Policies & Procedures

Studio & Equipment

• All students must clean up after themselves.

• Bags/shoes are to be stored in the cube shelf, not on the floor to avoid trip hazzards.

• Food is only to be consumed in the waiting areas. All rubbish is to be placed in the rubbish bins provided.

• Snack breaks will be given to the students who are doing back-to-back classes. Students are to bring a named bottle of water with them to class to re-hydrate.

• There is to be no running or acrobatics in waiting areas. 

• We are a smoke free environment, so please don’t smoke in or around the property.

• There is to be no gum. Drinks must be in sealed containers only.

• Please do not use spray deodorants inside the indoor waiting area. Please use outside or bring roll on deodorant. Some students are allergic to sprays which can cause breathing problems.

• Parents are liable for any damage to the studio and studio contents caused by their children.​

Student Responsibility

• No responsibility will be taken for personal property. Parents are asked to label all clothing and shoes to enable us to return to the correct owner. At the end of the term, any unclaimed property will be given to charity.

• All mobile phones must be switched off whilst in class.

• All students must remain inside the studio until they are collected by their parents or a responsible adult. This is for the safety of all students and must be adhered to.

• Before and after class, students are expected to be under their parent’s supervision. Teacher’s supervision extends only to students in class.

• Friends/family of students are unable to participate in class, unless they are enrolled. They are able to watch the class if agreed to by the teacher before class starts.

• Students need to practice to improve their skills especially when exams, competitions or shows are approaching.

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​Uniform & Shoes

• Appropriate dance wear and shoes are to be worn in class (including online classes). Hair is to be worn neatly tied back with no loose fringes and in a bun for ballet. No jewellery or watches are permitted, as they are dangerous when dancing (medical and religious jewellery is accepted - please notify the teacher prior to class). Students must come to class with the correct uniform. This is for their safety and competency when dancing.

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​Car Park

• The car park is a shared zone. Please follow speed limits.

• All students should arrive at least 5 minutes prior to class to allow time to put shoes on, go to the toilet, etc, so that class can start on time.

• Students are required to wear the appropriate clothing and shoes to each class in accordance with the uniform requirements.

• ​Hair must be pulled back and tidy for all classes.

• Students must understand that dance is fun but also a disciplined art. You may receive corrections, the teacher may yell over the music directions/corrections, you may be asked to repeat things numerous times and sometimes the teacher may take a firm stance in class to achieve results. This is not the teacher picking on you, disrespecting you, or having an attitude problem but your teacher striving for results, maximising your potential, and sometimes working to a deadline (concerts, exams, or competitions). Corrections mean you are being watched and your teacher wants the best for you.

• Students will not use their mobile phones during class. It must be on silent and in their bags.

• ​Bullying and gossiping will not be tolerated at Discovery Coast Dance Centre or any of its events. Students who engage in this behaviour may be asked to leave Discvoery Coast Dance Centre.

• ​All students are asked to be polite and courteous to all teachers, parents, and fellow students. Disrespectful behaviour will be addressed with parents and if not rectified you will be asked to leave Discovery Coast Dance Centre.

• All solo/duo/trio and group dances are property of Discovery Coast Dance Centre. If a student leaves the studio these routines remain the property of Discovery Coast Dance Centre.

• ​Students should not upload choreography onto any social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.) unless permission is given as this is a breach of copyright.

• ​Students will not teach or perform any choreography that has been learned at Discovery Coast Dance Centre unless permission is given.

Students at Discovery Coast Dance Centre, agree and adhere to the Student Code of Conduct to ensure a positive, respectful, and focused learning environment where all students can thrive.

When the Student Code of Conduct is not adhered to, DCDC will take the below steps to help resolve any breaches of the Student Code of Conduct:

Behaviour Management Process:

• Verbal Reminder – The teacher will remind the student of the expected behaviour.

• Warning & Reflection – If the behaviour continues, the student will be given a warning and asked to reflect on their actions (e.g., sit out briefly and consider how to rejoin respectfully).

• Parental Notification – If disruption persists, a conversation with parents/guardians will take place to address concerns and seek support.

• Temporary Class Removal – If behaviour does not improve, the student may be asked to sit out for the remainder of class or miss a session, depending on severity.

• Final Action Plan – Continued issues will result in a meeting with the student, parents, and studio director to create an individual behavior plan. Repeated failure to meet expectations may result in suspension from performances or classes

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• DCDC staff agree to encourage positive behaviour by:

• Praise and recognition for students demonstrating respect and effort.

• Clear routines and expectations set at the beginning of each class.

• Engaging students in team-building exercises to foster camaraderie.

• Open communication between students, teachers, and parents.

At Discovery Coast Dance Centre ("we," "our," "us"), we value and respect the privacy of our students, parents, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you interact with our services, including enrolling in classes, visiting our website, and engaging with our community.

By providing us with your personal information or using our services, you agree to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.
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Information We Collect

We collect various types of personal information, including:

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• Personal Identification Information: Name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, and emergency contact details.

• Payment Information: Billing address and payment details when enrolling in classes or making purchases.

• Health Information: Medical information or allergies that may be necessary for safety purposes.

• Demographic Information: Age, gender, and other details relevant to the dance programs.

• We collect this information through forms, class registrations, communication with staff, and payment transactions.​

​How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

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• Providing Services: To process registrations, schedule classes, and provide other services related to your enrolment.

• Communication: To send important updates regarding your classes, special events, or schedule changes, and to respond to inquiries.

• Billing and Payment: To process payments for tuition and other fees.

• Health and Safety: To ensure a safe environment for all participants by keeping necessary health records, if applicable.

• Marketing: To send promotional materials, newsletters, or event notifications (you can opt-out of marketing communications at any time).

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​How We Protect Your Information

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We take reasonable steps to safeguard your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our data security practices include:

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• Encryption of payment information.

• Restricted access to personal data.

• Regular security audits and updates to our systems.

​However, please note that no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure, and while we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

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Sharing Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties, except in the following situations:

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• Service Providers: We may share necessary information with trusted third-party service providers (e.g., payment processors, marketing platforms) who assist us in running our business. These providers are obligated to protect your data.

• Legal Compliance: If required by law, we may disclose your information to comply with legal obligations or in response to a subpoena, court order, or legal process.

Your Rights and Choices

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You have the right to:

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• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.

• Correction: Update or correct any inaccuracies in your personal data.

• Deletion: Request that we delete your personal information, subject to any legal obligations we may have to retain it.

• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link in our emails or contacting us directly.

​​Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law. Once it is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize your data.

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Children's Privacy 

Our services are intended for individuals aged [Insert Age] and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of [Insert Age]. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us, and we will take appropriate steps to remove it.

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​Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website with an updated "Effective Date." We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.

We appreciate sometimes parents need to talk to teachers about their children, but this cannot be during class time or between classes as it interrupts the students' learning. Please contact info@dcdancecentre.com.au to arrange a time when the teachers are free. 

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If you wish to lodge a complaint about another member of the studio, please email or write to info@dcdancecentre.com.au.

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All complaints and queries will be dealt with promptly, seriously and with sensitivity and remain confidential.

At Discovery Coast Dance Centre, the health and safety of our students, families, and staff are a priority. To ensure everyone remains well, we encourage families to keep students at home if they are unwell or contagious. However, if a student is feeling better and is no longer contagious but not fully recovered for physical activity, they are welcome to attend and observe classes.

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Policy Guidelines

• Stay Home When Contagious:
  Students displaying symptoms of contagious illnesses, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or infectious rashes, should remain at home until they are symptom-free and/or have a doctor’s clearance.

• Attend and Observe (Non-Contagious):
  Students who are recovering and feel well enough to sit and watch but are not ready for physical activity are welcome to attend as spectators. This helps them stay connected and engaged with their peers and learning.

• Doctor’s Clearance:
  For illnesses requiring medical attention, a doctor’s clearance may be requested to confirm the student is no longer contagious and safe to return to the studio.

​​Parent Decision-Making Checklist

• Use the following checklist to decide if your child should attend class:

• Does your child have any of the following symptoms?

• Fever (temperature over 37.5°C)

• Persistent cough or sneezing

• Vomiting or diarrhea (in the past 24 hours)

• Rash or other visible signs of a contagious condition

• Fatigue or lethargy that prevents active participation

• Other contagious symptoms as identified by a doctor

​If yes to any of the above, they should stay home until symptoms are resolved or a doctor confirms they are no longer contagious.

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• Is your child free of symptoms but not fully recovered?

• Do they feel well enough to sit quietly and observe the class without participating?

• Are they no longer contagious (e.g., passed the appropriate isolation period for their condition)?

​If yes, they may attend as a spectator.

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• Has your child been seen by a doctor?

​For serious illnesses or those requiring medical attention, ensure you have a doctor’s clearance before returning to the studio.

​General Expectations

• Please notify us if your child will attend as a spectator so we can prepare accordingly.

• Students observing class should follow instructions from teachers, remain seated quietly, and avoid physical participation to ensure their recovery.

​Thank you for supporting the health and safety of everyone at Discovery Coast Dance Centre. If you have questions about this policy, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

• Classes will not be run if the temperature reaches 38 degrees to ensure the safety of the students. This will be determined by the Bureau of Meteorology.

• Once the temperature reaches 38 degrees, we will confirm through an email and on our social media accounts. You may collect students immediately. Staff will not leave students unattended on these days. We will call parents who may not have seen the notification.

• There are no refunds for cancelled classes on hot weather days. 

• Please ensure that students bring their water bottles in hot weather and bring a small flannel they can wet and use to cool down.

• Classes on hot weather days are adjusted to accommodate the heat.

• Classes may be cancelled and the studio closed if there is an emergency, including severe weather conditions and/or events (e.g. cyclones, severe storms, fires, power outages) that pose a threat to the safety of students, staff, and visitors.

• We will confirm through an email and on our social media accounts if classes are cancelled. You may collect students immediately. Staff will not leave students unattended on these days. We will call parents who may not have seen the notification.

• There are no refunds for cancelled classes in emergency situations.

• Consideration will be given to transportation challenges that may affect the ability of students and staff to travel safely to and from the studio.

• In case of an emergency, all persons will gather either in the studio, the car park or the driveway - wherever is safest do so in that particular emerge

Physical Contact

• Demonstration of exercises and personal correction requires some physical contact from time-to-time in order to assist understanding of movement. Physical contact may be required if first aid needs to be administered. DCDC will endeavour to ask the student's permission before making physical contact whenever possible.

 
​Photography & Videos

• By enrolling in DCDC, you accept that any photographs or video recordings taken during performances, classes (including online classes) or other events may be used for publicity, advertising and on our website.

 
​Child Safety

• DCDC will take no responsibility for students or their siblings whilst outside the studio (this includes when participating in online classes and waiting in unsupervised waiting areas). Responsibility for students outside the studio lies with the student's parent or guardian. To keep our students safe, we ask for parents to ensure that the student is collected at the scheduled end of lesson.

Responsibilities

• Instructors are responsible for the safety of students during classes and performances. They must follow established safety guidelines and report any hazards or concerns promptly.

• Students are expected to follow safety guidelines, report any unsafe conditions, and participate in safety drills and training as required.

• Parents/guardians are encouraged to communicate any health or safety concerns to the school and maintain correct personal details and emergency contacts in your Parent Portal.

 
​Studio & Equipment Safety

• The dance studio will be kept clean, well-lit, and free from obstructions.

• Adequate ventilation will be maintained in the studio.

• Floors will be regularly inspected to ensure they are clean and free from hazards.

• A designated first aid kit will be available on-site.

• Instructors will be trained in basic first aid procedures.

• Emergency contact information for students will be collected and maintained.

• Dance equipment will be regularly inspected for safety.

• Students will be instructed on the proper use of equipment.

• Any damaged equipment will be promptly repaired or replaced.

 
​Hygiene & Health

• Students and staff are encouraged to practice good hygiene, including washing hands before and after classes.

• Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the facility.

• Students with contagious illnesses are requested to refrain from attending classes until they are no longer contagious.

• Health and safety guidelines related to COVID-19 or other communicable diseases will be followed as per public health recommendations.

 
​Reporting

• All serious accidents and injuries will be documented.

• Incident reports will be reviewed to identify trends and prevent future occurrences.

• In the event that a class is full, a waiting list will be created. You will be notified if a place becomes available. We are unable to predict when or if a place will open. Once offered a place in a class after being on the waitlist, you have 24 hours to accept and pay the relevant fees.

• Should you wish to discontinue classes, written notification is required before the conclusion of the current term. Any fees payable in respect of the then current term are not refundable. Some refunds will be made on a case-by-case basis.

• DCDC is closed on the major Public Holidays. Parents and students will be notified if classes are not running.

• DCDC reserves the right to modify the timetable at any time. Parents and students will be notified of any changes.

• One off private lessons are strictly payable at the time of the lesson or beforehand. If paying cash, the money must be handed to the teacher in an envelope with the child's name and date of the lesson written on it. 24 hours notice is required if a lesson is to be cancelled, otherwise the full fee will be charged. If booking a regular weekly private lesson, regular terms apply.

• All choreography including solos/duos/trios, remain the intellectual property of DCDC, and may not be used without permission from the Principal.

At Discovery Coast Dance Centre (DCDC), we are committed to providing high-quality training and opportunities for all our students. To ensure that private lessons are maximally effective, the following policy applies.

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There are 3 different types of Private Lessons:

• Competition Team: Private Lessons to learn a solo/duo/trio to compete as part of the Competition Team.

• Extra Practice: Private lessons available for supplemental work but will not include solo/duo/trio choreography.

• One-Off Dance: Private lessons available to learn a routine for non-DCDC events – incurs a choreography fee.

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​Competition Team

• Private lessons for solo, duo, or trio dances require significant time and energy from our instructors. As such, these lessons are typically reserved for students who are actively participating in the competition team.

• Participation in competitions not only helps students improve their dance technique but also ensures that they stay on track with their practice and commitment. By participating in competitions, students have the opportunity to grow as dancers while receiving personalized attention to further their skills.

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​Requirements for Competition Team:

• Attendance: Students must attend 4-5 competitions per year, including those in Gladstone, Biloela, Bundaberg, and the Sunshine Coast.

• Fees: Competition-related costs include:

• Entry Fees: Typically range from $8-$16 for larger competitions and $30-$50 for smaller competitions (some smaller competitions have a single entry fee that covers everything).

• Passes: Adult spectator passes and competitor passes (for insurance purposes) are approximately $15 each.

• Music Upload Fees: Around $15-$20 per year for music submission.

• Costume Purchase: Costume costs can range from $30 to $200, though second-hand options may be available to help reduce expenses.

• Commitment: Parents will be required to assist with the competition process, including entries, music uploads, and listening to voice critiques.

• Routine Longevity: Once a student has learned a routine, they will typically perform the same routine for at least two years, with modifications made as the dancer progresses. Additional routines may be added when appropriate.

• Technique Classes: To compete, students must attend regular technique classes in the style of dance for their competition routine. For example, a student competing with a ballet solo must also attend ballet technique classes.

​NOTE: We do not typically feature solos/duos/trios at the end of year Concert, as the event already includes numerous group performances. We may include solos/duos/trios from our Competition Team, but these will generally serve as "fillers" to provide transitions and allow students to change costumes between group routines. It is important to note that not all competition students will perform at the Concert.

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Extra Practice

• If a student wishes to have a private lesson to focus on specific skills or to supplement their current classes, we can provide a session tailored to that need. Students would improve steps and skills already learned in their regular class and may learn additional steps and skills from our syllabus. However, this type of lesson will not involve the learning of a full solo/duo/trio dance routine.

 
​One-Off Dance

• If a student would like to learn a routine to perform at a non-DCDC event, such as a school performance or community function, they may book a regular private lesson. A choreography fee will apply for this service, calculated at $75-$100 per minute depending on the individual requirements of the routine.

Please refer to Fees & Payment Plans​

By enrolling in DCDC, you accept that all dance classes (including online classes), activities and events can involve the risk of personal injury. DCDC will accept no responsibility or legal liability arising from your participation or attendance in our dance classes (including online classes) or other events. You agree to release DCDC from all liability to the full extent permitted by law for any personal injury sustained by a student as a result of any negligent or deliberate act or omission sustained whilst on our premises or any premises where DCDC has arranged any kind of event.