Studio Policies & Guidelines
Studio Environment:
At GAB, our faculty and staff are committed to fostering a respectful, supportive environment where every student is encouraged to grow as both a dancer and individual. Should any concern or issue arise, please contact the Artistic Director directly.
Dancers are expected to show respect toward themselves, their peers, the faculty and staff, and the studio space. GAB aims to provide a nurturing environment where dancers feel safe to learn and thrive. Any student failing to uphold these standards will be asked to meet with the Artistic Director to address their behavior. Continued issues may result in dismissal from the program.
Older dancers—particularly those in GAB’s Pre-Professional Division—are considered role models and are expected to set a positive example for younger students.
Note: Parents are not permitted to contact other students directly via text or phone or speak negatively about any student.
Bullying & Social Media Policy:
GAB enforces a zero-tolerance policy regarding bullying or negative behavior, including:
● Inappropriate comments or behavior toward another dancer, in or outside of GAB
● Negative speech regarding a student’s dancing, body, personality, appearance, academics, or attire
● Hurtful or inappropriate social media content involving GAB students or faculty
Any dancer continually engaging in these behaviors may be asked to leave the studio immediately.
Attendance Policy:
Consistent attendance is essential to a dancer’s progress.
● Notify GAB via email at least 24 hours in advance if a dancer will miss class or rehearsal (when possible).
● Dancers must arrive on time and prepared.
● Older dancers should arrive early to stretch and warm up.
● Dancers aged 10 and under must be dropped off and picked up inside the
building.
Late Arrival: Dancers more than 15 minutes late must observe class to avoid injury. Any dancer entering or exiting the studio mid-class must wait at the door for teacher acknowledgment.
Dress Code Ballet Classes:
● Girls: Leotard, pink or nude tights, matching shoes
● Boys: Black, grey, or white shorts/tights, matching shirt, black/white/nude shoes with matching socks
Note: Ballet 1 and up should not wear leotards with attached skirts.
Other Classes:
● Contemporary: Same as ballet, tights optional, barefoot or socks
● Jazz: Same as ballet, shorts, and jazz shoes.
● Partnering: Leotards should not be low-back or slippery material. Skirts are
NOT permitted in partnering.
Additional Notes:
● Skirts may only be worn during center work (if teacher allows)
● Shorts are not permitted in ballet classes.
● Warm-ups may be worn during barre (first two combinations only, if teacher
allows)
Uniform Transition:
GAB will be transitioning to a uniform dress code. Leotard colors by level:
● Creative Movement – Light Pink
● Pre-Ballet – Light Blue
● Ballet 1 – Black
● Ballet 2 – Hunter Green
● Ballet 3 – Eggplant
● Ballet 4–8 – Company Leotard (Navy, Easy Breeze, or Nude)
Please speak with the Artistic Director about any concerns regarding dress code. GAB supports all dancers in feeling confident and comfortable in class.
Class Observation General Classes:
● Parents and loved ones are welcome to observe from viewing windows.
● If distractions occur, observers will be asked to wait in the front lobby.
● Observation days will be scheduled throughout the season for all classes.
Injury & Illness Policy:
Safety is a priority at GAB. All studios are equipped with sprung marley floors and dancers are required to wear proper footwear.
Injury During Class:
● Notify the instructor immediately.
● Injured dancers should observe the rest of class.
● For serious injuries, a parent will be contacted and emergency care arranged
if necessary.
Injury Outside of Class:
● Please notify GAB right away.
● Injured dancers are expected to attend and observe rehearsals.
Illness:
● If a dancer is sick or has a fever, they should stay home.
● Notify GAB of any illness-related absence.
● If a dancer becomes ill during class, a parent/guardian will be contacted.
Cancellation Policy Weather & Emergencies:
● GAB does not follow AACPS closures.
● Decisions regarding closures will be made by 1:00 PM and communicated
via email and social media.
● If classes are canceled, make-up opportunities will be offered when possible.
If GAB remains open and a student cannot attend, families should follow the normal absence notification procedure.
Billing & Refunds Tuition & Performance Fees:
● Billed monthly and automatically charged 2 days before the start of each month
A 5% late fee applies for payments received after the 15th Refund Policy:
● Refunds may be issued in cases of long-term illness/injury after a meeting or written explanation
Performance fees are non-refundable, except in cases of injury/illness
● Fees are billed monthly starting when rehearsals begin
Violations of Policies and Consequences:
Level 1 Violations
-Being disrespectful in class (talking, etc.)
-Dress code violation
-Not informing Artistic Director of absence -Observers distracting dancers during classes or rehearsals..
Level 1 Consequence
1st Time - Meeting with the offender.
2nd Time - Email sent home to family.
3rd Time - Student will be asked to sit out of class, rehearsal, and/or performance. Observer will not be allowed to watch classes/rehearsals.
Level 2 Violation
-Talking negatively about another student -Talking negatively about a faculty member -Being unkind to other dancers in studio, theatre, festivals, competitions, or over phone/outside of studio
Level 2 Consequence
1st Time - Meeting with the offender.
2nd Time - Meeting with dancer, family, and Artistic Director.
3rd Time- Family asked to leave GAB without refund.
Level 3 Violations
-Bullying (including, but not limited to, comments about dancing, body, personality, hair, school grades, or clothes)
-Parents talking/acting inappropriately to or about students
-Negative social media content about GAB, students, faculty, or families.
Level 3 Consequence
1st Time - Meeting with dancer, family, and Artistic Director
2nd Time - Family asked to leave GAB without refund.