Our studio rules are designed for the benefit of all students.
​We emphasize:
Consistent class attendance and practice
Proper performance etiquette
Adherence to the dress code
These guidelines help create a positive, respectful, and productive environment for every dancer.

Studio Policies and Guidelines

Recital Participation
  • Please inform the instructor in advance if you would like your child to participate in the May recital for the upcoming year.
Attendance & Absences
  • Notify the studio at least 12 hours in advance if your child will be missing class.
  • For competition team absences, the full rate will still be charged.
  • Consistent attendance and advanced sign-up are essential for a successful class experience.
Class Arrival & Preparedness
  • Students should arrive 5–10 minutes before class to allow time for:
    • Using the restroom
    • Dressing appropriately
    • Removing jewelry that is distracting
    • Neatly securing hair
  • All students must be ready to dance at the start of class. 
Health Conditions
  • If a health condition prevents full participation, please notify Atlantic Coast Dance Studio in writing as soon as possible.
Missed Classes & Performance
  • Competition team members who miss three or more classes may be taken out of parts of choreography they missed.
  • Make-up classes are offered when possible and handled individually.

STUDIO RULES

Studio Safety
  • All young dancers (ages 3–10) must be escorted to and from the building.
  • Children should never be left unattended in the studio.
  • No child will be released to anyone other than a parent unless prior arrangements have been made.
Restroom Use
  • We encourage all students to use the restroom before class. While restroom breaks are allowed during class, we aim to minimize interruptions to maintain focus.
Behavior Expectations
  • No horseplay in the waiting lounge or studio.
  • No loud noise in the waiting area while class is in session.
Pick-Up Policy
  • Please notify the front desk if you will be late picking up your dancer.
  • A $10 fee will apply for any dancer not picked up by the time the last teacher or staff member needs to leave.
Personal Items
  • Bring a refillable water bottle labeled with the student’s name to every class.
  • Label all shoes with the student’s initials.
  • No gum, food, or drinks other than water are permitted in the studio.

CLASS ETIQUETTE

Classroom Expectations​
  • Be appreciative of corrections and apply them.
  • Be kind to your classmates--rudeness is unacceptable.
  • No leaning, or hanging on the barres during class.
  • Leaving class before it ends is not acceptable unless you have notified the teacher beforehand.
  • Parents, caregivers, and siblings are not allowed in the studio however are welcome to be in the waiting area while class is in session.
  • Teachers reserve the right to dismiss any student who is continuously disruptive.
  • A parent/teacher conference must take place before a dismissed student may return to class.
Anti-Bullying Policy
Atlantic Coast Dance Studio strives to create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all dancers. Bullying is strictly prohibited. We believe in developing well-rounded dancers who are compassionate, respectful, and mindful of others.
We operate on a “3 Strikes, You’re Out” system for bullying violations:
  • First Strike: Verbal warning with a parent present and a plan of action to correct the behavior.
  • Second Strike: Written warning and a 2-week suspension from class/studio, with a corrective action plan upon return.
  • Third Strike: Expulsion from the studio.

DRESS CODE

  • ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE HAIR STYLED BACK AND AWAY FROM THE FACE FOR ALL CLASSES.
  • Ballet, Pointe & Pre-K Dance
    • Girls: leotard (solid color, no designs/embellishments) and tights.
    • Boys: studio t-shirt with leggings, dance pants, or sweatpants.
    • Ballet slippers or grip socks are permitted
    • Students in ballet must wear hair in a bun or have hair kept neatly away from face.
  • Tap, Jazz, Contemporary & Theatre Dance
    • Girls: leotard (solid color, no designs/embellishments) or studio t-shirt with tights, leggings, dance pants, or sweatpants.
    • Boys: studio t-shirt with leggings, dance pants, or sweatpants
    • Tappers wear synthetic/leather-free tap shoes. Jazz, Modern, and Contemporary dancers wear Capezio FootUndeez, ballet slippers, or grip socks.
  • Hip-Hop / B-Boy / Breakdancing
    • t-shirt with leggings, dance pants, or sweatpants 
    • Synthetic/leather-free clean bottom sneakers (that are only worn in class and not outdoors)
For more information on dance wear, ask one of our teachers. We also offer dance apparel in the studio.