Terms & Conditions

1. General

1. 1.1 These Terms and Conditions govern your relationship with the Rukminidevi Natyakshetra Foundation, located at 156, Srinivasan Street, Golden George Nagar, Mogappair East, Chennai – 600037, Tamil Nadu, India.
2. 1.2 RNF offers part-time Sampada and Alapadmam programs in Bharatanatyam, Carnatic Music (Vocal), Instrumental Music, and Painting for school-going children.
3. 1.3 These Terms apply to all students, parents/guardians, website visitors, event participants, and anyone availing services of the Foundation, whether online or offline.
4. 1.4 RNF reserves the right to update, modify, or replace these Terms at any time. Continued use of our services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

2. Admission & Enrollment

1. 2.1 Application Process — Admission to any program at RNF is initiated by completing the official enrolment form (online or in-person) and is subject to interview-based selection and seat availability, which are conducted once an academic year.
2. 2.2 One Subject — A student can only opt for one subject in Sampada / Alapadmam (according to the age of the student).

3. 2.3 Age Eligibility

   • For Sampada Program: Student must be 7 to 9 years old.
   • For Alapadmam Program: Student must be 10 to 12 years old.

4. 2.4 Confirmation of Enrolment — Enrolment is confirmed only upon:

   • Submission of the completed registration form
   • Payment of the first instalment of course fees
   • Receipt of a confirmation from RNF (via email, phone, or written receipt)
5. 2.5 Right to Refuse Admission — RNF reserves the right to decline any application without being required to state a reason.

3. Fees & Payments

1. 3.1 Fee Structure — Fees vary by program and batch. The applicable fees will be communicated at the time of admission. RNF reserves the right to revise fee structures at the beginning of each academic term with prior notice.
2. 3.2 Payment Schedule — Fees must be paid as per the schedule communicated during enrolment (term-wise payment). Delayed payments may result in suspension from classes.
3. 3.3 Mode of Payment — Fees may be paid via the portal specified by RNF at the time of enrolment.
4. 3.4 Late Payment — Students with outstanding dues for more than 30 days may be denied participation in classes, performances, or examinations until fees are cleared.

4. Attendance & Participation

1. 4.1 Class Schedule

   • Tuesday – Friday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
   • Saturday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
   • Sunday: 6:30 AM – 1:00 PM

2. 4.2 Minimum Attendance — Students are expected to maintain a minimum of 75% attendance per term. Students falling below this threshold may not be eligible for:

   • Sampada / Alapadmam Course Completion Certificate
   • Participation in annual performances (Kala Sampada)
   • Grade promotions to the next level
3. 4.3 Leave of Absence — Students must inform the Director or Principal in advance if they are unable to attend class. Prolonged absence without notice may result in removal from the batch.
4. 4.4 Punctuality — Students are expected to arrive on time. Repeated late arrivals may be marked as absences.

5. Code of Conduct

1. 5.1 General Behaviour — All students, parents, and visitors are expected to behave respectfully towards faculty, staff, and fellow students at all times, both on-campus and during off-campus events.

2. 5.2 Attire — Students must wear appropriate attire as prescribed by RNF for their respective art forms:

   Bharatanatyam Students

   • Small Girls: Chudidhar with Contrasting Top and Bottom
   • Older Girls: Practice Saree with Contrasting Pyjama and Blouse
   • Small Boys: White and White Kurta or Traditional Contrast Colours
   • Older Boys: White Veshti and White Kurta

   Vocal, Instruments & Painting Students

   Cotton wear should be elegant, simple, and not shiny.

   • Small Girls: Cotton Paavadai and Chattai
   • Older Girls: Cotton Paavadai and Dawani or Saree (Cotton Sarees preferred)
   • Small Boys: Cotton White & White Kurta or Traditional Contrast Colours
   • Older Boys: Cotton White Kurta and Veshti

   Hair Style & Accessories

   • Girls: Single plaited hair, malli or kadambam flower kept in a bunche manner, maroon or red colour bindi, simple accessories.
   • Boys: Decent haircut.
3. 5.3 Mobile Phones — Use of mobile phones inside classrooms, practice halls, and performance rehearsals is strictly prohibited. Phones must be kept on silent and stored away during class hours.
4. 5.4 Campus Property — Students and parents are responsible for the proper use of instruments, props, artworks, and campus facilities. Damage to property will be charged to the responsible party.

5. 5.5 Zero Tolerance Policy — The following will result in immediate termination of enrolment without refund:

   • Bullying, ragging, or harassment of any kind
   • Use of abusive language or violent behaviour
   • Theft or damage to Foundation property
   • Conduct that brings disrepute to the Foundation
6. 5.6 Parental Conduct — Parents and guardians are also expected to maintain respectful conduct. Interference in faculty decisions regarding academics or performances is not permitted.

6. Performances & Events

1. 6.1 Selection for Performances — Selection of students for stage performances, including the annual Kala Sampada Art Festival or Kalikondatam, is at the sole discretion of the faculty based on readiness, attendance, and skill level.
2. 6.2 Rehearsal Commitment — Students selected for performances are required to attend all rehearsals as scheduled. Failure to attend without valid reason may result in replacement.
3. 6.3 Event Fees — Participation in workshops, masterclasses, external competitions, or special events may attract separate fees, which will be communicated in advance.
4. 6.4 Venue & Travel — RNF is not responsible for travel arrangements or costs incurred by students/parents for attending performances at external venues (e.g., Kalakshetra, Thiruvanmiyur).

7. Photography, Videography & Media

1. 7.1 RNF and its authorised representatives may photograph and/or record students during classes, rehearsals, performances, and events.

2. 7.2 Such content may be used for:

   • The Foundation's official website
   • Social media channels (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram)
   • Promotional brochures, posters, and press releases
3. 7.3 No student's name, photograph, or video will be shared publicly in a manner that could cause harm or embarrassment.
4. 7.4 Opt-Out — Parents or guardians who do not wish for their ward's image or likeness to be used must submit a written opt-out request at the time of admission or thereafter to the Foundation's office.
5. 7.5 Students and parents must not record or photograph other students during class or rehearsal sessions or programs without the explicit consent of the concerned families and RNF management.

8. Health & Safety

1. 8.1 Students with any physical condition, injury, or health concern that may affect participation in dance or music activities must inform RNF at the time of enrolment or immediately upon diagnosis.
2. 8.2 RNF will not be held liable for injuries resulting from failure to disclose pre-existing conditions.
3. 8.3 In the event of a medical emergency on campus, RNF staff will provide basic first aid and inform the parent/guardian immediately.
4. 8.4 Students are encouraged to maintain good health and avoid attending classes when unwell, to protect others in the community.

9. Intellectual Property

1. 9.1 All choreographies, music compositions, artistic works, teaching methodologies, course materials, and content created by RNF faculty are the sole intellectual property of the Rukminidevi Natyakshetra Foundation.
2. 9.2 Students and parents must not reproduce, distribute, sell, or publicly perform such content without prior written permission from RNF.
3. 9.3 Students may perform pieces learnt at RNF in personal family functions or non-commercial events. Any commercial use requires express written consent.
4. 9.4 The RNF name, logo, and brand identity may not be used by students, parents, or alumni without prior written approval.

10. Termination of Enrollment

1. 10.1 By the Student/Parent — A student or parent/guardian may withdraw from a program by submitting a written notice to the Foundation. Refunds, if applicable, will be processed as per the Refund Policy.

2. 10.2 By RNF — RNF reserves the right to terminate a student's enrolment for:

   • Violation of the Code of Conduct
   • Non-payment of fees beyond 30 days
   • Persistent absence without valid reason
   • Any action deemed detrimental to the Foundation or its community
3. 10.3 In cases of termination by RNF due to misconduct, no refund will be issued.

11. Website Use

1. 11.1 The content on the RNF website (www.rukmininatyakshetra.in) is provided for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice.
2. 11.2 Unauthorized reproduction, copying, or distribution of any content from the website is prohibited.
3. 11.3 RNF is not responsible for the content of any third-party links that may appear on the website.
4. 11.4 The website may use cookies to improve user experience. By continuing to use the site, you consent to the use of cookies as per our Privacy Policy.

12. Probation Period

1. 12.1 Students in Year I & II in Sampada or Alapadmam are in a probationary period.
2. 12.2 They will be evaluated for 2 terms — Term 1 (June – September) and Term 2 (October – January).
3. 12.3 Before Term 3, faculty will meet parents to discuss student progress, which will determine the continuation or discontinuation of the course.

13. Limitation of Liability

1. 13.1 RNF shall not be held liable for:

   • Loss or damage to personal belongings on Foundation premises
   • Any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of use of our services
   • Technical issues, downtime, or data loss related to our website
2. 13.2 Our total liability to any student or parent shall not exceed the fees paid for the current term.

14. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

1. 14.1 These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by the laws of India, specifically the State of Tamil Nadu.
2. 14.2 Any disputes arising in connection with these Terms shall first be attempted to be resolved amicably through direct discussion with RNF management.
3. 14.3 If unresolved, disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

15. Contact Us

For any questions, clarifications, or concerns regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact: