policies:
Tuition:
*All accounts are required to have a current card on file.
*Tuition is due on the 1st of each month. A $35 late fee will be applied to any tuition not paid by the 10th of the month.
*Tuition is based on a yearly rate per class, divided into 10 monthly installments for convenience; it is not prorated for short months or absences.
*Students with past-due accounts may be temporarily suspended from class and/or recital participation until the account is current.
*A $35 fee will be charged for all returned checks.
Recital Fees:
*Recital-related fees are not included in monthly autopay and must be paid manually through the Parent Portalor in person by check or cash.
*A $35 late fee will be applied to any overdue recital-related fees, and the card on file will be charged for both the balance and the late fee if payment is not received by the deadline.