2010-2011 Policies

Our Philosophy on Dance Training

The philosophy of the Turning Pointe is to provide excellent professional training to the serious and recreational student alike. Our goal is to address the needs of the dance and performing arts community by providing quality education that is equally grounded in tradition as it is in innovation. The faculty strives to provide a warm and friendly atmosphere while guiding students through the rigors of dance training. It is our belief that dance training is a valuable discipline that carries over into every facet of life. Serious dance training is a discipline that demands the best of ones self while it improves self-control, heightens self-esteem and increases organizational skills leading to academic success. This type of progress is best realized in a professional environment.

Individual attention and analysis of a student’s abilities and progress by an experienced, professional teacher are very important factors in the proper training and success of any dancer. This is reflected in the fact that all classes are taught by a qualified staff. We are devoted to excellence and uncompromising dedication to the ideal of quality in performing art education.

Tuition Policy

There will be absolutely NO REFUNDS of registration fees, tuition payments, costume payments, or recital fees - even if they are paid in advance!

All students are required to pay 2 months of tuition at the time of registration or before classes begin (this covers the tuition for your first and last month of classes).

Tuition payments are then due on the first scheduled class of each month. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to make payments to the front desk on time. We DO NOT send out invoices unless the account is overdue!

Tuition payments are considered late after the 10th of the month, and a $10 late fee per family is automatically added to all accounts that carry a balance after the 10th each and every month. THESE FEES WILL NOT BE WAIVED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES! If you do not regularly stop in the studio, we encourage you to mail in your tuition payments by the 1st of the month, or to call and make a credit card payment over the phone, to avoid the late fee.

Tuition has been divided equally over 10 months, September through June, plus recital rehearsals and performances. Therefore, tuition fess remain the same every month! Some months are longer and will make up for shorter months when holidays, breaks, and snow days happen. There will be NO prorated tuition for missed class for any reason.

Make up lessons, however, are offered all year and we strongly encourage all students to make up their missed lessons. This can be done in a class of the same level, or a lower level, at your earliest convience.

Tuition Information >>

Discounts

1/2 Off Discount – Any student taking more than one class per week in the same discipline will receive their 2nd class ½ price. Lyrical classes are ½ price if you are also taking jazz and ballet. Hip hop classes are ½ price if you are also taking 2 jazz classes. Discount is taken off the lesser of the two classes. Cannot be used with any other discounts!

Family Discount – If you have two or more children taking a total of 4 or more classes per month, you will receive a 10% discount off of your monthly tuition bill (discount will be rounded to the nearest $). Cannot be used with any other discounts.

Unlimited Class Discount – For the serious dancers! If you are taking more than six classes per week, your tuition will be capped at $215 per month. However, all classes taken must be age and level appropriate, and you must commit to attend the classes every week! Also, participation in recital dances is up to the teacher’s discretion, and, therefore, you will not necessarily do a dance for every class you take. Cannot be used with any other discounts!

Full Year Payment Discount - Full year payments will receive a 5% discount if paid by cash or check by the end of September. After September, there will be no discount for full year payments. Also, please remember that tuition is NON REFUNDABLE! If you pay for the full year up front and then decide to quit, you will not receive reimbursment of any kind!

Refund of Tuition/Registration Fees

There will be absolutely no refund of the registration fees paid. Monthly tuition is also non-refundable. By paying first and last months’ tuition in advance, you are committing to dancing for at least two months. The Turning Pointe asks that you provide us with a 30 day, written notice before stopping your classes, ensuring that you have used your last month’s tuition in full.

Class Cancellations

All class days and times are subject to change based on enrollment. We must have at least 6 students registered in a class after the first month in order to keep that class running. If your class must be cancelled due to low enrollment, we will make every effort to place you in another class, and we expect that you will be understanding and cooperative.

Class Placement

Students will be grouped not only by general age, but also by levels that reflect progress in dance rather than grade level in school. The placement and advancement of all students will be at the discretion of the Director and Teaching Staff. Everyone learns at a different pace. It is sometimes recommended that students participate in a class that is a level below, in addition to their regular class in order to combine their knowledge of concepts. Students will be evaluated periodically throughout the year. All class placements are tentative and subject to change during the first few months of class. This allows the instructors time to assess the students’ ability and potential.

To the Parents

Patience and understanding are essential. Students develop intellectually and physically at different rates. From time to time, all students will find themselves trailing behind their classmates. Encouragement from the parents is necessary during this period. All children deserve the opportunity to study dance. If you have any reason to discuss your child’s dance education, please do not interrupt during class hours, or do so in front of another parent or student. Please ask for a private conference. You will receive our attention, respect and gratitude. It is our desire to provide you with excellent results and, therefore, must demand understanding and cooperation between the parents, students and teachers.

Attendance

Please make every effort to have students present at all classes, as absences inhibit progress. We believe, and we are sure you will also, that anything worth doing is worth doing well. If you are unable to attend class, please call (586) 445-6753 to report absences. We do keep close track of attendance records, and those students with ‘perfect attendance’ receive an award at the recital! Keep in mind that in order to achieve ‘perfect attendance’ you must be in your regularly schedule class(es) every week from September to June – make up classes do not count!

Make-Up Classes

Regrettably, we cannot make tuition refunds or credits for classes missed. Students are encouraged to make-up classes whenever possible. Check with your instructors or at the front desk for available make-up times.

Inclement Weather

If we ever need to cancel classes due to inclement weather, we will post this on our website. Please check the "News Flash / Studio Updates" section of the website before coming to class if there is snow or ice!