This document is created to expressly state all policies and procedures for THE DANCE STUDIO Academy of Performing Arts. All staff, students, parents and account holders of THE DANCE STUDIO are bound to follow all policies and procedures outlined in this document in order to attend classes at THE DANCE STUDIO. Students are unable to attend classes until a parent or guardian has signed the ‘Medical and Enrolment form’ of the enrolled year, agreeing they have read this form in its entirety and accepted the conditions which govern the undertaking of classes conducted by The Dance Studio Academy of Performing Arts. 

Junior school payment policy 

  1. All TDS Term dates are based on Victorian Government School Terms.
  2. Booking notices for Junior School classes for the following term will be issued 3 weeks prior to the end of the current term.
  3. Payment for Term bookings must be secured one week prior to the conclusion of the term to secure the students place in classes for the following term.
  4. As there is a high demand for many of our Junior School classes, if payment has not been received by the due-date listed on each term’s booking notice, your child’s place will no longer be reserved and may be offered to a prospective student on a waiting list. 
  5. The Dance Studio has a strict NO REFUNDS POLICY for Change of Mind on all payments. This includes but is not limited to term deposits, term bookings, concert/costume levies, circumstances where a child no longer wishes to attend a class or performance, withdraws to pursue other commitments, is unable to attend a class due to school functions, social activities or family holidays, or is unable to attend classes for the remainder of a term without an appropriate medical certificate.
  6. In the event of a compulsory dance studio closure due to government directions as outlined in the Restricted Activity Direction (RAD) lists applicable to Dance Studios in Victoria, all classes will default to being delivered online via Zoom until such time as declared safe to reopen.
  7. The Dance Studio offers all students 2 trial classes for $50.00 prior to their full-term enrolment. It is compulsory for all new or very young students to attend the trial classes before booking in for a full term to ensure that they enjoy the class before a term payment is made. This $50.00 covers the cost of the two classes serves as a holding deposit to secure your child’s place in your preferred class and is NON-REFUNDABLE. This deposit will then be deducted from your term fees if you decide to enrol. 
  8. If a student is unwell, they are able to attend a make-up class in the same style. Reception must be notified prior to the commencement of the missed class via email enrolments@thedancestudio.com.au with a makeup class request.
  9. The Dance Studio recognizes all National and Victorian Public Holidays. The Dance Studio will be closed and no classes will be run on these days. Junior School students may send a request via email to The Dance Studio reception to organise a suitable make-up lesson in the instance of a class missed due to a public holiday.  
  10. No refunds will be issued in cases of extreme heat. When temperatures reach above 38°, formal classes will be replaced by dance related activities. The studio is air-conditioned therefore classes will still run. 
  11. In the event of enrolling/re-enrolling in a class part way through the term, you will be charged either full-term fees OR charged at the casual class rate multiplied by the number of classes left in the term, whichever is cheaper. 
  12. All accounts must be financially up to date in order for your child to participate in the Junior School Concert and for you/your family to be able to purchase concert tickets.
  13. All classes at THE DANCE STUDIO are subject to staffing, location and timetabling amendments, either permanently, semi-permanently, or sporadically.  This includes but is not limited to changes to regular teaching staff and the cancellation of classes.  No refunds will be issued under the above circumstances.
  14. Any credit notes issued at the discretion of THE DANCE STUDIO are strictly NON transferable (i.e. if a credit note is issued to a family with multiple children, that credit will only apply to the student it is addressed to, it cannot be applied to your account to cover fees for another sibling’s tuition.)  

Senior school payment policy 

  1. All TDS Term dates are based on Victorian Government School Terms. 
  2. Term tuition fees are set at a flat rate and charged regardless of the number of weeks in that term. 
  3. Accounts will be issued three weeks prior to the start of each term with payments direct debited on the first day of term. 
  4. A $25.00 overdue fee will be applied to all unpaid accounts at the end of week 1 of each term. 
  5. If an account remains unpaid, we reserve the right to refuse your child entry to their class/classes. 
  6. Trial lessons are available at a set fee for new students who wish to try classes before enrolling in the school. 
  7. The Dance Studio has a strict NO REFUNDS POLICY for Change of Mind on all payments. This includes but is not limited to term deposits, term bookings, concert/costume levies, circumstances where a child no longer wishes to attend a class or performance, withdraws to pursue other commitments, is unable to attend a class due to school functions, social activities or family holidays, or is unable to attend classes for the remainder of a term without an appropriate medical certificate. 
  8. The Dance Studio requires all prospective students to attend a trial period prior to full-term enrolment. 
  9. The Dance Studio recognizes all National and Victorian Public Holidays. The Dance Studio will be closed and no classes will be run on these days. 
  10. No refunds will be issued in cases of extreme heat. When temperatures reach above 38°, formal classes will be replaced by alternate dance related activities. The studio has adequate cooling meaning classes will still run. 
  11. No refunds will be issued if a class is cancelled. In this instance, a make-up class will be offered. 
  12. In the event of a compulsory dance studio closure due to government directions as outlined in the Restricted Activity Direction (RAD) lists applicable to Dance Studios in Victoria, all classes will default to being delivered online via Zoom until such time as declared safe to reopen. 
  13. All accounts must be financially up to date in order for your child to receive their examination results, participate in the annual concert, and to receive access to ticket sales for showcase performances. 
  14. In the event of enrolling/re-enrolling in classes part way through the term, you will be charged either full-term fees OR charged at the casual class rate multiplied by the number of classes left in the term, whichever is cheaper. 
  15. Any changes to your child’s enrolment, including but not limited to swapping classes or discontinuing enrollment, must be addressed in writing prior to the end of the previous Term, or full-term fees will be owing. 
  16. Any credit notes issued at the discretion of THE DANCE STUDIO are strictly NON transferable (i.e. if a credit note is issued to a family with multiple children, that credit will only apply to the student it is addressed to, it cannot be applied to your account to cover fees for another sibling’s tuition.) 
  17. All classes at THE DANCE STUDIO are subject to staffing, location and timetabling amendments, either permanently, semi-permanently or sporadically. This includes but is not limited to changes to regular teaching staff and the cancellation of classes. No refunds will be issued under the above circumstances. 
  18. A deposit of $75.00 will be applied to all accounts upon registration of a new account. This covers account administration and contributes towards the cost of running our annual events such as studio rehearsals, theatre rehearsals, photo days, concert days, and pays for a streaming link of the end of year concert video. 
  19. Costume levies are applied to all accounts in Terms 3 & 4 for students who wish to participate in the annual showcase. If costume levies are not paid, no costumes will be issued and therefore the student will not be able to participate in the performance. 

Methods of payment

Direct Debit (Autopay) From 2025 upon registration of classes, all term tuition, production levy, and costume fees will be Direct Debited through The Dance Studio Pro Parent Portal. In person or over the phone EFTPOS payments will not be permitted except for Uniform shop purchases. 

Credit or EFTPOS payments (Uniform Shop Purchases only): These payments can be made in person at The Dance Studio within shop operating hours OR over the phone

Code of ethics

  1. Correct dancewear and footwear are to be worn to each class, as outlined in the uniform policy. 
  2. Bags are to be placed in the pigeon holes inside the studio OR under the seats in the waiting room NOT on the waiting room floor OR in the hallway as these are high traffic/thoroughfare areas. 
  3. No mobile phones are to be brought into the classroom. 
  4. Students must be punctual for each class and aim for 100% attendance. 
  5. Teachers must be polite and respectful to students at all times. In the case of a student having a concern about a particular teacher, the said student has permission to come to the director and discuss the matter with complete privacy. 
  6. Unless permission is given by the teacher/Principal, there are to be no photos or video footage to be taken during classes or on the premises under any circumstances. 
  7. Students are not to move free standing ballet barres by themselves. 
  8. Students are not to touch any electrical switches, heaters or air conditioners. 
  9. The Dance Studio Academy of Performing Arts has a strict NO SMOKING policy. 
  10. All students must bring a drink bottle to all classes. 
  11. It is impossible for staff to supervise students outside their allocated class time. For safety reasons, parents are asked to escort their children to and from the building. 
  12. The Dance Studio offers two streams of class programs, examination and recreational. Enrolment to examination classes is strictly by invitation only. The Examination program is for students who attend ballet twice a week and commit to regular class attendance. Entry into these classes is at the start of Term 1 only. 
  13. Entry to present for examinations is at the discretion of the student’s specialist teacher. 
  14. Students wishing to present for their externally assessed classical examination must attend all days of the compulsory winter school program held in the second week of the winter school holidays. 
  15. The Dance Studio offers a Troupe Extension Program for students committed to advancing their technique and performance skills in all styles of dance. Enrolment to the Troupe Extension Program is strictly by invitation only and subject to compliance with the Troupe Extension Program commitment policies. 
  16. Attendance at all extra showcase rehearsals is compulsory for children wishing to participate in the TDS annual showcase. If for any reason your child cannot attend a rehearsal, please advise in writing for the attention of The Dance Studio Director. 
  17. Absences from more than three classes in Term 4, or absences at any of the compulsory rehearsals, may result in a student not being in part or all of a routine(s). 
  18. For OH&S reasons, all students are required to attend our theatre rehearsal. Non-attendance at the theatre rehearsal will result in your child being unable to perform in the showcase. 
  19. Students are to be dropped off at the beginning of their first class and are not to leave the building until they are picked up by a parent, at the conclusion of their final class. If a student is leaving before their scheduled class conclusion time, reception must be notified.

Anti-bullying

The Dance Studio Academy of Performing Arts follows strict anti-bullying procedures whereby each student has the right to be treated with respect from others, to be treated fairly and without discrimination regardless of religion, cultural, racial and sexual differences, age, disability or social economic status. Students must be polite and respectful to each other at all times. Any student who is bullied OR witnesses bullying involving another TDS student(s) should report the incident and/or situation to a TDS staff member immediately so that conflict resolution can be put in place. 

Fire and evacuation policy

Walk promptly towards the illuminated EXIT SIGNS at the front of the building. Leave all bags and belongings and exit the building calmly. Assembly location will be at the corner of Evans/Harker St. Students should NOT attempt to go home; they should please wait patiently for instructions from their teacher and once all students have been accounted for, parents will be notified and arrangements for transport home can be arranged. 

Injury policy

In case of an injury affecting a student’s ability to participate in dance classes, we strongly recommend that you promptly book a consultation with a physiotherapist for treatment and rehabilitation guidance. The school recommends In Sync Physiotherapy & Pilates for a comprehensive assessment. 

Camberwell Sports & Spinal Medicine

1431/1433 Toorak Rd, Camberwell VIC 3124

03 9889 1078

info@cssm.com.au

You may seek your own sports physiotherapist/specialist if you wish. If a student is unable to participate in more than two classes, TDS will need a written report from your specialist with the diagnosis, prognosis and rehabilitation/management of the injury. The rehabilitation process can then be put into place and we will be able to follow up with a suitable dance-program within the student’s range of mobility during the rehabilitation stages. If the injury results in the student being unable to participate in classes for an extensive portion of the term, you will either be charged full-term fees OR charged at the casual class rate multiplied by the number of classes left in the term, whichever is cheapest. Refunds are not provided in case of injury. A credit note may be provided if an injury will prevent a child from dancing if more than 3 weeks of classes will be missed due to the injury. In this case, a medical certificate must be provided along with a detailed physio’s report..  

Confidentiality policy 

Please be aware that The Dance Studio Academy of Performing Arts staff will not share any student’s personal details with a third party without permission from the student’s parent/legal guardian. 

Nut policy

All nuts and foods containing nuts must not be brought to the studio for the safety of students who may suffer from allergies/anaphylaxis. 

COVID safety 

The Dance Studio Academy of Performing Arts is committed to ensuring the wellbeing and safety of our students, our staff, our customers and our extended community. The Dance Studio has implemented specific policies and procedures to manage and reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 within our immediate environment in line with the Ausdance Victoria & Ausdance National frameworks and the Victorian Department of Health regulations for community recreation centres and indoor sport.

Enrolment indemnity waiver 

In exchange for the applicant or my child’s participation in the activity of dance classes, singing classes, acting classes, acrobatics classes and/body conditioning classes/workshops with THE DANCE STUDIO ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS, all applicants must agree to the following: 

  1. Disclose to the instructor before the activity any disability, illness or injury that may be affected or aggravated by her/him participating in a class or activity. I acknowledge that the instructor is relying on this statement in allowing the applicant or my child/children to take part in the class. 
  2. Release the instructor, employees, other students and THE DANCE STUDIO ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS from all liability for any claim or demand or damage or personal injury or illness (including death) whether arising as a result of negligence, breach of statutory duty or any other cause of action sustained by the applicant or my child/children THE DANCE STUDIO ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS instructor, employees or other students. 
  3. Accept responsibility for all medical costs which may occur as a result of the applicant or my child’s actions during all classes and workshops held by THE DANCE STUDIO ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS. I also authorise the instructors to obtain medical assistance if required and I agree to pay all medical expenses incurred on behalf of my child. 
  4. Acknowledge that in the conduct of the class or other activity, some physical contact will occur between the applicant or my child/children and the instructor and other members of the class. 
  5. Acknowledge that the applicant or your child needs to abide by the behavioural code of conduct in the student policies and procedures document and, as per our risk assessment policy therein includes the right to evict anyone from the class, at any time and without warning, if they breach or appear to breach any of the guidelines for creating a safe environment. 
  6. Any person taking any dance or acrobatic or performing arts classes/activities connected with THE DANCE STUDIO ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS acknowledges that they do so entirely at their own risk. I give my consent for my child to participate in dance classes and agree to delegate my authority to the staff and instructors involved. All dance, exercises and participation are done at the risk of the child. 
  7. THE DANCE STUDIO ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS and all of its staff, employees and contractors will not be liable for any loss, injury or damage that a student suffers, from using the equipment incorrectly or not adhering to occupational health &/or safety instructions/directions. 
  8. Acknowledge and agree that THE DANCE STUDIO ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS, its staff, employees and contractors will not be liable for any loss or damage to any persons or properties arising from any acts or omissions by the business, its employees and contractors or any participant at THE DANCE STUDIO ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS arising under the law of contract tort or otherwise, and indemnify the said business in relation to any such loss and damage. 
  9. THE DANCE STUDIO ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS shall not be responsible for the loss or damage to a student’s or visitor’s personal property. Students and visitors bring all property to the Academy at their own risk. THE DANCE STUDIO ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS is not responsible for any personal injury arising. j. To ensure the safety, wellbeing and successful conduct of the students as a group, or individual in the above mentioned activities, staff may seek to discipline students (which may include removal from a class) should inappropriate conduct occur.