DANCE CHORA 2024 PROSPECTUS
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Introduction
Dance Chora has been established in Randwick since 2005 and continues to build a tradition of providing fun lessons, whilst producing students of excellence. Many students may not choose dance as a career, however, it is important that correct training be given from the beginning, so that the doors of opportunity are wide open. It is equally important that a love of dance is nurtured and encouraged in all students so that, whether professionally or for leisure, dance remains a lifelong source of inspiration and joy.
Training is provided at a high standard and the students at DC are encouraged to achieve their maximum potential. Dance Chora places an emphasis on developing strong relationships between teachers, staff, fellow students and parents.
Dance Chora is a fun place to be. It buzzes with activity each afternoon and all day Saturday. It is a safe and friendly place, where each child and student is treated with respect and where lasting friendships blossom. Finally, it is where the love of dance is taught through inspiration and care.
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Classes
Teeny & Tiny Tots
Jazz
Tap
RAD Ballet
Open Ballet
Pointe
Contemporary
Hip Hop
Acrobatics
Musical Theatre (MT)
Pilates & Conditioning
Kicks, Leaps and Turns (KLT)
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Levels
Our levels are based on a student’s year at school. Teachers can also move students up or down a level at their discretion so that the student’s needs are being catered to. If a child has been held back from starting school, they cannot dance up a level, they must dance with their year group cohort; there are no exceptions, so please do not make this request.
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TEENY TOTS - 2YRS & 3YRS
TINY TOTS - 4 YRS PLUS (must turn 4 years by 1st April this year)
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KINDER - KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS
JUNIOR 1 - YEAR 1
JUNIOR 2 - YEAR 2
PRIMARY BALLET - KINDER & YEAR 1
GRADE 1 BALLET - YEAR 2
INTERMEDIATE 3 - YEAR 3
INTERMEDIATE 4 - YEAR 4
GRADE 2 BALLET - YEAR 3
GRADE 3 BALLET - YEAR 4
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PRE-TEEN 5 - YEAR 5
PRE-TEEN 6 - YEAR 6
GRADE 4 BALLET - YEAR 5
GRADE 5 BALLET - YEAR 6
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TEEN - YEAR 7 & YEAR 8
INTER FOUNDATION BALLET- YEAR 7 (Must have completed Grade 5 Ballet program to participate).
INTER BALLET - YEAR 8 (Must have completed Inter Foundation Ballet program to participate).
SENIOR - YEAR 9 to YEAR 12
SENIOR ADVANCED - YEAR 9 TO PRE-PROFESSIONAL
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Exams, Showgroup and Eisteddfod Policy
Exams and Class Awards are offered in Ballet through the Royal Academy of Dance. Although they are not compulsory for students who attend regular Ballet lessons, should students wish to partake in examinations or class awards, there are prerequisites set by DC as per our BALLET GUIDE. There are extra costs involved in undertaking examinations and awards, all of which are listed in our ‘Expressions of Interest’ email that is sent to parents early in the year.
Dance Chora’s Showgroup is an extension program for a selective group of dancers who display technique, skills and performance quality above their age average. Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz are all Showgroup prerequisites as they improve posture, coordination, strength and technique, all of the base foundations needed to create a strong & versatile dancer. Students must possess great skills in these dance genres and must display an excellent level of performance quality and show an outstanding level of commitment.
Eisteddfods and other public appearances are all part of Showgroup commitments. Showgroup class fees apply per term as per the annual fee schedule. SG selections are made by staff and invitations are sent out at the end of the dance year. Occasionally invitations are sent mid-year to students who are excelling in the prerequisite genres. To accept a Showgroup invitation, a contract must be signed by a parent or guardian agreeing to the terms and a one-off annual payment must be made to cover the cost of eisteddfod/competition entries and costumes. Occasionally, different footwear is also required to be purchased.
Private lessons
Private lessons are organised by our teachers to fulfil the requirements for exam criteria or to develop a student’s technique, they are not, however, for students with poor attendance to catch up on class work. Please call Trudi to discuss lesson options. Soloists and Duo competitors are selected by our staff, parents cannot nominate their own children for a solo or duo. Soloists and Duos who perform at a comp are not guaranteed a concert routine.
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Teachers
All members of staff are committed to continuing the traditions of inspiration, excellence and joy. They are professionally qualified, gifted teachers and are WWC checked.
Student teachers, who are in the process of training to be dance teachers at Dance Chora, are also carefully mentored.
Terms and Fee Payment
There are four terms in the year. Terms are 9 weeks long. When the RLI is used as a polling place for local, state and federal elections, some Saturday classes may be interrupted, refunds are not given, however, catch-up lessons are offered.
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2024 TERM DATES
There are four terms in the year which are 9 weeks long. When the RLI is used as a polling place for local, state and federal elections, some Saturday classes may be interrupted, refunds are not given, however, catch-up lessons are offered.
TERM ONE
Thursday 1st February: Meet the teacher and uniform pick up day 3:30-5:30pm.
T1: Friday 2nd February to Monday 8th April.
No classes Good Friday 29th March, Easter Saturday 30th March & Easter Monday 1st April.
TERM TWO
Monday 29th April to Monday 1st July.
No classes King’s Birthday Monday 10th June.
TERM THREE
Monday 22nd July to Saturday 21st September.
TERM FOUR
Monday 14th October to Saturday 14th December.
T4 Showcase 2024 is at NIDA Parade Theatre Kensington (all DC students) on Sunday 1st December. Tech Rehearsal Dates and Times TBC.
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Term fee invoices are sent via email before the commencement of each term, with the exception of Term One, when invoices are sent at the end of the first week back to allow students to trial classes before making payment. Term fees are payable by the due date stated on the invoice.
Dance Chora prefers bank transfer but also accepts cash. If you are paying by cash, please place fees in an envelope clearly marked with your child’s name and amount enclosed.
2024 Fee schedule
1 lesson per week = $155 per term
2 lessons per week = $300 per term
3 lessons per week = $425 per term
4 lessons per week = $535 per term
5 lessons per week = $640 per term
6 lessons per week = $745 per term
7 lessons per week = $850 per term
8 lessons per week = $955 per term
9 lessons per week = $1060 per term
*10 lessons per week and over = $1160 per term *capped
NB Siblings are totalled together.
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Absence, Late Fees, Refunds and Penalties Policy
Credits are not given unless absence is longer than 4 or more weeks due to ill health or injury stated on a doctor’s certificate. Credits and refunds are not given if students discontinue classes during the course of the term. If a student is absent without DC’s knowledge for 3 or more consecutive lessons, their registration will be forfeited and/or their position will go to someone on the waiting list.
DC does not offer catch up lessons for missed classes.
If your child is going to be absent from dancing, please send a short message via SMS to 0410766726. If you are going to be late for pick up, please call us to let us know ASAP.
If an invoiced amount is not received by us within 14 days of the due date, a late fee of $30 will be charged. Unfortunately, a student’s registration will be cancelled if term fees are outstanding after the 28 day period of notice.
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Trialling a class or holding a place
DC offers trial classes to all registered students giving them the opportunity to try different dance styles. Trials are charged at a pro-rata rate. Trials cannot be offered if a class is full. If you do not turn up for your first class trial or if you register for a class and are a no-show, your place in the class is forfeited. Places are not held for no-shows or for non-participating students under any circumstance. Uniforms are not required for class trials, but active wear and appropriate footwear is a must. In Term 1, invoices are sent at the end of the first week back to allow students to trial classes before making payment.
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Saturday Sport
If your child is going to participate in Saturday sport, please register for classes on a weekday. A dancer’s registration is an annual agreement and swapping to and from Saturday classes during the year is not possible.
Showcase
Our ‘Showcase’ Concert is held in Term 4. Children and parents get a taste of real theatre, complete with full-scale rehearsals, costumes, makeup, lights, music and a live audience. This experience of performing is vital to the development of the young dancer, as well as being thrilling, exciting and fun.
There is a strong focus on concert routines during Term 3 and Term 4 classes. New registrations are not accepted at this time.
Costume Hire charges are also due in Term 3 (see below). It is imperative that students, who are enrolled for Term 3 commit to their classes for the remainder of the year. If a student wishes to discontinue a class, please call Trudi before the commencement of Term 3 so that routines can be choreographed with ease and to avoid a costume charge.
A one-off tech & rehearsal fee is charged in addition to costumes and is added to the Costume Hire invoice.
Our 2024 concert is being held at The Parade Theatre NIDA on Sunday 1st December. There will be three shows across the day/evening. Students will be required to attend a tech rehearsal during part of school hours, or on an afternoon/evening previous to the Sunday, date/times TBA. There are no regular classes at DC on the day of tech rehearsals, however, catch up lessons will be offered.
Costume Hire and Tech & Rehearsal Charges T’s and C’s
DC Costume Hire and Rehearsal Fee invoices will be emailed to families in Term 3. Costume fees are payable by the due date listed on the invoice. For those who withdraw from DC after the invoice due date, Costume fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. Occasionally, certain footwear is required for our concert and is to be purchased separately.
-Teeny and Tiny Tots
-Kinders
-Juniors
1 lesson per week = $45
2 lessons per week = $90
3 lessons per week = $135
4 lessons per week = $180
5 lessons per week = $225
6 lessons per week = $270
7 lessons per week = $315
8 lessons per week = $360
9 lessons per week = $405
10 lessons per week= $450
All other students:
1 lesson per week = $55
2 lessons per week = $110
3 lessons per week = $165
4 lessons per week = $220
5 lessons per week = $275
6 lessons per week = $330
7 lessons per week = $385
8 lessons per week = $440
9 lessons per week = $495
10 lessons per week= $550
Costumes are not distributed until costume fees are finalised.
Tech & Rehearsal Fees change from year to year based upon the directives from NIDA, staff supervision requirements, music licensing and insurance costs. Fees range from $45 to $65 per student. Teeny & Tiny Tots are not required at rehearsals and are only charged a tech fee.
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Active Kids & Creative Kids Provider
Dance Chora is both an Active Kids and a Creative Kids Provider. Please send through your voucher details: Name, Number and DOB, we will process your voucher and re-issue your invoice.
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Uniform
Our Dance Chora uniform is compulsory for all students. DC crop tees, jackets or jumpers must be worn to and from dancing. Underneath, a DC uniform is compulsory dance wear. Hair should be tied up securely in a bun. Please check the requirements for each class: www.dancechora.com.au/uniform
To complete an online order from the uniform shop, visit the website:
Orders take 5-10 business days to process depending on our suppliers.
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Behaviour Policy
Every student should have a safe and enjoyable experience at Dance Chora. Students should listen to and follow the teacher’s instructions. They should show respect to their teachers and fellow students. Intimidation, bullying, harassment, verbal abuse or any other acts of unacceptable behaviour will result in suspension from classes or expulsion from Dance Chora. This expectation extends to the parents and guardians of our students. No refunds will be given under these circumstances.​
Studio Guidelines
Due to the Randwick Literary Institute being a public building, we recommend the following guidelines for the safeguarding of our students:
-Students should not arrive more than 5 minutes before their first lesson.
-Children are not allowed to move around the building unsupervised.
-Parents must wait outside the building
-Students are under the supervision and care of the staff at Dance Chora during class times, however, this duty of care does not extend beyond class times, outside the building.
-Dance Chora accepts no responsibility for injury or loss to person(s) and property.
Please contact us if you will be late for pick up BEFORE your child's class ends.
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Safety Policy
Parents/guardians must read and submit a registration form at the beginning of each new year. Parents are responsible to notify Dance Chora in writing of any Medical condition/s, complaints or history suffered by the student, which prevents the student from engaging in passive or physical activity. By submitting the registration form, the signatory agrees that all activity at Dance Chora is undertaken at the student’s own risk. Dance Chora accepts no responsibility or liability for personal injury or property damage or loss arising from any activity undertaken at or on behalf of the school.
If you do not wish for your child’s photos to be used publicly or for promotional purposes please specify this in writing to Dance Chora.
Full uniform is expected in every class as per uniform requirements.
Use of mobile phones during class time is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Student Classrooms
Dance Chora classes are student only classes to ensure that:
- All students in the class can concentrate and focus on their teacher's instructions and directions.
- There is one clear teaching figure in the room.
- Classes remain calm and under control at all times.
- Your child effectively learns to take direction from someone other than his or her parents.
- There is minimal disruption to class proceedings.
- Children gain confidence and independence.
Communication
We will respond to your texts, calls and emails within our business hours.​
Registration
Registrations are annual so there is no need to re-register each term. Registration dates are as follows:
Intake 1 - 11th December to 20th December 2023.
Intake 2 - 22nd January 2024 to 31st July 2024.
NB: DC is closed for annual holidays from 21st December 2023 to 21st January 2024 and registrations are not accepted during this time.
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A $25 per child or $40 per family annual registration fee applies to new students who were not dancing with us in T4/2023. NB upon payment of your registration fee you will receive an email with an age group link to register. Click on the link and submit your form within 48 hours.
REGISTRATIONS CLOSE IN TERM 3 each year.
Dance Chora will attempt to accommodate all students, but cannot guarantee placement into the desired classes.
Confirmation of Registration
You will receive a GOOGLE FORM email notification with your selected classes along with a Paypal receipt. These are your confirmation of classes. Shortly after this time, you will receive a Welcome email from DC.
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Contact Us
Email: admin@dancechora.com.au
Head of Operations: Amber 0410766726
Principal: Trudi 0409902836
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