Studio Policies

MISSION STATEMENT

The Organization advocates “dance for all” and aims to attract people of all ages and ability who enjoy dancing.

The BBO aims to ensure safe dance practice and to provide access and equal opportunities for all.

The Organization aims to ensure the highest quality teaching by providing Teacher training, support and continued professional development.

Cooma Dance Co has a zero tolerance to bullying and harassment by students or parents that is directed towards students/teachers/staff/or committee member of CD Co.Inc

Public Holidays and School holidays
Classes are not usually held on public holidays or during school breaks unless otherwise notified.

Enrolment requirements

• All new and existing students must complete the Cooma Dance Co. enrolment form prior to the beginning of the first term. If the form has not been completed by the first lesson, the student is not accepted for enrolment.

• Payment of an annual CD Co. membership fee of $10 is also required. This fee is non-refundable.

• Students must commit to attend classes regularly in the correct studio attire.

• Although not compulsory, it is expected that all students will participate in performances held throughout the year.

Be prepared to sit for examinations as directed by the Principal and teachers, these are held at the Principal’s discretion by The British Ballet Organization and are considered important for the development of good technique and stage presence.

STUDIO ATTIRE:
Students must attend class in the correct studio attire as listed below. A neat and tidy appearance helps put students into the right frame of mind and gives them confidence and pride in themselves. It also helps the teacher see good body placement and correct use of muscles. Hair must be tied back and off the face.

Dancewear in the red/black combination is available from Taps Dancewear, 29 Dundas Court, Phillip ACT and at times through the school.

NO OTHER CLOTHING IS ALLOWED IN CLASS other than what is listed below.

CLASSES

Once the second term has commenced, changing disciplines is not permitted. You must decide during the first term, so that any changes to current classes can be adjusted before Term 2 commences.

Parents are not usually permitted in class as this creates a distraction for the students who need to focus on the teachers instructions. It may be necessary for parents to attend classes to take notes during examination preparation, permission may be granted by the teacher in those circumstances.

CLOTHING
Please ensure all personal clothing is marked clearly with your name. Always bring your dance bag and remember to return your dance shoes to the bag as you change for the next class.

ZUMBA CLASSES
Zumba classes are also available at Cooma Dance Co. Inc, the classes are taught by qualified Zumba Instructors.  Zumba classes are undertaken at the students own risk.  Class times and fees and any other information in regards to these classes, is available from the Principal.  Unlike dance classes, Zumba classes are available on a casual basis. Please wear appropriate footwear, eg sneakers or jazz sneakers, no bare feet.

ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is important to the progress of the entire class. Fellow students should not be expected to help irregular attendees catch up with the rest of the class.
Interest is kept when there is regular attendance at classes.  Once a student arrives at St Andrew’s Hall to attend dance classes, they must not leave the dance studio.  If they wish to leave for any reason they must request permission from the Principal or dance teacher.  Please inform the school by email or phone message if your child cannot attend their normal class. The Principal may contact you if a child regularly misses their class. All students are encouraged to be on time for their class, they should also allow time to warm up before their first class of the day.

COMMITMENT TO END OF YEAR CONCERT

All students need to advise the Principal at the beginning of the second term if they will be performing at the end of year concert.  If students stop attending classes and costumes have been ordered, the student will have to reimburse the school for the costumes purchased.

PERFORMANCE LEVY & COSTUME HIRE:

A performance levy will be applied for each student who commits to the end of year performance. Please note that you will be asked to commit to the performance by no later than the first week of the second term.  This time frame is designed to allow for the ordering of costumes and the choreography of the dances for each individual student as a member of the dance company.
This levy contributes to the many production costs associated with the performance as well as the provision of costumes.  A small charge may be applicable for students who have four or more costumes.   It is important to note that it is not possible for Cooma Dance Co. to refund term fees or performance levies. If you choose to withdraw you will be required to pay the full cost of those costumes, which will remain the property of Cooma Dance Co.

The Performance Levy for 2012 will be a sum of $120.  The fee may be paid in a lump sum or as a quarterly addition of $30 to the term fees.

FUNDRAISING
The performance levy provides a partial solution to the pressures of fundraising, which is fair and equitable for our members and students.  Financial pressures for our non-profit community organisation are a consistent reality. With this in mind the committee will be considering some fund raising events for 2012 to boost our financial strength.  Please note that we would warmly welcome your ideas or help with these events.

WARMING-UP
Please ensure that you warm up prior to class to avoid injury. 

DISCLAIMER
Cooma Dance Co strives to provide a safe environment for the students. We are not responsible for accidents or injuries caused whilst participating in classes due to student neglect. Students must take care of their own personal safety at all times and ensure that they are medically fit to participate in classes.

EXAMINATIONS
British Ballet Organization Examinations may be held depending on the number of students who are interested in sitting for their examinations. . Examination fees and dress requirements are set by the British Ballet Organization.

FEES
Fees are kept as low as possible and set so as to balance the budget.  An account will be sent at the beginning of each term. Fees are due by the end of the second week of term. There are no refunds for missed classes.  If payment has not been made by the third week of term the Administrator may contact you. Term fees will not be allowed to carry over into the next term.

GENERAL MONETARY POLICY
Electronic funds transfer, cash or cheques payable to Cooma Dance Co. will be accepted as payment for lessons. Bank charges incurred for all dishonoured cheques will be added to outstanding dance fees.

OTHER
All matters relating to students, classes & performances etc should be directed to the Principal, they should not be discussed with any committee members.

All dance routines, costumes and artistic direction are the responsibility of the Principal and teachers. There will be NO REGULAR CLASSES during the school holidays. BBO Exam Classes, Workshops, Group Rehearsals may occur during the school break, and private tuition may also be arranged depending on the teachers availability.

Chewing Gum is not allowed for any classes or performances. No food or drink (except water) is to be consumed by students in the dance studios but may be consumed in the adjacent kitchen.  All students should have a water bottle in their dance bag with their name clearly marked on the bottle.  Alcohol is not to be consumed in the studio or backstage during rehearsals or when performing at the end of year concert. The use of mobile phones during class is not permitted.

We are not responsible for lost or stolen items. We recommend that all clothing be name labelled.  If found, lost clothing will be placed in our lost property box in the storeroom. All unclaimed items will be donated to St Vincent de Paul at the end of each term.
All choreography for performances remains the exclusive property of Cooma Dance Co. Permission from the Principal is required for the public use of any Cooma Dance Co. choreography. Use of Cooma Dance Co. choreography in performances of other dancing schools will result in immediate expulsion from the school.

Private Lessons
Private Lessons are an option for any Cooma Dance Co. student, depending on the availability of the teachers and studios. Please enquire about these Rates. Once a Private lesson has been booked it must be paid for regardless of ability to attend, unless sufficient notice of cancellation is given. All matters regarding private lessons must be directed to the Principal.

Performance
Participation in performances is not compulsory; however, we encourage and assist all students in their endeavours, to excel in this field. Once you commit to these performances, you cannot withdraw (physical injury excluded). Students must wear the official school uniform to and from all outside performance venues. This rule does not apply to the annual concert.

FIRST AID
A fully equipped First Aid Kit is available. A qualified person (Administrator) is on hand during classes to administer first aid if needed.

SECONDHAND ITEMS
If you have shoes or studio attire to sell, please place in a clear plastic bag, marked clearly with your name and the price, give to your teacher to place in the secondhand box. Please ensure the items are clean and well presented, especially footwear.