Dance Classes and Behavioural Standards

Amethyst Dance Studios have the following rules and expectations:

Students/Parents

1. Attendance. Regular attendance is necessary to attain full understanding and progression in your discipline/s. Punctual and consistent attendance is expected of all Amethyst Dance Studios students, in order to maintain our high examination and performance standards. If unable to attend, please phone or leave a message well in advance to commencement of class. N.B. Poor attendance may result in removal from routines at concert time.

2. Tardiness. If late to class, please use correct etiquette, quietly apologise and then wait for instructions for warming up.

3. Good Manners. Please do not speak while you are being given instructions. Be polite and speak in turn.
Students, please remember the teacher is there to make you the best dancer you can be, so listen carefully to corrections and try to apply them enthusiastically. Do not criticize others as it is the teachers job to identify and make corrections.
We expect our students to show care to their teachers as well as one another.

4. Classroom entry. Parents and friends should not enter the room whilst a class is in progress unless invited.

5. Teacher consultation. Teachers may be approached to enter into brief discussion only, for just a very short period between classes. Miss Catherine or her teachers will be happy to arrange a consultation at the student’s or parent’s request.

6. Class level placement. Amethyst Dance Studios will make decisions as to the appropriate class level for each student and will inform the student and parents if a change is appropriate. Factors such as the students strength, co-ordination and ability to memorise the required work may be cause to move up or down a level to keep the student safe.

7. Drop off & Pick-up. Please note that once the class is finished, it is the responsibility of the parent to supervise their child. Children must not be dropped off early and left alone. A baby-sitting fee of $5 will be charged to the term account for every 10 minute interval a student is not collected after the last class of the day.

8. Personal safety. No student is to wait for his or her parent / guardian at the front of the studio. A student must remain within the studio until collected. If transport is late, the student must notify an adult at the studio who will contact the appropriate person.

9. Grooming. Hair must always be neat. For Ballet, Jazz & Tap – in a bun or if too short, secured neatly back off face with a leotard matching head band.

10. Uniform. After a maximum of three weeks (time to ensure your child is enjoying dance and wants to stay), the Amethyst Dance Studios uniforms must be worn to every lesson accompanied by the relevant footwear.

11. Shoes. Dance shoes must not be worn on the street or cement.

12. Food. Unless there is an allocated break in your timetable, food is not to be brought into the studio (this applies especially for students 6 and under). Under no circumstances is food to be taken into classrooms. Designated eating area is in the kitchenette only.

13. Water. Every student should bring to class his or her own water bottle clearly marked with the student’s name. This is essential, particularly in hot weather.

14. Videoing. Unauthorised videoing or photographing of a student’s class is not permitted.

15. Intellectual Property. All routines choreographed by Amethyst Dance Studios’ teachers are the property of the studio. Routines may be used for a period of two years with the permission of Miss Catherine and unauthorised use of such may result in official action being taken.

Examination Students

1. Students will be put forward for examinations only when they are ready. The teachers of Amethyst Dance Studios will make this decision.

2. Any student wishing to be considered for RAD examinations must attend at least two ballet classes per week.

3. Students preparing for Vocational Examinations are required to attend at least one extra technique class e.g. Pilates / Stretch

4. It is highly recommended for all examination students to keep a journal for their homework.

Performance Team Policy

1. Performance selection. Solos, duos, trios and groups are by selection only.

2. Good Manners. As you have been selected to represent your studio, best behaviour and etiquette towards your classmates, family, other dance schools’ members and the general public is expected at all times.

3. Costumes. It is your responsibility to care for your costume. If damaged or missing you must organize a replacement as soon as possible.

4. Rehearsal Attendance. If too unwell to dance but able to attend school, performance students are required to come to performance class and watch.

5. Commitment. Students must attend at least 1 ballet class a week; If more than 2 performance team rehearsals are missed in a term, then the student may be excluded from routines, performances and possibly even the team. Team members should be aware that extra rehearsals may be called for dates close to performances and competitions. Students are committed to attending three eisteddfods.

We invite you to try our free introductory classes, and talk with our director, Miss Catherine, about your interest and needs in a school of dance.

We require uniforms to be worn because:

1. Dance is a discipline. Being required to wear a uniform puts students in the right frame of mind, helping them learn and enjoy themselves.
2. The design allows the teacher to see that the student is dancing correctly and safely, as correct body placement for correct use of muscles is essential.
3. A uniform gives students pride in their art and their team.
4. A uniform looks good in mass and identifies the group.

Ballet

Females
Pre-primary/ Primary (Pre-School Dance Moves)
• Pink full sole leather ballet shoes (with elastics)
• Purple wide strap/singlet leotard
• Pink socks or ballet tights
• Purple circle skirt
• Purple cross-over (optional for colder weather)

Grades 1 to 5
• Pink full sole leather ballet shoes (with elastics or ribbons)
• Purple wide strap/singlet or thin strap/opera top leotard
• Pink ballet stockings
• Black character shoes
• Purple cross-over (optional for colder weather)
• Character skirt (optional)

Grades 6 to 8
• Pink split sole leather or canvas ballet shoes (with elastics or ribbons)
• Purple or black thin strap/opera top leotard
• Pink ballet stockings
• Black character shoes
• Character skirt
• Purple or black cross-over (optional for colder weather)

Inter-Foundation/ Intermediate and Above
• Pink split sole leather or canvas ballet shoes (with elastics or ribbons)
• Demi pointes (Intermediate and Above – optional but are compulsory for exams) • Pointe Shoes (with ribbons)
• Purple or Black thin strap/opera top leotard
• Pink ballet stockings
• Purple or Black cross-over (optional)

Males
• Leather or canvas ballet shoes
• Black firm fitting pants/tights
• Firm fitting shirt in purple/black/white
• It is highly recommended for safety and aesthetics for boys aged 10 years and above to wear a dance support.

Jazz

Females
• Camel elasticised jazz booties
• Purple thin strap/opera top leotard/ or Amethyst top
• Matt skin tone stockings
• Black matte lycra pants/ shorts – Black with purple, lilac feature.
• ¾ length or Energetics roll-top– Black or Black with Purple top.

Males
• Firm fitting purple/white/black shirt or singlet
• Black loose fitting lycra pants/shorts
• Black elasticised jazz booties.

Tap

Females :
• Black laced tap shoes
• Purple thin strap/opera top leotard / or Purple or Lilac crop top
• Matt skin tone stockings
• Black matte lycra pants/ shorts – Black with purple, lilac feature.
• ¾ length or Energetics roll-top– Black or Black with Purple top.
• NO FULL LENGTH pants that cover the ankle; must be tight around the knee.

Males :
• Black full cover lace up shoes
• Clothing same as for jazz.

Contemporary

•Ballet shoes, contemporary thongs or socks.
• Pants may be worn over leotard (same as Jazz requirement).

Hip Hop

• Comfortable street clothes may be worn.
• Jazz sneakers (optional – only worn for Hip Hop)
• Shoes or socks must be worn.
• Soft soled shoes (eg runners) are preferable as hard soles in contact with other students could prove hazardous.

Hair

• Hair must always be neat, in a bun or if too short, secured neatly back off face with a matching head band.
• There are three choices for buns: single, or one either side of head or two plaits twisted across back of head and secured together (long horizontal bun). A thin purple or lilac ribbon should be pinned around bun. A Braid is acceptable for Jazz… no pony tails.