terms & conditions
Fees
- Fees are payable in advance per term to secure your place. Please note that some classes may have waiting lists.
- Invoices will be issued via email at the end of each term, and fees are due by the first week of the new term.
- If you have two children enrolled, each sibling will receive one free class per term.
- Fees are non-refundable and cannot be carried forward to future terms.
- Fees may be subject to change, with any adjustments communicated in advance of the new term. Elite Dancers Academy reserves the right to update these Terms and Conditions periodically, and parents are encouraged to review them regularly to stay informed of any changes.
- Additional costs apply for participation in examinations, shows, extra rehearsals, costume hire, exam entries, and competition participation fees.
- If a class is cancelled with short notice, it will either be refunded or rescheduled.
- Exam fees must be paid prior to the exam date and are non-refundable.
- Show fees must be paid on time to ensure your child’s participation. Commitment to all rehearsals is mandatory.
- Late Payment Policy: If your child attends class without the invoice being cleared by the due date, an automatic administrative fee of £10 will be added. This fee covers the additional staffing required to recover late payments. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, so if you anticipate any issues with making payment before the term starts, please inform us as early as possible to discuss alternative arrangements. We are always happy to work with families to find a mutually beneficial solution.
Payment Methods
- Direct Debit: We primarily accept payments through GoCardless. You will receive a link via email to authorise payments directly. No funds are withdrawn without your explicit approval of each invoice. Review and authorise each payment by clicking ‘Pay Now’ on the invoice we send you.
- Bank Transfer: Payments can also be made via bank transfer; this requires invoice number and child’s name as the payment reference to ensure proper tracking and accounting.
- PayPal: PayPal may be used for fee transfers under exceptional circumstances, such as for families who have recently arrived in the UK and do not yet have access to online banking. Please contact us to discuss this payment option.
- No Cash Payments: Please note that we do not accept cash payments for any services, ensuring all transactions are traceable and secure for both parties.
Trials and Enrolment
- To ensure a high level of customer service, we limit the number of trial bookings available each week.
- Trial bookings are non-transferable and cost £9.50.
- A registration fee of £15 is charged upon enrolment.
- Please note that trials are subject to availability, and we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.
- For more information on term dates and prices, please visit our Term Dates and Prices page.
- To complete enrolment, parents must reply to our welcome email confirming they have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions.
After-School Clubs
- After-school dance clubs are invoiced in advance, just like our regular classes.
- Logistically, we must operate on the assumption that your child will be participating in after-school clubs on a term-by-term basis.
- We do not offer trials for after-school clubs.
- There is no enrolment fee for after-school clubs.
- If you do not wish to continue with the after-school club for the following term, please notify us in writing before the current term ends.
Withdrawing from Classes
- Notice for withdrawing your child from classes must be given in writing via email.
- A minimum notice period of six weeks is required before the intended withdrawal date.
- Informing the class teacher directly is not sufficient, as they do not have access to the administrative systems.
- Written confirmation of withdrawal ensures your child’s place is formally removed from the Academy’s records.
Liability Disclaimer
- Elite Dancers Academy will not be held responsible for any injury or accident sustained during classes, rehearsals, or performances, except where such injury is caused by the negligence of Elite Dancers Academy or its staff. All parents and guardians acknowledge that participation in dance activities involves inherent risks.
- Indemnity Clause: Parents and guardians agree to indemnify and hold harmless Elite Dancers Academy, its staff, and contractors against any claims, liabilities, or damages arising from participation in classes, rehearsals, or performances.
Force Majeure
- Elite Dancers Academy will not be held liable for any cancellation or disruption of classes or performances due to events beyond our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, we will attempt to offer alternative arrangements, such as online classes or rescheduled sessions. Refunds will only be issued at the discretion of the Principal.
Medical Conditions and Emergencies
- Parents must ensure that any medical conditions or requirements are communicated to the Academy in advance. Elite Dancers Academy accepts no liability for failure to administer medication unless explicitly agreed in writing. Basic first aid will be provided when necessary, and emergency services will be contacted in the event of a more serious incident.
Code of Conduct – Students:
- Respectful behaviour towards staff and fellow students is expected at all times.
- Proper uniform and grooming are required for all classes. Hair should be styled in a ballet bun or neat ponytail, and all uniform items must be labelled.
- Disrespectful behaviour, including any form of rudeness, bullying, or failure to follow the instructor’s directions, will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from the Academy.
Code of Conduct – Parents:
- Parents may not observe classes except during official parents watching weeks.
- Rude or disrespectful behaviour towards staff, whether over email, phone, or in person, will not be tolerated and will result in dismissal from Elite.
Photography and Videography
- Photographs and videos of students may be taken during classes, rehearsals, or performances for use in Elite’s promotional materials, including marketing, social media, and our website.
- Parents wishing to take photographs or videos during end-of-term watching weeks must obtain permission from both the Principal and the teacher in advance. If permission has not been granted, no recordings should take place.
- In cases where photography or filming occurs without prior approval, we reserve the right to request that all images or footage be deleted to ensure the privacy of our students.
- If you do not wish for your child to be included in any photographs or videos, please contact the Principal directly to make arrangements.
Examination Protocols (RAD)
- Students will be entered for RAD exams based on the professional judgment of their teacher and the Principal. Students must attend classes regularly, know all syllabus exercises thoroughly, and commit to extra coaching sessions leading up to the exam date.
- Exam fees and additional coaching costs must be paid in full before the exam date. Failure to make payments on time will result in the student being unable to participate in the exam.
Privacy and Data Protection (GDPR 2018)
- Elite Dancers Academy is committed to ensuring that your personal information is protected and handled responsibly in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR 2018).
- Data Usage: Personal information provided during registration will be used solely for communication purposes such as newsletters, updates, invoices, and general information regarding the Academy. Emergency contact numbers are given to teachers for use in emergency situations only.
- Data Storage: All personal data is securely stored in a password-protected, encrypted email database. We ensure that all personal data is handled in compliance with GDPR.
- Data Sharing: We do not disclose or sell personal data to third parties. Data will not be shared with other members of the school or their families without explicit consent.
- Data Retention: When you leave the Academy, all personal data will be securely destroyed.
- Parental Responsibility: It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that contact information is up to date, including providing an up-to-date emergency contact number in case of an emergency during classes.
- Consent: By enrolling your child in classes, you consent to the Academy’s use of personal data for administrative and communication purposes. If you wish to withdraw consent at any time or have concerns regarding your data, please contact the Principal directly.