The Railpath Arts Centre believes in transparency. We aim to be responsive, caring and clear and we will uphold the statements below as frequently and consistently as possible.
Quick Links: Youth Policies / Code of Conduct / Diversity & Inclusion / Environmental Impact / Cancellations & Returns / Privacy Policy
Youth Policies
Student Uniform and Hair: Students are to wear the proper clothing and footwear specified in our uniform guidelines. Alternative uniform options are always available. Uniforms and costumes cannot be ripped, dirty or damaged. Students who are able to, based on hair length and texture, are to have their hair in a bun or in a pinned back braided style in Ballet, Jazz, Acro and Contemporary dance classes. Students who are able to, based on hair length and texture, are to have their hair in a ponytail for Musical Theatre and Hip Hop. We will work with students to create alternative hairstyle options for those who are unable to create a bun or ponytail based on hair texture or length. Students must use proper hair supplies like hairnets, bun pins, headbands and clips or bobby pins. Bun pins cannot be substituted by elastics or bobby pins. In general students are not allowed to wear jewelry as it is a safety issue. Exceptions will be made in regards to religious or ceremonial pieces. Uniforms, footwear and personal items such as water bottles MUST be labeled. Participation may be denied if a student does not abide by the uniform requirements.
Youth Performance Uniform + Shoe Guidelines:
Acro - Option 1: Leotard, dance shorts, bare feet / Option 2: Fitted tank, dance shorts, bare feet.
Ballet - Option 1: Leotard, tights, split sole ballet shoes. Option 2: Fitted tank, dance shorts, split sole ballet shoes. The dancer's individual performance tights and shoes will be required to match.
Contemporary - Option 1: Leotard, dance shorts, bare feet and/or dance socks / Option 2: Fitted tank, dance shorts or leggings, bare feet.
Jazz - Option 1: Leotard, dance shorts, black jazz shoes / Option 2: Fitted tank, dance shorts or leggings, black jazz shoes.
Tap - Option 1: Leotard, dance shorts or leggings and Oxford style tap shoes / Option 2: Fitted tank, dance shorts or leggings and Oxford style tap shoes. Optional Buckle Up Beginner Tap Shoes (TA325MF by Sansha) or Oxford Tap Shoes for Kindergarten classes.
Musical Theatre - Option 1 + 2: TRAC t-shirt and leggings, dance pants, or shorts, black jazz shoes. Grade 7 to 12 students may be asked to purchase character shoes, 2-3 inches t-strap, in order to train and perform at industry standard (on stage shoe requirements will be based on their characters and may differ from the class items).
Hip Hop - Option 1 + 2: TRAC t-shirt, leggings, dance pants or shorts and indoor sneakers.
Body conscious options for class uniform includes thicker tights, wrap skirts and leotards with full coverage.
NEARLY ALL OUR SHOES ARE VEGAN - this decision is environmentally conscious and supports the ethical standpoints of our students / clients and staff.
RAA Uniform + Shoe Guidelines:
Core Classes: Leotard or Fitted tank, tights, dance shorts, TRAC t-shirt, dance socks, black jazz shoes. On stage shoe requirements will correspond with each routine's unique style. Shoe requirements will be sent out when planning costumes, 2-3 months in advance of a performance.
MT Stream: Leggings or dance pants, Oxford style tap shoes, RAA 4 students may be asked to purchase character shoes, 2-3 inches t-strap, in order to train and perform at industry standards (on stage shoe requirements will be based on their characters and may differ from the class items).
Commercial Stream: Dance pants or shorts and indoor sneakers.
Body conscious options for class uniform includes thicker tights, wrap skirts and leotards with full coverage.
NEARLY ALL OUR SHOES OPTIONS ARE VEGAN - this decision is environmentally conscious and supports the ethical standpoints of our students / clients and staff.
Costuming, Showcases, Musicals and Recitals: Participation in our annual recital (and musical for Musical Theatre + Film & TV students) is mandatory for all of our students as is attending associated dress rehearsals and technical rehearsals. Costume fees are included in The Railpath Art Centre Inc.'s all inclusive tuition fees and are non-refundable. Showcases, musicals, recitals and competitions as well as associated dress rehearsals and technical rehearsals are mandatory for all students in the RAA programs. All students will be measured and costume orders placed during the months of November - January. Costumes will be altered as needed, decorated, steamed/ironed and hung in garment bags ready for competition, photo day, musicals and/or recitals, whichever event applies first. Costumes will be handed out during class time and once sent home, student(s) / client(s) and their families are responsible for keeping the costumes in perfect condition. Costumes do not include tights and/or footwear, which can be purchased at our store or other local dance shops that sell the same styles/ brands.
Class Placement: We stand by the value and benefit TRAC programming offers to our students / clients and the community. The classes are an outlet to explore creativity, evoke positivity and build confidence. All our classes are taught by industry leading educators with professional stage experience, pedagogical training / certification and years of experience in their respective fields. TRAC classes provide a safe space for students to build long lasting friendships which is why we group students by age. We will address any potential concerns we have in regards to class placement within the first three weeks of classes. If a student / client enrolled in Youth Performance Classes feels the level is too low, they may consider auditioning for the Railpath Arts Academy.
YPC + RAA Classes: Youth Performance Classes (YPC) and the Railpath Arts Academy (RAA) classes follow a 10-month all inclusive tuition model. This covers class tuition, registration, recital and performance fees (excluding cost of tickets), costume fees, student appreciation events, digital copies of all group and solo photos taken on photo and recital days, online recital videos, rehearsal packages, class materials, and one class uniform (footwear and hair accessories not included). Railpath Arts Academy tuition also includes competition fees and private or semi private lessons for the routines outlined in the registration package.
The first payment is due upon registration. Monthly instalments are charged the 15th of every month, September to May. It is the family's responsibility to maintain accurate and current payment information on file for instalment payment plans and provide administrative staff with new payment information when necessary. All active students must have a valid credit card on file. Families must inform the TRAC admin team 72 hours (3 days) before a payment is due if they require modifications to their accounts.
We offer multiple chances to attend FREE Pop-Up Classes in lieu of ongoing make up classes or trials. We believe this approach best serves our students / clients because it allows everyone to progress with the same core classmates and student-teacher relationships throughout the year. Minimizing disruptions or changes in attendance means we maximize our services and educational successes as a whole.
Railpath Arts Academy students will incur extra fees including but not limited to competitions, workshops and choreography or private lessons with associated costume fees for extra routines or lessons not outlined in the registration package.
This chart represents 8 hours per week of RAA
This chart represents one 1 hour class per week of YPC
Sibling and multi-enrolment rates are automatically applied through our enrolment software.
Classes with less than 5 students / clients may be subject to change.
Tuition is not prorated for absences, holidays or partial months, these have already been accounted for and you can review our fees / payment breakdown at any time on our website.
Tuition paid in full will receive a 5% discount.
Declined payments are subject to a $25 administration fee. The $25 administration fee will also apply if you have followed the above guidelines to request modifications to your instalments in advance (72 hours minimum) and you require 3 or more business days to reinstate your charges. There will be no additional charge if you follow the 72 hour advance notice of modification and pay within 1 or 2 business days of the due date. Any outstanding balances that are more than 14 days overdue will be subject to a 15% late fee per annum compounded daily. Families with ongoing outstanding balances that accumulate into May will not receive their costumes until the account, including additional late fees, is paid in full.
Referrals: We may offer $25 referral credits to the students / clients that refer new families who sign up for classes. The new student must list you as the referring client at the time of registration and the new student must remain registered for the duration of their program of choice. There is no limit to the number of client referral credits that can be accumulated in any given year. Referral credits will be applied to tuition fees as earned. All referral credits must be used the same year or season that the new family registers, they do not carry forward if unused. THANK YOU for your kindness, we love sharing with you and your closest friends / family members!
Scholarships and Exchanges: Scholarships are determined on a case by case basis and involve an application process that includes a financial break down of the family's income. We prioritize scholarships from marginalized or racialized families in efforts to create an equitable future.
Code of Conduct
The Railpath Arts Centre's motto is "community drive excellence". We provide education and performance opportunities across the fine arts for all ages and levels. We operate in a state of the art facility with a highly qualified professional team that balances nurturing attitudes with professional standards to promote individual and collective growth.
Overall, The Railpath Arts Centre operates from a place of social, cultural and environmental awareness. It believes in the collective power of its artists and influencers; acknowledges itself as a collection of people who shape the attitudes of the next generation; constantly aiming to reconcile, to heal and to move forward with its community.
Please review the following policies directly with the student(s) / client(s) as their understanding and agreement is equally as important to us.
TRAC has the right to refuse services to students / clients and their families or caregivers that do not apply to our codes of conduct.
It is a family's responsibility to keep the TRAC admin team up to date with the most current contact information such as email addresses and phone numbers.
All members of the TRAC community including students, clients, family members, and caregivers are expected to act in a positive and encouraging manner. We have a zero tolerance policy for discrimination, racism, verbal abuse, physical violence or assault of any kind.
Classroom disruptions that affect the education of other students or the overall well being of a class will not be tolerated. Students / clients who cause frequent disruptions will be asked to leave the studio space to gain composure in the office or lobby. Students / clients who are capable of controlling themselves in an appropriate manner that then chose to be disruptive or unsafe on an ongoing basis will be asked to leave our programming indefinitely.
TRAC averages class sizes between 5 and 12 people depending on the style, age and weekly duration of its classes. Any classes with 5 students or less may be subject to change.
Please contact the TRAC admin team if a student / client requires medication or an Epi-pen or has any conditions or sensitivities to keep on file. We are unable to store or administer medication or Epi-pens, so we ask that the family remain nearby in case of emergency. Summer camp protocols for medication and Epi-pens are a separate policy and will be sent out with summer camp information.
All valuables are to be left at home. TRAC is not responsible for the theft or loss of items.
Students / clients should not have their cell phones out during class. Cell phones should be kept in bags on the studio shelves at all times. Parents or caregivers should call or email the TRAC admin team directly if they need to contact their children during class time.
Students / clients and their families or caregivers must clean up after themselves. Keeping the studio clean is a group effort and garbage or lobby activities such as children's toys are not allowed to be left out or behind in any circumstance.
All students are to arrive at the studio 5-10 minutes prior to their specified class time and wait outside the studio door 2 minutes prior to class. Those students / clients who are 10 minutes late will not be able to participate in class. They will be able to observe only. All students Preschool to Grade 3 are to enter the studio and find an appropriate dot or marker for the start of class. This will be assigned at the start of the year by a teacher. Some will ask for seated circles, others standing in lines or places at the barre. All students Grade 4 to 12 are to quietly enter the studios and begin a personal warm up.
Absences and lateness affect our team values and our educational benchmarks. Any more than 2 absences within a 2 month time period will be addressed by the TRAC admin team. Students / clients with ongoing absences may be asked to leave the program depending on the age / level they are enrolled in.
Students must be picked up no more than 10 minutes after the end of their final class of the day. Late fees will be charged at $1.00/minute after the 10-minute grace period has expired. This policy is in place to protect the student and staff, encouraging respect and consideration throughout our community while limiting the number of students within hallways or lobby areas at any given time.
Gum is not permitted at TRAC. Please discard prior to entering the building as it often ends up on studio props or furniture.
Food and drinks are not permitted in the changerooms.
During Winter months all shoes should be placed on the shoe racks or mats provided. Shoes left in front of doors are dangerous and will be moved to a designated, safe place.
Students / clients and their families or caregivers should keep noise levels to a minimum out of respect for the other classes and appointments in progress.
Families or caregivers should keep children (students or their siblings) from running around the studio. It is the responsibility of the families or caregivers to maintain the safety and respect of the space.
Railpath Arts Academy students who miss more than three classes across a 10-month season, that are or were not excused by a medical doctor in writing to The Railpath Arts Centre, or a single group rehearsal or stage performance will not be invited to the following year of auditions / placement.
Students, clients and their families or caregivers are not permitted to wear clothing that displays offensive comments or inappropriate language.
If necessary, our ongoing policies or codes of conduct will be overridden by pandemic procedures.
Cancellations, Refunds & Returns
Store Purchases: All regular items can be returned for credit or exchanged in brand new condition within 2 weeks of purchase. All special or custom orders must be paid in advance. There are no returns on special orders, custom pieces, hair accessories or undergarments such as tights. Regular purchases intended as Holiday gifts bought in late November / December can be returned for credit or exchanged in brand new condition up to January 15th of the following year.
Drop-in Classes - Transfers: Classes, credits, memberships, sessions and/or payment options are not transferable between students / clients. Studio Cancellations: The Railpath Arts Centre Inc. reserves the right to temporarily cancel or modify classes with email and/or phone notification up to 1 hour prior to respective class time for reasons such as but not limited to: power outage, building emergency or faculty illness/emergency. In the event of a last minute cancellation, drop-in class passes will be credited to the account on file for future use. Client Terms and Client Cancellations: Adult and Teen drop-in classes can be booked up to 90 days in advance. Classes can be cancelled for credit up to 60 minutes in advance. Students / clients will be charged the full fee if they cancel later than 60 minutes or do not show up for a class previously booked online or in-person. Validation: Drop-in classes and class cards are valid for 12 months from the sales date. Refunds: We do not offer monetary refunds on class cards or individual class passes.
Rentals: See Rental Agreement on our Rentals Page.
Youth Performance Classes and Railpath Arts Academy - Commitment: Our programs require a 10-month commitment running September to June, both in terms of finances and time. Transfers: Please note that classes, credits, memberships, sessions, and payment options are non-transferable between students or clients. While students may have the opportunity to transfer classes depending on availability and suitability; additional uniform and costume costs may be incurred. Cancelled classes: The Railpath Arts Centre Inc. retains the right to temporarily cancel or adjust classes last minute. Notification via email or phone will be provided up to 1 hour before the respective class time for reasons including, but not limited to, inclement weather, facility disruptions, power outages, building emergencies, or faculty illness/emergencies. Please note that in the extremely unlikely event of last minute class cancellations, families will not be credited, and makeup classes may not be offered. Installment Plans: Please note that previously paid installments are non-refundable. However, if a student or client is unable to continue classes due to unforeseen circumstances, they must notify the office in writing at least two weeks in advance to request cancellation. Failure to provide this notice may result in the next installment being charged. All installment plan cancellations are subject to a $25 administrative fee. Full Year Payments: If a student who has paid in full must leave The Railpath Arts Centre Inc. mid-year, an appropriate credit or refund will be issued on a case-by-case basis. Please note that a $100 administration fee will be applied to the credit/refund, and all applicable fees related to costumes, uniforms, classroom supplies, rehearsals, weekly classes, competition fees, photos, and/or videos will be accounted for accordingly. Full-year tuition credits will be held by The Railpath Arts Centre Inc. for the student or client for a maximum of 2 years.
Camp Cancellation Policy: March Break Camps can be rescheduled or cancelled 30 days in advance. Summer Camps and Intensives can be rescheduled or cancelled prior to June 15, minus a $75 cancellation fee. No refunds or credits will be given for cancellations after June 15 for Summer Camps or within 30 days prior to the start of a March Break Camp.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Railpath Arts Centre administrative team currently focuses on active and equitable anti-racism and inclusion practices for our students and clients of colour and our students and clients of other marginalized communities.
We aim to better connect our current activities and training modules with historical accuracy and overall cultural awareness. We will engage in story telling that helps students understand our collective history as well as share online dance content to create clear, visual relationships between dance forms that meet students / clients where they are at in terms of age and maturity.
Each member of our staff and contract faculty will be responsible for upholding our action plan. We will implement tools and training sessions to support conversations, growth and awareness that will ensure our genuine standpoints are upheld throughout all our time as an artistic centre.
Racism, gender discrimination or sexual misconduct will be dealt with immediately.
There will be no tolerance for any form of inappropriate or unsafe behaviour from our staff, faculty, leadership, renters or students / clients.
Each year we will provide 180 hours of free space to Black and Indigenous dance companies.
We will offer educational and celebratory workshops that allow us to engage as a community of diverse racial, cultural and gender backgrounds.
Resumes and job applications will be reviewed without names to make avoid bias or acts of tokenism.
Scholarships will be awarded to marginalized or racialized communities first.
Photography and studio content will be addressed daily to ensure our studio does not perpetuate the overall whiteness we see, and have seen, in fine arts for far too long.
Class times and scheduling will be addressed to make sure we are provided programming that suits a range of lifestyles and work schedules.
We will not pretend to know all the answers and we will be thoughtful, personal (non-performative) and rightfully up lifting. We will use our powerful voices as artists and influencers, and as people who shape the attitudes of the next generation, to reconcile, to heal and to move forward.
Donations: We will be donating a part of our Studio Spirit and Appreciation budget to Across Boundaries in lieu of birthday balloons, holiday gifts and branded bags.
“Across Boundaries provides a dynamic range of mental health support and services and works within Anti-Racism/Anti-Black racism and Anti-Oppression frameworks. These frameworks address the negative impact of racism and discrimination on mental health and well-being.
Rooted in up-to-date research and consistently active community engagement, our progressive strategies are implemented by our capable staff - who are committed to improving the quality of mental health and addiction care for racialized people.”
Environmental Impact
TRAC is very aware that general consumerism, costuming and stage performance play a massive role in the environmental issues we face today. We will maintain the following standpoints:
Free filtered water will replace any drink sales.
Vegan footwear will always be our first choice to avoid the Leather industry.
The reuse of costumes where ever possible, which also means costuming dances in street wear or re-usable pieces like leotards with detachable skirts or shorts.
Less use of tights or other delicate fabrics that quickly end up ripped and unsuitable for class or stage.
Properly sorted recycling and a push for compost within the 35 Golden Ave complex.
Less single-use stage props / backdrops.
Paperless transactions and updates.
Limiting or banning the use of non-renewable resources like Helium.
Only donating or investing in businesses, funds or charities that address environmental issues or our own impacts, such as fossil fuel free companies or local merchants over imported goods.
Privacy Policy
All personal information is kept secure under the Protection and Electronic Documents Act (2000). The Railpath Arts Centre Inc. requires information from third parties like parents, guardians or caretakers for students / clients under 18. Inputting information to the website is safeguarded through secure server software (SSL), to ensure that your credit card will be protected against fraudulent use. Only authorized employees, agents and contractors (who have agreed to keep information secure and confidential) have access to this information. And we will never sell, trade, rent, exchange or otherwise share your personal information outside the company except in the event the business is sold to another reputable and likeminded small business that upholds our same standards of privacy, security and community.