Parent Info. Hub

Welcome to your one-stop resource for all things Fitch Dance Company! Whether you're brand new or returning for another amazing season, this page will help you stay organized, prepared, and connected throughout the year.

YEAR-AT-A-GLANCE

Month

Events and Reminders

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

Open house, Registration, Blazer Bash

First week of classes

Last month to pay year in advance, Halloween

Costume forms turned in + down payment due

Christmas show (stage fee instead of tuition)

no class remainder of December

First week back to class, start sending costumes home that are in and paid off

Trout festival parade, picture day

Stage time practices

Dress rehearsal, June review, registration for next season (at shows), competition team auditions

Optional summer camps and intensives

Make up classes start being scheduled if necessary

final costume payments due

Studio Policies

At Fitch Dance Company, our policies are designed to support a safe, respectful, and organized environment where every dancer can grow, thrive, and have fun. Please review the following policies and reach out if you have any questions.

Tuition & Payment Policy

1. Registration Fee

A $15 registration fee is charged per new student at the time of enrollment.
Families who register during events like the June Dance Review or Blazer Bash will have the registration fee waived.

2. Monthly Tuition (September – May)

Tuition is billed monthly, September through May.
Monthly rates are based on the number of weekly classes each dancer attends.
Sibling discounts apply for families with multiple dancers living in the same household.

3. Stage Fee

In December and June, regular tuition is replaced by a $40 family Stage Fee, which helps cover recital production costs.

4. Payment Schedule & Late Fees

Tuition is due by the 10th of each month.
Payments received after the 10th will incur a $10 late fee.
We recommend setting up auto-pay to avoid missed deadlines.

5. Year-in-Advance Option

Families may choose to pay tuition for the year upfront at a discounted rate.
This option must be selected by the end of the second month of classes (typically October).
Once applied, year-in-advance tuition is non-refundable.

6. Technique Classes (Add-On)

Technique classes are optional and not included in regular tuition.
Pricing:
- $12 drop-in
- $40/month for one weekly technique class
- +$10/month for each additional technique class

7. Costume Payments

Costume fees are required for each class that will participate in the recital:
- $75 per costume
- $85 per costume for combo classes (classes that perform multiple routines)
A $25 deposit per costume is required to reserve your dancer’s costume.
Costumes are typically ordered in November, so deposits must be received prior to that date.
Remaining balances will be billed once the final pricing is confirmed.
Costume fees are non-refundable once the order has been placed.

8. Missed Classes & Make-Ups

Missed classes are not refunded or prorated for any reason, including illness or vacation.
If the studio cancels a class due to weather, holidays, or other circumstances, we may offer make-up practices at our discretion if needed to prepare for performances.
Families may also schedule private make-up lessons with instructors if the instructor is willing and available.
- These are billed separately and priced individually by each instructor.

9. Private Lessons

Available based on instructor availability.
Pricing varies per instructor and must be scheduled directly.

10. Payment Methods

We accept credit/debit cards, ACH, cash, and checks.
Auto-pay is highly recommended and available through your Parent Portal.

11. Returned Payments & Non-Payment

A returned payment fee may be applied to any bounced check or failed card transaction.
Families with overdue balances may have portal access restricted or dancers removed from classes until the account is brought current.

Dress Rehearsal & Show Check-In / Pick-Up Procedures

For the safety and efficiency of our events, we follow these procedures for all dress rehearsals and performances held at the auditorium.

Entry & Check-In

All dancers enter through the Gymnasium Lobby.
Upon arrival, dancers will check in at the registration desk and will be escorted backstage by studio staff and demonstrators.
No parents/guardians are permitted backstage to ensure the safety and focus of all dancers.

Number System for Ages 8 & Under

Students Level 3 and below (ages 8 and under) will be given a pickup number.
The person dropping off will receive a matching number card.
You must present this number card at pickup in order for your dancer to be released.

Dismissal Procedures

Ages 8 & Under (Level 3 and below):
- Dancers will be dismissed directly from the stage in the auditorium immediately following their dress rehearsal and show.
- Parents/guardians should wait in the seating or standing areas—please do not crowd the stage so staff can ensure a safe and efficient dismissal.

Older Dancers (Level 4 and above):
- Dancers will be allowed to leave through our designated check-out area and meet their families on their own.
- In some cases, older siblings of younger dancers will also be dismissed from the stage to streamline pickup.
- If you prefer your older dancer to be dismissed from the stage for any reason, please inform our staff in advance so we can make arrangements.

Backstage Safety Reminder
At no point during or after the show should parents, guardians, or spectators enter the backstage area through the auditorium. This rule is in place to protect the safety of all dancers and staff and to maintain a secure backstage environment.

Thank you for following these procedures to help us keep all dancers safe and organized during our special events.

Attendance & Make-Up Policy

Consistent attendance is important for progress and group choreography.
If your dancer must miss a class, please let us know in advance.
Make-up classes are offered based on availability and must be scheduled in advance.
No make-ups are available for recital rehearsals.

Dress Code Policy

At Fitch Dance Company, we believe that appropriate dance attire helps promote focus, discipline, and freedom of movement while ensuring the safety of all dancers. Please read through our dress code requirements below, organized by class type.

👱‍♀️ Hair: Hair must be pulled completely out of the face for all classes. Accepted styles: bun, braid, or ponytail with no flyaways. For ballet classes, a bun is required. If a boy has long hair or bangs, it must also be pulled back and out of the face. 🩰 Ballet Classes: Required Attire: Leotard, tights, and classic ballet shoes (ballet pink). Optional: Skirts, ballet sweaters, and leg warmers. Hair must be in a bun. Tights: Any color for class; ballet pink tights are required for performances (Level 3+). No specific leotard color is required for any age group. 👧 Preschool Dance Classes (Ages 2.5–5): Required Attire: Leotard and tights. Optional: Skirts, sweaters, and leg warmers. No required leotard color. 💃 Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Acro, and Technique Classes: Required Attire: Form-fitting athletic wear or dancewear. Examples: Leggings, dance shorts, fitted tops, unitards, or leotards/tights. Not permitted: Jeans, baggy pants, or loose-fitting clothing (excluding hip hop). Shoes: Jazz: Tan jazz shoes Tap: Black tap shoes (any style as long as they are black) Tights for Performances: Tan tights unless otherwise specified Celtic class requires black tights 🧢 Hip Hop Classes: Dancers may wear loose or baggy clothing appropriate for movement. We recommend hip hop outfits be easy to layer over dancewear. Shoes: Levels 3 and under: Any color clean sneakers that are not worn outside Levels 4 and up: Shoes must be all white or mostly white (clean and studio-only) 👯‍♀️ Tights for Performances: Ballet (Level 3+): Ballet pink Celtic: Black All other styles: Tan (unless otherwise instructed) 👟 General Footwear Guidelines: Dance shoes must be worn only inside the studio. Outdoor shoes are not permitted on studio floors to preserve cleanliness and safety. If you have any questions about attire for your dancer’s specific classes, please don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re happy to help ensure your dancer is set up for success!

Behavior Expectations

Dancers are expected to show kindness, respect, and focus in class.
Receive and apply corrections with a respectful attitude
Negative behavior, including gossip, exclusion, or disruption, will not be tolerated.
Teamwork and encouragement are core values in every class.

💬 What We Consider Bullying: Bullying includes, but is not limited to: Verbal abuse (teasing, name-calling, gossiping) Physical intimidation or harm Social exclusion or isolation Cyberbullying (in messages, group chats, or on social media) Repeated behaviors that make another student feel unsafe, disrespected, or unwelcome 🧡 Our Expectations: We expect all dancers, parents, and staff to: Treat one another with kindness and respect Celebrate differences and support one another’s growth Speak up if they see someone being mistreated Help create a team-like atmosphere in every class and rehearsal 🛑 Our Response to Bullying: Fitch Dance Company takes all bullying concerns seriously. If an incident is reported: We will investigate promptly and privately. Parents/guardians of involved students will be contacted. Consequences may include: A verbal or written warning Temporary or permanent removal from class or performance Dismissal from the studio in severe or repeated cases 📣 How to Report: If a dancer, parent, or staff member experiences or witnesses bullying, they should report it to: A teacher A staff member The studio director (confidentially if needed) We are here to listen and help. At Fitch Dance Company, every dancer deserves to feel safe, seen, and celebrated. We thank you for helping us maintain a positive and uplifting space for all.

Anti-Bullying Policy

Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment for All

At Fitch Dance Company, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for every dancer. We believe in fostering kindness, encouragement, and teamwork both in and out of the studio.

Photo & Video Release

Photos and videos may be taken during class and events for promotional use.
If you do not wish for your dancer to appear in studio marketing, please notify us in writing.

Weather & Emergency Closures

Weather-related closures will be posted on our website, social media and emails will be sent out to our email list through our studio portal.
We do our best to offer make-up options when possible, but they are not guaranteed.

Drop-Off, Pick-Up & Parent Viewing

Please arrive no more than 5–10 minutes before class.
Dancers should be picked up promptly at the end of class.
Parent viewing is limited during regular classes to minimize distraction. Special observations will be announced per individual instructor.

Injury & Illness Policy

Dancers should stay home if they have a fever, vomiting, or any contagious illness.
Notify the studio if your dancer is injured and needs modified participation.
A doctor’s note may be required for return after certain injuries.