Policies

Class Placement

All students are placed into a class level based on age and ability. Previous dance experience does not determine level placement. If the instructor and director feel that a student is incorrectly placed, he or she will be notified and moved to the correct level.

Attendance

Please call or email the studio if your child is going to be absent. Strong attendance is a very big part of teamwork. We encourage the student to sit and watch class if injured or an illness is non-contagious. Refunds are not available for missed classes. If a class is cancelled more than twice due to a snow day, we will schedule a make-up class. If your child is consistently more than 5 minutes late every week they may be asked to sit out and guardian will be notified.

Classroom Behavior

Proper classroom etiquette is expected during all dance classes. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to your scheduled time so as not to disrupt the class, and to take full advantage of warming up.

• No cell phones allowed in dance rooms.
• No food or drink allowed in dance rooms or lobby, water only. No gum chewing allowed.
• No loose jewelry including necklaces, bracelets, rings, and dangling earrings. Studs are okay.
• Socializing is to take place in the waiting area, so please respect your teacher and fellow dancers during class time.
• Always thank your teacher at the end of class!

Dress Code

Proper dress code is required for the instructor to see and correct proper body alignment and to prevent injury.

• No street shoes allowed.
• No jeans or hats allowed.
• No baggy clothes are allowed such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, etc, with the exception of Hip Hop classes.
• Correct dance attire for females includes leotard, tights, ballet skirts, fitted shorts or capris, and proper shoes at all times.
• Hair must be pulled back off of face. A bun is required for all ballet classes. Sports bras are required for all teens. Please see dress code for males.

Parent Observation

Classes can be viewed through our observation window or closed circuit TVs in the lobby. Watch week will happen twice a year, when the adults can come into the dance room for the last 10-15 minutes of class and see what their children have been working so hard towards! Watch weeks will happen in December and May.

Class Cancellations

When North Reading public schools are closed due to bad weather, East Coast Dance Center will also be closed. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as roads being cleared by class time. Cancellations will always be announced through email and social media. If a class is cancelled more than twice due to a snow day, a make-up class will be scheduled.

Right to Cancel and Withdrawals

East Coast Dance Center reserves the right to cancel a class due to low enrollment. In this event, another class will be suggested. If you are unable to continue in the new class and withdraw, any unused tuition will be refunded. Any late registrations/start dates will not be pro-rated. Withdrawal from any class at East Coast Dance Center must be in writing and given to director, and there will be no refunds for remaining weeks. After January 1st, a $50 withdrawal fee will be charged per student.

Costumes

Costumes are priced per student/per class $85 for Creative Movement and Kindermoves, $90 for ages 7-18, and $100 for Adult XL-XLL sizes. Full costume payments are due November 7th. All Combo classes age 7 & up have 3 costumes unless otherwise noted. Alterations are the responsibility of the parent, should something need to be adjusted. *Size exchanges are subject to an additional $20 shipping/handling fee if the costume does not fit and if available. We always measure with an extra 1-2 inches for growth. Failure to pay costume fees will result in delayed ordering of your child's costume and $25 shipping and handling late fee will be charged to your account. If your account balance is not paid up to date with tuition or any other associated dance fees, your child will not be allowed to take home costumes. Costume Fees are non-refundable.

Recital

The Recital is our annual performance held in May of each spring, typically the second or third weekend. This is required for all students. Date is finalized late November/early December. Please check our Tuition tab for our costume description required for Recital. This is truly a joyful experience for all dancers to showcase their hard work and dedication throughout the season. All classes age 2.11 Creative Movement and higher will perform. Dress Rehearsals are mandatory for all students, no exceptions. There will be at least two performances at NRHS, and full show schedules are announced in April. Ticket Sales begin online 4/18-20th. Time slots for each family to purchase will be assigned via lottery style early April for your designated show. Initial limit is 7, and then will open for any additional you need.

Waiver

By registering and enrolling online, I fully understand that East Coast Dance Center and its staff cannot and will not be held responsible for any injuries or illness that may occur while attending or participating in any studio activities including classes, rehearsals, recitals, & birthday parties. East Coast Dance Center and its staff are not responsible for lost or stolen items including personal belongings, dance shoes, costumes, accessories, etc. I give ECDC permission to use dance photos or videos of my child for internet & social media publicity or advertising purposes. I also understand that I am responsible for tuition payments and account balances. I have read the above policy statements and waiver of liability and hereby agree to comply with them.