I, the undersigned, acknowledge and accept that participation in any activity offered by Tenacity Fusion LLC dba Next Step Dance (“NSD”) includes physical exertion and involves potential risks of injury, including but not limited to sprains, fractures, or more serious conditions such as paralysis or death, whether caused by negligence or otherwise. I affirm that the Participant is in good physical and mental health and capable of participating fully and safely in NSD activities.

I, the Participant (or parent/legal guardian if Participant is a minor), hereby release, waive, and discharge Tenacity Fusion LLC dba Next Step Dance, its owners, officers, instructors, employees, and agents (“Releasees”) from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, or causes of action related to injury, illness, loss, or damage to property resulting from participation in NSD activities. This includes any injury resulting from equipment, facilities, instruction, or the condition of the premises.

I understand that physical corrections may be used during instruction to guide proper body placement. This may involve appropriate physical contact with areas including the head, shoulders, arms, torso, hips, legs, and feet. I agree to allow such corrections and release the Releasees from any claims arising from these actions.

In case of illness or injury, I authorize NSD to obtain emergency medical treatment for the Participant. I agree to release and hold harmless the Releasees from any associated costs or liabilities. I understand that this waiver is binding upon me and my heirs, representatives, administrators, and assigns.

If any claim is brought against the Releasees despite this waiver, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees for any expenses, attorney fees, or losses incurred.

FINANCIAL POLICIES:

• All fees are non-refundable unless otherwise initiated by NSD.

• A $25 fee will be applied for returned checks.

• Late payments will incur additional charges.

• E-payments are processed automatically on the 1st of each month, regardless of the day of the week it falls on.

• If a credit card is saved in the parent portal, it will be used to process payments automatically on scheduled due dates. Otherwise, payments may be made via check or cash.

• By saving a payment method, I authorize NSD to charge tuition, late fees, recital, and costume fees automatically on announced due dates.

• I accept responsibility for staying informed via the studio's email correspondence and will not hold NSD responsible for missed communications.

MEDIA RELEASE:

I understand that NSD produces promotional and other materials related to their events, classes, and programs. Participants and/or spectators may be included in photography and/or video footage. Without limitation or reservation, I assign, transfer, and grant NSD and its successors the exclusive right to use such media for promotional purposes including social media, websites, advertisements, and printed material. I waive any right to inspect or approve the final usage.

RECITAL SEASON POLICIES:

• Recital season continues through June 2026. All dancers are presumed to participate in the June recital unless written notice is provided via email.

• Dancers must remain enrolled through June 2026 in order to perform.

• Tuition must be current to participate in recital. NSD reserves the right to revoke recital privileges for past due accounts.

COSTUME & PERFORMANCE FEES:

• All costume and recital fees are non-refundable.

• Dancers with unpaid balances may not receive costumes or be allowed to perform.

SESSION COMMITMENT & WITHDRAWAL POLICY:

• Enrollment is a 12-month commitment (September 2025 – August 2026), including 44 weeks of instruction and built-in breaks.

• No refunds are issued for missed classes. Make-ups may be arranged upon request in a similar style/age group.

• A 60-day written notice via email is required for withdrawal.

• This policy may be waived or modified at NSD’s discretion for extenuating circumstances.

CODE OF CONDUCT:

NSD reserves the right to dismiss any student or family for behavior deemed unsafe, disrespectful, or disruptive to the studio environment, staff, or other participants—both in person and online.

CLASS & STAFF CHANGES:

NSD reserves the right to modify class schedules, staff assignments, or curriculum at any time. While consistency is a goal, individual teacher placement or specific class continuation is not guaranteed.

INCLEMENT WEATHER & UNFORESEEN CLOSURES:

In cases of severe weather, emergencies, or other unexpected events, classes may be canceled. No refunds or credits will be issued. Make-up opportunities may be offered at NSD’s discretion.

ILLNESS & HEALTH POLICY:

Participation assumes risk of illness exposure. NSD will follow local/state health guidelines. In case of mandated closures, virtual instruction or schedule adjustments may be implemented. Refunds will not be given for illness-related absences.

VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION:

Families consent to digital communications, virtual class participation, and access to materials online. Class content may not be shared or redistributed beyond the enrolled dancer.

PERSONAL PROPERTY:

NSD is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings. Dancers are encouraged to label their items and avoid bringing valuables.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE, BILLING & COMMUNICATION

NSD26 Recital Participation:

All dancers enrolled in classes are automatically considered to be participating in recital unless written notice is provided via email. The NSD26 Recital is tentatively scheduled for June 6, 2026, with a dress rehearsal on June 5, 2026, at Normal Community High School. Picture Day is tentatively scheduled for April/May 2026. Dancers must be enrolled through June to participate in the recital.

Recital Fee & Production Details:

To support the quality of our recital experience, the recital fee for the 2025–2026 season is $185 per dancer.
This includes:

• $100 venue fee (billed March 15)

• $85 per costume (billed in October)

The venue fee includes a full-color yearbook for each family and a digital copy of both recital shows.

All dancers in kindergarten and up will participate in two recital performances and be included in a genre-based production routine:
– Jazz students ? Jazz Production
– Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary ? Lyrical Production
– Tap & Musical Theater ? Musical Theater Production
– Hip Hop ? Hip Hop Production

Enrollment Change & Recital Policy Updates
To keep our growing community organized and supported, all changes to your dancer’s enrollment must now be submitted using the appropriate form. This allows our team to process requests efficiently and ensure your account, class roster, and recital plans are accurate.

DROP POLICY & FORM
If you need to withdraw your dancer from any class, you must submit the official Drop Form.
We no longer accept email requests for drops.

Drops must be submitted 60 days prior to the upcoming billing cycle to avoid further charges. Please include all required information on the form. Once received, our team will process your request within 3–5 business days and confirm the change via email.
Submit Drop Form

PAUSE POLICY & FORM
Families may pause their dancer’s enrollment once per season for up to 4 consecutive weeks.

Pause requests must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the next billing cycle. Pausing allows you to skip tuition for one month while holding your dancer’s spot in class. Please include full details on your anticipated return date. Our team will process your request within 3–5 business days.
Submit Pause Form

NON-PERFORMANCE POLICY & FORM
All enrolled dancers are automatically assumed to be performing in the NSD26 Recital on June 6, 2026 unless otherwise notified.

If your dancer will not be performing, you must submit the Non-Performance Form by March 1st. If we do not receive a form by March 1st, your dancer will be included in recital plans and costume charges and fees will be applied to your account. Please allow 3–5 business days for your submission to be processed and confirmed.
Submit Non-Performance Form

It is the responsibility of each family to submit the appropriate form if they need to pause, drop, or opt out of recital. Submitting these forms ensures that your dancer’s spot, costume charges, and class planning are accurately managed by our staff. Thank you for helping us create a smooth, supportive, and well-organized experience for all of our NSD dancers and families!

Dance Apparel & Shoes:

To support safety and training, all dancers must wear proper dance attire and shoes for every class.
Approved styles and attire are available in our NSD Shop:
www.NextStepDS.net/shop

Studio Closure Dates:

The studio will be closed on the following holidays/breaks:

• Labor Day: Monday, September 1, 2025

• Halloween: Friday, October 31, 2025

• Fall Break: November 24–30, 2025

• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026

• Spring Break: March 23–28, 2026

• Summer Break: June 8–21, 2026

Email Communication Policy:

NSD communicates primarily via email. All families are responsible for reading studio-wide communications to stay up to date on classes, billing, events, and closures.

To ensure important messages don’t go to spam, please add the following addresses to your contact list:
noreply@jackrabbittech.com
misstaylor.nextstep.gmail.com@1dqtjy.sqspmail.com

Failure to receive an email due to filtering does not excuse missed payments or events. If you are not receiving our emails, please reach out to confirm your contact information is correct.