Welcome!
Hello from Backstage Dance Studio!
Thank you for choosing Backstage Dance Studio for your child’s dance education. BDS has built a reputation for excellence in dance instruction in the community. For over 40 years we have continued to provide quality dance education to the children in Bellevue and the surrounding communities. We are the one of the first dance studios in Washington State to be awarded the “More Than Just Great Dancing” affiliation. MTJGD is a licensed affiliation of dance studio that subscribe to a higher standard of dance instruction and management principles.
At Backstage Dance Studio we build confidence, character, and community, as well as promote discipline and creativity in a fun, yet challenging learning environment that encourages high expectations for success.
In this booklet you will find a studio calendar, referral information, studio policies, information on how to contact and connect with us, and information telling you what More Than Just Great Dancing is. You can refer to this booklet for any questions you may have during the year regarding our policies.
We are excited to have the opportunity to work with your child during our upcoming dance season. Thank you, once again, for choosing Backstage Dance Studio. If you should have questions feel free to contact the school at 425-747-5070 or via e-mail at dancewithus@backstagedance.org.
Sincerely,
Marty
Roberts
Owner & Director
Calendar 2026-2027
First Tuition Installmentdue upon enrollment
Sept 9:
School-Year Session Starts
Oct 1: Tuition Installment Due Oct 26-31: Halloween Spirit Week
Nov 1: Tuition Installment Due Nov 24-29: Studio Closed
Dancers begin to work on the curriculum and create the foundation for more challenging steps as the year goes on! The recital theme is announced and information on dance costumes is released.
Dec 1: Tuition Installment Due
Dec 7: Costume Forms Due
Dec 14-19: Pajama Week
Dec 21-Jan 3: Studio Closed
Jan 1: Tuition Installment Due Jan 11-16:
BDS Studio Spirit Week
Jan 18: Studio Closed
Feb 1: Tuition Installment Due Feb 8-13: Valentine’s Spirit Week
Feb 14-21: Studio Closed
Students will begin working on their dance choreography for the end of year performance! Dancers will be shown pictures of their costumes and costumes will be tried on as they arrive. More information on the end of year performance will be released.
Mar 1:
Tuition Installment Due Mar 15-20: Shamrock Spirit Week
Apr 1: Tuition Installment Due Apr 5-10: Spring Fever Spirit Week Apr 12-16: Studio Closed
May 1: Tuition Installment Due May 4 & 6: Recital Tickets On Sale May 17-22: Picture Week May 31: Studio Closed
This is a busy time of year! Students are finalizing and preparing their dance for the stage! Personalized class recommendations for upcoming season will be sent in preparation for next season Information on recital ticketing is announced
Jun 1: Half Tuition Installment Due
Jun 1-3: In-Studio Dress Rehearsals
Jun 5-6*: Spring Shows
Jun 7: 27-28 Membership Selection Due
Jun 7-12: Audition Prep/Try-It-Free Classes
Jun 12: Intensive Teams Auditions
Jun 15: Fall Registration open for Premium Members
Jun 28: Fall Registration open for Community Members Summer Session begins
July-Aug: Summer Camps
Aug 4: End of Summer Session
Aug 5-31: Signature Team Intensive Choreography
Registration for next season opens and summer camps and classes are in session to prevent summer slide! Intensive teams start learning competition choreography and attend technique intensives.
Dates are subject to change. Reference the calendar on BDS's Member Portal throughout the season .
GENERAL POLICIES AND INFORMATION
Water only is allowed in the dance rooms.
Please label all dancewear, shoes, and personal items with your child’s name. If your child has a medical condition that requires medication or medical treatment (such as a seizure disorder) we ask that a parent or guardian remain at the studio during their child’s class.
Backstage Dance Studio shares photos of its dancers on social media. If you prefer that your dancer not be photographed for this purpose, please contact the studio.
MEMBERSHIP FEES, TUITION FEES, PAYMENTS, AND DISCOUNTS
Membership fees (Community or Premium) are an annual fee that is due once a year before enrollment in a season.
Membership fees are non-refundable.
Tuition rates are based on the full season. Tuition is a course fee. It is not based on the number of classes each month.
Tuition is broken into 10 equal installments with the first installment being due upon enrollment. Tuition may be prorated if enrollment begins mid-month.
Tuition is due on the 1st of each month, with the first payment due at the time of enrollment. All clients must have a credit card on file. The credit card on file will be used for auto payments on the first of each month, when tuition is due.
Tuition not received by the 10th of the month will incur a $35 late fee. Refunds are not given should a dancer discontinue mid-month.
Accounts more than 30 days in arrears will result in services being discontinued for the dancer and the account may be submitted for collection services.
Costume Fees are due by December 7. Costume fees are non-refundable. There is a $25 late fee, per costume, for payments received after December 7.
Our Media Fee is included in Premium Membership. Families with Community Membership will be charged $80 in mid-April. This fee covers individual and class photos and digital downloads of the Spring Shows, which are professionally recorded and edited.
All special fees that are late will incur a late fee if not received by the due date.
CLASSROOM VIEWING
Classes can be viewed at the studio through our viewing windows. In order to have uninterrupted instruction, classroom doors will remain closed. Parents must remain outside the classroom.
CLASS PLACEMENT
Class placements are at the discretion of our teaching staff and are derived from many years of teaching experience.
Children are placed in a class where they will be confident, challenged, and continue to develop their self-esteem.
DISCIPLINE
Our staff is trained to use constructive techniques of discipline, encouraging students to have respect for other students, teachers, staff, and studio property. Should disruptive behavior occur and continue a child may be removed from class and a parent or guardian will be notified. In extreme circumstances, it may be necessary for the director to terminate a student’s enrollment.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
In the event of inclement weather, we will post closings to our social media and send an email by 3 pm.
We do not always follow school closings for inclement weather.
Canceled classes may be made up at your convenience from our regular schedule of classes. Makeup class enrollment is determined by class capacity in another class.
PERFORMANCE
Recital dates will be announced as soon as we have secured our venue.
Performance rehearsals are mandatory. A child must rehearse so that they are fully prepared to perform in recital.
We do everything possible to accommodate all of our families. We can not accept special requests to adjust rehearsal and/or recital times or move routines from one show to another. Our priority is to prepare your children for the performance experience of a lifetime!
DRESS CODE
Uniformity in dance allows teachers to assess how well the students are implementing the technique being taught.
Children should be in proper dress code. Female students, those students identifying as female, as well as any dancer with long hair, should have their hair pulled back in a ponytail, braid or bun.
All children should wear the required dress code. Tights are required for all ballet students opting into dress code option one.
WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS
There is a one-month minimum for all lessons. Please consider a trial class if in doubt. A 14-day written notice is required to withdraw from a class and discontinue payments.
Tuition refunds are not given for a student that drops from a class mid-month.
REFUNDS AND CANCELLATION
Costume fees are non-refundable.
Membership and performance fees are non-refundable. All refunds are subject to an administrative processing fee.
COMMUNICATION
BDS goes to great lengths to keep you informed and up to date through monthly electronic newsletters, email, Facebook, and our Lobby Communication Center. A recital page will be published on the website with information pertaining to picture week, rehearsal, and recital.
We welcome email or phone communication via call or text and are happy to set up a meeting, if necessary, to answer any questions you may have regarding your dancer or our programs.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is vital to student progress and group choreography. Please make every effort to attend each class, notifying the studio if a dancer will be absent. Students may schedule a makeup class by calling the studio or stopping at the front desk. Makeup classes are only available through December.
Dance is a physical activity that requires the body to be properly warmed up. Students that are late to class miss the proper warm-up and, therefore, may sustain injury.
Students who arrive more than 15 minutes late will be marked absent and may be asked to observe the class for reasons of physical safety.
Any dancer that displays signs of illness or has a fever should stay home. If a student should feel ill or develop a fever while in class, a parent will be called so the student can rest at home.
SUMMER CLASSES
Changes to summer class participation/enrollment can be made up to 48 business hours before the date of the class. Refunds are not given for summer classes that are canceled. Refunds are not given for summer classes missed for any reason.
NSF PAYMENTS (Non-Sufficient Funds)
NSF paper checks, auto-debit, or auto-charge payments will incur a $35 NSF fee being added to your account.
AFER STUDIO POLICY
BDS requires all staff and students to stay home when they are ill. In order to reduce the community spread of all illnesses, we follow best practices and recommendations from our local health department and from our industry associations.
I understand that participation in a dance program involves the risk of injury. Should there be an emergency, I authorize Backstage Dance Studio to secure any emergency medical attention my child might need. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Backstage Dance Studio and its staff from any and all claims to personal injury sustained while participating in this program.
PRIVATE LESSON CANCELLATION POLICY
All private lessons canceled with more than 24 hours notice will not be billed. No-show lessons or lessons canceled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged the full amount of the lesson.
LOST AND FOUND
The studio is not responsible for lost or stolen items. If you have lost an item, please check the lost and found. Lost and found items are donated every three months.
Option 1
LEOTARDS
COLOR: LIGHT PINK
FOOTED TIGHTS
COLOR: LIGHT PINK
SHOES
Option 2
T-SHIRT
COLOR: WHITE
Terrific Twos, Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, Ballet Basics, Ballet Basics 2
BALLET: NO TIE LEATHER (COLOR: PINK)
SKIRT- OPTIONAL
COLOR: LIGHT PINK
HAIR
CLEANLY SECURED BACK AND AWAY FROM FACE IN BALLET BUN
DANCE PANTS/ATHLETIC SHORTS
COLOR: BLACK
SHOES
BALLET: NO TIE LEATHER (COLOR: BLACK)
HAIR
CLEANLY SECURED BACK AND AWAY FROM FACE- LONG HAIR IN A BUN
Click here for more information about dress code.
Ballet/Tap
Option 1
LEOTARDS
Option 2
T-SHIRT
COLOR: LIGHT PINK
FOOTED TIGHTS
COLOR: LIGHT PINK
SHOES
BALLET: NO TIE LEATHER (COLOR: PINK)
TAP: MARY JANE TAP SHOES (COLOR: BLACK)
SKIRT- OPTIONAL
COLOR: LIGHT PINK
HAIR CLEANLY SECURED BACK AND AWAY FROM FACE IN BALLET BUN
COLOR: WHITE
DANCE PANTS/ATHLETIC SHORTS
COLOR: BLACK
SHOES
BALLET: NO TIE LEATHER (COLOR: BLACK)
TAP: OXFORD TAP SHOES (COLOR: BLACK)
HAIR CLEANLY SECURED BACK AND AWAY FROM FACE- LONG HAIR IN A BUN
Option 1
LEOTARD
COLOR: BLACK
FOOTED TIGHTS
T-SHIRT
COLOR: BLACK
DANCE PANTS/ATHLETIC SHORTS
COLOR: LIGHT PINK
SHOES
BALLET: NO TIE LEATHER (COLOR: PINK)
TAP: MARY JANE TAP SHOES (COLOR: BLACK)
JAZZ: SLIP ON JAZZ SHOES (COLOR: BLACK)
SKIRT- OPTIONAL
COLOR: LIGHT PINK
HAIR
CLEANLY SECURED BACK AND AWAY FROM FACE (BRAIDS, BUN, PONYTAIL, ETC.)
COLOR: BLACK
SHOES
BALLET: NO TIE LEATHER (COLOR: BLACK)
TAP: OXFORD TAP SHOES (COLOR: BLACK)
JAZZ: SLIP ON JAZZ SHOES (COLOR: BLACK)
HAIR CLEANLY SECURED BACK AND AWAY FROM FACE
Click here for more information about dress code.
Pre-Hip Hop, Hip Hop Basics 2, Hip Hop/Flip Flop, Hip Hop/Flip Flop 2
All Dancers
SHIRT
BACKSTAGE LOGO T-SHIRT, BLACK
DANCE PANTS/SHORTS
COLOR: BLACK
SHOES
CANVAS HIGH TOP SNEAKERS
COLOR: ALL BLACK (INCLUDING SOLES)
HAIR CLEANLY SECURED AWAY FROM FACE AND NECK (PONYTAIL, BRAIDS, BUN, ETC.)
Click here for more information about dress code.
Don't Cry!
Dry Your Eyes
Don't worry: it happens!
Our staff is here to turn that frown upside down.
1
2
3
New Environment: Dance lessons expose children to a new environment with exciting stimuli including sights, sounds, textures and friends.
Age: Children develop their social, emotional, and cognitive skills at their own pace. It's okay to give your child time to adjust to new situations.
Separation Anxiety: Your child may cry as they explore separation from you for the first time. This is normal and expected. We promise it gets better!
Helpful tips for your first few classes!!
Dance classes are FUN and full of energy! Give your child time to adjust to the exciting environment.
We kindly ask that you don't force your child into the classroom. If they don't participate in the first couple of classes, thats ok. It's normal! Some children will choose to observe class for a while. When they are ready, they will join their friends!
We suggest practicing consistent routines and creating a quick goodbye ritual to help ease your dancer into class.
If your child should become upset and begin to cry, our teachers will try to comfort them and calm them down. If they continue to cry, we will bring them out to their guardian. Remain in the waiting area until your child has calmed down and is ready to try again!
Together with time and patience, everyone will enjoy the magic of dance!
COMMUNITY MEMBER
PREMIUM
MEMBER
$70 per family, charged on enrollment
$180 per family, available before June 12
$10 gift certificate towards a dancewear purchase of $20 or more
Dancewear includes leotard, skirts, shoes, and tights. One gift certificate per family. Valid 6/1/2026- 12/31/2026
Priority class enrollment for the new season starting June 29
24-hour access to Jackrabbit portal
Access to make-up classes through December
Background checked, CPR and First-Aid trained staff
Access to free studio-wide internet
10% off every dancewear purchase
$20 off summer camps or summer intensive
$25 costume credit
Priority access to ticket sales for performances
10% off every dancewear purchase
$25 costume credit
No additional media fee for spring shows
Priority class enrollment for the new season starting June 15
One free general admission performance ticket
BDS Studio Etiquette
At our dance studio, we are committed to providing a positive and enriching environment for both dancers and their families. With a goal of creating a space that fosters focus, preparation, and support for our young dancers, we're hopeful guests can understand their role in keeping our lobby a wonderful space!
THE DANCE STUDIO LOBBY AS A SHARED SPACE
Our lobby is a shared space for dancers, parents, and guests alike. We do our best to provide a good flow between classes, but it can become difficult. Let's work together to make it a welcoming and organized area for everyone by keeping things off the ground, and walkways free and clear. Please remind your dancers to keep their belongings in the cubbies. If you are missing something, please check the lost and found.
DESIGNATED AREA FOR DANCERS
It's important to understand that dancers need space to prepare for their classes. We encourage parents to help recognize that the lobby also serves as a space for dancers to prepare for their class and change into their dance shoes.
GUEST POLICY
When bringing guests to the studio, please embrace a mindful approach. While we love the support from family and friends, being conscious of the number of guests we bring to avoid overcrowding and distractions during class preparations is extremely important.
SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN
We understand that siblings of dancers and other children may accompany parents to the studio. Please ensure that they are supervised closely to prevent disruptions and maintain a safe environment for all. Consider bringing a quiet activity to keep children not dancing busy and packing a pair of headphones for when electronics are being utilized
LEAVE IT BETTER THAN YOU FOUND IT
We encourage everyone to leave the lobby and shared spaces better than they found them. Simple acts like picking up after ourselves and keeping the area tidy contribute to a positive atmosphere within the studio.
USE THE RESTROOMS APPROPRIATELY
We welcome parents and guests to use our restrooms and ask them to use it appropriately. We encourage a quick and efficient use of facilities, especially during peak times, to ensure that everyone has access when needed.
NOISE LEVEL AND CLASSROOM INTERUPTIONS
Be mindful of noise levels in shared areas, understanding that excessive noise can disrupt the focus of dancers or staff working in the building Encourage conversations to take place in designated areas to minimize classroom interruptions. Additionally, please do not open up the studio doors when classes are in session.
The BDS Difference
BUILDING CONFIDENCE, CHARACTER, AND COMMUNITY ONE DANCE CLASS AT A TIME