The purpose of this handbook is to clearly outline our studio policies and procedures to help avoid misunderstandings and answer questions as we begin a new dance season. Please read these policies carefully and contact a member of the Expressions Dance Studio faculty if you have any questions.

Please keep a copy of these policies for future reference. Your signature on the registration form indicates that you have received, read, and agree to abide by these policies.

Expressions Dance Studio offers a wide variety of classes in the performing arts, including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acro, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Partnering. Classes are available for dancers ages 2 and up.

Our friendly and qualified instructors are dedicated to the art of dance and continually expand their knowledge by attending workshops, conventions, certifications, and master classes throughout the year.

We strive to be a positive influence in our community by providing quality dance education, keeping dancers current with industry trends, and offering meaningful performance opportunities.

Most importantly, we are committed to creating a welcoming, encouraging, and positive environment where every dancer feels valued while learning proper technique, discipline, confidence, and a love for dance. We believe every family deserves exceptional customer service and professionalism. Your feedback is always appreciated and helps us continually improve.

Every dancer, parent, and staff member plays an important role in creating a positive studio environment.

We ask everyone to:

• Be respectful, responsible, and trustworthy.
• Encourage and support fellow dancers.
• Speak kindly about classmates, instructors, staff, and other studios.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship at classes, rehearsals, competitions, and performances.
• Help create an atmosphere where every dancer feels welcomed, encouraged, and valued.

Tuition is based on the entire dance season and is divided into equal monthly payments for your convenience.

• Tuition is due during the first week of each month.
• Payments received after the 10th of the month will incur a $5 late fee per week until the balance is paid.
• Monthly tuition remains the same regardless of holidays, studio closures, or the number of classes held in a particular month, as these have already been factored into the annual tuition schedule.
• Tuition reserves your dancer's place in class and is due regardless of attendance. Tuition is not based on the number of classes attended each month.
• There is a $15 fee for all returned checks.

All tuition and dance account balances must be paid in full by May 1, 2027, in order for a dancer to participate in the Spring Showcase. No exceptions will be made unless approved in writing by studio management.

Classes will continue through May 2027.

Each recital costume is $85 per costume.

This fee includes tights and accessories when applicable.

Because costumes are custom ordered, no refunds can be issued once costume orders have been placed.

Please keep costumes clean, organized, and performance-ready throughout the season.

Each dancer will be charged a Spring Showcase participation fee.

• Fee amount: To be announced by December 1, 2026
• Payment Due: January 1, 2027

Spring Showcase admission tickets are FREE.

Attendance is one of the most important parts of a dancer's success.

• Please arrive no more than 5 minutes before class begins.
• Dancers should arrive dressed and ready for class with only essential belongings.
• Being on time allows dancers to warm up properly and receive the full benefit of instruction.
• Late arrivals disrupt both the instructor and fellow dancers.
• Please notify the studio if your dancer will be absent.

Regular attendance is strongly encouraged.

Because choreography is taught weekly, dancers who miss more than three classes after Christmas Break must schedule private makeup lessons ($50 per hour) before participating in the Spring Showcase.

Expressions Dance Studio is not responsible for students dropped off more than 10 minutes before class or picked up more than 10 minutes after class ends.

To provide the best learning environment for all dancers, parents and spectators are not permitted inside classrooms during class unless specifically invited by the instructor or studio management.

Our dancers learn independence, confidence, and focus when they are able to participate without distractions. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us provide a positive learning atmosphere.

• No food is permitted inside the studio.
• Please bring a labeled water bottle to every class.
• Gum chewing is not permitted.

Proper dance attire allows instructors to safely monitor body placement, alignment, and technique.

• Appropriate dancewear is required for every class.
• Baggy clothing and street clothes are not permitted except in Hip-Hop classes. Jeans are never permitted.
• Hair must be securely pulled away from the face.
• Jewelry should not be worn during class, as it may interfere with movement or cause injury.

Specific attire and shoe requirements will be provided for each class.

Detailed recital information will be distributed later in the season.

Attendance at the mandatory dress rehearsal is required. Dancers who miss rehearsal may not be permitted to perform.

As outlined in the attendance policy, dancers missing more than three classes after Christmas Break must complete private makeup lessons before participating.

If your dancer will NOT participate in the Spring Showcase, studio management must be notified by November 10, 2026.

Expressions Dance Studio communicates primarily through email, text messages, and our social media pages. It is each family's responsibility to keep contact information current.

Important announcements regarding tuition, costumes, rehearsals, performances, weather closures, and studio events will be communicated through these methods.

Please check your email regularly and ensure you are receiving studio text messages.

Expressions Dance Studio may photograph or record classes, rehearsals, performances, competitions, and studio events for promotional purposes including our website, social media pages, printed materials, and advertisements.

No dancer's personal information will be shared without permission.

By registering, you grant permission for your dancer's image to be used unless written notice requesting otherwise is submitted to studio management before the start of the season.

Photography or videography during performances may be restricted to comply with venue rules and music licensing requirements.

Please do not send your dancer to class if they:

• Have a fever.
• Have vomited within the previous 24 hours.
• Have diarrhea.
• Show symptoms of a contagious illness.

If a dancer becomes ill during class, a parent or emergency contact will be notified for immediate pickup.

Expressions Dance Studio is committed to providing a safe environment for every dancer.

Students are expected to:

• Follow instructor directions.
• Respect fellow dancers, instructors, and studio property.
• Avoid horseplay or unsafe behavior.
• Report injuries immediately.

Only enrolled dancers are permitted inside classrooms unless otherwise approved by studio management.

Expressions Dance Studio is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings.

Please label all dance shoes, bags, clothing, and water bottles.

Items left in the studio will be placed in the Lost & Found. Unclaimed items may be donated throughout the season.

Tuition is non-refundable.

There are no refunds for missed classes regardless of the reason.

If a class is cancelled because of insufficient enrollment, it may be combined with another class or cancelled entirely. Refunds will only be issued for prepaid classes that cannot be fulfilled.

Class placement is based on each dancer's age, experience, technical ability, maturity, and instructor recommendation.

Advanced classes and Company placement may require an audition and/or instructor approval.

Registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and is secured once registration and payment have been completed.

Expressions Dance Studio generally follows a combination of the Lincoln and Prairie Grove school district holiday calendars.

Classes are held during Parent-Teacher Conferences and Teacher In-Service Days unless otherwise announced.

Weather-related closures will be communicated through email, text message, and our social media pages as soon as possible.

Tuition is not adjusted for weather-related closures.

In the event of severe weather, power outages, building emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances, classes may be cancelled for the safety of our dancers and staff.

Families will be notified as quickly as possible through email, text, and social media.

Professional recital pictures will be taken prior to the Spring Showcase. Details will be announced in December 2026.

Picture Day is mandatory for all recital participants, although purchasing photographs is optional.

Please ensure dancers arrive on time, fully dressed, and performance-ready.

Expressions Dance Studio has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, intimidation, or disrespectful behavior.

We expect all dancers, parents, and family members to treat fellow students, instructors, staff, volunteers, and other studio families with kindness and respect at all times.

Negative behavior—including gossip, inappropriate social media activity, verbal harassment, or disruptive conduct—may result in disciplinary action or dismissal from the studio at the discretion of studio management.

Our goal is to maintain a welcoming environment where every dancer feels safe, encouraged, and valued.

Expressions Dance Studio reserves the right to revise, modify, or amend these policies and procedures at any time when necessary. Families will be notified of any significant policy changes.