POLICIES & PROCEDURES

The need-to-know


Everything in one place — trials, fees, absences, safety and conduct. If something isn't covered here, just ask.

GETTING STARTED & FEES

Enrolment & Payment

Book a trial online or through the studio — one trial per style, no charge if you don't continue. If you do continue, you'll be invoiced pro-rata from your first class.

Once enrolled, your child is automatically carried over into the same class each term. You don't need to re-enrol — just pay the term invoice when it arrives. If you want to change classes, add a class, or withdraw, let us know by email before the new term starts. Enrolment constitutes acceptance of all policies on this page.

Fees are charged per term, due on the first day of term, and don't change based on how many weeks fall in that term. The next term's invoice is sent three weeks before the current one ends. Joining mid-term means you're only charged for the classes remaining. GST is itemised on every invoice.



Payments are not automatically charged or renewed — we issue invoices each term for you to pay. We accept bank transfer, credit and debit card, and cash at the studio.

If a term invoice isn't paid by the due date, we'll send a friendly reminder. If payment remains outstanding two weeks into the term, you will incur a $20 late fee. If you're experiencing financial difficulty, please talk to us — we'd rather find a solution than lose a dancer.

Private lessons can be booked for the entire term or on a week-by-week basis. Term bookings follow the same automatic rollover as group classes — you'll keep your slot unless you tell us otherwise. Weekly bookings are confirmed and invoiced individually. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice are charged in full.

Performance Teams and Extension Ballet carry a separate one-off fee on top of regular term fees. If a child is invited to attend classes above their age group as well as their own Performance class, only one fee applies — there's no double charge for dancing up. Fee details are provided to invited families at the time of invitation.

We don't offer refunds or credits for missed classes — including absences for illness, school commitments or holidays. Up to two make-up classes per term are available in another timeslot; just let your child's teacher know in advance by email. Make-ups can't be scheduled during costume, choreography or observation weeks.

Simply stopping attendance isn't the same as withdrawing. We need two weeks' written notice by email so we can close out your account correctly. Without written notice, fees may continue to be invoiced. Refunds are only available to Butterfly Ballet fees, and only at 2 weeks notice.

Each class type has a specific uniform (leotard, tights, shoes, etc.) which can be purchased through the studio. A full uniform list is provided at enrolment. Hair must be neatly secured in a bun for ballet classes — no loose hair, clips or headbands that could cause injury during floor work. Jewellery is not permitted in class for safety reasons.

TRAINING & PERFORMANCE

Exams, Open Days & Filming

RAD ballet exams run annually for eligible students. From Primary level upward, a minimum of two ballet classes per week is required to enter exams. Vocational exams (Intermediate Foundation to Advanced) require three ballet classes per week. ComDance jazz exams also run yearly. Exam fees are set by the RAD or ComDance (not by KWDA) and are charged separately from term fees. Private lessons are available for students working toward exams.

Select levels of RAD vocational examinations carry credit toward the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). This means your child's dance training can contribute to their formal school qualifications. We can provide details of which levels currently qualify — contact the studio or speak to your child's educational school.

Our annual end-of-year concert is held at a professional theatre with full lighting, costumes and staging. Every student from Butterfly Ballet through to Advanced is invited to perform.



Concert participation involves a costume fee (advised early in Term 3 so there are no surprises), attendance at scheduled rehearsals in the weeks leading up to the show, and availability on concert day. Costume fees are non-refundable once orders are placed. Ticket details and pricing are communicated to families in Term 3.

Photo and video consent is collected at enrolment and covers use on our website, social media, Google Business Profile, printed promotional materials, and in advertising.


Filming of theatre performances (concerts, eisteddfods) is not permitted by audience members due to music licensing and child safety considerations. KWDA arrange an official recording of the concert which is made available to families.


If you'd prefer your child not be photographed or filmed at any time, let us know in writing — email dance@kwda.com.au. We'll make sure all staff and photographers are aware. You can update your preference at any time.

KWDA shares photos and videos on our Facebook, Instagram and website to celebrate student achievements and promote the studio. We never tag or name children in posts without parental consent. If you've opted out of photography consent, your child will not appear in any KWDA social media content.



We ask that parents and visitors do not photograph or film other people's children in the studio, at concerts, or at events without the direct permission of that child's parent or carer.

To help students stay focused, parents and carer's wait outside the studio during regular classes. Every studio at KWDA has a viewing window at the door, so parents, carer's and other students can have a look at what's happening in class at any time.


Open Day is usually held at the end of Terms 1 and 2 and is your chance to sit inside the studio and watch a full class. Dates are communicated via email and on our social media.

SAFETY & CONDUCT

On-site safety & our commitment to child safety

Dance involves some inherent risk of physical injury. By attending classes at KWDA, you acknowledge that the studio takes reasonable care but cannot be held responsible for injuries occurring during or around class.


Please collect your child on time — the studio is not supervised outside class hours, and we are not responsible for children in the foyer before or after their scheduled class. If you're running late, a quick text to the studio lets us know to keep your child with us until you arrive.



Children under 5 must be accompanied by a parent or carer at all times while on the premises, including in the waiting area.

Parents must disclose any medical conditions, injuries, allergies or additional needs at enrolment and update us if anything changes during the year. This includes asthma, epilepsy, anaphylaxis, anxiety, joint or bone conditions, or anything that may affect your child's ability to participate safely. This information is kept confidential and shared only with the teachers who need to know.



If your child is injured during class, we'll administer first aid and contact you immediately. For anything beyond basic first aid, we'll call an ambulance if needed — please ensure your emergency contact details are always current.

If your child is unwell — particularly with anything contagious (colds, gastro, hand-foot-and-mouth, COVID-19, conjunctivitis, etc.) — please keep them home. No class is worth spreading illness through the studio. We don't penalise absences for illness, and make-up classes are available as outlined above.



If a child arrives at the studio visibly unwell, we may ask the parent to take them home. This isn't a judgement — it's about protecting every child and staff member in the building.

We expect respectful behaviour from everyone on-site, at studio events and online — students, parents, staff and visitors alike. This includes:

  • Respecting teachers' instructions and studio rules
  • Being kind and supportive to fellow students
  • Speaking respectfully to staff, other parents and visitors
  • Following social media guidelines (not filming other children, not posting negative commentary publicly)



Concerns about bullying, inappropriate behaviour or conduct should go directly to the Principal at dance@kwda.com.au. All concerns are taken seriously and handled in confidence. Serious or repeated issues may result in enrolment being ended.

KWDA has a zero-tolerance approach to harm of any kind. Every staff member and volunteer:


  • Holds a current Queensland Blue Card (Working with Children check)
  • Passes a reference check before commencing work
  • Maintains current First Aid and CPR certification
  • Completes child safety awareness training


Classes run in fully visible studios with windowed doors. No staff member is ever alone with a student without a second adult present or clear visual oversight. This includes private lessons.


Any safety concern — no matter how small — can be raised with the Principal at any time and will be treated seriously and in confidence. You can raise concerns in person, by phone (0427 149 117), or by email (dance@kwda.com.au). Our full Child Safe Policy document is available on request.

KWDA collects personal information (names, contact details, dates of birth, medical information, photos) to run classes, manage enrolment, communicate with families, and meet our legal obligations.


We do not sell, trade or share your personal information with third parties, except where required for the operation of the studio (e.g. providing student details to RAD or ComDance for exam entries, or sharing emergency information with medical services).


Your information is stored securely and retained only for as long as it's needed. You can request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information at any time by emailing dance@kwda.com.au. KWDA complies with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

We welcome feedback — positive or constructive. If something isn't right, we'd rather hear about it directly so we can fix it.


Raise any concern with your child's teacher in the first instance, or contact the Principal directly at dance@kwda.com.au or 0427 149 117. We aim to acknowledge all complaints within two business days and resolve them as quickly as possible. If a complaint involves the Principal, it can be directed to the Co-Principal.