Studio Life & Policies
1. Studio Culture
At Dance AS, we believe the environment people learn in shapes who they become. Whether someone is beginning dance at nine months old, training through their teen years, or rediscovering movement as an adult, our studio is a place to grow in confidence, creativity, discipline, and community.
We are more than a dance studio—we are a creative home where dancers of all ages are encouraged to learn, express themselves, and support one another. Every member of our community contributes to the positive, welcoming culture that makes Dance AS unique.
We Show Respect
We treat fellow dancers, instructors, families, guests, and our studio space with kindness and respect. We listen, encourage one another, and celebrate each person's progress and accomplishments.
We Come Ready to Learn
Dancers arrive on time, dressed for class, prepared to participate, and ready to give their best effort. Growth begins with consistency, focus, and a willingness to learn.
We Choose Encouragement
Dance is a place for growth, not comparison. We celebrate each other's successes, support one another through challenges, and recognize that every dancer's journey is unique.
We Practice Responsibility
We care for our belongings, help keep our studio clean, and follow classroom expectations to create a safe, positive learning environment for everyone.
We Communicate with Kindness
Questions, concerns, and feedback are always welcome. We ask that dancers, families, faculty, and staff communicate respectfully, thoughtfully, and with a spirit of collaboration.
We Build Community
Dance AS is a place where meaningful relationships are formed through shared experiences. We encourage participation in performances, studio events, and community activities as we grow together as artists and individuals.
Our Commitment
At Dance AS, technical excellence and personal growth go hand in hand. We are committed to providing high-quality dance education in an environment where dancers of every age and stage feel seen, supported, challenged, and inspired.
Together, we cultivate a community where movement has purpose, artistry is celebrated, and every dancer has the opportunity to discover their unique voice.
2. Parent Responsibilities & Expectations
At Dance AS, we believe a dancer's success is built through a partnership between the studio and the family. Your encouragement, communication, and support play an important role in creating a positive and rewarding dance experience.
Support Your Dancer
Encourage consistent attendance, celebrate effort and progress, and help your dancer develop confidence, responsibility, and a love of learning.
Arrive Prepared
Please ensure your dancer arrives on time, dressed in the appropriate attire, with the required shoes and hair secured according to the dress code.
Stay Informed
Families are responsible for reviewing studio emails, announcements, and updates through the Dance AS Portal. Staying informed helps ensure you don't miss important dates, deadlines, or studio news.
Communicate Promptly
Please notify the studio of absences, schedule changes, injuries, or other concerns that may affect your dancer's participation. Open communication allows us to provide the best possible experience for every dancer.
Foster a Positive Environment
We ask families to model kindness, respect, and encouragement toward dancers, faculty, staff, volunteers, and other studio families. Positive interactions help create the welcoming community that defines Dance AS.
Respect the Learning Environment
To allow instructors to focus on teaching, we ask that families avoid interrupting classes. If you have questions or would like to discuss your dancer's progress, we are happy to schedule a conversation outside of class time.
Partner With Us
Every policy, expectation, and decision at Dance AS is guided by our commitment to providing a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment for all dancers. We appreciate your partnership and thank you for helping us build a community where every dancer can learn, grow, and thrive.
3. Dancer Expectations
At Dance AS, we believe dance is about more than learning choreography. Every class is an opportunity to grow in confidence, creativity, discipline, and respect. Together, we create a studio where every dancer feels welcomed, challenged, and encouraged to do their best.
Come Ready to Dance
- Arrive at least 5 minutes before class so you are dressed, prepared, and ready to begin on time.
- Wear the required dress code and bring everything you need for class, including a water bottle.
Respect the Studio
- Help keep our studio clean and organized.
- Treat floors, equipment, costumes, and studio spaces with care.
- Water is welcome in the studio. Food, gum, and other drinks should remain outside the dance rooms.
Stay Present
- Phones, smart watches, and other distractions should remain put away during class unless a teacher gives permission.
- Give your full attention to your teacher and classmates.
Respect Others
- Encourage your classmates and celebrate their successes.
- Speak with kindness and treat everyone with respect.
- Remember that every dancer grows at their own pace.
Be Willing to Learn
- Listen carefully and apply corrections.
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes—they are part of learning.
- Bring your best effort to every class.
Commit to Your Growth
- Attend class regularly.
- Practice when encouraged.
- Every class builds on the one before it, and consistent attendance helps dancers grow.
Represent Dance AS Well
Whether you're in the studio, performing on stage, or representing Dance AS in the community, your words, attitude, and actions matter. Help create an environment that reflects the values of our studio.
Expectations by Age Group
Tiny Steps & Demi Dancers
Our youngest dancers are learning how to be part of a class.
We encourage them to:
- Listen to their teacher.
- Try new things with confidence.
- Use kind hands and kind words.
- Take care of themselves, their classmates, and the studio.
- Celebrate every accomplishment—big or small.
Foundations
(Beginning/Level 1, Level 2/3)
As dancers grow, we encourage greater independence and responsibility.
Junior dancers should:
- Arrive prepared and ready to learn.
- Stay focused throughout class.
- Support teammates with encouragement and respect.
- Accept corrections with a positive attitude.
- Set personal goals and take pride in their progress.
Senior Division & Adults
(Level 4/5, Intermediate/Advanced, Teen & Adult Classes)
Senior dancers help shape the culture of Dance AS.
We encourage them to:
- Lead with integrity, respect, and professionalism.
- Be curious, ask questions, and continue learning.
- Encourage younger dancers through their example.
- Take ownership of their training and personal growth.
- Remember that great dancers are lifelong learners.
Together, these expectations help Dance AS remain a place where dancers are encouraged to work hard, support one another, and discover the power of their own artistic voice.
4. Waiting Area Expectations
Our waiting area is a shared space for Dance AS families. To help us maintain a safe, welcoming, and focused studio environment, we ask everyone to follow these expectations:
- Keep voices, phone calls, videos, and other devices at a low volume so classes are not interrupted.
- Children who are not participating in class must remain with a supervising adult at all times.
- Keep hallways, doorways, and studio entrances clear so dancers can enter and exit safely.
- Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be considerate of other families and avoid using seats for bags or personal belongings.
- Food and open beverages should remain outside the waiting area. Closed water bottles are permitted.
- Help us care for the space by disposing of trash and taking all personal belongings when you leave.
- Please do not enter a studio while class is in progress unless invited by an instructor or staff member.
- Photography and video recording are not permitted through studio doors or windows unless Dance AS has announced an approved observation or recording opportunity.
- Families are responsible for arriving promptly at dismissal. Dancers should not be left waiting after class without prior arrangements.
- Respect the privacy of other dancers and families. Questions about placement, progress, behavior, or personal concerns should be discussed privately with the appropriate instructor or studio director.
Thank you for helping us create a waiting area that is comfortable for families and supports a positive, distraction-free learning environment for every dancer.
5. Using Our Studio Space
Our studio is an active learning environment designed first for our dancers. These guidelines help us keep the space safe, clean, and comfortable throughout the day.
Restroom Access
Dance AS restrooms are reserved for registered dancers while attending classes, rehearsals, and studio events. We do not have publicly accessible restrooms for parents, siblings, visitors, or those waiting in the studio.
If a restroom is needed while you wait, Wawa is located nearby and is a short walk or drive from the studio. Please plan accordingly.
Children and Siblings
Children who are not participating in class must remain with and be actively supervised by their accompanying adult. Running, climbing, and disruptive play are not permitted in the waiting area.
Classroom Access
Dance classrooms are reserved for registered dancers and authorized Dance AS staff during class time. Parents, siblings, and visitors should remain in the designated waiting area unless invited into the classroom by an instructor.
Personal Belongings
Please keep personal belongings together and out of walkways. Dance AS is not responsible for lost or unattended items. Please check the area and take all belongings with you before leaving.
Food and Diaper Disposal
Please do not leave food waste, food packaging, or diapers in Dance AS garbage cans. All food-related trash and diaper waste must be taken with you when you leave. This helps prevent odors and keeps the studio clean and comfortable for our dancers.
5. Communication Guidelines
Clear, respectful communication helps us create the best possible experience for every dancer and family. We are committed to keeping you informed and appreciate your partnership throughout the season.
Studio Communication
Dance AS shares important information through:
- The Dance AS Portal
- Text messages (when applicable)
- Social media for highlights and reminders
- Families are responsible for keeping their contact information current and reviewing studio communications regularly.
Response Times
We strive to respond to emails and messages as promptly as possible during regular business hours. Response times may be longer during weekends, holidays, performances, and studio events.
Who to Contact
For questions regarding classes, registration, attendance, tuition, performances, or your family account, please contact the Dance AS administrative team.
If your question is best answered by an instructor or requires additional attention, we will connect you with the appropriate team member.
Classroom Communication
To provide instructors with their full attention on dancers before and after class, we ask that lengthy conversations be scheduled outside of class time. Quick questions are always welcome when time allows.
Respectful Communication
We are committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone in our community. We ask that all communication between dancers, families, faculty, staff, and guests remain courteous, constructive, and solution-focused.
Staying Connected
To ensure you never miss important information:
- Check your email regularly.
- Enable notifications for the Dance AS Portal.
- Add DanceAsDanceAcademy@gmail.com to your safe sender list.
- Follow Dance AS on Facebook and Instagram for studio news, event reminders, and community highlights.
Thank you for partnering with us to create a positive, supportive, and connected Dance AS community.
6. Attendance Policy
Consistent attendance is an important part of every dancer's growth. Each class builds on the one before it, helping dancers develop technique, confidence, strength, artistry, and a sense of responsibility to their class community. We encourage families to make dance a regular part of their weekly routine whenever possible.
Regular Attendance
Dancers are expected to attend class each week throughout the season. Regular attendance supports steady progress, safe training, strong classroom relationships, and confident performance preparation.
Absences
We understand that illness, family commitments, school events, and unexpected situations may occasionally arise. If your dancer will be absent, please notify Dance AS before class whenever possible.
Missed Classes and Make-Up Opportunities
Foundation-Level Classes and Above
For dancers enrolled in Foundation-level classes and above, missed class time is made up through scheduled rehearsal time for the Winter Showcase and Spring Concert. Separate make-up classes are not offered for these levels.
Demi Dancers
For Demi Dancers, Dance AS will do its best to accommodate a make-up class when space and scheduling allow. Make-up classes must:
- Be completed within the same calendar month as the absence
- Be scheduled in advance with Dance AS
- Be approved based on class availability and appropriate placement
Make-up classes are not guaranteed and cannot be carried over into a future month.
Performance Preparation
Attendance becomes especially important as performances approach. Choreography, formations, and rehearsals rely on every dancer being present. Excessive absences may affect a dancer's ability to participate safely and confidently in a performance.
Any decisions regarding performance participation will be made thoughtfully, with consideration for the individual dancer and the success of the full class.
Illness
To help protect the health of our studio community, please keep your dancer home if they have a fever, are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, or have symptoms of a contagious illness.
Dancers may return once they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication and feel well enough to participate fully.
Arriving on Time
Please plan to arrive a few minutes before class begins so dancers are prepared and ready to start on time. Arriving early allows students to settle in, organize their belongings, and participate in the full warm-up, which is an essential part of safe dance training.
Thank you for helping us create a dependable, positive learning environment where every dancer has the opportunity to grow and contribute to their class community.
7. Arrival, Drop-Off & Pick-Up
Consistent arrival and dismissal routines help keep dancers safe and allow classes to begin and end on time.
Arrival
- Dancers should arrive 5–10 minutes before class to use the restroom, change shoes, secure personal belongings, and prepare to enter the studio.
- Please avoid arriving more than 15 minutes early unless prior arrangements have been made.
- Dancers should arrive dressed according to the Dance AS dress code, with hair secured and all required shoes and supplies.
- Students should wait quietly in the designated area until invited into the studio by their instructor.
- A parent or guardian must confirm that the studio is open and an instructor or staff member is present before leaving a dancer.
- Dancers arriving late should enter quietly and wait for the instructor’s direction before joining class.
Drop-Off
- Younger dancers should be escorted into the building by a parent or authorized adult.
- Please do not leave children unattended in the parking lot, hallway, or waiting area.
- Parents should make sure the studio has current contact and emergency information.
- If someone other than the dancer’s usual parent or guardian will be responsible for pickup, please communicate that information in advance.
- Families should follow all posted parking, traffic-flow, and building-entry instructions.
Pick-Up
- Parents and guardians should be ready for pickup when class ends.
- Dancers must remain inside the designated waiting area until their authorized adult arrives.
- Younger dancers will not be released to the parking lot or an unfamiliar adult without appropriate authorization.
- Please notify Dance AS as soon as possible if you expect to be late.
- Repeated late pickups may require a meeting with studio leadership and may be subject to a late-pickup fee.
- Before leaving, dancers should collect all shoes, dance bags, water bottles, clothing, and personal belongings.
Dance AS cannot provide supervision before the approved arrival period or after a dancer’s scheduled dismissal time. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, organized transition between classes.
8. Safety & Wellness
The safety and well-being of every dancer, family member, faculty member, and guest is a top priority at Dance AS. We are committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where everyone can learn, grow, and enjoy the arts with confidence.
Arrival & Departure
- Please arrive a few minutes before your scheduled class.
- Parents or guardians are responsible for supervising young dancers before and after class unless they are participating in a supervised program.
- Dancers should be picked up promptly at the end of class.
Health & Wellness
To help protect our studio community, please keep dancers home if they are experiencing:
- Fever
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- A contagious illness
- Any symptoms that may prevent safe participation
Dancers may return to class when they are symptom-free and able to participate safely.
Injuries
Please notify your instructor of any injury, illness, or physical limitation before class begins. In some cases, dancers may be able to observe class or participate with appropriate modifications.
Emergency Contact Information
Families are responsible for keeping emergency contact information current in the Dance AS Portal. Accurate information allows us to respond quickly if an emergency arises.
Emergency Procedures
Dance AS maintains emergency procedures for situations such as severe weather, fire alarms, building emergencies, and medical incidents. Faculty and staff are trained to guide dancers safely and calmly when needed.
Studio Safety
To help maintain a safe environment:
- Walk while inside the studio.
- Keep hallways, entrances, and exits clear.
- Store personal belongings neatly in designated areas.
- Food and drinks, other than water in a closed container, should remain outside the dance studios.
- For the safety and privacy of all dancers, studio restrooms are reserved for dancer use during class times.
- Report any safety concerns to a member of the Dance AS team.
Our Shared Responsibility
Creating a safe studio is a shared responsibility. By following studio procedures and showing care for one another, we help ensure Dance AS remains a welcoming place where every dancer can learn, create, and thrive.
9. Weather-Related Closures
The safety of our dancers, families, faculty, and staff is our highest priority. Weather conditions can change quickly, and Dance AS will always make decisions with the well-being of our community in mind.
Closure Decisions
When severe weather or hazardous conditions affect the safety of travel or studio operations, Dance AS may delay, cancel, or modify classes.
Whenever possible, closure decisions will be communicated as early as possible.
How We Will Notify Families
Weather-related updates will be shared through:
- The Dance AS Portal
- Text message (when applicable)
Please ensure your contact information is current and check these communication channels before traveling to the studio during inclement weather.
Missed Classes
If Dance AS cancels classes due to weather, make-up opportunities or alternative arrangements will be communicated when applicable.
Family Discretion
We recognize that weather conditions can vary significantly across our region. Even if the studio remains open, families should use their own judgment when deciding whether it is safe to travel. If you believe road conditions or weather make travel unsafe, please notify the studio and prioritize your family's safety.
Thank you for helping us keep our Dance AS community safe throughout the season.
Questions about this guide may be directed to DanceAsDanceAcademy@gmail.com
