Enrollment
Enrollment in a particular class style and section is based on a first-come, first-served availability. During the fall, there is Open-Enrollment through Oct. 1, when families must self-enroll via the Jackrabbit Family Portal. (Note: you cannot unenroll yourself, so if you make a mistake, you'll have to email us to request a drop or transfer. If you have any issues enrolling in a particular class, it may be because of an age or skills restriction, which we may be able to consider overriding or amending, pending circumstances.) After that date, throughout the remainder of the academic year, enrollment is through SBDA Admin only. Enrollment is secured when the first month's tuition is paid, and the family's account balance (including any membership fees) are paid in full. When there is no space in any given section of a class, the dancer can be placed on a Wait List, and will be contacted in the case that a spot becomes available for that class day/time. Enrollment is ultimately by instructor-approval.
Enrollment is effective for the duration of the entire academic year (the academic year runs from September through June of the following calendar year). Therefore, if you enroll during the Fall Session, your dancer's enrollment will remain active in all classes through the Winter-Spring Session (no need to re-enroll; your enrollment will roll over so your dancer's spot is automatically reserved to continue in the new year's session). If you choose not to continue in any particular classes, or want to enroll in other classes/styles, or transfer to another class section, please advise Admin ASAP, so your dancer's spot may be offered to another awaiting dancer/family.
Enrollment may be terminated pending attendance, and payment of tuition. SBDA Admin reserves the right to remove a student from classes if more that 3 consecutive weeks are missed, or if tuition is unpaid after more than two billing cycles (60 days), so that enrollment opportunities may be given to other awaiting dancers.
Tuition
Tuition is due on the 1st of each month (or within the first week/at the time of the first class of each month). It is a flat rate for tuition for each month during fall and spring sessions, based on the number of class hours being taken on a weekly basis, regardless of the number of weeks in each month. (Some months have 3 weeks, others have 5; it all balances out in the end.) Summer Session operates on a different tuition scale and payment timeline, published with that session's information at the time of registration. Tuition is non-refundable, and must be paid prior to services rendered. We regret that especially due to our present times and circumstances we find ourselves in, that all sales are final, and non-refundable as well.
All accounts must be cleared, with tuition and fees having been paid in full before any performance/show, or the dancer will not be allowed to participate.
SBDA, at the discretion of instructors, reserves the right to shorten or cancel classes due to low attendance. Students who do attend will be duly credited with an alternative option, or receive class in an abbreviated length, covering content in a quicker amount of time due to more personalized instruction.
LATE FEES & OUTSTANDING BALANCES: For all unpaid tuition and total account balances after the 15th of any given month, a 25% late fee penalty will be charged to your account (that is, 25% of whatever the total current balance is). (The exception is the months when classes do not begin until later, in which case the fee will be applied to any account balance that stands after 10 days of classes beginning, ex. classes begin January 7th; you'd be charged a late fee for balances left unpaid by Jan. 17th).
Fees
Registration & Membership: A one-time-yearly fee of $30 is charged to each family upon registration, and renewed each scholastic year. This annual fee covers registration/enrollment and other administrative fees any members of the family may incur throughout the course of the year.
If paid during Summer Session, the fee is extended throughout the following scholastic year's sessions.
Nutcracker: If your dancer participates in the Nutcracker, cast fees are charged based on parts. This will be detailed at the time of auditions. An additional $50 Nutcracker Participation Fee is charged to your family's account only if a member of the family DOES NOT volunteer in some capacity for the production.
Recital: An additional $50 Recital Participation Fee is charged to your family's account only if a member of the family DOES NOT volunteer in some capacity for the recital show.
Costume payments: must be paid in full before the costume is released to the family prior to pictures, the show, or dress rehearsal dates.
Please note that all fees are non-refundable.
Attendance
I agree that my student will commit to attending the required number of classes for each style/level enrolled in. If he/she does not attend the required number, adjustments to the dancer's level will be made.
* 1 class/week: Petites, and Ballet level 2 (two classes/week suggested at this level), Ballet 3 (two classes/week recommended)
* 2 classes/week: Ballet 4 (three classes/week recommended) and Ballet 5 demi-pointe dancers (dancers who are en pointe are required 3 times/week)
* min. 3 classes/week: all Pointe dancers (B6-B7)
* Other styles: weekly attendance required
* I will notify the instructor directly in the event of an absence or other matters or concerns.
No more than one required class may be missed per month (pending illness or extenuating circumstances), and missed classes should be made up to maintain conditioning.
SBDA, at the discretion of instructors, reserves the right to shorten or cancel classes due to low attendance. Students who do attend will be duly credited with an alternative option, or receive class in an abbreviated length, covering content in a quicker amount of time due to more personalized instruction.
Tardy policy:
If a student is more than 10 minutes late, he/she will not be allowed to participate in class that day, but is recommended to observe. This is not just out of respect and decorum to the instructor and other students (students coming in late cause too much distraction, delay, and interferes with instruction), but also a matter of safety; tardiness inhibits proper warm-up for class and increases the risk of injury.
Consistent attendance is imperative, as absences and tardiness can hold back an entire class; and the studio cannot jeopardize its responsibilities to the rest of the class for tardy students. Please make every effort to attend every class. Missed classes may not be deducted from tuition payments. Make-up classes are encouraged. Please schedule with the office.
Make up classes: No credits or refunds are given for missed classes. However, if for any reason your dancer cannot attend class, he/she is encouraged to attend a make up class within the month. (No extra charge for make up, but make up classes are a courtesy, not a right. Zoom recordings may be available; consult the instructor.) Consult your instructor or admin for assistance in choosing a proper way to makeup classes. You must check in at the front desk and schedule a makeup session prior to dropping in on a class that the dancer is not enrolled in.
Class Observation & Pick Up
During COVID time, the studio is not open for observers, and observers may not loiter or wait around outdoors either. Normally, classes are open for observation, via viewing windows, or per instructor prerogative. Please maintain respect and decorum and let the instructor do their job with your dancer. Refrain from interaction with your dancer during his/her class time, so that he/she and other students in the class may remain focused and attentive to the tasks at hand, reporting to the instructor for discipline and instructions. Do not open closed doors. Instructors or helpers will bring your child to you if he/she requires attention (for bathroom, behavior/disciplinary issues, etc.). If you have an issue/concern, please ask admin at the front desk to contact the instructor instead of entering the classroom yourself.
In the case of Studio B, please do not enter the classroom; you may watch through the outdoor front viewing windows/doors. In the case of Studio C, where open-observation style is within the studio, if observers are too distracting, they will be asked to leave. Instructors reserve the right to close classes to observers at any time.
Observers are not allowed to enter ongoing classes as this creates a distraction. If you have a concern, please ask the front desk to pass a note onto the instructor, and they will meet with you while on break or touch base after class.
Pick up: Guardians, if you need to remove your child early from class, please inform the instructor prior to class. If an emergency arises, please inform the front desk, and they will quietly bring your child to you. This will reduce class distraction and anxiety. Please be prompt in picking up dancers after class. Instructors tend to have classes back to back, and cannot baby-sit students or provide supervision outside of class time. If they must wait, please notify the front desk and have your child prepared ahead of time (with activities, food, etc.) so proper behavior is ensured.
Conduct & Decorum
In classes/studios:
- NO eating in the studios. Please eat in the waiting area to reduce accidents.
- Water is permitted for sipping while in class. Please refrain from placing water bottles or cups on the furniture.
- NO unattended children are permitted in the dance studios without a teacher.
- Remember no street shoes are permitted on the dance floor as dirt, rainwater, grime, and winter salt can cause damage to the Marley flooring.
- Students are to bring their own water, warm up clothing, sweat towel notebook & pen, and appropriate dancewear and shoes for each class. Instructors will provide a further, specific list of supplies necessary for class (especially during these times, any equipment must be self-provided and not shared, ex. therabands, pilates or yoga balls, other props, etc.).
- Please turn off cell phones prior to entering class. Cell phones are a distraction. Students are required to check in phones with administration at the front desk, upon arrival, so they are not a distraction or a privacy risk.
- Observers and dancers MAY NOT photograph classes in session.
- Silence is required from observers. Please do not distract from the class instruction taking place.
- Instructors, administrative staff, and helpers should be addressed with appropriate titles of respect.
- Common courtesy and polite language is expected amongst studio family. Profanity is not tolerated.
- Students may not leave the classroom without the teacher's permission. This is for safety purposes.
Lobby & Common Areas:
- Clean up after yourselves (food, dispose of your trash; recycling is available! hair supplies, personal items, toys, etc.)
- Keep conversation appropriate and voices low, so as not to distract from classes that are in session.
- Doorways should not be obstructed, by observers or other blockages.
- Children, whether dancers or the siblings of dancers, are to be under supervision of a guardian at all times, and are expected to behave appropriately in all areas of the studio (quiet, no running, etc.)--this includes the playroom! Those who do not act accordingly will be asked to leave.
- Children should be picked-up promptly after their classes. If there is an emergency, contact the front desk. If your child must wait for you, please let the receptionist know and provide your child with an activity and/or snack to ease your child's anxiety and wait time, and alleviate front office staff from the need to "babysit."
CODE OF CONDUCT/BEHAVIORAL CODE
* I will respect others, which includes common courtesy (physical and verbal), a civil tone and interaction with fellow dancers, cast members, backstage help, instructors/choreographers/the director, and SBDA volunteers.
* I agree to take responsibility for my actions, belongings, and behavior.
* I will maintain a level of decorum and professionalism, in my rehearsals and around the studio, extending into the community.
* I will clean up after myself.
ANTI-BULLYING/HARASSMENT
I agree I will not engage in actions that demean or target others in a negative light (including but not limited to):
* Cyber Bullying (via text, social media, online messages, or otherwise electronic)
* Verbal Insults or Derogatory Interactions
* Physical Harm: includes all inappropriate contact (intentional, non-dance-related tactile interaction)
* Be kind, caring, uplifting, supportive, and loving!
Dress Code
ALL REQUIRED ATTIRE (CLOTHING, SHOES, & ACCESSORIES) ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT SBDA.
Ballet:
*Boys*
- Black or white tights or leggings (may wear black spandex-shorts over leggings)
- White shirt (tucked-in, form-fitting; tee or tank)
- Black or white ballet flat shoes
- Hair out of face (gel to slick back, if necessary, or otherwise secured by headband, ponytail, or bun)
*Girls*
Attire:
- Petites & Ballet level 2: a leotard, tights, and skirt are appropriate. Pink or black preferred, but any color is acceptable.
- Ballet level 3: a black leotard, pink tights. Skirts and form-fitting shorts permitted only with instructor approval.
- Ballet levels 4-7: uniform leotard as designated with SBDA logo: Level 4-forest green; Level 5- light blue; Level 6-royal blue; Level 7-burgundy; all with ballet-pink tights
*Saturday classes: "Nuances de Samedi" - any color of leotard & tights
Additional notes:
- Hair must be a in a tight ballet bun (secure/hairspray, no fly-aways)
- Tights should be clean and without holes
- Ballet shoes laces should be tucked in/hidden
- Baggy or loose-fitting clothing is not acceptable
- Warmup clothing should be worn to/from class to cover the body, but should be stripped according to instructor rules prior to or during warmups in class.
For Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, & other exercise classes:
- Leotard or Form-Fitting exercise shirt (with full coverage of cleavage and midriff)
- Jazz shorts or pants (leggings)- skin tight. Knee coverage suggested from at least tights or leggings, to prevent marley burn. (NO skirts or dresses are permitted.)
- Jazz shoes, Footundeez, lyrical sandals, etc., as appropriate or recommended by the instructor
- Hair pulled back and secured out of face, so as not to impede dance movement.
- Acro: barefoot or Footundeez, as comfortable
For Tap:
- Exercise clothing encouraged (appropriate outfits that won't get in the way)
- Tap Shoes
- Hair secured and out of face, so as not to impede dance movement.
Studio uniforms and dress-code attire, as well as other instructor-approved shoes, leotards, tights, and outfit accessories sold at the SBDA studio.
Publicity & Press Release
I give my permission for San Benito Dance Academy to use pictures and/or videos of my child in promotional, social, or advertising capacities, such as but not limited to: newspaper articles, magazines, flyers, and brochure advertisements or posters, as well as on social media (such as our Facebook and Instagram), in press releases, and/or the SBDA website.
- Observers and dancers MAY NOT photograph classes in session.
- Instructors may photograph their classes and utilize them on SBDA's behalf.
Please notify us if you have concerns.
Insurance & Liability
I understand that SBDA Director Lara Lichten nor San Benito Dance LLC (DBA San Benito Dance Academy), nor any instructors carry insurance for the care of students or guests on the studio premises. Therefore, the undersigned agrees that the child(ren) and any other visitors at the studio are covered under their own medical insurance policy and will not hold San Benito Dance Academy, or any instructors, liable if an injury occurs. The undersigned understands that the student's own insurance policy is their only source of coverage or reimbursement.
When present at SBDA, I agree to abide by the procedural policies and guidelines for health & safety, including health screening & COVID-19 related measures.
Health Procedures & Policy (COVID-19 related)
Health & COVID-19 Related Policies
We do still have strict policies in place to comply with our state and county's health protocol in order to be in compliance and allow for us to be open for in-studio operation at all. for health screening, distancing, and face-coverings. A few key notes:
* Health Screening: a guardian must sign the dancer in and wait until the dancer passes Health Screening (temp check and health survey) performed by the instructor before entrance to the studio will be permitted. Anyone who wants to gain entry to the studio must undergo screening (staff members, patrons, and dancers).
* No observers policy: due to our current circumstances, no observers will be permitted to stay during classes. All common areas: waiting room, playroom, and break room are closed, and no loitering will be permitted. Parents of littles, please plan to wait in your car or be around the parking lot if we need to contact you for help toileting!
* Liability & Waiver/Release form must be signed once for each dancer, and then will be kept on file. After that initial paperwork, survey will be conducted verbally, and any only in the case of changes will revised paperwork be required.
* Face Coverings: see more specific details below
* Hand washing and sanitizing: all who enter the premises will be directed to thoroughly wash and sanitize hands, especially prior to, during, and after dance instruction.
* Disinfecting procedures: our studios continue to be cleaned rigorously between every class; surfaces are disinfected, and all aerosol protocol and sanitizing of floors and equipment are regularly conducted.
You may read our full protocol and guide to procedural operations by accessing our website.
We must follow these guidelines to be able to continue to offer dance classes and business services. Thank you for your understanding and doing your part to keep our community safe and healthy!
Face Covering Policy, for Fall Session 2020 (as of 8/19/2020)
In addition to wearing face coverings whenever entering the SBDA premises and engaging in communication, business transactions, or health screening upon entrance at the studio, this face-covering guidance is being followed:
--> Due to increasing scrutiny and our county's COVID-19 numbers, as well as reinterpretation of the mask order (June 18-CA state order), as published in the reviewed and edited Operational Policies and Procedures for gyms and fitness centers (as of July 1st), all instructors and helpers need to wear masks at all times while within proximity to dancers.
--> Dancers over the age of 10 should also wear face coverings during non-strenuous activities (such as barre work, stationary, stretching, and even center-work; they may wear masks as comfortable during more strenuous across-the-floor work, and should follow instruction guidance and be self-aware of maintaining distance while lining up).
--> Young dancers--especially those under 3 y/o--should never wear masks, according to State and CDC-directed guidance.
--> While appropriately distanced (more than 6 feet at all times), and engaged in strenuous activity, it is the dancer's prerogative to remove the face covering so as not to overheat, and to receive proper air-flow, as directed by CDC recommendations.
-->We thank you for your active participation and understanding, so that we may continue to offer in-person instruction during these times, and keep our community as safe as possible.
Agreement
I have read, understand, agree and will abide with all the Studio Policies hereby stated above.
