Terms and Conditions
The Student and/or the Student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) named herein (collectively, the “Participant”) hereby agree to the Rules, Policies and Regulations set forth herein (collectively, the “Rules”) as a condition to the Participant’s admittance to, and continuing attendance at, Rhythm & Grace Dance Academy, and agrees to the Rules in favor of the Studio (as defined below), its owners, directors, officers, employees, instructors, contractors, agents, affiliates, successors, and assigns (collectively, the “Studio”). By agreeing to the below, the Participant expressly acknowledges that the Participant has reviewed the Rules in detail and has had a reasonable opportunity to consult the Studio regarding any questions or concerns in respect of the Rules, and that no agreement to the contrary shall be deemed to exist unless executed in writing.
All students and their parents or guardians are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct while participating in any activity at Rhythm & Grace Dance Academy. Respect for instructors, fellow dancers, and studio property is always mandatory and a central tenet to the Participant’s involvement at the Studio.
The Participant acknowledges and agrees to the following, and the Participant understands that failure to adhere to these expectations may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal from the program:
- Respect for instructors, fellow dancers, and studio property is expected at all times.
- Proper dance attire and appropriate footwear must be worn for all classes. Expectations for footwear and attire will be communicated to all Participants at the outset of each season.
- Food and beverages are strictly prohibited in dressing rooms, and no gum or peanut products are permitted anywhere within the Studio premises.
- Students are expected to treat all Studio facilities, including dressing rooms, with care; any acts of vandalism will result in the responsible party being held fully accountable for damages.
- The use of cell phones during class is strictly forbidden, and video recording is only permitted with prior authorization from the Studio Director.
- Parents must notify the Studio when their child will be absent from class.
By registering to dance at Rhythm & Grace Dance Academy, Students of the Studio – as well as their parents and guardians – are teammates on the same team. As with any team sport, teammates rely on each other’s regular and consistent attendance at class and rehearsal for the overall success of the team. Accordingly, regular attendance is mandatory for all Students enrolled at the Studio.
The Participant acknowledges and agrees to the following, and the Participant understands that failure to adhere to these expectations may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal from the program:
- Excessive absences may result in removal from performances, competitions, or class placement at the discretion of the Studio Director.
- Competitive Program students are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals, classes, and events without exception.
- Consistent attendance is essential for student growth, class cohesion, and overall success. Failure to meet attendance expectations may result in dismissal from the program or adjustments in class level. Guardians are responsible for notifying the dance studio office or the student’s instructor directly regarding any absences.
- Any student who misses three (3) consecutive weeks or more may be required to forfeit their class placement, depending on space availability and class progression. Additionally, any student who misses three (3) practice days (non-consecutive) is required to book a private lesson to make up for missed instruction time and ensure they are keeping up with the class.
- Stage rehearsal is mandatory for all students participating in the Competitive Program. Students who miss stage rehearsal may be removed from the Competitive Program, as this rehearsal is critical for performance preparedness and team synchronization.
- For Showcase participants, more than three (3) absences between March 1st and the June Showcase may result in removal from the Showcase performance.
The foregoing attendance policies are strictly enforced to maintain the integrity and quality of instruction and performance at Rhythm & Grace Dance Academy. By agreeing to these Rules, the Participant understands that the Participant is agreeing to be a part of the Studio team, and will be held accountable by both the Studio and their fellow teammates for their attendance and participation.
The Participant hereby expressly understands, acknowledges and agrees that all tuition, fees, and other payments made to the Studio are strictly non-refundable under any circumstances, including but not limited to withdrawal, dismissal, injury, illness, or force majeure events. Further, there will be no refunds or make-up for missed classes.
Without limiting the foregoing, the Participant, by agreeing to these Rules, expressly acknowledges the following:
- There will be no refunds for cancelled classes due to severe weather conditions. The Participant is advised to contact the Studio when there are severe weather conditions to see if classes have been cancelled.
- No refunds of any fees whatsoever are available for the Participant if the Participant chooses, for any reason(s) whatsoever and in spite of signing these Rules, to not attend a certain competition(s) or to quit attending classes and competitions at any point beyond the date of the execution of these Rules as set out on the last page of these Rules.
- Enrollment in the Competitive Program is a full-season commitment (September–June). If the Participant chooses to withdraw from the Competitive Program for any reason after the season has begun (and, in any event, anytime following the Participant’s execution of these Rules), the Participant is responsible for paying the full tuition for the entire season, as well as all competition fees incurred or committed on behalf of the student.
- Costume Fees and Competition Fees owed by the Participant to the Studio will be communicated to the Participant as and when the Studio has obtained the necessary third-party invoices for such fees. Once owing, the Studio will communicate to the Participant the deadline for making payment for such Costume Fees and Competition Fees. Because the Studio must make payment for Costume Fees and Competition Fees up front on behalf of the Studio’s students, the Participant will be required to pay to the Studio non-refundable deposits in respect of Costume Fees and Competition Fees, which deposit will be credited towards the full cost of the Participant’s portion of the Costume Fees and Competition Fees. The Studio will communicate these payment amounts and deadlines to the Participant throughout the season as and when such amounts have been determined.
- If the Participant is enrolled in any Competitive Program, the Participant is required to purchase a Rhythm & Grace Dance Academy sweatshirt. This is a key component of the Studio’s professional image and is non-negotiable.
Unless separate payment arrangements have been agreed to between the Studio and the Participant (which must be executed in writing), Tuition Fees are due on the 1st day of each month. Late payments of Tuition Fees, Costume Fees and Competition Fees will incur a 10% fee, compounding monthly until paid, and/or suspension from classes until resolved. Tuition Fees, Costume Fees and Competition Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
These Rules with respect to Tuition and Fees have been strengthened by the Studio as compared to prior seasons. This is the unfortunate result of repeated abuse of these Rules by certain of the Studio’s former students, parents and guardians. By agreeing to these rules, and without limiting any of the foregoing, the Participant acknowledges that the Participant’s failure to make timely payment of Tuition Fees, Costume Fees and/or Competition Fees when due may, in addition to the Participant’s suspension and/or expulsion, result in the Studio seeking legal recourse for damages in respect of lost revenues and cancellation fees owed to competitions and costume designers.
Expectations, deadlines, news, schedules and season plans will be communicated to the Participant regularly throughout the season by the Studio via email and the parent portal at Class Manager. It is sole the responsibility of the Participant to stay informed.
If the Participant believes that they are not receiving communications from the Studio, the Participant must contact the Studio as soon as possible to resolve any communication issues. The Participant is encourage to add the Studio to their “safe sender” list on email or, alternatively, to routinely check their junk email box for Studio communications which may have inadvertently been labelled as junk. The Studio will not be responsible for any losses or damages suffered by the Participant as a result of an alleged missed communication.
Assumption Of Risk & Waiver of Liability
The Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Studio shall not be held responsible for any injury, accident, damages, losses, demands, claims, actions, lawsuits or proceedings arising from the Participant’s involvement in the Studio and its dance programs, classes, rehearsals, showcases, competitions or other activities associated with the Studio. Without limiting the foregoing, the Participant acknowledges and agrees to the following conditions:
- Assumption of Risk. The Participant acknowledges and agrees that participation in dance classes, rehearsals, performances, and related activities (“Dance Activities”) involves inherent risks, including but not limited to physical exertion, slips, falls, collisions, sprains, strains, fractures, and other injuries that may result in serious bodily harm, permanent disability, or death. The Participant voluntarily assumes all such risks, known and unknown, associated with participation in Dance Activities, whether caused by the negligence of the Studio or otherwise.
- Release and Waiver of Liability. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Participant hereby irrevocably releases, waives, discharges, and covenants not to sue the Studio for any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to any injury, illness, death, or property damage sustained by the Participant in connection with participation in Dance Activities, regardless of whether such injury or damage is caused by the negligence, active or passive, of the Studio or otherwise.
- Indemnification. The Participant agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Studio from and against any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to the Participant’s participation in Dance Activities or breach of this Agreement.
- Medical Treatment. The Participant authorizes the Studio to obtain emergency medical treatment for the Participant if deemed necessary. The Participant agrees to be responsible for any and all medical expenses incurred as a result of injury or illness during Dance Activities.
- Non-Refundable Payments. The Participant acknowledges and agrees that all tuition, fees, and other payments made to the Studio are strictly non-refundable under any and all circumstances, including but not limited to withdrawal, dismissal, injury, illness, or force majeure events.
For greater certainty and without limiting any of the other provisions of these Rules, the Participant hereby expressly acknowledges that they have read, understood, and voluntarily agreed to the foregoing assumption of risk, release & waiver of liability provisions.
Addressing Concerns & Conflict Resolution
At Rhythm & Grace Dance Academy, we value open communication and recognize that misunderstandings or concerns may arise from time to time. We are committed to resolving such matters with care, professionalism, and respect for all parties involved.
To maintain a respectful and safe environment for all dancers, families, and staff, the Participant acknowledges and agrees that the following guidelines are to be observed when addressing concerns:
- Please use discretion when bringing concerns to the Studio’s attention. Sensitive matters should be addressed privately and only when classes are not in session.
- All private or sensitive concerns must be directed to the Studio Director through an appointment or scheduled meeting.
- If the issue involves other students or parents, do not attempt to resolve the situation on the Studio’s premises or on the premises of any competition the Studio is attending. Instead, please request a meeting with the Studio Director so the matter can be handled appropriately and confidentially.
- Disrespectful behavior, including aggressive dialogue or body language, foul language, or physical threats, will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
- Any parent, guardian, or student who displays such behavior may be dismissed from the Studio and all associated programs at the discretion of the Studio Director, and the Studio reserves the right to pursue damages at law against the Participant in the event of any breach of the foregoing.
These policies are in place to protect the comfort, safety, and well-being of all dancers, families, and staff. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and commitment to maintaining a positive studio culture.
If any provision of these Rules is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
Students leaving money or valuables in the dressing rooms do so at their own risk. The Studio suggests refraining from bringing valuables to the studio, as the Studio is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Children who are not dancing may not be left unsupervised at the Studio. Students should be picked up within 15 minutes from end of class time.
By agreeing to and accepting these Rules, and by continuing to attend the Studio and pay tuition, the Participant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and voluntarily agreed to these Rules.
If the herein-named Student is under the age of 18, then the herein-named Participant, as the Student’s parent or legal guardian, acknowledges and agrees that the Participant’s acceptance of these Rules constitutes the Participant’s legally valid and binding signature, which is binding upon each of the Student and any of the Student’s other parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Further, the Participant acknowledges that the Participant has reviewed these Rules in detail with each of the Student and any other parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the Student being bound by the Participant’s signature herein.
Without limiting the foregoing, the Participant acknowledges that he/she is the parent/guardian responsible for the herein-named Student’s tuition fees at the Studio.