House of Dance – Terms & Conditions

These Terms & Conditions apply to all students and families of House of Dance (HoD). By enrolling, you agree to abide by them. Please read carefully.

1. Enrolment

• Enrolment is on a first-come, first-served basis. All classes have maximum capacities. Once classes are full, waitlists apply for the next available class.

• Enrolments automatically roll over each term for the calendar year, and then for the following year. Written notice is required if you do not wish to continue the following term.

• Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring all enrolment information provided is accurate and kept up to date (including medical and emergency contacts).

2. Teachers

• HoD selects teachers to its standards for all classes. Teachers may be changed at any time without notice.

• Parents/caregivers must not approach teachers before, during, or after class regarding concerns. All communication must be directed to the admin team via email.

• Class time is valuable teaching time. Communication with teachers must occur via the HoD email address and not through social media or personal contact.

• Face-to-face meetings may be booked via email. (Exception: private lessons, which can be arranged directly with the teacher.)

• Our formal Complaints Process is outlined in the Parents’ Handbook.

3. Fees & Payments

• All term fees are due in full before classes commence, unless an instalment plan has been pre-approved in writing via email.

• A 10% administration fee applies to instalment plans.

• Instalment plans must be paid weekly, beginning the week of class commencement, with all fees cleared by Week 10.

• An annual non-refundable administration fee of $10 per family applies.

• Late payments: Fees unpaid by Week 2 incur a 10% late fee. Fees unpaid by the end of term may be referred to debt collection, with all additional recovery costs charged to the parent/guardian.

• HoD reserves the right to collect fees from either parent or legal guardian, regardless of who signed the enrolment form.

• Students with outstanding fees may be excluded from classes, concerts, competitions, and exams and will not automatically be re-enrolled for the following term.

4. Refunds & Credits

• Refunds/credits will only be granted if:

• • HoD cancels a class without providing a replacement.

• • A timetable change prevents attendance.

• • A student withdraws due to illness/injury with immediate notice and a valid medical certificate.

• Refunds/credits will not be granted for:

• • Change of mind.

• • Absences due to illness/injury under 3 consecutive weeks.

• • Holidays or public holidays.

• • Students dismissed for breach of these Terms & Conditions.

• All requests must be submitted in writing before the end of the relevant term. Once a term has ended, no refunds or credits will be approved.

5. Uniform & Attire

• All performance students must purchase and wear the official HoD uniform before their first public performance.

• Correct footwear is compulsory: tan jazz shoes for Jazz and Performance students; clean, enclosed sneakers for Hip Hop (crocs, sandals, or bare feet are not acceptable).

• Full and up-to-date uniform requirements are detailed in the Parents’ Handbook.

• Students may not dance in socks.

6. Behaviour & Conduct

• Students are expected to arrive on time, prepared, and in the correct uniform.

• Respectful and positive behaviour is required from students, parents, and caregivers at all times.

• Disrespectful, disruptive, inappropriate, or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated. Persistent or serious cases may result in dismissal.

• Bullying will be addressed immediately. Persistent or serious cases may result in dismissal.

• Any damage to HoD property will be charged to the responsible individual(s).

• During class times, the dance studio is for students and teachers only. Parents/caregivers may wait in the designated waiting area.

7. Dismissal

• HoD reserves the right to dismiss any student at the discretion of the Studio Directors for:

• • Breach of Terms & Conditions.

• • Repeated inappropriate behaviour by student or caregiver.

• • Bullying, disrespect, or abuse.

• • Property damage.

• • Serious disruption to class or studio culture.

• If a student is dismissed, no refunds of fees will be given.

8. Choreography & Intellectual Property

• All choreography created by HoD teachers remains the artistic and intellectual property of HoD and/or syllabus providers.

• Students may not reproduce or perform choreography without written permission.

• Students leaving or who have left HoD may not perform choreography created for them without written approval from the Director/s.

9. Health & Safety

• HoD accepts no liability for injury, loss, or damage to property while on premises.

• Dance involves physical activity and carries an inherent risk of injury, which parents/guardians accept.

• Students/guardians must inform teachers of injuries or medical conditions upon enrolment. New injuries or illnesses must be disclosed before the next applicable class.

• HoD staff are only responsible for students during scheduled class times. Parents/guardians must supervise children outside these times and collect students from inside the building.

• In emergencies (e.g., fire), students must follow teacher instructions and assemble as per evacuation policies.

10. Photography & Media

• Photography or videoing by anyone other than HoD staff is not permitted during classes.

• Images and videos taken by HoD staff may be used for marketing, social media, and website purposes unless parents/guardians opt out in writing.

• If recordings are taken at performances that include children other than your own, you must have permission from their caregivers before posting on social media.

11. Privacy

• Personal information is collected and managed in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.

• Parents/guardians may request access to or correction of personal information at any time.

12. Handbook Reference

• The Parents’ Handbook provides additional details, including:

• • Complaints Process

• • Up-to-date Uniform Requirements

• • General Studio Policies

• All families are responsible for reading and following the Handbook in addition to these Terms & Conditions.

13. Health & Safety Commitment

• We are committed to providing a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for students, staff, contractors, parents, and visitors.

• We comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA). We will eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety, so far as reasonably practicable.

14. Emergency Procedures

• A. Earthquake Procedure:

• • During shaking: Drop, cover, and protect your head and neck. Stay away from windows or heavy objects.

• • After shaking: Check for injuries, evacuate if safe, and use designated evacuation routes.

• B. Fire Procedure:

• • Alert everyone, activate alarm, call 111.

• • Evacuate calmly via nearest exit, assist those with mobility issues, do not collect belongings.

• C. Tsunami Procedure:

• • HoD is not located in a tsunami zone. If warning issued: remain inside under teacher supervision until safe, parents will be informed when safe for collection.

• Evacuation Routes:

• • Studio 1 – Front entrance (secondary: Studio 2 exit).

• • Studio 2 – Back emergency exit (secondary: Studio 1 front).

• • Waiting Area – Front entrance (secondary: Studio 2 exit).

• Assembly Point: Carpark behind the building. Do not re-enter until authorised.

15. Complaints Process

• We value open communication and a safe, respectful environment for all.

• Making a Complaint: All complaints must be in writing (email or letter). Provide as much detail as possible.

• Our Response:

• 1. Acknowledgement – within 5 working days.

• 2. Review – studio management will investigate.

• 3. Response – outcome provided within 5 working days (written, phone, or meeting).

• 4. Follow-Up – further communication if required.

• Our Commitment: Complaints handled fairly, respectfully, and confidentially. Solutions that support a positive studio culture. Using feedback to improve services and strengthen our community.