BALLET FOLKLORICO DFW
Studio Handbook & Code of Conduct
Our Mission
Ballet Folklorico DFW is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich traditions of Mexican culture through dance while providing a positive, respectful, and inclusive environment for dancers of all ages and skill levels.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
All dancers are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values of Ballet Folklorico DFW both inside and outside the studio.
Respect
Treat instructors, staff, volunteers, teammates, and families with kindness and respect.
Follow directions given by instructors and staff.
Listen attentively and do not talk or tap over instructors.
Ask questions when clarification or additional assistance is needed.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship and encourage fellow dancers.
Attendance & Punctuality
Regular attendance is essential to dancer development and group success.
Attend classes, rehearsals, and performances regularly.
Dancers or parents must notify the studio via email as soon as possible if a class, rehearsal, or performance will be missed.
Arrive at least 10 minutes early for classes.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early for performances unless otherwise instructed.
Remain for the full duration of classes, rehearsals, and performances.
Participation in performances may be affected by excessive absences or missed rehearsals.
Tuition & Payment Policy
Tuition is due on the 1st of each month.
A $10 late fee will be applied to payments received after the 5th of the month.
Tuition payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
There are no refunds, credits, or prorated tuition for missed classes.
Ballet Folklorico DFW reserves the right to reschedule classes due to instructor emergencies, performances, weather events, or studio needs.
Makeup classes will be scheduled within the same semester whenever possible.
Ballet Folklorico DFW reserves the right to combine classes based on enrollment or studio needs.
Dress Code & Personal Hygiene
Students are expected to arrive dressed appropriately and prepared to dance.
Class Attire
Students are responsible for providing:
Personal Hygiene
Wear clean dance attire.
Practice good personal hygiene.
Use deodorant when appropriate.
Avoid excessive fragrances that may be disruptive to others.
Performance Attire
For performances, dancers may be required to provide certain accessories, including but not limited to:
Some performance attire may be purchased by the dancer. Performance requirements will be communicated in advance.
Dancers must arrive fully dressed and performance-ready. Directors and instructors reserve the right to remove a dancer from a performance if required attire is incomplete or incorrect.
Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy
Cell phones must remain silent and stored away during class.
Dancers under age 14 may not use electronic devices during class or while waiting in the lobby.
Ballet Folklorico DFW reserves the right to temporarily collect devices being used inappropriately during studio activities.
Recording instructors, classes, rehearsals, or meetings is prohibited without permission from the Director or instructor.
Social Media Policy
Use good judgment when posting on social media.
Obtain permission before posting photos or videos of dancers who are not members of your household.
Content that negatively impacts the reputation of the studio, dancers, staff, or families may result in disciplinary action.
Studio Etiquette
Clean up after yourself.
Respect studio property and equipment.
Personal items left at the studio for more than one week may be donated or discarded.
Help maintain a positive and welcoming environment for everyone.
Communication Policy
Ballet Folklorico DFW uses the BAND App as its primary method of communication.
Parents and dancers are responsible for:
Maintaining an active BAND account.
Keeping notifications turned on.
Reading announcements regularly.
Staying informed about classes, rehearsals, performances, and studio updates.
Failure to read announcements does not exempt dancers or families from studio policies, deadlines, or requirements.
VESTUARIO (COSTUME) POLICY
All costumes, accessories, and performance attire provided by Ballet Folklorico DFW remain studio property unless otherwise specified.
Dancers are assigned costumes and may not request specific colors or styles.
Costumes must be returned by announced deadlines.
Families are financially responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged studio property beyond normal wear and tear.
Costumes must be returned clean and in good condition.
PERFORMANCE ELIGIBILITY
Participation in performances is a privilege earned through attendance, preparation, and positive conduct. Directors and instructors determine performance readiness and may remove a dancer from a performance due to:
Excessive absences
Missed rehearsals or dress rehearsals
Incomplete choreography preparation
Behavioral concerns
Failure to meet costume requirements
Notification of a missed rehearsal or dress rehearsal does not automatically guarantee performance eligibility. Participation in public performances representing Ballet Folklorico DFW is a privilege, not a right. Dancers are not paid or compensated for performances.
PARENT EXPECTATIONS
Parents and guardians play an important role in the success of our dancers and studio community.
Parents are expected to:
Communicate respectfully with staff, volunteers, and other families.
Monitor BAND App communications regularly.
Ensure dancers arrive on time and prepared.
Support studio policies and performance commitments.
Address concerns directly with studio staff rather than through gossip or social media.
Help foster a positive and supportive studio environment.
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
Ballet Folklorico DFW maintains a zero-tolerance policy for:
Bullying
Harassment
Discrimination
Gossip intended to harm others
Theft
Dishonesty
Threatening behavior
Unsafe conduct
Repeated disruption of classes, rehearsals, performances, or studio activities
The studio reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any dancer or parent whose actions negatively impact the safety, well-being, or experience of others. Tuition and fees are non-refundable in the event of suspension or dismissal.
OUR COMMITMENT TO FAMILIES
Families can expect Ballet Folklorico DFW to provide:
Professional and organized instruction
A safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment
Timely communication through the BAND App
Respectful treatment of all dancers and families
Meaningful performance and educational opportunities
A commitment to preserving and celebrating Mexican culture through dance
Positive role models who encourage growth, confidence, teamwork, and cultural pride
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF POLICIES
By signing this document, I hereby acknowledge I have read, understand and agreee the Ballet Folklorico DFW Studio Handbook and Code of Conduct.
I understand that participation in Ballet Folklorico DFW programs is contingent upon adherence to these policies and expectations.