Studio Policies

Facility Policies

a) Please do your part in keeping Golden Steps Studio clean and tidy by using the trash and recycling receptacles.b) Please have a dedicated pair of clean shoes to change into for activity participation at Golden Steps Studio. Shoes that have been worn outside are not permitted on any of our dance floors. Outside dirt can damage the surface of the floor and create a slipping hazard to dancers. Please carry in a pair of clean shoes for dance, Zumba, or fitness classes and change before class begins. For your safety, bare feet are not allowed in the facility.  Some sort of shoe or foot covering must be worn at all times.c) We appreciate no hands and feet on the walls and no touching the mirrors.

d) No food, drink or chewing gum is allowed in the dance studios.

e) Please use cubbies to store clothing, shoes, bags, purses, etc. These items are not allowed on the dance floors or carpeted areas as they may become a tripping hazard.

f) Golden Steps Studio is not responsible for lost, stolen items or damaged items.

g) Please no running in the upstairs mezzanine. (Young children must have parental supervision while in mezzanine area.)

h) The hall and upstairs mezzanine areas are available for viewing classes being held in Studio A or for students to use to study.

i) Observation of classes held in Studios B & C is limited to designated Observation Weeks only (Weeks 8 and 16).

j) No standing or climbing through the windows in Studio A.

k) Dancing is physical exercise – you participate at your own risk and it is your responsibility to consult your physician to confirm your fitness capabilities before beginning any dance lessons. A doctor’s note may be required to begin a class if you have special physical concerns, or to return to activity after an absence from class due to injury, illness, or during pregnancy. Always make that we are aware of any physical limitations or concerns that you may have.

 

Registration, Tuition, Discounts

a) A registration form must be completed before entering a studio for any type of activity. No student under the age of 18 will be permitted to take a class without a parent/guardian signature.b) Tuition for the 8-week Summer Session is $100 for the first class and each additional class is $90. Tuition for the 16-week Fall and Spring Sessions is $200 for the first class and each additional class is $180.

c) Family members receive a tuition discount on instructional classes equal to the charge of an additional class for the first student.

d) A one-time registration fee of $20 will be included per new student.

e) Tuition is non-refundable and must be received on or before the first class of the session in order to participate.

f) Tuition is not pro-rated for missed classes.

g) Account balance must be paid in order to take classes the following session.

h) Payment methods accepted include cash, check (made payable to Golden Steps), Visa, MasterCard and Discover.  Returned checks will incur a $20 service charge.

 

Class Expectations

a) Class will start promptly at the designated time. Students should plan to arrive at least five minutes before class begins to change shoes and prepare for class.b) Students may enter the dance studio after the instructor has taken attendance and is ready to begin class.

c) We ask students with long hair to pull it back away from your face.  Also, no jewelry, watches or dangling earrings during class.

d) If you will be missing a class or if you are running late, please call 765-497-5657 to let us know your circumstances.

 

Withdrawals, Class Transfers and Refunds

a) Transferring to a different class once a session has begun can be done only if agreed upon by the instructor of the class you are leaving and the instructor of the class you would like to join.b) If for any reason you decide you would like to withdraw from a class, please contact us at GoldenStepsStudio@gmail.com.

c) Tuition will not be refunded for dropped classes.

d) Refunds and Credits: Credits and refunds may be issued under limited circumstances. Requests for such must be made in writing and approval is at the sole discretion of Golden Steps management.

e) All refunds require a two week notice and will be issued in the form of a studio account credit for the amount of any remaining classes minus a $20 administrative fee.

 

Inclement Weather, Holidays and Make-Up Classes

a) If the Tippecanoe School Corporation is closed due to inclement weather, and/or the roads are still unsafe at class time, the studio will be closed. Call the studio or check our website if you are uncertain whether or not we are open.b) The studio is closed on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The studio is not closed for teacher’s meetings, exams, spring break, President’s Day, or other school holidays.

c) Classes cancelled by Golden Steps or classes that fall on holidays when the studio is closed will be made up at a later date.

d) If a student misses a class there will be no make up for that class. Private lessons may be scheduled at the student’s expense to review missed material.

 

Recital Fees and Costumes (Spring Session)

a) The recital performance fee is $55 ($45 for siblings). This fee includes a t-shirt worn in the closing number and two tickets to the recital (additional tickets are $10 each).

b) Recital costumes are chosen by the instructors and studio owners and are ordered by February 1. If you do not wish to participate in the recital please contact us prior to February 1. After this date you will be charged the costume fee and recital fee which are not refundable.

c) Costume fees typically range from $50 to $80. Costumes are distributed prior to Photo Day. Your studio account must be at a zero balance to receive your costume.

*If you are interested in additional performance opportunities at Golden Steps, please inquire about our Performance Teams.

 

Class Placement and Advancement

a) Placement in the appropriate class is important to each student’s skill development and personal growth. For students younger than seven, placement is based on the student’s age as of the first day of class. For students age seven and older, skill level and experience are also considered.b) At Golden Steps our class levels are separated into “Steps”: Step 1 for beginning dancers (typically ages 7-9), Step 2 for beginning/intermediate dancers (typically ages 9-12), Step 3 for intermediate/advanced dancers (typically ages 12-15) and Step 4 for advanced dancers (typically ages 16 and up).  This structure encourages dancers to master each skill level completely before moving to the next level.  It is common for students to remain at one level for several sessions before advancing to the next level.

c) Premature advancement to the next level can have a profound and negative impact both on a student’s self-confidence and development of proper technique. The instructor’s placement decisions are always meant to be in the best interest of the student.

d) No student will be allowed to start pointe work before they are both physically and technically prepared. No student will be allowed to go en pointe before they have developed sufficient strength in their feet, legs, and center to maintain proper alignment and balance in flat shoes. Typically, students are at least 11 years old (average age is 12-14) with at least three years of soft shoe experience. Readiness will be determined by the instructor and all decisions made by the instructor in this matter are final.