Experience the Joy of Dance at Zion School of Performing Arts

To our new families

The staff and faculty at ZION welcome you. You are entering a new world as you begin to study the art of dance, voice, or acting at ZION.  Remember that one is never too old or too educated to explore the numerous aspects of the performing arts, because the knowledge derived from dance is endless!

To our returning families

Thank you for your support and welcome back!  You have chosen ZION as your performing arts school.  Once again, we are dedicated to teaching you more than how to dance, sing, and act, but also the development of your mental, physical, emotional, and artistic growth, which is your coordination, poise, grace, flexibility, strength, self-confidence, self-discipline and self-respect and also how to use these talents to glorify God.

To our parents

By enrolling your child at ZION, we appreciate that you take an active role in assisting your child with a genuine, enthusiastic, and positive interest in your child’s progression.  You must also trust that we as the staff and faculty will make the decisions in your child’s best interests. His/her welfare is first and foremost. 

To our new students

Entering ZION, you must take a trial class to assess proper placement and to ensure the best possible class schedule.  The instructors will evaluate by considering age, experience, # of years dancing, dance history, progress, pace in “picking up” material, physical development, attitude, and work ethic in class.  If there are any changes you will be notified by the next class.

How Our Tuition Works

We want tuition to be simple and predictable for our families! Tuition is due the first week of each month (unless you’ve worked out a different plan with our director), and we’ve set it up on a 10-month payment plan — so your payments are the same each month, from September through June.

We’ve already factored in holidays and scheduled studio closings when we calculated tuition, so there’s no need to worry if one month has fewer or more classes than another. For the 2026-27 season, we will have 37 weeks of classes. Tuition is based on 36 weeks of instruction, and the extra week is built in to allow flexibility for rehearsals or to be used for make-up classes if needed throughout the season.

We’ve totaled the season’s tuition based on your dancer’s class hours and divided it into 10 even monthly payments.

If a class ever has to be canceled due to weather or a teacher’s absence, we’ll make sure to schedule a make-up class. While tuition stays the same if your child misses a class, students in private or semi-private lessons can always schedule make-up sessions for any missed lessons during the year. Tuition payments will be due Sept-June.

Payments may be made by check or on Venmo @charity-creech-1 or mailed to Charity Creech, 3233 Wayne Street, Endicott, NY 13760

1 Hour Group Class: $12.50

45-Minute Group Class: $9.40

30-Minute Group Class: $6.50

30-Minute Private Lesson: $20

30 Minute Semi-Private Lesson (Duo/Trio): $14

Registration Fee:   $30 per family to be paid at registration. Non-refundable. This fee covers the cost of music, the stage rehearsal, and administrative costs.

Late Fees: Tuition is due the first week of the month. There will be a $5 late fee charged for tuition turned in one week late, and a $10 late fee charge for 2nd week, and $15 charged for 3 weeks late. 

​Bounced check Fee: A $25 service charge is applied to the repayment of a bounced check. 

Discounted Tuition Rates per student 

This does not apply to Private, Semi-Private Instruction, or discounted Homeschool classes

2 one-hour Classes: $5 off 

3 one-hour classes: $10 off

4 one-hour classes: $15 off

Family Discount: A family discount of $5 off for the 2nd, $10 off for three. Families with 4 or more children will receive a 10% discount. 

Discounts do not apply to private or semi-private lessons

Other Costs

COSTUMES:
Each group class or routine your child participates in requires a costume. At ZION, we strive to keep costume costs as affordable as possible; however, even the most budget-friendly costumes typically range from $40 to $70. Additional expenses may include dance tights, liners for older girls, and dance shoes. Please plan accordingly when budgeting for your child’s upcoming season at ZION.

Costume payments are due by the third week of November, prior to Thanksgiving break, no exceptions. Additionally, all monthly tuition fees must be current before costume payments can be accepted. You will receive a detailed list of required purchases for each class by the end of September or beginning of October. 

COMPETITION:

If your child is on a competitive team, we will be attending USTD the weekend of June 4th-6th, 2027 at the Anderson Center at BU. Currently groups are $55, Duo/Trio is $65, and Solos are $110. These fees are due April 1st, 2027

Our studio is committed to maintaining a positive, respectful, and supportive environment for all students, families, and staff. We understand that misunderstandings and differing personalities can arise within any community; however, ongoing interpersonal conflict, gossip, exclusionary behavior, or negative interactions among parents can affect the atmosphere of the studio and ultimately impact the students. We ask all studio families to help foster a culture of kindness, maturity, encouragement, and respect. Parents are expected to:

• Communicate respectfully with staff and other studio families 
• Avoid gossip, divisive conversations, and social exclusion 
• Address concerns privately and appropriately 
• Model positive behavior for all students 
• Support a welcoming environment for every dancer and family 

The studio reserves the right to address behavior that disrupts the studio environment or negatively affects students, families, or staff. Our priority will always be preserving a healthy, encouraging atmosphere where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

We value every family in our studio community and appreciate your partnership in helping us create a supportive and uplifting environment for all.

ATTENDANCE:
Regular attendance is very important at ZION! Students who miss more than three consecutive weeks of class may be at risk of being dropped. Because dance, acrobatics, and theater are team-based activities, consistent attendance helps ensure that group routines and productions come together successfully.

Before enrolling, please take a moment to consider your child’s schedule and other commitments to help avoid conflicts. We also kindly ask that class not be used as a form of punishment. When a student is absent, it affects not only their own progress, but also the class as a whole and the instructor’s ability to effectively teach choreography and rehearsals. Our season runs 36 weeks, and students are expected to attend at least 75% of classes to stay on track and be prepared for performances. Students who miss more than 9 classes (25% of the season) may be ineligible to participate in the recital or may be withdrawn from the class. Exceptions can be made for medical reasons or other approved circumstances, with proper communication.

If your child will be absent, please notify your instructor in advance. In cases of illness or family emergency, please contact Miss Charity as soon as possible at (607) 752-0342.

 Absences or Cancellations: Make-up lessons are not given for any missed lessons that are not canceled by the director or instructor. If the lesson IS canceled by the director or instructor, a make-up lesson will be given prior to May 2027. All classes canceled due to scheduled studio closings or breaks have already been factored into the monthly/yearly tuition. If at any time a student decides to not continue their class or lessons, for any reason whatsoever, ZION is not responsible for refunding or transferring any monies already paid in advance to secure the dancer's spot in their class. However, special arrangements will be made for a student with a prolonged illness or serious injury with a doctor's note stating how long their recovery time will be before they can return to class. 

 Dress Code: All students in dance and acrobatics class must wear proper dance attire. No exceptions

Acrobatic Classes: Any leotard or unitard. If wearing tights footless or convertible. Optional shorts or sweats

Ballet Classes: Black or pink leotards with pink or white full-footed tights (older teens may wear tan/nude tights), and pink ballet shoes. Hair in a bun. Optional skirt or shorts. Black ballet shoes for boys

Adv-Elite Dance Teams: Any color leotard and footless tights. Skirt or shorts optional

Tap Classes: Dance/Athletic shorts or pants, any color leotard or fitted top. Please make sure to maintain our modesty rules. Black tap shoes for tappers. No sneakers are allowed on the dance floor. No jeans or sweaters.

BOYS ATTIRE: Athletic shorts or pants with a well-fitted tee. No jeans or sweaters allowed

ZION promotes modesty so please take special consideration when selecting your dancewear to make sure your chest and stomach are fully covered. No midriff is allowed. Camisoles or tank tops may be worn over leos to prevent this issue. 

If students come inappropriately dressed after the first warning, they will be asked to sit out of their class and observe only.  Parents & Guardians, please enforce this rule with your children. 

 Photography & Recording Guidelines

Media & Sharing Policy

Dance is a visual art form, it’s meant to be seen, shared, and celebrated. Like music, theater, or painting, it comes alive when it’s experienced by others. For many students, performing, even digitally, is part of their growth, confidence, and joy.

At the same time, sharing must be handled with care. We are intentional about what is recorded and posted, ensuring it is always appropriate, respectful, and protective of every student involved. There is a difference between showcasing the beauty of the art and overexposing children, and we are committed to maintaining that balance.

We also value open communication and welcome thoughtful feedback from our families, as this is something we take seriously.

Guidelines for Families

No Recording During Warm-Ups or Stretching
Warm-ups and stretching often involve positions (such as bending, floor work, or flexibility exercises) where students may feel physically exposed or vulnerable. For this reason, photo and video recording is not permitted during these portions of class.

Respect Student Privacy
Out of respect for all families, no parent or visitor may photograph or record a child who is not their own at any time without explicit permission from both the instructor and the child’s parent/guardian.

No Posting Without Consent
Even when recording your own child, please do not post photos or videos online that include other students without permission from their parents. Some families in our community prefer not to have their child’s image shared publicly.

Studio-Approved Sharing
Any official photos or videos shared by the studio in accordance with our Photo & Media Release Consent Form, ensuring all students are represented appropriately and respectfully.  Please note that students participating in competitive teams may have group photos and performance videos shared on ZION platforms as part of team participation and promotional purposes. 

Parking Lot Safety 

• Children should never be in the parking lot alone.
• Parents/guardians must walk students into the studio and pick them up at the door.
• Please remain aware of your surroundings when entering and exiting the parking lot.

If you notice any suspicious activity, please notify studio staff immediately. We are committed to creating an environment where every student feels safe, respected, and free to focus on learning without concern for privacy or personal safety.

Student Safety & Studio Conduct Policy

The safety and well-being of all students is a top priority at ZION.

ZION reserves the right to restrict, limit, or deny access to the studio, lobby, or surrounding areas to any individual (including parents, guardians, or visitors) whose behavior is deemed inappropriate, disruptive, or raises concern for the safety, privacy, or well-being of students or staff. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Behavior that is concerning, inappropriate, or unprofessional 
• Disruption of classes, rehearsals, or studio operations 
• Failure to follow studio policies or staff direction 
• Any action that compromises a safe, respectful, and secure environment 

All decisions will be made at the sole discretion of ZION staff and leadership and will be handled with appropriate care and confidentiality.

Lobby & Studio Use Policy

Because our lobby is small and opens directly into the dance space, we ask families to be mindful of how the space is used during class time to help maintain a safe and focused environment.

• Parent Supervision
  The lobby is a parent-supervised space. Children who are not in class must      always remain with their parent or guardian. Please supervise children      under 5 in the bathroom. 
• Studio Capacity
  During larger classes, we ask that each student be accompanied by no more      than one parent or guardian in the studio to help manage space and      minimize distractions. 
• Studio Boundaries
  Only students participating in class are permitted on the dance floor.      Please keep non-participating children off the dance floor during class      and from running around in the lobby.
• Respect the Space
  Please clean up after yourselves and your children. Coats, bags, and shoes      should be placed in designated areas (coat hooks and cubbies) to keep      walkways clear and safe. 
• Additional Children in Care
  Parents may bring siblings if needed; however, we are not able to      accommodate additional children in your care (such as daycare children)      due to space limitations. If needed, the library across the street is a great nearby option during class time.

 Music Selections: All group or class music is selected by the instructor. Students taking private or semi-private classes have a say in what song they'd like to perform but all selections must be approved by the director. Since ZION is a Christian performing arts school, Christian music is the main focal point. However, at times instrumental, patriotic, or other selections may be used to tell a story relating to a particular theme a production or recital may have. The director has the final say in all music selections. 

PICTURE DAY: There will be one required studio-wide picture day in May (exact date TBA). Students must be in their proper attire (including costume, hair, make-up, tights, shoes, accessories) for their scheduled block of time for each dance. Pavlik Photography will be doing the photo shoot and all orders for photos will be taken on that day by Jim Pavlik. Payment is due at the time of order and must be paid before the picture is taken. A specific schedule will be posted prior to picture day for each class and routine. No one is required to purchase pictures but all students in a group class must attend. 

Our students have the opportunity to perform in shows, recitals, competitions, and other events throughout the year. It's a chance to showcase your skills, build your confidence, and share your love of dance with others.

Our spacious and well-equipped studio is available for rent on weekends. Whether you need a space for rehearsals, auditions, performances, or a party, our studio is the perfect choice. Contact us to learn more about renting our space. 

Have a question or want to learn more about our studio? Contact us today! Our friendly staff is always happy to help.