UPDATED: August 25, 2023

By participating in our programs and using our website you agree to the following Handbook and Terms of Service.

Classes subject to change. Classes must have a minimum of 4 students.

You can now register on-line! To register on-line for our programs you will need to first create an account with us, if you haven't already done so. As of August 11, 2023 we have an improved method for registering, paying and managing your account, students, enrollments, orders, and more.

Welcome to Ambition Performing Arts Centre!

We are very excited to have you join us for our programs this year and we can’t wait to get started! Following you will find all the information you need for the upcoming year including closure dates, show dates, uniform and shoes, and payment information. If you have any follow-up questions then please contact the studio by phone or by email.

New and Returning students - please review this Handbook to help you understand our guidelines, policies and terms of service.

Please note:

Our school year runs from September to the end of May. The school closes for most statutory holidays, two weeks at Christmas, and one week at Spring break. Please be sure to check Important Dates to confirm any closures.

Age Requirements: The cut-off date for age requirements is December 31st - same as school. Please enroll your students in their appropriate age group as students not enrolled in the appropriate age group will be withdrawn and will need to register again.

Wait Lists: If you find that a class is presently full thenn please put your name on the wait list by clicking the 'Wait List' link to the right of a class you want. We use the wait lists to determine which classes we will need to open up. We will attempt to accommodate everyones' needs.

At Ambition Performing Arts Centre our class curriculum is based on season-long enrollment and regular attendance and we require full commitment to our classes. All of our dates for rehearsals, shows, and any fun or extra activities are set prior to the start of our season and communicated with our clientele regularly. Any changes or disruptions to commitment and attendance can be very difficult on your student as well as their classmates and it is important for us as educators to be properly prepared for our classes each week.. If you are enrolled in other extra curricular activities then please ensure that they do not conflict with Ambition’s scheduled activities. Let us know upon enrollment if there is a conflict so that we can attempt to make accommodations, if possible. We will do our best to accommodate any requests but we cannot be expected to alter our schedule or change dates without reasonable notification. Participation in our performances and extra activities is included in registration. If you have questions about these requirements then please contact us before enrolling in our on-line programming.

See also:

• Important Dates
• Programs Offered

Class Attendance

Choreography for our year-end Recital begins in February and if you miss more than 3 of the last 12 classes before a performance without valid reasoning and proper notification then you may be dismissed from participating in the routine at the discretion of the studio Director.

Class Changes

Teacher assignments will be announced before classes begin in September. Ambition Performing Arts Centre reserves the right to re-schedule or combine classes, or to provide a substitute teacher. Ambition Performing Arts Centre reserves the right to deliver class content via an on-line system in the event that classes are not able to be conducted live for any reason including, but not limited to: weather, teacher absence, or governmental advisory decisions. All tuition fees, costumes, etc. are not refundable if this circumstance occurs.

Class Placement

Instructors will determine placement of all students at the time of registration and throughout the season. If changes need to be made in levels or classes then we will do our best to discuss these changes with you within the first three weeks of classes. It is of the utmost importance that every student be placed in the appropriate class and level. Proper placement will be determined upon assessment of the student by the studio Director.

Closures for Weather or Other Circumstances

We will post any cancellations by 2:00pm on the day affected. Make-up classes for weather closures will only be offered if multiple closures occur on the same day of the week and will be offered on available studio time at future dates outlined and disclosed to the families affected.

Communication

Important studio and class information will be sent to the primary contact's email address as provided in your on-line account. If you do not wish to receive such email then you may opt out or remove your email address at any time. However, since this is our primary form of communication with you we urge you to keep at least one email address on file so you do not miss important and/or time-sensitive information. You will receive regular emails (at least monthly) keeping you informed of schedule changes, dates and other important events. Ambition Performing Arts Centre will not be responsible for information not received. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep up with all communication throughout the season.

During class hours our instructors will not be available for conversations or discussions as this interferes with class time. Our focus is 100% on our students to give them the best experience in class. If you have something that you need to discuss with a teacher then please leave a note with the receptionist and the teacher will contact you at their earliest convenience.

Discounts per Family

The more programs you order the more you save! Your current order plus all your orders within the current school year are used to calculate how much you save. Merchandise, Private & Summer Programs are not included in the calculations and are not discounted. Your savings accumulate so your next order will show the additional savings and ordering all at once will save the most as everything on the order receives the full discount.

• SAVE 10% with 2-3 programs per family
• SAVE 20% with 4 or more programs per family

Dress Code

Proper attire and hair etiquette are required for all classes. Our dress codes are traditional, but are mostly for instructional and safety purposes. Please be sure to assist your student(s) in dressing appropriately and arriving at the studio ready for classes.

Exams

We are very pleased to offer Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) exams during our school year. Eligible classes and/or students will be selected early in the season and will work towards a Fall or Spring exam session. Participation is not mandatory but is encouraged. Extra fees apply and special attire is required.

Illness

If any student shows signs of illness in any form they will be sent out of class and will remain in the lobby (supervised) to be picked up. Please do not send your student to the studio if they are sick in any way. The same policy will be applied for all staff members. We ask that if any student or teacher has to cough or sneeze that they kindly do so into their arm so to prevent the spread of any germs.

Office Hours

Office hours are posted on the bottom of our website next to our contact information. They do change at times when we are not in the studio, or because we are participating in competitions during the Spring season. Please do not hesitate to call or email us anytime you have a question or concern.

Performance Dates & Rehearsals

Please be sure to check Important Dates to confirm the dates. Our on-stage January Showcase will be in the afternoon of Saturday, January 13th, 2024, with the rehearsal happening in the morning. The location is to be determined. At our year-end show we will be offering 2 different performances this season. The first is our Showcase for all classes aged Junior and Older and will be held in the evening of Thursday, May 9, 2024. The rehearsal will be in the evening of Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at the First Ontario Arts Centre Milton. The second performance will be for our Mini and Primary age levels on the afternoon of Saturday, May 25th, 2024 at the Guleph Little Theatre with the rehearsal being that morning. More information about the shows will be disclosed closer to the date. Show dates are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Performance and Costume Requirement

Each class in the Primary and Mini age levels will participate in one in-class performance in January and one on-stage performance in May.

Each class in the Junior and older age levels will participate in 2 on-stage performances - one in January and one in May.

 A costume purchase will be required for the on-stage performance in May and is charged separately along with class photo fees both due by November 1. The January Showcase T-shirt is included in your tuition fee. Costume rental or purchase fees may be applicable to acting classes dependant on the piece chosen for their performance.

Photo and Video Release

Ambition Performing Arts Centre requires irrevocable permission to use a registered student’s image, name and visual likeness in all forms and media for any advertising purposes. All rights, title and interest in all such images and any reproductions or derivative works shall be the exclusive property of Ambition Performing Arts Centre. Additionally, from time to time parents and students may opt to share videos, photos or other information on social media pages that may be used, hosted, created or referenced by Ambition Performing Arts Centre. The party posting takes responsibility for all sharing or posting of such information and waives any claim against the Entities for the release of any protected information. If a registered student is under the age of 18 at the time of this agreement then the party signing makes this waiver on behalf of their child(ren) by releasing Ambition Performing Arts Centre and its employees, agents and volunteers from all liability or legal responsibility that may arise from the acts that the parent authorized or consented to herein. In addition, Ambition Performing Arts Centre does not owe any compensation for the above acts in this Section.

If you wish to opt out of this requirement please contact the studio director so a note can be kept in your file.

Privacy Policy

Protecting your privacy is important to us. Our privacy policy complies with the requirements of the Privacy Act. Protecting your privacy means we will NOT sell, rent or otherwise provide your personal information, or our customer lists, to persons not associated with the provision of our services and merchandise. We collect personal information only with your consent and by fair and lawful means, and for the purpose(s) for which you have given consent. We keep your personal information and the business you do with us confidential, and we employ appropriate security safeguards.

Safety and Security

In the event of an incident or emergency be rest assured all our staff know the plans for handling the situation and/or evacuating from all the studio building units. Please take the time to look at the evacuation signs in the different parts of the studio and familiarize yourself with the closest exits to the locations you are situated. In the event of an emergency the instructors will take charge of the scene and will let you know what to do. Please follow their instructions and assist as requested. Please do not leave valuables unattended in the dressing rooms or lobby. You make take them with you into your classes. Your instructor will let you know where you can put your possessions. We will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.

Shoe and Uniform Re-Sale Event

We will be hosting 2 used shoe and attire sales at the studio in the leading weeks to the start of the season. Dates will be announced shortly. If you would like to sell any of your items then please let us know.

Uniforms and Shoes

In the winter months if a dancer would like to wear a zip-up or button-up sweater to the start of class they may. Please ensure the sweater is breathable, athletic wear, and note that it will be removed after the warm-up portion of class. Hoodies should not be worn to class.

Below is a list of acceptable shoes, tights, hairstyle and attire for each class. We do not have a mandatory brand or colour for every class but we ask that parents buy shoes based on the suggestions below as they have been chosen for the protection of our students. Please do not purchase tap, ballet or jazz shoes from Wal-Mart or Amazon as they are not correctly designed for supporting the foot or protecting the dancers from injury.

We recommend purchasing dance attire from Instep Activewear (www.instepactivewear.com) in Milton, Freestyle Dancewear (www.freestyle-dancewear.com) in Guelph, or Inspirations Dancewear (www.inspirationsdancewear.com) in Kitchener.

Ballet – Pink Ballet Tights, Pink, Black, Blue or Lilac Leotard, Pink Ballet Shoes, Hair in a Classic Bun. Tutus/Skirts are optional for our Primary and Mini age levels. Recommended shoe code: Bloch S0258G Leather Child Ballet Shoe

Males: White, tight fitting t-shirt. Black or Navy Leggings or Black Dance Shorts, White Socks and White or Black Ballet Shoes.

Jazz – Beige Tights or Bare Legs, Black Slip-On Leo Jazz Shoes, Hair in a Classic Bun or Ponytail, Acceptable attire includes: Leotard, Dance Shorts, Leggings, Crop Tops, Tight fitting Athletic Wear. Recommended shoe Code: So Danca JZ43S in Black

Males: White, tight fitting T-shirt or tank top, Slim Fit Athletic Pants or Black Dance Shorts. Black socks and Black Slip On Leo Jazz Shoes. Recommended Shoe Code: So Danca JZ43S in Black

Tap – Beige Tights or Bare Legs, Black Capezio Tap Shoes, Hair in Classic Bun or Ponytail, Acceptable attire includes: Leotard, Dance Shorts, Leggings, Crop Tops, Tight fitting Athletic Wear. Recommended shoe Code Mini: Capezio 3800C Jr/Inter: Capezio CG19C in Black

Males: White, tight fitting T-shirt or tank top, Slim Fit Athletic Pants or Black Dance Shorts. Black lace up tap shoes Recommended shoe Code: Capezio CG19C in Black.

Acro – Beige Stirrup Tights or Bare Legs, No shoes, Hair in Classic Bun, Ponytails are acceptable if hair is not long enough for a bun, Acceptable attire includes: Leotard, Dance Shorts, Leggings, Crop Tops. T-shirts should not be worn in Acro class. Anything that may drop down and cover a dancers face while upside down may be dangerous.

Males: White, tight-fitting T-shirts. Black Dance Shorts. Pants are not recommended for acrobatic dance, no shoes.

Hip-Hop – Black or White In-door Running Shoes (Preferably High-top Converse – can be knock-offs), Hair in Ponytail, Acceptable attire includes: Sweat Pants, Track Pants, Dance Pants, Leggings, Shorts, Crop-Tops and tight fitting Athletic Wear.

Musical Theatre – Black Slip-on Leo Jazz Shoes, Hair in Classic Bun or Ponytail, Tight fitting Athletic Wear. Recommended shoe code: So Danca JZ43S in Black

Screen/Stage Acting – Black or White Indoor Running Shoes, Athletic Wear. Hair pinned away from face, No Jeans please.

Waiver

I understand that there are risks of physical injury associated with, arising out of and inherent to the activity of dance. In recognition of this acknowledged risk of injury, I knowingly and voluntarily waive all rights and/ or causes of action of any kind, including any and all claims of negligence arising as a result of such activity from which liability could accrue to Ambition Performing Arts Centre, its officers, agents, employees, instructors, subsidiaries, parent corporations, and all affiliated entities (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Ambition Performing Arts Centre”).

I hereby agree to release Ambition Performing Arts Centre and hold Ambition Performing Arts Centre harmless of all liability and hereby acknowledge that I knowingly and voluntarily assume full responsibility for all risks of physical injury arising out of active participation in any disciplines' classes on behalf of the participant named below.

I am aware that this is a release of liability and an acknowledgement of my voluntary and knowing assumption of the risk of injury. I have agreed to this release of liability voluntarily and of my own free will in exchange for the privilege of participation.

I also give Ambition Performing Arts Centre permission to use my child’s picture in, or on, any form of advertisement /social media for Ambition Performing Arts Centre, or a Ambition Performing Arts Centre affiliated event. If I am a minor, my parent and / or legal guardian has signed this document releasing Ambition Performing Arts Centre from any and all such liability described above and has acknowledged that I am knowingly and voluntarily assuming all risks of injury inherent to this activity.

The participant has my permission to participate in Ambition Performing Arts Centre events. I warrant our account information and contact information is complete and correct and will be updated immediately if there are any changes. I further release Ambition Performing Arts Centre of all liabilities associated with my child’s attendance at Ambition Performing Arts Centre.

Withdrawal, Change, and Refunds Policy

These policies are in place to give all our students the best possible experience and to make it fair for everyone while keeping our prices low and our programs full.

All withdrawal and change requests must be received in writing by email from the primary account holder to the studio Director.

Tuition, registration fees and costume fees are non-refundable. Refunds will not be issued for classes missed due to absences, holidays, studio breaks or closings for weather, or other circumstances. Refunds will only be issued if Ambition Performing Arts Centre cancels a class due to insufficient enrollment. Refunds will not be given if a similar on-line class is provided in place of an in-studio class. Account credit may be given in the event of a medical emergency with a physician's note and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Any credit applied to an account will be applied to any Ambition Performing Arts Centre tuition or fees due within one year.

• Program withdrawal or cancellation requests received after November 1 are not refunded and the full order amount is owed. When applicable all future installment payments will continue. Your space in a class is reserved for you (the student) for the year.
• Program withdrawal or cancellation requests will not receive refunds for additional fees which may include costume fees, competitive entry fees, or recital fees.
• An administration fee of $30.00 is applicable for each program cancellation or change (move/switch/transfer) completed as requested. When the studio cancels or changes a program the administration fee is waived, for example, when there are not enough students to run a program.
• Program cancellation requests received before August 1 will receive a full refund of the amount received less 3.5% processing fee and the administration fee of $30.00.
• Program cancellation requests received on or after August 1 and before November 1 will receive a refund of 80% of the full tuition less a 3.5% processing fee on amounts received, and the aforementioned administration fee of $30.00. When applicable future installment payments will be cancelled.
• Should the need arise for the studio to ask a parent to withdraw a student a refund of the unused tuition balance will be made less a 3.5% processing fee on the amount received. When applicable future installment payments will be cancelled.

General Information

Please note the studio is a peanut-free zone. We ask if you send your student with snacks and lunch that you abide by this regulation.

Each student should bring water with them to class.

Ambition Performing Arts Centre has a strict 'no bullying' policy and anyone who is caught in violation of this rule will face appropriate consequences. This policy includes verbal, physical, and emotional bullying whether it is done in class or outside.

If your student has a cellular phone please make sure they understand they cannot be brought into class. We provide change rooms for the students but they are not locked and any valuables that are left inside are at your own risk.

The studio will be following strict COVID-19 health and safety protocols until further notice. What those will look like at the start of the season is still to be determined by the Provincial Government. We will send a document outlining all of the policies we will be following at the beginning of September when policies are more clear!

At this time our Lobby will be open for parents and students. Please consider whether you need to stay for the duration of your child’s class as we want to uphold the highest safety standards in the face of COVID-19.

Again, Thank You!

Thank you for taking the time to read through this Handbook. We are happy to answer any of your questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us at anytime. Let us know how things are going throughout the year and please share any concerns you may have - we will do our best to address them promptly!

Once again we are so excited to begin our year together! it is going to be a great experience for everyone. Thank you for choosing Ambition Performing Arts Centre for your performance training.

See you soon!

Welcome to Ambition Performing Arts Centre!

​​Sincerely,
Melinda Garvie, CEO / Artistic Director

...and all the Ambition Performing Arts Centre Staff!