Studio Mission Statement

At Barefoot Dance Studios, our goal is to meet each student where they are on their journey towards their own personal goals. We will assist in a nurturing way by drawing from our own expertise and experiences. Our mission is to support each student’s individual growth with care, expertise, and integrity. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where dancers of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities feel seen, supported, and valued. Guided by our core values - Process, Respect, Community, and Creativity - we celebrate each dancer’s journey, honor the importance of family and self-expression, and foster meaningful connections both inside and outside the studio. At Barefoot, no single student is more important than another, and every dancer deserves the opportunity to thrive artistically and personally. We aim to build not just strong dancers, but strong people - empathetic, respectful, and empowered to contribute to the world around them.

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Tuition and Payments

• A non-refundable registration fee of $25 per student or $40 per family is due annually at Fall registration. A $10 non-refundable registration fee is required for Summer programs to secure your spot.

• Tuition is calculated by season and is not prorated based on the number of classes in a given month, holidays, or studio closures.

• Monthly tuition (September–May) is due on the 1st of each month and must be paid via automatic bank account debit, debit card, or credit card. All card payments will incur a 3% convenience fee.

• A 6.2% sales tax applies to all transactions, including tuition.

• Tuition payments are non-refundable.

• If you wish to withdraw from classes and cancel future payments, you must notify the office in writing (email to office@barefootdancerc.com) by the 25th of the prior month.

• Late Fees: If payment is not received on the 1st, a $10 late fee will be added. If the account remains unpaid by the 5th, another $10 late fee will apply. If the balance is not paid by the end of the month, the student may be withdrawn from class.

• We offer a pay-in-full incentive: Families who pay full tuition by August 31st receive May tuition free. Pay-in-full payments are final and non-refundable, even in case of withdrawal.

• Summer tuition will be charged on the Friday before the start of each camp or intensive. If you cancel but were registered, 30% of tuition is non-refundable.

• In the case of unexpected studio closure (e.g., pandemic, national emergency), Barefoot will offer alternative instruction (such as virtual classes), but no refunds will be issued.

• Account credits, gift certificates, and scholarships must be redeemed within one year. If the student withdraws, any remaining balance is forfeited.

Attendance

• Dancers must arrive on time and be appropriately dressed. Students should be dropped off no earlier than 15 minutes before class and picked up no later than 15 minutes after class.

• If your child is absent, please notify the studio by call, text (605-415-1111), or email (office@barefootdancerc.com).

• Fall Semester Makeup Classes: Allowed until January 31st and must be arranged through the instructor.

• No make-ups available February–May unless approved by the instructor due to recital preparation.

• Students may not miss more than 3 unexcused classes during recital season; excessive absences may result in dismissal from recital routines.

• Mandatory attendance is required for the two weeks prior to performances or recitals, except for illness or emergency.

Dress Code

• All dancers must follow the studio dress code, available on our website. Failure to adhere may result in the student being asked to observe class. Dress code items are available for purchase at the studio.

Injuries

• If a student is injured and cannot participate, a doctor’s note must be provided to the office detailing any restrictions or modifications. Injured dancers are encouraged to observe and take notes during class. Teachers may assign alternative tasks to support learning during recovery.

Unexpected Interruptions of Class

• In case of government-mandated closure due to public health risks or national emergencies, Barefoot will move classes online or find alternate solutions. No refunds will be given in these cases. The same withdrawal policy applies to virtual and hybrid formats.

Weather Closures

• If Rapid City Public Schools are closed or dismissed early due to weather, Barefoot classes will typically be canceled.

• Weather-related closures will be communicated via email and social media (@barefootdancerc).

• Tuition is not prorated for weather closures. Please contact us for makeup options.

Performances

• All students are expected to participate in two annual performances:

  • A Holiday Recital in December

  • Our End-of-Year Recital in May

• Families agree to additional performance-related fees:

  • Costume fees, charged on November 20th for the December recital. (Upcoming holiday recital costumes will be kept simple and low-cost—more details to come).

  • A $25 performance fee per student, charged on January 20th for the May recital. This includes a free performance t-shirt for each student. 

  • Costume fees, charged on February 20th for the May recital. For the May recital you can assume approximately $75-95/costume/class with the exception of our combo classes which will have two costumes.

• No End-of-Year Recital refunds will be given on performance or costume fees if a student withdraws after January 1st.

• Attendance is required for all classes, rehearsals, and performances leading up to both recitals. Excessive absences may result in removal from routines.

• An information packet and detailed schedule will be provided to families prior to each performance.

Substitute Instructors

• Barefoot reserves the right to provide a substitute instructor if the regular teacher is unavailable. Classes may be combined or rescheduled at the studio’s discretion. If a substitute cannot be arranged, a make-up class will be scheduled.

Class Cancellations

• If an instructor is absent and class must be canceled, the studio will notify families by email or phone.

• Classes with fewer than 5 students enrolled may be canceled, and credit or class transfers will be arranged.

Observation Policy

• Parents may observe classes through designated viewing windows. Parents and guests are asked to remain quiet and respectful in lobby spaces. Barefoot reserves the right to limit lobby use or access. Observation policies may change based on safety concerns, overcrowding, or studio needs

Class Placement

• All placement decisions are made by Barefoot instructors and directors. We prioritize safety, progress, and appropriate growth when assigning levels.

Communication Policy

• It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to stay informed and update contact information as needed.

• Please notify the studio if any family member should not have access to student information (court documentation required).

• Studio updates are shared via email, handouts, and social media. If you are not receiving updates, check your contact info with the front desk.

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Barefoot Dance Studios Code of Conduct

At Barefoot Dance Studios, we are committed to fostering a welcoming, respectful, and supportive environment where all students can thrive. The following Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for students and families to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

For Dancers

• Treat all instructors, classmates, and staff with respect and kindness.

• Arrive on time, prepared, and dressed according to the studio dress code.

• Refrain from disruptive behavior during class and follow instructor directions.

• Maintain a positive attitude, encourage your peers, and celebrate each other's progress.

• Respect the studio space and clean up after yourself (trash, water bottles, etc.).

• No gum, food, or drinks (except water) allowed in studios.

• Use phones only with permission and keep them stored away during class.

• Bullying, gossip, or exclusion of any kind will not be tolerated.

• Represent Barefoot with integrity at all events, performances, and in the community.

For Parents & Guardians

• Support your dancer by ensuring consistent attendance, prompt arrival, and appropriate attire.

• Communicate any concerns directly and respectfully with the instructor or front desk staff.

• Refrain from coaching, interrupting, or distracting dancers during class.

• Respect the studio’s placement decisions and trust in our instructors’ professional judgment.

• Keep the lobby environment quiet and respectful; supervise siblings at all times.

• Help foster a positive, inclusive atmosphere and refrain from negative talk about dancers, instructors, or families.

• Abide by all studio policies and communicate any special needs or legal circumstances that may impact your dancer.