To start us off, it’s important to us here at SBDS Dance and Cheer that all members of our team share our vision, our purpose and the philosophy that encompasses everything we do both in and outside of our classes. This is a vision that is shared and demonstrated by the Directors, Teachers and Staff Members at our studio and it is the driving force behind every interaction with our students and their families.

OUR PURPOSE

To provide dancers of all ages an encouraging and supportive family environment where they can happily grow and excel in their performance education. We strive to deliver the highest quality training whilst nurturing and valuing each students unique gift of talent and creativity. We wish to guide our students to achieve their fullest potential, to support them as they grow artistically and academically, developing them into well-rounded, confident individuals.

It’s important that all families – whether returning or new complete their enrolment so we can ensure we have the most up-to-date contact details for you and have you review the terms and conditions of enrolment. This information includes you and your child's details, any medical conditions, our waivers, insurances and your payment details.

Enrolments are completed online through our Parent Portal. Your enrolment fee covers your personal liability insurance with Dancesurance as well as music licensing fees.

We encourage all of our students and families to try a variety of dance styles and we are more than happy to accommodate trial classes for existing students who are wanting to try something a bit different. Please contact our admin team if you would like to try a new class and we will happily schedule you in for a trial (provided the class has not reached capacity).

We understand wholeheartedly how busy the lives and schedules of families can get as the year rolls on, so we try to get all of our important dates organised and ready for you so you can plan other commitments. Here we have listed some of our most important “Save the Dates” and more details will be released as we get closer to the events. If you know ahead of time that your family will be unable to attend these events due to planned holidays or existing commitments, please let our admin team know at your earliest convenience.

* Please note these dates may be subject to change. But if this happens we will advise immediately.

By now you have probably noticed that we are BIG on communication here at SBDS Dance and Cheer. Our friendly admin team can be contacted on 49329572 during class time but for convenience, our primary means of communication is via email or BAND app.

You will receive regular and important information via email and/or BAND app so please ensure you have provided the studio with an up-to-date email address that is regularly checked and have downloaded the BAND app. We are of course happy to include multiple email addresses per family if you would like your correspondence sent to numerous recipients. Don’t forget to add our email address [email protected] to your contacts so we don’t end up in the dreaded Spam folder!

For everything you need to know about whats happening in the studio - Click here to join us on Band - please be sure to use your first and last name when creating your account so that we know who you are - https://band.us/n/a4a2AbK2F1Peh

In addition to our communication band group you also have the option to join your child's class band. In this group your child's teacher will upload photos and videos of what your child is working on in class. This is a great way for you to be involved in your child's learning and progression as well as a great practice tool for your child to keep reaching their goals. To join your child's class band, find their class in the list below and click the link ...

Monday Toddler and Pre-School Classes - https://band.us/n/a5aaA3M46bNeN

Tuesday Toddler and Pre-School Classes - https://band.us/n/aeadA0Ma6bQcO

Wednesday Toddler and Pre-School Classes - https://band.us/n/aca0A8M367Q42

Thursday Toddler and Pre-School Classes - https://band.us/n/a4a2AdMc68T8C

Friday Toddler and Pre-School Classes - https://band.us/n/a6aaA4Mc6bUdT

Saturday Toddler and Pre-School Classes - https://band.us/n/a3a2AdM07dndE

Tiny Recreational - Lyrical, Jazz, Hip Hop - https://band.us/n/a6a5A8M56cva6

Mini Recreational - Lyrical, Jazz, Hip Hop - https://band.us/n/a9afAfM068vbM

Youth Recreational - Lyrical, Jazz, Hip Hop - https://band.us/n/a4a7A5Mf78o2H

Senior Recreational Combo Class - https://band.us/n/a8a5A1M96cwbw

Adult Classes - https://band.us/n/a6abA7Mc7eP7k

Balllet Classes - https://band.us/n/a8aaAfM56bXdO

Ballet Exam Classes - https://band.us/n/aba5A2M260XbK

Tap Classes - https://band.us/n/a6a7A7Mc6dYdB

Tap Exam Classes - https://band.us/n/a6abA7Mc7eP7k

Acro Classes - https://band.us/n/a9adAcM868YdN

Acro Exam Classes - https://band.us/n/a7a2A5M564Y8o

Recreational Cheer and Tumble Classes - https://band.us/n/a0abA7M46dwaV

We are always happy to chat in more detail about communications you may receive from the studio, so if you need any clarification please don’t hesitate to give us a call or see one of our helpful team members at the Studio. We are also on Social Media and use these to often communicate also. You can find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Please note: We discourage parents/students from becoming ‘friends’ or ‘followers’ on Social Media with teachers or staff . We consider all studio members to be family and as such feel the obligation to respect and monitor personal boundaries. We request that you do not make personal contact regarding anything studio related. If you require to speak with your child's teacher please contact our studio and one of our Admin Team can assist you.

We offer 5 main streams of classes. Please feel free to chat to our team about our class streams and if you would like your child to try a class from an alternate stream.

TODDLER PROGRAM - 18 months to 3 years - Ballet and Tumble classes designed to introduce our littlest students to the special world of Dance and Cheer.

PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM - 3 years to 5 years - We have a range of Dance styles as well as Cheer and Tumble classes for our students to further develop their understanding of the different styles.

RECREATIONAL DANCE and CHEER PROGRAM - Available for students aged from 5 years to adult. These classes offer our students a range of styles to choose from where they can enjoy all the wonders of dance and cheer without the higher level commitment required for competitive teams or exams.

DANCE EXAMINATION PROGRAM - This program is designed for Ballet, Tap and/or Acro students who want to take their technical training to the next level.

DANCE and CHEER COMPETITION PROGRAM - This program is designed for students wanting to take their performance training to the next level. This pairs perfectly with our exam program for those students wanting to a pursue a career in the performing arts industry.

Here at SBDS Dance and Cheer we are passionate about providing well rounded training for our students that are wishing to take their training to the next level. Examinations provide students with additional training focusing deeply on technique and artistry, this is imperative for any student wishing to pursue a career in the performing arts sector.

We offer students examinations in RAD Classical Ballet, GWT Tap and Acrobatic Arts Acro.

Click here for our exam information pack that outlines additional training requirements and costs

BALLET EXAM SCHEDULE 2025 - click here ➡️ 2025 BALLET EXAM SCHEDULE

ACRO EXAM SCHEDULE 2025 - click here ➡️https://storage.googleapis.com/msgsndr/LxmJPbYVdD1XHAZPj5mF/media/68884b4376f4cb9ce3bb80fa.pdf

At SBDS Dance and Cheer we believe that wearing studio uniforms give students a sense of belonging to our family as well as creating an identity for our studio in the greater community. Our uniforms also:

• Encourage discipline

• Help students resist peer pressure to buy stylish clothes for class

• Help identify non-students in the studio

• Diminish economic and social barriers between students

• Increase a sense of belonging and school pride

• Improve attendance

  Uniforms can be purchased year-round from the studio subject to availabilities and online.

  Note: Please ensure all parts of your child’s uniform are clearly labelled!

  JUNIOR SCHOOL

  Ballet .. Our students wear our gorgeous lavander leotard and lavender tutu skirt

  All other Junior school classes .. Our students can wear any of the uniform options.

  MAIN SCHOOL

  Ballet .. Our students wear our black SBDS leotard and ballet stockings. Black ballet wrap skirt is optional

  All other Main school classes .. Our students can wear any of the uniform options

Our uniforms can be viewed and purchased via our website shop here .. https://www.sbdsdanceandcheer.com.au/sbds-shop

FOOTWEAR - JUNIOR SCHOOL

Ballet - Pink Leather Ballet Shoes

Jazz - Tan Jazz Shoes

Tap - Tan Tap Shoes

Hip Hop - White Joggers

Tumble - Bare Feet

Cheer - White Joggers

FOOTWEAR - MAIN SCHOOL

Ballet - Pink Leather Ballet Shoes

Jazz - Tan Jazz Shoes

Tap - Levels 1 - 3 - Tan Tap Shoes. Levels 4 and above Black Oxford Tap Shoes

Hip Hop - White Joggers

Lyrical - Bare Feet

Acro - Bare Feet

Cheer and Tumble - White Joggers

Footwear can be viewed and purchased via our website shop here .. https://www.sbdsdanceandcheer.com.au/sbds-shop

Our Fees are outlined on our 2025 Fee Schedule. This can be viewed here .. https://join.sbdsdanceandcheer.com.au/

WEEKLY DIRECT DEBIT FOR ALL FAMILIES

Fees are required to be paid by Weekly Direct Debit for ALL families. Debits can be processed from your:

• Bank Account

• Visa/Mastercard Debit Card

• Credit Card

  Accounts are debited every Friday for a total of 46 weeks. This means that they do continue during school holidays. You are not being charged for school holiday weeks, the fees are calculated for the 40 dance weeks and then this total is divided into 46 payments.

  ACTIVE & CREATIVE KIDS VOUCHERS

  SBDS Dance and Cheer is an approved provider for Active and Creative Kids Vouchers and you could save up to $300 off your fees if eligible. Please submit vouchers via the links below:

https://www.sbdsdanceandcheer.com.au/redeem

WITHDRAWALS

Enrolment is presumed for the year and re-enrolment term to term automatically rolls over from term to term unless we are are notified of withdrawal. If you decide to withdraw from classes mid-term for any reason, you will continue being charged until we are formally notified at: [email protected]

To withdraw from a class, one (1) weeks notice from the scheduled class day must be provided in writing to the above email address. You will be charged for up to and including the week of withdrawal as normal class fees will be charged if notice given is less than one week. Refunds will not be issued for any missed classes and makeup classes are not available (except for preschool classes)

The opportunity to perform in a concert is an exciting, empowering and confidence-building part of the training process. This is where we love to watch our students learn about the theatre, rehearsals and teamwork while they enjoy the opportunity to showcase their skills in a professionally run production. Concerts are a wonderful way for students to showcase the results of their hard work and for family and friends to join in the pride of their achievement. We love giving all students the chance to perform for their family and friends in this supportive and fun environment and encourage even our youngest and newest performers to be involved.

SBDS Dance and Cheer holds two shows per year:

• MID-YEAR SHOWCASE - Sunday 6th July 2025 - An informal relaxed chance for parents, family and friends to see what the students have achieved in Terms 1 and 2. Costuming is not required for this performance as students wear their class uniform.

• END OF YEAR CONCERT - Sunday 14th December 2025 - A professional display of dance enhanced by amazing costumes, special effects and lighting that is held at NEX - West's Leagues Club Newcastle West. Detailed concert information is sent out throughout the year detailing everything you need to know. A Concert Performer Fee is charged in the lead up to the End of Year Concert and this is outlined in the Concert Information later in the year. Each class will begin learning their End of Year concert routine at the beginning of Term 3. The students work on this each week in class, developing their skills in the process and learning the importance of rehearsal, commitment, performance techniques and teamwork.

COSTUMES

To assist our families with budgeting for our very special and exciting concert costumes we break the costume fee up into 3 instalments payable end of Term 1, Term 2 and Term 3.

Invoices are issued early each term with this instalment payable by the end of the term.

We love this option as it definitely takes the financial pressure off when we get to the end of year.

Our kids also get to take home their costumes and keep them after the concert - a wonderful little keepsake and not to mention the dress up options! Yes we are always needing something for book week!

Your child’s attendance in class is very important to their peers and our teaching staff. As a member of ourSBDS Dance and Cheer family, it is a commitment for you to ensure your child attends their classes on time each week and attends all lessons planned for them. Not only do absences impact the concert routines we create, it also impacts the social and confidence-building principals we work hard to foster in each age group.

If you know ahead of time that your child will be absent due to holidays/vacations, commitments or school trips, please let us know ahead of time so the class impact is minimal. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate make-up sessions for students who miss classes (except for pre-school who can attend on a different day) and refunds will not be issued for any missed classes.

WITHDRAWALS

Enrolment is presumed for the year and re-enrolment term to term automatically rolls over from term to term unless we are are notified of withdrawal. If you decide to withdraw from classes mid-term for any reason, you will continue being charged until we are formally notified at: [email protected].

To withdraw from a class, one (1) weeks notice from the scheduled class day must be provided in writing to the above email address. You will be charged for up to and including the week of withdrawal as normal class fees will be charged if notice given is less than one week. Refunds will not be issued for any missed classes and makeup classes are not available.

With the safety of our families our number one priority, SBDS Dance and Cheer is very serious about upholding Child Protection laws and policies within the studio as well as at public performances and in the online arena (website and social media). We ensure child safety through a range of different methods:

• We have a number of viewing windows within the studio which can be viewed by parents and family members from the comfort of our waiting area.

• All of our teachers and staff members have undergone official Working with Children checks allowing them to work with children.

• The Staff and Directors of SBDS Dance and Cheer strive to ensure that all music and costumes are age appropriate.

• Our staff members have been trained in first aid and we enforce a nut-free policy at the studio to ensure the safety of any students or parents with allergies to nuts or nut products.

• Our staff members have an internal communication system to ensure studio and child safety at all times during studio operating hours.

• All students at SBDS Dance and Cheer are covered by accident insurance as well under the studio’s public liability insurance.

We respect your privacy and we will never sell or pass on any of your information to third parties unless required by Government Authorities or in the event of debt recovery. Any information passed on will be done so with appropriate privacy and confidentiality protection.

As part of your enrolment, you will have read and signed a media waiver allowing us to proudly use images and video footage of your student for advertising and promotional purposes. Photographs and Videos are generally taken at our Mid Year, End of Year Concerts and other SBDS Dance and Cheer events. Additionally, footage of children may also be taken in the studios for the benefit of sharing this with parents where required or with our internal team for training and development purposes. Should you have any concerns whatsoever with signing this declaration, please see our admin team.

SBDS Dance and Cheer Social Media Policy refers to all social networking sites, video/photo sharing sites, blogs, micro-blogs, wikis, podcasts, forums, instant messaging and geo-spatial tagging (for example, Facebook check-ins). Please see below for our regulations regarding Social Media and feel free to contact our admin team if you have any questions.

• Please remember that your anonymity on Social Media is never guaranteed and to exercise particular caution when posts, images or videos identify children in your care.

• Remain mindful that your behaviour on Social Media remains in keeping with SBDS Dance and Cheer code of conduct as outlined in this handbook.

• Intellectual property laws (for example, costume design and choreography) must be observed by all studio patrons when posting online regarding studio matters.

• All matters pertaining directly to the studio - whether it be fees, scheduling, placements or performance opportunities - we ask to not be communicated via social media.

• We have an open door policy and encourage all communication, complaints and feedback to be communicated to the admin team and Director directly.

• We discourage parents/students from becoming ‘friends’ or ‘followers’ on Social Media with teachers unless there is an existing family relationship. We consider all studio members to be family and as such feel the obligation to respect and monitor personal boundaries.

To ensure the smooth, safe running of SBDS Dance and Cheer and an enjoyable experience for all, find below our code of conduct.

• SBDS Dance and Cheer is a studio where all students are free to express themselves. Bullying in any of its forms will not be accepted.

• Families who do not comply with their fee or costume payment obligations may be charged a late fee, and/or excluded from performances. External debt collection may occur when fees remain overdue and this will be at the expense of the client.

• We are unable to take responsibility for our students before or after their scheduled classes and it is the responsibility of the parent to ensure their child is picked up and dropped off on time. In the case of an emergency or unavoidable delay, please contact the studio immediately to inform us of the situation so we can keep your child calm and safe until they can be collected.

• Any questions or feedback must go through our admin team – we ask that parents and students do not contact teachers via phone, email or social media with studio issues. We ask that you respect our staff members privacy and work hours by not contacting them personally. Personal meetings with Teachers or our Studio Director can happily be arranged via our admin team.

• SBDS Dance and Cheer takes no responsibility for any stolen or misplaced property on the studio premises and we encourage our families to avoid bringing valuable items into the studio where possible.

• SBDS Dance and Cheer Management reserves the right to change teachers or timetabling when necessary at any time throughout the year. Where significant or permanent changes occur families will be notified in advance.

• Choreography, costuming and studio policies remain the intellectual property of SBDS Dance and Cheer and may not be reproduced or sold by any students, parents or staff without permission of the Director.

Finally, it’s our pleasure to introduce our hand-picked faculty for 2025! Our enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated team are thrilled to be a part of your family’s dance journey this year. We are truly looking forward to growing together to mould this generation of skilled, confident, genuine and unique performers.