FAQs & Policies

POLICIES

MAKE UP CLASSES                                                                                                               

We want you be able to take advantage of the money you have invested in classes, so we try to be as flexible as possible with our make up policy. This is a courtesy that we offer when circumstances allow and is not guaranteed.

Our make up policy allows students to make up most missed classes in any non-theater class that is not full and is age appropriate. If you choose to make up in a class that with a higher per class fee, like aerial classes, you will be charged the difference. If you choose to make up a class with a lower per class fee you do not get a credit or refund for the difference. Restrictions exist for number of make ups, missed make ups, and make-up class options. See the Q& A's below.

Make ups must be finished within the session that you are in and cannot be extended into the next session.  Make ups can not be scheduled on the last day of the sessions as it is presentation day. 

We highly advise you schedule make ups as your absences occur. It is much more difficult to find space at the end of the session when everyone is trying to schedule their make-ups.

ARE MAKE UPS GUARANTEED? 

Make ups are not guaranteed. This is a courtesy offering that we are allowing when it is possible and doesn't negatively impact those regularly scheduled in a class. We can not guarantee that classes will have space in them for a make up or that make ups will be available when your schedule allows. Refunds or credits will not be extended if you are unable to schedule a make up.

CAN WE DO A MAKE UP IN ANY TYPE OF CLASS? 

- Dance classes can be made up only in dance classes or circus arts.
- Circus arts classes (not aerial) can be made up in either circus arts classes or dance classes.
- Aerial classes can be made up in any age and level appropriate class type. You can not make up in an aerial class if you are not enrolled in an aerial class.
- You can never make up a class by joining a theater class.

ARE MAKE UPS ALLOWED FOR THEATER CLASSES?  

Make ups for theater classes are only allowed if advanced notice of sickness is provided. Notice must be given before the class is missed.Theater class make ups can only be done in dance classes. NO MORE THAN 2 make ups are allowed in a given theater session. Absences not related to illness are NOT eligible for make ups. This is to encourage everyone to make their best effort to attend so rehearsals are able to run without characters missing. We recommend scheduling vacations, play dates, and appointments around the reheasals.

IS THERE A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF MAKE UPS ALLOWED IN A SESSION? 

NO MORE THAN 3 make-ups for dance or theater classes are allowed to be scheduled per session regardless of the length of the session. NO MORE THAN 2 make-ups are allowed for theater classes. Theater class make ups can only be done in dance classes.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T ATTEND YOUR MAKE UP? 

If your can not attend a make up becuase they are sick we need written notice before the day of the make up. If this notice is given you can reschedule the make up. All other missed make-up are forfeited and can not be rescheduled.

HOW DO YOU SCHEDULE A MAKE UP? 

Email  in advance to check on availability and make a reservation.

WHEN ARE MAKE UPS ALLOWED? 

Make ups are allowed only within your current session except for the last day of the session when we have presentations.   

CAN I EXTEND MY ENROLLMENT FOR A MAKE UP?  

No, your make up period ends when your enrollment ends. For example, if you purchase a 4 week series and miss a class, you must makeup the class during the 4 week period. Your make up could not be extended into the fifth week.

REFUNDS

If a class not working out for your child?  Depending on the class, you have different options:

DANCE CLASS REFUNDS

Refunds are only given when we cancel a class. Freeze your enrollment if you need to stop taking classes.  You must email us and we will withdraw your child from class and put a credit on your account for the balance of classes left that will be good for one year from withdrawal.  Must email us to apply the funds to a new registration.

FREEZING YOUR DANCE/GYMNASTICS CLASS ENROLLMENT

If you have remaining classes that you no longer want your child to attend, you may freeze your child’s enrollment for them to use on a later date.   All requests to freeze enrollment must be emailed or submitted in writing and confirmation from our office must be provided in order for it to be active. 

These classes can only be transferred as a consecutive group of classes and any difference in cost must be paid if moving to attend a more expensive class.  For instance, prorated single theater classes and gymnastic classes are more expensive than dance, so if you are applying frozen dance classes you are charged the added amount for those.

In addition to being transferred as a group frozen classes must be applied to another session.  The balance of the session must be paid for when frozen classes are used. For example, if you have six frozen classes you can apply them to a new 10 week session and then you must pay for the remaining four in the session. If you have more frozen classes than remain in a current session, you may use them to complete the session and the remaining can be applied to another session's registration.  For example, if you have six remaining classes and you would like to register for the last four classes of the session you may do so.  The remaining two classes must be used towards a full or half session enrollment as offered.  Frozen enrollment classes can not be used for drop in classes.

Frozen enrollment can not be turned into a credit for merchandise purchases. Frozen classes expire one year from the date frozen.  It is not possible to retroactively freeze an enrollment.  Classes missed prior to notification cannot be made up.  Frozen enrollment is non-transferable to other family members or friends.

LITTLE THEATER OPTIONS (AGES 4-8) AFTER EARLY WITHDRAWL

Before the first class: Inform us in writing at least 72 hours before the start of class and you can get frozen enrollment for the number of classes in the session that can be used for dance or theater.  This is treated as an even exchange class for class and the difference in cost is not credited (i.e.: 14 theater classes = 14 dance classes regardless of difference in cost)

Less than 72 hours before the start of class and BEFORE scripts are emailed out: Your child may drop theater if we are notified by the day after the first class, before scripts are emailed out and receive an  exchange of class option.  There are NO CREDITS, REFUNDS, or FROZEN ENROLLMENT options in this situation This is because there is no opportunity for us to fill that spot once the class starts.  Your child may, however, transfer to a dance class during the same semester.  This is treated as an even exchange and the difference in cost is not credited.

After the first class AFTER scripts are emailed out: If your child drops out after scripts have been emailed, there are NO REFUNDS, CREDITS, FROZEN ENROLLMENT or EXCHANGES.  It is challenging to re-write scripts and rehearse with new lines when a cast member drops out..

MUSICAL THEATER OPTIONS  FOR  YOUTH & TWEEN/TEEN CASTS AFTER EARLY WITHDRAWL

Before the first class: There are NO REFUNDS, CREDIT, OR FROZEN ENROLLMENT OPTIONS unless your spot gets filled prior to the first class. Ask us to check our waitlist.  A $25 administrative fee is deducted from your refund if a replacement is found.

After the first class: Once your child signs up for the show, s/he is signed up for the entire play from beginning to end. If a child is having second thoughts, we ask that you encourage your child to participate and finish the show. It is challenging to re-write scripts and rehearse with new lines when a cast member drops out.  If a child drops out after the first class, there are NO REFUNDS, CREDIT, OR FROZEN ENROLLMENT OPTIONS.

SCHOOL SITE MUSICAL THEATER REFUNDS

Your child may drop theater and receive a refund if we are notified by the day after the first class, before scripts are emailed out. There are no NO REFUNDS, CREDITS, or EXCHANGES otherwise.

WATCHING YOUR CHILD IN CLASS    

Parents love to watch their children and younger children often are more comfortable with parents near them, however the flow of the class often gets disrupted by dancers checking in with their parents and the overall quality of the class deteriorates. In addition, some dancers become more self conscious in front of an audience and we want to give them the freedom to feel comfortable in class. Our way of “meeting in the middle” is to provide flat screen TV for parents to watch dancers from the lobby.

Our Oakland facility has two studios. The front studio, Studio A, has a screen in the front lobby. The back studio, Studio B, has a screen in the back hallway and in our upstairs lobby. During school days, the upstairs lobby is closed as it is used by our after school program.

WHAT IF MY CHILD REALLY NEEDS ME IN CLASS?      

Our Creative Movement classes are designed just for this reason. Parents are allowed in the class, but don’t fully participate as they would in a Parent & Me class. If your child is new to classes with us, is Pre-ballet aged and tentative, we allow you to come in for the first couple of classes. If you child is still uncomfortable without you after that time, staff will brainstorm options with you.

CHECKING-IN

When you arrive for your dance class, you can check-in using the i-pads located near each entrance. Follow the directions posted. If it is not working for you, we appreciate letting our staff know.

LATE PICK UP

We are not in a position to properly supervise a child after class is dismissed and it is often very stressful for younger children. We reserve the right to charge you $1/minute for every minute after dismissal if you are not present.

ENTERING THE DANCE STUDIO

Class begins when students are invited into the dance room by their instructor. Please do not allow your child to enter the studio before that time.

POTTY NEEDS DURING DANCE CLASS

Please make every effort to have your child use the restroom before class. It is disruptive to class when a restroom break is needed – usually it has a domino effect. Sometimes it can’t be helped, though. If your child needs to use the restroom during class, they should tell their teacher and they will be directed to the restroom. If they can’t do this independently, please sit outside of the studio so that you can be called to assist your child.

If your child happens to have an accident, we ask that you address your child’s needs and if possible, help us clean the floor.

COVID PREVENTION POLICIES:

UPDATE 8/27/2023

MASK REQUIREMENTS: 

Students Masks optional unless symptomatic:

  1.  Masks are optional for all students in classes and camps. If numbers rise we may reinstate the mandate.
  2. Students may not attend class or camp if they have cold symptoms.  They must take a Covid test and register negative or wait 10 days before returning and have 85% of their symptoms resolved.  When they return, they must wear a KN95 mask until all of their symptoms are resolved.

Lobby Mask Requirements:

Same masking requirements apply to those waiting in the lobby. Anyone with active symptoms must wear a mask.

Performance Audience Mask Requirement: Masks Recommended but not required

COMING AND LEAVING CLASS: 

Zoom links will be provided to allow you to watch your child's class. We prefer this method for observing classes rather than watching monitors in the lobby.

Drop off: Parents drop off students at the front door or back gate depending on their class location. 

The yard is off limits during class. The play structure is not available for students or siblings at anytime.

ILLNESS & COVID

When you can attend class with symptoms: Students with symptoms less than 85% resolved may not attend classes. This means very infrequent coughing, sniffling is expected. Non students waiting for students in the lobby may not wait inside if they have any cold symptoms or if 85% resolved they can be present with a KN95 mask.

When ill: Email with a notice of this and do not return until symptoms have resolved 85% AND they have a negative rapid Covid test. If they have any residual symptoms they must mask. Email for make up classes.

When Covid Positive: If you discover your child has Covid and can not attend class: Email us the date of the positive test. They may not return to class until the 6th day after the positive test only if they have a negative rapid Covid test, or the 10th day without at test. Email for make up classes.

No walk-ins signups available.  You must email and reserve a spot for make ups or drop ins.  

 Dance Program FAQ's

How do I choose a class? 

Classes are scheduled according to age (18 months-3 years, 27 month-31/2, 3-5, 4-6) but the ages are over lapping.  These guidelines will help you

18 months-3 yrs for parents and children who would like to dance together.

27 months-3.5 yrs for children who are not quite ready to be without a parent but would like to dance independently. Parents may stay in the room watching and just jump up as needed.

3-5 yr old classes for children ready to participate in a class independently of   their parent. If needed, parents may transition their child for the first couple classes by coming into the room. After the first couple of classes we may ask you to move to a 27 month-31/2 year old class if it seems more appropriate for your   child’s transition. We have large monitors in the lobby to view your child’s class.

4-6 year old classes for children who are either 5 or 6 and just starting dance with us or children who are 4 years old and have had a full year of the 3-5 year old class.

6-and up classes for children who are ready for an experience of dance steps and combinations without all of the creative imagery. This is recommended for children in first grade and up.

What clothing is needed for dance classes?

 For dancers under 4 years of age we advise wearing comfortable clothing that allows for free movement.  Many like to dress in leotards, tights and skirts or tutu's.  This is fine, however, bulky tutus are not practical, especially since each class has costumes to wear over clothing .  Bare feet or ballet shoes are required.  Tights or socks alone leads to slips and falls.  

For dancers over 4 years of age that are not doing hip hop or tap, we prefer dance attire and ballet shoes.  Hip hop dancers can be in bare feat or jazz shoes - no jeans.  Tap dancers need tap shoes.

Do you have loaner shoes?

We have a small selection of ballet and tap loaner shoes that remain at the studio.  We can not guarantee your size will be available, though, and time needs to be taken to find matching pairs. 

Why can't I be in the room with my child who needs me present? 

We have classes especially for children who feel better with their parents with them.  They are: Parent & Me and Creative Movement.  As dancer mature they often start getting self-conscious with parents watching.  We want to promote an environment that encourages freedom to take risks and build new skills.  Understandably, the first couple classes of the session some tentative children may need to have their parents present.  We are flexible during this adjustment period, but if after a couple of classes parent's are still needed we will advise switching to another class.

Can we watch classes?

As much as we love to watch our kids in action, many dancers feel less free to explore new skills with others watching.  For this reason, we give you the option to view from flat screened tv's in our lobbies or on a Zoom link.  At our Oakland facility both studios can be viewed from the front lobby screens and the back studio can also be viewed on the downstairs back hall lobby screen.  

Do classes have presentations?

Every class always has an informal presentation on the last day of the session. A selection of dances are presented to show the session's accomplishments. We welcome all friends and families to attend.  

Are there stage shows? 

We have 1-2 seasonal dance shows.  Participants in 6-9 year old classes are given the option to participate with their class. It is optional.  There are no charges for costumes, however we do charge for tickets to cover production costs: sound and light staff, back stage staff, receptionist, stage and platform set up, and video editing of link of show that is emailed to you.