POLICIES

risk of injury

I acknowledge that my child is physically able to safely participate in dance and physical related activities both on Cumming Dance Academy, Inc. premises (419 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming) and on any other locations (230 Elm Street, Cumming and/or 192 Dawson Village Way, Dawsonville) where Cumming Dance Academy, Inc may be holding performances or demonstrations. I understand and acknowledge that there is risk of injury inherent in dance activities and that personal injury and/or damage of property may result during participation in dance and related activities.
I give permission for my child to perform dance, gymnastic, and stunt related activities at any of the locations of Cumming Dance Academy, Inc., I give my permission and release Cumming Dance Academy, Inc. of injuries associated at any and all rehearsal or performances at any location Cumming Dance Academy, Inc. may be performing or in attendance.

assumption of risk

I agree to assume all risks associated with my child's participation in dance instruction, rehearsal, performances, and related activities. I release Cumming Dance Academy, Inc. officers, staff, owners, and faculty of all injury, medical bills, damage to property, and loss of personal items occurring in or around the studio premises or at any functions held at other locations in connection with the dance classes in which the student is enrolled. I agree that myself and/or my children are willingly setting foot into the facility at 419 Tribble Gap Road, 230 Elm Street, and/or 192 Dawson Village Way and doing so on their own volition, own power, and under no duress. Any business done with Cumming Dance Academy, Inc. is done so willingly and knowing that I and/or my children are at risk. Risks could include, but not limited to, injury, sickness, respiratory illness, and even death. I willingly understand the risks in participating in the events held at Cumming Dance Academy, Inc.

first payment

I understand that the card entered at registration will remain on file and be charged the first month's tuition at that time. To update your card on file, login to your Parent Portal + "My Account.”

REGISTRATION FEES

A non-refundable registration fee is due upon registration.  In addition, the first month’s full tuition is due at this time.  Registration fees are non-refundable.

tuition

I understand that tuition is due on the 1st and late after the 10th of each month. A late fee in the amount of $15.00 will be invoiced on the 11th for unpaid tuition. I understand that tuition is due whether the studio is open for business during holiday months or inclement weather. You can login to your Parent Portal and make payment at any time.  CDA also offers the option to enroll in E-Payment to have my card automatically charged each month.

Monthly tuition payments are non-refundable. You are not financially committed to the entire year; however, once the tuition is paid, it cannot be returned.  We do not pro-rate or refund for absences.

Tuition will not change for months with school closures, inclement weather days, or emergency closings at CDA of any kind. CDA provides classes for 35-weeks, building in 2 additional free classes in the event of inclement weather or unexpected closings

LIABILITY OF FEES

I understand that whoever signs the registration contract is liable for all fees due for the season.  Other family members may help make payments, but the signee is responsible for the entire account for the season.

e payments

Cumming Dance Academy offers automatic payments using your card on file in your Parent Portal. You can choose either AUTO PAY-ALL FEES (all amounts invoiced to your account will be charged to your card on file on the specific due dates) or AUTO PAY-TUITION ONLY (only monthly tuition will be charged to your card on file on the 1st of every month).

Accepting this means you understand how the AUTO PAY is handled. If you wish to decline, you will have a chance to "Decline Auto Pay" when finishing your registration at checkout. If you are already registered, you can pick an auto pay function in your Parent Portal including the option to decline auto pay.

withdrawals & refunds

I understand that withdrawal from classes requires a two week (10 business days) written notice prior to the next month's tuition due date. Otherwise, the following month's tuition is due in full. I understand that should I withdraw from CDA or drop a class prior to the 2024-2025 season beginning in August, my withdrawal must be done on or before June 30, 2024 to be eligible for a refund of my pre-paid tuition. CDA does not offer tuition refunds or discounts for missed or dropped classes. Make up classes can be scheduled in the office any time during the season.

right of refusal of service

CDA reserves the right to request my withdrawal from the studio at any point. CDA reserves the right to refuse service to anyone at any time. CDA reserves the right to ask a parent to remove themselves from any studio lobby, at any time.

dance season + tuition

CDA season consists of 37-weeks in which I will pay monthly installments. Holiday months, such as November & December, have been figured into the schedule and do require full payment. CDA provides classes for 35-weeks, building in 2 additional free classes in the event of inclement weather or unexpected closings or inclement weather days. CDA follows Forsyth County Schools schedule in regard to inclement weather closings at our Main and CDA II Location. For our North location, we follow the Dawson County School System. Any closed days due to performances in December are not counted in the 35-week session.

Tuition will not change for months with school closures, inclement weather days, or emergency closings at CDA of any kind. CDA provides classes for 35-weeks, building in 2 additional free classes in the event of inclement weather or unexpected closings.

performances

End of Year Performance: I am responsible to purchase costumes for the End of Year performance if I choose for my student to participate in the production. One costume per dance style is required. Students in combo classes will purchase two costumes (one per style) for this performance. Costumes range from $55-$80 each. If I withdraw my student after costumes have been ordered, a refund cannot be issued for costumes already purchased. There is a required performance fee of $80 (1 dancer), $85 (2 dancers), $95 (3 dancers), or $100 (4+ dancers) in April. Two-year-old students perform in an In-Studio Showcase in May.

Holiday Performance: There is a required performance fee of $80.00 which includes one costume rental and 2 tickets for performers. All additional costumes are rented from CDA for $42.00 each and are returned at the end of the performance.

tickets

Tickets are required to be purchased for both our Holiday and End of Season productions.  Dancers performing in the show do not need a ticket.  In order to ensure all dancers have an opportunity to allow their immediate family into the show, we limit the amount of tickets available for purchase during our VIP Family Pre-Sale.  After the Pre-Sale, any tickets remaining will be available to the public – without limit.

NOTE:  Two tickets are included with your Performance Fee.

costumes and costume sizing

My custom costume purchased for the End of Year performance is non-refundable for any reason.  Should my dancer not be able to perform, or the performance be cancelled for any reason - the costume is custom made, and I will not be able to return it under any circumstances. Custom costume fees are non-refundable.  The costume measurement form is available on the CDA website and all studio locations. The size I select for my dancer is the size that will be ordered.  There are no exchanges for a different size once the costume has been ordered.  I am responsible for any costume alterations needed.

If your dancer is not participating in the End of Year performance and does not need a costume, we must be notified in an email by November 1, 2024.

Photos & Videography During Class

CDA has permission to use any photos taken either at performances or in class on CDA's website and social media. No names will be used without permission.

For the security of the children in the room and the privacy of our syllabi, parents are not allowed to film the class or take photos of other children in the class without permission from the instructor.

parent viewing

Parents are not allowed to come inside the classroom once the session begins. There are viewing windows provided at each studio where parents are welcome to observe at any time. To allow the entire class to focus on the teacher, parents aren't permitted to sit inside the classroom while class is in progress. Should my dancer be upset and not want to participate, I will wait in the lobby with the dancer until he/she is ready to join inside the classroom.

class minimum

A class must have 5 registered students to make. In the event the class does not make and is cancelled, we will notify you of additional class options for your child.

dress code

Dance requires proper attire for a dance class setting.  There are costs ,in addition to regular monthly tuition, for dance attire/shoes. CDA reserves the right to ask a student to observe the class, if not properly attired. Required dress code information can be found here on the Parents Information page.

dancer drop off

Students are not allowed to enter the classroom until the teacher is ready for class and calls the students inside. Students are not allowed to be dropped off into our lobbies without supervision prior to the class beginning. CDA does not provide supervision for students dropped off earlier than their scheduled class time.

Make up classes

If your dancer misses classes due to illness or other personal reasons, they will be able to make up the missed class in a similar class. There will be no discount or refund given for missed classes. There are no make-ups for classes missed when the studio is officially closed for holidays, inclement weather, etc.

CDA has built in two free additional weeks of class per season so that a make-up date is not required due to an unexpected closing of any nature.


senior solo requirements

To be eligible for a senior solo, a graduating senior must be enrolled in all 3 technique classes: Ballet, Tap, and Jazz. Dancers must also meet all attendance requirements, missing no more than 3 classes per semester. There are no substitutions for the required 3 technique styles. All Sr. Solo opportunities performances are at the discretion of the Director and not automatically given out.

For more questions on our policies, contact Niki J. Watkins, Owner, here.