- Students are expected to participate, to the best of their ability, and have fun!
- Absolutely NO PARENTS or FRIENDS allowed in the class except on designated viewing days or in exceptional circumstances, with the permission of the teacher.
- Food and/or chewing gum is NOT allowed in the class. No juice, power aid drinks, etc. Only WATER is allowed.
- No running or horseplay in the studio - we want to stay accident free.
- Please be ready & on time for class, meaning: hair, clothing, and dance shoes are on before the class begins. Please read the What to Wear information sheet and be dressed in the appropriate attire for your class. Students who fail to dress appropriately for class won't be permitted to participate.
- The studio will be opened 10 minutes prior to first class of the day. For all other classes, please do not enter studio until five minutes before designated class time, out of respect for the class in session.
- The health and safety of our students is paramount. Students under the age of 8 are not to be left unattended before their class starts. All students must be picked-up promptly at the end of class, by a parent or guardian listed on the student's registration. If someone else will be picking-up your child, the teacher must be notified in advance.
- If public health measures prevent gathering for in-person classes, virtual classes may be scheduled for Intermediate & Senior dancers. Arrangements for primary & junior dancers will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may include rescheduling or delaying the semester.
- All fees must be paid in full prior to attending classes. Methods of payment accepted: Cash and e-transfer. Credit cards may also be accepted; however, additional administration fees will apply.
- No credit or refund for missed classes. Any classes cancelled due to inclement weather, or unforeseen circumstances, will be rescheduled to an alternate date before the end of the semester or a credit will be provided for the next semester, at the discretion of NSOHD.
- Refunds only permitted after the end of the first class of the semester. Refunds will not be permitted after the beginning of the 2nd Class of the semester. After this date we assume students will be continuing with us for the rest of the semester.
- Important information about outside coaching and professional relationships:
NSOHD respects the professional relationships between all dancers and their teachers. In the spirit of the RSOBHD and ScotDance Canada Codes of Ethics, including their expectations regarding the solicitation of dancers and respect for a dancer’s choice of teacher, dancers and parents are therefore asked not to approach another Highland dance teacher or professional for private lessons, coaching or additional instruction without first discussing it with me (Victoria Nichols).
Highland dance schools develop their own teaching methods, style, technique, progression and training approach. These methods may include school-specific and proprietary teaching practices, intellectual property, choreography and training materials. For this reason, Highland dance teachers do not generally share students for regular instruction unless there is a collaborative arrangement or agreement between the professionals involved.
NSOHD does, however, strongly value collaboration. I have developed opportunities for our dancers to learn from a specific circle of Highland dance professionals through workshops, special coaching opportunities and other experiences that complement their regular training at NSOHD. Under special circumstances, if a dancer would benefit from additional coaching or a particular area of expertise, I am happy to discuss appropriate options and help coordinate opportunities.
Parents and dancers should also be aware that some Highland dance professionals are active adjudicators or scrutineers, or are related to adjusticators or scrutineers. Depending on the rules governing a particular competition, receiving instruction from or becoming affiliated, either directly or indirectly, with a teacher or school connected to an adjudicator or scrutineer may affect a dancer’s eligibility to compete at certain events. In some circumstances, an affiliation can also have unfortunate implications for other competitive dancers from NSOHD. For this reason, before contacting another Highland dance professional or dance school for additional lessons or coaching, please speak with me first. This helps protect the dancer’s eligibility, maintains professional courtesy between teachers, avoids conflicting technical instruction, and ensures that any additional training supports the dancer’s overall development at NSOHD.
I have READ and I AGREE to all of NSOHD rules and regulations: