Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .
The quick answer
- 1A certificate of occupancy for assembly use is required. Most commercial spaces aren't pre-approved for assembly occupancy, and getting the right CO requires a building inspection covering exit capacity, occupancy load, fire suppression, and ADA compliance — plan 4–10 weeks.
- 2Music performance licenses from ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC are required before you play any copyrighted music in class — personal streaming subscriptions explicitly prohibit commercial use. Combined annual cost: $900–$2,400.
- 3Professional liability insurance (separate from general liability) is essential for dance studios — a single student injury claim from alleged instruction negligence can exceed general liability policy limits.
- 4Instructor classification as contractors vs. employees is a high-risk area. Most IRS and state tests will classify regular studio instructors as employees — misclassification exposes you to significant back tax liability.
1. Before you sign a lease: zoning and occupancy classification
The most expensive mistake dance studio founders make is signing a lease before confirming two things: that the address is zoned to permit dance instruction or assembly use, and that the space has a certificate of occupancy that matches that use. These are separate questions that require separate conversations with separate city departments — planning or zoning (for land use approval) and the building department (for CO status).
Dance studios fall under "assembly occupancy" (Group A under the International Building Code) in most jurisdictions — the same classification as gyms, theaters, and martial arts academies. This classification exists because groups gather for structured activity, and building codes impose stricter fire, egress, and occupancy load requirements than they do for retail or office uses. Most commercial spaces for lease carry a retail or office CO classification, which is insufficient for a dance studio.
Getting the right CO requires a change-of-use inspection. The inspector will calculate the maximum occupancy load for your studio space based on its square footage and exit capacity, verify that emergency lighting and exit signage are properly installed, confirm fire extinguisher placement, and check ADA compliance for restrooms and entrance pathways. If the space doesn't meet standards, you'll need to make modifications before the CO is issued.
Some cities also require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for assembly-type uses in certain commercial zones, particularly near residential areas. CUPs involve a public notice period and a planning commission hearing — typically 60–90 days from application to approval. Always ask about the CUP requirement before committing to a space.
Practical advice: visit your city's planning counter or call the zoning hotline before you even tour spaces. Ask: "Is [address] zoned to permit dance instruction or assembly use? Is a CUP required? What is the current CO classification?" Get the answers in writing if you can. A broker's assurance that a space "should be fine" is not a substitute for a verified zoning determination.
2. Business entity formation and federal registration
Form your LLC before you sign the lease. A dance studio has meaningful liability exposure — student injuries, property damage, employment disputes with instructors — and you want personal asset protection in place before any legal agreements are signed. The LLC entity goes on the lease, on all permits, and on your business bank account.
File Articles of Organization with your state's Secretary of State. Filing fees range from $50 (Kentucky, Colorado) to $500 (Massachusetts). Most filings can be done online and are processed in 1–2 weeks, though expedited processing is often available for an additional fee. Once your LLC is formed, get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS — it's free, takes about 10 minutes online at irs.gov, and is required to open a business bank account and file payroll taxes.
If you have a co-owner, your LLC should have an operating agreement that specifies ownership percentages, decision-making authority, profit distribution, and what happens if a partner wants to exit. This document doesn't get filed with the state, but it is the governing document for your business relationship and is essential if disputes ever arise.
Some states require additional registrations: a DBA (doing business as) filing if you operate under a name other than your exact LLC name, a state tax registration (separate from the seller's permit in some states), and a registration with the state's department of labor if you'll have employees. These vary by state — your state's business portal typically lists all required registrations.
3. Building permits, flooring systems, and studio build-out
Unless you're taking over a turnkey dance studio space, you'll likely need building permits before you start construction. Any structural modifications — moving walls, adding bathrooms, cutting new doors — require a building permit filed with your local building department before work begins. Working without a permit is illegal and can result in mandatory tear-down of unpermitted work.
The floor system is the most consequential build-out decision for a dance studio and the one that most affects your permit timeline. A proper dance floor consists of three layers: the subfloor (concrete or existing wood), a resilient underlayment or "floating" system that provides shock absorption, and the finished surface. Professional options include:
- Sprung hardwood floor: Traditional choice for ballet, ballroom, and theatrical dance. Involves wooden joists or foam underlayment topped with hardwood panels. Cost: $12–$22 per square foot installed.
- Marley vinyl over sprung subfloor: Standard in contemporary, hip hop, and multipurpose studios. Marley vinyl is a PVC surface that provides traction without grip. Cost: $6–$12 per square foot for the vinyl, plus subfloor costs.
- Floating hardwood: Engineered hardwood panels that snap together over foam underlayment. Less expensive but less professionally regarded. Cost: $8–$15 per square foot installed.
For a 1,200 sq ft studio, flooring alone runs $10,000–$26,000. Mirrors (full-wall systems) add $1,500–$5,000 per studio. Ballet barres — wall-mounted or freestanding — run $200–$1,000 per studio depending on length and material. Sound systems capable of adequate volume and sound distribution in a large reflective space run $2,000–$8,000 per room.
Depending on the scope of build-out, you may need separate mechanical permits for HVAC work. Dance studios have high occupant density and significant physical exertion, so HVAC capacity calculations need to account for heat generated by students — a frequent oversight that leads to uncomfortable and under-ventilated studios. An HVAC engineer reviewing your system for the specific load is worth the cost.
4. Music licensing: ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and what they cost
Music licensing is the permit that most dance studio owners overlook entirely until they receive a demand letter. When you play recorded music in a business setting — even for private classes, even if you personally own the music — you are publicly performing copyrighted compositions under U.S. copyright law. Personal streaming subscriptions (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music) explicitly prohibit commercial use in their terms of service and provide zero protection against infringement claims.
You need blanket performance licenses from the three major Performing Rights Organizations (PROs): ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers), BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.), and SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers). Each PRO represents a different catalog of songwriters and publishers, and you typically need all three to cover the range of popular music your instructors will use. A dance studio using only music from one PRO's catalog would be unusual and limiting.
Annual PRO licensing costs for a small dance studio are based on factors including your number of studio rooms, your annual revenue or student enrollment, and in some cases your square footage. Typical annual costs:
- ASCAP: $350–$700/year for a small studio
- BMI: $300–$600/year for a small studio
- SESAC: $250–$500/year (SESAC operates by invitation or application)
Total PRO licensing: approximately $900–$1,800 per year for a small studio with one or two rooms. These are tax-deductible business expenses and should be budgeted annually.
Important nuance: PRO licenses cover the musical composition (the songwriting). They do not cover the master recording (the specific recorded version). For in-class use where you're not recording or distributing content, composition licenses are sufficient. However, if you record classes and post them online, distribute recital videos, or livestream classes, you also need synchronization licenses and potentially master recording licenses from record labels — a significantly more complex and expensive process.
5. Business license, seller's permit, and local registrations
After your entity is formed and your CO is issued, you need a general business license from your city or county. This is a basic operating authorization — separate from your zoning approval and building permits — that most municipalities require before any business can operate within their limits. Cost typically ranges from $50–$250 per year and renews annually. Some cities require your CO to be in hand before they'll process the business license application.
A seller's permit (also called a sales tax permit or sales and use tax registration) is required from your state's department of revenue before you collect any payment from students. Sales tax treatment of dance instruction varies significantly by state:
- States that generally tax dance instruction and fitness services: Texas, New York (certain services), Florida (admission fees and some memberships), Ohio, Minnesota
- States that generally exempt instructional or personal services: California (dance instruction is generally exempt), Illinois (instruction exempt, retail taxable), Michigan, Pennsylvania
- Retail sales (costumes, shoes, accessories) are taxable in virtually every state regardless of whether instruction itself is taxed
Get the seller's permit before you take your first payment. Consult a local CPA about your specific state's treatment of dance instruction. Collecting tax incorrectly — or failing to collect when required — creates liability that can take years to surface and is expensive to resolve.
If you have employees, register with your state's department of labor and workforce development (or equivalent) before processing your first payroll. You'll need state unemployment insurance (UI) account registration and, in some states, state disability insurance registration.
6. Insurance requirements and coverage strategy
Insurance for a dance studio involves more layers than most new owners expect, and the layers are not interchangeable. Understanding what each policy covers — and what it explicitly excludes — is essential before you open.
General liability insurance
Covers third-party bodily injury from non-instruction causes (a student slips on a wet floor in the lobby) and property damage. Required by most commercial landlords as a lease condition. Does not cover injuries arising from instruction itself — that's professional liability.
Professional liability (errors and omissions)
Covers claims that instruction itself caused injury — a student alleging that a teacher's technique instruction or hands-on correction caused a knee injury, for example. Standard GL policies contain professional services exclusions, making this coverage non-negotiable for any studio offering physical instruction.
Commercial property insurance
Covers your equipment, flooring systems, mirrors, and build-out improvements against fire, theft, vandalism, and covered perils. Sprung floor systems, mirror systems, and sound systems represent significant investment that standard GL policies do not cover. Make sure your policy covers tenant improvements and betterments if you've built out the space.
Workers' compensation
Legally required in virtually every state once you have employees. Covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured at work. Operating without workers' comp when required exposes the studio owner to personal liability for all medical costs and potential criminal penalties in some states.
7. Instructor classification: employees vs. independent contractors
Worker classification is one of the most litigated areas in the dance studio industry, and one of the most misunderstood. The default assumption that dance instructors can be classified as independent contractors because they have other teaching engagements is legally risky and frequently wrong.
The IRS applies a three-category test to determine classification: behavioral control (does the business control how the worker performs their work?), financial control (does the business control the financial aspects of the worker's job?), and the type of relationship (are there employee-type benefits, is the relationship permanent, is the work a key aspect of the business?). Most regular dance instructors at a studio will fail this test and should be classified as employees.
Specific indicators of employee status: you set the schedule, you specify what classes to teach, you require instructors to follow your curriculum or style, instructors work primarily or exclusively at your studio, you provide the space and equipment, and instructors receive per-class rates that look like wages. If three or more of these apply, a contractor arrangement is legally vulnerable.
The consequences of misclassification are severe: back payroll taxes (the employer's share of FICA — 7.65% of all wages) for every pay period the worker was misclassified, IRS penalties of up to 100% of the unpaid tax, state-level penalties that vary but can be significant, and personal liability for the studio owner in some cases. Some states (most notably California under AB5) apply even stricter tests that make contractor classification even harder to sustain.
True independent contractor status for dance instructors is achievable but requires a fundamentally different working arrangement: the instructor sets their own schedule, teaches at multiple studios, brings their own music and curriculum, sets their own rates, and exercises genuine autonomy over how they teach. If that's not the arrangement you have, classify instructors as employees from the start. The payroll tax and benefits costs are real, but they're far less than the retroactive liability of misclassification.
8. Child safety requirements and background checks
Most dance studios work with minors, and many states have enacted specific child protection requirements for businesses that regularly provide services to children. These requirements vary significantly by state and can be triggered by factors including whether care is provided during school hours, whether children are left unsupervised, and whether the business is licensed as a childcare facility.
Background check requirements: Most states require criminal background checks for employees who have unsupervised access to minors, even in businesses not formally classified as childcare. California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) designates dance instructors as mandated reporters if they interact regularly with minors. Texas requires background checks through the Department of Family and Protective Services for employees of "child-care operations" depending on the nature and hours of care provided.
Child sex abuse prevention: Many dance studio industry organizations strongly recommend that studios implement two-adult policies (never leaving an instructor alone with a single child), maintain visible windows in all teaching spaces, have formal policies on appropriate physical contact during instruction, and require instructors to complete abuse prevention training. These are best practices that also reduce legal exposure and help maintain parent trust.
Check with your state's department of health, department of social services, or department of family and protective services to determine which requirements apply to your specific programming. If you offer drop-off classes for children under a certain age for extended periods, you may cross a threshold that requires formal childcare licensure — a significantly more demanding process.
9. Enrollment agreements, liability waivers, and consumer protections
A well-drafted enrollment agreement is one of the most important legal documents a dance studio will have — and it serves multiple compliance functions beyond just setting tuition terms.
What a comprehensive enrollment agreement should address: tuition amounts, payment schedules, and late fees; recital fees, costume fees, and competition fees disclosed in advance with dollar amounts or clear caps; the studio's cancellation and refund policy (including what happens when classes are cancelled for weather or illness); a physical activity assumption of risk and liability waiver (though waiver enforceability varies significantly by state — California courts are skeptical of broad waivers for negligence, while Texas courts generally enforce them); photo and video release language; and a dispute resolution clause.
Several states have enacted consumer protection laws specifically targeting fitness and dance studios. California's Health Studio Services Act (Business and Professions Code 17500 et seq.) limits prepayment requirements and mandates specific cancellation rights for "health studio contracts," which can include dance instruction in some circumstances. Virginia, New York, and Florida have similar consumer protection statutes affecting pre-paid service contracts. Review your state's applicable laws with a local attorney before finalizing your enrollment agreement template.
For minors, the enrollment agreement must be signed by a parent or legal guardian — a minor cannot enter into a binding contract. Some states also require that liability waivers be separately conspicuous for them to be enforceable, meaning buried waiver language in a long enrollment agreement may not hold up.
10. ADA compliance for dance studios
Dance studios are places of public accommodation under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which means they are required to be accessible to people with disabilities. This applies even to small studios — there is no small-business exemption to Title III.
For a new studio or a studio undergoing renovation, ADA requirements include: at least one accessible entrance (ramp or grade-level entry, no step threshold), accessible restroom facilities meeting 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (including grab bars, adequate turning radius, accessible fixtures), accessible path of travel through the facility, and accessible reception and checkout counter height.
The 2010 ADA Standards do not require every studio room to be accessible if the activities performed there are provided to people with disabilities through another accessible location. However, the lobby, restrooms, and at least some instruction areas should meet standards.
For existing buildings, the standard is "readily achievable" barrier removal — meaning you're required to make access improvements that are reasonably easily accomplishable and can be carried out without much difficulty or expense. For new construction or substantial renovation, the standard is higher: full compliance with ADA construction standards is required.
ADA complaints can be filed with the Department of Justice and can result in required modifications and attorneys' fees. Third-party accessibility lawsuits are common in California (under the Unruh Civil Rights Act, which provides statutory damages) and some other states. An accessibility review by a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) before opening is a worthwhile investment.
11. Recital logistics: venue permits, ticketing, and costuming compliance
The annual recital is typically the largest revenue event and the largest operational complexity event for a dance studio. It also involves a distinct set of permits and compliance requirements separate from your studio's own operations.
Venue permits: If you hold the recital at an external venue (school auditorium, performing arts center, theater), the venue's existing permits typically cover your event. However, you may need to provide proof of your own liability insurance — specifically a certificate of insurance naming the venue as an additional insured. Venues commonly require this as a condition of rental.
Music at the recital: Your PRO licenses (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) cover live performance of music as well as recorded music playback, so your existing licenses should cover recital music. Confirm with the venue that their licenses don't conflict with or duplicate yours — some venues have their own blanket licenses.
Costume sales: If you sell costumes to students (purchasing wholesale and reselling), you're making retail sales subject to sales tax in most states. Keep purchase invoices, maintain a resale certificate from your supplier to avoid paying sales tax on wholesale purchases, and collect and remit sales tax on your retail price to students.
Ticketed performances: Admission fees to performances are taxable in some states (Florida and Texas broadly tax admissions). Check with your state's revenue department before pricing tickets.
Recital video recording and distribution: If you record performances and sell DVDs or digital downloads, you enter a different legal territory. You need synchronization licenses for recorded video use of copyrighted music — PRO licenses do not cover this. Many studios use videography companies that handle this licensing through their own arrangements, or they license music from royalty-free music services specifically for recorded content.
12. Startup cost summary and financial planning
Here is a realistic cost summary for opening a small independent dance studio (2,000–4,000 sq ft, one to two studio rooms) in 2026. These are ranges based on typical market conditions — high-cost markets like New York City or San Francisco will be at the top of or above these ranges, while lower-cost markets in the South and Midwest will often be at the lower end.
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| LLC formation + legal | $500 | $2,500 |
| Permits and inspections | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Flooring systems | $10,000 | $50,000 |
| Mirrors and barres | $3,000 | $12,000 |
| Sound systems | $2,000 | $16,000 |
| Build-out (HVAC, lighting, lobby, changing rooms) | $20,000 | $80,000 |
| Insurance (year one, all policies) | $3,000 | $8,000 |
| Music licensing (PROs, year one) | $900 | $2,400 |
| Marketing and initial enrollment | $2,000 | $10,000 |
| Working capital (6–12 months) | $20,000 | $60,000 |
| Total | $62,400 | $245,900 |
Most dance studios reach breakeven with 150–250 active students paying average monthly tuition of $80–$150. At the low end of that range, breakeven monthly revenue is approximately $12,000–$15,000. Plan for a 12–24 month ramp period before reaching sustained profitability.
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Dance Studio Permit Requirements by City
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Frequently Asked Questions
What licenses do you need to open a dance studio?
Beyond the basics, some states have specific rules for dance studios that offer instruction to minors. California, for example, requires background checks for employees who have unsupervised access to minors under various child protection statutes. Texas requires certain child activity center registrations depending on whether care is provided during non-school hours. Check with your state's department of health, family services, or licensing to determine whether your specific programming triggers additional registration requirements.
If you plan to use copyrighted music — which virtually every dance studio does — you also need performance licenses from PROs (Performing Rights Organizations) such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. Using music without a license, even for "educational" purposes, exposes you to infringement claims that can reach $750–$30,000 per work under the Copyright Act.
Do dance studios need a special certificate of occupancy?
For assembly use, building inspectors will verify: calculated occupancy load posted and enforced, illuminated exit signs above all exits, emergency lighting that functions during power failures, minimum number and minimum width of exit doors (typically one exit per 250 occupants or fraction thereof), fire extinguishers at required intervals, and ADA-compliant access to restrooms and all areas of the facility used by the public.
Most commercial spaces leased by new dance studio owners are not pre-approved for assembly use — they carry a retail or office CO. Getting the right CO means requesting a change of use inspection from your local building department, completing any required modifications to bring the space into compliance, and passing the inspection. This process commonly takes 4–10 weeks and can cost $500–$5,000 in inspection fees, contractor work, and permit filings depending on how much modification is needed.
For spaces undergoing substantial renovation — adding a sprung floor system, moving walls, adding bathrooms — you'll need a building permit before construction starts, followed by the CO inspection after it's complete.
Do I need music performance licenses for my dance studio?
You need blanket licenses from the three major Performing Rights Organizations: ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers), BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.), and SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers). Each organization represents different catalogs of music, so you typically need all three to cover the range of music your instructors will use. Annual licensing fees for a small dance studio typically range from $300–$800 per organization depending on your square footage and number of students, putting total PRO licensing costs at approximately $900–$2,400 per year.
There is also a fourth organization, Global Music Rights (GMR), which represents a smaller but growing roster of artists. Some studios add a GMR license as well.
Note: licenses from these organizations cover the performance of compositions (the songwriting). They do not cover the master recording rights (the specific recording). For most studio uses, the PRO licenses are sufficient, but studios that record and distribute video of their classes may also need master recording licenses from record labels.
What insurance does a dance studio need?
1. General liability ($1M–$2M per occurrence): Covers slip-and-fall incidents, student injuries from the physical environment, and third-party property damage. Most commercial leases require this as a condition of tenancy.
2. Professional liability (errors and omissions): Covers claims arising from instruction itself — a student alleging that improper technique instruction caused a back, knee, or ankle injury. Standard GL policies specifically exclude professional services claims, so this is not duplicative.
3. Commercial property insurance: Covers your equipment, mirrors, flooring systems, stereo equipment, and build-out if stolen, damaged, or destroyed. Sprung floor systems alone can cost $8,000–$25,000 and are not covered under a standard GL policy.
4. Workers' compensation: Required by law in virtually every state once you hire your first employee. Applies to all W-2 employees, including part-time instructors and front desk staff.
Many studio owners also consider a business interruption policy, which covers lost revenue if a covered event (fire, burst pipe, structural damage) forces temporary closure. Dance studio revenue is highly seasonal and schedule-dependent; even a 4–6 week closure can eliminate an entire recital season's worth of tuition. A business owner's policy (BOP) often bundles GL and commercial property at a discount, with professional liability added as an endorsement.
How much does it cost to open a dance studio?
The largest cost driver that surprises most first-time owners is the flooring. Professional dance flooring — whether a floating hardwood sprung floor or a Marley vinyl surface over a sprung subfloor — costs $8–$25 per square foot installed. A single 1,200 sq ft studio with a proper sprung floor can run $10,000–$30,000 in flooring alone. This is non-negotiable for serious instruction: concrete and standard hardwood floors cause cumulative stress injuries over time, and teaching on them is considered a liability.
Other major cost categories:
- Build-out (mirrors, barres, HVAC, lighting, lobby, changing rooms): $30,000–$120,000
- Mirrors: $1,500–$5,000 per studio (full-wall mirror systems)
- Sound systems: $2,000–$8,000 per studio
- Business formation, permits, insurance (year one): $5,000–$12,000
- Working capital for 6–12 months of pre-profitability operations: $20,000–$60,000
Most dance studios reach breakeven at 150–250 active students, which typically takes 12–24 months.
Can dance instructors be independent contractors?
The core problem: if you control when instructors teach, what they teach, what music they use, how they dress, and they primarily or exclusively work at your studio, most tax agencies will classify them as employees regardless of what your contract says. Misclassification exposes the studio to back payroll taxes (employer share of FICA for every period the contractor worked), penalties of up to 100% of the unpaid tax, unpaid benefits liability, and state-level penalties that can include personal liability for the owner.
True independent contractors in the dance world are rare: they typically teach at multiple studios, set their own rates, supply their own materials, and control their own schedule without studio direction. If your arrangement doesn't match that profile, strong legal advice before signing any contractor agreements is worth the cost. The IRS Form SS-8 can be filed to get a formal determination on a worker's status.
What zoning is required for a dance studio?
Even within a permitted commercial zone, some jurisdictions require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) specifically for assembly-type occupancies or fitness/instruction uses. The CUP process involves a formal application, public notice to neighboring property owners, and a hearing before the planning commission. It commonly takes 60–90 days and costs $500–$2,000 in filing fees. Some cities waive the CUP requirement for studios under a certain square footage, so it's worth asking.
Practically, this means: before you sign a lease or make a deposit on a space, visit or call your city's planning department and ask: (1) Is the address at [location] zoned for dance instruction or assembly occupancy? (2) Is a CUP required? (3) What's the current CO classification for the space? Getting the wrong answer after you've signed a lease is one of the most expensive mistakes a new studio owner can make.
Do dance studios need to collect sales tax on tuition?
States that generally tax dance instruction and fitness services include Texas, New York (certain services), Florida (admission fees), and Ohio. States that generally exempt educational or instructional services include California (dance instruction is generally exempt as a "personal instruction service"), Illinois (instruction is exempt but not admissions), and Michigan.
Adding complexity: even in states where dance instruction is taxable, competition-level coaching or private lessons may be treated differently than group classes. Retail sales of dance shoes, costumes, tights, and accessories are almost universally taxable regardless of state.
Get a seller's permit from your state's department of revenue before you take your first payment. Then either consult a local CPA with sales tax expertise or request a written ruling from your state revenue department about how your specific programming will be taxed. The cost of that consultation is trivial compared to the cost of collecting incorrectly for years and then owing back taxes plus penalties.
How do I handle recital costumes and fees legally?
Costume sales: If you purchase costumes wholesale and resell them to students, you're making retail sales. In most states, this is taxable, and you must collect and remit sales tax on the retail price. Keep your wholesale purchase invoices and resale certificates to avoid paying sales tax on your wholesale purchases (most states allow resellers to buy for resale without paying tax).
Recital ticket sales: Admission fees to performances are taxable in some states (Florida and Texas, for example, broadly tax admissions) and exempt in others. Check with your state before pricing and selling tickets.
Competition entry fees: These are typically paid by the studio to the competition organizer, not sales from the studio. Your tax obligation is limited to your markup, if any.
From a contract standpoint, make recital fees, costume fees, and all associated charges explicit in your enrollment agreement with dollar amounts disclosed or capped. Student protection laws in several states limit how much studios can collect in advance, and vague fee disclosures can be the basis for chargebacks or consumer protection complaints. A written enrollment agreement reviewed by a local attorney is inexpensive protection.