Policies and Procedures: A Parent’s Guide for Essential Dance Studio Information

With the start of new dance lessons comes new dance studio policies to know! Once you’ve registered your child for lessons, be sure to know the following information about your studio to ensure a great start and a smooth dance season!

Know Your Studio’s Dress Code

Your studio will likely have a dress code that includes tights, leotards, or other dancewear and dance shoes. Be sure to clarify what your child needs to wear for class, including specific colors/styles for dancewear and dance shoes. Some studios sell these items in-house, or your studio director can help you locate a reputable dancewear website or a preferred local dance supply store nearby.

Know How Tuition Payments and Accounts Are Handled

Expenses and fees do vary from studio to studio, but you will need to be aware of registration fees, payment methods, tuition rates, and due dates. Tuition for dance classes are typically due to your studio in monthly or quarterly increments. Your studio may collect payments at their front desk, or they may require creating an online family portal and setting up autopayments.

You may want to inquire about sibling or family discounts, whether tuition is refundable if your child drops out of the class, and possible fees on late tuition payments.

Know Your Studio’s Layout

If you have a young child attending class for the first time, it’s a good idea to arrive at the studio 10-15 minutes before class starts so he/she knows where the bathroom, drinking fountain, and dance room are and meet his/her teacher. There may be a dressing room or cubby area where your child can put his/her dance bag and belongings shoes as well. Your studio may also have a Lost and Found area if any of your child’s items are misplaced.

Some studios have lobbies, viewing windows, or circuit TVs where parents can can watch class. Younger siblings are not allowed to run around or play in the dance rooms, so you may wish to bring toys or other quiet activities for them while they wait. Note that some studios may have to limit people in their building due to space issues or health and safety protocols, so you may wish to inquire about this as well.

Know Parking, Drop-off, and Pick-Up Procedures

If your studio is in a busy downtown area, you may need to inquire about where to park and any associated parking fees. Some dance studios have a designated drop-off zone, while other studios may require parents to walk students into the building due to busy parking lots.

Students who are dropped off do not need to arrive much more than 15 minutes before class and should be picked up after class promptly, as they likely cannot be supervised by the studio staff.

Know Your Studio’s Performance Expectations

Performances are exciting for dancers, but it also comes with important policies to follow! Participation in recitals or community events may be required for all students or optional, depending on the studio. You’ll want to be aware that there will likely be costume fees, costume fittings, deadlines, and mandatory rehearsals in preparation for performances. Understanding these policies ahead of time helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable performance experience for everyone.

Know About Important Dates

Be sure to add important studio dates to your calendar, including when class tuition and recital costume deposits are due. Recital season is a busy time of year, so you’ll want to know the dates for mandatory studio rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and the recital performance itself. Studios also close for holidays and breaks, so be sure to note those as well.

Know Attendance and Make-Up Class Policies

Consistent attendance is essential for continued growth for your dancer, but illness, injury, family events, or studio closures can certainly lead to a few missed dance class. Check with your studio about make-up classes and how to schedule those if your child has to be absent or if the studio closes due to inclement weather.

Know Your Studio’s Etiquette

A positive and respectful dance environment is essential for every student’s success. Dance studios typically have a code of conduct outlining expectations for behavior, including arriving on time, listening attentively to instructors, and treating peers with kindness and respect. Students should remain focused during class, avoid disruptive behavior, and follow studio rules regarding cell phone use, food, cleanliness, and water breaks. Encouraging a supportive atmosphere allows dancers to grow in confidence and skill while fostering teamwork, discipline, and a love for dance.

Know Your Studio’s Preferred Communication

Your studio will have a preferred method of communication to keep families aware of studio happenings throughout the dance season. Newsletters, social media posts, email, bulletin boards in the studio, and phone apps are all messaging methods studio’s can utilize, so make sure you know where to look for studio information.

You may want to keep your dance studio’s phone number, email address, or social media page handy in case your child will be late to or absent from class. Your child’s dance teacher will appreciate the heads up!

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