Guidelines and etiquette: 

As a family- and community-based dance studio, we are committed to creating a fun, educational, welcoming, and safe environment for all dancers, families, and staff. To help maintain a positive studio culture, all members are expected to follow these guidelines:

 

1. Come prepared for dance and fun. Dancers should arrive ready to learn, participate, and contribute positively to the class environment.

2. Respect others. We strive to maintain a bully-free environment where everyone feels accepted, valued, and supported. While we cannot control what happens outside of the studio, any bullying, harassment, discrimination, or disrespectful behavior within the studio or at studio-related events will not be tolerated.

3. Effort, attitude, and participation. Dancers must show a positive attitude, be respectful, participate fully, and give their best effort in all classes, rehearsals, and performances. Ongoing disruptive behavior, poor attitude, or lack of participation may result in disciplinary action, including removal from activities or the program.

4. Arrive on time and stay for the full class. Prompt attendance is important for safety, proper warm-up, and class progression. Arriving late or leaving early more than three times consecutively without reasonable notice and justification may result in the dancer being asked to leave the program or face other disciplinary action at the discretion of the Studio Director

5. Attendance expectations. Dancers are permitted a maximum of three unexcused absences per season. Excessive absences may affect participation in performances, competitions, or class advancement and may result in further consequences determined by the Studio Director.

6. Hair and dress code. Dancers are expected to follow the studio's dress code and hair requirements for every class. A three-strike policy will be enforced. After three violations, consequences may include sitting out of class, loss of performance opportunities, or further disciplinary action as determined by the Studio Director.

7. Maintain a substance-free environment. Smoking, vaping, alcohol, cannabis, and any other harmful or illegal substances are strictly prohibited on studio property. Any dancer who arrives under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be asked to leave immediately, and appropriate disciplinary action will be determined by the Studio Director.

8. Cell phone policy. While we love capturing memories through photos and videos, cell phones are not permitted during class time except in special circumstances approved by the instructor. Dancers should keep devices stored away during lessons to minimize distractions.

9. Choreography ownership. All choreography, routines, formations, concepts, and creative works taught or created by GLM Studios remain the intellectual property of GLM Studios. Studio choreography may not be sold, reproduced, shared, taught, or performed outside of authorized GLM Studios events without prior approval from the Studio Director. Any requests to use studio choreography elsewhere must be discussed with and approved by the Studio Director in advance.

10. Twenty-four hour communication policy. Unless it is an emergency, families must wait 24 hours before approaching Studio staff - including volunteers and the director regarding concerns, complaints, or disputes. This allows time for reflection and helps ensure respectful, productive communication. We are committed to addressing concerns fairly and professionally once the 24-hour period has passed.

11. Nut-free facility. To protect students with allergies, our studio is a nut-free facility. Please do not send dancers with any food or snacks containing nuts or nut products.

12. Treat the studio with respect. All dancers, parents, and visitors are expected to respect studio property, equipment, staff, fellow dancers, and volunteers. Any intentional damage to studio property may result in disciplinary action and financial responsibility for repairs or replacement.

 

By participating in classes and studio activities along with signing parent/guardian and dancer agreements,  dancers and families agree to uphold these guidelines and help create a positive environment where everyone can learn, grow, and enjoy dance.