DAKODA’S DANCE ACADEMY

Terms & Conditions

Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully. By enrolling a student at Dakoda’s Dance Academy (“DDA”), a binding contract is formed and attendance will be strictly subject to full adherence to these terms.

If any parent or student is in material or persistent breach of these Terms and Conditions, DDA reserves the right to terminate the contract and/or exclude the student from classes on a temporary or permanent basis without further liability.

 

General Conditions

•       DDA accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of personal belongings while on the premises.

•       DDA accepts no liability for any injuries sustained whilst participating in a class or on the premises.

•       DDA staff must be notified of any changes to information provided at the time of booking or enrolment.

 

Enrolment Process

Students may join DDA either by booking a two-week trial class or by accepting an immediate place within a class.

By booking a trial class, accepting a place, enrolling a student, or setting up payment arrangements with DDA, the parent or guardian agrees to these Terms and Conditions in full.

These Terms and Conditions are made available during the booking and enrolment process and must be accepted before a trial place or ongoing class place is confirmed.

Following a trial period, or where a student joins directly, families will be issued with either a full-term or pro-rata invoice together with a GoCardless Direct Debit mandate. Continued attendance, payment of fees, or completion of the enrolment process shall constitute acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

 

Course Bookings

DDA does not offer drop-in classes for children and young people (with the exception of certain parent and toddler classes). All courses must be booked in advance.

Students may join during a term subject to availability and authorisation from the DDA management team.

Classes joined mid-term are charged on a pro-rata basis for new students only.

Where a class is full, DDA will endeavour to offer an alternative class, location or waiting list place.

 

Two-Week Trials

Two-week trials are available to new students and must be booked and paid for in advance through the DDA website.

Families may book trials in more than one class, style, teacher or location, subject to availability.

Each trial booking applies only to the specific class booked and does not guarantee or reserve an ongoing place.

Following the trial period, families wishing to continue will be issued with either a full-term or pro-rata invoice together with a GoCardless Direct Debit mandate.

Places are confirmed only upon completion of the enrolment process and the setting up of the required Direct Debit.

If a family chooses not to continue following a trial, no further action is required.

Students who continue after a trial become subject to all DDA Terms and Conditions.

 

Enrolment & Payment Policy

A child’s place at DDA continues from term to term unless written notice is received that the child will not be returning.

Existing families receive priority access to their classes before any remaining places are offered to new families or waiting lists.

Direct Debit via GoCardless is the only accepted payment method for all ongoing term enrolments.

Families may choose to pay:

•       One termly payment before the start of each term (default).

•       Monthly instalments, available upon request by email.

•       Annual payments by prior arrangement.

 

Monthly instalments simply spread the cost of the term and do not alter the commitment to the full term. If a Direct Debit mandate is cancelled while monthly instalments are in progress, the full remaining balance for the term becomes immediately due and payable.

A Direct Debit instruction may be cancelled with the bank at any time. However, cancelling a Direct Debit does not constitute withdrawal from DDA and does not remove liability for any fees due.

If a student joins after a term has commenced, a pro-rata invoice may be issued for the remaining weeks of that term. Pro-rata fees are available for new students only and are not available for existing students.

Once a child has started attending a term, the full term’s fees remain payable regardless of attendance, absence or cancellation of a Direct Debit.

Trial classes do not reserve a permanent place within a class. Places are confirmed only upon completion of the enrolment process and the setting up of the required Direct Debit.

If a family does not attend at the start of a new term, payment is not received, and reasonable attempts to make contact are unsuccessful, DDA reserves the right to cancel the outstanding invoice, close the account, and offer the place to another family.

 

Withdrawing from Classes

If a child will not be returning, written notice must be provided by email before the published payment collection date for the following term.

Cancellation of a Direct Debit instruction does not constitute withdrawal from DDA and does not remove liability for fees due.

 

Non-Payment

Failure to make payment before term starts may result in no place being available. If this happens, DDA will make every reasonable effort to offer an alternative arrangement.

DDA will make reasonable efforts to contact the family before any place is released.

If a place is withdrawn due to non-payment, DDA may offer the place to another student.

A £25 administration fee will be applied for late payments.

 

Fee Increases

Fees are reviewed periodically and may increase from time to time.

DDA operates across an academic year of 35 weeks and fees may vary between terms depending upon the number of teaching weeks in each term.

 

Refunds

DDA cannot offer refunds for missed classes.

No refunds are available for unused lessons or non-attendance.

Trial fees are non-refundable once the trial period has commenced.

Where DDA cancels a class or course and an alternative cannot be provided, an appropriate credit, replacement class or refund may be offered.

Holiday courses, workshops and camps are non-refundable unless cancelled by DDA.

In the event of a long-term illness or injury preventing attendance for a sustained period, a refund or credit may be considered at the management’s discretion. A doctor’s note will be required for non-visible injuries.

 

Cancellation of Classes

If a class does not take place due to circumstances beyond DDA’s control, the class may be rearranged, replaced or credited at the Academy’s discretion.

DDA reserves the right to cancel a class or course where enrolment numbers are insufficient. Every effort will be made to provide a suitable alternative or pro-rata refund where appropriate.

If a booking is cancelled before the start of term, a minimum of one week’s notice should be given.

 

Private Lessons

Private lessons are subject to a 48-hour cancellation policy.

Lessons cancelled with more than 48 hours’ notice may be rearranged or refunded.

Lessons cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice are non-refundable. A flat rate of £50 applies to cover studio hire where the lesson is held at a DDA studio.

DDA reserves the right to change teachers where necessary.

 

Force Majeure & Pandemics

An event beyond the reasonable control of DDA is a Force Majeure Event and includes: acts of God, fire, flood, earthquake or natural disaster; war, riot, civil unrest, terrorism or industrial disputes; outbreak of epidemic or pandemic; failure of utility services or transportation.

If DDA cannot deliver classes due to force majeure or government directive, online classes via video conferencing may be implemented as a replacement. No refunds will be offered in such circumstances.

 

14-Day Cooling Off Period

Where a contract is formed entirely through distance communication without a face-to-face meeting, consumers may have statutory cancellation rights under consumer legislation.

However, by attending a booked trial, class or course during this period, you expressly request that services begin immediately. Charges may therefore apply for services already provided.

 

Staff & Teachers

All staff, including cover teachers, are qualified, experienced and DBS checked. Volunteer class assistants and trainees on placement are also DBS checked.

 

First Aid

A first aider is always on site. By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions, you authorise DDA to seek medical services in the case of serious injury or illness if you cannot be contacted.

 

Illness & Injury

If a child is injured or becomes unwell during class, DDA will endeavour to support them to continue. If they are unable to, parents will be contacted to arrange collection.

Parents are asked to keep children at home if they have any of the following:

•       A fever, or a fever in the previous 24 hours

•       An upset stomach or diarrhoea in the previous 48 hours

•       Heavy nasal discharge or discharging eyes

•       Symptoms of a communicable disease including measles, chickenpox, German measles, whooping cough, impetigo, scarlet fever, hand foot and mouth disease, or norovirus

 

Supervision & Behaviour

Students must always obtain permission from staff prior to leaving class. Toilet breaks will be supervised by a member of staff or class facilitator.

Racist, sexist and other offensive language and behaviour is not tolerated. DDA reserves the right to terminate membership without notice. Behaviour of staff, parents and students must always follow our code of conduct.

Pets are not permitted on DDA premises for health and safety reasons.

 

Uniform

Appropriate uniform for each class can be found on the DDA website and must be worn at all times.

•       Students must not wear school uniform to DDA classes.

•       All belongings must be clearly labelled. Lost property is donated to charity at the end of each term.

•       No jewellery. Earrings are not permitted during physical activity.

•       Hair must be tied back for all classes. A bun is required for Ballet and Acrobatics/Gymnastics.

 

Arrival & Departure

Children must arrive and be collected promptly, ideally 5 minutes before the start of class. Latecomers may need to wait until an appropriate point to join. Children arriving more than 15 minutes late may be refused admission.

Children must not be left unsupervised in reception between classes.

 

Absence

Any child missing more than two classes per term without reason may not be able to join future courses. Good attendance and commitment is essential as class numbers are limited.

 

Child Collection

It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to ensure the child is collected punctually at the end of class. In the event of a late collection, the following procedure applies:

•       The director, Dakoda Matthews-Forth, will be informed and will contact the parent or guardian.

•       If the director is unavailable, the office or Robert Myers will be contacted.

•       If the parent or guardian cannot be reached, the emergency procedure will be followed and the child may be taken to the nearest police station. The full DDA management team will be notified.

 

Photos & Videos

DDA may photograph or film children for use in displays, website content, printed materials and social media. Individual children will not be named in any image or caption without prior parental permission.

Group or class images may be used with general labels such as ‘Street Dance Team’. Only images of suitably dressed pupils will be used.

Historic photographs will remain on the DDA website and social media feeds. Full names will never be used alongside images.

If you wish to exclude your child from photography, please contact the office.

During Watching Days, parents may film classes for personal use only. Footage must not be posted on social media.

 

Physical Contact & Consent

Parents consent to such physical contact with children as may accord with good practice, be appropriate for teaching and instruction, provide comfort to a child in distress, maintain safety and good order, or relate to the child’s health and welfare.

Parents also consent to the student participating in contact and non-contact activities as part of the normal programme. The Academy will provide appropriate supervision, but the risk of injury cannot be eliminated.

 

Disclosures

Parents must disclose to DDA in confidence, as soon as possible:

•       Any known medical condition, health problem or allergy affecting the child.

•       Any disability, special educational need, or behavioural, emotional or social difficulty.

•       Any concerns about the child’s safety, including relevant court proceedings or orders.

 

Food & Nutrition

DDA is a nut-free environment. Nuts, chewing gum and fizzy drinks are strictly forbidden. Food should only be consumed in designated areas. Please bring a light snack and drink only.

 

Communication

DDA uses email as its primary means of communication. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide an accurate email address and to notify DDA of any changes.

 

Equal Opportunities

DDA is committed to ensuring that activities and equipment are of value to everyone regardless of race, culture, language, gender, age, experience, religion, background, ability or disability.

 

Watching Days

Parents and guardians are invited to observe their child’s class at the end of selected terms. Watching Days are not performances — they are normal classes open to observation.

Please bring a maximum of one audience member per child. Children under the age of 4 are not recommended to attend.

Parents may film the class for personal viewing only. Footage must not be posted on social media.

 

Annual Membership Fee

All group classes are subject to an Annual Membership Fee. The applicable fee will be communicated at the time of booking.

 

Birthday Dance Parties

DDA offers two Birthday Dance Party packages. All general Terms and Conditions apply when booking a party.

Package One: The client is responsible for arranging a suitable venue. The venue must be appropriate for a dance class.

Package Two: A premium experience at our Knightsbridge or Marlborough Primary School locations. Includes stickers, gems, tattoos, sweets/lollies (optional), nail varnish and glitter.

 

General party terms:

•       There is no minimum number of guests but there is a minimum fee.

•       Any changes to guest numbers must be communicated at least one week in advance.

•       DDA cannot guarantee a specific member of staff but all staff will be DBS checked and experienced.

•       DDA does not provide food, cake or party bags but can assist with setup.

•       Theme and song choices must be provided at the time of booking or at least 7 days in advance.

•       Parents are asked to keep voices low or vacate the room during the party.

•       Additional travel costs apply if the venue is outside Zone 6.

•       It is the client’s responsibility to arrive on time. The finishing time cannot be extended due to late arrival.

•       If a DDA teacher is asked to stay past the agreed end time, an additional hourly charge applies.

•       Clearing and packing up after the party is the client’s responsibility (Package 2: DDA will clean floors and dispose of rubbish).

 

Deposit & payment: A 50% deposit is required to secure the booking. The remaining balance is due at least one week before the party date.

Cancellations:

•       Studio hire payments are non-refundable.

•       Cancellations with more than 28 days’ notice: no further charge.

•       Cancellations with less than 28 days’ notice: 50% of the total fee will be charged.

•       Photos and videos taken during a party may be used by DDA for promotional purposes only. Please inform us if you prefer not to be included.

 

DDA will not be held liable for any reactions to glitter, nail varnish or other items given at parties. Participants take part at their own risk. DDA is not responsible for loss, damage, vandalism or theft of personal property during a party.

 

Liability

Unless negligent or in breach of a legal duty which causes injury, loss or damage, DDA does not accept responsibility for accidental injury or other loss caused to the student or parents, or for loss or damage to personal property.

Participants are responsible for ensuring they have adequate insurance to cover any activity they undertake.

 

Variations

These Terms and Conditions, uniform requirements and fees are subject to change from time to time to reflect changes in the law or in custom and practice at the Academy.

 

Interpretation

These Terms and Conditions supersede any previously in force and will be construed as a whole. Headings are for ease of reading only and are not otherwise part of these Terms and Conditions.

 

Last updated: June 2026