POLICIES & HANDBOOK

Our primary method of communication is email. Regular emails will be sent with important updates and reminders. We can also be reached by phone and text during office hours.

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Our dance season runs from September to June, following a progressive learning structure. Registration is available online, by phone, email, or in person at our office.

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Registration Fee:

• $30 per dancer

• $20 for each additional dancer in the same immediate family (non-refundable)

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Important Notes:

• If a class reaches full capacity, dancers will be added to a waitlist.

• Classes with fewer than four students by the fourth week may be canceled. Affected dancers will be offered an alternative class or a refund.

• Registration closes on February 1 to allow us to prepare for our year-end recital.​​​​​​​​​

We accept the following payment methods:

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• Automated Visa/MasterCard payments

• Manual credit card payments

• E-transfers

• Cash

• Cheques

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Please note that credit card payments are subject to a 3.9% processing fee. A $15 late fee will be applied to any payments not received by the due date. Payment reminders will be sent every Thursday for accounts with outstanding balances. Dance Directions does not offer credits or refunds for missed classes due to holidays, vacations, illness, or weather-related closures.

To withdraw from classes, one month’s written notice via email to info@dancedirections.ca is required. Word of mouth or student absence is not considered official notification. All outstanding fees must be paid before withdrawal, including tuition, costumes, competition fees, and private lessons. Non-refundable fees include registration, costume, competition, and recital fees. Tuition refunds will only be provided for classes after the one-month withdrawal period has been confirmed.

If Dance Directions cancels a class due to an emergency, such as teacher illness, the class will be rescheduled or credited to your account. If the class cannot be rescheduled, a credit will be applied to your studio account. All classes remain in session during Pro-D Days and most holidays unless otherwise stated. Dance Directions does not provide credits or refunds for classes missed or canceled due to holidays, vacations, illness, weather, pandemics, or other similar reasons.

Dancers are expected to attend all scheduled classes. Our programs are progressive, so any missed classes will result in the dancer falling behind in class progression. Please notify the office in advance if you expect to be absent. There are no refunds for missed classes.

Dancers are expected to attend all scheduled classes. Our programs are progressive, so any missed classes will result in the dancer falling behind in class progression. Please notify the office in advance if you expect to be absent. There are no refunds for missed classes.

We maintain a closed-door policy for all classrooms to create a focused, uninterrupted, and positive learning environment for our students and teachers. This ensures that dancers are able to explore their freedom of self expression while remaining engaged and free from outside distractions.

• Parents and guardians should not open classroom doors at any time while class is in session.

• On occasion, teachers may invite parents into the studio for the last few minutes of class to showcase progress.

• We host an Observation Week once a year, allowing families to sit in and experience their child’s growth and accomplishments firsthand.

• We have available in our monthly emails a “Questions to Ask Your Dancer” guide to help parents connect with their dancers after class.

We strive to create an inclusive, supportive, and respectful studio culture for all dancers, families, and staff. Our dancers are expected to demonstrate the same qualities towards themselves and others.

• Kindness and respect are expected at all times.

• Any disruptive behavior may result in a dancer being asked to leave class. Repeated issues will lead to a private meeting with the parent/guardian to create a positive path forward. Continued behavior concerns may result in dismissal.

We are committed to making our studio a safe space where all dancers feel welcomed and valued.

• Harassment or discrimination of any kind, including that based on gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, body size, race, nationality, religion, or any other protected category, will not be tolerated.

• If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsupported, please speak to the studio director. We are here to listen and ensure Dance Directions remains a welcoming space for all.

We encourage a body-positive environment by avoiding discussions related to diet, weight, or fitness that may be harmful to young dancers. Conversations about health and fitness will focus on strength, movement quality, and personal growth (for example, asking “Do you feel more stable in your turns?” rather than making appearance-based comments). Our studio also fosters gender inclusivity in language. Instead of using gendered terms, we encourage the use of words like team, dancers, friends, and crew.

The dress code ensures dancers can move safely and that teachers can provide proper corrections. It also teaches dancers to be prepared and professional.

• Hair must be fully secured and off the face (bun or ponytail).

• No loose jewelry for safety reasons.

• Dancers not following the dress code may be asked to sit out.

 Trials are for dancers who have never danced at Dance Directions previously. 

• Trials are available for new dancers at no charge.

• All trial classes must be completed within 7 days of the initial trial.

• Additional trial classes beyond 7 days are subject to a $15+GST fee.

• Current students interested in trying a new style may do so for a $15+GST fee per class.

Your feedback is valuable to us! If you have any concerns or suggestions, please let us know. We are always striving to improve your experience.

At the heart of Dance Directions is a community that celebrates movement, creativity, and inclusivity. Thank you for being part of our dance family!