Code of Conduct & Etiquette

17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17 NIV

Code of Conduct

Both the attending student and parent must read, agree to, and acknowledge their understanding of the following code of conduct and dance lesson etiquette.  At the time you submit your online waitlist form, you will indicate your agreement to the following guidelines and requirements.

Regarding the facility

    • Students will respect the property, grounds, etc.
    • Parents will be financially responsible for damage to the property, or grounds, whether accidental or intentional, caused by their student.
    • Students are not to run or have disruptive behavior.
    • Students are expected to respect restricted areas in the building and on the property.
    • Chewing gum is not permitted.
  • Alcoholic Beverages are prohibited from the property.

Regarding Relationships

    • Students will refrain from vulgar language, coarse jesting, demeaning comments, put-downs, practical jokes, criticizing, insults, name-calling, etc., whether out of anger or a feeble attempt at humor. In essence, anything that may cause hurt or offense to another guest is not acceptable. Behavior that could physically or emotionally harm another student, a chaperone, or a venue employee will not be tolerated.
    • Inappropriate behavior must be reported in a timely manner to a chaperone.
    • When talking, students will use an appropriate conversational tone and refrain from yelling.
    • Students will refrain from rough physical contact such as hitting, punching, tripping, wrestling, etc.
    • Students attending as dates may hold hands.  Any other public displays of affection are inappropriate in this setting.
  • This is a formal social event which requires the undivided and polite attention of all guests. Therefore, cell phone use (talking, texting, etc.) should be limited accordingly.

Parent Availability In the event that the student becomes ill or is asked to leave because he or she is unable or unwilling to participate in the formal, a parent will be available to come to the venue immediately to take the student home. Students over the age of 18 who are able to drive themselves home will be permitted to do so, if they are asked to leave the formal. Organizers cannot be responsible to care for a non-participant until midnight.

Photography Permission Candid photos of the event will be taken by the photographer and the organizers. By registering for the Christian Homeschool Formal, parents grant permission for these photos to posted on the photographer’s website. Organizers of the events may also use candid photos and videos of dance classes and the dance itself for the purpose of promoting the Christian Homeschool Formal. Parents and students grant permission for their images to be used for this purpose.

Photographer’s Copyright All professional photographs made at the formal are copyrighted by the photographer. It is illegal to copy and share them on social media without purchase or permission.

Dress Ladies are required to dress in a modest, tasteful fashion as specified on the Ladies’ Attire page. Gentlemen are encouraged to wear formal attire (tuxedos), but if this is cost prohibitive, a suit is allowed. If you are unsure whether your attire is appropriate, please contact us. Students who do not adhere to the dress code will be asked to modify their outfit or leave the event.

Dance Classes All students are required to enroll in and attend the dance classes provided by the Christian Homeschool Formal. Students will follow the guidance of the dance teacher and will rotate partners during class as instructed.

Dance Cards Students agree to follow their dance card. They may not skip assigned dances or trade partners. Students understand there are several free dances where they may dance with the partner of their choice.

Prohibited Items Personal electronic musical devices, electronic games, and any and all weapons, alcohol or drugs are prohibited.

No Re-entry Students will not be permitted to leave the premises and return to the formal once they are checked in. This includes quick trips to their car.

Ability to Comply Parents declare that their student is not subject to any medical, mental or emotional condition or disability or legal issue which would affect his/her ability to agree to and comply with the code of conduct.

Breach of Contract Any failure to abide by this code of conduct, whether witnessed by an adult or reported by a fellow student, may result in a student being asked to leave the formal. This is considered a breach of contract and an adult will lead the student to a private area away from the event to await his/her parent(s) to pick him/her up.

Liability To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event will the Spring Formal for Christian Homeschoolers LLC (Christian Homeschool Formal of Austin) or its volunteers be liable for any special, incidental, indirect, exemplary or consequential damages of any type including but not limited to, physical injuries to an attendee, mental injury to an attendee, financial losses of an attendee, or other claims, whether arising in tort (including negligence), contract or any other legal theory, even if the organizers have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

Dance Lesson Etiquette

  • Check-In for attendance before entering the dance floor at EVERY dance class.  Your name tag sticker must be worn during the class. You may not trade name tags with other students.
  • An Uptown Dance waiver must be submitted before you will be assigned to a dance class. You must upload a waiver to your Formal account before participating in a dance class.  Waivers are attached to your confirmation email or on this website under FORMS.
  • Injury or illness-Parents must contact the Formal coordinators by phone or email if a student’s illness or injury interferes with their ability to fully participate in dance classes or at the Formal.
  • Students must make-up all missed dance lessons. We have a very flexible make-up policy, but with only five weeks of classes, you have limited time to learn all these dances. Please make it a priority to attend all of your scheduled classes.  Please email us if you are unable to attend a class. Please do your best to attend lessons throughout the season. If you miss the first few lessons, it can be difficult to catch up. If you miss the later lessons, you will not learn all the dance steps.
  • Cell phone use: Students should focus on the instructor and their dance partners, and so cell phone use during class is not permitted. If students are using their cell phones inappropriately, chaperones may ask to hold their phone during the duration of the dance class and a parent will be informed.
  • Dance classes are not “date nights.” If you are attending the Formal with a date, we are happy for you to attend dance classes together. However, you are there to take part in the group lesson, and we ask that you respect your fellow students by:
    1. NOT engaging in public displays of affection
    2. Rotating to new partners as directed by Ms. Val
  • If you arrive while another class is in session, please wait QUIETLY and AWAY FROM THE DOOR to make room for others who are checking in.  If we are in need of more guys or girls to balance out the class that is in session, we appreciate you stepping in when asked by Ms. Val. When your class ends, please move your conversations outside so you will not disturb the next class that is starting.
  • Failure to participate: Students who sit out of the dance classes or their assigned dances at the formal will be asked to leave unless arrangements have been made by their parents ahead of time to have the student observe. Failure to participate will be considered a Breach of Contract and the student may not be admitted to future Formals.
  • Students who are ill, who choose not to participate, or who are asked to leave dance class must wait inside Austin Uptown Dance for their ride to arrive.
  • Leaving Early or Late Arrival: It is disrespectful to our instructor Ms. Ryan and your fellow students to leave in the middle of a dance class. If you have an unavoidable conflict that requires you to come late or leave early, please let us know ahead of time.  Unexcused repeated tardiness or leaving early will be considered a Breach of Contract and the student may not be admitted to future Formals.
  • Get ready to DANCE! Each dance class starst with line dances, in order to get every student ready to learn many basic steps and styles. Starting with the second lesson, you will focus on partner dancing for the majority of the class time.
  • Please WEAR APPROPRIATE SHOES. No flip-flops, as they make it difficult to step backward. You may choose to wear the shoes you will wear at the formal, to break them in.
  • WEAR DEODORANT!
  • Shorts must be at least fingertip length. This means most women’s athletic shorts are unacceptable.
  • Skirts must be no shorter than knee length.  Shorts are recommended to be worn underneath full skirts to protect your modesty.
  • Undergarments must not show.
  • Sheer shirts and crop tops are not permitted. Also beware of loose shirts that reveal too much when spinning.  Plunging necklines and bare backs are not permitted. Open-sided shirts are not permitted.
  • If a student violates the dance class dress code, the student and a parent will be contacted. Three violations may result in the student being removed from future events.
  • View our CODE OF CONDUCT. All these rules apply to dance classes as well as to the night of the Formal. Any rude behavior, gestures, or language will receive a warning, and if there is a second offense, you will be asked to leave the class and you may be dropped from the Formal without a refund.