POLICIES
COVID 19 POLICY
TRIAL CLASS POLICY
Any individual requesting to attend a trial lesson at Backstage Dance Academy, must complete the 'trial registration' online prior to trying the class. This can be accessed here, https://dancestudio-pro.com/online/backstagedanceacademy
Individuals will only be permitted to book a trial class, if the class has vacancies.
A students place in the trialled class will be held for 24 hours post the physical trial taking place, to allow for formal registration. After this time, the position will become vacant.
ENROLMENT POLICY
Any student requesting to enrol at Backstage Dance Academy must first complete online registration. This is available on the Backstage Dance Academy website, https://dancestudio-pro.com/online/backstagedanceacademy
Participation in a class is not available until a registration has been completed, and processed by the BDA office.
Enrolment is valid for one calendar year only. A new registration form must be completed to commence classes in a new calendar year.
Students will be allocated to the most suitable class level and age group determined by Backstage Dance Academy.
Where a class has reached maximum capacity, students will be placed on the waiting list.
To enrol, a registration fee must be paid ($60 School Age/$30 Pre-school) This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. This fee can only be paid via credit card online, during the registration process accessible by https://dancestudio-pro.com/online/backstagedanceacademy
It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to update Backstage with any changes to personal information that was previously provided on their registration form.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Parents/guardians are responsible for communicating absences with the Backstage office.
Parents are required to lodge an absence via the Backstage Dance Academy parent portal, https://dancestudio-pro.com/online/backstagedanceacademy
'Industry' and 'Pre-Pro' students are expected to attend all classes. When notifying of an absence, a reason must also be given.
Where a student is injured, they are expected to attend the class to observe.
Students who do not attend regularly may be withdrawn from classes, sections of routines, or routines entirely. No refunds, credits or make up classes will be provided.
Students should not engage in external activities that may affect their ability to attend their Backstage classes.
Attendance at compulsory rehearsals is mandatory. Where a student does not attend, they will be withdrawn from the group, class, and/or routine immediately.
Attendance for 'Industry' performances and competitions is mandatory. When a competition or performance is missed, the student will be withdrawn from the routine, class and/or group immediately.
MAKE UP CLASS POLICY​
Make up classes requests must be emailed to info@backstagedanceacademy.com.au
Make up classes are only available if taken within the same term as the missed class.
Maximum of ONE make up class per student, per term
Make up class times will be allocated by Backstage Dance Academy, if places permit.
An absence must be lodged via the Backstage Dance Academy parent portal prior to the absence taking place, to be eligible for a make up class.
AUDITION POLICY
Students may apply for entry into the 'Industry' or 'Pre-Pro' programs at Backstage Dance Academy.
Suitable students will be offered an audition.
Audition dates and times are set out by Backstage.
A registration form must be completed prior to auditioning.
Auditions will provide staff with the opportunity to evaluate the student and therefore determine the most suitable class level for the student.
Participation in an audition is not available until a registration form as been completed, received, and processed by our office.
Successful students will be enrolled for one calendar year only. Students must re-apply annually.
Successful candidates may be placed onto the waiting list, if the required program level is full.​
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FEE POLICY
All fees are inclusive of GST.
Fees are advertised in the Backstage Dance Academy information packs.
Class fees are charged by the term. The full term must be paid, regardless of the number of classes the student actually attends. There will be no refunds, credits, or transfers if the full term isn't completed.
Class fees are due by the last Thursday prior to the Term starting.
Additional fees are charged and due in a timely manner.
Fees are not refundable nor transferable between students, family member, classes or terms.
Term fees are direct debited from the allocated credit card on your parent portal account.
Weekly Direct Debit payment plans are available. An email request must be completed prior to the due date. Additional fees may apply.
Where an invoice is 7 days overdue, the student will not be able to participate in classes. Their position in a class will be held for 2 weeks only.
All fees are non-refundable. This includes classes, workshops, events and other.
LATENESS POLICY
If a student is a no more than 5 minutes late to class, they expected to apologise to the teacher however they are still able to participate. The student will be reminded not to be late next time.
Should the student be 5-10 minutes late, they are expected to apologise to the teacher. They may be asked to observe and take notes without physical participation, due to missing out on the class’s introduction and/or warm up.
Should a student be more than 10 minutes late or cause a disturbance to the class with their lateness, they will not be permitted to participate in the class.
It is appreciated that students/parents advise the Backstage office if they are aware that they will be late.
Students who are regularly late to a class, may be advised to withdraw from the class.
Where a student is too late to participate or attend a class, a refund or credit will not be provided.
ANNUAL SHOWCASE COSTUME POLICY
Costumes for the showcase will be measured, fitted and ordered by Backstage.
Costumes are designed and selected by Backstage.
For some routines, students may be asked to provide their own costume. For example, a black top with jeans for Hip Hop.
Each class requires one costume.
Classes that do not perform in the Showcase, do not require a costume.
To the extent permitted by law, costume costs are non-refundable.
Costume costs will be charged to the parent, then costumes will be ordered by Backstage Dance Academy, then costumes will arrive once they have been made and shipped.
Costume costs will be charged in Terms 2 & 3.
INDUSTRY/PRE-PRO COSTUME POLICY
Costumes will be measured, fitted and ordered by Backstage.
Costumes are designed by Backstage.
Costumes cost $33 per costume if hired to the student.
Costumes cost $50-85 per costume if sold to the student.
For some routines, students may be asked to provide their own costume. For example, a black top with jeans for Hip Hop.
Each class routine requires one costume.
Costume costs are non-refundable.
Costume costs will be charged in Terms 1 & 2.
Hired costumes must be returned to Backstage Dance Academy as requested.
Damage or loss to hired costumes will be charged to the parent.
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ANNUAL SHOWCASE POLICY
The Annual Showcase is compulsory for 'Industry' and 'Pre-Pro' students. The Annual Showcase is optional for all other students.
Some classes do not perform in the Annual Showcase or in one of the two show times.
Students enrolled in allocated classes must attend a compulsory Theatre Rehearsal, in order to participate in the Annual Showcase.
All school aged students must attend a compulsory Dress Rehearsal, in order to participate in the Annual Showcase.
Students must collect their costumes by the due date, in order to participate in the Annual Showcase.
Students who do not wish to perform in the Annual Showcase must notify our office in writing by the due date.
Tickets are sold through the Bunjil place not Backstage Dance Academy for the school aged concert.
To view the performance, a ticket must be purchased. Audience members may only enter the auditorium with a purchased ticket.
Tickets must be purchased promptly. Backstage Dance Academy are not responsible for families who miss out on purchasing tickets due to delay.
UNIFORM POLICY
The uniform set out by Backstage is compulsory for all students. The set uniform must be worn to all classes.
Students, who do not wear the correct uniform to class, will not be able to participate in or observe the class.
Uniform items that have been cut or damaged are not permitted in class.
Where the student cannot participate due to not being prepared with the correct uniform, the class will not be refunded or credited.
Parents are to be strongly encouraged to affix name tags to all items of uniform.
All items of uniform are available Backstage Dance Academy and local dance wear stores. Customised Backstage Dance Academy items are only available from Backstage Dance Academy.
Second hand uniform items are also available to parents via the Facebook group, https://www.facebook.com/groups/BDAparents/
The Backstage Dance Academy logo is not to be affixed or printed to any garment without the written approval of Backstage.
No jewellery may be worn with the exception of small studs.
Hair is to be worn in a bun for Ballet classes and tied up into a secure style for any other genre.
PARENT/GUARDIAN-STUDIO COMMUNICATION POLICY
Parents/Guardians must have a valid email address and contact phone number.
Important information, invoices and newsletters will be emailed to the parent, at the provided email address.
It is the responsibility of at least one parent/guardian to read information and emails that are sent from Backstage, to keep informed.
Communication involving minors will be directed to the parent/guardian.
Digital communication should be restricted to studio matters only.
Digital communication must not offend, intimidate, humiliate or bully another person.
Digital communication must not be misleading, false or injure the reputation of another person.
PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION POLICY
Communication of concerns or queries must be directed to the Backstage office. The appropriate staff member will be contacted, and staff will then respond to the parent.
Teachers are not available during or in-between class time to discuss matters or answer queries.
Parents are encouraged to seek feedback and assessment of their child. The process to do so is to contact our office to request feedback. This can be done by calling us on 9796 7165 or emailing info@backstagedanceacademy.com.au.
Parents and teachers should not seek access to each other’s profiles on Facebook.
Parents and teachers should not communicate via email, phone or social media. All communication should be passed through Backstage office.
Parents and teachers are not to pass out their private contact information.
Indecent or inappropriate language or communication by either party must be reported to Backstage office.
STUDENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION POLICY
Students are encouraged to seek feedback and assessment from their teacher. Please understand that the teacher may not be able to dedicate class time to such conversations. Teachers will try their best to accommodate the student’s request or pass information through the Backstage office.
Students and teachers should not be communicating privately through social media platforms.
Students and teachers should not communicate via email or phone. All communication should be passed through Backstage office or take place during class time.
Students and teachers are not to pass out private contact information.
Indecent or inappropriate language or communication by either party must be reported to the Backstage office.
STUDIO LOYALTY, COMMITMENT & COURTESY POLICY
It is considered a conflict of interest to attend more than one studio. Students are not permitted to attend another dance studio as well as Backstage Dance Academy without written permission from the Director.
Students must obtain written permission to participate in external dance, tumbling, singing or acting classes or events.
Where a student has permission from Backstage to participate in an external class, workshop or event, the parent/guardian must ensure that the students can still fulfil their Backstage commitments.
Students are permitted to dance at their Primary and Secondary schools, as long as these commitments don't conflict with their Backstage commitments or restrict the student from being able to commit 100% to their Backstage commitment.
Students may forfeit their enrolment at Backstage Dance Academy if they participate in external events, without BDA's permission.
PHOTOGRAPHY/FILMING POLICY
Students/Parents are not permitted to video or photograph classes, students or staff at any time, unless given permission by the staff or individuals involved. Photos of children should not be posted on social media platforms without the permission of the parent/guardian.
Annual showcase, performance and/or competition videos are not to be posted on public websites such as YouTube or Facebook, without Backstage’s permission.
Photography and filming of theatre performances is strictly prohibited.
Backstage may use photographs/videos of the students to promote the academy via flyers, website, social media and advertising. All students are required to sign a photo release form. This signed agreement is valid for 2 years.
Staff are not to film, photograph a student without permission from Backstage. Staff are not permitted to share photographs or videos of students without the permission of Backstage and the parent/guardian involved. Parent/Guardian permission is via the photo release form.
HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY
Backstage have set up and will maintain safe dance environments for their students. The studio flooring and equipment used enable and ensure safe dance practices.
Appropriate emergency procedures exist, and staff understand the procedures relevant to their location.
Backstage staff have the responsibility and authority to ensure that health and safety objectives are achieved. They will identify and eliminate unsafe acts, procedures, conditions, equipment, and hazards of all kinds.
Behaviour from students, parents or visitors that may cause an unsafe environment, will not be tolerated.
It is the responsibility of the student or parent/guardian to inform Backstage of any prior or current illnesses or injuries prior to enrolment or prior to class.
In the event of an injury, Backstage will administer First Aid treatment by a qualified first aider. If medical services are necessary and an ambulance required, the student/parent will incur the costs. Physical contact may be required.
Parents/Guardians must be responsible for minors before and after class times. Backstage will not provide supervision to minors outside of class time.
Students are not to wait outside the premises. No student (under 18 years) is to wait outside or leave the Premises unaccompanied by a parent or guardian.
Backstage MUST be notified of any allergies that a student may have. Backstage will not be held responsible for allergic reactions outside of class time; however, first aid will be provided.
Emergency evacuation maps are located around the premise.
Fire extinguishers, fire hose reels and fire blankets are located within the premises.
Any student who has been diagnosed by a Medical Practitioner as being at risk of anaphylaxis should bring an EpiPen to class and leave it at reception, labelled with their name. This EpiPen will be administered by a first aider if required, under the instruction of 000 staff if an emergency arises.
FOOD, DRINK, ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY
Food and/or drink is not permitted in the classrooms, with the exception of a water bottle.
Food and/or drink must only be consumed in the allocated waiting areas or break rooms.
Backstage request that nuts are not brought on the premises, however, cannot ensure that the premises is 'nut free'.
The possession or consumption of illicit or non-prescribed drugs or alcohol is not acceptable at any time.
Parents, students, volunteers and/or employees must not arrive at Backstage or any event representing Backstage, impaired by the effects of illicit drugs or alcohol.
INJURY / FIRST AID POLICY
Where an injury occurs, the student will receive treatment from a qualified first aider. Physical contact may be required.
In the situation where an ambulance is required, an ambulance will be called by Backstage. The parent will incur these costs.
Where an injury occurs, the student’s parent/guardian will be contacted by Backstage using the contact information given on the student’s registration form.
It is the responsibility of the student/parents to notify Backstage of any previous or current injuries.
Any injury sustained whilst training or performing in a competition or promotion will be the responsibility of the student/parent. No costs will be incurred by Backstage.
Injuries that occur on the premises will be recorded on the Incident report form.
Students who do not participate in classes due to injury may be prohibited to perform at an event or attend an event.
Students enrolled in the Troupe or Industry program must attend and observe class when injured and unable to physically participate.
BEHAVIOUR / CONDUCT POLICY
Backstage does not tolerate swearing, indecent or disrespectful language, defamatory comments, or indecent or disrespectful conduct from students, parents/guardians, family members, or visitors.
Any individual who demonstrates any of the above will be asked to withdraw from Backstage immediately. This behaviour includes at the Premises or outside of the Premises, social media or on the internet.
Negative communications between parents and/or students will not be tolerated by Backstage. Where negative communications take place, the parents and students involved will be asked to withdraw from Backstage immediately. This includes at the Premises or outside of the Premises, social media, or on the internet.
Any person who does not comply with Backstage Terms and Conditions will forfeit their position at Backstage and, to the extent permitted by law, will not be entitled to refund.
BULLYING POLICY
​The following will not be tolerated in person, via email, via text messaging or via the internet; verbal abuse or shouting, physical abuse, excluding or isolating a person, psychological harassment, humiliating a person through sarcasm, criticism or insults, Ignoring or belittling a person’s contribution or opinion.
If any persons feel sthat they are the victim of bullying, they should discuss the matter directly with the person/people concerned and request an end to the behaviour. Should this approach fail or be inappropriate, the victim can contact the Backstage office for assistance is resolving the matter.
PHYSICAL CONTACT POLICY
Physical contact between a teacher and student may be required to demonstrate, correct or assist with dance or tumbling movements.
In the event of an injury, physical contact may be required between a First Aider and injured student or visitor.
Any inappropriate or indecent physical contact between staff, students or visitors of Backstage must be reported immediately.
CANCELLATION POLICY
If Backstage Dance Academy have to cancel a class, registrants will be notified in advance and fees paid will be refunded or credited.
If a student/parent cancels a class, there will be no refund or credit given.
WITHDRAWAL POLICY
Where a student wished to withdraw from a class or from Backstage entirely, written notice is required.
There will be no refunds or credits for withdrawal from classes. Classes are invoiced by the term.
Withdrawal policies for Troupe and Industry programs are outlined in the Industry and Troupe information packs.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURE
In case of an emergency staff will alert all persons with the sound of a whistle and/or air horn.
Staff will direct and advise all persons to move safely to the nearest exit
Staff will then direct all persons to the muster point at the front of the studio, or an alternative safe area.
LOCKER HIRE POLICY
The student/parent will agree to pay a fee of $44.00 per year (including GST). This fee includes the hire of one locker and one set of keys. The locker hire payment is required up front along with a completed and signed 'Locker hire agreement form'.
Backstage Dance Academy is not responsible for the possession of goods held inside the locker facilities. The student is responsible for the security of their assigned locker and accountable for the ownership of the locker alone.
The student is responsible for the housekeeping of the assigned locker and it is expected to be maintained in good condition. A cleaning fee will be charged if cleaning/repair is identified due to vandalism or misuse.
No illegal substances, weapons, or other prohibited or offensive materials are to be placed in the assigned lockers. Backstage Dance Academy reserve the right to search a student’s locker in instances where there exist reasonable grounds to do so and without prior notice in order to ensure compliance with the conditions of use including BDA policies and rules. Every effort will be made to ensure that the student and an additional staff member will be present when a locker is inspected, except in an emergency situation. Backstage Dance Academy will not be held responsible for the nature of the materials in the lockers. Students will be held liable for any offensive materials and will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
All lockers remain the property of Backstage Dance Academy.
Permission to use the assigned lockers may be terminated where non-compliance occurs against these terms and conditions.
Where students misplace their key, they will be responsible for and required to pay a fee of $22.00 (including GST) to replace the keys.
SOLO/DUO/TRIO COMPETITION POLICY
Private lessons to prepare for competition work are available to invited ‘Industry’ and 'Pre-Pro' students. This opportunity is also available to selected ‘Pre-school’ students, by invitation.
Students may be invited to represent Backstage Dance Academy in solos, duos and/or trios.
Choreography is to be taught by Backstage Dance Academy staff only, at the Backstage Dance Academy premises.
All choreography, music, and costume designs belong to Backstage Dance Academy and cannot be used without written permission.
Students must enrol in the Backstage Dance Academy group class of the solo/duo/trio style to be eligible for that routine. For example, a student must be enrolled in group Tap at Backstage Dance Academy to undertake a Tap solo.
Students must enrol in private singing lessons to pursue singing solos/duos/trios or song & dance solos/duos/trios.
Students may be invited to undertake dance sections, vocal sections and/or song and dance sections.
Students are required to undertake a regular weekly private lesson of at least 10 minutes per class, to learn, improve and maintain the standard of their routines. ‘Choreography lessons' may also be available to learn new routines.
There is a new routine fee of $88 (inc GST) per routine.
Students are able to enter competitions throughout the year, at the discretion of Backstage Dance Academy.
Students are not permitted to miss BDA classes, rehearsals or events due to a solo competition.
Costumes are to be organised by the parent. Parents are to seek out designs from the choreographing teacher during the allocated private lesson time. Costume must then be approved by the Director prior to being worn.
Students/parents are responsible for providing music at competitions. Please request your music from our office, via email, or by providing a USB memory stick.
GRIEVANCE POLICY
A grievance is a real or perceived cause for complaint.
Backstage Dance Academy recognises that open communication and feedback are essential elements of a satisfying and productive environment. Every effort will be made to solve problems cooperatively and informally before presenting them in writing as a formal grievance. Students can be assured that they will not be disadvantaged by the use of such procedures whether decisions are found for or against their grievance. The first step to raising a complaint should be with the reception staff. Should you not be satisfied, a formal avenue can be taken. To raise a formal complaint, your complaint must be put in writing and dated.
All formal avenues for handling of grievances will be fully documented. All complaints and questions will receive thoughtful consideration and will be discussed with the individual who raises them. Discussions held are confidential.
At any time, the student or parent have the right to withdraw their grievance. It is requested this is dated and put in writing.
PARKING POLICY
For the safety of our students, staff, and visitors, we kindly ask that all those attending Backstage Dance Academy adhere to the following:
Be mindful of the nature of Backstage Dance Academy and that it involves a sizeable number of children. Please allow extra care when in the car park.
Please park in the allocated ‘Backstage Dance Academy reserved’ car parks.
Where neighbouring businesses are not open for business, Backstage Dance Academy patrons may park in their car parks.
Please only park in marked car park spaces.
Please DO NOT park in car parks that are allocated to other businesses, during their opening hours.
Please DO NOT block the driveway at any time.
CCTV POLICY & PROCEDURES
Backstage Dance Academy operates a CCTV system to deter anti-social and/or criminal behaviour. This system will aim to provide a secure & safe environment for the children, parents / guardians, and staff involved.
Access to the CCTV system display monitor will be limited to authorised staff only. Authorised staff include the office receptionists and the Director. Authorised staff will utilise the system for Occupational health and safety and security reasons only.
Access to recorded footage will be limited to the Director, and is password protected.
Recorded footage will be accessed by the Director if a serious offence, allegation, or incident has taken place.
Should an offence, incident, or allegation lead to a criminal investigation or lawsuit, the recorded footage may also be accessed for this purpose.
Recordings will be stored on the system's hard-drive which is located in a secure location with restricted access as outlined above. An authorised staff member will be present in this location during all opening hours. During closed hours, the premises is locked and alarmed. The recordings will be held on the system for approximately 14 days. These recordings will then be exported to an external storage hard drive which will be stored in a secure location and accessed by the director only. The operating system hard drive will then be overwritten.
It should be noted that the current system within the premises only records video and has no capacity to record sound.
It should be noted that all cameras are visible.
It should be noted that there are signs in place to notify individuals of the presence of the cameras.
It should be noted that cameras are not located in private areas, such as the toilets and/or change rooms.
It should be noted that footage will not be used to asses or evaluate staff or student performance.
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CHILD SAFE Policies
Download the Backstage Dance Academy Child safe policy
Download the Backstage Dance Academy Child safe code of conduct
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ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
Backstage endeavours to be an environmentally responsible provider of dance and performing arts classes, and aim to minimise our environmental impact in the following ways:
Build environmental awareness amongst our employees and students.
Meeting all relevant environmental legislations and requirements​
Continually reviewing our environmental management and performance
Striving to lead by example, encourage best practice and drive sustainable outcomes
VIEWING WINDOW POLICY
Viewing windows are closed for all private lessons, Industry classes, exam classes, adult classes and rehearsal classes.
For all other classes, viewing windows will be open for the first few weeks of the year and then closed to avoid distraction.
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