Studio Policies

FOR A RESPECTFUL & PRODUCTIVE PLACE TO GROW

At Encore, we strive to serve all of our dancers with respect, honor, and kindness, and have created our studio policies to keep our studio running smoothly, efficiently, and with excellence on display. The following policies cover our expectations for in and around the studio.

DRESS CODE
  • All dance wear is available locally at Ellman’s Dancewear (Richmond, Virginia).
  • Combination classes may wear economy ballet and tap shoes as long as the ballet shoes have a suede or leather sole. Please, do not wear bedroom slippers.
  • All dancers must have their hair secured back in a bun or ponytail for class. A bun is mandatory for ballet class, and ponytails and braids are acceptable for combination and all other classes. 
  • Cheer-style shorts are not appropriate dance attire. If shorts are worn, a leotard and tights must also be worn.
CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOR

We strive to provide an encouraging, nurturing environment for all dancers. To ensure each dancer feels safe and comfortable during class, we have a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior that may cause a disruptive learning environment or emotional harm to fellow dancers and instructors in class.

Our instructors reserve the right to dismiss any student from a class due to discipline problems or verbal disrespect.


ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is essential for progression in dance. Tardiness and excessive absences are inexcusable and will not be tolerated. All students are responsible for learning the choreography, which requires regular attendance. To be fair to all students, class time will not be used to review material missed. Make-up classes are very difficult to arrange, so please make class attendance a priority.


CANCELLATION / WITHDRAWAL
  • Withdrawals will only be accepted through October 31. 
  • If your dancer needs to cancel for physical reasons, a medical release from a licensed physician will be necessary to terminate the account after the final drop date of October 31.
  • If a dancer drops or cancels registration, prior to the start of class, we will refund half of the registration payment unless refund is needed for class cancellations. 
  • Refunds will not be given if a dancer decides to withdraw. 
  • Your dancers’ withdrawal will be effective the last day of the current month to ensure termination prior to another billing cycle. Proper notice must be given to the office to terminate the account prior to November 1. 
  • Cancellations and withdrawals will not be accommodated for students in the Summer session after June 1. 
  • Every effort will be made to find alternate classes in the event of class cancellation.
REGISTRATION

ALL REGISTRATION MUST BE RECEIVED 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FIRST CLASS

$50.00 registration fee for this season.

Mini or Summer sessions will have a $50 payment to hold your dancer's spot.

For the best availability and class selection, we recommend registering for our studio classes early or classes to start, enrollment must exceed 8 students per class. We will close, add, or change classes as registration demands, but we will not be able to add students to a class once it has closed. If a class does not meet minimum enrollment we will notify you prior prior to class and confirm an alternate selection. We’ll also confirm classes through email so update your spam filters. Class times may adjust prior to the first class, so please make note of your passcode and check your schedule and account through your student profile prior to the first class. The most up-to-date schedule is available through your student profile. If you do not have one, please create one.

PAYMENT POLICIES

Installation Payment Plan: Tuition for the regular season is divided into 9 tuition installments billed over the season, September through May. All students will be assessed a $50 registration fee. Your registration fee or full payment will hold your place in class, and must be received upon registration.

Mini sessions will have a $50 payment to hold your dancers’ spot.

Written notice must be given to the office to cancel billing. To make billing changes, notice must be received by October 31st of each season. If notice is not received, payment is expected for the remainder of the season.

  • We do not offer refunds
  • Attendance does not change or alter tuition installments.
  • Tuition price does NOT include practice clothes and additional merchandise.

Accepted payments: Mastercard and Visa are accepted. A credit card must be on file to complete registration. Credit cards on file will be charged on the first day of each month for tuition installments.

Late payments: Tuition installments are due by the 5th of each month. After the 5th, all accounts with an outstanding balance will be subject to a $25 late fee and charged to the credit card on file.

Discount: Families enrolling in more than one hour of dance per week will receive a discount up to 30% off.

Checks: Personal checks will be accepted for annual payments only. There will be a $35 fee on all returned checks.


Where dancers of all ages will be inspired, nurtured, and treated with respect.

Contact

We have seen such incredible growth when it comes to her skill and confidence.

— Jacqueline Goodrich, Lucy's Mom

I can’t imagine her dancing anywhere else! I love that class placement is based on the dancer’s ability and not strictly by age.

— Melissa King, Meriko’s (“Koko”) Mom

These last few years at Encore Studio have truly been a blessing. She is learning so many valuable life lessons — teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and humility.

— Kristen Thomas, Penelope’s Mom

Since that first Little Dancers class, I have watched my tiny, shy, toddler grow into a confident, outgoing young lady.

— Ashley Bennett, Nora’s Mom