Encore Academy of Dance is not responsible for students’ misplaced articles. Please mark all personal items and keep all belongings separate from other students in a dance bag placed on the shelf or in a cubby. A lost and found basket is located in the dressing room. This basket is emptied periodically and all contents are donated.

1. Registration
   All students must complete the registration process and sign all waivers before beginning classes. Accounts must be current in order for a family to register for new classes. All fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. NO EXCEPTIONS.
2. Tuition and Withdrawal

   Tuition is charged via autopay to a bank account, debit card, or credit card on the 1st of every month. (This information can be changed at any time through the customer portal.) If you prefer to pay tuition in cash, fees must be paid by the 25th of the month prior. A card must be saved on file to be used in the event of non-payment and a $15.00 late fee will be added on the 1st of the month. Contact encoreacademyofdancedurham@gmail.com for the option to pay in cash.

   For your convenience, tuition is paid in equal monthly installments due on the first class of each month regardless of calendar days, inclement weather, or holiday closings. Tuition is not decreased for 3-week months nor is it increased for 5-week months. Autopay payment is considered late after the 5th of the month and a $15.00 late charge is added to all unpaid accounts. A $30.00 late charge will be added to all unpaid accounts after the 20th of the month.
   
   Tuition is due even if the student misses classes in order to maintain the student’s place in the class. Withdrawal from the program requires a 14-day notice and must be made in writing to the front desk or encoreacademyofdancedurham@gmail.com or tuition will be due. All fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. NO EXCEPTIONS.

3. Credits and Refunds
   No credits or refunds will be given. However, all classes may be made up.
4. Attendance
   Regular attendance is vital to student progress and group choreography. Please make every effort to attend all classes. No refunds will be given for missed classes, however, a student may make-up missed classes by taking another class in the same style of dance during the month in which the class was missed. Please speak with the student’s instructor regarding appropriate make-up classes for your student. If a student misses more than three of the final ten classes before the annual showcase they may be dismissed from participating in the showcase, at the discretion of the instructor.
5. Classroom Etiquette
   Dance training is built on standards that reflect respect and professionalism. These include being prepared for classes by wearing the appropriate dress code, shoes and having hair done accordingly, listening to the instructor, and applying corrections and not wearing street clothes to class. We expect all students to arrive on time, be prepared to dance and display courtesy to parents, staff members and classmates. Tardy, unprepared or discourtesy students may not be allowed to dance.
6. Information
   Please continue to check your e-mail, the bulletin boards and posted signs for reminders and new information. Encore Academy of Dance can not be responsible for notifying each individual student of all reminders.
7. Communications
   During class hours, instructors are not available for discussion. Written messages may be left for the instructors at the front desk. Be sure to include a name and phone number if a return call is necessary. If a parent chooses, or if an instructor feels it is necessary, a conference time may be arranged with an instructor and parent regarding a students progress.
8. Drop off/ pick up/ safety
   All students of elementary age and under should be walked into and out of the studio. Young students should also be instructed by parents to wait inside the studio until the person providing transportation enters the studio to pick them up. Please do not leave students at the studio for lengthy time periods. If an emergency prevents prompt pick up of your student, please call the studio to advise the student and staff of the situation.
9. Lobby
   An office manager will be at the front desk during office hours when classes are being held to answer questions and supervise the area. All payments must be made online. NO food or drinks are allowed on the studio floor. Bottled water is acceptable. No food or drinks are allowed outside the lobby area.
10. Inclement Weather
    Encore Academy of Dance usually follows the Durham Public Schools closings for inclement weather. Should inclement weather be a concern during school hours or on the weekend, please check the your e-mail for instructions. An email will be sent should any changes take place to the schedule. In most cases, classes will be held when schools are delayed due to weather; however, please check your email to be certain. Students may take another class in the same style of dance during the same month to make-up for any classes missed due to weather. If you are uncertain of the make-up class for your student, please check at the front desk.
11. Showcase
    Our Annual Spring Showcase is held in early June. Dance is a performing art and part of the learning process, and all Encore Academy of Dance dancers are strongly encouraged to participate. A Showcase fee will be due with your February tuition. The Showcase fee is used to rent the theater, cover the insurance fees for each student, pay staff, and more. Each family will receive two complimentary tickets for each show in which their dancer performs. Additional tickets can be purchased at a minimal cost as well as additional Showcase t-shirts, videos, pictures, and flowers. If a family chooses not to participate in the Showcase, a withdrawal form must be filled out by November 1, 2022, to avoid Showcase-related charges. Due to theatre availability, there is a possibility the show may be held on a Sunday.
12. Costumes
    Costume fees will be charged on October 1, 2022, for each class. Costume fees for Pre and Kinder classes are $85 per child per class. Costume fees for Leveled classes I-VII are $95 per child per class. If a family chooses not to participate in the Showcase, a withdrawal form must be filled out by October 1, 2022, to avoid Showcase-related charges. There will be a $10 fee charged for any costume paid for after November 1, 2023, due to additional shipping costs.