Code of Conduct 

At Evolution Dance we are passionate about performance and aim to provide high quality dance and performing arts training suitable for all ages and abilities, in a variety of different disciplines. We want to give all pupils the opportunity to learn, train, grow and perform in a fun, friendly and safe environment. We want to inspire and motivate all of our pupils to feel as passionate about all elements of performing arts as we do and we take their wellbeing during classes with us very seriously.

Our Team

We are a small family-run school which thrives on it’s close knit community. Becky is a fully qualified teacher, and a registered member of the ISTD with a full teaching membership. She holds full ISTD DEE Qualifications and is also qualified to deliver the Acrobatic Arts syllabus as well as the iD-Dance company Street & Contemporary grades. Becky is also a Level 2 exercise to Music instruction and holds a Level 3 Personal Training Diploma.

Our other teachers are Jill Tindale - ISTD Ballet, Tap & Modern teacher with a Licentiate qualification and full ISTD teaching membership, George Vincent - Level 6 Trinity diploma in Musical Theatre, Jess Glover - Level 6 diploma in Musical Theatre. 

Our team also includes - Shelley Turnbull Safeguarding officer and Adult tap teacher, Amy Newman Class assistant and complains co-ordinator and Sadie Symonds Media Manager. All members of our team are fully DBS checked.

Our Classes

Here at Evolution Dance we like to think we offer something for everyone. There are two main types of classes at our school; Syllabus classes and also our performance based classes.

Syllabus Classes

These include ISTD grades in Ballet, Modern & tap, Acrobatic Arts - Primary - Grade 6, Street Grade 1 -5 and Contemporary Grade 1-5. These classes are perfect for pupils who may wish to take their dance training more seriously. They offer nationally recognised qualifications with a further focus on technique, stamina and rhythmic ability whilst also encouraging pupils to further extend their performance skills and become a well-rounded dancer. Pupils will work through the appropriate grade and will be entered for examinations at the teacher’s discretion.

Performance Classes

These have a slightly more relaxed feel and work to explore the freedom and excitement of dance, these classes will also have a clear goal every term as they will work on material for our regular shows. Becky would like to encourage pupils to use both styles of class to enhance their dance training and feels that both styles of class are vital in producing ‘well trained’ dancers.

Class Wear/Uniform

Due to the nature of performing arts classes uniform and high standards of appearance are essential, we have a clear uniform policy for all classes which is on our pupil portal and the notice board at the studio that we expect all pupils to follow. Its is also vital that you provide appropriate dance shoes for classes that require them. Please ensure that they fit correctly and that all elastics/ribbons/laces are securely fixed – See Becky if you are unsure!

Fees 

We have two types of payment options at Evolution Dance.

Most of our classes are charged on a termly basis based on 12 weeks. Invoices are generated and sent out via email in the second week of term. Invoices are due for full payment by half term and the date for payment will be listed on the invoice. Payment can be made via cash, card, cheque, BACs or standing order. 

Our Preschool Ballet & Musical Theatre classes work on a pay per lesson basis starting at £4.70 per class. Fees are payable via cash, card or BACS and should be paid at the start of each lesson. 

For pupils that wish to study across all genres of performing arts we offer a discount package that covers all classes on timetable - “dance pass”. This entitles pupils to attend as many classes across the timetable each term for a fixed fee.

If a termly class is taken up part way through the term an invoice will be generated for the remaining amount of classes left within the term .

Should you be unable to attend classes or decide not to continue with your chosen class we will not offer reimbursement or refund of any termly fees and any outstanding fees should be paid immediately. 

In the event that classes should need to be cancelled they will be replaced with an alternative date or the fees will be credited on the following term. 

Behaviour

We expect all pupils to be kind, polite and considerate to all teachers, helpers and other pupils before, during and after lessons. Any incidents of severe disruption, bad behaviour, damage to property or bullying will not be tolerated.

During any extra curricular events eg. shows, auditions, workshops or public appearances we expect impeccable behaviour from all of our pupils, any poor behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal.

In the Studio

At Evolution Dance we operate a ‘hands on method’ of teaching. At times during classes it maybe be appropriate for teachers to touch your child to gain correct positioning or technique which is vital to your child's growth and safety. This will always be carried out in an appropriate manner.

Pupil Portal

We have a dedicated pupil portal that all parents can create an account for when joining us. On here you will find our timetable, Terms and Conditions as well as any class invoices etc. We have a dedicated i-pad at the studio should you wish to create an account whilst onsite.

Exams

Pupils will be entered for exams at the discretion of the teachers concerned. Entries will only be made when the pupil is deemed to be “ready”. Pupils all progress at different times and it may be that other pupils may be ready before your child. This is not a negative, it means we take the time to ensure that every child is given the opportunity to achieve their very best and enjoy the experience. We take pride in our 100% pass rate and want to make sure that every pupil is judged on their own merit.

Fees for exams are collected 12 weeks prior to the exams and are charged by the ISTD via Evolution Dance. 

Shows

At Evolution Dance we are all about performance, we will offer an annual theatre show along with a Mainstage musical theatre show, Christmas concerts, parties, and other exciting performance opportunities & school events. Not all classes take part in every show which is why we encourage pupils to take part in a variety of classes to enhance all areas of their training.

Costumes

Whilst we try to keep costume costs minimal you will be expected to pay for costumes to take part in our shows. This will be the only cost for participating. Fees will be requested approximately 3 months before a show. Once paid they are non refundable. When you have paid for costumes in full they will be yours to keep – we will try to re-use costumes where appropriate in future shows.

Festivals

We may chose to enter various dance festivals throughout the school year, pupils may be invited to join our Performance teams in order to take part. Pupils will be selected for these events based on their ability and attitude, being the best dancer is not always what we are looking for! Please be aware that there are extra terms and conditions for participants that will be made clear to parents and pupils when invited to join. It will mean various extra costs when taking part in these events. Selected pupils will be expected to work hard on any choreography they are given including own rehearsals outside of lessons. Taking part does not guarantee winning!

Parties

We also provide tailored Evolution Dance birthday parties - including 1 hour of dancing with party games and prizes and a second hour of party food & nibbles. See Becky to book your event.

COVID-19

The current COVID-19 situation is ever changing and we are constantly monitoring the latest government guidance to keep our studio safe. We have conducted thorough risk assessments as well as putting lots of new procedures in place to keep everyone healthy. Please see our updated procedures on the pupil portal or the studio notice board for more information along with our online class t&cs. 

If you or anyone in your household starts to show symptoms or has been in contact with anyone showing symptoms we ask that you notify us as soon as possible so that we can take the appropriate action. Pupils will only be able to attend classes once their isolation period has ended and Becky is in agreement with the parent/guardian concerned. 

During COVID-19 should national or local restrictions change our ability to offer face to face lessons we will automatically resume live classes online via Zoom. An online timetable will be generated and sent to all pupils/families to ensure continuity of training as well as to maintain pupils happiness and wellbeing. 

Should classes be moved online we believe that they are just as valuable and offer a like for like option for dance training. With this in mind we will ensure the online timetable incorporates as many different performing arts styles as possible to accommodate all of our pupils. 

In the event of a “lockdown” situation part way through the term classes will still be provided and the online timetable will take over. We will be offering the same high standard of teaching so a refund of termly fees will not be offered should you wish to not participate.  Pupils that attend lessons on a “pay as you go” basis will be able to continue to do this. 

Live classes 

In the event that classes are moved online we ask that all parents/guardians read our t&cs for pupil participation. We ask that you confirm via email reply that you have read and understood them. These regulations are to keep our pupils safe and many are set out directly by our insurance company so are extremely important. 

Evolution dance can not be held responsible for any incidents that may occur online if the terms and conditions are not being met. 

Fire

In the event of a fire all pupils are asked to calmly evacuate the building via the nearest exit. Do not collect any of your belongings. The fire assembly point is at the front of the building. 

First Aid

Should a pupil have an accident whilst with us it will be dealt with appropriately, details written in the first aid book located in reception.

Personal Information

Personal information must be collected for every pupil. This will be collected via our pupil portal or a paper registration form. None of this information will be shared with any 3rd party unless permission is granted by parents/guardians. Information will be held for 7 years for insurance purposes, after this it will be disposed of in an appropriate manner.

Safeguarding

We have a dedicated Safeguarding officer - Shelley Turnbull who takes the wellbeing and safety of all pupils extremely seriously. If there are any concerns noted these should be passed to her immediately so the appropriate action can be taken. At events Becky, Charles, Felicity and Amy are all Dorset County Council registered chaperones who have completed training in Child Sexual Exploitation, Legislation and Safeguarding.

Complaints

We operate an ‘open door policy’ at Evolution Dance and take any pupils or parents concerns very seriously. If at any time you have any concerns about your child's safety or development during any of our classes please do not hesitate to see Becky in person or contact her via email - [email protected] so that any concerns can be addressed promptly. If you feel that you would rather discuss this separately you may approach our complaints leader - Amy Newman.

Please remember we are here to enhance for one reason only to inspire and train. We take your child's development extremely seriously and strive to reach the highest possible standards in all areas of the school.

Leaving us

We are of course very sad to see any pupils leave and really hope this doesn’t happen but should this occur we politely ask that you notify Becky with your intentions. We do not charge any penalty charges or termly fees in advance all we ask is that you ensure that any outstanding class fees are paid before you go.