🌟 Welcome to STEPS! We are thrilled to have your dancer as part of our studio family. To ensure a safe, supportive, and focused environment, please review our handbook. It will help keep all classes running smoothly and ensure every dancer has the best experience. 🌟

🚗 Drop-Off & Pick-Up Policy

• Drop-Off: Arrive a few minutes early so your dancer can settle in. Students must be brought inside and checked in with the instructor.

• Pick-Up: Dancers must be picked up inside the studio. Walking to the parking lot unattended is not permitted. Please be prompt, as instructors cannot supervise after class ends.

• Parent Seating: Parents are welcome to observe classes, but please limit to two parents/guardians per class. Large groups can be distracting, especially for younger dancers.

💜 Studio Etiquette

• Quiet Environment: Keep voices low and silence phones during class.

• Siblings: Children are welcome but must stay seated and supervised. Running, climbing, or playing in the studio is not allowed.

• Food & Drinks: Only water is allowed in the studio. Snacks and meals should be enjoyed outside before or after class.

• Respect for Space: The dance floor is for dancers and instructors only. Parents and siblings should remain in the seating area unless invited.

• Encouragement: Support dancers with patience and positivity.

🩰 Absences

• Notify the studio in advance if your dancer will be absent (phone, email, or parent portal).

• Regular attendance is important for learning and performance preparation. Excessive absences may affect participation in recitals, competitions, or team routines.

🔄 Make-Up Classes

• Make-up classes can be scheduled for missed sessions within 30 days, subject to availability.

• Make-up classes must be arranged in advance with the front desk.

• Unused make-up opportunities do not carry over to the next season.

• Missed make-up opportunities cannot be carried over to the next season.

• Make-up classes are allowed September through April. Make-up classes must be taken within 30 days of absence.

• May 1st through Recital: No Make-up classes are permitted due to recital choreography. Make-up class will only be available due to illness. No Pro-rates will be given if a student elects to miss their weekly classes.

💵 Pricing

• Tuition is charged on a monthly or seasonal basis and reserves your dancer’s spot in class.

• Tuition is due by the 6TH of each month. Late fees of $25 may apply.

• Discounts may be offered for siblings or multiple classes; check with the front desk.

• You are responsible for monthly tuition even if you are planning to miss multiple classes. If you choose not to pay tuition, you/your child’s spot in the class may be given to another student. You may be charged another $25 registration fee. Please keep ill children home.

• We require that all accounts have a valid credit card on file for auto withdraw on the 6th of each month. Accounts open half way through the month may pay a pro rate at the office or online. Account holders may elect to pay prior to the 6th using their choice of payment, including cash or check in office. Returned checks or declined auto withdraw attempts will incur a $25 fee. Checks can be dropped at the studio or mailed to 158 E Broadway Ave Atwater CA 95301.

• Classes may be paid for on a week to week basis at $15 per class per week.

• Toddler Classes general last 45 min grace period. This is designed to cater to extra attention needed and short attention spans and is up to the instructor to use the grace period as needed.

• All major Holidays will be observed. STEPS will be closed the following days; Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Dec 22 – Jan 3, (with the exception to Winter Showcase), July 4th.

❌ Refunds

• Tuition and fees are non-refundable once paid, regardless of attendance. No refunds will be given for dancers electing to miss their scheduled class or utilize our make up policy. A 2 week drop notice must be given. Accounts that do not inform STEPS of their drop will be responsible to continue payments to hold their spot in class that cannot be used by another student. After 2 months of " No show" account will be cancelled and no further payments will be withdrawn.

• Refunds are only issued if the studio cancels a class permanently without an alternative option.

• Costume, recital, and competition fees are non-refundable once processed or ordered.

👗 Dance Attire Policy

Proper attire helps dancers move safely, learn technique, and perform their best.

General Guidelines:

• Wear clothing that allows full range of motion (leotards, tights, leggings, fitted shorts, or dance pants).

• Avoid loose or baggy clothing that can interfere with movement or distract instructors.

Footwear:

• Ballet: pink or black slippers; hair secured away from face

• Tap: tap shoes (no socks as substitute)

• Jazz/Contemporary: jazz or lyrical shoes, or barefoot as instructed

• Hip Hop: clean, non-marking sneakers

Hair & Accessories:

• Hair must be secured off the face (bun, ponytail, braid)

• Large jewelry or accessories that could pose a safety risk are not allowed

Special Notes:

• Teachers may provide additional attire guidance for performances, recitals, or competitions

🌟 Our Commitment

Thank you for helping us create a safe, supportive, and fun environment for all dancers. Your cooperation allows every student to focus, grow, and shine!

— The STEPS Team