Policies & Procedures

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Waiver of Liability

• By participating in any program or class offered by Sonoma Conservatory of Dance (SCD), I acknowledge the inherent risks of group activities, including illness or injury. I assume full responsibility for any harm to myself or my minor child and waive all claims against SCD, its staff, and contractors. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless SCD and its representatives from any claims related to participation in SCD programs or classes.

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Financial Policies

• Annual Registration Fee: A non-refundable registration fee of $50 is required at the time of enrollment and at the start of each school year.

• Class Tuition Payments: Class tuition will be automatically charged to the payment method on file on the first day of the school year and on or around the 5th of each month thereafter.

• Camp Tuition Payments: Camp tuition will be processed within one week of registration.

• Late Payments: If payment is not received by the 15th of the month and no prior arrangements have been made, a late fee of 10% of the outstanding balance, or $10—whichever is less— may be applied.

• Returned Payments: A $25 fee will be charged for any payment that is returned or declined due to non-sufficient funds. This fee and the outstanding balance must be paid promptly.

• Class Withdrawals & Refunds: Written notice of withdrawal from classes must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance. Notice may be sent by email to info@sonomadance.org. No refunds or credits will be issued for missed classes unless prior arrangements are made.

• Camp Withdrawals & Refunds: Written notice of withdrawal from camp must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the camp start date to receive a full refund, minus a $50 processing fee. If cancellation occurs less than 14 days before the start of camp, a 50% refund will be issued, minus a $50 processing fee. Once camp has begun, no refunds will be granted. Notice may be sent by email to info@sonomadance.org.

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Parent Responsibilities

• Studio Access: To maintain student's focus, parents are asked to remain outside during class. Exceptions are made for Come Soar students needing assistance before class. If you need office help, please schedule an appointment by email to info@sonomadance.org, or by phone at 707.938.1424.

• Arrival, Pick-up & Tardiness: Students should arrive at least 15 minutes early to warm up, use the restroom, and prepare for class. Prompt pick-up is expected. For safety reasons, late arrivals who miss key exercises may be asked to sit out, and chronic tardiness may result in reassignment to a lower-level class.

• Awareness of Dates & Events: Families are responsible for staying informed about rehearsals, closures, and events. SCD shares updates via the website Calendar, email, and posted notices. Please check regularly.

• General Guidelines: No street shoes are allowed on the dance floor. Water is the only food or drink permitted in the studio. Children who are not enrolled in the class and under the supervision of an instructor may not be left unattended at the studio. SCD does not maintain a lost and found.

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Class Information

• Dress Code & Equipment: Wear simple cover-ups and shoes outside the studio for quick transitions. Dance shoes are never worn outside; street shoes are never worn on the dance floor. Required dancewear and shoes should be worn to all classes. Jewelry is discouraged, and long hair should be tied back. Yoga or conditioning students should bring their own mats and equipment.

• Attendance & Progress: Minimum weekly attendance is required to maintain progress and safety. Extended absences can slow progress and increase injury risk. Please notify us by email at info@sonomadance.org or phone at 707-938-1424 if your student will miss class. Students who attend extra classes, performances, and camps often progress faster.

• Missed & Make-up Classes: Make-up classes are encouraged for absences due to illness or scheduling conflicts. Refunds are only given for serious medical reasons with a doctor’s note (send by email at info@sonomadance.org). Make-ups are allowed at the student’s level or below with prior approval by email at info@sonomadance.org to schedule.

• Class Interruptions & Substitutions: If the regularly scheduled instructor is unavailable, SCD may provide a substitute teacher in the same or a related dance, movement, or artistic discipline. If no substitute can be arranged and class is canceled, families will receive an account credit. In case of bad weather or emergencies, classes may be held via Zoom, rescheduled, or credited according to policy.

• Pointe Work: Beginning at the Elementary II level, students preparing for pointe work must attend at least two ballet classes per week. Those already en pointe must continue meeting the minimum for their level to maintain the privilege. While everyone can enjoy ballet, dancing on pointe may not be recommended for every student.

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Bullying & Harassment, Alcohol & Drug Policy

• Bullying & Harassment: SCD is committed to providing a safe, respectful environment for all. Bullying or harassment—whether verbal, physical, emotional, social, written, or online—is strictly prohibited. This applies to students and their family members, both at the studio and at SCD events. Harassment may include—but is not limited to—gender, sexual, racial, or identity-based behaviors. Any incident will be taken seriously and may result in dismissal. If you or your child is experiencing bullying, please report it to the Studio Manager, administrative staff, or Artistic Director. Reports may be made anonymously and will be handled with care and urgency. Reports can be made in person, by email at info@sonomadance.org, by phone at 707.938.1424, or by mail to SCD, 561 Broadway Suite B, Sonoma, CA 95476.

• Alcohol & Drug Policy: SCD is a drug- and alcohol-free environment. Students may not possess, use, or distribute alcohol, illegal substances, or misuse prescription/OTC drugs. Being present where these substances are used, or possessing related paraphernalia, also violates this policy. Any infraction will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

 

Photo & Media Release

• By selecting “Yes” on the registration form, you grant SCD permission to photograph or video your student for use in promotional materials, including our website, social media, and print publications. SCD retains the right to copyright these images.

• If “No” is selected, your student’s image will not be used in any public materials.

 

Reporting & Right to Refuse Service

• As a nonprofit, SCD welcomes all applicants regardless of background or financial circumstances. To support funding efforts, we collect anonymous demographic data—your participation is appreciated but optional.

• SCD reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.