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T TABLE OF CONTENTS S   

Contents  Page 

About Us  2 

Current Timetable  2 

Pricing & Discounts  2 

Studio Respect  3 

Our Classes  4-6 

Enrolment & Payment Conditions  6-7 

Payment Options  7-8 

Film & Photography  8-9 

Injury Disclaimer  9 

Student & Staff Privacy  9 

Competitions & Troupes  10-11 

Solos  11 

End of Year Showcases  11-13 

Bank Details  13 

Additional Notes for Parents  13-14 

Guest Teachers & Open Workshops/Classes  14 

 Note: Urban Arts Centre has the right to make amendments to this document at any time. 

The most updated version of this Manual will always be available on our website. We ask that you please review this every term before completing your enrolment. Once enrolled, you agree to all the 

Terms and Conditions stated in this Manual. 

   

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T ABOUT US S  

Our Mission   Urban Arts Centre (or UAC for short), is here to bring something new, exciting and different to the Cairns Dance Community.  

UAC Directors Alesha Epong and Emily Hart have experience in the Dance Industry both in Australia and across the globe. Both passionate about dance, Alesha and Emily, as well as the entire UAC Team, hope to create a Studio that gives you the perfect balance of fun, support, skill challenge and advancement, whilst being positive and professional. 

With our range of class style options and additional workshops and programs, UAC is here to help you discover who YOU are as dancer and performer. 

 Studio Directors  Alesha Epong has been involved within a number of studios, performances and dance events all across Australia. Dancing and performing from a young age, Alesha has built a name for herself based on her incredible choreography and teaching. With her choreography being featured in a number of shows and performances, you are truly learning from one of Australia's best. When Alesha relocated to Cairns in 2019 and the dream of UAC came to life! Alesha is ready to provide professional training to all dancers at UAC, as well as use her creativity to produce incredible shows, along with other performance opportunities for dancers.   Emily Hart has had a love for the Creative Arts Industry from a very young age. From dancing and singing for most of her life, Emily taught locally in Cairns for many years but went on to pursue her love of business, working alongside a major dance company in England. Her life in England involved participating and organising events with some of the biggest Choreographers in the industry. Emily joined forces with Alesha in 2019 and hopes to share her knowledge of the industry along with providing opportunities for professional work within the industry.  

T CURRENT TIMETABLE S  The most recent Timetable can be found on our website at any time. Alternatively, if you would like information on classes, please email enquiries@urbanartscentre,com.   

T PRICING & DISCOUNTSS  Located on the timetable, you will see all information in regards to Multiple Class Discounts and Family Discounts.   

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T STUDIO RESPECT S  

Abiding by all of the details, Terms and Conditions stated in this manual will ensure you are able to meet the requirements and expectations held by Urban Arts Centre when it comes to respect and behaviour.   Parents, please ensure you share this with your children.  Respecting Property 

● UAC asks that you respect all studio property owned by UAC at all times ● If you break or damage any property owned by UAC, you must tell a Member of 

staff immediately ● Theft of property is not tolerated ● Vandalism of any kind is not tolerated ● Do not run in the Studio 

Respecting Staff 

● UAC does not tolerate harassment of any kind towards any member of staff. This includes, but is not limited to - physical harassment, verbal harassment, or sexual harassment 

● It is expected that all students and parents speak in a respectful manner to UAC staff at all times 

● It is important that UAC staff have a personal life outside of the studio. We ask that you do not contact staff in regards to any studio related topics on social media or by personal phone numbers. Please direct any studio related questions to enquiries@urbanartscentre.com 

Respecting Others 

● UAC does not tolerate harassment of any kind towards any fellow students or parents. This includes, but is not limited to - physical harassment, verbal harassment, or sexual harassment 

● UAC has a No Bullying policy. If a student or parent is found to be bullying a fellow UAC student or parent they will be issued with an Official Warning which can lead to expulsion 

● UAC will not tolerate racism of any kind ● If a student or parent is found to be speaking badly of another dance studio, this 

may lead to an Official Warning. We encourage other dancers at all times - no matter what studio they attend 

Respecting Yourself 

● UAC's No Bullying policy also includes no bullying towards yourself! ● We want you to be confident in yourself and love yourself ● Speak only encouraging words to yourself 

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T OUR CLASSESS  Class Expectations 

● Punctuality: Arriving on time to class is not only important to your teachers, but also to your fellow classmates 

● Dress Code: Adhere to the Dress Code ● Respect: Respect your teachers and fellow classmates ● Try your best: Always come to class with a good attitude and be willing to give 

everything a go ● Stay hydrated: Always bring a water bottle ● Have fun: Dance is always meant to be fun... enjoy yourself! 

Attire 

It is important for your safety that you wear the correct attire to class every week. You must have the correct footwear by your third class. 

Footwear 

● Jazz: Black Jazz Shoes - available online or at local dance store ● Senior Jazz: Black Jazz Shoes and Split Flex Chorus Line Heel Shoes ● Contemporary/Lyrical: Tan Jazz Shoes or Foot Socks ● Hip Hop: Enclosed Shoes (you may be asked to get specific colour of shoe for 

performances/showcases) ● Ballet: Black Jazz Shoes - if Pointe shoes are necessary, you will be advised by UAC ● Tap: Tan Tap Shoes ● Stretch & Strength: Any enclosed shoes (we suggest just using the dance shoes 

appropriate to your class) ● Break Dance: Enclosed Shoes/Sneakers ● Open Classes: Enclosed Shoes/Sneakers 

Clothing 

It is important to wear appropriate clothing to class to ensure you are comfortable and able to get the most out of class. 

We suggest wearing whatever makes you feel comfortable. Girls, please ensure you wear appropriate clothing that is not revealing. 

Ballet - leotard, tights, dance stockings and other fitted clothing is best suited to this style. 

Note: You may be required to purchase a specific shoe type for showcases and performances. You will be notified if this is the case. 

 

 

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Teachers 

Our teachers at UAC are well trained in their fields of dance. We ask that you respect your teachers in class and outside of class. 

Class and Term Structure 

UAC Classes run over either a 9 or 10 week term. This depends on the school terms in Queensland and Public Holidays. 

Any classes that fall on Public Holidays will be rescheduled and make up classes will occur. The make up classes dates will be given at the beginning of each term. 

As much as it is not a requirement that students must be enrolled for an entire year, the UAC team would highly suggest this as we believe this will benefit your dancing in the best way possible. 

Term 1 and Term 2 are used mainly to build technique and encourage learning choreography quickly. Each week you will be challenged with new technical movements and new choreography. 

Term 3 and Term 4 is when we start learning set choreography towards our end of year showcase. You can enrol at the beginning of Term 3 and at the beginning of Term 4. If you do enrol in Term 4, you may find that you learn different sections of a routine due to missing some elements of the choreography in Term 3. This is totally fine though! We would love to have you either way. 

Student Absence 

If you miss a class, UAC does not offer a refund for this. It is preferred and recommended that you attend every class each term. This will benefit you as a dancer, but also your fellow classmates. 

If you will be absent from class, please call or email to let us know. Note: Multiple absences may result in a warning. 

Observing Classes 

Parents, we want to ensure that you feel comfortable to leave your child unattended with us. We do not have viewing windows at our studio as we find that the pressure of people watching you constantly can hinder students from achieving their best work in class. 

UAC may offer a TV in the waiting room with cameras in class where you can sit and watch, however, we do encourage you to feel free to leave your child unattended. They are in safe hands! 

Discipline & Warnings 

UAC has a 'Three Strike's' disciple policy - this applies to both parents and students. 

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First Strike - is a verbal warning Second Strike - is a written warning Third Strike - is a one on one meeting between UAC and the Student/Parent. This may result in expulsion. 

You may receive a warning for disrespectful behaviour, failure to make payment, bullying, lateness or absence, inappropriate attire, abuse to UAC students or staff etc. 

 

T ENROLMENT & PAYMENT CONDITIONS S 

How to Enrol 

UAC has an online enrolment system. All sign ups are completed on our website through our easy online payment system. 

As a New Student, you will complete an online enquiry form where we are able to capture your details and find the best class that is suitable for you. When you have chosen your classes, you will receive a payment form which will outline payment options. 

When enrolling online through the payment form (both New & Current Students), you will be charged a $20 Enrolment Fee which secures your spot at UAC in your chosen class/es. Your card details are then securely held by our payment system, Stripe. After making your $20 Enrolment Fee payment, your enrolment will be confirmed with your final payment invoice inclusive of all discounts. On the payment form, you will be able select your payment option of choice. Direct Debit, Payment Plan, Card Payment in full etc.  

The $20 Enrolment Fee is deducted from your total fees when the remaining amount is charged. 

First Class Free 

At UAC, you are able to try your first class for free before purchasing. Wether you pay before the term begins, or, after you have tried your first class for free, the term fee price is the same. 

If you do want to try a class for free, please contact us before arriving so we can assist you in finding the best class for you! 

Re-Enrolment 

UAC has 4 Terms per year. It is essential that you re-enrol each term if you wish to continue dancing with us. 

Being part of our mailing list means you will be alerted whenever the timetable for the following term is released. You can re-enrol as soon as the next term's timetable is released. All enrolments are done online. 

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Pricing 

Each class at UAC is priced differently. This depends on the age, class style, class length and the requirements involved in class preperations. See the timetable for exact class pricing. 

UAC has the right to change the term fee pricing at any time. If the term fee pricing does change, you will see this on the timetable at the beginning of each new term. 

 

T PAYMENT OPTIONS S 

Payment Options 

We try to make payments as easy as possible at UAC. Everything is done online which means you don't have to remember your card, cash, or, even remember to make the payment yourself! We do it all for you.  

UAC offers a range payment options: 

  Credit Card  Visa Debit  Bank Transfer  Cash 

One Time Payment (Full Fees) 

✔   ✔   ✔   ✔  

Payment Plan (5 x Instalments)  *Incurs an additional $10 Payment Plan Fee per term 

✔  

✔  

   

 

Note: Urban Arts Centre does not offer refunds. If you are wanting a refund for your term fees, you must contact payments@urbanartscentre.com. In the unlikely event that you would receive a refund, a $20 cancellation fee per class will be charged. 

If for some reason a payment cannot be made, it is appreciated if you can communicate this with Urban Arts Centre prior to not making a payment.  

All students are charged fairly and with the same ruling. If for some reason you cannot afford payments, we suggest you cancel your enrolment with Urban Arts Centre. We cannot have debts accumulate. 

If for some reason your payment is not successful, a late fee of $5 may be charged per failed payment. If failed payments continue a warning may be issued to the Parent or explosion may occur. 

Payment Processing 

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One Time Payment: 

1. Payment form is completed and $20 online enrollment fee is charged (must be paid by Card unless a full Bank Transfer is arranged with Directors approval 

2. When your payment form is received you will either ● Be charged in Full for the remainder of your fees on the same card (Credit or 

Visa Debit) that was used to make your online enrolment payment ● Be invoiced in Full for the remainder of your fees ● Be sent a Cash Payment slip that will need to provided with your Cash 

payment of fees over the counter at UAC 3. A receipt for payment will be emailed to you 

One Time Fees Example: = $145 Term Fee = $145 Term Fee - $20 Enrolment Fee paid = $125 Total Fees owing 

Payment Plan: 

1. Payment form is completed and $20 online enrollment fee is charged (must be paid by Card unless a full Bank Transfer is arranged with Directors approval 

2. When your payment form is received and Payment Plan has been selected you will receive an email outlining your payments dates and amounts 

3. 5 x payments will be charged to your Credit or Visa Debit card that was used to pay your initial enrolment fee 

Payment Plan Fees Example: = $145 Term Fee = $145 Term Fee - $20 Enrolment Fee paid = $125 Owing + $10 Payment Plan fee = $135 Total Fees owing = $135 / 5 Instalments  = $27 charged per payment 

 

T FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY S 

In Class 

Upon enrolment, you agree to all these conditions in this manual. You are agreeing to give UAC the right to film and photograph your child/you as a student. In class, there may be photography/videography by a teacher or professional videographer/photographer. Video or images captured may be used for UAC promotional purposes. 

Students may also film during class time to learn and practice the Choreography at home. 

 

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Performances & Events 

All performances or other events that UAC participate in will be filmed and/or photographed. Performance videos and photos may be available for purchase. 

If for some reason you are unable to be filmed or photographed due to child safety, or another reason, we ask that you please email us at - enquiries@urbanartscentre.com. 

Open Classes & Workshops 

The same expectations apply for film and photography within Open Classes/Workshops. Film and photography may occur and upon agreeing to these Terms & Conditions you are giving UAC the right to capture footage during class time. 

 

T INJURY DISCLAIMER S 

In the event that your child/a student may be injured during your time at Urban Arts Centre, you will hold harmless Urban Arts Centre and all of their Directors and Staff (employees/contractors/guest teachers). You understand that there is potential for injury during any sort of physical activity, dance, sport or performance and you (the student) has decided to participate at your own risk. By doing this, you waive your right to take any legal action against Urban Arts Centre if a life threatening, or non life threatening injury occurs. 

In the event that an injury does occur whilst you are in class at Urban Arts Centre, a fully qualified First Aid person will be on site at all times. Urban Arts Centre also holds a fully up to date first aid kit and has ice packs on site. In the event of an emergency, the students Emergency Contact Person will be contacted as well as any emergency service needed. 

If the student must be taken to hospital and the Emergency Contact person is unavailable, you give Urban Arts Centre the right to send an 18+ UAC Member of Staff with your child. 

 

T STUDENT & STAFF PRIVACY S 

Another reason UAC does not have viewing windows within the classroom is so students feel comfortable and have an element of privacy with the classroom. All information provided to UAC will be kept confidential and private. UAC payment system systems Stripe and Xero hold your payment information and personal details in a secure system. If you do not want card details held, you must make full payment using either Bank Transfer or Cash. If you do not want personal phone numbers or other details held by UAC, unfortunately, you cannot complete your enrolment with UAC.  

We ask that Staff Privacy is respected when outside the studio. This includes social media and personal contact. If you need to reach a UAC Director or member of staff, please contact us on one of the following: Studio mobile phone, email or UAC social media platforms. 

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T COMPETITIONS & TROUPES S 

We understand that the way in which we have decided to conduct our Troupes is different to others, having auditions, compulsory classes etc, however, UAC is all about training students who have the desire to work in dance as a professional career. Hosting Auditions for Troupes showed us the students who were really keen for more, as well as gave us the opportunity to look at each student in what their strengths and weaknesses are so we can help provide further training where needed.  

Due to our regular classes only being one hour, unfortunately, we cannot spend time in class correcting techniques as much as we would like to. This is why we have designed Drills and Stretch and Strength classes, so that there is a dedicated time to work on all of these areas that make the true difference to your child's dancing. As much as Open Classes are fun, and it's great to learn new choreography, they do have a much more relaxed feel to encourage confidence and fast learning, however, learning new choreography doesn't help with building great technique. We hope this provides a little more understanding as to why we do find the Drills and Stretch & Strength so valuable, and why we have made it a requirement for our Troupe girls to participate in these. 

Below we will outline what is expected of you as a team member and give you an indication of the schedule we will have this year. 

 

Troupe Competitions: (may include but are not limited to) - FNQ Tropical Festival - Evolution - Cairns Eisteddfod - GTB Video Submission Audition - GTB Nationals* 

 

As a troupe member you are required to take at least one ballet class with UAC per week, as well as Drills and Stretch and Strength. We have set the timetable so that you these classes are grouped together, so you're not travelling multiple days. If you’re a local and not travelling town to town, it is preferred that you do the two fitness classes to reap the full benefits and for conditioning purposes. 

Having selected a group of dancers, our intentions are to push you so this is another outlet where you, yourselves as dancers, can gain stage experience, work on an advanced level choreographically and learn to be a part of a team setting. 

Our goal at UAC is to give an outlet to all dancers whether it be recreational purposes or that they would like to take their dancing more seriously and make a career out of it. Troupes will be an opportunity for the dancers to understand what it will be like to work in a professional setting as they will be tested technically and choreographically, not only will these dancers be competing on numerous occasions but they’ll be getting the opportunity to perform as well.  

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Troupe Term Fee Payments include: (see current Timetable for pricing) 

● 1 Hour Class ● Troupe Shirt ● Costume/s ● Competition Entry Fees ● Professional Photoshoot 

*Additional costs involved. such as flights and accommodation. This will be given by our travel agent as soon as possible. 

 

T SOLOSs 

For further questions, or, to source Choreography from Alesha Epong, Emily Hart, other UAC Teachers or, for assistance in outsourcing Solo routines from other professionals in the industry, contact solos@urbanartscentre.com 

 

T END OF YEAR SHOWCASE S 

Showcase Expectations 

End of Year Showcase dates will be released each year depending on if UAC will be having a Showcase. In addition to this, the venue will also be released. The date and venue may change each year. 

Any additional performances throughout the year, such as community events, gigs etc will be released with as much notice as possible. 

Performance Payment 

Our major End of Year Showcase will incur an additional 'Performance Fee'. It is not compulsory that you perform at the Showcase with UAC, but it is highly encouraged! All your hard work deserves to be recognised in a beautiful, professional show. You're a star! 

The Performance Fee amount will vary depending on the venue. This fee goes towards covering additional staff and venue costs that come in addition to your regular class term fees to cover lessons. If there are additional rehearsals required, some additional fees may incur to cover the cost of these. 

Dress Rehearsal 

In order to prepare for all of our performances in a professional manner, there will be compulsory Dress Rehearsals. Dress Rehearsal dates will be released with as much notice as possible. 

 

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Dress Rehearsals 

In order to prepare for all of our performances in a professional manner, there will be compulsory Dress Rehearsals. Dress Rehearsal dates will be released with as much notice as possible. 

Show Tickets 

Depending on the venue of the performance, you may be required to purchase Show Tickets for each member who would want to watch the show. This also includes students. For example, if a student is in one dance, they can either be backstage with all other students, or, a ticket can be purchased for them to sit in and watch the remainder of the show . Ticket prices will be released with as much notice as possible. 

Costume Payments 

Costumes will be required for your End of Year Showcase performance and may be required for other additional performances. 

At the beginning of Term 3 (or Term 4 if you enrol in Term 4), you will be invoiced an $80 Costume Deposit fee (per costume). The deposit will be deducted from the costume payment. The total costume payment will be between $80 - $120.   

If, for whatever reason, you are unable to perform, your Costume Deposit is non-refundable. You are able to keep your costume after the Performance. 

Showcase Expectations 

To ensure we produce a professional show, here is what we expect from you at our Showcase or other performances: 

● Follow the rules in place for that venue ● Listen and follow instructions from any venue managers or venue workers at the 

venue ● Arrive on time and prepared to all Dress Rehearsals and Shows ● You may be required for additional rehearsals ● You may required to have your hair/makeup a certain way for shows and 

performances - we recommend that you practice these before rehearsals and performances 

● Give every performance 100%! Performances are your chance to show everyone what you have been working so hard for 

Costume Conditions 

● If for some reason you chose not to perform, you Costume Deposit is non-refundable 

● You will be given your costume before Dress Rehearsals - please take it home and try it on. We want to make sure your comfortable so that you look and feel great 

● After you have tried on your costume, please do not wear your costume until Dress Rehearsals - this will ensure your costume is kept clean and damage free 

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● Do not wash your costume (unless wash instructions have been given) ● Ensure you have the correct shoes for your class ● If your costume is too small or too big, alert UAC management. You may be 

required to make small adjustments and amendments to ensure your costume fits the best it possibly can 

 

TBANK DETAILS S 

If for any reason you need to access to the UAC bank details please see below: 

Account Name: Urban Arts Centre BSB: 062 948 Acc Number: 2211 7853 

 

TADDITIONAL NOTES FOR PARENTS S 

 

Encouragement & Support  

If there is one thing UAC can ask of the parents and guardians of the students, please encourage your children to work hard and try their best!  

It is very easy nowadays for kids to be caught in self doubt and disbelief. Encourage your kids to make dance their happy place. Ensure your children are not bullying others, encouragement and support only! 

Communication  

It is not a requirement however, we do request that you stay a part of our mailing list. Our bulk mailing system Flodesk may go to your Junk mail. Please ensure you check this regularly if you haven’t found anything from us in your inbox. UAC will always update through emails any upcoming events or notes that you need to be made aware of.  

We will also email Timetables, schedules, performance updates and more. We will do our best to send larger bulk emails instead of many small emails as we understand constant email updates are annoying!  

Please also keep up to date with our website and Studio Manual. 

UAC also has Facebook and Instagram. We will update our social media profiles also, but all important information will be emailed. If you choose to follow us on social media, or your kids do, we ask that our social media is full of positivity. UAC have zero tolerance of online bullying.  

 

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Studio Rules 

If you do choose to drop your children and leave them unattended, we ask that this is only done 5 - 10 minutes before class. Please encourage your children to follow the Studio Rules and Respect so that when they are unattended, they are abiding by what UAC Rules. 

Complaints 

If there is a reason that you feel the need to make a complaint, we ask that this is all done via email so that there is a record of conversation and record of the complaint.  

UAC appreciates all positive and constructive feedback, but we do ask that if you do have an issue with a teacher, or a parent/student, please do not publicly shame them. Contact us at enquiries@urbanartscentre.com so that the issue can be resolved quickly and professionally. 

 

TGUEST TEACHERS, OPEN CLASSES & WORKSHOPS S 

 Guest Teachers  

At times, UAC may have Guest Teachers who come to the studio for either regular classes, solo work or other open workshops. Open workshops may be available for students who do not attend UAC. This will be on a first in best dressed basis if this is the case. 

We ask that if Guest Teachers do come to UAC that you respect their privacy and boundaries that may be in place. 

Open Classes & Workshops  

Open Classes and Workshops may also be available to students who do not attend UAC. Booking or enrolment forms for any open class or workshops will be emailed out or posted on our social media platforms. Open Classes and Workshops have the same guidelines and Terms & Conditions in place as to what is outlined within this manual. 

 

 

 

It is important that you familiarise yourself with this Manual and check it regularly for updates. The most recent version of the Manual will always be available on the Website.   

Upon completing your Enrolment with UAC, you agree to all the conditions outlined in this Manual. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of our Directors. 

You can email enquires@urbanartscentre.com for the most recent copy of this manual 

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at anytime, or to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.