Dance Info and Policies

 

Other Dance Policies

Attendance/PunctualityHipHopTeam

For safety reasons, dancers must be properly warmed-up for class, especially at higher levels.  At  teachers discretion, students who arrive more than 10 minutes late may not be permitted to dance.  Students may observe the class.

Attire & Accessories

Proper attire is required for all classes. Students who do not have proper attire or shoes may, at the instructor’s discretion, be asked to watch class.

  • Hair: Long hair must be tied back off the face. Please remember that headbands and clips are not sufficient to keep hair tied back.
  • Jewelry & Accessories: No oversized jewelry. If jewelry is dangerous or distracting, dancers will be asked to remove it for the duration of the class.
  • Footwear and Clothing: All dancers must have proper shoes for class. See each class description for specific details.
  • Accessories: No toys, stuffed animals, games, etc. permitted in the studio with children, unless specified by instructors.

Placement/Levels

Dancers are placed by age for beginning level and hip-hop classes.  Intermediate and advanced classes (Levels 2 and higher) are by instructor/owner placement or invitation only.

Recital

Students enrolled in recital eligible classes are invited, but not required, to perform in UMDGC's annual dance recital in June.  Students who do not wish to participate in the recital or commit for from jan to Jun should chose the monthly tuition option;  let UMDGC instructors and/or note on the registration form when your dancer plans to finish classes.  The dancer must be 4 by the first day of the spring dance class.

  • Attendance Requirements:   All dancers in the recital must attend classes Jun 1-7, no exceptions. At the instructor’s discretion, students ages 8 & up missing more than 3 classes after Feb 1 will not be eligible to  perform in the recital.
  • Costumes:  Once ordered, costumes are non-refundable for any reason.  Sizing will take place in early January; late fees will apply.  Cost will be $50-$65.

Shoes

See program descriptions for specific shoes requirements and more information. Remember that the proper shoes must be brought to every class in order to participate.

Tuition

Select Fall and Spring classes may pay in monthly installments.

  • Fall:  Three monthly installments:  at registration, October, and November.
  • Spring:  Five monthly installments:  at registration, February, March, April,  and May.  If you register at UMDGC and pay in full before the first day of class, you will receive 2 free recitals tickets per class.

 

 

 

 

 

Safety Warning

  • There is an inherent risk of injury, paralysis, and/or death, when participating in any activity involving height, rotation, or movement (including dance and gymnastics).
  • Only UMDGC instructors and currently enrolled students with instructor permission are permitted in the dance studio and gymnastics areas.  Everyone else must remain in the viewing and waiting areas.
  • UMDGC is only responsible for participants actively involved in class. Guests enter UMDGC at their own risk.

 

Satisfaction Guarantee

If for any reason you do not like a class, let UMDGC know.  The staff will do its best to provide you with an enjoyable and pleasant experience.  UMDGC will:

  • provide a 100% refund or credit if you notify UMDGC within 24 hours of the end of the first class or 12 hours of the end of the first day of camp.
  • switch to another group if appropriate.
  • switch participant to another class that is not filled.
  • provide a prorated credit or refund.

 

UMDGC Policies

Age and Level Restrictions

These restrictions ensure safe, consistent instruction and will be strictly enforced.  Do not register for an inappropriate class because of convenience or friends. Age is determined on the first day of the class session or week of camp; or on the day of registration for pay-as-you-go classes, including open workouts.

Behavior and Consequences

In order to ensure a safe, family-oriented, and productive environment, all individuals entering UMDGC must follow posted policies, and behave in an age-appropriate, thoughtful, and considerate manner. UMDGC reserves the right to reprimand or remove uncooperative participants and visitors.

Changes and Cancellations

Prices, scheduling, policies, instructors, and descriptions are subject to change without notice. Programs may be cancelled due to low enrollment or if an instructor is not available. Check www.umdgc.com for the latest info.

Credits and Refunds

All policies concerning credits and refunds can be found on the "Credit & Refund Request" form. If requesting a credit or refund, you must submit the request using that form. Some important details to remember:

  • If you registered through a park & recreation department and you wish to withdraw from a UMDGC program, you must make the request directly with the park & rec department and must follow the department's policies.
  • If UMDGC receives written notification before or within 24 hours of the first class or 12 hours of the first day of camp, you are eligible to receive a full refund or full credit. 
  • Prorating begins on the day after the request form is received by UMDGC.
  • Refunds are issued within 30 days of receiving the request form.

Discounts

Discounts are available only through UMDGC.  Percent discounts are taken from the total after all coupons and dollar amount discounts have been applied.  Discounts only apply at the time of registration.  Pay-as-you-go classes are not eligible for discounts.

  • Add-A-Class (50%): Starting the second week of all gymnastics sessions, Fall dance, and Summer dance sessions, enrolled participants may register for a class in the same session at 50% off.  One discounted class per regularly priced class.  No other discounts or adjustments, except prorating, apply.  Dance and gymnastics classes cannot be mixed-and-matched.
  • Multiple Class/Family for Classes and Camps (10%-15%):  Participants must be enrolled simultaneously. 10% discount for 2-4 registrations; 15% off for 5+ registrations.  Only available through UMDGC.
  • Team: In addition to other discounts, receive a 10% when paying for 8-9 months or a 5% discount when paying 4-7 months of team tuition at the same time.

Financial Assistance

Contact UMDGC owners if financial assistance is needed.

Inclement Weather

Contact UMDGC no more than 60 minutes before the start of programming to check it’s  status. Cancelled classes will be made-up if time permits or a UMDGC credit will be issued.  Due to call volume, class status messages cannot be returned.  Please remember that credit requests may be submitted through email or fax.

Late Pick-up

When participants are left unattended, supervision rates will be $5 per five minutes per carload.

Missed Classes

UMDGC credits will be issued if a completed “Credit & Refund Request” form (or email containing the same info) is received within 14 days of a missed class or by the end of the week for missed days of camp.  A maximum of 3 credits will be issued per session/camp.  Credited rates and full details can be found on the “Missed Class, Credit, & Refund Request” form.  No refunds or make-up classes are permitted.

Pay-As-You-Go Classes and Passes

For selected programs, participants may pay cash, use UMDGC credit, or use a pass. Each pass is good for 10 classes of the type listed on the card.  Treat cards as cash; they are non-refundable and non-replaceable.

Personal Property

UMDGC is not responsible for damaged, stolen, lost, or misplaced property/money. Personal property is not permitted in the studios and gym areas.  Bring at your own risk.

Referral Program

Receive a $10 credit if a new registrant writes your name on their first registration form.

Trial Classes

Contact UMDGC to set-up a FREE trial class; trials of camp are not permitted. Trial classes are prohibited on the first day of class.  Due to the nature and size of some classes, trials are not guaranteed and must be scheduled a minimum of 72 hours in advance.  All participants must have a signed and completed registration on file prior to beginning class.

Tuition

Select programs have a monthly tuition option.  Tuition is due by the 7th of each month or a 10% late fee will be accessed weekly after the due date.

 

 

 

Why dance?

DISCIPLINE, DETERMINATION, DEDICATION, DESIRE. Dance class can help your child conquer all four. Dance promotes discipline, coordination, memory, flexibility, strength, line, grace and stamina. Performance builds positive self-esteem and confidence, helps with other sports, and is just great fun! All kids are capable of relating and understanding basic techniques that are shown to them and demonstrated properly. The vocabulary they learn through dance can help them express themselves later in their academics.

 

Where do I get leotards and tights?

UMDGC sells leotards, tights, and other apparel throughout the year.  A poster with prices and more information can be found on the bulletin board in UMDGC’s lobby.  Tights of various colors can be found at any dance shop as well as Target, Wal-Mart, Sears, and JC Penny. Check the dance class descriptions for complete details of the attire requirements.

 

Does my child have to perform in the recital?

No, performance in the annual recital is recommended but not required.

 

Are there classes that only run a few weeks that don’t perform in the recital?

UMDGC will offer non-recital classes starting in January for pre-school through Kindergarten classes. Each session will last approximately 6-8 weeks.

 

Why do I need hip-hop sneakers? Why can’t I use my sneakers?

Due to outside sneakers bringing in unwanted debris, and for better grip on the dance floor, UMDGC requires all hip-hop students to wear black dance sneakers. Dance sneakers should ONLY be worn inside the studio for dance classes. Dance sneakers can be purchased from UMDGC or Village Dance Shoppe, as well as online.

 

Can I register after the first class?

Yes, classes will be prorated if joined after the first class. In the fall students can join at any time. In order to be eligible for the recital, students must register by the third week of class of the Spring session

Birthday Parties

<Download Dance Birthday Flyer>  Come celebrate your birthday at UMDGC! We’ll provide the facility, tables, chairs, and teachers; you provide anything else you would like (cake, decorations, food, plates, cups, utensils). The party includes 60 minutes of fun in the studio and 30 minutes in the party area. For the courtesy of the other programs using the facility, we kindly ask that you do not arrive more than 10 minutes early and depart no more than 15 minutes after the scheduled times.  Parties held on Saturday afternoons; contact UMDGC to check times and availability. Deposit of $120 due at the time of booking and reserves space for up to 10 dancers. Additional guests, up to 20 total, are $12 each. Balance is due at the party's completion.

  • Ballet/Princess: Girls ages 4 and up. All guests will enjoy learning some ballet basics as well as helping to choreograph a ballet dance. Other fun activities include: dancing with colorful scarves, jumps and leaps over Gypsy the princess bear, and freeze dance. No ballet shoes required, bare feet or socks are permitted. Guests are welcome to dress in princess costumes if they choose. A free gift for the birthday child.

  • Hip-Hop: Girls and Boys Ages 7 and up. Party guests will enjoy age appropriate party games and learning hip-hop dance steps from today's popular music videos as well as learn a choreographed hip-hop routine. Guests are invited but not required to help choreograph the dance routine. Please let party guests know sneakers are required. A free gift for the birthday child.

 

Group Lessons

Set up a single or multiple private workouts for your group with members of the UMDGC teaching staff.

 

Private Lessons

Individuals, couples, or groups may have a private class in any dance style. This is the perfect way to prepare for your wedding, audition, or other special occasion. Suggested price: $55-$60/hour.

 

Rentals

UMDGC permits groups (e.g. cheerleading squads, scout groups, wedding parties) to rent the studio or gym for tryouts or extra practices.