General School Information
- Inclement Weather Policy:
In the event of inclement weather, Columbia Dance will announce any closures by 1pm for weekday classes and by 8pm the evening prior for weekend classes. Announcements will be sent via email and posted to our Facebook page. As our hours are very different from public schools hours, our decision to remain open or closed may differ from those of the academic schools. On occasions when Columbia Dance is able to be open during inclement weather, we will respect any family’s decision to keep their child home and will happily excuse them from classes. - Parent Observation Weeks: We have found from experience that students make better progress without parents in the studio. Parents and friends are invited to observe classes twice a year during Parents Observation Week. These weeks are listed on the annual calendar.
- Performances: All students have the opportunity to perform at the end of the year in our Spring Showcase. All students, Level1A and up, are invited to audition for our annual holiday classic, The Nutcracker, performed in December.
- Notices & Messages: Email is our primary form of communication. Important school notices and schedules will also be posted on the School bulletin board in the lobby. Students and parents are responsible for checking their email and the board regularly. Efforts will also be made to communicate important changes on the website.
- Lobby Area: Parents are welcome to watch classes from the lobby. The level of noise in the lobby must be maintained at a low volume. Excess noise can be heard through the classrooms and disrupts the dancers’ ability to concentrate. Parents are expected to keep a close eye on their children and not allow them to run around the studios. Please help us keep our lobby clean: pick up after yourselves and dispose of trash and recycling in the respective receptacles.
- ‘No Dogs’ policy: All dogs must be on leash or in a carrier and must not pass the slate entryway of Columbia Dance.
- Lost and Found: The Lost and Found basket is located in the lobby. Clearly labeled clothing and shoes help to prevent their loss. Please do not leave valuables unattended.
- Dressing Rooms: Men’s and Women’s changing rooms are available. Company members have access to unlocked storage cubes for dance-related personal items. Please do not leave valuables unattended. That said, all dancers will use only what belongs to them and respect the possessions of others. Behavioral expectations extend across all physical spaces in Columbia Dance—from the studio to dressing rooms; we are an inclusive community of respect and collaboration.
- Conferences: Students and parents are welcome to call the school at any time they have questions or concerns. Conferences with faculty can be arranged. Teachers are often scheduled to teach consecutive classes. Instead of talking with faculty members after class, please schedule a separate meeting or phone conference time.
- Absences: If your student needs to miss class we ask that you call (360-737-1922) or email us (info@columbiadance.org) to let us know.
- Outstanding Balances: Students who carry an unpaid balance on their account for more than 60 days will not be allowed to participate in classes unless payment of the outstanding balance is made in full, or unless suitable arrangements have been made with the Office Manager and a good faith effort is being made to pay the balance. Also, students with an outstanding balance from the previous school year must pay their balance in full before registering for classes for the upcoming school year. If the balance cannot be paid in full, a suitable arrangement must be made for payment of the balance and a good faith effort must be made to pay the balance, and they must enroll in monthly autopay to stay current on present-year tuition.
- Building Access: Students and parents are only permitted to be in the building when a Columbia Dance staff member is present or if they have made prior arrangements with a staff member (for studio rental or volunteer services). We ask that you do not drop your student off before the building is officially open.
- Monday-Friday the building opens at 3:30pm
- Saturdays the building opens at 9:00am