�� TDA Parent/Student Handbook | 25-26 Season

Thea's Dance Academy

🌟 TDA Parent/Student Handbook

2025–2026 | Season 11 | 🌱 ROOTED & RISING
Thea’s Dance Academy
πŸ“ 300 Lafayette St., Youngsville, LA 70592
πŸ“ž 337-298-3141 | βœ‰οΈ [email protected]
🌐 www.theasdanceacademy.com
πŸ•’ Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM & 5:00 PM–6:30 PM

πŸ“˜ Table of Contents

πŸ’– 1. Welcome & Studio Mission
πŸ“ 2. Registration
πŸ“ž 3. Communication
πŸ“… 4. Important Dates
βš–οΈ 5. Code of Conduct
πŸ›‘οΈ 6. Safety, Media, & Content Policy
πŸ” 7. Privacy
πŸ‘• 8. Uniform & Dress Code
🎟️ 9. Recital Ticket Policy
πŸ’° 10. Fee Structure & Payment Policies
⏰ 11. Attendance
πŸ”’ 12. Additional Notes for Company Families

πŸ’– 1. Welcome & Studio Mission

Welcome to Thea’s Dance Academy! We’re thrilled to welcome new and returning dancers to our studio family. This guide is your go-to reference for how TDA operates throughout the year.
Our Mission: To inspire and empower individuals through the art of dance. We foster confidence, creativity, discipline, and joy in every class.

πŸ’« TDA Manifesto

We’re not just shaping dancers, we’re shaping humans.
At Thea’s Dance Academy, we believe that movement is medicine, confidence is learned, and every child deserves a space to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
We’re rooted in rhythm and built on courage, connection, and creativity.
Here, talent is nurtured, individuality is honored, and no dancer ever feels like they have to fit a mold to belong. Because what happens inside the studio echoes far beyond it.
We rise together. We cheer louder. We dance harder.
Because this isn’t just a studio, it’s a second home.
And once you’re part of our family, you’re in it for life.

 

πŸ“ 2. Registration

  • Yearly Registration Fee: $115 per family. Must be paid in full prior to the commencement of classes in August. Register during our Early Bird Registration (April 1st-15th) and receive $30 off Registration fees!
  • Commitment: Students who register in our 2025-26 Dance Season are committing to the FULL TERM and will perform in our Yearly Dance Recital in Saturday, May 9th, 2026 .
  • Students who enroll in these classes are committing to the FULL TERM and will perform in our Yearly Dance Recital in May. Date TBA. If you choose to withdraw from classes after October 31st for any reason, you will still be responsible for the entire amount of invoices remaining through May– 
  • Your annual registration fee covers non-tuition essentials such as insurance, music licensing, operating & administrative cost.

πŸ“ž 3. Communication

We strive for clear and responsive communication. Please keep your portal contact info updated.
Best Contact Methods:
πŸ“§ [email protected]
πŸ“± 337-298-3141 (call or text)
πŸ–₯️ Parent Portal via Sports Engine Motion App
πŸ“’ Emergency alerts sent via SMS -β†’ keep your mobile number up to date
Texting is the fastest way to reach us during business hours.

 

For additional info β†’ Click Here

πŸ“… 4. Important Dates

  • Aug 18, 2025 – Season 11 Begins
  • Sep 1 – Closed for Labor Day
  • Sept 15 – 1st Performance Fee Installment Due
  • Oct 31 – Closed for Halloween
  • Nov 15 – 2nd Performance Fee Installment Due
  • Nov 25–29 – Closed for Thanksgiving
  • Dec 23–Jan 3 – Closed for Winter Break
  • Jan 19 – Closed for MLK Jr. Day
  • Feb 15 - 3rd Performance Fee Installment Due
  • Mar 1 – Recital Yearbook Ad Sales & Memory pages Due
  • Mar 3–7 – Closed for Mardi Gras
  • April (TBD) – Costume Picture Day
  • April 1-15 Early Registration for 2026–27 Season
  • April 15 - Recital Tickets go on SALE
  • Apr 18–25 – Closed for Easter
  • May 3 – Dress Rehearsal (Mandatory)
  • May 4–7 – In-Studio Rehearsals (Mandatory)
  • May 9 – Annual Dance Recital

 

βš–οΈ 5. Code of Conduct

βœ… Respect for teachers, staff, and peers is non-negotiable
🚫 Parents may not enter studio rooms or interrupt classes
πŸ’¬ All questions must go through the front office, not directly to instructors
Expanded Expectations:
  • All communication about concerns must go through the studio office
  • No direct calls, texts, or DMs to teachers unless pre-approved
  • Parents must wait in lobby or outside until class is dismissed
  • Late pick-ups will result in a $25 fee
  • Lost & Found items will be donated after 30 days
  • TDA is not responsible for stolen or lost property
  • Disrespect or bullying in any form may result in dismissal

🚨 Drop-Off & Pick-Up Policy – Please Read Carefully

Each season, we’ve noticed a growing number of dancers being dropped off well before their class time and picked up significantly after dismissal. While we’ve had this policy in place, it hasn’t always been strictly enforced. * Beginning this season, we will be upholding this policy consistently to ensure the safety of all students and the well-being of our team.
Drop-Off:
Dancers may arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before class begins. Although our Staff arrive early, we are actively preparing the studio and cannot safely supervise children without a parent present.
Pick-Up:
All dancers must be picked up at class dismissal time.
While we understand that occasional delays happen, repeated late pick-ups place unnecessary strain on our staff.
Please note:
Any dancer who is dropped off or picked up more than 10 minutes before or after their class time will be charged a $25 Admin fee.
 
❀️We love your dancers and will always ensure they are safe while in our care. This policy simply helps us honor our team’s time and maintain a safe, structured environment for everyone.
For additional info β†’ Click Here

πŸ›‘οΈ 6. Safety

πŸ” All staff comply with child protection policies
🎭 Costumes and music are age-appropriate and modest
πŸ“Έ Media waivers signed during registration (contact us to opt out)
For additional info β†’ Click Here

πŸ” 7. Privacy

πŸ’Ύ Registration info is used only for internal studio purposes
❌ We never sell your personal data
πŸ”’ All data is securely stored and only accessed by authorized staff
For additional info β†’ Click Here

πŸ‘• 8. Uniform & Dress Code

πŸ’‘ Proper attire boosts confidence, focus, and classroom performance.
πŸ“› Label all items: shoes, tights, undergarments
βœ… Dancers must be in TDA approved dance wear with hair pulled back in order to participate in class. Dancers who do not comply may be asked to sit out.
🚨 NEW POLICY:
1st Dress code violation: verbal reminder.
2nd Dress code violation: dancer will be provided TDA gear and your account will be charged for the corresponding fees.

 

πŸ’ƒ Shop Our TDA approved apparel shop here:

www.shopnimbly.com/theasdanceacademy

🎟 9. Recital Ticket Policy

🚨NEW UPDATES FOR THIS SEASON

We’ve made a small but important update to recital ticketing this year to keep things simple and flexible for our families.In the past, we included two complimentary tickets with each recital packet, but this often led to confusion.
Here’s what’s new:
🌟 Dancers do not need a ticket to attend the recital.
Whether they’re performing or watching from the audience between dances, your dancer is welcome to sit and cheer with you, no ticket required.
🌟 All additional tickets will be available for purchase.
You may purchase additional tickets for you and your family or friends. No limits, first come serve.

 

πŸ™πŸ»This update allows us to keep both tuition and performance fees lower, while continuing to provide an excellent recital experience for all TDA families. Ticket sales help offset the many costs associated with putting on a professional-level performance, including venue rental, lighting, sound, stage crew, and more.
We thank you for your understanding and continued support as we create meaningful, joy-filled moments for every dancer to shine!

πŸ’° 10. Fee Structure & Payment Policies

πŸ’³ Billing Info:
    • To ensure that payments are made smoothly and on time, we require all dance families be enrolled in our auto-pay system. All Auto-pay and credit card payments include a 4% processing fee.
    • πŸ‘‰Prefer to pay via zelle, cash, or check each month to avoid this fee? No problem! Just make your payment by 5pm on the due date, and your account won’t be drafted.
    • $25/week late fee will be charged for any fees that are 7 or more days past due
    • After 4 weeks unpaid, dancer may be removed from class
    • πŸ“† Drop Date Policy: After Oct 31, full-year tuition is still required through May

🚨NEW UPDATES

Performance Fee: Explanation and Breakdown: *See updates to performance fees & breakdown

 

⏰ 11. Attendance

βœ… Regular attendance is expected for class consistency and recital prep
πŸ“† 3 unexcused absences allowed per year
πŸ›‘ After 3 absences, a private lesson may be required to remain in recital
🚫 Make-ups are not offered for student absences
πŸ”’ Company Attendance Policy:
Please refer to the Company Handbook for all Company-specific policies.

 

For additional info β†’ Click Here

πŸ”’ 12. Additional Notes for Company Families

Please refer to the Company Handbook for all Company-specific policies.

 

Closing

By enrolling your dancer at Thea’s Dance Academy, you acknowledge and agree to all policies and procedures outlined in this handbook. Thank you for partnering with us to create a safe, respectful, and inspiring space for every child to grow. πŸ’›