Studio Policies

INDIANA DANCE COMPANY STUDIO POLICIES 2024-2025 SEASON

General Studio Policies

1. Registration and Fees

• Registration:All students must complete online registration including emergency contact information, medical history, and consent forms.A non-refundable registration fee of $20 is due at the time of registration each season.
• Tuition:Tuition is due on the first of each month. Payment methods accepted include cash, check, and online payment through the studio's website.A late fee of $15 will be applied if payment is not received by the 10th of the month.
• Refunds:Tuition and registration fees are non-refundable. In cases of extended illness or injury, credits may be issued at the discretion of the studio director.Costume fees are non-refundable once orders have been placed.
• Withdrawal Policy: We require a written notice via email if you need to withdraw from classes. After we receive your withdrawal notice, we will terminate your monthly installment. Notice must be received by the 15th of the month to avoid being charged for the next month's tuition. If your notice is received after the 15th you will be billed for one additional month’s tuition. 

2. Attendance and Punctuality

• Attendance:Consistent attendance is critical for skill development and performance readiness.
• Punctuality:Students should arrive at least 10 minutes before class.We are unable to take responsibility for our students before or after their scheduled classes and it is the responsibility of the parent to ensure their child is picked up and dropped off on time. In the case of an emergency or unavoidable delay, please contact the studio immediately to inform us of the situation so we can keep your child calm and safe until they can be collected.

3. Dress Code

• General:Specific attire is required for each type of class (e.g., leotards and tights for ballet, comfortable dancewear for hip hop). Details are available on our website.No jewelry, except for small stud earrings.
• Hair:Hair should be secured away from the face.
• Footwear:Proper dance shoes are required for each class type: ballet shoes for ballet, tap shoes for tap, jazz shoes for jazz, etc. Shoes and dancewear can be purchased through your parent portal.Students should change into their dance shoes in the studio, not wear them outside.
• Studio Brand, Logo & Likeness:The studio brand, logo and likeness are owned by Sturgis & Wright, LLC and replication or use of our brand, logo or likeness is strictly prohibited. In a time period where custom apparel is readily available we encourage you to make fun dance shirts. However, these shirts should not include our brand, logo or likeness and should not be marketed to our customer base for any reason. 

4. Behavior and Etiquette

• Respect:All students, parents, and staff must treat each other with respect. Bullying, harassment, or any form of discrimination will not be tolerated.
• Studio Rules:No food, drinks (except water), or gum is allowed in the dance studios.The waiting area should be kept clean and quiet to avoid disturbing classes.If utilizing our play area, please pick up after your child.IDC takes no responsibility for any stolen or misplaced property on the studio premises and we encourage our families to avoid bringing valuable items into the studio where possible.No classes (including private lessons) or teachers are to be disturbed unless it is an emergency. All parents must wait in the waiting areas or outside of the studios until classes have been dismissed.Preschool and Kindergarten Parents: Please take your dancer to the restroom BEFORE class begins to avoid accidents and disruptions to class.
• Classroom Etiquette:Students should listen attentively to instructors, follow directions, and show respect for their classmates.No mobile phones or electronic devices are allowed during class.

5. Safety and Health

• Injury:Inform the instructor of any injuries or health concerns before class. A doctor's note may be required to resume classes after a significant injury.
• Sick Policy:Students who are ill, especially with contagious conditions, should stay home to prevent spreading illness. Notify the studio if your child is sick.

6. Studio Closures

• Holidays: The studio is closed for all major holidays. 
• School Breaks: We remain open for Fall Break. We close for Winter Break. We close for RBB Spring Break.
• Inclement Weather: The safety of our students, families, and staff is our top priority. Decisions regarding class cancellations due to inclement weather (e.g., snow, ice, severe storms) will be made with this in mind. A decision about classes will always be made by 2PM.
  Notifications about closures or delays will be communicated through multiple channels: Email: An email will be sent to all registered families. Website: Closure announcements will be posted on the studio's homepage. Social Media: Updates will be posted on the studio’s official social media pages (Facebook, Instagram). Text Message: Families who have opted into text notifications will receive a text message.

• Make-Up Classes: In the event of a cancellation, the studio will offer make-up classes. These will be scheduled at a time convenient for most students, typically within two weeks of the cancelled class.

Program Policies

1. Class Structure

• Class Duration:Classes are 30-45 minutes long, designed to keep young children engaged and active.
• Parental Involvement:Parents are welcome to watch from the viewing area but should not enter the studio to minimize distractions.For children who are anxious, parents may be asked to participate in the first few classes.

2. Behavior Management

• Positive Reinforcement:Instructors use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, stickers, and small rewards to encourage good behavior.
• Disruptions:If a child is consistently disruptive, the instructor will discuss the issue with the parents to find a solution. Persistent issues may result in the child being temporarily removed from class.

3. Class Participation

• Level Placement:Students are placed in classes based on age, experience, and skill level. Instructors regularly assess students to ensure they are in the appropriate level.Parents will be informed of any recommended changes in class level.
• Participation:Students are encouraged to participate fully, trying their best in every class. Positive effort and attitude are emphasized over perfection.

4. Recitals and Performances

• Participation:Participation in recitals and performances is optional but highly encouraged to build confidence and showcase progress.
• Costumes:Costume fees for performances are built into your tuition. Costumes are selected by the instructors and must be cared for by the students and their families upon receipt.

5. Communication and Updates

• Email and Notices:Important updates, including schedule changes, performance details, and policy updates, will be communicated via email and posted on the studio notice board.Parents and students should check their emails regularly to stay informed.
• Feedback:The studio values feedback from students and parents. Please direct any suggestions or concerns to the studio director via email or scheduled appointment.

Emergency Procedures

• Evacuation:Follow the instructor’s directions during any emergency. Emergency exit routes are posted in each studio and common area.
• Contact Information:Ensure the studio has up-to-date emergency contact information for each student. Any changes should be reported immediately.

By adhering to these policies, we aim to create a positive, productive, and enjoyable environment for all dancers. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to our dance studio community.

Privacy Policy

At Indiana Dance Company, we are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information.

Information Collection:

• Personal Information: We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you register for classes, subscribe to our newsletter, make a purchase, or contact us. This may include your name, email address, phone number, payment information, and any other information you choose to provide.
• Usage Information: We collect information about your interactions with our website and services, such as IP address, browser type, and the pages you visit.

Use of Information:

• Service Delivery: To provide, maintain, and improve our services, including processing your registrations, payments, and communication.
• Communication: To send you updates, promotional materials, and other information related to our services. You can opt out of these communications at any time.
• Personalization: To personalize your experience and tailor our services to better meet your needs.
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and protect our legal rights.

Information Sharing:

• Third-Party Service Providers: We may share your information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as payment processing and email delivery. These providers are required to protect your information and use it only for the purposes for which it was provided.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.

Data Security: We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction.

Data Retention: We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected and to comply with legal obligations.

Your Rights:

• Access and Correction: You have the right to access and correct your personal information. You can update your information by contacting us directly.
• Opt-Out: You can opt out of receiving promotional communications from us by following the unsubscribe instructions included in those communications or by contacting us directly.
• Deletion: You have the right to request the deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions.

Changes to This Policy: We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on our website. Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the new policy.

Contact Us: If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at: indianadancecompany@gmail.com