Information Pack

After enrolment you will receive a confirmation email from Ascend Dance Academy confirming your enrolment in classes (please note this may take a few days for processing). 

Please note that after this period all classes that are not full will then be opened up to new enrolments so please make sure you enrol prior in order to guarantee your spots in preferred classes. 

If you are having any issue with enrolment, please contact ascend.d.academy@gmail.com, and we will help you. 

Concert Bundle

We want to make the concert experience as simple as possible for all our families. Parents can relax knowing all of the costumes, photos and recordings will be ordered and ready for you. All students that perform in the concert will receive all digital group and individuals photos. The concert bundle fee also includes a high resolution video download of the concert and the dress/technical rehearsal costs. This fee will be paid over 2 instalments in September and October. 

Bundles Fees Pricing:

Students in 1 Dance: $80

Students in 2 Dances: $90

Students in 3+ Dances: $110

Concert Costumes

Your child’s costume will be organised and ready for you to collect at the studio the week prior to our Dress Rehearsal. The cost of your costume includes; measuring, materials, dressmaking, shipping, accessories, hair accessories, AND you get to keep your costume. 

The costume costs are outlined below. The cost will be split into 3 payments due in August, September, and October. The costume charge will be added to your account and emailed to families prior to payment being deducted. 

*There are no refunds as costumes are ordered well in advance.

Under 5's - $50

Above 5's - $60-80, (will be confirmed closer to the date)

Public/School Holidays

We do not run the classes on public holidays or school holidays (aligned with school terms). You will not be charged for school holidays and you will not be charged for public holidays.

Studio Details 

I understand the importance of making sure your child is in a dance studio that provides a safe environment to learn in. I want every parent to be aware that at Ascend Dance Academy we take this responsibility very seriously. 

• We have public liability insurance for all students participating in classes. 
• We have current certificate with ONE MUSIC, providing a music copyright for all public performances, communication and/or reproduction of copyright music.
• Ascend is a registered business. 
• Kady holds current first aid certification. 
• All staff have a Working with Children Check. 
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Terms and Conditions of Enrolment:

By registering your child into classes at Ascend, you agree to the following statement...

‘Although all care will be taken for the safety and well being of me/my child while undertaking training/tuition at Ascend. I fully understand that I will hold harmless all directors, employees for any liability, claims or demands for personal inury, sickness or mishap as well as personal loss or damage to personal property. I understand that the activities in which Ascend offer are physical activities and injuries may occur. I understand I have the right to decline participation in any activity which I am not comfortable with or feel may be harmful. It is my responsibility to inform instructors of any physical limitation which may prevent full participation in class. I understand that term fee’s are payable upfront and as the main contact person responsible for the students listed on this form. I am also responsible for ensuring all accounts are paid for on or by the due date. Failure to provide payment on-time may lead to late fees being applied and any overdue invoices being forwarded to the nominated debt collections agency and all associated fee’s of that agency will be made payable by me, the undersigned. I understand that ass Ascend shows, events and concerts may be filmed and photographed and such shall remain the property of Ascend. I have read, understand and agree to the “Terms of Enrolment” as provided to me in the Ascend Information/Enrolment Pack (detailed below). I understand the terms and conditions of enrolling at Ascend.’

Enrolment Pack Information and Ascend Rules:

UNIFORM & GROOMING:

It is VERY important all students are dressed appropriately for their dance class to ensure they can move well, and so the teacher can correct posture, see body alignment and ensure they are demonstrating the steps safely. Ascend has a NO DENIM and NO STREET CLOTHES policy to all dance classes (with the exception of HIP HOP). We also do not allow jewellery including watches, necklaces or earrings. This is for the safety of all students in the class. 

PAYING FEES:

Classes are paid per term (unless specified) and payments are due before week 1 each term. Invoices are sent via email and remain the responsibility of the main contact person listed on the students enrolment form. The main contact listed on the enrolment form is responsible for ensuring all student accounts are paid by the due date. Ascend makes every effort to contact families with any invoices due for payment. Students with invoices not paid by the due date will be temporarily suspended. If no payment or no effort to contact us is made. Ascend will send all overdue accounts to debt collectors and all incurred collection fees will be payable at customers expense. 

PUNCTUALITY:

The warm-up and stretching component at the start of class is conducted in a safe progression to reduce the potential for injury, muscle aches etc. Missing this part of the class puts bodies at risk of avoidable injury. Please arrive at least 5 minutes early so that we can commence our class, and most importantly, our warm-up on time. Punctuality is especially important for younger children as being even five minutes late can cause distress and anxiety in some children. It is best to aim to get to your class at least five minutes early so students can be prepared to come into the studio in a relaxed and calm nature. Please ensure you collect your child on time after class. If you are running late, please contact the studio on 0490 699 472 to advise us so we can ensure your child remains in the waiting room until you arrive. 

GENERAL CLASS ATTENDANCE, MAKEUP LESSONS & CANCELLATION POLICY:

We understand that it can be hard to be available for every class each week especially if your child is unwell, however regular attendance is extremely important for student progression and safety. If you will be missing a lesson (due to holiday or sickness) please advise us i advance via email or phone so we can mark this in our records. If your child is feeling a little unwell but feels okay to still come in and watch, this is certainly welcomed, especially when preparing for concerts and shows (however any serious or contagious illness should be kept at home away from other students and teachers). It is important that students are progressing and developing their skills in a safe manner so we encourage you to make as many classes as you can. Students who do miss numerous lessons, end up falling behind in their technique and this not only affects their own safety, but in some cases, this can affect the safety of others. Also, please note that we do not offer refunds or credits for any missed classes for sickness, holidays etc. Some severe cases of sickness illness may be except from this, however please contact the studio in writing if you have any concerns (see our CLASS DESCRIPTIONS & FEES document for more details on our fee policy). Please note that we do not offer “makeup” lessons as majority of our classes are at full capacity. Ascend does not offer refunds for cancelled enrolments at anytime throughout the term. In the instance that classes are cancelled at last minute due to reasons outside of our control (i.e. weather, power outages etc) refunds or credits will not be given. Again, please contact our team for further clarification if you have any concerns. 

CHILD SAFETY POLICY:

Ascend follows strict procedures regarding child safety. Some of these include; All teachers carrying a current and valid Working with Children Check, staff on duty carry a first aid certificate, working phone in operation for emergencies, surveillance cameras in use on-site, viewing windows in studios where children can be seen at all times, no personal photography or videography of children, appropriate costuming, dance tights/stockings worn under costumes for modesty, appropriate music choices and age appropriate dance choreography etc. Fore more information about our priority to keep our children safe in our dance school or to ask a specific child safe question, please email Kady on ascend.d.academy@gmail.com

PARENTS ETIQUETTE:

Parents feedback and comments are always welcomed, however mid-way through a lesson is not appropriate at any time. Also, please not that teachers do not have any break period between most lessons and we ask that you do not use this short time before or after class to discuss things in length with the teacher as this will be interfering with the next lessons allocated time. Instead, please contact our admin team to discuss your concerns or to give your feedback and this will be passed onto the class teacher and a response provided (if requested). Please refer to FEEDBACK at the bottom of this document. We do not allow parents to sit inside the studio and watch the class (if a new student is feeling unsure for their first lesson it is up to teacher discretion to allow them to sit within the classroom - applies to Under 5 children ONLY). Our studio’s have constant photography and videography for you to be able to comfortably view the lesson and your child on our private Facebook parents page. 

PARKING AND KISS ‘N RIDE:

To avoid congestion in the carpark during peak times, we have extensive parking options for parents/guardians to park and wait for their child. You are more than welcome to wait in your car for the duration of the class and meet your child at the front entrance of the building before and after class. 

All students aged 6 years and over must abide by the above rule with the exception of:

• Parents or careers with a child with special needs
• Parents who have a student taking their very first dance lesson
• Parents who have prior, written approval with our Management Team
• Parents who need to park for a short period to speak to our admin team in person, make a payment in person etc. 

If your child is 5 years or under & taking a dance class, one (1) parent/guardian must wait onsite for the duration of their lesson to assist in bathroom breaks and ensure their added safety whilst on our premise (please note that there is only one guardian permitted in the waiting room to avoid congestion in our common areas). 

Students must always wait inside the studio for a parent/guardian to pick them up for safety reasons. The grassed area is off limits to cars and is not a permitted parking zone. Please respect our neighbours by only parking the bays onsite at Ascend (not in front of any neighbouring businesses at any time). Thank you for helping us be courteous neighbours. 

CONTACTING TEACHERS/ADMIN STAFF/COACHES:

All staff are not permitted to accept or send private social media messages, private text messages or private emails to or from any of our Ascend customers, families, students or partners. This is to ensure all lines of communication are clear, previous conversations easy to revisit and are also conducted in a professional manner. This is also to ensure all staff can answer emails at appropriate times and personal boundaries are respected. Please follow up any concerns or questions to our helpful admin team. If you wish to receive a follow up message directly from a specific teacher, please request so in your email. We will do our best to respond to you in a timely manner. Thank you for your understanding. 

SPIRIT POLICY & INCLUSION:

Ascend if proud to have a Spirit Policy that prioritises inclusivity, equality & respect throughout all aspects of our school. We welcome families of all backgrounds and ethnicities and do not tolerate any forms of discrimination. We expect parents, families, students and staff to respect each other regardless of abilities or differences. Through our studio spirit we also recognise the rich history of dance stemming from many cultures around the world & we pay tribute to this through conversations in class and continued education. 

BULLYING:

Ascend has a zero tolerance to bullying of any form. This includes behaviour towards any other student before, during or after any Ascend class, in person or online (social media etc.). Our bullying policy also includes bullying between parents and students or bullying between parents and teachers/staff. Failure to comply with our strict bullying policy will result in automatic cancellation of your enrolment. If you witness any bullying or are aware of bullying taking place, please inform our team immediately. Thank you for assisting us maintain a friendly, welcoming and safe dance community for everyone to enjoy. 

NEWSLETTERS, EMAILS AND CORRESPONDANCE:

Ascend has a private parents Facebook page, this is where you can view all tutorials and correspondance. Please make sure you are part of this group, additionally emails from ascend.d.academy@gmail.com will be sent to you, if you are not receiving any emails please let us know. 

LEAVING THE PREMISE:

Once students have left the Ascend premises they are no longer under our Duty of Care and any incidences/injuries that occur are the responsibility of the dancer and family. Students are not allowed to walk off-site during their breaks. Any large rubbish items must be placed in provided rubbish bags to prevent leftover food waste spilling into the waiting room and encouraging ants and other insects. 

OTHER RULES:

• No food or drink allowed inside the studios (water accepted). This includes students, parent spectators and siblings (NO tea/coffee allowed inside the studios). Please enjoy your food and beverages outside in the waiting room and always place your rubbish in the bins provided.
• No outside footwear to be worn in the studios (including parents and siblings watching classes). Clean-soled indoor shoes and dance shoes are allowed only. Our dance floor is used by students for stretching and warm ups and often students face and head touches the floor and although we have a very stringent cleaning regime, we thank you for respecting our need for clean and hygienic studio floors. 
• Except for families who have students aged 5years and under & families who meet the ‘Exceptions’ outlined above (under ‘parking’), the waiting rooms are for the comfort and use of Ascend students only (not spectators/parents etc.). Students should be able to socialise with their friends, find a place to eat their dinner/lunch/snacks and change dance shoes etc. in these designated areas. 
• Young siblings using the bathrooms must be accompained by a parents and parents who use the baby change table must supervise their child at all times. Please ensure baby change tables and bathrooms are left in a clean and neat state for the next person to use. Please promptly report any mess in the bathrooms to our friendly staff. All soiled nappies must be taken home with you. 
• No chewing gum allowed in the studio at any time. 
• All mobile phones must be switched off or be put on silent and left alone during the class (including students and parent spectators).
• Spectators in the waiting room MUST keep excessive noise to a minimum as this remains a working area for our Ascend Team. Please turn all devices, games and toys to silent for the comfort and enjoyment of all patrons. 
• All choreography remains the property of Ascend and must not be used outside of direct license and agreement with the school. Please contact our team if you wish to use a dance or part thereof for an event or performance that is not affiliated or associated with Ascend. 
• Ascend has the right to refuse enrolment and/or terminate enrolment if terms and conditions of enrolment are breached. 
• All Terms of Enrolment stated in this document must be adhered to at all times. 
• Terms of Enrolment may be updated or changed at anytime. We aim to give 7 days notice of any changes. 

FEEDBACK:

Ascend welcomes feedback at any time of the year! We love hearing how your experience with us has been whether that be positive or negative as this gives us a chance to grow and improve our services. We pride ourselves on having a friendly and open communication with our parents and appreciate the opportunity to hear from you. Any complaints or feedback must be put in writing via email and attention to the Studio Director, Kady via ascend.d.academy@gmail.com If you would like to receive a reply, please state this in your email. Generally responses can take up to five working days (depending on the nature of the complaint), however often are responded to more promptly. We appreciate families allowing us the time to manage complaints privately and confidentially without involving third parties or social media etc. as we have found that there is always a way to come to a suitable and fair solution. We really appreciate your co-operation and understanding.