Creating safer spaces for dancers to feel comfortable and empowered in their own body, and allow for spaces for people to be heard, affirmed and valued. We value acknowledgement for any harmful behavior that has been inflicted, accountability of those that inflicted the behavior and provision of education and resources towards the growth and education of our community.
Applicable competitive dancers are required to read and acknowledge our “Dancers Expectations Acknowledgement”.
Purpose of our Code of Conduct
Our overall purpose for our Code of Conduct is to ensure that everyone understands the significance and the foundational principles guiding behavior within RA Stylez Studio. We aim to make sure each member feels comfortable, safe and valued in our space. We wish to educate our community on the importance of boundaries and respect, and expect all staff and visitors to adhere to the code of conduct when they are part of the RA Stylez Company.
Establish the Code’s Importance: It explains why the code of conduct is necessary and the values or principles it is based on.
Clarify Expectations: It outlines the general expectations for behavior and compliance, emphasizing the commitment to ethical standards.
Define Scope and Applicability: It identifies who the code applies to, such as employees, contractors, or members of an organization.
Promote a Positive Culture: It helps to foster a culture of integrity, respect, and accountability by reinforcing the importance of ethical behavior.
Provide Guidance: It gives an overview of how the code will help individuals navigate complex situations and make decisions aligned with the organization’s values.
Encourage Compliance: It underscores the importance of adhering to the code and the consequences of non-compliance.
The options to communicate with us directly and in confidence is in person or you can email/call:
Studio Owners/Directors:
Email: rastylezdirectors@gmail.com
Richard Andries: 780-604-5423
Josh Capulong: 780-938-4025
Studio Manager:
Email: rastylezinfo@gmail.com
Kassie Hopkins-Hau: 825-436-6746
Zero Tolerance
RA Stylez Studio upholds a Zero Tolerance policy towards any behavior that violates the principles of respect, safety, and integrity outlined in this Code of Conduct. This includes, but is not limited to:
Harassment and Discrimination: Any form of harassment, discrimination, or bullying based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic is strictly prohibited.
Violence and Threats: Any threats, intimidation, or acts of physical or verbal violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Substance Abuse: The use, possession, or distribution of illegal substances or the abuse of alcohol while on company premises or during company-sponsored events is strictly forbidden.
Dishonesty and Fraud: Any form of dishonesty, including fraud, theft, or misrepresentation, will result in immediate disciplinary action.
Insubordination: Willful disregard of company policies, procedures, or instructions from authorized personnel will not be tolerated.
Respect and Inclusion
Respect people’s emotional, physical and mental boundaries. If you are unsure, seek or ask for consent consistently and confidently.
Respect for people’s rights (including but not limited to gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion).
All students, instructors, and visitors are expected to treat one another with respect and kindness.
Discrimination, harassment, bullying, or any form of disrespectful behavior based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic will not be tolerated.
Everyone is encouraged to support and uplift their peers, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
Respect and consideration for our RA Stylez Admin staff, faculty and volunteers at all times
No soliciting without approval from RA Stylez admin (includes promotion of campaigns & advocacy).
If you feel that someone has upset or hurt you, we recommend you to confide in someone from our RA Stylez Studio Management team or someone in the community that you trust. For further action, a report must be collected by RA Stylez Studio Management.
Reach Out to Us
If you witness or experience someone that has harmed yourself or another person and feel uncomfortable, please reach out to the RA Stylez Management team so we can provide support appropriately.
Teacher & Student Relationships
The relationship between students and teachers is fundamental to the learning environment and must be based on mutual respect, trust, and professionalism. Please note: We will not be sharing instructors’ personal email addresses or phone numbers. You can contact your instructor directly through BAND by sending them a private message. If you need to reach an instructor immediately, please call, text, or email Richard, Josh, or myself. One of us will ensure communication with your instructor. We ask that you please respect our faculty’s personal life and time outside of the studio. As your Studio Owners/Directors and Manager, we are here to support you both in and out of the studio. To maintain a positive and productive educational experience, the following expectations and rules apply:
Professional Boundaries
Respect and Decorum: Teachers are expected to maintain a professional demeanor at all times, showing respect for all students. Similarly, students should treat teachers with respect and follow their instructions.
No Favoritism: Teachers must treat all students equitably and without favoritism. Personal relationships or biases must not influence educational decisions or interactions.
Appropriate Communication: Communication between teachers and students should be limited to class related matters and conducted through approved channels (e.g., BAND). Personal social media connections or non-academic interactions outside of studio settings are discouraged and may be subject to scrutiny.
Ethical Conduct
Confidentiality: Teachers must respect the confidentiality of student information. Any personal or sensitive information shared by a student should only be used to support the student’s educational needs and should not be disclosed without the student’s consent, except when required by law.
Role Model Behavior: Teachers are expected to act as role models, demonstrating integrity, fairness, and ethical behavior. Students should look to their teachers as examples of positive behavior and academic dedication.
No Tolerance for Misconduct: Any form of inappropriate behavior, including but not limited to harassment, discrimination, or abuse, is strictly prohibited. Both students and teachers are encouraged to report any such behavior immediately.
Academic Integrity
Fair Assessment: Teachers must assess students’ work fairly, based on merit, and provide constructive feedback. Students are expected to submit their own work and uphold academic honesty in all assignments and exams.
Support and Guidance: Teachers should provide appropriate academic support and guidance, encouraging students to reach their full potential. Students are encouraged to seek help when needed and to engage actively in their learning.
Reporting and Accountability
Open Communication: Both students and teachers should feel comfortable reporting any concerns or violations of these expectations. The school administration will take all reports seriously and investigate promptly.
Attendance and Punctuality
Students are expected to attend all classes regularly and arrive on time.
If a student will be absent, they should notify the instructor and studio admin in advance.
Repeated tardiness or unexcused absences may result in a discussion with the student and/or parents to address the issue.
Attendance to all classes is expected for dancers on competitive teams. After missing two classes without prior notification or appropriate reasons will result in the Dancer’s dismissal from the company.
Practicing at home is mandatory. Videos will be uploaded on BAND.
It is expected that you come to class knowing your choreography. Coming to class not knowing your choreography is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
It is mandatory for all Company Team dancers to attend a minimum of one training class per week. (There are a total of four offered every week)
Dress Code
Students must adhere to the studio’s dress code for classes, including appropriate dancewear and footwear.
Hair should be neatly tied back, and no jewelry should be worn during classes for safety reasons.
Inappropriate or offensive clothing is not allowed.
Studio Etiquette
No food, drink (except water), or chewing gum is allowed in the dance studio.
Students should respect studio property and keep the space clean and tidy.
Cell phones and other electronic devices should be turned off or set to silent during class. (In the event a student needs to check.
Classroom Behavior
Students should listen attentively to their instructors and follow their directions promptly.
Talking during class should be kept to a minimum to avoid distractions.
Physical contact between students should be respectful and appropriate at all times.
Safety
Students should notify their instructor of any injuries or medical conditions that may affect their participation in class.
All students should be mindful of their surroundings and avoid behavior that could cause injury to themselves or others.
Emergency procedures will be communicated and practiced regularly.
Cameras in Common Areas
For the safety and security of all students, staff, and visitors, RA Stylez Studio has installed surveillance cameras in common areas, including the lobby and main studio. These cameras are in place to monitor and ensure a safe environment.
Please be aware that the footage may be reviewed by studio management to address any safety concerns, incidents, or violations of studio policies. By entering the premises, all individuals consent to being recorded in these common areas.
It is important to note that the surveillance is strictly for safety purposes, and the privacy of our students, staff, and visitors is of the utmost importance. Footage will not be shared outside of the studio unless required by law or to address a serious safety concern.
Communication
Open communication between students, parents, and instructors is encouraged.
Concerns or issues should be addressed directly with the instructor or studio management in a respectful manner.
Information regarding classes, schedules, and studio events will be communicated through official channels (e.g., email, bulletin boards, BAND).
BAND
Being part of the BAND groups is mandatory, whether it’s the dancer or the guardian. You can manage notifications in the settings here. If you are unable to keep them on, please monitor the app, as it will display a red circle with the number of notifications. At the very least, you need to check the BAND group before coming to class.
This will be our primary way of communicating with you, our studio, our dancers, and classes.
Keep it positive: Please ensure this platform remains a positive space. If you ever have any complaints or concerns, message us privately so we can resolve them.
Stay on topic: All posts and communication through this app should be about the class or studio. While we love that everyone creates personal connections outside of class, we must ensure this platform remains focused on class and studio information. Our groups are growing, and all posts/chats notify everyone in the group. This can become overwhelming if the content is not about dance. We want to ensure that people can keep their notifications on, so when you do receive a notification, you know it’s related to the class. We encourage you to create Instagram or WhatsApp groups for your personal communications, so you can still build those personal connections. Creating bonds strengthens the group!
Parent/Guardian Expectations
Parents/guardians should support the studio’s code of conduct and encourage their children to adhere to it.
Parents are expected to respect studio policies, instructors, and other students.
During classes, parents should wait in designated areas and refrain from interrupting classes unless it is an emergency.
Consequences of Misconduct or Breach of Studio Policies
A dancer can be dismissed or suspended from the studio/company for any of the following reasons, but not limited to:
Non-Adherence: Failure to comply with the expectations laid out in this contract.
Continuously coming to classes not knowing choreography.
Disrespect: Exhibiting disrespectful behavior towards other students, staff, instructors, partners, guests, or others in the dance community.
Bullying and Harassment: Engaging in bullying or harassment of peers both inside and outside the studio.
Property Misuse: Misusing or damaging studio property.
Dancers can be suspended at the instructor’s suggestion to the studio director(s).
Dancer’s dismissal from the Studio/Company will be at the discretion of the Studio Director(s)
Communication may be through the Studio Director and/or Manager.
Our Response and Procedures
RA Stylez Studio Management will respond to all incidents reported as immediately as possible. If a situation requires more investigation and/or decision making, we understand that solutions cannot be created overnight if either party needs space and time. Our responses to any one that violates our Code of Conduct are as follows but not limited to:
Acknowledgment of the Report
The incident will be acknowledged promptly by the appropriate authority (e.g., school administration, HR, or designated officer), and the person who reported the incident will be informed that their report is being taken seriously.
Initial Assessment
An initial assessment will be conducted to determine the nature and severity of the incident. This assessment will guide the subsequent steps in the response process.
Issuing a Verbal or Written Warning
If the initial assessment concludes that the incident is minor and does not warrant further action, a verbal or written warning may be issued to the offending party. The warning will clearly outline the behavior in question and the expectations moving forward.
In-Person Meeting
For more serious incidents, an in-person meeting will be arranged with the involved parties. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the incident, clarify any misunderstandings, and set clear expectations for future behavior.
Facilitating Discussion with Involved Parties (if all parties agree)
If appropriate and with the consent of all involved parties, a facilitated discussion may be arranged. This discussion aims to resolve conflicts, promote understanding, and rebuild trust between the parties.
Suspension of Attendance and Involvement in Present and Future Community Events
In cases of significant misconduct, the offending party may be suspended from attending or participating in current and future community events. The duration of the suspension will depend on the severity of the incident.
Filing an Incident Report
An official incident report will be filed for record-keeping purposes. This report will include details of the incident, the response taken, and any outcomes. This step is crucial for accountability and may be used for future reference if similar incidents occur.
Escalation to Disciplinary Action
If the incident involves severe misconduct or if prior warnings have been disregarded, the situation may be escalated to more serious disciplinary action, which could include termination of membership, employment, or enrollment.
Reporting to Authorities Where Required by Law
If the incident involves illegal activities or requires mandatory reporting (e.g., child abuse, violence), it will be reported to the appropriate legal authorities immediately, in compliance with legal obligations.
Follow-Up
After the response has been carried out, a follow-up will be conducted to ensure that the situation has been resolved and that no further issues have arisen. This follow-up may include checking in with the affected parties and monitoring the environment to prevent recurrence.
RA Stylez Studio Management reserves the right to decide on the appropriate action involved in any disciplinary decisions involved.
Getting Help & Accessing Resources
At RA Stylez Studio, we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting each other through life’s challenges. As part of our dedication to fostering a caring and inclusive environment, we are committed to providing access to a wide range of resources and information available within our community.
Whether you’re seeking support from non-profit organizations, need someone to talk to through helplines, or are looking for professional counseling services, we are here to support you. We’ve curated a list of trusted resources that can offer assistance in various areas, including mental health, family support, and crisis intervention.
We encourage you to explore these resources and reach out whenever you or someone you know may need support.
Help / Distress Lines:
Emergencies:
Dial 9-1-1
Any situation that poses an immediate threat to life, safety, property, or the environment.
Distress Line (non-life threatening):
Dial 2-1-1
Press 3 to dispatch the 24/7 Crisis Diversion Team
Use this service when you see someone experience a medical or mental (non-emergency) crisis and where potential safety concerns of the individual involved.
AHS Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or Text CONNECT to 686868
Indigenous Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310
National Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366
811 Health Link
Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-638-0715
Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477
Online Exploitation: cybertip.ca
211 Alberta: find programs and services in your community.
Edmonton Police Service Complaint Line: 780-423-4567
Or your local police/RCMP detachment.
Counseling and Information Resources:
Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS)
Phone: 1 866 403 8000
More information: https://aasas.ca/
Alberta’s One Line for Sexual Violence is a toll-free talk, text, and chat service that provides emotional support, information, and referral to anyone who has experienced or been impacted by sexual violence.
The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC)
24 hour line: 1-866-956-1099
Phone: 403-340-1124
Email: casasc@casasc.ca
More information: https://casasc.ca/
About: “We specialize in healing sexual trauma so you can talk freely about the hard stuff with no judgment. We provide a range of support services for individuals who are affected by sexual violence including counselling, play therapy, police and court support, crisis support and education.”
Brite Line
Dial 211 or Phone: 1-844-702-7483
Email: main@cmha-edmonton.ab.ca
Office/Admin Line: (780) 414-6300
Brite Line is Edmonton’s first mental health and wellness helpline dedicated to supporting people in Edmonton’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Sexual Assault Centre of Alberta
Call and/or text: 866-403-8000
Alberta's One-Line for Sexual Violence – if you have experienced any form of sexual violence and need crisis support or if you need help finding sexual assault support services in Alberta.
Zebra Child and Protection Centre
General information and inquiries
Phone: 780-421-2385
Email: info@zebracentre.ca
More information: https://www.zebracentre.ca/
Agency that provides child-centered intervention working with a multidisciplinary staff (ex. Child advocates, psychologists, lawyers, counselors, etc.)
Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton
Phone: 780-421-1175
More information: https://www.efrynorthernalberta.com/
Provides support for females who are in the legal system through education, reintegration, programs and services. Also provides resources to empower young females to make healthy life choices but also advocacy for any issues they are experiencing.
The Queer & Trans Health Collective (QTHC)
Originally known as Edmonton Men’s Health Collective.
Contact: https://ourhealthyeg.ca/contact
More information: https://ourhealthyeg.ca/
Their mission statement: “Working alongside our community, we empower queer and trans well-being through programming which promotes equitable access to health education, support, capacity building, community-based research, and provider training.”
Please note that RA Stylez Studio operates independently and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with any external organizations, institutions, or entities referenced in the above resources mentioned. The resources and information shared is solely for voluntary purposes.
Updates and Revisions
The studio reserves the right to amend the Code of Conduct and any other studio policies or procedures as necessary. Such as, but not limited to our Code of Ethics and Dancer Expectation Acknowledgement.
Any amendments will be communicated to RA Stylez Studio students, parents and families in a timely manner.
Closing Statement
By choosing to be a part of RA Stylez Studio, you agree to uphold the standards and expectations outlined in this Code of Conduct. Our community thrives on mutual respect, dedication, and a shared love for the art of dance. We are committed to providing a positive, safe, and inspiring environment for all dancers. Your cooperation and adherence to these guidelines are essential in fostering a supportive and inclusive space where everyone can grow and succeed.
Thank you for being a valued member of our studio community.
