Rules & Policies

Liability Agreements

• I understand that dancing is an enjoyable form of exercise, which, among many benefits, promotes good posture, flexibility, strength, and agility. I also understand that, as with any physical activity, there is a natural risk of injury. Upon signing this registration form, I agree that neither American Youth Dance Theater, Inc. (AYDT) nor its agents or employees will be held responsible in the event of an injury.
• I certify that my child has no condition that, in the exercise of reasonable prudence, would prohibit full participation in activities at AYDT. I agree to inform instructors of any physical or developmental needs that may require special attention. I assume all ordinary risks for my child’s participation in dance classes and hereby release American Youth Dance Theater, Inc. and its agents and employees from all liability for any injury, damage, or loss suffered in connection with said use of the facility mentioned above and its equipment.
• In the event of an emergency and I am unreachable, I authorize AYDT personnel to contact and, if necessary, secure medical attention for my child. I also certify that my child is covered by health insurance.
• I am aware that dance education at times requires “hands-on training” in which instructors will gently touch a child’s body to explain proper alignment, positioning, or engagement of their muscles.
• I understand that young children who may need assistance in the restroom must have a parent or guardian remain on the premises during class. If no adult remains on the premises, I authorize AYDT personnel to assist my child in using the restroom if needed.
• I understand that I am responsible for supervising my child before and after class.
• I agree to pick up my child promptly after class and advise the administrative staff if someone else will be picking them up.
• I hereby give my permission to American Youth Dance Theater, Inc. to photograph, film, videotape and/or make sound recordings of my child, to quote or publish statements of my child and to use such photographs, films, videotapes, sound recordings and/or other statements in educational and promotional/advertising materials for American Youth Dance Theater. Inc. and for other purposes specified below. I understand that my child may be identified in any photographs, news stories, or publications that American Youth Dance Theater, Inc. considers appropriate for release to magazines, newspapers, its worldwide website, and/or other publications. I further understand that any such photographs, films, videotapes, sound recordings, and/or written works are the property of American Youth Dance Theater, Inc. and that neither my child nor I is entitled to any compensation for or rights in these materials. I release American Youth Dance Theater, Inc. from all liability with respect to the matters covered by this release.
• I understand that AYDT does not prohibit parents and guardians from taking their own photographs and making their own audio-visual and sound recordings of their children in classes or at recitals. I understand that AYDT has no control over the use of these materials by parents, guardians, or others. I release AYDT from all liability with respect to the use of these materials created and distributed by parents and guardians or others.

Cancellations

• AYDT does not issue drop-out tuition refunds after the 2nd week of Fall or Spring sessions and after the 1st week of Summer sessions. If a drop-out occurs before the specified week, 25% of the tuition will be retained by AYDT. Dancewear that has been worn cannot be returned. AYDT reserves the right to cancel classes due to low registration. In the unlikely event that a class is canceled, every effort will be made to switch the student to an alternative class. If not possible, tuition will be refunded pro rata.

Force Majeure

• AYDT may be excused from performing its obligations immediately and without prior notice during periods that AYDT is unable to provide its services customarily because of force majeure events including, but not limited to, fire, flood, storm, the act of God, failure of utilities, war, terrorism, civil unrest, government law, regulation, order, or other action, epidemic, pandemic, restrictions on travel or assembly, or any other event or condition beyond AYDT’s control. AYDT shall be excused for the duration of such event or condition and an additional five (5) days thereafter and shall resume only if AYDT deems the resumption of services to be safe for AYDT staff and students.
• AYDT may transition to an online remote learning platform instead of in-person classes.
• No force majeure event will be the basis for a tuition refund or credit.

General Safety

• Please be aware that a long, steep staircase leads to our second-floor lobby. When ascending and descending, please do so slowly and carefully, holding onto the handrails for support. A parent or caregiver must accompany children at all times.
• Entrances and exits must remain clear. Strollers must be folded and left in the designated areas. Unfolded strollers must be left on the sidewalk at your own risk. Any strollers left unfolded inside the premises will be placed on the sidewalk by AYDT staff.
• Students’ belongings may be left in dressing rooms. Keep valuables with you. AYDT is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

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Attendance and Make-Up Classes

• AYDT’s calendar is loosely based on the NYC public school calendar. Our spring break usually coincides with Easter and Passover. If your child attends a private school whose vacations differ from AYDT’s and they are absent on a day that AYDT classes are in session, he/she will be marked absent.
• Make-up classes are allowed when AYDT is closed for school holidays or inclement weather. Up to three illness-related make-ups are allowed per 18-week session, and two for 9-week sessions. Make-up classes must be scheduled with our administrative staff and completed within the session of the child’s absence in the same level class or in a class one level below. Students may take an age-appropriate class in a different discipline as a makeup for a class that is only offered once during the week.
• Students planning to participate in the recital may miss no more than three classes in the fall semester or four courses in the spring semester.
• Make-up classes are offered as a courtesy, but they do not negate absences. To participate in the recital, students who have missed more than the allowed number of absences must schedule a private lesson with their teacher at their own expense. The maximum number of absences a child may have and still participate in the recital by taking additional private classes is 5 in the fall and 6 in the spring. The recital is a group effort, and students whose attendance is not consistent affect the recital preparation process for the whole class. After the maximum number of absences in a semester, the student will not be allowed to participate in the recital, regardless of the number of private classes they may take.
• Tuition will not be prorated due to absences. Classes missed due to late registration will be prorated only after the 3rd week of the semester (based on class availability). Students who miss the 1st or 2nd week of classes may use their make-up courses to catch up.
• Students registering late or mid-year may be required to attend one to two private sessions to catch up on missed material, as determined by the instructor.
• If fewer than three students attend a class on a given day, the teacher may shorten the class length at their discretion.
• In the event of a teacher’s absence, AYDT will do everything possible to provide a substitute teacher. In the event of an emergency in which a substitute cannot be found, AYDT will combine classes or arrange a make-up class.
• Make-up classes are not offered during the last two weeks before the holiday and spring recitals, as well as during Parents’ Visiting Week.

Recitals

• Participation in the performance is a privilege reserved for students who have met attendance requirements and have demonstrated good classroom behavior throughout the semester.
• Students MUST attend dress rehearsals to participate in performances. ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS.
• AYDT values fairness in casting based on multiple criteria, including technical ability, work ethic, and attendance, and strives to encourage teamwork among students. We do not tolerate rivalry between students or parents over casting and will absolutely not entertain complaints or discussions with parents concerning discontent with casting.
• RECITAL TICKETS: Junior Recital Tickets are purchased through AYDT. Senior Recital tickets are purchased directly from The Kaye Playhouse box office.
• Costumes are distributed approximately 1-2 weeks before the performance. Recital costume orders are placed at the beginning of each semester. Costumes are ordered a bit larger to leave room for growth.
• Students who take two or more weekly classes may need to change costumes during performances in the designated gender dressing rooms, assisted by the corresponding AYDT staff. To ensure privacy and comfort, students changing costumes during a performance must wear a nude-colored camisole strap leotard (for girls) or undergarment (for boys) that matches their skin tone, which will remain on during costume changes.
• AYDT reserves the right to reschedule or cancel performances at any time. In the event of cancellation, all performance-related fees (not including tuition) will be refunded.
• We ask that any student who needs to drop out of the recital for any reason other than a last-minute emergency notify AYDT at least four weeks before the performance.

General

• AYDT’s rules and policies, agreements, dress code, and school calendar are available on our website. Recital information is emailed.
• Please observe the proper dress and hair code. No costumes, tutus, dress-up clothes, or street shoes. Do not wear dance shoes outside.
• Students should use the bathroom before class. No changes are made in the bathrooms, except when a parent or caregiver must assist a young child of the opposite gender. No parents or caregivers of the opposite gender are allowed in dressing rooms.
• Please refrain from lingering in front of classroom doors, as this is disruptive to classes and causes congestion in the hallways.