OUR STUDIO CULTURE
At A Step Above Dance Studio, we believe dance is about more than steps and schedules. We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where every dancer and every family feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
We welcome students of all backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and feel confident being themselves. We meet dancers where they are and encourage progress, teamwork, and joy in the process.
To protect that experience for everyone, we ask all members of our community to lead with kindness, respect, and encouragement. This applies to dancers, parents, staff, and guests. Our studio is not a place for gossip, negativity, exclusion, or disruptive behavior. Children learn best in an environment where they feel safe, uplifted, and free to try without fear of judgment.
We ask families to partner with us in modeling positive communication and supporting one another. By working together, we create the supportive atmosphere that makes A Step Above more than a studio. It becomes a place families are proud to call their dance home.
A Step Above reserves the right to address behaviors that do not align with these values to ensure a positive experience for all families.
STUDIO POLICIES
Welcome to A Step Above! Please take a moment to review our policies for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
At A Step Above Dance Studio, our policies are designed to keep our studio safe, organized, and running smoothly for every dancer and family. Please review the information below carefully.
Tuition & Payment Policy
Tuition at A Step Above Dance Studio supports quality instruction, proper staffing, and the overall experience we provide for every dancer.
How Tuition Is Calculated
Tuition is not based on how many classes occur in a specific month.
We calculate tuition across the entire dance season first. That total is then divided into equal monthly payments to keep tuition manageable for families.
Because of this structure:
– There are no extra charges for months with 5 weeks
– There are no discounts for short months, holidays, or weather days
– Tuition remains consistent from month to month
This allows us to operate fairly and consistently for all families.
Monthly Tuition Due Dates
– Tuition is due on or before the 1st of each month
– December tuition is due by December 5th
– May tuition is due by May 5th
Late Tuition
– After the 5th: $20 late fee per student
– After the 10th: Dancers may be asked to sit out of class until the balance is resolved
– End-of-month unpaid balances may result in dismissal from classes and events
Forms of Payment
– Auto-draft form required on file for families or session paid in full
– Online invoice payments
– Cash (exact amount only)
– Credit/Debit card
– Returned checks incur a $35 fee and participation resumes once resolved. ($25 administrative charge from A Step Above, $10 charge from our payment processor Intuit)
Payment & Class Placement
A dancer’s spot in any class, camp, or program is not reserved until the invoice for tuition, camp fees, and any applicable registration fees has been paid.
– Families should expect to receive their invoice within 3 business days of registering
– If a class or camp fills before payment is received, the dancer will be placed on a waitlist
– Payment secures placement
Withdrawals
– Registration fees and class placement are forfeited upon withdrawal
– Exceptions may be made for illness or injury with documentation
– To withdraw, email AStepAboveDS96@gmail.com with:
— Student’s full name
— Reason for withdrawal
— Effective date
Refunds & Credits
– All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable
– No credit transfers unless approved for charitable purposes and the student is not dropping classes
– No refunds for prior purchases
Weather, Holidays & Closures
Tuition is based on the full season calendar. Holidays, weather days, and studio closures are already factored into the tuition structure.
Pandemic or Government-Mandated Closures
If required to close, classes will transition to a virtual format. No refunds or discounts will be given for virtual classes.
Parking, Pick-Up & Lobby Safety
Our parking lot is shared with neighboring businesses and delivery traffic. For the safety of our dancers, families, staff, and neighbors, please carefully follow these guidelines at all times.
Parking Lot & Traffic Flow
– Please follow the flow of traffic in the parking lot and drive slowly and attentively.
– Semi-trucks must regularly access the Dollar General delivery area behind our building. Vehicles blocking this path are at risk of being hit.
– Parking begins past the Coca-Cola sign on Bellefontaine Ave to allow room for delivery access.
– Do not park too close to the building. These spaces are reserved for instructors and Lucky Dragon Arcade customers.
– Leave adequate space at the front of the building for instructor parking.
– Do not park or wait in handicap spaces unless authorized to do so.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up
– The area near the cement block may be used for quick drop-off and pick-up only. Please do not park or wait in this area.
– Students may not wait outside for pick-up.
– Parents must park and come inside the building to retrieve their child.
Walking To & From the Building
– Please accompany your dancer to and from the front door.
– Do not allow students to walk across the parking lot alone due to traffic risks.
Parent Supervision (Ages 6 & Under)
For the safety of our youngest dancers:
– A parent or guardian must remain in the building for children ages 6 and under.
– Instructors are unable to leave class to assist with restroom needs, illness, or injury.
Safety Awareness
– Please be aware of your surroundings when entering and exiting the parking lot.
– Refrain from interacting with solicitors.
– Do not give money or allow strangers into your vehicle.
– Report any suspicious behavior to the studio phone immediately.
Lobby Etiquette
We love that our studio feels welcoming and comfortable for families. To keep the environment focused and clean:
1.Restroom Reminder
Please have your dancer use the restroom before class begins to prevent interruptions.
2.Class Line-Up
Students should line up at the studio door one minute before class so they are ready to begin when greeted by their instructor.
3.Lobby Noise Level
Please keep lobby noise to a minimum. A calm environment helps dancers stay focused in class.
4.Snack Area Cleanliness
Snacks are welcome in the lobby. Please clean up after your family.
Cleaning supplies, paper towels, and a handheld sweeper are available in the top right cubby if needed.
DISCOUNTS
We are proud to offer:
– Multiple class discounts
– Sibling discounts
– Full-year payment discounts
– Referral bonuses (no limit!)
Contact the studio for details.
Inclement Weather Policy
During the winter months, weather can change quickly. When inclement weather occurs, please check for closure updates in the following places:
– Your email
– Our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/astepabovedancestudio
– WLIO / hometownstations.com
– Studio text alerts (make sure you are subscribed)
We do not post weather cancellations on the studio phone line.
Please note: If schools are canceled, that does NOT automatically mean the studio is closed. Always check our communication channels before coming to class.
Weather Days Built Into Our Season
Each dance season includes 5 built-in weather days. If classes are canceled due to weather on these days:
– Classes are not made up
– No tuition adjustments are given
These days are already factored into our seasonal calendar and tuition structure.
If we exceed 5 weather cancellations, additional missed classes will be scheduled for a makeup at a later date based on instructor and studio availability. These often occur during Spring Break, Recital Week, or on select weekends.
Communication Timing
We aim to post weather cancellations by 2:30 PM for evening classes whenever possible.
Because conditions can change throughout the day, there may be rare occasions when we:
– Cancel later than 2:30 PM, or
– Dismiss classes early
In those cases, we do our best to give families at least 45 minutes notice.
Our goal is always to keep our dancers, families, and staff safe while also keeping our season running smoothly. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during the winter months.
Holidays
Depending on the calendar, the studio will be closed for:
– Labor Day
– Memorial Day
– Studio Spring Break (TBA)
– Fourth of July
– Local Trick-or-Treat
– Thanksgiving
– Christmas
These classes are not made up as they are already calculated into our tuition costs.
Class & Camp Enrollment Policy (Minimum Enrollment)
All classes and camps require a minimum enrollment of 5 students.
If fewer than 5 students are enrolled, A Step Above Dance Studio reserves the right to:
– Combine the class/camp with another age group, or
– Cancel the class/camp
If a camp is canceled due to low enrollment, families will receive the amount paid as studio account credit to be used toward another class or camp. If we cancel a class, we will do so before the next month’s tuition has been ran.
In some cases, families may be offered the option to keep the class with adjusted tuition based on operating costs. This option will be shared before proceeding.
Attendance Policy
Consistent attendance is important for progress and group learning.
– Students are encouraged to attend all classes regularly and arrive on time
– Excessive unexcused absences (more than 6) or tardiness may result in dismissal
– Students must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning to class
– Students showing signs of illness (fever, rash, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) in the past 24 hours should not attend
To report an absence, log into your parent portal and go to “More” then “Attendance” then click “Report Absence” — This automatically sends Ms. Sierra and email as well as marks it in the system for your child’s instructor to see. In the event you cannot figure out how to do it through your parent portal, please call the studio and leave a voicemail at 419-222-7223.
Do not text or private message instructors.
Dancers must be in attendance during the 6 weeks prior to recital.
Poor attendance may result in a dancer not being permitted to perform in the annual recital.
FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES
One of our dance moms, Amber LaPointe in the coordinator for all of our studio fundraisers. She is in charge of planning the fundraisers and communicating all information. Whenever you would like to get involved in a fundraiser, or have questions about fundraisers we ask that you direct all questions to her.
For fundraiser participation or questions:
– Email: lapointea@tcspioneers.org
– Facebook: Amber LaPointe
Fundraisers are a great way to help offset costs on your dancer’s account.
QUESTIONS OR INQUIRIES?
If you have questions about tuition, classes, dance wear, scheduling, or studio policies, please reach out by email.
The best person to contact is our owner/director – Ms. Sierra Crowe at SierraCrowe.ASA@gmail.com.
For class-specific questions, families may also message their child’s teacher directly through the Parent Portal.
We are always happy to help and will respond as promptly as possible.
You can also call our studio phone at 419-222-7223 during business hours — however, please note, email is usually the fastest way to get in contact with us.
Dress Code
Our top priority is safety. Loose clothing can pose as a safety hazard while moving and jeans can cause restriction when trying to move. For tumbling classes, we also want to make sure that clothing stays in place even when children are moving their bodies upside down.
Additionally a dress code
– Creates a sense of community and belonging.
– Promotes discipline.
– Allows for a full range of movement.
– Reduces stress at home when preparing to come to class.
– Is a classroom management system and minimizes distractions.
Thank you for helping us create an optimal learning environment for our students.
