Fees policy.
By registering with Ace Dance Studios, students and their parents/caregivers agree to the following Fees Policy, subject to their rights under New Zealand law.
All fees paid to Ace Dance Studios are generally non-refundable, except in exceptional circumstances or where a refund is necessary due to an error, miscommunication or mistake made by Ace Dance Studios. Refund requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Management Team, taking into consideration the circumstances of the request.
1. Registration Fees
A one-off registration fee is payable before a student begins classes. This fee contributes towards administration costs and an Ace T-shirt. Students who remain continuously enrolled at Ace Dance Studios will not be required to pay the registration fee again in subsequent years. However, if a student leaves Ace for more than two terms and later re-enrols, a new registration fee will apply.
2. Costume Fees
Recreational Students
Recreational students are not required to purchase a specific costume for performances or shows. Any clothing requirements will be communicated to students and whānau ahead of the event.
Competition Students
For competition students, In addition to the one-off registration fee (if applicable), competition students are required to pay an annual crew costume fee of $80 in January. This contributes towards their crew's costume for the competition season. Each crew's coach is responsible for organising costumes. If the total costume cost exceeds $80 per student, this will be communicated to dancers and whānau in advance. Any additional amount will be payable directly to the crew's coach.
3. Monthly Class Fees
Monthly class fees are charged from February through to December and must be paid within the first two weeks of each month, unless an alternative payment arrangement has been approved by management. Monthly fees remain the same regardless of the number of classes or weeks within a particular month, including school holidays, public holidays and scheduled studio closures. Fees are calculated based on the overall annual programme and divided into equal monthly payments.
Monthly fees are still payable if a student misses classes due to holidays, personal commitments or other absences.
Families experiencing financial difficulties are encouraged to contact the Finance and Management Team to discuss possible payment arrangements.
4. Arranged Payment Plans
Ace Dance Studios understands that families may require alternative payment arrangements and offers payment plans where agreed upon by the Management Team.
An agreement will be established between Ace Dance Studios and the student’s whānau, outlining the agreed payment amounts, frequency and conditions. Payments must remain consistent with the agreed terms.
Monthly Class Fees: Late fees will not apply to monthly class fees covered by an approved payment plan, provided the agreed payments are maintained.
Competition Fees: Competition fees must still be paid in full by their specified due dates, regardless of any existing payment plan. Late fees may apply to overdue competition fees.
If a family is unable to maintain their agreed payments or needs to make changes to their payment plan, they must contact Ace Dance Studios as soon as possible to discuss alternative arrangements. Failure to maintain an agreed payment plan without prior communication may result in the arrangement being reviewed or cancelled, with standard payment terms and policies applying thereafter.
5. Class Withdrawals
Recreational Students
The last monthly fee sent to a student must be paid. After this, if the student would like to finish up classes, no more monthly fees will be payable.
Competition Students
Competition dancers commit to a full dance year. Students who withdraw early will be charged a one-off withdrawal fee equivalent to their remaining monthly class fees, as outlined in their signed Student Agreement. Administration fees and additional competition costs are excluded from this calculation. Any outstanding invoices must still be paid in full. Exceptions may be considered for exceptional circumstances at Management's discretion, in accordance with applicable New Zealand law.
6. Unpaid Class Fees & Late Payment Fees
A one-week grace period is provided following the payment due date. If fees remain unpaid after this period, a one-off late fee of 10% may be applied to the outstanding invoice. Continued non-payment may result in the student’s participation in classes being temporarily suspended until the outstanding balance is settled or an approved payment arrangement is in place.
Management will communicate with families before any late fees are applied or class participation is suspended.
7. Missed Classes
Refunds or make-up classes are not generally provided for absences due to holidays, overseas travel, birthdays or other personal commitments. In cases of serious illness, injury or bereavement, management may consider a credit, refund or alternative arrangement depending on the circumstances and length of absence. Supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate, may be requested where reasonably necessary.
8. Competition Fees
Competition fees are invoiced separately according to the competitions each dancer or crew is registered to attend. Once competition registrations or other associated costs have been committed and sent out, families remain responsible for those costs if their dancer withdraws.
Failure to pay competition fees by the specified deadline may result in a dancer being unable to participate in the relevant competition. Families experiencing payment difficulties should contact management before the payment deadline.
9. Financial Hardship
Ace Dance Studios understands that families may experience unexpected financial difficulties.
In exceptional circumstances, management may approve a payment extension, payment arrangement or partial discount for monthly class fees. Any arrangement must be discussed with and approved by the Management Team. Late payment fees may be waived where an arrangement has been approved.
10. Family Discount
Ace Dance Studios offers a 20% family discount when multiple students from the same immediate family are enrolled. The discount is applied to the lowest monthly class fee and does not apply to registration fees, competition fees or other additional charges.
11. Policy Amendments
Ace Dance Studios may update this Fees Policy when necessary. Families will be notified of material changes, and any changes will be applied in accordance with existing agreements and applicable New Zealand law.
Nothing in this policy limits a student's or family's rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or other applicable legislation.