Class and Studio Policies

- Regular attendance is vital for all students to keep up with class work, exam preparation and show work. If your child wants to meet their maximum potential it is very important that practice outside of the studio becomes part of their regular routine.
- Uniform is compulsory for all classes. Long hair must be tied up for every class.
- There are to be NO parents in the studio during class time, unless asked by the teacher. Parents are required o stay for Tiny tots classes. Classes are able to be viewed once a term on “Watching Week” at the end of each term.
- If any student wishes to advance into competitive work is at the discretion of the teacher and studio directors.
- DCPA students are not permitted to dance at other dance schools unless it is for a genre not offered by DCPA and/or special permission is given.

Billing requirements and Term Fees

- Fees are expected to be paid in full by the due date each term. Any fees outstanding will mean dancers may not begin the next term.
- Fees not paid within 10 days of sign up will incur a $10 late fee. If not paid for another 10 days, an additional $10 late fee will be charged.
- In the event fees remaining outstanding, a debt collection agency may be employed to collect the funds owing on our behalf. The client will be responsible for any costs incurred in the collection of overdue fees/monies.
- Term fees are based on a set fee, public holidays or any missed classes does not mean a refund.
- No refunds are given for missed classes due to overseas trips, family holidays or birthdays etc.
- There will be no refund of term fees if a student leaves a class after the first 3 weeks of attendance. If a student decides to pull out of a class before their third lesson, they will only be charged for the weeks enrolled.
- Enrolment will not be accepted if there is an outstanding balance from a previous year or term.
- Exam fees are at an additional cost to term fees. Exam preparation classes are at an additional cost to term fees.
COVID-19
- In the event of a COVID LOCKDOWN, refunds will only be given for classes that do NOT have an online class available.

Health, Safety, Injury, Medical conditions

- DCPA is not liable for personal injury sustained or any loss or damage of personal property whilst attending dance classes, or events.
- DCPA will aim to provide a safe learning environment to reduce the risk of injury. However, it is important you understand and agree that in participating in any dance class, workshop, rehearsal or performance, there is a possibility of physical injury and students must accept this element of risk.
- DCPA and any of its owners, employees, or teachers will not be held responsible or liable for any injury or damage to students while dancing at DCPA.
- All students, parents and caregivers should recognise that injuries do occur from time to time, and it is the responsibility of the student, parent or guardian to inform DCPA of any injury/medical conditions which may be of concern.
- Ongoing injuries should be under the treatment of a professional and the Dancer should obey their guidelines of when best to resume dance after treatment.
- A First Aid kit is available from the class teacher. DCPA will not provide young students with paracetamol or equivalent or administer a student's medication without prior consent.
- Students are under supervision whilst in class only. DCPA cannot be responsible for students outside of class time. We strongly advise students be collected from the hall after class and that they do not wait outside. This is for student's safety.


Behaviour

- We aim to create an environment where the students will be encouraged to reach their full potential. In all classes there is an expectation of regular practice at home.
- It is expected students and their families will behave appropriately, with respect, courtesy and manners at all times, whether in class or when representing DCPA at public events such as concerts, competitions, community events and workshops.
- We will not tolerate bullying from any students and should this occur you and your child will be called to a meeting to discuss.


Exams

- No student is guaranteed a place in an exam. A nomination for an exam is based on the assumption the student will fully commit to exam preparation. If classes are missed this could jeopardise a student’s place in an exam. Students can be pulled out of an exam at any time at their teachers’ discretion, this is a last resort and parents will be alerted to this possibility before a decision is made. All students require the correct uniform for examinations, no exceptions.
- Exam fees are an additional cost to term fees. These must be paid in order for the exam registration to be completed. Any overdue exam fees will result in a failed exam.


Expectations for Competitions

- Competition dancing requires commitment. Dancers who are competing are required to undertake home practice to the level necessary to perform their dances to their highest standard. In addition there will be the requirement for private lessons with extra fees charged for these.
- If a dancer returns to a lesson without knowing the choreography taught, the teacher has the right to pull the dancer from a competition. You will receive a warning.
- Special costumes are needed, these will be at the expense of the dancer.
- Ensuring competition entries are submitted on time and competition entry fees paid are the responsibility of the dancer.


Choreography

- Choreography for classes, performances and competitions remain the artistic and intellectual property of DCPA, their teachers or the syllabus providers.
- Choreography must not be copied or used without prior permission of DCPA.
- No competition dances can be entered as Solos, Duos or Trios without the choreography or approval of DCPA.
- Students who leave DCPA are not permitted to perform choreography developed specifically for them by DCPA teachers as a competition solo or as part of a group.


Photography and Videoing

- DCPA will occasionally take videos or photos to be used for promotional purposes or teaching aid. Permission is requested on enrolment form.
- If you wish to video a class for home practice this can only be done at the end of the class, standing at the back of the studio and of your own child only.
- NO Photography or Videoing without Prior approval by DCPA management/teachers and other class members.
- Any recording or photography is for personal use only and not to be up loaded onto the internet, social networks or video/photo sharing sites. Failure to abide by this could result in dismissal from DCPA.


Uniforms
- Uniforms are required for all classes and must be purchased through DCPA Northland - this is so all students are the same. Requirements below:
JAZZ: Black leotard, black V front shorts, tan Capezio Jazz shoes, DCPA jumpers available to purchase for winter terms.
PRE GRADE BALLET: Pale blue ballet dress, ballet shoes, ballet socks (crossover long sleeve is optional)
GRADE BALLET: Leotard, skirt, ballet shoes, ballet socks
TAP: DCPA T-Shirt, plain black tights or shorts, Tap shoes available to hire $10 a term or to purchase. DCPA jumpers available to purchase for winter terms.

Parking
- We have limited assigned parking for our unit. If these parks are taken, please either park parallel along the fence line or on the road.
- Please do NOT park in front of our garage door or in the other units parks.


Privacy
- We collect your personal details in order to contact you. The New Zealand Privacy Act of 1993 gives you the right to access and correct this information.
- Legal Release and Policy Acceptance. Please see overleaf for the DCPA studio terms and conditions.