Frequently Asked Questions

We keep classrooms parent-free during instruction to support focus, independence, and confidence in every dancer. We’ve found that when parents, and their cameras are present, dancers can become distracted-such as waving to family, seeking approval, or becoming more aware of comparisons with others in the room.

A distraction-free environment helps students stay fully engaged with their teacher and allows each dancer to progress at their own pace without outside influence during class time.

We deeply value family involvement and love sharing progress through performances, special events, and studio showcases where you can enjoy watching your dancer shine.

Our dress code helps create a focused, safe, and professional learning environment where dancers can do their best work. It allows teachers to clearly see alignment and technique so proper corrections can be made, which supports each dancer’s progress and injury can be minimal and/or eliminated.

It also helps reduce distractions, including comparing or focusing on what others are wearing, so dancers can stay centered on their own growth. The dress code promotes unity, readiness, and a consistent atmosphere where all students feel comfortable and able to focus.

At In the Key of Dance, our dress code is intentional and designed to reflect our values of inclusivity, fairness, consistency, and excellence. Our dancewear standards are created to support ALL dancers, including those with sensory needs, while still maintaining a structured learning environment.

Approved class attire is important because it allows teachers to clearly see alignment, technique, and placement so proper corrections can be given. It also ensures consistency across classes, which helps reduce distractions and keeps dancers focused on their own growth rather than comparison.

Our dancewear guidelines are not random; they are part of a carefully designed standard that supports both comfort needs where appropriate and the expectations of proper technical training.

At In the Key of Dance, we value open, direct, and respectful communication. We welcome questions, concerns, and feedback and encourage families to communicate directly with the Owner, Artistic Director, or appropriate staff member so we can best understand and address the situation.

Direct communication allows us to gather accurate information, provide timely responses, and work together toward positive solutions. We also ask that parents communicate their own questions or concerns directly with staff whenever possible, as secondhand information can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

Our goal is to build strong partnerships with our dance families through clear communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to providing the best experience for every dancer.

The Performance Team is a year-round training and performance program designed for dancers who are committed to advancing their technique and artistry. Placement on the team requires an audition and is based on a dancer's ability to demonstrate and master specific technical skills in their core classes of ballet, tap, and jazz.

Performance Team candidates are evaluated using a defined list of age-appropriate technical standards and skills. These standards may include elements such as alignment, flexibility, turns, jumps, rhythm, coordination, musicality, and overall execution of technique. Specific skill requirements are available upon request and may vary by age and level.

In addition to technical ability, dancers may be evaluated on attendance, focus, work ethic, classroom behavior, commitment, and readiness for the additional responsibilities that come with team participation.

The goal of the Performance Team is to provide dedicated dancers with enhanced training opportunities, performance experience, and a structured environment that encourages continued growth and excellence.

At In the Key of Dance, safety is our top priority. Proper attire and shoes are required because incorrect footwear or clothing can increase the risk of injury and prevent dancers from safely executing technique.

If a dancer arrives without the required attire or shoes, they will not be able to participate in physical class that day. 

Instead, they will remain in the classroom to observe. This allows them to still be marked present and continue learning and absorbing  the logic of  their technique without falling behind.

The safety of all dancers and staff is our highest priority. Any behavior that is disruptive, disrespectful, unsafe, or physical in nature will result in immediate action to protect the learning environment.

Any form of physical aggression or unsafe physical behavior towards another student or staff may result in immediate removal from class and/or dismissal from the program.

All decisions are made with the safety and well-being of the entire classroom as the highest priority.

The Creative Movement Ballet/Tap Combo class is a one-hour combination class that introduces our tiny dancers to both ballet and tap. As part of the recital, dancers perform two routines—one ballet and one tap—giving them the opportunity to showcase what they have learned in both genres.

To keep participation affordable and recital day simple for our youngest dancers, Creative Movement students wear one costume and complete a shoe change between performances rather than purchasing a second costume.

This means families receive the benefit of two dance styles, two recital performances, and additional stage experience while paying for one class and one costume fee.

Parents or adult students should notify the studio as soon as possible when an absence is unavoidable.

Advance communication allows instructors to plan appropriately and support student progress whenever possible.

A student who repeatedly misses classes without notifying the studio may be considered inactive.

The studio reserves the right to release the student's enrollment and offer the space to another dancer when there has been no communication regarding continued participation.

Tuition obligations and other applicable fees remain subject to studio policies.

Make-up classes are not provided for absences resulting from a student's personal schedule, including but not limited to:

• Illness
• School activities
• Sports practices or games
• Family vacations
• Birthday parties
• Other extracurricular activities
• Scheduling conflicts

Students are expected to attend classes consistently throughout the season to receive the full benefit of their training.

In the Key of Dance follows the Rockdale County School System's yearly calendar that includes designated holiday closures and studio breaks.

Families are not charged for these scheduled closures. Tuition is calculated  and does not include holiday breaks or planned studio closures.

Because tuition is not charged for these scheduled breaks, holiday closures do not qualify for make-up classes, credits, or refunds.

The safety of our dancers and families is our highest priority.

Classes canceled due to Rockdale County inclement weather, hazardous road conditions, power outages, local or government mandated closures, natural acts of God that forces us closure to ensure your dancer's safety that is of no fault of our own.  or other community-wide emergencies do not qualify for make-up classes, tuition credits, or refunds.

These rare interruptions are considered part of the overall seasonal calendar and are already reflected in the studio's tuition structure.

During five-week months, families receive an additional week of instruction at no additional charge. These additional instructional weeks help offset occasional weather-related closures that may occur throughout the season.

For this reason, weather-related cancellations do not qualify for make-up classes, tuition credits, or refunds.

• Instructor illness
• Family emergency
• Facility issue
• Unexpected studio closure cause by owner
• Other circumstances within the studio's control

A make-up class will be scheduled whenever possible.

Families will be notified of make-up arrangements through the studio's normal communication channels.

Tuition reserves a student's place in class for the entire season and is not based on the number of classes attended.

No refunds, credits, or tuition adjustments will be issued for missed classes, student absences, scheduled holiday breaks, or weather-related closures.

We appreciate your commitment to regular attendance and your support in helping us maintain a consistent and high-quality training environment for all dancers.

If a dancer becomes ill or feels they need to leave class, they should notify their instructor or a studio staff member. We will assist the student and contact the parent/guardian if early dismissal is needed.

Students should not independently text or call a parent/guardian to arrange pickup without notifying studio staff. This allows us to properly supervise students and ensure we know when a dancer has left the building.