Our Mission
The Dance Academy Del Mar (TDA) will endeavor to provide students with a unique dance training instruction that will inspire them to nurture the art of dance, encourage creativity, while providing them with confidence to grow as dancers and individuals.
TDA students will receive instruction from select, highly trained certified instructors with extensive dance backgrounds or academic dance degrees.
Our mission is to share our talent and love of dance with others, to inspire our students to 'ignite the passion' and pursue their dreams.
Waiver of Liability and Release
Assumption of Risk:
I am aware and understand the risks that participating in a dance or exercise program may be a hazardous activity.
I understand that some of those risks include, but are not limited to, incidents which may cause one to fall and that TDA may not have any control over such incidents.
I understand that injuries may be caused by my own behavior, conduct , or lack of skill. I acknowledge that a certain level of physical health, strength, fitness and flexibility will be required.
I voluntarily participate in these activities with knowledge of the risks or injury. I agree to assume full responsibility for my participation.
Release:
I understand that participation in this exercise may result in accident or injury.
I assume the risk connected with the participation and represents that the participant is in good health and suffers from no physical impairment which would limit their use during the training offered TDA.
I agree to comply with the stated terms for participation in the program.
I acknowledge and hereby release and hold harmless TDA and its officers, officials, agents, instructors, employees, other participants shall not be liable for any claim, demand, cause of action of any kind whatsoever for or on account of personal injury, property damage, death or loss of any kind resulting from or related to participant's use of facilities or participation in any class or activity within the facility's premises and participant agrees to release all of the above named parties from full and complete responsibility.
I voluntarily agree to the terms and conditions stated above. My continuation with the enrollment process and attending class constitutes my acceptance of the waiver of liability and release listed above which are subject to change with notice.
Health & Environment Issues
I understand that when registering I hereby will not hold the studio, faculty, staff students or their families responsible for any sickness, injuries or viruses contracted while participating in classes or while visiting the studio.
I understand that while participating in virtual lessons or at home dance training videos I agree that The Dance Academy Del Mar, the studio directors, faculty and staff will not be held responsible for any property damage or injury incurred while taking these said lessons.
Medical Emergencies
The undersigned gives permission to The Dance Academy Del Mar, it's owners and operators to seek medical treatment for the participant in the event they are not able to reach a parent or guardian. I hereby declare any physical/mental illnesses, restrictions, or conditions and/or declare the participant to be in good physical and mental health.
Photo and Video Authorization
I hereby authorize The Dance Academy Del Mar that they may publish in any format, visual documentation such as film, photographs, video footage, and audio recordings taken of students can be used without further consent or compensation. TDA may use these for demonstration, marketing purposes, publications and social media. This includes, but is not limited to our website, brochures, marketing publications, newsletters, slideshows and all social media outlets.
Dress Code
Each class has a specific dance uniform. All students are required to abide by the dress code assigned to their dance program. Student's who persistently do not meet the required dress code will be asked to sit out and observe the class.
Hair for ALL classes must be tied back and for ballet it must be in a neat bun.
Proper dance shoes should be worn and fitted properly from a reputable dance store. Please do not buy dance shoes online or the dress up ballet shoes from local stores as they do not fit correctly.
ALL DANCE UNIFORM LISTS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.
Classes and Private Lesson Policy
Class sizes are limited and places are given on a first come first served basis when registration opens. All students must re register for the new dance season no matter what age or level.
At the time of registration you will be charged $65 registration fee which is NON REFUNDABLE. Tuition is charged on the 1st of each month.
Once registered you have secured your place in the class and restricted others from signing up.
If a class is full you will be placed on a waiting list. TDA reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or combine classes. If any classes have fewer than 6 students enrolled, the class may be subject to cancellation.
Private Lessons:
All private lessons will automatically be charged at the time of booking or on the day the lesson takes place. There is a 24 hour email cancellation policy for all private lessons. Any private lesson that is a No Show, or cancelled less that 24 hrs before the scheduled time then the private lesson will be charged in full to your account. See front desk for private lesson fees.
Class Make-Up and cancellation Policy
Dropping classes:
We require a 30 day written cancellation notice via email to drop a class and discontinue tuition payments. If a class is dropped less than 4 weeks in advance, tuition will be charged in full for the following month. No Exceptions!
IMPORTANT: Tuition is paid month to month from September - June for regular classes. Summer Camps/Intensives will be in July and August. If a student wishes to drop classes between the months of September - March then the 30 day notice will be required and tuition must be paid for the remaining 30 days.
From April - June there are no refunds, cancellations or 30 day notices. It is the time leading into the recital and impossible to replace a students spot in the class during those months. TDA is a dance studio but also a business that operates and incurs huge overheads year round.These do not stop between the months of April - June or the summer months. Our teachers are highly qualified ,experienced and in demand. They commit to their classes as their job and source of income for the year. We understand and respect that families wish to travel and we can work around that at times . If 75% of students cancel in June and 90% do not attend in July and August then the studio would not be able to operate in this wonderful location it is in and we would not be able to provide the exceptional service and classes.
In order for at the studio to operate and succeed and students to continue their training and grow, they should be attending class and continuing through to the recital then attending optional camps in the summer to keep up their fitness, flexibility and strength.
We want to create a beautiful place where children can grow and thrive for many years, we can only do this with the support of our dance families year round.
Make-Up Classes:
Students are allowed a make-up class within the existing month and only if there is availability in the class they choose as a make-up class. Make up classes are not offered for Studio breaks or Holidays.
Absence due to illness or emergency, a make-up class may be scheduled within 4 weeks of the absence. Make-Up classes are of the same level unless approved to try a higher level.
If a student decides to take on another hobby, sport and activity during a period when they have their regular classes, make ups cannot be honored for long periods as attendance and consistency in class is crucial to the child's growth, development and overall experience.
You must sign in for a make-up class at the front desk.
Given the emphasis on continuity and maintaining a optimal classroom environment, dancers will not be able to make up missed classes after May 1st. This is both for the sake of the dancer as well as the class. Making up a class with students who are already well into their specific classes' recital choreography places the dancer in a position of being unable to know the material learned and disallow the class form picking up where they left off.
Student Classes/Policies per Program
The Dance Academy Del Mar (TDA) offer a wide range of classes and pricing structures from Tiny Tots, Recreational Classes, Royal Academy of Dance Examinations and Ballet Academy. Prices, teachers, locations and class times can differ and change for different programs.
We reserve the right to cancel classes and /or refuse service. Please be sure to read and fully understand all policies and guidelines.
We pride ourselves in our selection of teachers and we provide excellent customer service. Part of our training is that in life you or your student may not embrace or like every person or situation you encounter but there is always something to be learned form every person and every situation. These are life skills we all learn and experience. With that, if a student attends and does not like the teacher, the music, the studio or someone else in the class, this is not grounds for a refund or make up class.
Policies per Class Program:
Pricing policies are designed according to the enrollment program and attendance method. Some classes may fall under several enrollment types, in which case the method of enrollment dictates the policy applied.
We strive to offer the best classes at the best rates and abiding by these policies with no exceptions helps to keep our program running smoothly. Thank you for your understanding and adherence to these policies without asking for exceptions to the rules.
Dance is an art form that can and is often designed to challenge our body to it's limit. As such, injuries can occur. From a training standpoint in the world of dance, an injury does not necessarily mean that training cannot continue.
We must remember that not only are we training the body, but also the mind.
We encourage our students, when appropriate to the individual situation, to observe and attend class throughout the recovery phase of an injury to the extent they are able as defined by a licensed physician. Much can still be learned through observation and participation in the class conversation even when physical activity is not included.
However, only you can make the choice for yourself or the student to participate or not. TDA only wishes to advise that in minor injuries, to observe classes is a valuable way to stay connected while recovering from an injury.
Adult Drop -In and Adult Classes:
Please ask at the front desk for any information on adult classes or pre-paid class cards.
Performances
TDA will hold auditions for The Nutcracker in August and the performances will be at a professional theatre in December. Children ages 3yrs - adults can audition for roles.All Ballet Academy students are expected to be in The Nutcracker.
TDA will have an annual Summer Showcase Recital in June at a professional theatre. All students are encouraged to participate as we believe the training they have received all year is leading to performing on stage for a live audience. Dance is an art and should be shared and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the children shine on stage.Both performances are a wonderful experience for all involved.
Summer Programs.Master Classes and Intensives
TDA will offer classes, camps, intensives and extra opportunities throughout the entire season. No business can survive if they close for 2 months nor is it recommended that children stop dancing for 2 months as all the hard work, development and improvement they have achieved will be completely undone if they take a 2 month break. We encourage vacations, family time and down time as that is very important and we will give notice of studio breaks and closures so you can use this time accordingly. We hope our dance families respect and continue to support the studio year round.
Tuition for summer programs and Intensives are non refundable. Please read all program information before enrolling.
Teachers and individual classes within the program are subject to change at any time. We reserve the right to cancel a program due to low enrollment but we do understand that travel schedules are often arranged around programs. We will make every effort to notify students and families as far in advance as possible of any major changes.
Payment Authorization
Enrollment and or Attendance in class constitutes acceptance of the waiver of liability and release, studio policies, payment policies, individual program policies/agreements as appropriate and authorization to charge the payment amount on file for the appropriate class(es) and enrollment fees. Payments are automatically processed on the 1st of each month.
I understand there is a 4.5% administrative fee to use a credit or debit card. There is NO charge if you add your bank account as a method of payment. Payments made by bank account (ACH), is the authorization to debit directly from the customer's checking or saving account.
By registering your child for classes, you agree to have your monthly tuition automatically withdrawn. This authorization will remain in effect until written cancellation is received and reviewed.
Tuition not paid by the 10th of the month will incur a $15 late fee. I understand I am responsible for making sure credit cards or bank account information on file is current and that I must update my online account if my credit card or bank account information has changed or expired in order to avoid a $25 return/decline fee.
TDA has the authorization to initiate electronic payments for any balances past due on the account.
I hereby authorize The Dance Academy Del Mar (TDA) to charge the payment account on file for any and all enrollments or class attendance for myself or my family members as defined in my online account.
Rules and Etiquette
TDA is a safe, nurturing environment where respect, manners, support and appreciation for one another is encouraged and present. We expect this of all faculty, students and families.
Please read the following: Whilst the teacher is talking, demonstrating, or choreographing, please listen , watch and do not talk or interrupt. Pay attention when other students are dancing - you can learn from them. We have zero tolerance for gossiping or bullying. Only use positive and appropriate language. There will be times when the instructor will use "hands on" adjusting corrections to the student(s) , this is so they can make adjustments and learn from the correction given. Label all dance clothes and shoes in case they get lost. TDA cannot be responsible for lost or valuable items misplaced. Lost and found will be donated to charity after 30 days. No cell phones, gum, candy, food, drinks (other than water) are allowed in the studio rooms. No hanging from the barres.
Please be ready for class 5 - 10 minutes before it starts and be appropriately dressed in correct dance attire before entering class. At the end of class please say thank you to your instructor. Try to always be kind, friendly and include new comers.
Your experience at TDA is important to us and we strive to include everyone and make them feel like family. There is always someone here to help answer any of your questions or concerns, so please feel free to reach out at any time. We are totally committed to you having the full support of all our staff and mostly to you having a fun, caring and happy dance environment!
Parent Observation/Communication
TDA strongly encourages communication between the parents of our students and our faculty. If you have any concerns and need to speak with your child's teacher then please email or call the studio and we will try to organize a phone call or meeting as teachers availability is limited between classes.
We will have times throughout the season where parents can observe the class.
Payment Policy
An Annual registration/deposit fee is due at the time of registration and will not be refunded. Tuition is the same every month and will not be pro-rated or refunded for missed classes, observed Holidays, studio breaks or Emergency situations.
Tuition is based on 4 weeks but will be the same for months that have 5 wks of class, 3 weeks of classes, recital week or any special event the student is enrolled in.
1. Tuition for the dance year is based on average classes per month for the entire Season (September - June).
2. Some months have fewer classes due to Holidays and some have more. Tuition will remain the same unless a student has added or dropped a class.
3. Tuition is paid on the 1st of each month. Notice to withdraw must be in writing 30 days prior .
4. Students in the Ballet Academy/RAD program are well aware that continuous training is needed for their development and progress and their training will continue and not stop after their exam , any performance or for 2 months in the summer. No other program closes for 2 months, nor do any children who are on competitive soccer/sports teams, gymnasts , martial arts stop training for 2 months. During the summer months, Classes, Intensives and special opportunities will be taking place so students in these programs will continue and enhance the training they have received all year. We will work around vacations, family time as that is very important and we will support any students who are accepted into a recommended ballet intensive by our faculty.
5. Serious Injury or Illness Exception: (for Special Training Programs Only): If a student has a serious injury or illness and must drop, a Doctor's note must be provided and a letter of withdrawal submitted. The automatic payment will be cancelled for the next month's payment. No refunds will be given for the current month or for any other reason or for minor injuries.
