Polices and Procedures

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Policies are subject to change as deemed necessary. We send out notification of all policy adjustments via email well before the policy changes take place. Please ask all questions prior to the adjustment taking effect. Once the policy adjustment goes into effect, your continued enrollment is considered evidence of acceptance.

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Please note: 99% of all studio information is sent to our families via email and BAND app posts. Check your email for updates and monthly news. Ensure that **info@cltcirquedancecenter.org** is in your computer’s address book. This prevents important emails from going to your spam folder. Parents are responsible for knowing all information contained in all school emails and BAND posts.

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Tuition and Payment Policies

Enrollment:  Due to popular demand, we now have year-round regular classes.  All our students are registered until they give notice of withdrawal.

 

Trial Classes

Starting August 26, 2024 we will not offer Free Trial Classes. Instead we recommend the following for you to get to know us and give dance and circus a try:

• Open Houses

  • August 3, 2024

  • January 4, 2025

• Studio Tour during the class time that you want to take to watch the class and meet the teacher.

• Private Lesson

• If there is space, you can join a class at any time except for during our Showcase Creation Period (See Calendar for when this is) for Training Program. During that time, Recreation classes are an option because Recreation does not perform.

• Attend Tricks & Treats or the International Circus and Dance Celebration

 

Tuition for classes

All tuition is per month.  We collect tuition the 1st of each month.  Tuition is non-refundable, and non-transferable.  We host year-round classes, so all our students continue taking class until they give written notice of withdrawal.

 

These monthly tuitions are all-inclusive.

 

Please visit the class listings in your age group for exact tuition rates. Everything covered in the all-inclusive tuition is listed there. Also, please read the Payment information when you scroll down.

 

Tuition is the same each month.  It does not fluctuate due to holidays or unattended lessons.  We base tuition fees per student / family on a “45 weeks of class / twelve month season” which we divide into equal monthly payments. This allows for some months to have 5 weeks, and some months to have 3.

 

This is non-negotiable.  All tuition and registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.  We offer a 14-Day / 2 Class Money Back Guarantee; see policy below.

 

Payment

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First & Last Month

All students pay the first and last month of tuition upfront for each class they register for.  This means there is no charge for your final month of class with us.  All tuition payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

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We accept payment via credit card through our online registration system.  We automatically process all credit cards on the 1st of every month. Tuition bills are not sent out monthly, but you can login to your JackRabbit account to view upcoming payments.

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Students may not skip a month and return to class without paying for the month missed.  The Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center reserves the right to ask that students sit out of classes for delinquent accounts, until such account is paid in full.

 

Summer Day Time Programs (Camps)

To reserve your or your child’s spot, you will be required to pay a 50% non-refundable deposit. We process the remaining amount for all summer programs on the 1st of the month that the camp occurs. If registering for summer programs after this date, then we process your payment within a few days of registration. 

 

Money Back Guarantee

We personally guarantee that you or your child LOVES our classes. If after your first class you or your child is not happy, we work with you to see if changes in class need to be made.  If after your second class you find that the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center is not the right fit, we will refund you the cost for any remaining unattended classes.  For purposes of this Money Back Guarantee, we assume one month’s tuition covers four classes.

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Simply email info@cltcirquedancecenter.org prior to your two weeks ending and let us know.  We do not accept cancellations through the teacher.  All notices must be in writing via email.  We then refund your money directly to your credit card on file.

 

Money Back Guarantee is valid for 14 days from first class attended.  Only new, registered students are eligible for our money-back guarantee.  Our money-back guarantee only applies to weekly classes.  It does not apply to intensives, workshops, or camps.  Money-back guarantee only applies to students withdrawing from the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center within the 14-day time period.  It does not apply to missed classes.  Our Money Back Guarantee is only valid once per family.

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Dropping a Class or Summer Program

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Upon registration, students and their families agree that they must give CC&DC a minimum of 30 days notice that they will be dropping a class.

 

Showcase Creation Period

Due to preparation for the Spring Student Showcase, no drops or class changes may occur.  Drops during this time negatively affect the rest of the students in the group performance.

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To drop from a class,

• we require written notice to the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center a minimum of 30 days prior to withdrawal via email at info@cltciquedancecenter.org.

• Then we apply your final month’s payment and open the class slot to the next student on our waiting list.

• Tuition charges continue to incur until notice is given.

• Teachers may not accept drop notices in class.

• We limit our class sizes for safety reasons.  Due to this, we have a rather strict class drop policy.

• We consider students absent unless we receive written notice.

 

To drop from a Summer Program

• If you pay your Summer Program / Camp in full prior to May 1 and need to cancel, we will refund 50%.

• If a student is injured and needs to switch to a different week of camp, please send us a doctors note along with your request.  We will move the student, space permitting.

• There is a $25 processing fee to switch weeks of camp without a doctors note.

 

Registration and Showcase Fees

All fees are already included in the all-inclusive pricing structure.

 

Late Fee

We charge a $25 late fee on all accounts in arrears for ten days or more. Students with unpaid bills may not register or continue with classes until arrangements are made.

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Injury Policy affecting Class Participation

A doctors note MUST be shown to all teachers providing details of injury.  It should include how long the student is to remain off of injury. Please remember that unless you have a medical background or degree, your opinions on how long you or your child should or should not be out for an injury may be overlooked until we receive an actual note from the doctor.

 

Upon the receipt of a doctor’s note, we will happily place your account on hold until you or your child is able to once again participate.  This account credit must be activated within 60 days of injury.  If the injury requires a longer recovery time, simply email us at info@clticirquedancecenter.org to discuss options going forward.

 

When injuries occur, please know that you or your child SHOULD still attend class to watch.  This depends on how severe the injury is, of course. Students learn almost as much by watching as by doing.  Please do not miss the opportunity for you or your child to increase their knowledge.  Observing class and taking notes is a wonderful way to shorten the “catch-up time” after an injury has healed.

 

Class Policies

 

Dress Code for Training Program

When a student comes without appropriate clothing, we ask the student to sit out of class and watch.

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We have a specific dress code in effect for safety reasons.  This keeps us compliant with our insurance company.  They have good reason to require what they require.

 

Aerial and Acrobatic Classes

• Girls and women wear a high backed (covering the bra line) leotard and non-see-through leggings that reach the ankle.

• Boys and men may wear a fitted tank top or t-shirt and boys dance tights / leggings that reach the ankle, plus a dance belt.

 

Dance Classes

• For contemporary, jazz and ballet classes, girls and women wear a leotard.

• For contemporary, jazz and ballet classes, boys and men must wear a form-fitting shirt and tights/leggings that reach the ankle, plus a dance belt.

• For Hip-hop, wear sneakers. Short tank tops, tank tops and semi-baggy pants are allowed in hip-hop.

• For Tap, wear tap shoes. Short tank tops, tank tops, baggy shirts, T-shirts and baggy pants are allowed.

• ​No Crop Tops

• Ballet students need to wear ballet shoes that are split soled.

• Jazz students need to wear jazz shoes.

 

Wheel Classes

• Wear shoes with rubber soles and laces. No high tops.

• Good options: Feiyue Shoes, Vans, or Chucks.

 

Hair

• Pull your hair back and secure it out of your face into a ponytail or braids for ALL classes.

• Please secure hair before class.  If a student arrives without appropriate hair, we charge $0.25 to your account for a hair tie.

 

Dress Code for Recreation Classes, Adult Students, Birthday Parties, Trial Classes, and Summer Recreation Camps

• All students should wear a leotard that fully covers their back, and leggings that reach their ankles.

• Students may wear a form-fitting shirt or tank top if they do not own a leotard.  NO CROP TOPS PLEASE. Your midriff needs to be covered for safety.

• All shirts must be tucked in.

• Hair is pulled out the face.

 

Dress Code For All

• Masks are optional for anyone.

• No jewelry. If a piercing is non-removable, tape it appropriately during the class. Small earrings are fine.

• Do not wear Zippers or Buttons or Velcro. These can damage the equipment.

• We do not allow long nails on any equipment. It is a safety issue. It also damages the equipment.

• Please wear appropriate clothing to and from the studio. This means cover-ups and shoes. During colder months, keep your body warm as it cools down after class. Healthy students are a priority!

• Sports Bras: We recommend compression or high support sports bras for those who have bra cup C and higher. This will help take stress off your back and give you comfort while doing cardio exercises.

If you need assistance in finding any of these items, please let us know.

 

Observing a Class

The Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center does not allow anyone to observe classes inside the studio.

• Parents/Legal Guardians can observe the first class only.

• There will be times during the year for Family and Friend Observations.

• If special circumstances arise (i.e. grandparents in town for 1 week visiting from Japan), email us at info@cltcirquedancecenter.org and hopefully we can accommodate a guest for part of the class.

• Note that we DO NOT ALLOW drop in guests to observe classes for any reason.

• Why? Safety. It distracts not only you and your child, but the rest of the class.

 

Arriving Late to Class

• If a student arrives late to class, they must complete a coach prescribed warm-up.

• This happens prior to working on the apparatus.

• In some rare circumstances the student may be asked to sit and watch.  This depends directly on how late the student is.

 

Make-up Classes for Absences

• You have 2 months to make up a missed class.

• During the Showcase Creation Period, make-ups can only occur in non-performing classes.

• It is the family’s responsibility to schedule make-ups through their JackRabbit portal.

• If a student is absent, we allow them to attend the same level or lower on the same apparatus held on a different day to make up the class, space permitting.  Should a Level 1 class only happen once per week, we consult with the coach to find an appropriate make-up time.  Contact info@cltcirquedancecenter.org for available options.

• Students must make up ALL absences happening September-December by December 31.

• Students must make up ALL absences in January-May by May 30.

• Students must make up ALL absences June - August by August 30.

 

Private Lessons

To schedule privates in our studio, fees must be pre-paid.

We require a 48-hour notice for all cancellations.

Visit this webpage for details.

 

Open Practice​

• We include Open Practice with your monthly tuition for all weekly classes.

• Students ages 10+ can participate.

• Students have to be approved by their teachers to participate in Open Practice.

• Students may NOT teach other students while at Open Practice. This is for insurance reasons. We reserve the right to ask students attempting to teach others to leave.

• Students may only practice on apparatuses they take at CC&DC. They may not work on apparatuses learned elsewhere without permission from the School Director.

• Instructors do not teach skills at Open Practice. It is a time when our students practice the skills they know to improve their technique so that they progress faster in class.

• Instructors have the right to ask a student to NOT perform a specific skill. This happens if the student demonstrates poor form, technique, or the like.

• Guest Instructors or Choreographers may not instruct or choreograph during Open Practice. Please email us at info@cltcirquedancecenter.org to set up a studio rental for this type of work.

• Instructors have the right to ask a student to sit out from Open Practice, This happens if the student demonstrates dangerous behavior or if the student repeatedly ignores the rules of Open Practice.

• The Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center, its staff, and its partners are not liable for injuries that occur during Open Practice.

• Non-Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center students are NOT allowed to attend Open Practice at this time.  Thank you for your understanding.

• Schedule LInk

 

Safety and Health Policies

It is the parent’s duty to alert the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center to any health conditions.  This includes physical, mental, or emotional conditions.  This allows us to teach you or your your child more effectively. Safety is of the utmost importance to us.  We ask each child to have a physical exam prior to participating if there are health concerns.

 

Do not come to class sick or send sick children to class.

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Colds, flu, and other contagious diseases occur frequently and spread easily. To minimize the possibility of contagion, please keep your child at home if you observe any of the following symptoms.

 

Nasal discharge that is green or yellow. Complaints of ear pain. Persistent heavy cough. Severe sore throat. Eyes that are pink, burning, itching, or producing discharge. Diarrhea or vomiting. Fever.

 

If we observe these symptoms or other conditions deemed contagious in anyone, we will ask you or your child to leave immediately.

 

Fever

When you or your child has a fever, please stay home until there is not a fever for 72 hours without medication. If there are any lingering signs of illness, please stay home. This ensures that the illness has passed and that you or your child is well enough to resume class activities the following week.

 

We require all students to be 72-hours fever free, and 72-hours vomit free before returning to class.  Please check our make-up policy for specifics on how to make up missed classes.

 

The safety of our students is a priority. If a student becomes injured during class, all activity stops and the incident is documented.

In case of a serious injury, the we immediately call the parents and 911.

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We ask that a parent or guardian wait until students enter the studio prior to leaving.  

For students ages 12 and under, we also ask that parents are present at the end of class to pick them up.  Optional for ages 13+. 

 

Students should remain inside the building while waiting to be picked up.  The Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center is not responsible for students leaving the studio. Students should not wait longer than 10 minutes to be picked up once class has ended.

 

Responsibility of Parents and Students

We believe that a student’s success depends on the support of their parents and family. Parents for students under the age of 18, your commitment to the process makes an enormous difference.  We encourage you to be part of your child’s dance and circus education to help them arrive on time to class and be in dress code.

 

Our program relies on a positive atmosphere for our faculty, our students and their families.  It promises a positive learning experience for all involved. We expect cooperation between all families. Showing respect for the others makes a positive effect on our learning atmosphere. Parents, you are a role model for your child in how to interact with others.

 

The spirit of teamwork and the lesson of dedication are big parts of our school’s educational values.

 

Calendar

We mostly follow the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school calendar for our holidays. Please consistently check our School Calendar for an updated listing. Note that we DO NOT observe “Monday” holidays, and we hold classes on those days. Our calendar is always available on our website.

 

Inclement Weather

Because Mecklenburg County is large and it can be snowing in the north and warm in the south, we do not follow the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System weather closures.

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Please download the BAND App to your phone and allow push notifications to be alerted to unexpected class changes.  You can also check our website homepage for inclement weather updates.

 

Other Specifics

• Please check your email for updates and monthly news. Parents are responsible for knowing all information contained in all studio emails.

• All Training Program students will perform in the Spring Student Showcase.

• If student will miss upcoming performances, it is the parents’ responsibility to alert the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center via email as soon as this information is available.

• We will ask the students to have a nude leotard and for some scenes black leggings or biker shorts.

• Please bring children on time (or up to 10 minutes early) every week. Regular attendance is necessary for good training.

• Use proper entrance and exits into the facility. Do not block traffic in the parking lot. We ask that a parent or guardian walk students into the studio. They should also be present at the end of class to pick them up. These are necessary for safety reasons.

• Please be prompt in picking up your child after class. Students must remain inside the building while waiting to be picked up. The Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center is not responsible for students leaving the studio. Parents must pick up students within 10 minutes of class ending.

• Ensure to label shoes, bags, etc with student’s full name.

• Do not communicate with your child during class. Ensure they have everything they need before starting class.

• Call, text, email or private band message to report illness, absence, tardiness, and the like.

• DO NOT send sick children to class. See Safety and Health Policy above.

• Please encourage “home habits”. Stretching and strength work done together is a great bonding opportunity between parent and child.

• We promote healthy eating and healthy habits. We ask that you be mindful of what your children eat and drink. Especially note thier eating within 2 hours of class time. This is up to your discretion, but please understand the better they eat, the better they learn, listen, and behave. It also affects their strength and physical performance in class.

• Along those same lines, please monitor your child’s activities leading up to class time. Jumping on trampolines for 2 hours at SkyZone is fun, but when done prior to class, will affect your child’s abilities in class.

• Food stays in the lobby or the kitchen area in our studio. Only water in a water bottle that can close are allowed in the studio.

• No chewing gum.

• The Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center prohibits illegal drugs, alcohol, weapons, or anything that becomes a weapon, inside the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center. This also applies to any event Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center that is off-site.

• We disallow smoking on the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center premises.

• Please no running or rough play.

• Please no foul language.

• You are responsible for supervising siblings. Keep them safe and under control in the lobby. Siblings may not play in the parking lot.

• If you wish to speak to your child’s teacher, they must begin their class on time. They will gladly meet with you at a time convenient to both of you. Please email us at info@cltcirquedancecenter.org to set up a meeting.

• We expect respectful behavior from students and parents in the lobby area. This includes using “inside voices” and keeping voices down. Do not allow students to stand on studio furniture.

• Remind students to clean up after themselves and respect studio property.

• Leave all jewelry and valuables at home.

• Parents should take children between the ages 6 to 7 to the restroom before class begins. Caregivers of children who need help using the restroom must remain at the studio during their child’s entire class time.

• Check the lost and found box frequently. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items, or any items thrown away from lost and found. The lost and found box is located in our waiting area.

• Avoid gossip that may spread misinformation. If you need to discuss a situation, call or email us to arrange a mutually convenient meeting time.

• Please don’t compare your child to other children. Also, refrain from discussing such comparisons with other parents.

• Do not criticize fellow students.

• Trust your child’s teachers’ evaluations. They are educational professionals and only have your child’s best interest at heart.

• Review all studio polices with your children. Help them understand why it is important for everyone to follow the studio rules.

• We expect everyone to treat all teachers, parents & students with respect at all times.

• The Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center has a Zero Tolerance Policy for gossiping, bullying, threats of all kinds, and negative talk. We ask families to leave the studio if this not adhered to. If the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center is not satisfying your needs, please communicate with us. Please review our Bullying Policies and Procedures Here.

• Please remember that we value your patronage and support and want to THANK YOU for choosing us for you or your child’s education.

 

Warnings, Suspensions, & Dismissals

The following may result in Warning or Suspension from classes.

• Disrespect to teachers, students, or other cliental.

• Repeat violation of classroom etiquette.

• Refusal to wear proper dress code.

• Emotional outbursts.

• Multiple unexcused absences.

• Non-payment of tuition.

• Inappropriate or disrespectful behavior by a student or a family.

 

The following may result in immediate dismissal from the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center.

• Destruction, damage, or theft of Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center property.

• Smoking on the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center premises.

• Illegal possession of drugs, alcohol, or weapons.

• Physical or Verbal intimidation, harassment, abuse, or bullying (including through text or social media).

• Intentional injury or harm done to others.

 

The Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.

 

Behavior Policies

We vow to educate our students, model behaviors, and help students grow with love and respect in this program. If for any reason a student does not meet the expectations outlined above, the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center enforces a 3-strike policy with regard to students misbehaving at the studio.

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1. Strike 1 is a warning. The student may participate in class.

2. Then, Strike 2 is an in-class time-out. We ask the student to sit to the side of the classroom and observe. The coach determines the length of time for the time-out.

3. Finally, Strike 3 is when we ask the student to leave the classroom to sit in the lobby until class is finished. In the case of a Strike 3, the School Director and faculty involved will arrange a time to talk to both student and parent about behavior issues.

 

Social Media Policies

Use of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube blogging and other online social-media vehicles is commonplace. This policy intends to provide the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center students and parents with guidelines to eliminate any confusion concerning the use of social media.

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“Like” the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center to receive updates and special deals on studio events.

 

Please invite your family and friends to “like” and follow us as well on Facebook, Instagram and  YouTube.

• Remember that your anonymity on Social Media is never guaranteed. Please exercise particular caution when posts, images, or videos especially of children.

• Be mindful that your behavior on Social Media is in keeping with the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center’s code of conduct.

• Any posts we perceive as obscene, defamatory, threatening, harassing, discriminatory or hateful towards the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center may subject the owner to disciplinary or legal action. This includes posts towards the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center’s staff, students and families.

• Should you engage on Social Media while identifying as an the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center parent, student, volunteer, or employee, you may only do so with integrity and respect. You must adhere to our privacy and confidentiality policy. Any content revealing or referring to sensitive studio information is not allowed to be shared online.

• All studio patrons must observe intellectual property laws when posting online. (For example, posts featuring routines.) This includes but not limited to manuals, forms, handbooks, syllabi, choreography, costume design, etc.

• While affiliated with our studio, we will not tolerate any posts that are racially, sexually, physically or religiously offensive. Studio affiliation, for example, might be images of students in a Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center T-shirt or jacket, or on an apparatus in our gym.

• Studio families may not communicate all matters pertaining directly to the studio via Social Media. This includes fees, scheduling, placements or performance opportunities. Our open door policy encourages all communication, complaints and feedback to be communicated to the studio staff directly.

• We strongly discourage parents, students, and coaches from connecting as ‘friends’ or ‘followers’ on social media platforms, with the exception of the official Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center social media accounts. This helps maintain professional boundaries and respect the personal privacy of our coaches and staff.

• Please note that our staff members may have personal interests and hobbies, such as pole dancing or other performances, which may not be suitable for young viewers. We ask that parents understand and respect these boundaries to ensure a professional and respectful environment for everyone involved.

• Do not engage in ‘hidden’ or ‘private’ groups formed for the specific purpose of discussing studio matters. We encourage you to join our Facebook group for public discussion. We also warn against discussing Studio matters in private online groups.

• Photos or Videos taken from performances or rehearsals may only be posted online if Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center is tagged. Posts must also be in accordance with all other Social Media Policies.

• You may not post photographs or videos that feature Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center performers other than your own online. You may not take photographs or videos of other students.

• Identifying information of any featured minors must be removed when posting on Social Media. This includes names, ages and the like.

• You DO NOT have permission to reveal any information that compromises the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center. By that, we mean you are forbidden to share personal information about the director, other students or their families, or anything that is proprietary and/or confidential to them or the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center.

• Students and parents may neither claim nor imply they are speaking on behalf of the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center.

• Never post anything that will compromise the self-esteem of students who attend the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center.

• Respect the law, including those laws governing defamation, discrimination, harassment, and copyright and fair use. Parents and students may never post negative comments about other schools or teachers. Please do not post negative comments about school activities such as competitions, conventions, and performances. Also refrain from posting bout the directors of those events.

• Ensure that your social networking conduct is consistent with all of the policies of the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center.