CODE OF CONDUCT / ETHICS & RULES
Students learn better in a secure, orderly, and non-disruptive environment. The goal is to help students and their teacher create an environment that is conducive to teaching and learning.
At The Dance School, clear and reasonable rules are fairly and consistently implemented. We reserve the right to inform a student that he/she should seek instruction elsewhere if his or her behaviour – or that of the parent, family members or caregivers – is disruptive or disrespectful.
A safe and positive learning environment for students is essential to our success and we appreciate your commitment to these principles.
ATTENDANCE / ABSENCES:
- Students should attend the recommended classes and all rehearsals.
- All classes continue during school exams.
- If a student is unable to attend class or rehearsals, please send a whatsapp prior to the time of the class or rehearsal.
- Please ensure that your child arrives at least 5 – 10 minutes before his/her class.
- If your child needs to leave class early, please inform at the beginning of the lesson.
- Absences from class may result in the student remaining in the current level longer than other fellow students. Any pupil missing class without a valid reason is solely responsible for catching up the work missed.
- No refunds are given for missed classes.
DRESS CODE / APPEARANCE:
- The image presented by dance students is an important aspect of discipline and training. Taking care in one’s appearance aids in self-esteem, promotes confidence and increases pride in performances. A neat appearance is strictly enforced at BTB:
- NO jeans may be worn during Modern Classes. Baggy pants may be worn over tights for warm ups but taken off when class starts.
- Socks are worn to warm feet and removed before special exercises.
- Wear warm clothing before and after class to prevent injuries.
- BTB studio wear – place orders through studio [T-Shirts / Hoodies / Leotards, Jerseys]
- Hair must be worn neatly tied up and out of the face for every class. Hair must be in a neat bun for ballet class.
- Short hair must be pinned back away from the eyes and face.
- Long hair must be secured away from face and neck.
- No jewellery or watches are to be worn during dance class or rehearsals. · Refrain from wearing makeup when exercising, it is very unhealthy for your skin.
- Street wear, food, drink (other than water) and gum is not permitted in the studio.
- The school is not responsible for any lost jewellery or clothing.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
BTB is closed on all public holidays and during school holidays.
There are no refunds or credits given due to holidays or other personal absences, or closures due to circumstances beyond our control such as adverse weather conditions or power outages.
Fees are charged per month and worked out according to terms, monthly fees should be paid before holidays commence.
PAYMENT
All students must register on-line and set up Pre-Payments prior to taking class. Registration Fees are non-refundable and due upon registration for the school year classes.
FEES:
- All fees to be paid at the beginning of the month.
- No fees or part of fees will be refunded due to missed lessons.
- Fees are paid per month.
- If monies [dance fees] are deposited via the internet, a deposit slip must be sent to class as proof of payment.
- Props and costume hire fee will be charged [performances etc.] per outfit.
- In the event of school holidays, fees must be settled before holidays commence.
- New students – once off enrolment fee to be charged – R250 – includes 1 pair of ballet shoes.
- Take note – 10% increase of fees yearly.
- Take note of correct banking details for monthly fees and other.
- Cash payments must be placed in a clearly marked envelope with your child’s name, amount and details of payment (Fees) – and handed to teacher Ilse or teacher Chelne.
- One month’s written notice and fees are required and no verbal arrangement will be accepted if you want to cancel.
Overdue Accounts
- Families with an overdue account on the 5th of the month will incur a 10% late fee. The only exceptions to the above are for: Families who have set up an agreed-upon pre-payment plan.
- Families with an overdue account on the 10th of the month will have their enrolment suspended.
- Students will not be permitted to attend class during suspension until payment is provided.
- If a suspended student arrives for class, they will not be permitted to take part in their class.
- Families with an overdue account after 30 days will have their enrolment cancelled
- Students will not be permitted to return to class upon cancellation until payment is provided.
- An additional Registration Fee must be paid to re-enroll in class.
- BTB reserves the right to refuse service, or ask any student to leave the school, at the owners’ discretion, with or without cause. Dance schools are regulated by Consumer Protection BC and must abide by the regulations set out in the Consumer Protection Act.
LOST AND FOUND
Items unclaimed in lost-and-found after extended periods will be donated to charity. BTB cannot be held responsible for any items lost at the school or at any performance.
It is the responsibility of each family to ensure that each student arrives and leaves with all of their belongings.
We strongly suggest not bringing valuables to the studio or performances.
Please put name tags on all your dance wear. Remember that everyone is wearing the same items!
COMPETITION / PERFORMANCES/ FESTIVALS
Competition readiness will be assessed by Ilse before students are entered. If a student commit to dancing in an event, they will be expected to attend all rehearsals if not student will not be permitted to take part.
Students to sign a commitment form on agreement.
Students must have permission if participating in any event outside of BTB.
Performances outside of BTB will be at the discretion of Ilse.
AAB EXAMS Evaluation will be done before students are entered for the exams. If your child does not meet the necessary exam criteria during his/her “Mock Exam”, they will not be permitted to participate in the AAB exam. The Studio reserves the right to make that decision.
Exam candidates must please bring a USB clearly marked with his/her name to copy their exam music for them. Please encourage your child/children to practice as it builds confidence and eases the exam “stress”. This should be a positive experience for them.
LOYALTY
Loyalty to BTB expected from all BTB students & parents. We are fully committed to growing with your dancer as they work towards their full potential, but like anything growth takes time and commitment, and we ask our parents to be as commit to our studio as we are to their children.
DEFAMATION
No student of BTB shall make public or publish any statement likely to damage the reputation or place any post on social media that will bring the studio into disrepute.
No tiktoks, videos or photos of other students may be shared on social media without their permission.
HONOUR & RESPECT
- Students will listen carefully and respectfully to their teacher and follow instructions.
- Students under the age of 18 will ask for assistance from the teacher when they have trouble with another student.
- Be courteous and polite, use appropriate language.
- Students who are dating may not show explicit and inappropriate physical contact at the studio e.g. Kissing, hanging on each other, lying on each other, touching each other inappropriately.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
- A.A.B & A.I.D.T. syllabi are the intellectual property of the American Academy of ballet and A.I.D.T. and may not be taught to, or by, teachers who are not Registered Members/Provisional Members of the Association Teachers and candidates may not use AIDT syllabus work or set dance for any other reason than official AIDT exam sessions.
CANCELLATION
- If your child/children has decided to stop dancing, please notify via Whatsapp [1 month notice]
Expectations for Student Behaviour:
GENERAL RULES:
- No balls allowed in dance class, no roughhousing, play fighting or doing tricks without a teacher spot in place.
- Students use backyard area “swings” at own risk, and must not be careless, damage property or injure other students.
- No climbing up the walls or playing in the garden.
- Pupils are NOT permitted to wander around the school grounds alone, stay in waiting area inside.
- No pupil is to leave the studio until their parent/lift has arrived, wait inside studio premises.
- Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself, respect the rights of others and respect the property of The Dance School and the Guest House.
- Adhere & agree to code of conduct, ethics, studio rules & indemnity form.
- No parent or family member are permitted to sit in during class unless prior arrangements have been made. No exceptions!!
- If you need to discuss a serious matter in person, please arrange a meeting in advance, no interruptions during classes, also take in consideration teacher’s privacy in free time.
- Extra lessons [competitions/festivals/exams/performances] will be charged extra per hour.
- If your child/children have decided to stop dancing, please notify via Whatsapp [1 month notice]
- No badmouthing or bullying will be tolerated – multiple offences will result in termination from the studio with no refunds or payments.
INDEMNITY FORM
Beyond the Barre and Hamilton Guest house will in no way be held responsible for any death, injury, or loss of property while your child/children are attending classes, workshops & events at the studio [BTB studio at Hamilton Guest house], or outside area of premises, in-or outside of property, or at any venue where he/she are rehearsing or performing.
By continuing your dance training with us you hereby agree to the abovementioned rules and indemnity statement.
Hereby pledge to comply with the Code of Conduct, Ethics & Rules always to the best of ability.
Will encourage child/children to observe the rules and comply with them to the best of her/his abilities.