Age Requirement Policy

While the White Marsh Rec. Dance Program offers dance classes to students ages 3 and above (adult classes are offered), certain age requirements must be met to participate in each style of dance.

• Ballet: Ballet classes are offered for students ages 3 and above.
  
• Tap: Tap classes are offered for students ages 4 and above.
  
• Jazz: Jazz classes are offered for students ages 6 and above.
  
• Pointe: Pointe is offered to the program's Intermediate Class and Advanced Class only.  However, in order to participate, students must first receive approval from the program's director.  Students who participate in pointe are also required to participate in ballet.
  

Please note that students must be the appropriate age by August 31st in order to participate.

Attendance Policy

Attending class on a regular basis is imperative.  Dedication to class not only ensures students are prepared for the recital, but also helps students get the most out of their dance experience.  Additionally, attending class allows students to improve their skill set, build strong relationships with their teachers and classmates, and develop lasting self-confidence.  Because attending class each week is so important, all students who participate in WMRC Dance Program’s Recital Session must comply with the program’s attendance policy.  Please see the Attendance Policy page for details regarding the attendance requirements.  

• Make-Up Classes: The White Marsh Rec. Dance Program does not offer make-up classes for students who must miss their regularly scheduled class. 
  

Weather Related Closures

The White Marsh Rec. Dance Program follows Baltimore County Public School's schedule for weather-related closures; therefore, if Baltimore County Schools close early or close for the day due to inclement weather, all dance classes for that day will also be cancelled.  Additionally, if Baltimore County Recs. and Parks cancels after-school and evening activities, all dance classes must also be cancelled.  All other cancellations will be posted on the Calendar page and/or on the dry erase board located inside the dance room.

Behavior Policy
The White Marsh Rec. Dance Program works with all students to offer them the best dance experience possible, and that includes holding students to certain standards in regards to behavior. 

A positive behavior system is used by all teachers to reward students who demonstrate appropriate behaviors.  Students who demonstrate positive behaviors during class are rewarded with a stamp or sticker at the end of class.  On occasion, teachers may even give 2 stamps or stickers to reward students who go above and beyond during class.  However, if a student demonstrates a negative behavior during class, he/she will be given a warning and asked to modify that behavior.  If a student continues to act inappropriately, he/she will not rewarded with a stamp or sticker at the end of class.  Additionally, if a student continues to demonstrate negative behaviors after receiving several warnings from a teacher, he/she will be asked to take a time-out from class. If the negative behaviors continue, and are extremely disruptive to class, other behavior plans may be put into place; however, if the student is not able to control his/her behaviors, he/she may be asked to leave class (this would only happen in extreme situations).

​Refund Policy
For the Summer Session, a full refund will only be given if the program is unable to accommodate the student's availability as it is recorded on the registration paperwork.  If a student drops out even though we are able to accommodate a her availability (according to the information provided on the registration paperwork), a partial refund may be given, but the amount will be determined by the program's chairperson.  

​For the Recital Session, the refund policy is as follows:

• A student who drops out before the start of the Recital Session will receive a full refund minus a $25 handling fee.
  
• A student who drops out within the first 3 weeks of class will be given a partial refund (half of their total payment will be refunded).
  
• A refund will not be issued to any student who drops out after the 3rd week of classes is complete.
  

For the Summer Session, the refund policy is as follows:

• A student who drops out before the start of the Recital Session will receive a full refund minus a $10 handling fee.
  
• A student who drops out within the first 2 weeks of class will be given a partial refund (half of their total payment will be refunded).
  
• A refund will not be issued to any student who drops out after the 2nd week of classes is complete.

Payment Policy

The White Marsh Rec. Dance Program accepts payments in the form of cash or a check made to WMRC.  Please note that there is a  $25 charge for any returned checks. 

• Tuition: For both the Recital Session and the Summer Session, tuition is due in full at the time of registration.   The program does not offer discounts for registering multiple students.
  
• Costume/Recital Fee: For the Recital Session, all students must pay a Costume/Recital Fee, which is due at the time of registration is may be built into the registration fee. 
  

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Communication Policy

The Marsh Rec. Dance Program communicates with parents and students in a variety of ways, including the use of dry erase boards, emails, and paper flyers.  Teacher contact information is also available upon request, so parents and students can have an open line of communication with instructors.  Additionally, the chairperson, Pat Watters, may be contacted by phone for payment related questions.  Finally, the program's director, Jen Morris, may be contacted by email if necessary.  Please visit the Contact page for more information.

• Dry Erase Board Reminder: Students and parents are expected to read the dry erase board (located inside the dance room) on a weekly basis.  All information, including important dates, cancellations, and schedule changes, will be noted on the dry erase board.  While teachers try to remind parents to read the board, it is the parent’s and/or student's responsibility to check the dry erase board each week, and the dance staff will not be held responsible for information that is not received.
  
• Email Reminder: All students and parents must provide the program with a current email address and emergency contact numbers, and must also accept emails from Stone Alley (the registration website).  The dance staff will not be held responsible for information that is not received.
  
• Facebook Group: While the Facebook Group is not used as the only means of communication, parents and staff are encouraged to communicate using this group.
  

The White Marsh Rec. Dance Program has several policies in place in order to maintain organization, keep students and their families informed, and ensure all students receive the best dance experience possible.

​​​Policies