Carlson's Dance School Policies

Cancellation Policy

The first payment must include registration fee and fee for the first month of the session. This payment is NOT REFUNDABLE. Withdrawal from classes requires one month's written notice (e-mail is acceptable). Failure to notify the office will result in a charge equal to one month's payment. Any fees that are not received by the first week of classes will incur a late registration surcharge of 5%. Costume fees are payable no later than October 15th and cannot be refunded once the costume has been ordered.

Fees for classes missed during the school year are non refundable . Missed classes can be made up at a later date if an appropriate class is available. Make-up classes may be made due to illness or holidays. Please notify the office if a student will be missing from class.

No refunds are given after April 1st.

Exams

RAD Ballet and ISTD Modern and Tap exams are held at the end of the season, traditionally in May. Syllabus classes are designed to cover a set curriculum culminating in the exam. Exams are a wonderful way to see progression and growth in technique from year to year and they give students a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It is our wish that all students who participate in these classes would take their exam, but not every child will be ready when candidates are chosen by the teacher. Exam participation is at the teachers discretion.

There are recreational classes available for students who are not interested in exam work.

Year End Recital

We hope all of our students will want to take part in our year end recital as this is where all the hard work they have put in through out the year is showcased in an exciting 3 days of shows. If you do not wish to participate, please inform the studio as soon as you can. Costumes are ordered as early as November and costs will be incurred if we are not notified. Our recitals and rehearsals are held at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. Pictures ( taken prior to recital) are generally available for pick-up during the last week of classes or during registration.

Policies

Attendance and Punctuality

Classes start and end on time and are progressive and geared to year-end performances, exams and/or competitions. Late or absent students hold the entire class back as lost lessons must be repeated for their benefit. The focus of our classes is learning, not repeating. Therefore repeat absences will result in the student being asked to the leave the class.

No refunds will be given under these circumstances.

As important as attendance, is arriving on time and being prepared for class. Parents should allow enough time for their child to dress correctly and enter into a state of mind that is conducive to learning.

Common courtesy and politeness is expected of everyone. When using the kitchen, please keep the area clean and tidy if using these facilities. Carlson's reserves the right to refuse service to any student or parent not showing respectful behaviour to teachers or other student in the school.

Class Placements

Our teachers have the student's best interest in mind when finalizing class placements. It may take time to assess a placement and students may be asked to try other classes to find their best fit. This process is important for success and we appreciate your cooperation.  Students may be considered to work at a higher level than they are assessed but only under teacher permission and as an understudy.

Parking

Sherman Road Studios:

The west side can be used for drop-off and pick-up, situated opposite WS Supermart entrance. There is additional parking in front of and behind 3272- 3276 Sherman Road. Please do not use parking spaces in front of other establishments during their business hours.

Students are to use the back entrances for entry and exit.

Our Student Handbook can be found here (pdf)