Studio Policies

Registration with Norma’s Academy of Dance constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of all Studio Policies, Agreements, Waivers, and Handbook procedures outlined in the Studio Pro registration process and Parent Handbook.

Tuition Structure 

• Tuition is based on the full dance season (August 2026–June 2027) with an average of 35 classes per season. Tuition is calculated to reflect scheduled studio holidays, and these closures are already accounted for in the season tuition rate. Our calendar generally follows the Fulton County & Fayette County School Systems.

• Tuition payments are divided into 10 monthly installments (August–May) and processed on the 1st of each month. A $20 late fee will apply to balances unpaid after the 5th. Payment must be received by the 10th of the month in order for your student to attend class. Dancers with unpaid balances will not be permitted to attend class until the account is brought current.

• Tuition is non-refundable and is not adjusted based on the number of classes per month, student absences, studio calendar holidays, illness, injuries, weather closures, or personal conflicts. Make-up classes are not offered.

• Families enrolling mid-season will have tuition prorated based on their start date. 

Payment Policies

• At the time of registration, the annual registration fee of $45 (1st student in family) / $30 (each additional student) plus the first monthly installment are due to secure your student’s space in class. Upon registering, the registration fee will process immediately. Our administrative team will review your registration and process the remaining balance to the card on file within 48 hours. If payment cannot be processed, the student may be removed from enrollment. We cannot hold class spaces without payment.

• The 2026-2027 registration fee is valid through June 6, 2027.

• All accounts are enrolled in automatic payments using the card on file. Cash and checks are not accepted. A valid form of payment must be linked to your Studio Pro Parent Portal account in order to register your dancer.

• All monthly tuition payments, registration fees, concert fees, costume fees, and related balances will be automatically processed to the card on file. A receipt will be emailed following each transaction. Monthly billing statements are not sent, and families are responsible for monitoring account balances through the parent portal.

• Registration fees, tuition, concert fees, costume fees, and related payments are non-refundable.

• Families may choose to pay tuition in full prior to August 10, 2026 to receive a 5% discount. If a student withdraws after paying in full, a 30% administrative fee will be deducted from any eligible refund balance. Discounts or promotional pricing offered during the season do not apply retroactively to prepaid tuition. 

Outstanding Fees 

• Families who do not meet tuition, concert, or costume payment obligations may be subject to late fees and/or exclusion from performances or studio activities. Costumes will not be distributed to students with unpaid balances.

• Outstanding balances may be subject to collections and related fees. Costume purchases and all account balances remain the financial responsibility of the parent/guardian. 

Class Enrollment Policy 

• Norma’s Academy of Dance reserves the right to adjust class schedules, instructors, studio policies, or enrollment offerings as needed throughout the season. Classes not meeting minimum enrollment requirements may be canceled or combined, and students may be placed into an appropriate alternative class when available.

Withdrawal Policy

• Withdrawal requests must be submitted via the official studio withdrawal form by the 15th of the month prior to the next billing cycle in order to avoid future tuition charges.

• Verbal withdrawals and withdrawal requests submitted through text message, social media, or email will not be accepted.

• Non-attendance does not constitute withdrawal from classes.

• Accounts cannot be placed on hold without monthly payment. If an injury prevents a dancer from participating physically, dancers are encouraged to attend class to observe when possible. 

• If payment is not received and no notice of withdrawal is received, the student will be dropped from class. Families are financially responsible for tuition charges accrued prior to the student’s removal from enrollment. Students wishing to return must re-register based on class availability.

Parent & Student Conduct & Studio Agreement

• Students and families are expected to maintain respectful and appropriate behavior at all times.  If there is an infraction, the directors of the Academy reserve the right to ask the parent to withdraw from the studio. 

• Bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, or disruptive behavior may result in dismissal from the studio. Bullying and cyberbullying are grounds for dismissal from Norma’s Academy of Dance.   

• All communication regarding classes, schedules, accounts, or concerns must go through the studio office/front desk. Parents are not allowed to broach your concerns in the hallways or during normal class times, as this is not the proper time or manner to discuss. 

• Families may not contact instructors through personal phone numbers or social media regarding studio matters.

• Families agree to follow studio arrival, dismissal, and lobby procedures outlined in the Studio Handbook. 

• Families acknowledge that NAOD staff is responsible for dancers only during scheduled class times and approved studio activities. Students may arrive up to 30 minutes before the start of their first class; early drop-off prior to that time is not permitted. Students should be picked up promptly at the end of class, with a 15-minute grace period allowed. A $20 late pick-up fee will be applied after three late pick-ups to help ensure all students are supervised appropriately and safely at all times.

• All choreography, music edits, class materials, branding, costumes, photos, videos, and studio-created content are the intellectual property of Norma’s Academy of Dance and may not be reproduced, distributed, taught, shared, recorded for redistribution, or sold without written permission from the studio director.

• Norma’s Academy of Dance is not responsible for lost, misplaced, or stolen personal belongings.

Absences   

• If you are unable to attend a class due to illness, injury, personal commitment, school obligations etc, please submit absences under attendance in the Studio Pro Parent Portal. Tuition will NOT be prorated or adjusted in any way due to absences. 

Dress Code

• Adhering to the dress code is the responsibility of both students and parents. Appropriate attire and correct shoes are mandatory for class participation and will be strictly enforced. 

• Hair Policy: Hair must be pulled securely back off the face for all classes. A bun is preferred for ballet, while ponytails or braids are acceptable for other styles only if the hair is completely off the face and tightly secured. Loose hair is distracting and may limit your dancer’s ability to participate fully and safely. No beads are permitted. Beads are unsafe, noisy, and distracting to your child and others in the class.

• Jewelry & Accessories: No jewelry may be worn to class. Small stud earrings are permitted. No hair barrettes or distracting accessories are allowed. Underwear should not be worn under leotards and tights, unless a pull-up is needed for SOAR students (ages 3–5). 

• Labeling Policy: All dance shoes, attire, bags, and gear must be clearly labeled with your dancer's first name and last initial on the inside. Dancers may occasionally misplace items during class, and proper labeling allows our staff to return lost belongings when found.

  Performance Opportunities: Holiday Production & Spring Concert

  By enrolling in our full-season program (August 2026 – June 2027), families are committing to participation in both our Holiday Production and Spring Concert. All classes are assigned to perform. These performances are an important part of our curriculum and provide students the opportunity to build confidence, develop performance skills, and celebrate their growth throughout the season.

  Participation in both performances is required for all YAA & Synergy members.

  Families unable to commit to performance participation may consider our short 4–6 week session classes offered throughout the season, which do not include concert participation. Students who opt out of performances may be transferred into session classes based on availability.

  Holiday Production: Hope for Christmas

  Tentative Dates: December 12–13, 2026

  Participation is automatically assumed unless the Holiday Concert Opt-Out Form is submitted by September 4, 2026.

  Families enrolling after September 4 must confirm participation by September 25, 2026. Participation after this date may be approved on a case-by-case basis, and full concert fees will be due upon confirmation.

  Spring Concert

  Tentative Dates: June 5–6, 2027

  Participation is automatically assumed unless the Spring Concert Opt-Out Form is submitted by February 5, 2027.

  Families enrolling after February 5 must confirm participation by February 25, 2027. Participation after this date may be approved on a case-by-case basis, and full concert fees will be due upon confirmation.

  Performance Participation by Program

  • SOAR Students (Ages 3–5): Combo classes perform one ballet routine in the Holiday Production and one jazz or tap routine in the Spring Concert, depending on class enrollment. Additional enrolled classes will perform corresponding routines.

  • Enrichment Students: Perform one routine per enrolled class.

  • YAA Students: Perform one routine per class, excluding designated technique-only classes.

  Holiday Production Fees: Hope for Christmas

  Concert Fee: Includes venue rental, production expenses, liability insurance, concert video access, and holiday production t-shirt

  • 1st Student: $175

  • 2nd Student: $105

  • 3rd Student: $50

  Costume Fees: All costume fees include a labeled garment bag and hanger.

  Families are responsible for purchasing required tights, shoes, undergarments, and black bottoms where applicable.

  • Ballet Costumes: $70 each

  • Jazz/Contemporary/Acro Costume Tops: $45 each; black bottoms purchased separately by family

  • Tap & Hip Hop: Holiday production t-shirt included in concert fee; black leggings/pants purchased separately by family

  Lead role fees, YAA costume requirements, and additional production details will be communicated separately.

  Spring Concert Fees

  Concert Fee: Includes venue rental, production expenses, liability insurance, concert video access, and commemorative t-shirt)

  • 1st Student: $175

  • 2nd Student: $105

  • 3rd Student: $50

  Costume Fees: All costume fees include a labeled garment bag and hanger.

  Families are responsible for purchasing required tights, shoes, and undergarments.

  • SOAR Classes: $70 each

  • Enrichment & YAA Classes: $75 each

Concert Fee Refund Policy

Concert and costume fees are non-refundable after the published opt-out deadline. If the studio does not receive the required opt-out form by the deadline, participation and related fees will be automatically assumed and processed.

If a dancer withdraws from participation after payment has been processed, refunds or account credits will not be issued. However, all purchased items (including costumes, t-shirts, etc.) will remain available for pickup.

Tickets

Concert tickets are sold separately for both productions. Reserved seating ticket prices typically range from $20–$35 plus applicable service fees.

Class Levels & Placement

SOAR & Enrichment Programs

(SOAR Ages 3–5 | Enrichment Ages 5–18)

Age-Based Placement

Class placement begins with a dancer’s age as of January 1, 2027. This allows dancers to remain in the same class for the full season while supporting consistent technical and social development.

Age serves as the primary guide for placement, particularly for younger dancers, as it supports classroom confidence, peer connection, and age-appropriate progression. New dancers may be placed in the lower range of their age group to help build strong foundational skills and ensure long-term success.

Skill & Readiness Considerations

While age is an important factor, faculty also consider each dancer’s:

• Technical execution of age-appropriate skills

• Coordination, body awareness, and strength

• Focus, classroom maturity, and retention of material

• Consistency, confidence, and overall readiness

Placement decisions are made with each dancer’s long-term growth and success in mind.

Evaluations & Class Recommendations

Dancers are evaluated throughout the season, with formal evaluations taking place twice annually in October and May. Families receive class recommendations based on a dancer’s growth, development, and readiness for the next level.

Advancement is not solely based on age or years enrolled. Some dancers may remain in the same level for multiple seasons in order to strengthen foundational skills, confidence, and consistency before progressing.

We ask families to trust the placement process and professional judgment of our faculty. Our instructors work closely with students each week and are committed to placing dancers in the environment that will best support both their technical growth and personal confidence.

Young Artist Academy (YAA)

Placement in the Young Artist Academy (YAA) is based on technical ability, artistic development, performance quality, and class readiness rather than not age. Dancers are evaluated throughout the year, with advancement determined by mastery of skills and technique at each level.

All YAA Training Program and Ensemble members are required to attend the mandatory placement audition held each May for the upcoming season.

Most dancers spend two or more years within a level. In some cases, dancers may repeat a level while beginning to train in the next level concurrently. Every dancer’s journey is unique, and YAA families commit to trusting the placement process as faculty guide each student’s development with care and intention.

Progress evaluations take place annually to provide families with insight into their dancer’s growth and readiness.

Synergy Program

Placement in the Synergy Program is determined through annual auditions held each May.

Studio Closings & Important Dates 

We generally follow the Fulton County & Fayette County School calendars. However, we do not follow all of the school holiday closings. Tuition is calculated to reflect scheduled studio holidays, so these closures are already accounted for in the season tuition rate. All classes meet an average of 35 times per year including additional rehearsals for concerts. 

• August 10: Classes Begin

• September 5-7: CLOSED- Labor Day

• September 4: Holiday Concert Opt-Out Form

• September 15: Winter Production Fees Due 

• September 25: Fall/Winter Registration Cutoff

• October 12-16: CLOSED- Fall Break

• October 19-November 23: Fall 5-week Session*

• November 22-29: CLOSED Thanksgiving Break

• December 5-11: Holiday Production Rehearsal Week

• December 12-13: Holiday Production*

• December 14-19: Holiday Spirit Week

• December 20-January 3: CLOSED- Winter Holidays

• January 4: Classes Resume

• January 18: CLOSED- MLK Day 

• February 5: Spring Concert Opt-Out Form Due 

• February 15: Spring Concert Fees Due 

• February 25: Winter/Spring Registration Cut-Off

• March 22-April 30: Spring 5-Week Session*

• April 5-11: CLOSED- Spring Break 

• May 31: Closed Memorial Day

• June 1-4: Spring Concert Rehearsal Week

• June 5/6: Spring Concert*

*indicates tentative dates

Arrival, Dismissal & Lobby Protocol

To maintain a focused, safe, and welcoming environment for all dancers, please review the following procedures for drop-off, pick-up, and lobby use.

• Students Ages 3–5: Families are welcome to escort young dancers to their classroom. However, we kindly ask that you exit the building after drop-off and do not remain in the lobby or hallway. Young students focus best without nearby distractions.
  At the end of class, please return to the front door to pick up your dancer. 

• Students Ages 5+: Families may walk dancers in if needed, though front-door drop-off is preferred for students familiar with the studio. NAOD staff will ensure all dancers get to their classrooms safely. For pick-up, please come to the front door, especially if you’ve parked far away, to ensure your dancer is dismissed safely.

• Parents & Caregivers: To keep our limited lobby space clear for dancers and their belongings, we ask that families wait outside during class time. This is a great opportunity to take a walk, run errands, or relax nearby.
  You are always welcome to use the restroom, drop off snacks or water, or briefly check in with staff. Thank you for helping us maintain a calm and clutter-free environment

• Students with Multiple Classes: If your dancer has a break between classes, they are welcome to wait in the hallway until their next class begins. Please ensure they have a water bottle and a quiet activity if needed.

Early Drop-Off & Late Pick-Up Policy

To ensure the maximum safety of our students, NAOD staff is responsible for dancers only during their scheduled class time.

• Early Drop-Off: Students may arrive up to 30 minutes before the start of their first class. Please do not drop off earlier unless arranged in advance.

• Late Pick-Up: Students should be picked up promptly at the end of class. We allow a 15-minute grace period after class ends.

• If a student is picked up late more than three times, a $20 late pick-up fee will be applied to your account for each additional occurrence. This policy helps us ensure that all students are supervised appropriately and safely at all times. 

Private Lesson Policy

All private lessons must be scheduled through the studio by emailing or visiting the front desk administrator. Families are not permitted to contact instructors directly for private lesson bookings. Once a lesson is scheduled, the cost will be posted to your account, with payment processed on the day of the lesson (though you may pay in advance). We require a minimum of 24-hour notice via email for any cancellations. Lessons canceled without 24-hour notice or no-shows will result in the card on file being charged the full lesson fee.

Rates:

45-minute private lesson: $90

60-minute private lesson: $120

Competition Choreography Privates (YAA Ensemble Only):

Solo (30 min): $40

Duet (30 min): $20 per person

Trio (30 min): $14 per person

*Contact the studio for longer private lesson options for Competition Choreography.

Communication Policy

All communication regarding your dancer’s schedule, progress, or account must go through the studio office. The preferred method of contact is via email at info@nadance.com.

Please allow up to 48 business hours for a response. To protect class time and staff boundaries, instructors cannot respond to questions between classes, and should not be contacted via personal text, phone, or social media regarding studio matters.

Release of Liability

I hereby acknowledge and understand that dance can be a strenuous activity. I agree to assume full responsibility for any risk of injury, illness, and loss of, damage to, or theft of personal property which may incur as a result of participating in any class or activity offered by Norma’s Academy of Dance, on the premises or at any venue where we participate as representatives of NAOD. I hereby release and agree to hold harmless Norma’s Academy of Dance, its owners, operators, employees and instructors from any and all liability whatsoever for any and all damages, losses or injuries, including death, I may sustain to my person or property or both, including but not limited to any claims, demands, actions, causes of action, expenses, and costs, including attorney fees, which may arise out of, result from or in connection in any manner with the participation classes taken physically at the Norma’s Academy of Dance studio premises. I agree that this consent and assumption of risk statement covers each and every event or activity sponsored by Norma's Academy of Dance. I acknowledge that I have carefully read this Waiver and Release and fully understand that it is a release of liability.

Medical Release 

As the legal parent or guardian, I give permission to Norma's Academy of Dance, its owners, and operators to seek medical treatment for the participant in the event that they are not able to reach a parent/guardian or emergency contact. NAOD will not be responsible for the cost of any medical care or treatments.  I hereby waive all claims whatsoever in connection with such medical treatments.

COVID-19 

By signing this agreement, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that my child(ren) and I may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by attending Norma’s Academy of Dance and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death. By signing this agreement, I agree that my child and any accompanying persons will not enter Norma’s Academy of Dance if we exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19. 

Photo & Video Release 

I hereby grant Norma’s Academy of Dance permission to use my child's photograph/video for promotional purposes and/or social media and Norma’s Academy of Dance’s website. I understand that if I DO NOT want images of my child used, I will indicate this in writing and the signed letter will be emailed or given to the studio in a physical form. 

Bright from the Start Exemption

Norma's Academy of Dance is not a licensed child-care facility. Norma's Academy of Dance is not required to be licensed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. Norma's Academy of Dance is exempt from state licensure requirements.

Emergency & Weather Policy

NAOD may close due to inclement weather or emergencies. Updates will be sent via email, social media, and website. No refunds will be issued for weather-related closures. Make-up options may be provided if possible.