Acknowledgement 

By enrolling in Believe Dance & Acro, parents/caregivers and students acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with all terms and conditions. Continued enrolment constitutes acceptance of updates and amendments.

1.0 Enrolment Policy

1.1 Enrolment in a Believe Dance & Acro class is for the full term. It is assumed that students will continue into the following term unless the Director is notified otherwise. If no notice is received, an automatic invoice will be issued for the next term. Re-enrolment is required at the beginning of each calendar year.

1.2 Enrolment may not be processed, and class placement may be lost, if there are outstanding fees from previous terms or by the third week of the current term.

1.3 Definitions:
For clarity, “parent/caregiver” refers to the legal guardian or adult responsible for the student; “term” refers to one of the four academic terms as set by the Ministry of Education; and “lesson” refers to any scheduled class.

1.4 Enrolment will be considered cancelled if fees remain unpaid by the deadlines outlined in this handbook.

2.0 Fees and Refunds 

2.1 Fees are payable in full before the first day of term unless a payment plan is arranged and approved by the Director. To arrange a payment plan, communications must be to the Director. A valid payment card must be kept on file, which will be charged according to the agreed terms. Convenience and processing fees may apply to each transaction.

2.2 Statements and invoices are issued via email. Parents/caregivers are responsible for ensuring payments are made on time. Payments may be made via bank transfer. All convenience and processing fees are non-refundable.

2.3 Enrolment fees are calculated and charged on a per-term basis.

2.4 Late payments will incur a 15% late fee after 7 days, with an additional 15% charged every 30 days thereafter until payment is received (excluding approved payment plans). Failure to pay may result in enrolment cancellation and loss of class placement.

2.5 No refunds or credits will be issued for missed classes due to personal circumstances, change of mind, or uncontrollable events including but not limited to fire, traffic, weather conditions, or pandemics.

2.6 Grace Period: 

If a student withdraws during weeks 1–2 of the term, a refund may be issued at the Director’s discretion. No refunds are available for withdrawals made during or after week 3. Withdrawals due to injury or illness require a valid medical certificate.

2.7 Private lessons and performance-related fees must be paid by their specified due dates. Failure to pay may result in exclusion from lessons, rehearsals, or performances.

2.8 Believe Dance & Acro observes all statutory public holidays. Fees are calculated across the year, and no make-up classes or refunds are provided for classes that fall on public holidays.

2.9 Parents/caregivers are responsible for ensuring that all contact, medical, and emergency information held by Believe Dance & Acro is accurate and up to date.

2.10 Enrolment will be considered cancelled if fees remain unpaid beyond the stated deadlines.

2.11 Parents/caregivers must notify Believe Dance & Acro in writing if they wish to withdraw from classes or request a change of class.

2.12 Believe Dance & Acro reserves the right to amend fees. Notice will be provided where reasonably possible.

2.13 Private Lessons: 

All private lessons must be booked via email. Payment is required via bank transfer.

2.14 Performance Fees: 

Performance fees must be paid by the specified due date. Non-participation must be communicated in writing. Costume orders will not proceed without payment or prior communication.

2.15 New Students Trial Period: 

New students are entitled to one free trial class. Trial classes must be booked via the website or email. Attendance at a trial class constitutes acceptance of studio policies should enrolment proceed.

2.16 If fees remain unpaid and no communication is received by week 3 of the term, enrolment will be cancelled and the class placement may be offered to the next student on the waitlist.

3.0 Classes, Timetable, and Uniform

3.1 Students must wear appropriate attire that allows safe participation in class and does not pose a risk to themselves or others. Inappropriate clothing or grooming may result in the student being unable to participate.

3.2 Jewellery is limited to small stud or sleeper earrings only. Excessively long nails are not permitted for safety reasons.

3.3 Hair must be neatly secured off the face at all times. Teachers may provide class-specific requirements where necessary.

3.4 Students are required to bring their own water bottle to each class.

3.5 Class timetables may be amended at the discretion of the Director. Notice will be provided wherever reasonably possible.

3.6 Believe Dance & Acro is not responsible for lost or stolen property. Unclaimed items will be donated or disposed of at the end of each term.

3.7 Teachers may use appropriate physical contact for the purpose of instruction or correction. Teachers will seek student comfort levels upon joining the class. Student comfort and consent will be respected, and concerns should be discussed with the Director prior to the first class.

3.8 All personal information is strictly confidential and will only be disclosed with consent, except where required for debt recovery purposes.

3.9 Contact for cancellations or changes: email jessica@believedance.co.nz or text 022 324 5982.

4.0 Emails, Event Information, and Notice Board Policies & Procedures

4.1 Responsibility for Communication 

Believe Dance & Acro will send updates via email at least once per term. It is the responsibility of parents/caregivers and students to read all communications issued by the studio.

4.2 Event Information and Notifications

Information regarding classes, performances, workshops, and special events will be communicated via email. Parents/caregivers and students are expected to review these communications promptly to ensure important dates, requirements, and deadlines are not missed.

4.3 Email

Email is the primary and official method of communication for Believe Dance & Acro. Parents/caregivers and students are responsible for ensuring their contact details are current and for checking emails regularly. Believe Dance & Acro is not responsible for missed communications resulting from outdated contact information or failure to review emails.

4.4 Timely Responses

Parents/caregivers are encouraged to respond promptly to emails requiring action, including confirmations of participation, fee approvals, or completion of registration forms. Failure to respond by stated deadlines may impact a student’s ability to participate in classes, performances, or events.

4.5 Contacting Believe Dance & Acro
For any queries, clarifications, or concerns regarding emails, events, or updates, parents may contact Believe Dance & Acro by email at jessica@believedance.co.nz or by text at 022 324 5982.

5.0 Health, Safety, Injury & Medical Conditions

5.1 Believe Dance & Acro is not liable for any personal injury, illness, or loss or damage to personal property occurring on or off the premises, including during concerts, community events, workshops, or competitions.

5.2 Dance and acrobatics involve inherent physical risks. Believe Dance & Acro promotes safe practice.

5.3 Parents must notify teachers of injuries, medical conditions, or treatments before class.

5.4 First aid kits are available; Believe Dance & Acro does not administer medication without written consent has been provided by a parent/caregiver.

5.5 Students are supervised during class only; staff cannot be responsible outside class hours. Students are supervised during their scheduled class time only. Believe Dance & Acro staff cannot assume responsibility for students outside of class hours.

5.6 In the event of an emergency, Believe Dance & Acro reserves the right to seek appropriate medical treatment for students, including ambulance services or hospitalisation, if parents/caregivers cannot be contacted.

5.7 Students who are unwell must remain at home. Students who are visibly unwell, contagious, or unable to safely participate may be sent home. Where appropriate, a make-up class may be offered at the Director’s discretion. Students aged 7 years and over may observe class if they are non-contagious and well enough to attend.

5.8 Withdrawals for medical reasons require a valid doctor's certificate.

6.0 Class Attendance

6.1 Regular attendance is essential for student progress. Students are expected to arrive on time to participate fully in warm-ups and class activities.

6.2 Parents/caregivers are encouraged to notify Believe Dance & Acro via phone or email if a student will be absent from class.

6.3 Frequent or unexplained absences may impact a student’s learning, skill development, and eligibility to participate in performances.

7.0 Performance and Costume

7.1 Participation in performances is encouraged but not compulsory. Students who choose to participate are required to attend all additional rehearsals related to the performance.

7.2 Backstage access is restricted to authorised staff and allocated helpers only. All participating children are supervised at all times.

7.3 Participation grants consent for professional photography and promotional use.Participation in performances constitutes consent for professional photography and videography, including the use of images and footage for promotional and marketing purposes by Believe Dance & Acro.

7.4 Performance fees cover production costs and standard costume hire. Specialty or custom costumes may incur additional charges. Failure to pay performance fees by the specified due date may result in the student not receiving a costume or being unable to participate.

7.5 Concerts and performances may be professionally filmed, and photographs are made available for purchase.

7.6 Performance fees will be invoiced with approximately three months’ notice. Parents/caregivers must notify Believe Dance & Acro of non-participation in writing prior to the stated due date.

7.7 If Believe Dance & Acro is required to cancel a concert or performance, refunds may be requested within two weeks of the scheduled performance date. Any unclaimed refunds will be treated as a donation to Believe Dance & Acro

8.0 Photography and Videoing 

8.1 Class recordings and occasional photography may be used for learning and promotional purposes. Enrolment grants consent for this use unless otherwise advised in writing.

8.2 Photography or video recording by parents, caregivers, or members of the public during classes or performances is not permitted, in accordance with the Privacy Act 1993.

8.3 Any concerns regarding photography, videography, or privacy must be communicated in writing to the Director at the time of enrolment.

9.0 Choreography

9.1 Choreography remains the intellectual property of Believe Dance & Acro and syllabus providers; copying or unauthorised use is prohibited.

9.2 Departing students may not perform original choreography without Believe Dance & Acro permission.

10.0 Privacy

10.1 Enrolment forms collect personal information, stored digitally. Access and correction rights are granted under the Privacy Act 1993. Hard copies are destroyed after data entry.

11.0 Dismissal

11.1 Believe Dance & Acro may dismiss students/families who breach policies, damage property, or disrupt classes.

11.2 Refunds following dismissal are at the Director’s discretion.

11.3 Students/parents are liable for damage to Believe Dance & Acro property or premises.

11.4 Students engaging in inappropriate behaviour will be managed at the Director’s discretion.

12.0 Terms and Conditions Amendments 

12.1 Believe Dance & Acro reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time.

13.0 Website Policy

13.1 All content on the Believe Dance & Acro website is protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights.

13.2 Website content is for personal use only. No content may be copied, distributed, reproduced, or modified without written permission from Believe Dance & Acro.

13.3 Believe Dance & Acro may update, add, or remove website content at any time without notice. Accuracy or completeness of content is not guaranteed.

13.4 To the fullest extent permitted by law, Believe Dance & Acro accepts no liability for any use of the website, including reliance on content, third-party links, viruses, or loss of data.

13.5 Tracking software or cookies may be used to collect non-personal data for analytics.