Terms and conditions

The following are terms and conditions under which Donna Dickens Dance Academy operates and which both parents/guardians and students must agree before a student is accepted. These terms and conditions are imposed to ensure that all parents and students are aware and understand that they are necessary for the maintenance of discipline, to ensure its viability as a business and to avoid misunderstandings.

Fees

Fees are payable every half-term. Invoices will be issued electronically at the beginning of each term and must be paid within fourteen days of the first class, or the date the invoice was issued.

Invoices can be paid by credit/debit card or BACS. Payment details are stored and processed by our secure payment provider, Stripe.

Invoices not paid by their due date will be automatically charged to the parent/guardian’s saved payment method.

Any students whose fees are not paid by this time may not be accepted into their class and may be subject to a 5% surcharge to cover the cost of administration.

Should anyone have difficulty paying fees please contact the Principal and arrangements can be made in the strictest of confidence.

As there may be a waiting list for some classes, any student wishing to withdraw should give a six weeks notice in writing, or fees may be payable in lieu of that notice.

Non-payment of fees

Whilst we endeavour to assist anyone who may have difficulty in paying their fees, it should be noted that if fees are not paid, or if a student leaves without giving the required notice, or payment in lieu of that notice action will be taken to recover the due amount.

Returned cheques

Any cheques returned unpaid will incur a £10.00 handling charge.

Refunds

We regret that classes missed for whatever reason will not be refundable under any circumstances. In extenuating circumstances refunds are up to the discretion of Donna Dickens Dance Academy. Refunds will be issued within 28 days of notification and no refunds will be issued retrospectively.

Cancelled classes

We reserve the right to cancel sessions anytime up to and including the time the activity starts. If this occurs, we will give you as much notice as possible and attempt to find an alternative. If a session is cancelled a credit will be issued against the next payment term unless a refund is requested in writing.

Uniform

At Donna Dickens Dance Academy, we believe that wearing the correct uniform not only promotes a sense of unity and professionalism but also ensures comfort and safety during classes. Adhering to the uniform guidelines allows students to move freely, reduces the risk of injury, and helps them focus on their dancing.

We understand that uniforms can sometimes be an added cost burden, which is why we offer flexibility. While our branded uniform is available for purchase, students can also wear items they might already own, provided they meet the guidelines below.

Tops

Students must wear either branded tops purchased from our online store or plain black or white t-shirts, cropped t-shirts, hoodies, or zoodies.

Bottoms

Students can wear branded bottoms purchased from our online store or plain black bottoms, including leggings, hotpants, shorts, or joggers.

Footwear

Trainers or pumps are required for most classes to ensure proper support and safety.
Plain black or white pumps are recommended, as they can also be used for shows and performances, ensuring consistency and cost-effectiveness.
For Heels classes, students must wear New Yorkers or equivalent dance-appropriate heels.

Hair and jewellery

Hair must be neatly swept back off the face and securely tied where necessary.
Jewellery is not permitted in class for safety reasons, with the exception of stud earrings.

Staying safe and comfortable

Students are encouraged to dress in layers to stay warm before and after class. This is particularly important for cooler days or when waiting for their session to begin, as staying warm reduces the risk of injury. A hoodie or zoodie is highly recommended for this purpose.

Adherence to the uniform policy is mandatory. Failure to comply may result in the student being unable to participate in class activities.

Liability

All teachers are qualified, DBS checked and fully insured.

As all forms of dance are obviously very physical, sometimes it is necessary for the teacher to correct a student with hands on assistance, this will always be done with care and consideration, with due warning to the student.

Teachers are only responsible for students during class time and only within the studio. It is not the responsibility of the teacher to look after any student waiting to enter the class or students who arrive early or after class has finished unless prior arrangements have been made. Donna Dickens Dance Academy cannot accept any liability for any students on or off the premises when not within a class. Parents have a responsibility to notify us of any illness and injury that may affect the student’s class.

We do not accept responsibility for loss, damage or injury arising from errors or omissions to the details you provide, whether completed by you or the person in charge of your child at the time of enrolment.

We do not accept liability for death or personal injury to any student attending class, whether organised by Donna Dickens Dance Academy or otherwise, except for such injury being caused by negligence or default of any member of our staff or any other default on our part.

We do not accept any responsibility for loss or damage to personal property.

We do not accept responsibility for any loss or expense due to circumstances beyond our control including, transport, fire, weather, and other such actions.

Miscellaneous

Occasionally photographs or film may be made during class/performance for publicity. You will be asked to provide image consent.

It is your responsibility to ensure that we have the correct details for you and your child and to keep us updated of any changes to health.

If we consider you to be in breach of these terms and conditions or that your child is disruptive to other students, teachers, or staff, we reserve the right to exclude your child from any activity.

Changes to these terms

Donna Dickens Dance Academy reserves the right to amend the terms at any time without notice to individual students; notice of such changes will be posted within the studio and new terms will be published online.

Last revised 29 January 2025