The Junior Professional Programme

Introduction

The Junior Professional Programme is an elite, dance, training, programme, designed to nurture and develop the young dancer to enable him or her to achieve a career in dance. The major component of this Course is Classical Ballet, teaching the Vaganova method of training considered by dance specialists throughout the world to be the best. Other components are Contemporary, Composition, Spanish, Drama, Music, Character, Theory and Performance.

Performing is an integral part of this Course, giving the students the valuable experience of rehearsing and performing in a large company environment. Students perform regularly under the name of ‘Youth Ballet WA’ Inc.

The staff is committed to developing each individual student, which can only be achieved if the student is committed to this Course. Responsibility will be taken to help each child reach his or her full potential. This could result in extra private coaching by staff, and / or extra work with specialist physicians. On-going Professional Development of the teaching staff ensures that the quality of training is in keeping with professional international standards. It is of the utmost importance for the development of your child and this programme that you, as a parent, communicate with teaching staff and office or director. Meetings to discuss any issues can be made through the office and organised promptly.

Term Dates for 2009

Term 1: Monday 19th January to Thursday 9th April
Term 2: Monday 20th April to Thursday 2nd July
Term 3: Monday 13th July to Friday 25th September
Term 4: Monday 5th October to Saturday 19th December

Dates and times will be confirmed in forthcoming newsletters. Please note from time to time situations beyond our control, may result in some changes.

Condition of Enrolment

It is essential that each student adheres to the following requirements and understands the commitment needed to achieve dance excellence. Failure to do so could prevent the student from reaching his / her full potential. It is inevitable that circumstances may arise which compromise the following, and if so, please advise Administration as soon as possible. Students need a balanced mental approach, a sense of well-being, and a responsible, open, caring attitude towards their own work and that of others. To this end we have prepared a ‘Code of Conduct’.

Code of Conduct

Students are to follow the rules below, understanding they will enhance his/her
development as a dancer and as a conscientious person in society.

Attend ALL classes, assessments and performance of his/her level.
Be punctual for all classes. Aim to arrived at the studios dressed and ready to start class 10 minutes prior to commencement time.
Be mentally prepared and focused prior to entering the dance studio.
Work to capacity in all dance and academic classes, both physically & mentally.
Treat fellow students as he or she wants to be treated:
a. Be courteous and respectful of one another
b. Encourage and support each other.
Always be respectful of teachers, staff, parents and carers.
Ensure correct grooming at every class:
a. Neat hair
b. Clean, correct uniform
c. No nail polish
d. No jewellery (except small stud or sleeper earrings)
Nurture and respect his/her body and understand it is his/her ‘instrument’ in dance:
a. Feed the body healthy nutritious food for optimal performance and energy,
b. Take responsibility to have adequate sleep,
c. Never harm or abuse his/her body with dangerous drugs.
Remain focused and do not talk to fellow students during class.
Update his/her journal on a regular basis, and submit to teacher when
requested.
Adhere to Performance procedures and understand that he/she must attend all rehearsals to be able to perform and to achieve dance excellence.

Parent's Code of Behaviour

Parents are asked to support their child and take note of the following points:
In the area of vocational dance where the student is often a high achiever, perceived pressure to please parenting figures can add to the stress, both positive and negative, of daily living and growing.

The following Code of Behaviour for parents is intended to support parents in their efforts to reassure their offspring that dance is for the child’s own enjoyment and that he / she is loved for himself / herself rather than for achievements.

Encourage dance students to see live professional performances as often as possible
Focus upon the child’s efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the examination, performance or audition, as this assists the child in setting realistic goals related to his/her ability by reducing the emphasis on comparing himself/ herself to peers.
Teach children that an honest effort is as important as a victory, so that the results of each examination or performance are accepted without undue disappointment.
Encourage children to always participate according to the student Code of
Conduct.
Remember, children learn best from example, so applaud good performances by all of their peers.
If you have any issues regarding your child whether it be exams results, casting, your child and other children etc, please organise a meeting with the appropriate staff member(s) immediately and avoid ‘chatting’ amongst yourselves. Inappropriate gossiping causes undue heartache to many.
Encourage healthy nutrition for your child for optimum performance, energy and good health, whereby cultivating an understanding that the body needs to be nurtured.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from dance activities.
Advise administration in writing of all impending outside activities or excursions as soon as you are aware of them.
Please notify Administration immediately if your child is sick or injured and ensure he / she follows the injury procedure as set out in the Year Book.

We take this opportunity to point out that regular absences or lateness will impinge on your child’s progress and may result in him or her having to repeat his or her current level.

Our Code of Ethics

We at Youth Ballet WA, in recognition of the importance of our influence in the development of children in the Western Australian community, and in accepting a personal obligation to our profession, do hereby commit to the highest ethical and professional conduct and agree:

To accept responsibility for seeking further training on a regular basis and, for updating our knowledge in our specialised field of dance, teaching methodology, child development and all related areas, to endeavour to provide the highest quality tuition.
To strive to foster a love of dance in our students.
To exemplify professional attitudes, including punctuality, reliability and responsible care of students.
To strive to develop self-discipline, perseverance and mental focus in the students.
To encourage and support each individual student in class and performance.
To encourage a respectful and accepting attitude among students supporting each child’s achievements.
To recognise the role of dance in the development of the whole person.
To seek to recognise and develop each students potential, offering appropriate guidance for further progress.
To treat fairly all persons regardless of race, religion, gender, disability, age, or national origin.
To provide appropriate assessment procedures and advice when necessary.
To adhere to Safe Dance Practices to minimise injuries, and give guidance for injury prevention and management.
To undertake and assist colleagues and co-workers in their professional development and to support them in following this Code of Ethics.

The following policies and procedures are not exclusive as we are constantly updating and adding new entries. We have a policy & procedures manual that we would appreciate all parents familiarising themselves with.

Absenteeism

We take this opportunity to point out that regular absences or lateness will impinge on your child’s progress and may result in him or her having to repeat his or her current level. Non-illness absenteeism: Parents / Guardians are required to notify Administration, in writing, prior to period of absence. Absenteeism through sickness: Parents / Guardians are asked to telephone Administration when children will not be coming to class.

Assessment and Stage Exams

It is imperative your child(ren) trains the necessary hours for their level to take part in their assessment or stage exam. This policy will need to be implemented to ensure students are of the required technique and prevent injury.

Costume Care Practices

Each student must supply a sturdy Costume Bag and a Box for headpieces (12 cm x 12 cm) both clearly marked with the student’s name. Both will be housed in the Costume Department at North Perth Studios. Prior to a performance or tour, each student is responsible for ensuring his/her own costume bag is packed with the correct costume and accessories. At the end of a production or tour, each student is responsible for ensuring his / her costume and headpiece are returned to the designated wardrobe coordinator in good order.

Grooming

Good grooming is each student’s responsibility, which means laundered uniforms, clean ballet shoes, tights free of ladders and holes, a tidy well secured bun, and a fully equipped accessory bag containing personal hygiene requirements, Panadol, Bandaids, hair nets, hair clips, elastics, brush/comb, hair spray & gel and, when performing it should include stage make-up. Sleepers or studs can only be worn in class. Please leave valuables at home.

Lateness Policy

This policy relates to tardiness not unavoidable delays. In order to help prepare for a future professional career, lateness to class will not be accepted. Student arriving late for class will not be able to participate in that class but will be asked to sit quietly in the Studio and take notes which will be perused by the teacher at the termination of the class. Parents will be notified.

Lost Property

Twice a term all unclaimed property will be deemed lost and will be given to the Salvation Army. Students and Parents are encouraged to check the Change Rooms and the Lost Property Box in the front foyer for missing items before the end of term.

Injury Prevention and Care

To avoid injury students should:

Ensure they warm-up adequately before class
Ensure they cool down adequately at the end of each class

The hours allocated in this Course are sufficient to achieve excellence in dance performance. A recent international survey has identified overload as being one of the major causes of injury in elite athletes.
If injury occurs:

a. Notify the teacher of any pain / injury
b. Rest immediately from class. Ice immediately. Compress or apply bandage and
Elevate the injured part. (ICE)
c. Sit in on classes but if pain persists after two (2) days, visit one of the following specialists and obtain a report with recommendations of training procedure:

Laurie Farrow, Health Central - Tel: 9201 0888
Lisa Hutchinson, Australian Physiotherapy Services (APS). - Tel: 9227 7717

d. Forward medical report via your teacher to the Artistic Director.
e. The Artistic Director will then coordinate a programme of rehabilitation, with the medical practitioner and the teacher in charge.

Log Book

Students are required to keep a log book and a pen in his / her bag to take notes when a teacher requires, especially near to performances, tours or stage examinations as well as record normal log book entries, eg theory notes, class corrections, interesting facts.

Payment Policy

Fees must be paid within the first week of term to ensure your child can take part in the course. Fees that are in arrears will result in your child being unable to participate in class or rehearsals until they are either paid in full or a payment plan has been arranged. If you need to organise a payment plan or have any queries re accounts please write to Anna Danielle via our office or phone 9426 4599 between 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday.

Uniform

All items of clothing and shoes should be clearly marked with the student’s name. The Centre does not take responsibility for lost clothes. At the end of class parents/students should check their child’s bags to ensure all items of their clothing and shoes are taken home. No items other than uniform are to be worn in class.

Water Bottle

Students MUST bring a filled water bottle to every class, clearly marked with the student’s name.

Withdrawal Policy

Parents are required to give one term’s notice in writing, or pay one term’s fee in lieu of notice.

Disciplinary Procedure

Incident 1: Verbal warning with students. Teacher to record in Incident Book.

Incident 2: Student must arrange meeting with Sonya Shepherd. Teacher to record in Incident Book. Record to go in Student’s file.

Incident 3: Letter to go to parents detailing on-going behavioural problems. Record to go in Student’s file.

Incident 4: Letter to go to parents requesting a meeting between them and Sonya Shepherd to address behavioral issues. Students may be suspended for up to 2 weeks or asked to leave YBWA (at the discretion of the Director). Record to go in Student’s file.

Parent Information Evenings

Occasional parent / student information evenings will be conducted throughout the year. Highly qualified support staff will cover such topics as nutrition for elite athletes, injury prevention and treatment, achieving excellence, self-esteem and developing communication skills. We strongly recommend that students have Private Health Insurance, which includes physiotherapy treatment (Ancillary Benefits).

Administration

It is vital to ensure your child’s enrolment details are correct for 2008. An administration fee will be added to all overdue accounts posted after the second week of term. Please notify, in writing, of any change of address. Fees can be made by cheques, money order, Internet Banking or Eftpos.
Cheques are to be made payable to Youth Ballet WA.

Administration enquiries can be directed to:
+61 (08) 9201 1812
Please leave a message on the answering machine if the office is unattended.

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