Policies

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 locker. A lost and found basket located in the dressing room is emptied periodically, and all contents are donated.

• Registration
  All students must complete registration and sign waivers before beginning classes. Accounts must be current for a family to register for new classes. All fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Tuition and Withdrawal
  Tuition is charged via autopay to a debit card or credit card on the 25th of the month prior. (This information can be changed anytime through the customer portal.) Contact encoreacademyofdancedurham@gmail.com for the option to pay in cash.
  

For your convenience, tuition is paid in equal monthly installments due on the 25th of the month prior, regardless of calendar days, inclement weather, or holiday closings. Tuition is not decreased for 3-week months or increased for 5-week months. Autopay payment is considered late on the 1st 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 5th of the month. If payment is not satisfied by the 1st of the following month, your student will not be permitted to participate in classes until all tuition payments are up to date. 

Tuition is due even if the student misses classes to maintain the student’s place in the class. Withdrawal from the program requires a 14-day notice and must be made in writing by email to encoreacademyofdancedurham@gmail.com, or tuition will be due. All fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. NO EXCEPTIONS.

The inclusive pricing includes monthly tuition, and all required Annual Showcase fees. Optional Annual Showcase fees, such as photos and tickets, are not included. 

• Credits and Refunds
  No credits or refunds will be given. However, all classes may be made up within a month of the absence.
• 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 dance style during the month in which the class was missed. Please speak with the administrator at the front desk 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.
• Classroom Etiquette
  Dance training is built on standards that reflect respect and professionalism. These include preparing for classes by wearing the appropriate dress code and shoes, having hair done accordingly, listening to the instructor, and applying corrections. We expect all students to arrive on time, be prepared to dance, and display courtesy to family members, staff, and classmates. Tardy, unprepared, or discourtesy students may not be allowed to dance.
• Information
  Please continue to check your email, bulletin boards, posted signs, and the customer portal for reminders and new information. Encore Academy of Dance can not be responsible for notifying each individual member family of all reminders.
• 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 needed, a conference time may be arranged with an instructor, the director, and the parent regarding a student’s progress.
• Drop off/ pick up/ safety.
  All students of elementary age and under should be walked into and out of the studio. Parents should also instruct young students to wait inside the studio until the person providing transportation enters the studio to pick them up. Please only leave students in the studio for a short time. If an emergency prevents prompt pick up of your student, please call the studio to advise the student and staff of the situation.
• Lobby
  An administrator 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 beverages are permitted outside the lobby area. Please clean up after yourself and your children. 
• 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 your email 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 dance style 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 with the administrator at the front desk.
• 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. All showcase fees are included in the all-inclusive pricing model, so your monthly payment will be consistent throughout the season. If a family chooses not to participate in the Showcase, a withdrawal form must be filled out by July 1, 2024, or at the time of enrollment if enrolling later in the season. 
• Showcase Photos
  Class photos and individual photos are taken of every student in April. These may be purchased after Photo Week. All information regarding photos will be emailed to families. 
• Dates
  Due to theatre availability, the show may be held on a Sunday.