The first tuition payment along with a registration fee is due at time of registration. Tuition is due the 1st of each month Sept-April. Backstage does not mail out invoices. Backstage requires a current VISA, MasterCard, Discover or Amex card to be kept on file. In order to maintain a permanent spot in class, tuition must be paid on or before the first of the month. After the 7th of the month, a $15.00 late fee or 1.5% (whichever is greater) will be added. If payment is not received by the 15th of the month, your credit card on file will be charged including the late fee and if your card is declined, a $30.00 return fee will be added. If payment is not received by the end of the month, your child will not be allowed to return to class until the account is brought current. Once a class is taken in any given month, tuition paid is completely non-refundable and non-transferable to another student or class. For all returned checks a $30.00 will be added and payment must be made by credit card or cash to bring the account current. To help you avoid late fees, auto payments are available at no extra charge.

Dance requires discipline and consistency. For this reason, we expect students to attend class every week. When a student misses a class, it not only hinders their performance, it hinders the overall progress and cohesiveness of the group. If a student misses more than 10% of their classes, they may be asked not to participate in the recital at the end of the year. Class attendance is mandatory throughout the Month of March and April as we are in the final preparation for the recital.

Always call or email the studio before class starts whenever any absence is necessary. Absences must be made up within one month. Refunds are not given for missed classes.

Dancers shall be permitted to withdraw from classes without penalty until Saturday Nov 12, 2022. Requests for withdrawal from one or more classes must be made by the Parent/Guardian in writing with a Withdrawal Form which can be obtained at the front desk. After Nov 12, 2022, the Parent/Guardian shall remain responsible for the full annual tuition. Registration fees are non-refundable.

Each Costume cost approximately $65-$85 (depending on child’s age). All costumes must be paid in full no later than the deadline of December 1, 2022. Costumes are ordered over the winter break. Costumes will not be ordered unless they are PIF by the deadline. Costumes orders placed after the deadline will be charged a late fee and are not guaranteed in time for the recital.

A recital fee of $65.00 per student or $75.00 per family will include two recital tickets and must be paid with your March tuition. Recital fees are non-refundable. No tickets may be picked up if there is a balance on your account which includes tuition or any other miscellaneous charges. Additional tickets may be purchased in April on a first come first serve basis.

Minimum enrollment is six students per class. If the minimum enrollment is not met, the class may be canceled or combined with a similar class.

All students are expected to be on time and properly attired for class. Students who do not adhere to the dress code will not be permitted to participate in class. ALL STUDENTS MUST IN PROPER SHOES AND ATTIRE BY THE SECOND WEEK OF CLASS. Please visit the studio website for shoes and dress codes for each class (posted in August). Students are expected to behave properly at all times.

Gross misconduct will not be tolerated. We will not tolerate any bullying nor inappropriate social media postings. Examples of such conduct might include offensive posts meant to intentionally harm someone’s reputation or posts that could contribute to a hostile environment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, physical or mental disability, or personal appearance. This is grounds for immediate dismissal.

Visiting days are held twice yearly so that parent may observe their child’s progress. An email will be sent specifying these dates and times. Please make every effort to attend these two days at the studio. No visitors are permitted in the classroom at any other time unless the instructor gives permission.

Important studio updates and announcements are sent out via email. It is imperative that all families have a current email on file to receive these updates as this will be our main source of communication with parents. Please inform the studio if there is any change in email addresses. We strongly encourage you to opt into receive text messages as well.

In case of bad weather conditions, an email or text message will be sent with cancellation information. To opt in for text messages, please call the studio (410)312-0900. We do not follow Howard County school closings. In any case, please do not feel obligated to travel to class if you are uncomfortable with the weather conditions.

Students are not to be dropped off at the studio any earlier than 15 minutes prior to their first class, and must be picked up no later than 15 minutes following the conclusion of their final class of the day. A fee of $10.00 will be assessed for every 15 minutes, or portion thereof for early drop-offs and late pick-ups. This does not apply for students waiting for siblings to finish their last class of the day. Students MUST be picked up on time for the last class of the night.

For liability reasons, persons under the age of 18 who are not attending class at Backstage on a given day are not permitted to be left in the studio without a parent or guardian while a sibling is in class.

Student pictures & videos are taken throughout the year for purposes of marketing and promoting Backstage Dance Studio and all programs run through the studio. Parent/Guardian permission is granted to use any and all pictures taken.

Parent/Guardian and dancer recognize the risk of injury inherent any dance program. Parent/Guardian acknowledges that the dancer is participating upon his/her express agreement that injury may occur and agrees to release Backstage Dance Studio, its employees, directors and volunteers from any and all liability relating to such an incident.

If any legal action or other proceeding is brought for the enforcement of these policies, or because of an alleged dispute, breach or default in connection thereof. The successful or prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs incurred in connection with that action or proceeding, in addition to any other relief to which such party may be entitled.