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FAQ's

To gain insight into our philosophy, explore our Frequently Asked Questions and their answers, where we explain our 'WHY' in detail.

FAQ's

Question: Do you offer trial classes?

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Answer: We offer a limited number of trial classes to help prospective students get to know our training environment and teachers. For children under 8 years of age, we typically avoid offering free trials for several important developmental reasons, but we do offer trial classes for $25 each.

Here’s why:

1. Routine and Stability: Children thrive on consistency. Frequent in-and-out attendance can disrupt their routine, which is crucial for their emotional and psychological well-being. A stable, predictable environment helps children feel secure and confident.

2. Building Trust: For younger children, developing trust with caregivers and instructors is key. Constantly changing faces and peers can make it difficult for them to form those important bonds and attachments.

3. Learning Progress: Consistent attendance is essential for skill development, especially in disciplines like dance and musical theatre. Sporadic attendance can interrupt progress and hinder the ability to build on previous lessons, making it harder for children to reach their full potential.

4. Social Skills: Regular interactions with the same group of peers help children improve their social skills, including cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution. Constantly changing group dynamics can delay these developmental milestones.

5. Anxiety and Stress: Uncertainty from new faces or unfamiliar routines can lead to stress and anxiety in children, which can negatively impact their learning experience.

6. Behavioural Consistency: In a consistent environment, children learn expectations and how to regulate their behaviour. Regular changes in the classroom can lead to confusion and affect their ability to follow the rules.

Our priority is to protect your child’s learning environment, which is why we prefer to limit disruptions. If you are interested in a trial class, we offer the option to attend for just $25 per class, allowing a clear and thoughtful introduction to our school.

Question: Are the age groups flexible?

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Answer: Certainly, with conditions. While we're flexible for particularly experienced individuals, our primary aim is to cultivate classes where children are similar in age, emotionally, mentally, and physically. This approach enhances both individual and collective class success.

Question: Are there frequent extra rehearsals, schedule changes, and unexpected additional charges?

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Answer: Absolutely not. We pride ourselves on maintaining a clear, straightforward schedule without unexpected changes or hidden costs.

Question: Are we required to wear uniforms?

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Answer: Yes. We have a dress code in the event that we are recording or perfoming. 

Question: What syllabus do you use?

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Answer: 

Ballet - RAD

Jazz - CSTD

Tap - CSTD

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Regarding our acrobatics program, we have chosen not to follow the current syllabuses available in Australia. Instead, we are committed to introducing higher-quality programs from international sources. While this will take some time, we assure you that our current acrobatics instructor, Ashley Grottoli, is among the best in Australia. She is a master teacher, possessing the expertise to teach acrobatics at the highest level of excellence.

Question: Does your school participate in competitions?

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Answer: We participate in very select platforms that will add value to our dancer's resumes. 

Question: Do you offer scholarships?

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Answer: Yes. 

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The IDCM Future Leaders Scholarship and The Global Edge Scholarship.  

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Future Leaders Scholarship: This prestigious award grants a full year of complimentary tuition to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements, outstanding exam results, and a natural ability to lead others towards excellence. Recipients of this scholarship are celebrated at our annual Major Motion Picture Film Festival release party, marking a significant acknowledgment of their dedication and potential as future leaders. Click here to apply.

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Global Edge Scholarship: Valued at over $10,000, this scholarship is presented to the student demonstrating the most comprehensive and promising performance abilities. It encompasses expenses for flights and hotel accommodations for both the student and a chaperone, as well as the entry fee for the prestigious World Championship of Performing Arts in Los Angeles. Eligibility for this scholarship requires a minimum of one year's participation in our comprehensive Vocational Program, which includes training across all genres.

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Question: Do you have a traditional end of year concert?

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Answer: Partially. Our School Readiness Program features a nurturing, in-house concert that is a combination of performance and audience participation. We also offer live and filmed performances throughout the year.

International Dance Centre Melbourne Staff Policies and Procedures

1. Commitment to Safety

  • All staff must adhere to the highest standards of safety in every aspect of their work, including physical, emotional, and online interactions with students.

  • Regular safety training and emergency response drills will be conducted to ensure preparedness.

2. Professional Conduct

  • Staff members are expected to maintain professionalism at all times, fostering a respectful and supportive environment for learning.

  • Inappropriate behavior towards colleagues or students is strictly prohibited and will be addressed immediately.

3. Class Management

  • Instructors are required to start and end classes on time, fully prepared, and with all necessary materials ready.

  • Instructors must ensure that class activities are age-appropriate and suitable for the skill levels of all students.

4. Communication with Parents and Guardians

  • Direct communication with parents and guardians regarding students' progress or concerns should be scheduled during designated times or handled by administrative staff to ensure consistent and clear communication.

  • Instructors are encouraged to use official channels for all communications related to students and their progress.

5. Confidentiality and Privacy

  • Staff must respect the privacy of students and their families, adhering to data protection laws and policies concerning the handling of personal information.

  • Sharing of sensitive information is restricted to authorized personnel only, as defined by IDCM’s privacy policy.

6. Health and Hygiene

  • Instructors must enforce health and hygiene protocols in the studio, including regular handwashing, sanitization of shared equipment, and adherence to health guidelines to prevent the spread of illnesses.

  • Staff who are unwell should not attend work and must notify their supervisor immediately if they exhibit symptoms of contagious diseases.

7. Continuous Education and Training

  • All staff are expected to participate in ongoing professional development to improve their teaching skills and stay updated on the latest trends and safety practices in dance education.

  • The school will provide access to training sessions and workshops to support staff development.

8. Handling Disruptions and Emergencies

  • Staff are trained to handle disruptions and emergencies calmly and efficiently, ensuring the safety and security of all students.

  • A clear plan must be followed in the event of an emergency, with roles and responsibilities clearly defined.

9. Student Supervision

  • Students must be supervised at all times during classes, breaks, and in designated areas before and after class to ensure their safety.

  • Unsupervised interaction between staff and students outside of scheduled class times or without explicit parental consent is not permitted.

10. Performance and Accountability

  • Regular evaluations of staff performance will be conducted to ensure high standards of teaching and management are maintained.

  • Staff are encouraged to provide feedback on policy and procedure effectiveness and suggest improvements.

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