Welcome to Dazzle Dance Academy! This handbook will serve as your guide to Dazzle Dance Academy and its philosophy of dance education. We take our roles as a mentors and teachers in your child’s life very seriously. It is our objective to inspire a passion for the art of dance in every child who passes through our doors. In the process, we strive to set the right example and help your child (and you) create memories that will last a lifetime.

Philosophy Dazzle Dance Academy creates a safe and nurturing atmosphere where students will learn to develop the technical aspects of dance plus self-esteem, confidence, team work and creativity in a positive, yet disciplined and encouraging environment. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and strive on the pursuit of excellence in dance. We are passionate about dance, and have a high emphasis on strong technique through correct training. We provide classes for both the recreational dancer as well as those who want to pursue a professional career in dancing. Our students are taught by experienced and passionate teachers who hold qualifications in their respective fields. This is very important to the academy to ensure students are taught correctly and safely. We are committed to providing a positive dance experience to all students involved. We absolutely love what we do and aspire to pass on our knowledge, different styles and love of dance to all our students. Our dance community is something we are very proud of, where strong friendships are formed. We follow the teaching and standards of Australian Teachers of Dancing (ATOD). They are the leaders in the field of dance education, both nationally and internationally, committed to delivering high quality products and support. ATOD are driven to deliver dynamic, innovative and engaging work, underpinned by best practice teaching standards and an examination process of the highest integrity.

Contact Information Classes are held in Murrumbateman at the Uniting Church Hall and the Recreation Hall. Both venues are situated on the Barton Hwy and are directly across the road from one another. The best way to contact us is generally by email, however we can also be reached on the school’s landline number between 10am and 3pm, Monday - Friday. The director’s personal mobile number is listed below and is to be used in an emergency. Your discretion is requested and appreciated. Ph: 02 6160 0557 Email: info@dazzledanceacademy.com.au Website: dazzledanceacademy.com.au Director’s Ph: 0416150690 (for emergency use only) Director’s Email: elle@dazzledanceacademy.com.au

2018 Term Dates Enrolment Day - Saturday 20th January, 10am – 1pm Term 1 Thursday 8th February to Saturday 14th April Term 2 Monday 30

th April to Saturday 7

th July

Term 3 Monday 23rd

July to Saturday 29th September

Term 4 Saturday 13th

October to Friday 7th December

The information listed in this handbook is subject to change. Please regularly check your emails and newsletters for updates.

Public holidays Classes are not held on public holidays as per dates below: Easter Break - Thursday 29th March to Tuesday 3rd April inclusive Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend - Thursday 7

th June to Tuesday 12

th June inclusive

No classes are held on Murrumbateman Field Days weekend (Thursday 18th, Friday 19

th & Saturday 20

th October) due

to hall unavailability.

Class Relocation Dates - Rec Hall As our classes take place in community halls, there are times throughout the year when we must relocate our classes due to annual events, festivals or Council bookings. Rec Hall classes are moved to the Murrumbateman Pre-school during these times. Church Hall classes are unaffected. Saturday 3rd March Friday 9th & Saturday 10th March Saturday 14th April Friday 25th & Saturday 26th May Saturday 15th September Thursday 20th, Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd September Saturday 3rd November Saturday 24th November

Other Important Dates Examination Days & Orientation Days (compulsory for all exam students) – August 2018 Murrumbateman Field Days – Saturday 20

th October 2018 (selected groups perform)

Studio Dress Rehearsal and Photo Day – Sunday 18th November

Theatre Dress Rehearsal – Saturday 8th December @ Gungahlin College Theatre

End of Year Concert – Sunday 9th December @ Gungahlin College Theatre

FACULTY

ELLE MORRIS - Director & Principal

Elle holds Acro Dance Certification, a Certificate III in Fitness and a Certificate IV in Dance

(Bartuccio’s, Melbourne). Elle was elected to the board of Ausdance ACT in 2017. Elle

has danced internationally completing contracts in Singapore and New Zealand. Her

television credits include appearances on the AFL Grand Final Show (Channel 9), Bogan

Pride (SBS), Good Friday Appeal (Channel 7) and as a featured instructor and presenter

on Donna Aston's Fitness To Go DVD. Some of her live performance credits include

performing as a solo aerialist for the Black Eyed Peas, various shows at Crown Casino

and cheerleader for the Melbourne Storm. She has worked in administration and

management roles in creative, production and entertainment businesses. Since 2014, Elle

has been the Director and Principal of Dazzle Dance Academy. Elle adores the

community spirit that has fostered amongst the families of the Academy and is passionate

about providing quality dance education and building self-confidence in local rural kids.

TANJA ROBINSON - Founder & Artistic Director

Tanja founded Dazzle Dance Academy in 2011, starting out with just 30 students. Four

years later, Dazzle had grown to over 100 students thanks to Tanja’s dedication to her

students and her passionate vision for providing the highest quality in dance education

Tanja has 30 years dance experience in the industry and has studied and taught the

following facets: Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Classical Ballet, Musical Theatre and Contemporary

receiving the highest possible marks awarded in Classical Ballet and Contemporary.

Tanja has always had a strong love of dance and a strong passion for teaching,

having taught at various dance schools across Sydney. Tanja has studied the following

syllabus; ATOD (Australian Teachers of Dancing), DMPA (Dance in Motion and

Performing Arts), British Ballet and Glenn Wood Tap Syllabus. Tanja attends workshops

with high profile teachers from Australia and overseas and keeps up to date with the

latest dance training. Tanja aims to be a positive role model to her students and aspires

to pass on a wealth of knowledge, different styles and love of dance to all her students.

MISCHA CALNAN – Teacher

Mischa completed her Certificate IV in Performing Arts at ED5 International in

Sydney. Mischa brings a wealth of knowledge with her to Dazzle and has been trained in

all disciplines of dance as well as gymnastics. She has competed at various competitions

in Australia and has danced in many performances in Canberra and Sydney. Her

professional highlights include performing at thee Sydney Opera House, and dancing with

well-known pop stars such as Havana Brown, Sean Kingstion and Xzibit. Mischa is a

vibrant and energetic teacher, an exceptional choreographer and has achieved some

outstanding results with our Senior Performance Team and Soloists.

AMY FORMAN - Teacher

Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Education and works as a Learning Support

Assistant to students with special needs. Amy has been dancing for over 20 years, and

has trained in RAD Ballet, National Character, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop

and African Dance. She has performed at various Canberra events including Dance On

the Edge, the Dance Science Festival and as a member of African drum and dance troupe

Olabisi. Amy is passionate about dance and dance education, and has been teaching for

eight years in dance studios, preschools, primary schools and mixed ability classes.

JI LIAN NG - Teacher

Ji Lian is trained in RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap and Modern Theatre. She holds an Associate

Diploma in Tap through ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, UK) and has been

an ISTD registered teacher since 2006. Ji Lian also holds a Bachelor of Arts with a major

in Media Studies and a minor in Sociology, and has worked as a Marketing

Communications specialist. In addition to teaching at the Academy, she has taken on the

role of Administrator since 2016. Ji Lian is passionate about teaching and brings with her

over 10 years of dance teaching experience. She has performed at various dance festivals

such as the Short + Sweet Dance Malaysia and the Malaysian Dance Festival, and was

cheerleading captain in high school. In pursuit of broadening her Tap styles, she attended

the New York Tap Festival and Stockholm Tap Festival to learn from world-renowned tap

dance professionals.

LAUREN WALDOCK - Teacher & Assistant Teacher Lauren teaches the Tinytots class and is highly passionate about working with young children. She is also the assistant teacher for Acrobatics. As a Senior Performance Troupe member she loves to perform and adores mentoring younger students at the Academy. In 2015, Lauren performed the main character role of the Stepmother in our end of year ballet production of Cinderella.

CLARE HEALEY - Assistant Teacher Clare is in her third year of assistant teaching at the Academy. Clare has danced at Dazzle for 6 years, and studies ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and acrobatics. She loves assisting our youngest students to have the best possible experience during their dance classes. Clare was successfully accepted into the Ausdance ACT mentoring program Escalate for 2018. Clare hopes to have a successful career as a professional dancer in the future. SOPHIE NOLAN - Assistant Teacher Sophie has been dancing at Dazzle for 7 years and has studied ballet, contemporary, acrobatics and jazz. She was successfully chosen to play the main character role of Mufasa in our 2017 ballet production of the Lion King. Sophie has assisted the Tinytots and Introductory classes on several occasions. She is delighted to be assisting the Tinytots class on a regular basis in 2018.

FOR OUR STUDENTS

The first step to becoming a successful dancer is making a solid commitment to your classes. Strong technique is a key ingredient and class is where you develop that technique. Come to each class prepared to learn and without personal distractions. Class time is your chance to focus on yourself, so try to leave your concerns or worries at the studio door. True progress is made when you look at each class as an opportunity to become better at what you love. Dance full-out, stretch a little further, become more aware of your technique, and make the most of every class. Respect for the teachers is essential. Listen to each correction given, whether it’s directed at you or another dancer. A correction is an honour - it shows you how much a teacher cares about your progress as a dancer. Always say thank you when a teacher offers you constructive criticism. Nothing can stop those students who apply themselves in every class and appreciate their teachers’ knowledge and experience.

FOR THE PARENTS: “WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER” We believe that children’s success depends on the support of their parents or guardians. Because your commitment to the process makes an enormous difference, we encourage you to be a part of your child’s dance education. Our programs rely on a positive atmosphere and educational experience for our faculty and students and their parents. Cooperation between all parents is expected. Showing respect for other parents, the students, and the faculty makes an important impression on the children. You are a role model for your child on how to interact with others in a professional setting. Your child’s presence at all classes is imperative. The spirit of teamwork and the lesson of dedication are a big part of the academy’s educational process. Parents and teachers may look at a child’s learning from different perspectives. However, we believe they share a common goal - to ensure that every child receives the best possible training, both physically and mentally. Mutual respect among our faculty and our students’ parents provides the children with the ultimate care and education.

The first step to becoming a successful dancer is making a solid commitment to your classes. Strong technique is a key ingredient and class is where you develop that technique. Come to each class prepared to learn and without personal distractions. Class time is your chance to focus on yourself, so try to leave your concerns or worries at the studio door. True progress is made when you look at each class as an opportunity to become better at what you love. Dance full-out, stretch a little further, become more aware of your technique, and make the most of every class. Respect for the teachers is essential. Listen to each correction given, whether it’s directed at you or another dancer. A correction is an honour - it shows you how much a teacher cares about your progress as a dancer. Always say thank you when a teacher offers you constructive criticism. Nothing can stop those students who apply themselves in every class and appreciate their teachers’ knowledge and experience.

FOR THE PARENTS: “WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER” We believe that children’s success depends on the support of their parents or guardians. Because your commitment to the process makes an enormous difference, we encourage you to be a part of your child’s dance education. Our programs rely on a positive atmosphere and educational experience for our faculty and students and their parents. Cooperation between all parents is expected. Showing respect for other parents, the students, and the faculty makes an important impression on the children. You are a role model for your child on how to interact with others in a professional setting. Your child’s presence at all classes is imperative. The spirit of teamwork and the lesson of dedication are a big part of the academy’s educational process. Parents and teachers may look at a child’s learning from different perspectives. However, we believe they share a common goal - to ensure that every child receives the best possible training, both physically and mentally. Mutual respect among our faculty and our students’ parents provides the children with the ultimate care and education.

FOR ALL PARENTS AND STUDENTS

Understanding Dance Education As a parent, you play an important role in supporting your child financially, but your emotional support is of equal, and perhaps even greater, value. Encourage your child to be the best that he or she can be regardless of what others may achieve. Dance is an individual art form and children need to be allowed to achieve at a pace that’s comfortable. No two students will progress at the same rate, even if they experience the exact same training. It’s important to encourage children to focus on themselves, give their all, and be satisfied with their own accomplishments. Not all children will develop into professional dancers. One of the primary goals of our faculty is to teach life lessons and skills that offer children the best chance for success. Dance education encompasses far more than technique and the steps your children learn. We believe the discipline of dance training gives young people a better understanding of commitment through learning, experiencing the spirit of teamwork, and discovering what they can accomplish through hard work. Our goal is to educate the minds, bodies, and souls of our students, teaching them the skills needed for a successful life, whether or not they stay involved in dance.

Class Placement It is our policy to offer appropriate opportunities to every child. Placement decisions are derived from many years of teaching experience. Often a child is placed in a particular group or class where he or she will feel confident, in order to promote the development of self-esteem. Some students who are placed in a higher level become discouraged, only to lose their passion for dance. Others respond to the challenge of being in a class with students who are more proficient by pushing themselves to work harder. Placement is highly individual and the factors that go into the decision are complex.

Class Observation During the last week of term parents may observe classes. This is the chance for you to see firsthand what the classroom experience is like for your child.

Medical Information Parents must notify the director/and or teachers regarding children who use an inhaler or who may require medications during their time at Dazzle Dance Academy. It is also important to inform the director and/or teachers about your child’s existing medical conditions or learning disabilities at the time of registration and throughout the school year. Our teachers are trained professionals who are experienced in working with all children and personalities, and the more we know about your child, the better the dance experience will be for all involved. All information about our students is confidential.

You play an important role in supporting your student financially, but your emotional support is of equal, and perhaps even greater, value.

Student Progress Some parents may compare their child’s progress or class placement to another child’s. Watch for this behavior in your children as well and encourage them to focus instead on their own accomplishments. Looking to other students for inspiration is good; however, making negative comparisons distracts children from focusing on becoming stronger dancers. In addition, speaking negatively about your child’s teachers, fellow students, or other parents in front of your child, or other students, could result in problems far beyond your original concerns. Often children will imitate a parent’s behavior with other adults or authority figures. Children learn important lessons from their teachers and parents, acquiring behavior patterns through their example. Our school’s faculty takes that responsibility seriously. It’s our philosophy to encourage our students to feel, think, and act respectfully toward their peers, the adults in their lives, and themselves. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s dance education (such as progress or class placement), please discuss them with your child’s teacher or the director. Talking only to other parents can lead to misinformation and confusion. Please contact the director to set up an appointment, do not approach your child’s teacher or the director between or during classes. If you do request a meeting, please listen carefully to what your child’s teachers have to say. They spend a significant amount of time with your child and offer expertise in the field of dance education.

STAYING INFORMED

We work hard to make the dance experience organized and fun. Keeping you informed is one of our primary goals. Please read all newsletters and other school information. Newsletters and important updates are emailed to you and posted on the Dazzle Dance Academy website. If you have any questions regarding the information distributed, we encourage you to contact the academy on 6160 0557 between the hours of 10am and 3pm. We answer email on a daily basis, except on weekends. Feel free to email questions to the Academy at info@dazzledanceacademy.com.au. “Like” the Dazzle Dance Academy page on Facebook to receive updates on events. Please invite your family and friends to “like” the Academy.

Class placement of students is highly individual and the factors that go into the decision are complex.

OUR FEE STRUCTURE Simple Easy Clear

ALL OTHER CLASSES

1 Class per week $83 per month

2 Classes per week $162 per month

3 Classes per week $241 per month

4 Classes per week $320 per month

5 Classes per week $399 per month

Includes: Concert costumes and 1 x concert DVD per family*

TINYTOTS & INTRODUCTORY CLASSES

$88 per month

Includes: 1 x class per week, 2 x concert costumes and 1 x concert DVD per family*

SIMPLE Fees are automatically debited

from your bank account or credit card each month. No need to

worry about missing due dates.

EASY Smaller monthly amounts make it easier for you to manage your

payments.

CLEAR See exactly how much you need to pay each month without having to calculate additional costume and

DVD fees.

Registration Fee An annual registration fee of $35 per student covers the cost of insurance, student accident cover, administration and licensing fees. Our insurance policy not only covers students during their dance class but also whilst travelling to and from class. Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable with the exception of Tinytots students who are determined to be unready for dance and may receive a credit for the following year. Tuition Fees and Payment Policy Fees are deducted on the 1st day of each month, from February through to November. No payments are deducted in January or December. Tuition is the same amount every month, regardless of public or school holidays. The school year will consist of 35 weeks of classes broken into four terms. This has been carefully calculated taking into account all public holidays and non-class event days. Tuition includes all classes, performances and rehearsals. All fees are non-refundable. A student will be charged tuition for the entire month unless written notice is received at least 7 days before the 1st of the month. A $5 dishonour fee for unsuccessful payment debits applies. A 10% discount is offered to each additional child in an immediate family. All costume and DVD fees are included in your monthly tuition.* *Students who withdraw part way through the year are not entitled to receive costumes or concert DVDs All families are set up on our Auto-Pay (direct debit) system. Fees will be debited from your nominated debit or credit card on the 1st day of each month, from Feb to Nov (no debits in Dec or Jan). Cash payments can be made prior to the 1st of the month, however you must have an electronic payment method registered as a backup. If for any reason, a payment cannot be processed with the information on the customer’s file and the account balance remains overdue, the student’s enrolment will be cancelled. You are welcome to make early payments in person with Kylie (cash or card) or online via the Parent Portal (credit or debit card). **Please note: we do not charge transaction or processing fees for electronic payments**

Separately Billed Classes The following classes are billed separately: Private Lessons - $42 per 30 minute lesson Stretch & Condition - $70 per month All Silver & Gold Ballet levels - $155 per month (2 x classes per week) Elementary Ballet - $170 per month (1 x Elementary plus 1 x Gold class per week)

Refunds & Credits Registration fees and tuition fees are non-refundable. If there are times when a class has to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances (eg teacher illness), parents will be notified via SMS. Students will receive a credit on the following month's invoice. Credits will not be given for missed classes due to illness or personal commitments. Dazzle Dance Academy reserves the right to cancel any class with insufficient registration and a full refund will be given.

Parent Portal Each parent has their own online account in our Parent Portal. This is where you can log on and view your account balance at anytime. You can also view your payment history, see your child’s class schedule, download class music or information files and view our calendar of events. Costumes We spend many hours determining the correct costumes for each class. They are always age appropriate and of the highest quality possible. Tinytots and Introductory students will need two costumes; all other students will need one costume for each dance class they take. Costumes include all accessories (hats, gloves, headbands etc.), but do not include shoes or stockings. Your child’s costume size will be determined by our costume sizing software. Costume manufacturers do not allow exchanges of any kind unless a product is faulty. Any alterations (if required) are the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian. Costumes are yours to keep once the concert is over and are perfect for book week, special occasions or dress up parties.

Examinations At Dazzle, we view external examinations as a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their skills, receive positive feedback and gain lots of encouragement. Students begin ATOD Classical Ballet, Jazz & Tap exams at the age of six and can continue through to major levels in their teenage years. Each child receives an official ATOD Examination Certificate with a detailed constructive critique, as well as a level-appropriate medal. All jazz, tap & ballet classes are run as exam classes using the appropriate level syllabus. It is not compulsory for students to participate in the exams, however it is greatly encouraged. Exam students are required to attend an orientation day (mock up session) before the examination. Examination fees depend on the level the student is participating in. We try our best to have all of our examination days on a weekend however they can also fall on a weekday.

Discipline Policy In order to maintain a happy, healthy, professional environment, students are taught the importance of being a part of the group. We encourage students to have respect for other students, the teachers and staff. We foster the development of good habits and compliance with rules of conduct. Our staff and faculty are trained to use constructive techniques of discipline to maintain class control and handle individual misbehavior. • Children who exhibit unacceptable behavior or attitudes are told what is wrong and directed to

a positive alternative approach or behavior. • If a child strikes another child, the two are respectfully separated and each is asked to explain

what happened. They are then asked to help solve the problem, talk to each other, and reconcile with one another. • Children who are disruptive will be respectfully asked to stop the behavior. If the behavior is

repeated, they will be reminded of it and told how it affects others. If the disruption continues,

the children involved will be taken out to their parent or asked to sit down for a short period of time (usually three to five minutes) before rejoining the class.

• If a child’s misbehavior continues to disrupt the class, the parent or guardian will be called to pick up the child.

Termination of Enrolment In certain circumstances, when it is in the best interest of one or more students, it may be necessary for the academy director to terminate a student’s enrollment. Every effort will be made to correct a problematic situation before terminating enrollment. Reasons for termination of enrollment include the following: • Disruptive or dangerous behavior by students or their parents • Abuse of other children, staff, or property • Inability of Dazzle Dance Academy to meet the child’s needs

Arrival and Departure We encourage students to arrive 10 minutes before class starts. For their safety, children under age 10 should be picked up immediately after class. Students aged 10 and older must be picked up no more than 15 minutes after their class is completed.

Attendance All students are expected to attend their regularly scheduled classes. Each class offers a step forward in the educational process. A missed class could leave a child one step behind the other students. During terms 2 through to 4, choreography for the end of year concert will be taught and rehearsed. It is important for children to feel completely confident with the choreography and the end of year performance. Missing class during this period could result in frustration for the students and their teachers and classmates.

Tardiness Dance is a physical activity that requires the body to be warmed up in order to execute movement safely. Late students miss the proper warm-up and/or barre and therefore may sustain injury. Students who arrive more then 10 minutes late may be asked to observe class for reasons of personal safety.

Class Visitors Safety issues and legal responsibilities make it not possible for us to allow students to bring visitors into the classroom. Students should not invite siblings, other relatives, or friends to their classes with the exception of Parent Watch Week.

Lost and Found Please mark all dancewear, shoes, and personal items with your child's name. We will make every effort to locate and return lost items; however, we cannot be responsible for any items that your child brings to class.

Illness Colds, flu, and other contagious diseases occur frequently and spread easily among children. To help protect your own child’s health and to minimize the possibility of contagion at school, please keep your child at home if you observe any of the following symptoms: • Nasal discharge that is green or yellow • Complaints of ear pain • Consistent cough • Severe sore throat • Eyes that are pink, burning, itching, or producing discharge • Diarrhea or vomiting • Fever

If these symptoms or other conditions deemed contagious are observed in your child during a class, you will be called to pick up your child immediately. When your child has a fever, please keep him/her at home until the temperature returns to normal. If there are any lingering signs of illness, such as glassy or watery eyes, listlessness, and drowsiness, please keep your child at home. This will help to ensure that the illness has passed and that your child will be well enough to resume class activities the following week.

General Policies

• Calls to the director’s personal mobile number are limited to emergencies only. Please use the Academy’s landline number in every other instance.

• Parents and students should never interrupt a class in session. • Only water is allowed in the classroom. No food, drinks, or gum. • We love babies and young children and appreciate the chance to meet our students’ siblings.

However, our priority is the safety of every child on the school premises. Children must be supervised at all times and not free to run around the classroom areas. • No mobile phones or tablets may be used during class time, with the exception of filming choreography at the teacher’s approval. • Never speak negatively about teachers, students, or parents from other schools. • All students must show respect for their teachers at all times.

End of Year Concert Studio Dress Rehearsal: Sunday 18th November - Murrumbateman Recreation Hall Theatre Dress Rehearsal: Saturday 8th December - Gungahlin College Theatre Concert: Sunday 9th December - Gungahlin College Theatre Additional rehearsals may be scheduled for certain groups at the discretion of the teacher/director. Parents and students will be notified of additional rehearsals at least two weeks in advance. All students participate in our End of Year Concert. Please note that all students must participate in the dress rehearsals in order to perform in the concert. There are no exceptions to this policy. The concert offers our students a professionally directed performance that allows them to present to their families and friends the results of a year’s hard work, dedication, and progress. A big part of dance training includes learning through performance. Although performance opportunities can help prepare some students for a possible career in dance, they also contribute to children’s success in non-dance activities. The experience helps build self-esteem and confidence, which can result in better school presentations, improved social skills, and strong university and job interview skills. The rehearsal process is a tremendous learning experience as well. It helps the children develop retention skills, and by working with their classmates on a group performance, they learn the positive aspects of working as a team to create the best end result.

Concert Handbook In Term 4 of each year we distribute a concert handbook with all the information parents and students need to know to make the end of year performance experience enjoyable for all.