The Academy of Nickerson-Rossi Dance provides a comprehensive dance education rooted in ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop. Founded by Artistic Director Michael Nickerson-Rossi, the Academy is committed to developing technically strong, artistically confident, and well-rounded dancers.

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Whether a student is dancing recreationally or aspiring to pursue collegiate or professional opportunities, our faculty is dedicated to fostering discipline, creativity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.

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Communication​

The Academy communicates primarily through email. Families are responsible for reviewing Academy communications regularly to stay informed regarding schedules, performances, events, closures, and important announcements.

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To ensure clear and consistent communication, please do not contact faculty members directly regarding Academy business. Questions, concerns, scheduling matters, or concerns regarding a student's experience should be directed to an Academy Director or Front Desk Staff.

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Contact Information

📧 academy@nickersonrossidance.com

📞 Palm Desert: 760.895.8320

📞 Palm Springs: 760.992.6075

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Dress Code​

All students are expected to follow the Academy dress code for their enrolled classes.

For complete dress code requirements, please visit:

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nickersonrossidance.com/dress-code

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Students who arrive out of dress code may be asked to observe class if their attire creates a safety concern or interferes with instruction.

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Attendance

Consistent attendance is essential for student growth, technical development, and performance preparation. Families are encouraged to notify the Academy in advance of any anticipated absence.

Make-up classes are not guaranteed and may be offered only when appropriate class availability exists. 

 

Tuition reserves a student's place in class and is not based on attendance. Refunds, credits, or prorated tuition are not available for missed classes.

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Students who miss multiple classes before a performance may be reassigned or removed from choreography at the discretion of the Academy.

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Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up

Students in 8th grade and younger must be escorted into the facility by a parent or guardian. Students may not be dropped off in the parking lot.

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Parents and guardians are expected to pick up students promptly at the conclusion of class.

The Academy is not responsible for students before or after their scheduled class times.

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Tardiness

Students should arrive at least five minutes before the start of class.

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Students arriving more than ten minutes late may be asked to observe class rather than participate if the warm-up portion of class has been missed or if participation may present a safety concern.

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Class Observation

To maintain a focused and distraction-free learning environment, class observation is limited to designated observation periods throughout the season.

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Families are welcome to observe the final five minutes of class and may speak with Academy staff during transition periods between classes.

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We kindly ask that families respect all observation policies and avoid entering studio spaces during instruction.

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Cleanliness and Personal Property

Students are expected to help maintain a clean and respectful environment.

Please remove all trash and personal belongings at the end of each class.

The Academy is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items.

Lost and found items will be retained for 30 days and may be donated or discarded if unclaimed.

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Photography, Video & Media Release

The Academy regularly photographs and records classes, rehearsals, performances, events, and educational activities for archival, educational, promotional, and marketing purposes.

By participating in Academy programs, families acknowledge that students may appear in photographs, video recordings, social media content, promotional materials, printed publications, and Academy websites unless a written request is submitted to opt out.

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Injury & Medical Information

Parents and guardians are responsible for notifying the Academy of any medical conditions, allergies, injuries, or limitations that may affect participation.

Students who are injured may be asked to observe class rather than participate until medically cleared to return.

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The Academy reserves the right to restrict participation when doing so is deemed necessary for the safety and well-being of the student.

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Academy Closures & Emergencies

The Academy follows its published calendar for scheduled holidays and closures.

In the event of severe weather, power outages, facility issues, public emergencies, or circumstances beyond the Academy's control, classes may be canceled, rescheduled, moved online, or otherwise modified at the Academy's discretion.

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Such closures do not qualify for refunds or tuition adjustments.

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Academy Calendar

Families are responsible for staying informed about Academy schedules, closures, performances, and special events.

📅 nickersonrossidance.com/academycalendar

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Tuition & Payment Agreement

Tuition and all fees paid to Nickerson-Rossi Dance are non-refundable.

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Tuition is based on annual enrollment and has been calculated to account for scheduled holidays and Academy closures. Tuition will not be prorated for absences, vacations, illnesses, or missed classes.

Payments not received by the due date may be automatically charged to the credit card on file five days after the invoice due date.

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Returned payments, declined cards, or failed transactions may incur a $30 late fee and additional processing fees.

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Families are responsible for maintaining accurate and current payment information.

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Should financial concerns arise, families are encouraged to contact the Academy as early as possible.

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Parent Code of Conduct

Parents and guardians are essential partners in creating a positive Academy culture.

We ask all families to:

• Treat faculty, staff, volunteers, students, and fellow families with courtesy and respect.

• Address concerns directly with Academy leadership rather than discussing issues through gossip, social media, or other families.

• Support Academy policies, procedures, and placement decisions.

• Model positive behavior and sportsmanship at classes, rehearsals, performances, and Academy events.

• Refrain from disruptive, threatening, abusive, or inappropriate behavior toward students, families, faculty, or staff.

The Academy reserves the right to suspend or terminate enrollment if a parent, guardian, or family member engages in conduct that negatively impacts the safety, well-being, or educational experience of others.

 

Open Door Policy

The Academy values open, respectful, and solution-oriented communication.

Families who wish to discuss their child's progress, goals, placement, or concerns are encouraged to schedule a meeting with an Academy Director.

We believe strong partnerships between students, families, and faculty create the most successful learning environment.

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Student Partnership

Parents and guardians are responsible for reviewing and reinforcing the following expectations with their dancer to help ensure a positive and successful Academy experience.

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Student Code of Conduct

At the Academy of Nickerson-Rossi Dance, we are committed to providing exceptional dance education in a respectful, positive, and supportive environment. Students are expected to uphold the following standards:

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Attendance & Tardiness

• Arrive at class on time, ideally five minutes early.

• Attend classes and rehearsals consistently.

• If you are more than ten minutes late and no parent has contacted the Academy, you may be asked to observe class.

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Cleanliness

• Help keep the Academy clean and organized.

• Do not touch, lean on, or mark studio mirrors.

• Food is permitted only in designated areas.

• Dispose of all trash properly.

• Store dance bags and personal belongings neatly in designated areas.

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Studio Etiquette

• Remain engaged throughout class unless instructed otherwise.

• No chewing gum during class.

• Use the restroom before or after class whenever possible.

• Cell phones and electronic devices may not be used during class.

• Do not hang, swing, or sit on ballet barres.

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Dress Code

• Follow the Academy dress code for each class.

• Maintain a clean, professional appearance.

• Dance shoes should not be worn outside.

• Label all shoes, bags, and dancewear with your name.

• Avoid excessive jewelry or accessories.

• Use deodorant and maintain proper hygiene.

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Safety

• Remain inside the building until your ride arrives.

• Use the buddy system when walking to a vehicle or designated pick-up area.

• Immediately report any unsafe situation to a teacher or Academy staff member.

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Responsibility

• Bring home Academy notices and communications.

• Practice outside of class whenever possible.

• Come prepared with all required dancewear and materials.

• Respect your instructors, fellow dancers, and the art form.

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Behavior

• Maintain a positive, growth-oriented attitude.

• Treat classmates with kindness, inclusion, and respect.

• Refrain from gossip, bullying, harassment, or inappropriate physical contact.

• Use respectful language at all times.

• Work collaboratively and support fellow dancers.

• Accept corrections and feedback professionally.

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Anti-Bullying Policy

Bullying, harassment, intimidation, discrimination, or exclusionary behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. Students who experience or witness inappropriate behavior are encouraged to immediately notify a teacher, Academy Director, or staff member. The Academy is committed to fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, respected, and supported.

The Academy reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any student whose behavior is determined to be harmful to the safety, well-being, or educational experience of others.