Code of Conduct

To ensure the smooth, safe running of Terpsichore Dance Company and an enjoyable experience by all, below you will find our code of conduct. As always, we are open to feedback, so if any of the requirements outlined below are unclear or concerning, please give us a call to discuss further. Following a formal meeting, we do reserve the right to dismiss or take disciplinary action on any students or parents who breach our studio’s code of conduct. 

• Families who do not comply with their fee or costume payment obligations may be charged a late fee, and/or excluded from performances. External debt collection may occur when fees remain overdue and this will be at the expense of the client. Costume expenses are the responsibility of the parent, and costumes will not be issued to students with unpaid class fees. 

• No classes (including private lessons) or teachers are to be disturbed unless it is an emergency. Parents are not to approach teachers or students during class and if messages or food/drink/medication needs to be passed on to a student, it must be done through a TDC staff member. All parents must wait in the waiting areas or outside of the studios until classes have been dismissed. 

• We are unable to take responsibility for our students before or after their scheduled classes and it is the responsibility of the parent to ensure their child is picked up and dropped off on time. In the case of an emergency or unavoidable delay, please contact the studio immediately to inform us of the situation so we can keep your child calm and safe until they can be collected. 

• Any questions or complaints must go through reception – parents and students are not permitted to contact TDC teachers via phone, in person, or via email / social networking with studio issues unless it has been broached with the principal first. Personal meetings with the studio principal can happily be arranged via reception. 

• In the rare case of a parent or student showing disrespect or defamation to any parent, staff member or student, a meeting will be called immediately and dismissal may be considered at the discretion of the principal. Physical, mental, emotional or cyber bullying by parents, staff or students will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal from the studio. 

• Terpsichore Dance Company takes no responsibility for any stolen or misplaced property on the studio premises and we encourage our families to avoid bringing valuable items into the studio where possible. 

• Only private lesson students are permitted to enter solo competitions and it must be with the permission of their teacher and choreographer. 

• Terpsichore Dance Company management reserves the right to change teachers or timetabling when necessary at any time throughout the year. 

• Choreography, costuming and studio policies remain the intellectual property of Terpsichore Dance Company and may not be reproduced or sold by any students, parents or staff without permission of the principal/s and choreographer. 

• Students are NOT allowed to use their mobile phones on the studio premises unless they are calling a parent/guardian. Students caught using their phone will have it confiscated. They can collect it from the office after their class is finished. 

Termination of Enrolment

In certain circumstances, when it is in the best interest of one or more students, it may be necessary for the school owner or director to terminate a student’s enrolment. Every effort will be made to correct a problematic situation before terminating enrolment. Reasons for termination of enrolment include the following:

• Disruptive or dangerous behaviour by students or their parents

• Abuse of other children, staff, or property

• Inability of Terpsichore Dance Company to meet the child’s or parent's needs

We have a zero tolerance for bullying behaviour at TDC. Any student behaving in this manner will be expelled from the studio immediately.

General Policies

• Parents need to wait outside the studio until class has been dismissed. Please do not arrive early to sneak in the last 5-10 minutes of class; it’s disruptive for both students and teachers.

• Parents and students should never interrupt a class in session.

• Please always pack a water bottle when you come to class.

• 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 are not free to run around the classroom areas.

• Please do not dispose of dirty diapers inside the school. Large trash cans outside the studio are better suited for such disposal.

• All students are encouraged not to leave the room once class has begun. Please allow for appropriate restroom use prior to class. Very young children will be treated sensitively as the need arises.

• No mobile phones or computers may be used during class time. (This means no emailing, Internet use, or text messaging.)

• Students and parents are restricted from contacting teachers by phone, email, text messages, etc. All communication with teachers or the director must go through the Terpsichore Dance Company office.

• Never speak negatively about teachers, students, or parents from other schools.

• Never recruit students from other schools.

• All students must show respect for their teachers at all times. Inappropriate behaviour could result in dismissal from the school.

Students Code of Conduct

• Be polite and respectful of everyone in the studio. This includes teachers, staff, students, students’ parents and/or guardians, visitors, guest teachers and anyone else in the studio.

• Take responsibility for yourself and your actions.

• You are responsible to pack your own dance bag with all the items you need for classes.

• Be ready for class, rehearsals, shows and competitions on time.

• Maintain good attendance in all classes.

• Do not use your mobile phone on the studio premise.

• Be considerate of the property in the studio and of others.

• Have a sense of ownership and pride in the school.

• Come to class prepared, ready to work and to learn.

• Do not interrupt or talk while the teacher is talking in class.

• Do not participate in rough play or harmful physical contact with others.

• Wear appropriate class uniform (leotard, stockings, shoes) in all classes, hair tied up in a bun and no jewellery worn. Maintain a neat appearance at all times.

• Be clean, and clean up after yourself.

• Eat and drink only in designated areas.

• Foul language and discriminatory actions or remarks will not be tolerated.

• Do not chew gum in the studio.

• Ensure you wear appropriate cover up clothes over your dance uniform when coming to and leaving the studio.

• Wear studio track uniform to all shows, events, and competitions.

• Represent the studio to a high standard at all times, in and outside the studio.

• Notify your teacher immediately if you are injured or feel ill.

• Maintain a positive attitude.

• No exclusive social cliques in the studio.

• Have fun and dance with your heart.

• Abide by the code of conduct at all times.

Parents Code of Conduct

• Drop off and pick up students on time. Children under 8 years of age must be escorted to and from the studio.

• Notify studio if you will be late in picking up your child.

• Will inform the studio if their child will be absent from class.

• Make a commitment to their child to bring them to class every week.

• Will inform the studio if alternative pick up arrangements have been made for their child.

• Will not leave children unattended in the studio. If children are not participating in a class they must be quiet and kept occupied.

• Children who misbehave in waiting area will not be tolerated.

• Maintain a positive attitude.

• Support your child and give uplifting feedback to them.

• Will not talk about or discuss other student’s abilities in the studio.

• Will respect the decisions of the teachers and principal.

• Foul language, discriminatory actions or remarks, abuse and violence are not allowed or tolerated in or outside the studio. If you engage in the above you and your child will be asked to leave the studio.

• Trust the advice, assessments and opinions of the teachers and principal.

• Represent the studio in a high manner at all times in and outside the studio.

• Eat and drink in designated areas.

• Make an effort to provide healthy meals and/or snacks for their child.

• Enjoy the time watching your children grow and learn.