To start us off, it’s important to us here at Parkes Dance Co 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 mission at Parkes Dance Co. is to provide every dancer with the opportunity to learn, grow, and express themselves through the art of dance while fostering a strong sense of belonging. We believe in the power of community and are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive space where every dancer feels valued and supported. Through dynamic programs, performances, and community events, we strive to build connections that go beyond the studio, uniting dancers, families, and the local community in a shared love of dance and creative expression.

Before pulling on those dance shoes, 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. With our fee schedule your registration fee is included and 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.

TERM DATES

Term 1

Monday 3rd February - Saturday 12th April

17th April - Future Stars Workshop

Term 2

Monday 28th April- Saturday 5th of July

Dance for Sick Kids Week - Dates TBC

Dance For Sick Kids Fundraiser - Dates TBC

Sunday 22nd June - Mid Year Concert (super exciting!! More info to come)

Term 3

Monday 21st July - Saturday 27th September

No Classes are held on Tuesday of the Parkes Show 26th August - no charges will be applied for classes on this day

9th August - PDC Sleepover Party

Term 4

Monday 13th October - Saturday 13th December

Saturday 15th November - VIP Day

SAVE THE DATES

MID YEAR CONCERT - 22ND JUNE

VIP DAY - 15TH NOV

END OF YEAR CONCERT 2025 - 6TH & 7TH DECEMBER

By now you have probably noticed that we are BIG on communication here at Parkes Dance Co. Our friendly admin team can be contacted on 0434589271 during class time but for convenience, our primary means of communication is via email or BAND app.

You will receive regular newsletters and important information via email and 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! All information on what BAND APP is and how to gain access and join your child's classes can be found by clicking here.

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 unless there is an existing relationship. 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 so many styles of dance. Please feel free to chat to our team about our class styles and if you would like your child to try another class style.

BALLET: Ballet class is where children learn the art of dance with grace and discipline. In these classes, they focus on mastering classic dance techniques such as turnout, pointed toes, and flowing movements. Dressed in proper attire, they practice precise steps and elegant poses while interpreting music with expression and poise. Ballet instills in them a sense of discipline, strength, and artistry as they immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of this dance form.

We offer Ballet exams usually late September for our students, make sure to message Miss Jess to find out more!

JAZZ: Jazz dance is all about energy and fun! Dancers move to lively music, showing off their unique style with fancy footwork, spins, and jumps.

HIP HOP: Hip hop dance is the cool moves you see in music videos! It's a mix of street dance styles with lots of attitude and creativity, telling stories through rhythm and groove.

LYRICAL/CONTEMPORARY: This dance is like dancing poetry. Dancers express their feelings and emotions through flowing movements, often to soft, emotional music.

TAP: Tap dance is all about making music with your feet! Dancers wear special shoes and create rhythms by tapping and stomping on the floor, making catchy sounds that go along with the beat.

MUSICAL THEATRE: Musical theatre dance is the exciting dance you see in Broadway shows! It's a mix of different styles, like Jazz , used to tell stories and make the stage come alive with energy and excitement. These classes are super dynamic, not only dance but singing and drama as well!

ACRO: Acro dance is like a mix of dance and gymnastics. Dancers show off their strength and flexibility with cool tricks and balances, often working together with partners to create amazing moves.

CIRCUS: Circus dance is like a magical performance! Dancers combine dance with circus skills like aerial silks and juggling to create a dazzling show full of surprises.

ROCK'N'ROLL : Rock'n'roll partner dancing is the fun dance you might see in old movies! Couples dance together to lively rock and roll music, spinning and twirling with big smiles on their faces.

At Parkes Dance Co 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.

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

  BALLET:

• Pink Ballet shoes 

• Parkes Dance Co Leotard (Cornflower Blue for classes up to Year 5 Ballet; Navy for all levels above; Black for major levels)

• Ballet Skirt (matching to leotard)

• Ballet stockings 

• Winter Ballet students must wear Ballet Crossover - no jumpers are to be worn in class

• Hair must be worn in a bun for Ballet classes  

  JAZZ AND MUSICAL THEATRE:

•  Tan Jazz shoes 

• Parkes Dance Co T-shirt, crop top or leotard 

• Parkes Dance Co Dance shorts or leggings  

  ROCK'N'ROLL:

• White canvas shoes

• Parkes Dance Co T-shirt, crop top or leotard 

• Parkes Dance Co Dance shorts or leggings  

  TAP:

• Black Lace up Tap shoes

• Parkes Dance Co T-shirt, crop top or leotard 

• Parkes Dance Co Dance shorts or leggings  

  LYRICAL/CONTEMPORARY:

• Bare feet or foot thongs 

• Parkes Dance Co crop, T-shirt or leotard 

• Parkes Dance Co Dance shorts or leggings  

  ACRO AND CIRCUS:

• Bare feet 

• Parkes Dance Co crop, T-shirt or leotard 

• Parkes Dance Co shorts or leggings  

  HIP HOP:

• Sneakers 

• Parkes Dance Co crop, T-shirt or leotard 

• Parkes Dance Co  shorts, leggings or trackpants 

Our Fees are outlined on our 2025 Fee Schedule that was provided to you at time of enrolment. If you require another copy please see our admin team.

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 (Zero fee)

• Credit Card (1.98% surcharge).

  If you wish to pay for the term upfront you can make an upfront payment on your Parent Portal BY THE FIRST MONDAY OF EACH TERM. To calculate the Term Fees, simply multiply your weekly amount by 10. Weekly Fees are added to your Family Account each Monday, with Debits being processed each Thursday. A statement of your account will be sent each Wednesday. Full Terms and Conditions can be found in your Parent Portal Agreements or as outlined on the Fee Schedule.

  ACTIVE & CREATIVE KIDS VOUCHERS

  Parkes Dance Co is an approved provider for Active and Creative Kids Vouchers and you could save up to $50 off your fees if eligible. Please submit vouchers via the links below:

ACTIVE KIDS ➡️ https://students.parkesdanceco.com.au/activekids24

CREATIVE KIDS ➡️ https://students.parkesdanceco.com.au/creativekids24

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.

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.

Parkes Dance Co holds two shows per year:

• This year, we’re so excited to introduce our Mid-Year Showcase! 🎉 This is a fantastic chance for our students to show off what they’ve been learning in the first half of the year and enjoy the thrill of performing. Think of it as a more relaxed, less glitzy version of our End-of-Year Concert – a perfect way to build confidence and celebrate their progress!For this showcase, students will wear their PDC uniforms, keeping things simple and low-key. It will also be held at a different venue than the Leagues Club, giving it a fresh and unique vibe.We’re beyond thrilled to offer this amazing opportunity to our students, and we can’t wait to share the magic with you all! 💃✨

• END OF YEAR CONCERT -Our End-of-Year Concert is a professional showcase of dance, featuring stunning costumes, incredible special effects, and dynamic lighting. This highly anticipated event is held at the Parkes Leagues Club and is a highlight of our year!Starting from Term 3, each class begins learning their End-of-Year Concert routine. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to not only develop their dance skills but also to experience the value of rehearsal, commitment, performance techniques, and teamwork. Watching their hard work come to life on stage is such a special moment for everyone involved! 🌟

COSTUMES

A costume fee is charged for each class and split into 2 terms (Term 2 and 3). $40 will be deducted in Week 2 of these terms and is non refundable ($80 total per class). Costumes are handed out in Term 4 before concert. This process saves parents from the stress and hassle of having to buy, sew, alter and accessorise their child’s costumes in the busy pre-Christmas season.

Your child’s attendance in class is very important to their peers and our teaching staff. As a member of ourParkes Dance Co 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 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, Parkes Dance Co 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:

• 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 Parkes Dance Co 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.

• Parkes Dance Co has been approved as a COVID-SAFE business. We have strict policies and procedures in place to ensure continual up-to-date compliance with Government guidance.

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

• All students at Parkes Dance Co are covered by accident insurance as well under the studio’s public liability insurance. For more information on the individual accident cover please see our admin team.

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 registration, 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 End of Year Concerts and other Parkes Dance Co 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.

Parkes Dance Co 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 Parkes Dance Co 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 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 Parkes Dance Co and an enjoyable experience for all, find below our code of conduct.

• Parkes Dance Co 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 reception and our admin team is available during all timetabled classes.

• Parkes Dance Co 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.

• Parkes Dance Co 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 Parkes Dance Co 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.