Code of Conduct

  • Dancers are expected to attend all classes.
  • Dancers must arrive 15 minutes prior to class with appropriate dance wear. Hair must be pulled back off the face. Teachers will invite dancers in when the class is scheduled to start.
  • Respect for teachers, parents, and peers is expected at all times. Inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. 
  • Parents may not watch group dance lessons unless specifically invited by the teacher to observe.
  • Competitive dancers must practice at home (recreational dancers are strongly encouraged to practice). Please speak with your teacher or the director for details. 

General Policies

  • NSF - All NSF fees are subject to a $25 charge.
  • LATE FEES - Late fees are subject to a $10 monthly surcharge.
  • CLASS CANCELLATIONS - The studio is closed for all statutory holidays. Due to three holidays on Mondays (Thanksgiving, Louis Riel Day, & May Long Weekend) and one holiday on Wednesday (Halloween), dancers that come on Mondays/Wednesdays are invited to attend the respective number of make up classes. Please contact the director for appropriate make up classes. In the event KIK cancels a class, a refund will be issued, account credited, or dancer given the option to attend a “make up” class.
  • MISSED CLASSES - Offered as a courtesy to our dancers, “make-up” classes may be arranged for any missed classes. Please speak to the director for appropriate class choices. Missed classes are non-refundable.
  • INJURY - If injured, dancers are invited/expected to attend and observe classes when possible, in order to not fall behind. Dancers on a Flowers of Scotland Performance Troupe MUST attend and observe their class if injured, unless a valid doctor's note is provided.
  • STUDIO ENVIRONMENT - Kids in Kilts strives to offer a positive atmosphere that allows all dancers, dance families, and staff to feel comfortable and safe. Harassment, gossiping, or any other behaviour that compromises any KIK member is prohibited. KIK reserves the right to take any action it deems necessary, including, but not limited to, dismissing the student from the school. 
  • CONSISTENCY IN TRAINING - Dancers may not enroll in highland dance training elsewhere while they are enrolled at Kids in Kilts.* Our teachers work individually with each student to help them progress. Input from other teaching methods can create inconsistencies in a dancer's training and technique. Staying with one teacher is also expected in highland dance as part of the culture of respect. Dancers may attend one-time workshops that are hosted by competitions or conferences.
  • *Kids in Kilts has a partnership with Donna Cram, a certified judge who provides mentorship to the director, workshops for Premier dancers, and weekly private lessons for select dancers. This is an exception because it is by invitation only and both parties are committed to extremely detailed communication and mentorship.
    ENA SUTTON CHOREOGRAPHY TROUPE: Premier dancers may join the Ena Sutton Highland Dancers of Winnipeg with permission from the director, if they are also enrolled in performance troupe at KIK, and performances/practices do not conflict with ours. If a dancer is injured, Ena Sutton must be the first thing to take off their plate and the last thing to be added back, once they are fully participating in KIK classes/performances again.
  • ATTENDANCE - Regular attendance develops the skills necessary for dancers to be prepared for medal tests, competitions, and recitals/performances. The director reserves the right to limit student participation in medal tests, competition, and recitals/performances due to a lack of attendance.
  • PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY - Photos or videos of KIK students may be used by the studio for promotional purposes. By accepting these terms, you acknowledge that you are giving permission for images/videos of your dancer to be used by KIK. Any identifying information (i.e surname) will not be used. 

PRACTICE
It is expected that all dancers practice at home to improve their skills and build confidence. Please have your dancer bring a notebook to class so that the teacher or student can write down corrections to work on. The amount of time that a dancer should spend practicing depends on the age and level of the dancer. A general guideline is available on the website. Please ask if you have any questions about how long your dancer should be practicing for.
TARTAN TEA
The Tartan Tea is a fun Scottish winter event run by the MHDA (see more information below). The Tartan Tea takes place annually on the first Saturday of December at the Petrus Hall (2624 Inkster Blvd). This event has delicious baking, great silent auction prizes, jar bars, and highland dancing as entertainment. MHDA affiliated schools are invited to have their dancers perform on stage in front of family and friends. The perfect way to spend a cold wintry day!
YEAR-END CELEBRATION RECITAL
The year-end celebration recital is held annually at the end of our regular dance season (end of May/June). Dancers will showcase both traditional and choreographed dances. Family and friends are encouraged to come and celebrate their dancers’ accomplishments! All dancers are expected to participate (with the exception of the adult class).
MEDAL TESTS & THEORY
Kids in Kilts provides students the opportunity to take medal tests and theory exams through the Scottish Dance Teacher’s Alliance (SDTA). Every November and February the SDTA sends an Examiner (usually from Scotland) to Winnipeg to test dancers on their ability to complete the requirements of particular exam levels.
Each level in medal tests and theory adds new dances and/or steps to expand a dancer’s repertoire. As dancers progress to higher levels, stronger technique is required to successfully complete examinations.
Upon successful completion of a medal test or theory exam, dancers will receive a medal, certificate, and an evaluation sheet with feedback.
We strongly encourage dancers to take medal tests/theory exams because it results in more confident and educated dancers.Students must be in the competitive stream to take medal tests (depending on age and level).
COMPETITIONS
Competitions provide dancers with the opportunity to perform on stage in front of a judge. Highland dancers are judged independently and then ranked from 1st - 6th place (sometimes there are more placings). Competitions allow dancers to see areas of dance technique that they can improve on and motivate dancers to push themselves further. Highland dance competitions create confident and hardworking students. 
*NEW* OUT OF TOWN COMPETITIONS
Dancers are encouraged to travel for competitions. Families must inform their teacher of plans to travel well in advance and provide the list of dances, so the teacher can ensure the dancer is prepared, as the dances may be different than the ones they work on in class. Private lessons may be required if the dances are unusual.
*NEW* KIK NATIONALS TEAM
The ScotDance Canada Championship Series, or “Nationals” is held in a different Canadian city each year. Travellers will function like a team while on the trip, and there is often group choreography which requires advanced planning. All competitive families are invited to apply to be a part of the KIK team for the upcoming summer, whether they are a provincial representative, or a dancer who is wanting to travel. Families who travel with KIK must have their account current and in good standing. They also must be committed to following the code of conduct and maintain a high level of respect for peers & teachers.
*KIK reserves the right to refuse trip participation to any individual based on behavior which is out of line with our code of conduct & studio policies.

Withdrawal Policy

  1. KIK offers a One-Month Risk-Free Trial Period. Withdrawals within this time period will be prorated and refunded. 
  2. Refunds will not be issued after the One-Month Risk-Free Trial Period; accounts will be credited. Tuition credits are valid for two years.
  3. If withdrawal is due to medical circumstances accompanied by a doctor’s note a refund will be issued.
  4. Non-attendance does not constitute notice of withdrawal. Withdrawal must be in writing via email to [email protected] 
  5. Prorated refunds will be issued if a class is cancelled by KIK.
  6. Refunds will not be issued for registration or costume rental fees.
Image from: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/news/a-guide-to-scottish-heathers/0011360/