Studio Policies
Studio Policies
Tuition & Payment Policies
All tuition and fees paid to Open Arms Dance Academy are non-refundable and non transferable, including but not limited to:
Registration fees
Costume fees
Tuition payments
Schedule changes
Missed Classes
Withdrawal due to loss of interest
Dance Season
The dance season runs from September through May, ensuring a minimum of 30 classes per class. Any extra classes account for holidays, weather closures, and other scheduling variations.
No refunds or credits will be issued for absences or cancelled classes.
Monthly Tuition, Proration, & Due Dates
A current card must be kept on file at all times. This card will only be charged with prior approval and on the 10th for tuition payments
Tuition is posted to accounts by the 1st of each month
Payment is due in full by the 10th of each month
If tuition is not paid manually (by cash or e-transfer), autopay will process on the 10th
If these dates are not feasible, please contact us to:
Set up a payment plan
Arrange an alternate autopay date
Late & Failed Payments
Payments made after the 10th without prior approval will incur a $10 late fee
Failed autopay transactions will incur a $10 declined payment fee
Returned checks will incur a $15 fee
Students with outstanding balances may be withheld from class participation until the account is current.
Proration policy
Tuition will be prorated only in months with 2 or fewer scheduled classes (e.g., December)
Months with 3 or more scheduled classes with be charged full monthly tuition
Tuition is not prorated for
Student absences
Missed classes
Cancelled classes
New enrollments
Open Arms Dance Academy offers rolling enrollment, allowing students to join at any time during the season
Students joining after the start of the month will only receive prorated tuition if the month has 2 or fewer remaining classes
Enrollment & Withdrawal
Written notice of class withdrawal must be submitted by the 25th of the prior month
If notice is not received, the next month’s full tuition will be charged on the 10th
Registration Fees
A one-time registration fee applies to new students. This fee secures your student’s place in class. Fees are as follows:
$25 for the first student
$25 for the second student
No fee for additional students in the same family
Returning students are not charged a registration fee.
Costume Fees
Costume fees for recreational classes are $85, which includes tights for recital (does not apply to Company Students). Due dates are as follows:
$45 deposit due November 1st
Remaining balance due February 1st
Costumes will not be released until February 10th, after full payment is received
Students with unpaid costume fees will be ineligible to participate in the recital
Class Policies
Trial Classes
Trial classes are free
Each student may trial up to 2 different classes before enrolling
The same class may not be trialed more than once
Class Cancellations
Open Arms Dance Academy reserves the right to cancel classes for any reason
No refunds will be issued for cancelled classes
Students may attend make-up classes in accordance with our make-up policy
Make-up Class Policy
If a student misses a class or if a class is cancelled (outside of scheduled breaks), they may attend any age-appropriate class as a make-up
Make-up classes must be completed within the same month as the missed class
Recital Eligibility
Students must be enrolled on or before February 1st to participate in the recital
Students enrolling after February 1st will be ineligible to participate in the recital due to costuming, and recital preparation
Accounts must be in good standing for recital participation
Class Minimum Policy
Classes with insufficient enrollment may be cancelled or combined at the studio’s discretion
Families will be notified and provided with alternative options whenever possible
Dress Code
Our dress code ensures student safety and promotes a professional learning environment. Students are required to follow the dress code as outlined on our website: openarmsdancenc.com/dresscode. Students who do not meet dress code requirements may be asked to observe class instead of participating.
Parent Observation
To minimize distractions and maintain focus, parents are not permitted inside the studio during class without teacher approval.
Both studio rooms are equipped with cameras that stream to TVs in the lobby
Parents are welcome to observe classes from the lobby at any time
Behavior Policies
Students are expected to remain respectful, attentive, and engaged during class.
We strive to create a fun and supportive environment, while respecting every age level and attention span. Our approach prioritizes:
Verbal redirection
In-class guidance
Communication with parents when needed
Behavior Guidelines
First disruption: Verbal reminder
Second disruption: Verbal warning
Third disruption: Temporary dismissal from class
A conversation with a parent is required before returning
Fourth disruption: Dismissal from the remainder of class
Repeated disruptive behavior that prevents others from learning may result in:
A parent-instructor meeting
Possible dismissal from classes for the remainder of the season
All dismissals due to behavior are without refund.
Anti-Bullying Policy
Open Arms Dance Academy maintains a strict, zero-tolerance policy for bullying. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where all students feel comfortabl expressing themselves.
Bullying will be addressed immediately by staff
Communication will involve students, parents, and instructors as needed
Continued bullying behavior will result in immediate dismissal from all programs without refund
Other Policies
Inclusion Policy
Open Arms Dance Academy is a fully inclusive dance space that welcomes individuals of all abilities.
Please notify us of any accommodations, needs, or support services required prior to the start of classes or camps so we can best support your student’s success.
Media & Marketing Policy
Open Arms Dance Academy participates in marketing and promotional activities, including:
Community events
Website content
Social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
If you do not wish for you or your child to appear in any marketing materials, please notify Miss Lexi in writing.
Playground Use
The playground outside the studio is available for use. Children utilizing the playground must be supervised. By using this area, you acknowledge that:
Open Arms Dance Academy, its staff, and Trinity Presbyterian Church are not liable for any injuries sustained while using the playground.
Liability & Insurance
Dance, like all physical activity, carries inherent risks. By participating in classes, camps, rehearsals, or performances, you acknowledge that:
Open Arms Dance Academy, its staff, and affiliates are not liable for injuries sustained during participation.
Agreement
By enrolling at Open Arms Dance Academy, you acknowledge and agree to all policies outlined in this handbook. These policies allow us to provide a structured, fair, and inclusive environment for all dancers and families.
Policies regarding our Company Program will be given to prospective company members in studio.