Terms and Conditions

The Charleville Dance House (CDH) is operated by the volunteer Charleville Dance House Committee and relies on community support to continue from year to year.

The Committee consists of a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. The AGM and meeting for the proposed committee for the next year will be held in December 2025, at the Wills St Studios (30 Wills St, Charleville) (date and venue to be confirmed).

The committee is responsible for student enrolments, parent correspondence, collecting fees, paying teacher’s wages, fundraising, applying for funding, paying insurance, OneMusic (music copyright) fees, buying equipment, studio rent, electricity, cleaning and maintaining equipment. They are also responsible for organising and running the annual dance concert including canteen, ticket sales, advertising, raffles, photo and video sales, thank-you gifts and awards.

The current Charleville Dance House Committee consists of:

President: Hayley Price

Vice President: (VACANT – please contact committee to register interest in this position)

Treasurer:  Michelle Ebsworth

Secretary: Nicole Sallur

Assistant Secretary: Katie McLeod

 

Please use the group’s email [email protected] or message via our Facebook page to contact the Committee.

Students (in independent dance classes, ie. Tiny Tots and above) are to have attained the age of not less than 2 years prior to or on December 31st the year before commencement of dance. “Itty Bitty” dancers (open to students from 6 weeks – 4 years) must have an adult present and participating in the class with them for the duration of all their lessons.

An enrolment fee of $90 per family is applicable for the full year, for all student enrolments in Term 1 or Term 2.  New enrolments will not be accepted after week 2 of Terms 1 & 2, except for Itty Bitties and Tiny Tots classes which accept new enrolments throughout the year, at the discretion of teachers and Committee. No new enrolments will be accepted in Term 3, due to concert preparations. New enrolments will be accepted in Term 4, for technique and Christmas classes only (following the conclusion of the end of year concert).  A Term 4 only enrolment fee is applicable to any new students enrolling in these technique/Christmas dance classes.

All enrolment fees are separate from lesson fees and cover the enrolment process, insurance, and music copyright. These fees are non-refundable.

Annual Enrolment Fee:
(for all new enrolments in Term 1 or Term 2)

$90

Covers enrolment process, insurance, music copyright.

Term 4 Only Fee:
(for new enrolments in technique development /Christmas classes only)

$25

Covers enrolment process, insurance, music copyright.

 

CLASS FEES

Class fees cover dance lessons, concert levy, costume levy, Performing Arts Festival fees, venue hire, studio rent, flooring maintenance, cleaning, sound hire, lighting hire, and any extra mid-term rehearsals and expenses as required. Fees are expected to be paid by due dates on issued invoices. Unpaid invoices may result in suspended lessons for your child.

If you are unable to pay by the due date, please contact a member of the Committee to discuss payment options.

In 2025, there will be two lesson streams: formal classes which will allow students to become eligible for dance exams through BAL (Ballet Australasia Ltd), and less formal aka. “fun” classes which will not lead to exams. (Though all CDH classes are fun!)

2025 Class Fee Schedule:

Term Fees:

Cost per Class:

30 Minute Lessons

$85

$8.50

45 Minute Lessons

$110

$11

60 Minute Lessons

$135

$13.50

1 Term = 10 Lessons (subject to start and finish dates – some dance terms may be shorter)

Note: Class fees are the same for both formal and fun classes – any extra costs to undertake exams will be payable separately by families as applicable.

Our regular Dance Teachers for 2025 are Leilani Thomas, Amiee Dolman, Mandy McDonald and Laura Kronk. All dance teachers are paid as contractors of the dance house.

 

Dance teachers are a rare commodity in our region. Our teachers are gainfully employed, and teach dance in their spare time. Every effort will be made to employ a relief teacher should the regular teacher be unavailable, however, at times classes may need to be cancelled. A credit will be issued for cancelled classes in these extreme circumstances; however no refunds will be issued. We ask for your patience and consideration when this occurs. Every effort is always made to ensure classes will continue as normal. We will provide as much notice of any changes as possible.

It is a requirement that all students are dressed in appropriate dancewear for their lessons.

The Charleville Dancehouse has made a commitment to adhere to a disciplined uniform policy consisting of leotards/bike pants/dance skirts/tights or crop tops, and optional dance tights (tan or pink) for girls, and singlets/t-shirts/shorts/bike pants for boys:

èFormal/Exam classes will follow a strict BLACK DANCE WEAR uniform code.

èFun classes will allow students to wear different colours in their dance clothing, but it still must be appropriate dance wear as detailed above and below.

èSchool uniforms are not appropriate nor acceptable dance attire.

èDance shoes are necessary and are a safety requirement for all students. Please note joggers are not permitted.

èHair must be pulled back, neat and tidy, and off the face, for ALL classes. A headband is strongly encouraged. 

Dance shoes are as appropriate for genre of dance – i.e. ballet for ballet, jazz for jazz and tap for tap classes. Hip Hop shoes can be jazz shoes or dance sneakers. Dancers will be required to wear their dance shoes for each lesson.  Please contact the Committee or your teacher if you need any assistance with dance shoes – there are also a small selection of assorted second-hand shoes available for hire.

Black CDH branded polo shirts are encouraged and are available for purchase upon request from the Committee.

Keeping a dance bag, which contains shoes, dancewear, a healthy snack and water bottle is recommended for students. CDH Dance bags are available for purchase for $30 upon request, please contact a member of the Committee for further information.

Please refer to the “Am I ready for dance?” handout at the end of this handbook for further information, this is also displayed in studio foyers.

 

At the 2025 AGM a decision was made to slightly increase enrolment and lesson fees, to reduce the amount of fundraising required throughout the year.

Our long-term goal is to purchase our very own purpose built Dancehouse Studio and professional equipment, which will enable our students to experience the best and safest learning atmosphere possible.

There may still be small fundraising opportunities throughout the year, such as raffles, and families are encouraged to support these where they are able to. We also have a Containers for Change account (code C11490112). If you would consider occasionally returning your empty recycling containers under our code, that would be greatly appreciated as all money raised goes back to improving our dance experience for families. There is also a collection point in the Wills St Dance Studio kitchen waiting area.

Should there be any families who wish to organise and run any fundraisers on behalf of the Dance House they are warmly welcomed to do so, through approval by the Committee at a General Committee Meeting.

Our primary source of parent information is via a weekly newsletter/update, emailed to all parents and posted on our Facebook Parent Group most Sundays during school terms. Other relevant information is also circulated as needed, via class group Messenger chats, email and our Facebook page. Please ensure that you provide us with a current email address and ensure that you regularly check your emails. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to join our private Dance House Parent Group page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/720551581297240.

Where email or Facebook is not an option, we will endeavour to contact you by telephone on the numbers provided. Please ensure all contact numbers are current to ensure contact is available in case of emergency.

A parent noticeboard, a student noticeboard, and copy of the current timetable will soon be on display in the waiting area hallway at Wills St and Railway Station Studios – all relevant information and reminders will be also published there when appropriate.

Please be understanding that the time between dance classes is very limited for teachers, and conversations mean that the following class could have a delay in starting. If families/students wish to speak with teachers or the Committee an appointment can be made via email at [email protected].

SCHEDULED PERFORMANCES AND CONCERTS

 

The 2025 Performing Arts Festival is proposed for the 27th – 31st August 2025 at the Charleville Racecourse Complex. It is not organised by the Charleville Dance House but is a wonderful opportunity for our dancers to perform in a competitive environment. Class fees cover all costs associated with class group performances at the Performing Arts Festival.

Individuals may privately enter in solo sections or form their own duet or group and enter in the relevant sections of the annual Charleville Performing Arts Festival, and/or other competitions or Eisteddfods. These costs are not covered by the Charleville Dance House, and it is up to students and families to organise entry, choreography, music and costumes for these events. Students wishing to access support for choreography and rehearsal for their dances can request to engage our dance teachers for private lessons, and are permitted to use the dance studios when available. Fees for private lessons can be negotiated with teachers and may be included on Term invoices. Costume hire is also available through our individual costume hire scheme, please contact the Committee to arrange this.

The Dance Concert is held annually in Octoberat the Warrego Room, Charleville Racecourse Complex. The Musical Theatre Showcase is a separate performance, held annually at the Charleville Town Hall in September, featuring only musical theatre classes.

These annual events form a big part of our dance year and your commitment to this is paramount.  Parental involvement is greatly sought after therefore your support and assistance are expected and appreciated as a dance parent.

Dress rehearsal and professional photography will occur prior to the end of year Concert and Musical Theatre Showcase, at the same locations. Please note these dress rehearsal events will be closed to parents and caregivers so dances can be enjoyed for the first time at these concerts.

During the latter part of the year, the focus of the Dancehouse is 100% on the concert and showcase. Should your dancer not wish to participate in these performance events, the teacher must be immediately advised.

Additional performances or mini showcases will be advertised and held throughout the year, including at the Charleville RSL stage, Charleville Show, Waroona Nursing Home, Christmas Street Party, and Christmas Carols in the Park. These mini showcases are a great opportunity for dancers to gain performance confidence and experience.

·         Costumes

Charleville Dancehouse is responsible for purchase and ownership of all costumes. It is expected that children show care whilst wearing these costumes. Only water may be consumed whilst the costumes are being worn.  A cleaning fee of $20 may be applied to your account if care is not taken whilst wearing costumes.  Any significant careless damage or loss of costumes by dancers will incur a $60 replacement fee.

A costume hire program is available for Dancehouse students for private solo/duo/small group performances for the Performing Arts Festival and other showcase performances. Please the contact Committee for details, via email at [email protected].

·         Concert Photography

No photography is allowed when the official Dancehouse photographer is taking photos during dress rehearsal. 

No flash photography or recording is allowed in the auditorium during the dance concert. The Charleville Dancehouse produces an official concert video and a selection of group and individual photos for sale.

All Charleville Dancehouse activities are approached with professionalism and integrity. We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment that seeks not only to instil a love of dance in our students, but to develop important life skills as well. We focus on respect, commitment, reliability, and teamwork within our dance community.

To ensure a happy and positive experience for all involved, it is important that students, parents/guardians, teachers, and committee members understand and comply with this code.

If expectations are not complied with, a written warning may be given to families. After receiving two warnings further actions may be taken such as suspension or cancellation of enrolment. The outcome will be determined at the Committee’s discretion. (Note: In this instance, fees are non-refundable).

·         Supervision:

o   Please note that NO direct supervision is provided to your child outside of class times. Whilst teachers and/or Committee members and other parents may often be present, they are not responsible for your child outside of class times.

o   Any non-Dancehouse child (eg. relatives or friends of dancers) must be supervised by a responsible adult.

o   Please ensure that you check your dancer can enter the building before you leave, and do not leave your dancer unattended to wait for their teacher to arrive. This is essential in ensuring the safety and adequate supervision of our dancers.

o   Please note that dancers may only be dropped off a maximum of 15 minutes early for their timetabled class, unless in exceptional circumstances where arrangements have been made in advance with the dance teacher or a Committee member. Teachers may not arrive early to the studios for the first lesson of the day, so please wait with your child if the studio is still locked upon arrival.

o   Parents/adult helpers of Itty Bitty aged dancers must remain in the dance studio with their dancer, at all times.

o   Parents/guardians of Tiny Tots and Kindy aged dancers are asked to please wait in the kitchen waiting area or outside the Studio for the duration of their lessons, unless otherwise stated by or organised with the dance teacher.

o   Parents/guardians are expected to collect their dancers ASAP after the conclusion of their class: for dancers under the age of 12, an adult must physically be present to collect them, in line with Queensland Law.

Please have a conversation with your child regarding these supervision expectations. Teachers will not allow students to leave class if they do not believe supervision is adequate.

·         Student Expectations:

-          Demonstrate respect for teachers, parents, staff, and other students at all times.

-          Arrive at least five minutes prior to your scheduled class.

-          Present to class in a tidy and well-groomed manner with hair tied back neatly off the face.

-          Appropriate dance attire and dance shoes must be worn for classes. School uniforms are not acceptable.

-          Bring a clearly named bottle of water to every class.

-          Attend class regularly unless ill or injured, or in the event of a family emergency.

-          Honour prior commitments made to the studio by attending classes, rehearsals, and performances above other social events.

-          Always serve as a role model, including appropriate language and behaviour.

-          Mobile phones should be switched off or on silent mode and are not to be used during class – please see media policy below.

-          Show respect and care for studio equipment and facilities, put rubbish in the bins provided and clean up after yourself.

-          Please ask for help if you need it – we are here for you.

·         Parent (including carers or legal guardians) Expectations:

-          Demonstrate respect for teachers, students, staff, and other parents.

-          Take responsibility to read email updates and keep up to date with current activities and important information.

-          Ensure they are contactable at all times during lessons in case of emergency.

-          Ensure that no non Dance House students in their care are ever at the studios without full supervision – friends/extended family of dancers are not permitted into the studios unless accompanied at all times by an adult in charge.

-          Ensure siblings/other children are supervised at all times (which includes keeping noise to a minimum), equipment is treated with care and the waiting area is left tidy.

-          Refrain from entering either dance studio unless invited by a teacher. This includes studios not in use and extends to siblings/other children.

-          Understand and support the Charleville Dancehouse approach by encouraging children to show commitment and positivity while working to the best of their own ability.

-          Raise any concerns with a teacher or committee member by making an appointment via email at [email protected].

·         Privacy & Media Policy:

-          Charleville Dancehouse takes student privacy and child protection very seriously. Photography or videography is NOT permitted in the studios, unless with the express permission of a teacher or Committee member, for a specific purpose (eg. recording dances for practice, class or individual concert photos, advertising/media use, performances, etc).

-          Under NO circumstances can names, images or recordings of dancers be published on social media without the express consent of a legal guardian of all dancers in the image.

-          If you do not wish your dancer’s name/photo/video to be recorded or published by teachers or Committee, please indicate this on the Media Consent section of enrolment via Class Manager, or contact the Committee in writing via email at [email protected].

-          If older students choose to bring a device to dance, it must be turned off or on silent and remain in the dancer’s bag in the waiting room for the duration of the lesson, at the risk of the dancer and their family.  No responsibility for use/misuse of devices can be taken by Charleville Dance House Teachers or Committee.

WILLS STREET STUDIOS – 30 Wills St, Charleville (MAIN STUDIOS)

1.    Members and students of the Charleville Dancehouse are expected to park on Wills St or adjoining streets when picking up/dropping off students (see map below). Please drive carefully to ensure the safety of our children and community, as this is a busy road, especially during tourist season.

2.    For the security of our dancers, a coded lock is used on the main entrance door (green middle door). The code will be changed periodically throughout the year, and communicated to families in the weekly newsletter. Please help your dancer to lean how to use this code. The door won’t open unless there is a teacher/committee member inside who has unlocked the top lock. Please ensure the door is closed behind you after entering/leaving.

3.    Toilets are available and located to the rear of the building, through the kitchen waiting area; please enter through the entrance hallway (once able) or from either Studio. There is also a change room provided at the end of the entrance hallway.

4.    Please encourage students (and waiting siblings/other children) to use the toilet at home and get changed prior to attending class, whenever possible. This will minimise disruption to learning and class time.

5.    Food and drinks may ONLY be consumed in the kitchen waiting area, not hallways, changeroom or Studios. Please help to ensure your dancer cleans up after themselves to keep this area clean and welcoming for all. A vacuum is provided here for use if needed.

6.    Only water in a sealed water bottle is permitted inside on the Studio flooring. Food and other drinks must be left in the kitchen waiting area.

7.    Please do not enter Studio or storage room spaces unless accompanied by a teacher or Committee member.

8.    The studios are equipped with floating sprung flooring topped with Broadway Vinyl. To protect and maintain these professional standard dance floor coverings, please do not enter either Studio unless wearing appropriate dance footwear (please refer to DANCEWEAR section above).

9.    Please encourage students to minimise use and avoid traffic directly through the dance Studio spaces, as this disrupts learning and can cause unnecessary wear to dance flooring.

10.  Please wait quietly in the kitchen waiting area (or outside on footpath, or in the park next door) while classes are in process. Noise distracts our students and impacts their learning.

11.  Please be respectful of our studio environment. We ask that all rubbish is removed or placed in bins before leaving and no one remains after their classes (ie. to socialise).

12.  Some toys are provided and located in the waiting area. Please ensure all toys are picked up after use.

 

 

 

RAILWAY STATION STUDIO, Cnr Warrego Hwy and Wills St, Charleville (ALTERNATE STUDIO)

1.    Members and students of the Charleville Dance House are expected to park to the right of the railway station which means in front of the Dance House and down the dirt road. Please refrain from parking directly in front of the Visitor Information Centre and the Bilby Centre – diagram below.

2.    Please drive carefully to ensure the safety of our children and community, as this is a busy highway, especially during tourist season.

3.    Toilets are located on the platform. These toilets can be accessed through the visitor centre or through the platform access gate to the right of the Dance House. We want to ensure we avoid traffic through the classroom. This disrupts the students learning and will not be tolerated. Please take your child to the toilet before their class, as otherwise the entire lesson may need to be interrupted to take students to the toilet, and teaching time reduced.

4.    All food and drinks are to be consumed outside of the Dance House studio. Only water in a sealed water bottle is permitted inside.

5.    Please wait quietly while classes are in process. This also applies to any siblings/other children that may be waiting. Noise distracts our students and impacts their learning.

6.    Parents/carers/guardians/siblings/other children can use the waiting room inside the venue and to the left while classes are on. 

7.    Some toys are provided and located in the waiting area. Please ensure all toys are picked up after use.

8.    Please be respectful of our studio environment. We ask that all rubbish is removed or placed in bins before leaving and no one remains after their classes (ie. to socialise).

Thank you so much for enrolling your child with us – we look forward to dancing with you in 2025!