Classroom Etiquette
Class Levels, Trials, & Placements
All of our classes are divided into different levels based on a student’s ability and technical knowledge, not necessarily by age (except for students under 7 years old). Each level’s curriculum is created with 3-5 years of technical training in mind. We believe that it is important for a student to be placed appropriately to get the most out of each class.
Our levels may not align with those of other studios. Initial student evaluation involves determining a student’s present ability (in light of previous dance experience), individual skill, and muscle development. Our studio offers $30 trial classes on the last week of August, September, & October. New students who would like to register for a class above our beginning levels may schedule a placement exam. Please contact the studio for more information about our placement exams or trial classes.
Tardiness & Dress Code
All students are expected to arrive on time and in the appropriate attire. If you are more than 10 minutes late or out of dress code, you may be asked to sit and watch the class. Our dress code was established to promote the dancer’s freedom of movement and instructor’s observation of correct technique. We have differentiated the levels of Ballet by color of leotard, which gives the dancer a sense of accomplishment as the dancer moves up in levels. Dancers will have a two week grace period on dress code violations. See our dress code for specific class details.
Make Ups & Absences
A dancer can make-up a maximum of 3 missed classes of a single style. The make-up class should be in a similar class of the same or lower level. We encourage consistent attendance as the curriculum is ongoing and cumulative. Too many absences will result in the dancer falling behind. You can schedule your absence & make-up class through your Parent Portal or via email.
Classroom Etiquette
Once class begins, dancers are encouraged not to leave class, apart from emergencies. Parents of preschool-aged children are asked to stay in their car during class to assist with potential bathroom visits and other possible issues. We want dance students to feel safe and cared for while in our environment, especially at that age. At no time may parents enter the class to observe unless expressly invited by a teacher.
While in class, we ask that students practice respect not only towards the teacher, but also to their fellow students. Only by giving each class your full attention and co-operation, will students succeed. Dance is an art form, and all students are on the same journey. We at AKA strive to not only teach artistry and dance, but also discipline, confidence and active thinking. Following our classroom etiquette is the best way to ensure a fun and productive class for all students.
Dancer Health
Dancer Health
Dancers should remain well hydrated and are encouraged to bring a no-spill water bottle to class. Dancers are also encouraged to get adequate sleep and keep their bodies properly nourished.
Dance training does not end when class ends—please continue your stretching and conditioning at home! Our goal is to keep each dancer’s body healthy and strong to prevent future mobility issues.
If a student is sick (including any fevers), please do not allow them to attend class. We do not want the dancer to get worse or transmit the disease to their classmates. If the student is not contagious and would still like to come and observe class, please email the studio.
If a medical condition prevents a student from dancing and lasts 30 days or more, please contact the studio to discuss next steps. Dancers may continue to attend and observe their classes to avoid falling behind in the curriculum. If an injury occurs, please see a doctor as soon as possible.
Luminaries should review their Luminary Contract for more information on sickness or injury-related absences.
Enrollment & Tuition
Registration & Tuition
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. All registrations are processed in the order received. Class size limitations will be observed. We require a minimum number of four students to run a class.
Tuition is due on the 1st of each month, August- May. The first month’s payment (August) is due at registration, along with the registration fee. New families have a $30 registration fee, while returning families receive a $5 discount for each returning season’s registration fee. A $25 late fee is applied on the 14th of each month. Tuition is prorated based on at least 32 weeks of class. You are not paying for any holidays.
Transferring, Adding, & Withdrawing
If you are interested in transferring into a different class or adding a new class, you may do so via your Parent Portal. If you are unsure of what level your child is ready for, please email the studio for help. There is no fee to transfer classes. However, if you transfer or join a new class after costumes have been ordered, there may be an additional costume fee.
If you no longer wish to continue in your registered class, you may withdraw by emailing the studio. We do require at least 30 days written notice. This means if you would like to withdraw by December 1st, you will need to email by November 1st. Once your withdrawal from a class is complete, your spot will no longer be held.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are available for $90 per hour. A private is a great way for your dancer to work on their technique and to work on any issues they are struggling to fix in their normal classes. Non-studio students are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of $45. This deposit will be put towards the price of the private.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your private, you must do so at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled private. Lessons canceled with less than twenty-four (24) hours' notice may be charged in full. Missed appointments ("no-shows") are considered completed lessons and are non-refundable. Instructor cancellations will be rescheduled whenever reasonably possible. Privates can be made with any dance instructor from your parent portal under “Appointments”.
Studio Closures & Events
Studio Closures & Events
Refer to Important Dates This Season for information about all planned closures, spirit weeks, and events. Private dance lessons may occur during studio closures. Please contact the studio for more information.
If a class needs to be canceled due for studio reasons, we will reschedule it to the next available Saturday.
If the weather creates a situation we believe would be hazardous to attending class (such as severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods), we may cancel classes. Generally, we follow Osceola & Orange County Public School weather closure guidance. However, the weather may clear in time for our afternoon classes. The final decision will be made by 2 PM. All severe weather updates can be found on our social media, sent via email, and on our studio BAND. Classes canceled due to bad weather can be made up — see Make Ups and Absences.
We encourage parental involvement, especially during Parent’s Week! During AKA’s Parent’s Week, parents are invited to join their dancer’s class. Whether you wish to observe or dance with your child, please be respectful to the other dancers in the class. Younger siblings may find it difficult to sit through an entire class, so please consider making other arrangements.
Studio Etiquette
Sign-In & Pickup
Parents must sign in their dancer at the front desk using the iPad for classes. Dancers ages 11 & up are allowed to sign in on their own. Parents must sign in their dancer using the sign-in sheet located at the front desk for events, camps, & workshops. Dancers ages 11 & up are allowed to sign in on their own.
Plan to sign in your dancer at the studio 2-5 minutes before their first class starts.
Let the front desk staff know about any changes to your pickup time or pickup person at sign-in.
Dancers ages 10 and under will not be allowed to exit the studio lobby without a parent or guardian. To allow an adult to pick up your dancer, please add them to your parent portal. Parents are welcome to line up at the front door, just outside the entryway, to pick up their dancers.
Written permission is required for dancers ages 11 and up to meet their ride in the parking lot.
Entryway Etiquette
Entryway space is limited. We encourage this area to be used for study, homework, or marked rehearsal.
Please be mindful of classes in session and keep noise to a minimum while in the entryway and hallway.
Please show respect for our dance space by helping to keep it safe and clean.
Social Media & Photography
AKA staff may occasionally take class photos or choreography videos to post on AKA social media platforms and the AKA website. Please refer to the Photography & Videography Policy signed on your Parent Portal for more details.
Lost Items
Please label all belongings. Label dance shoes on the inside of the shoe. The studio cannot be held responsible for lost items. Any items that are found in the studio will be held by studio management for one month. If the item has not been claimed by then, it will be discarded.
Annual Spring Recital
Our annual Spring Recital and semi-annual Winter Performance are rewarding and confidence-building experiences. Even though dance is a performance art, we understand that some students may not want to participate in the performing aspect of dance. 2026 Spring Recital agreements are due by October 30th, with Recital information being sent home in September.