We are an inclusive studio with classes for students of varying abilities. We believe strongly that our dance classes should be respectful to the development, creativity, and self-expression of every student’s love of dance.

Gotta Dance Performing Arts Studio LLC reserves the right to limit enrollment, to cancel or change classes, and to change school schedules and staff availability.

All class tuition is posted and due one week before the first of the month, and must be paid by the 1st of each month. A late fee of $10 will be charged if payment is not made within 7 days after classes begin. Any student with an unpaid balance will not be permitted to participate in classes, rehearsals, or performances until the balance is paid in full. All tuition, private lessons and costume balances must be paid in full before recital participation. Costumes are preordered and must be paid for by the 1st of March. Costumes are nonrefundable and nonreturnable.

Class tuition is non-refundable and not prorated. Make-up classes should be taken within 30 days of the absence.

I release and hold harmless Gotta Dance Performing Arts Studio LLC, its supervisors, participants, and sponsors for any injury or loss sustained by the applicant or family members.

I give permission for Gotta Dance Performing Arts Studio LLC to take photos or video for promotional purposes.

If any child exhibits dangerous behavior, the studio reserves the right to remove the student. No refunds will be issued.

Competition Team Handbook & Agreement

Welcome
Welcome to the Gotta Dance! Performing Arts Competition Team!

Congratulations on being selected as a member of our competition team! We are excited to have you join us for another incredible season.

Being a competition dancer is about much more than trophies. It is about developing confidence, discipline, teamwork, responsibility, resilience, and a lifelong love of dance. Every member of our team plays an important role in creating a positive and supportive environment.

This handbook outlines the expectations and responsibilities of dancers and their families. By signing this agreement, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to follow the policies contained within.

Our Mission
Our mission is to provide dancers with exceptional technical training while fostering confidence, sportsmanship, teamwork, integrity, and personal growth in a positive environment.

We believe every dancer should:
Respect themselves and others.
Work hard.
Encourage teammates.
Display good sportsmanship.
Represent our studio with pride.
Honor their commitment.

Team Commitment
Competition team is a year-long commitment.

Each dancer agrees to:
Attend all required classes.
Attend scheduled rehearsals.
Practice choreography outside of class.
Arrive prepared and on time.
Represent the studio positively both inside and outside the studio.

Parents agree to:
Support attendance requirements.
Maintain financial obligations.
Encourage positive attitudes.
Communicate respectfully with staff.

Attendance Policy
Attendance is one of the most important factors in a successful season.

Required Attendance
Weekly technique classes
Team rehearsals
Choreography rehearsals
Summer Classes
Master classes (if required)
Local community performances including but not limited to: Syracuse Crunch, Taste of Syracuse, December Showcase, Local School Recitals, Winterfair, etc.

Absences
Please notify the studio as soon as possible if your dancer must miss class.

Each dancer is allowed a maximum number of absences of 5 days in any specified class.

Excused absences may include:
Illness
Family emergency
School-required events

Unexcused absences may include:
Social activities
Sports/plays/musicals
Sleepovers
Birthday parties
Optional vacations

The studio reserves the right to remove dancers from routines if attendance becomes excessive.

Tardiness
Please try to arrive at least 10–15 minutes before class begins.
Repeated tardiness disrupts rehearsal and may affect casting and performance opportunities.

Competition Expectations
Competition dancers are expected to:
Attend all scheduled competitions outlined by the studio for each class.
Arrive 2 hours prior to your first dance.
Stay for their entire competition time slot unless approved by the director.
Attend awards ceremonies.
Cheer for teammates.
Display excellent sportsmanship.
Respect judges, teachers, competitors, and venue staff.

Convention Requirements
If conventions are part of the season:
Attendance is not mandatory, but is an excellent experience for dancers.
Dancers are expected to participate in all convention classes relevant to their styles taken at the studio should they attend.
Proper attire must be worn.
Respect for instructors is expected at all times.

Nationals
If attending Nationals:
Participation is not mandatory, please let your instructor know ASAP if you plan to attend nationals.
If your dancer is participating in Nationals, they must attend all listed mandatory nationals rehearsals.
Please plan to arrive at Nationals in a timely fashion. Much like regional competitions, dancers should plan to arrive at the venue 2 hours in advance.
Parents are responsible for their dancers and ensuring they are there for all mandatory National events on time.
Master classes that are offered during Nationals are mandatory to attend.
Hotels are to be booked at the discretion of the parent/guardian.

Classes
Competition dancers are required to attend all assigned technique classes.

Required classes may include:
Ballet
Jazz
Acro
Turns & Leaps (when available)
Stretch & Conditioning (When available)

Missing technique class may affect competition eligibility.

Dress Code
Hair
Hair must be secured properly for every class.

Clothing
Competition dancers should wear proper dance attire at all times.
Examples:
Leotards
Dance shorts
Dance leggings
Sports bras
Proper dance shoes
No jeans, loose clothes, or street clothing.

Competition Appearance
Competition dancers should arrive with:
Hair completed
Makeup completed (when required)
Costume
Correct tights
Proper shoes
All accessories

Behavior Expectations
Every dancer represents our studio.

Dancers are expected to:
Be respectful.
Be kind.
Encourage teammates.
Listen to teachers.
Accept corrections positively.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship.
Respect studio space, including cleaning after meals in lobby, or other items that might be used during break time.
Bullying, gossip, or disrespect will not be tolerated.

Parent Expectations
Parents are an important part of our team culture.

Parents agree to:
Encourage positive attitudes.
Speak respectfully to staff.
Avoid negative discussions during competitions.
Support all dancers.
Follow studio communication procedures.
Concerns should always be addressed privately with studio staff.

Social Media Policy
Students and parents should represent the studio positively online.

Please refrain from:
Negative comments
Public complaints
Posting confidential studio information
Disrespectful interactions
Positive encouragement is always appreciated.

Financial Policies
Families are responsible for all agreed-upon fees, including:
Monthly tuition
Competition fees
Competition Team Registration Fee (once per season - this fee covers staff who are working the competitions to ensure the students have a teacher at their sides during competitions)
Costume fees
Convention fees
Nationals fees
Team apparel (if ordered - i.e. Dance Jackets, leggings, or jerseys)

Late payments may result in dancers being unable to participate until accounts are current.
All competition fees are non-refundable once submitted.

Costumes
Costumes remain studio property until all balances are paid in full.
Costume deposits are non-refundable. Once committed to a class and the costume arrives, it is your responsibility to pay for the costumes ordered in full. This is also non-refundable.
Parents are responsible for maintaining costumes in performance condition.
Replacement costs for lost accessories are the responsibility of the family.

Injuries
If injured:
Notify instructors immediately.
Provide doctor's documentation if applicable.
Attend class unless excused by the director. Students should still attend and take notes.
Observe class if unable to participate.

Communication
Primary communication methods include:
Email
Parent Portal
Private Facebook Group
Booster Club Letters
Save The Dates
Website (www.gottadanceperformingartsstudio.com)

Parents are responsible for reading all communications.
Failure to read announcements does not excuse missed information.

Photography & Video Release
The studio may photograph or video dancers during classes, competitions, rehearsals, performances, or studio events.

These images may be used for:
Social media
Studio website
Marketing materials
Promotional advertisements
Parents may indicate media preferences separately if required.

Team Placement
Competition placements are determined solely by the studio director.

Placements may change based on:
Attendance
Growth/Maturity
Technique
Team needs
Choreography requirements
Parent Communication

All placement decisions are final.

Removal from the Team
The studio reserves the right to remove a dancer from the competition team for:
Excessive absences
Poor attendance
Repeated tardiness
Unsportsmanlike conduct
Bullying
Failure to meet financial obligations
Failure to follow studio policies

Acknowledgement
We understand that competition dance requires dedication from both dancers and families.
By signing below, we agree to follow all studio policies and help create a positive experience for every member of the team.