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APPALACHIAN RHYTHM POLICIES
1. Communication Policy
Clear communication helps our studio run smoothly and ensures dancers and families have the information they need to be successful.
• Studio Pro will be our primary source for schedules, attendance, class information, payments, and important updates.
• Email and the private studio Facebook group may also be used for additional announcements and reminders.
• Families are responsible for checking studio communication regularly.
• Questions, concerns, or schedule conflicts should be communicated with studio leadership in a timely and respectful manner.
• Open communication allows us to better support dancers and maintain a positive studio environment.
2. Attendance Policy
Consistent attendance is essential for dancer progress, teamwork, and confidence on stage. Since choreography builds week by week, frequent absences can affect both the individual dancer and the group.
General Attendance Expectations
Dancers are expected to:
• Attend class each week and arrive on time, prepared, and ready to dance.
• Notify the studio of absences through Studio Pro or email whenever possible.
Make-Up & Catch-Up
When a dancer misses class, they are responsible for staying current by:
• Attending a make-up class when available.
• Watching provided class videos and practicing at home.
• Communicating with their instructor if clarification is needed.
Performance Classes (Recitals, Performances, Parades)
• Dancers may miss no more than 3 classes per semester (Fall/Spring) to remain eligible to participate in performances unless approved by an instructor/director.
• Attendance is required for the two classes prior to a performance, dress rehearsals, and technical rehearsals unless approved.
• Excessive absences may result in choreography adjustments, position changes, or removal from a routine when necessary.
Competition Team
• Competition dancers must attend all scheduled classes, rehearsals, and required events unless approved by an instructor/director.
• Dress rehearsals, run-throughs, and competition weekend practices are mandatory.
• More than 2 absences per semester may result in re-blocking, alternate placement, or removal from a routine.
• Dancers are expected to practice missed material at home.
Excused Absences
We understand that unavoidable situations happen.
• School events, funerals, and family emergencies may be excused with proper communication.
• A minimum of 2 weeks’ notice is required for planned school-related conflicts whenever possible.
• Excused absences will not count toward attendance limits when communicated appropriately.
llness
Please keep dancers home if they have:
• Fever
• Stomach illness
• Flu, COVID, or other contagious illnesses
Dancers must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning. If a dancer is recovering but well enough to observe, they may attend class to take notes and should continue learning through class videos.
Weather Closures
In the event of inclement weather:
• Cancellations will be communicated through Studio Pro, email, and the private Facebook group.
• If multiple classes are canceled due to weather, a make-up option may be provided.
Missed classes due to personal absences, vacations, or scheduling conflicts will not be refunded.
3. Tuition & Payment Policy
Tuition payments allow Appalachian Rhythm to provide quality instruction, facilities, choreography, and studio opportunities.
• Tuition is due according to the payment schedule provided at registration.
• Tuition is based on enrollment in the class, not attendance.
• Missed classes, vacations, or personal scheduling conflicts do not result in refunds or credits.
• Families are responsible for keeping accounts current.
• Any payment concerns should be communicated with studio leadership.
4. Dress Code Policy
Proper attire helps dancers feel prepared, confident, and ready to learn.
• Wear appropriate dancewear and shoes required for their class.
• Arrive prepared with all necessary shoes, clothing, and supplies.
• Keep hair secured away from the face when required.
• Maintain a neat and safe appearance for class and performances.
Specific costume and performance requirements will be communicated separately
5. Class Behavior & Safety Policy
Appalachian Rhythm is committed to providing a positive, respectful, and safe environment for all dancers.
Dancers are expected to:
• Treat instructors, classmates, and families with respect.
• Listen, participate, and follow instructor directions.
• Use appropriate language and behavior.
• Respect studio property and equipment.
• Encourage and support teammates.
Unsafe or disrespectful behavior may result in a conversation with the dancer and family and, if necessary, further action.
6. ACHF All-Star Jacket Nomination Policy (Competition Team)
The ACHF All-Star Jacket is a special recognition opportunity for Appalachian Rhythm
Competition Team members who demonstrate dedication, growth, commitment, and strong representation of our studio.
Dancers considered for nomination MUST:
• Be an active Competition Team member.
• Maintain strong attendance at classes, rehearsals, competitions, and required events.
• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and a positive attitude.
• Show commitment to growth and applying corrections.
• Support teammates and represent Appalachian Rhythm with pride and sportsmanship.
ACHF requirements include being with the studio for at least one year and competing at qualifying events for 1–3 years, depending on jacket level. Nominations are made by competition instructors and studio leadership. Previous recognition does not guarantee future selection.
7. Teal Taps Recognition Policy (Studio-Based)
Teal Taps is an Appalachian Rhythm recognition designed to honor dancers who represent the heart and values of our studio.
This recognition is not based solely on dance ability, level, or competition participation. Teal Taps celebrates dancers who demonstrate dedication, kindness, growth, and positive studio spirit.
Dancers considered for Teal Taps should:
• Show a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Demonstrate respect toward instructors, classmates, and families.
• Show consistent effort, commitment, and growth.
• Encourage and support others.
• Represent Appalachian Rhythm with pride and teamwork.
Recipients are selected by Appalachian Rhythm instructors and studio leadership based on the overall impact they have on our studio community.
8. Fundraising Policy
Fundraising opportunities help support studio programs, events, and opportunities for our dancers. Each year, dancers and families will participate in one mandatory fundraiser.
• Funds raised may support recital expenses, scholarships, trips, special events, and other studio needs.
• Additional fundraising opportunities may be offered throughout the year to support larger events, trips, competitions, or special projects.
• Families are expected to complete fundraising requirements by the provided deadlines and communicate any questions or concerns with studio leadership.
9. Social Media & Studio Representation Policy
Appalachian Rhythm is proud of our dancers and enjoys sharing theiraccomplishments and experiences.
• Families give permission for approved studio photos/videos to be used for promotional purposes unless otherwise specified.
• Dancers and families are expected to represent the studio positively online and in the community.
• Any concerns regarding studio content should be communicated directly with studio leadership.
10. Family Partnership Policy
Our studio works best when dancers, families, and instructors work together.
Families are expected to:
• Support their dancer’s commitment and growth.
• Encourage a positive attitude and work ethic.
• Respect instructor decisions regarding choreography, placement, and studio opportunities.
• Communicate concerns directly and respectfully.
Our goal is to create a positive, encouraging environment where every dancer can grow, perform, and feel like part of the Appalachian Rhythm family.
11.Recital Policy
Our annual recital is the highlight of the dance season and provides every dancer the opportunity to celebrate their hard work and growth. Participation in the recital is a required part of enrollment for all performance classes.
Recital Participation:
• All dancers enrolled in any classes are expected to participate in the annual recital.
• Participation allows every dancer to experience performing on stage and is an important part of their dance education and team experience.
•Families are responsible for meeting all recital deadlines, including costume orders, fees, ticket information, and any required paperwork.
Dress Rehearsal:
Attendance at the scheduled dress rehearsal is mandatory for all recital participants.
• Dress rehearsal allows dancers to become familiar with the performance venue,practice spacing and transitions, and ensure costumes and routines are performance-ready.
• Dancers who miss dress rehearsal without prior approval from studio leadership may not be permitted to perform in the recital.
• If a family has an unavoidable conflict with the recital or dress rehearsal, they should notify studio leadership as soon as possible. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by case basis.
12. Competition Team Policy
Being a member of the Appalachian Rhythm Competition Team is a commitment to personal growth, teamwork, and representing our studio with integrity. Every dancer is expected to demonstrate respect, dedication, and positive sportsmanship both on and off the stage.
To simplify competition expenses, Appalachian Rhythm will use a flat competition fee for all team dancers.
• Competition entry fees are $20 per dance, per dancer, for each Regular Season competition.
• Fees must be paid by the posted deadline to ensure entries can be submitted on time.
• Additional costs such as costumes, travel, lodging, meals, or optional team apparel are separate unless otherwise communicated.
Team Commitment:
Competition dancers are expected to:
• Attend all required rehearsals, competitions, and performances.
• Arrive on time, prepared, and performance-ready.
• Support and encourage fellow teammates throughout the event.
• Maintain a positive attitude, even faced with challenges or disappointments.
Sportsmanship and Representation:
Every dancer represents Appalachian Rhythm whenever attending a competition.
Dancers are expected to:
• Show respect to judges, event staff, competitors, teachers, and fellow dancers.
• Celebrate the success of others with kindness and encouragement.
• Accept awards, placements, and critiques with grace and professionalism.
• Demonstrate good behavior both backstage and in public areas of the venue.
Unsportsmanlike conduct, disrespectful behavior, or actions that reflect negatively on the studio may result in disciplinary action or removal from future competition.
Awards Ceremony:
Unless otherwise approved by the director, all dancers are expected to remain through the awards ceremony
for the sessions in which they compete.
Awards are an important part of the competition experience and provide an opportunity to celebrate not only individual accomplishments but also the achievements of our teammates and the dance community as a whole.
Team First:
Competition is about more than trophies. Appalachian Rhythm values teamwork, encouragement, and growth above placements. We expect every dancer to cheer for their teammates, offer support, celebrate one another's successes, and represent the studio with humility and pride.
13. WITHDRAWAL POLICY
We understand that circumstances may change throughout the dance season. If a dancer needs to withdraw from a class, WRITTEN notice must be submitted to studio leadership before the 1st day of the month in which the withdrawal will take effect.
• Written notice received on or after the 1st of the month will result in tuition being charged for that month.
• Registration fees, costume fees, competition fees, and other non-refundable expenses will not be refunded once they have been paid or ordered.
• Dancers who withdraw after costumes have been ordered are responsible for any remaining costume balance.
• Withdrawal from a class may affect eligibility for performances, competitions, or other studio events.
• If a dancer wishes to return after withdrawing, placement will be based on class availability.
• We appreciate timely communication and will do our best to assist families through the withdrawal process.