The large studio at Columbia Youth Ballet with mirrors and ballet barres

Studio policies

Enrollment in classes at Columbia Youth Ballet signifies agreement to our studio policies. These guidelines ensure a safe, professional, and productive environment for all students.

General studio information
  • Leave personal items only in the bar area. There is ample space for your belongings to be safely stowed. No bags or coats are allowed on the floor as they may become a tripping hazard. CYB does not accept any liability for personal belongings.
  • No street shoes are allowed on the floor, as outside dirt can damage the surface and create sticking or slipping hazards. Bring your dance shoes separately to change into upon arrival.
  • No food, drink, or chewing gum on the floor during class or during breaks. This prevents sticking and slipping hazards on the dance surface.
  • Smoking and pets are prohibited on our premises as prescribed by local, state, and federal laws.
  • Dancing is physical exercise. You participate at your own risk. It is your responsibility to consult your physician to confirm your fitness capabilities before beginning any dance lessons. A doctor's note may be required for special physical concerns, or to return to activity after injury or illness.
Arrival and attendance
  • Students are to arrive early so they are warmed up and prepared for class.
  • Students arriving later than 15 minutes past the start time: it is at the teacher's discretion whether you may join on the floor or be required to observe.
  • Students are to wear cover-ups to and from the studio.
  • Students must be in proper class attire/uniform in order to attend class.
  • Students must have their hair done properly for each class.
  • Sweater warm-ups allowed only in cold weather. They must be form-fitting and removed when requested by the instructor.
  • No jewelry or watches while in class.
  • Students must attend class regularly or they may be placed in a lower level class. Consistent attendance and effort are the key to improvement.

Final Exams: Evaluation and placement for the new CYB year as well as eligibility for YAGP is determined at this time. Attendance is mandatory.

Missed Classes: May be made up anytime within the semester. Students may participate in any class at or below their level for the make-up.

Inclement Weather: An email will be sent if classes are cancelled. Otherwise, CYB will be open.

Etiquette and conduct
  • Private videotaping of group classes or CYB shows is strictly prohibited. Videotaping of private lessons may be allowed with prior approval from teachers and management.
  • No cell phones on the floor. Please set phones to a non-disruptive mode during class. If you must take a call, excuse yourself to the vestibule.
  • If you need to leave the premises during class, please notify your teacher. Bathroom breaks may be taken without notification.
  • Anyone expressing a difficult, overly negative, or disruptive attitude will be dismissed from class at the teacher's sole discretion.
  • If you need to speak with your teacher, please make an appointment. We will be happy to give you our undivided attention at a scheduled time.
Registration and changes

$35 one-time registration fee applies to new students only and is due at registration. Returning students re-enrolling do not pay it.

  • All tuition is non-refundable & non-transferable. Initial registration should occur prior to the start of class. You must complete documentation and payment before attending.
  • Classes are non-transferable. Missed classes are not pro-rated or redeemable for cash.
  • To withdraw from a class, submit the Class Withdrawal Form at least 60 days in advance, except for medical reasons with a doctor's note. All tuition is non-refundable.
  • Changing classes requires joint authorization of both the teacher you are leaving and the teacher you are joining.
  • Schedule cancellations or changes will be communicated via phone, email, and website. You are responsible for noting changes.
  • If CYB cancels a class (very rare), the course session will be lengthened to include originally planned hours. Refunds or credits will not be given.
  • Any class with enrollment less than or equal to 6 may be cancelled and combined with a same-level class with proper notification.
Payments and discounts
  • We accept all major credit cards, check, or cash. A $35 returned check fee applies.
  • Three payments: Term 1 is due at registration, Term 2 on December 1, 2026, and Term 3 on March 9, 2027. One payment: the full yearly tuition is due at registration.
  • Check or cash discounts: 3% on three payments, or 5% on one payment.
  • Payments after the due date are subject to a late fee of $25 per week. Students may be dismissed for lack of payment.
  • Sibling discount: 10% for each additional child after the first. It cannot be combined with the 3% or 5% check/cash discounts.
  • Refunds & Credits: Classes will not be pro-rated for absences. Requests must be made in writing; approval at sole discretion of CYB management.
Private lessons
  • Private lessons with CYB teachers are by appointment only.
  • All private lessons must be pre-paid.
  • Discounted packages of private lessons may be available. Ask your teacher for details.
  • Private lessons are non-transferable and provided only to the intended student. Additional students may not join.
  • 24-hour cancellation policy. Payments are not refundable and lessons cannot be rescheduled with less than 24 hours notice. With sufficient notice, we will do everything possible to reschedule.
Competitions and events

CYB has a specific schedule of competitions and performance events each year. A student's participation is determined by their teacher.

  • Any student deemed prepared to perform does so at their own risk and must sign a release form.
  • Deadlines for forms and payments must be met. Students with late submissions will not be allowed to participate.

CYB does everything possible to avoid excessive fees and keep costs reasonably low. It is our goal to make events both fun and affordable for all students.

Free trial class

We are pleased to offer a free trial class to all dance enthusiasts. If you are not satisfied with our quality, professionalism, and teaching method, you are welcome to walk away without any charge.

CYB reserves the right to add, change, or amend any of the above policies and rules.

NextBook a free trial class