DETAILED Info for Parents / guardians

• General School Policies

• Communications

• JMDS Teachers

• Contacting Miss Hollie

• Head Girl / Boy

• Student Teachers

• JMDS Choreography Competition

• Presentation Day & Shows

• Group Dances

• Exams

• Badges

• Fees deadlines

• French Ballet Terms

Uniform policy 

After attending your trials and signing up to JMDS you will be expected to wear the correct dance uniform. To ensure health and safety during lessons, students should not wear jewellery, and should tie their hair back (in a classical bun for ballet). Chewing gum is not allowed during lessons. 

Arrival for class policy 

Students have breaks and sometimes get dropped off early and like to wait before their lessons start. We are happy for this to continue, as long as parents understand that we are not responsible for students during this time. We would advise that younger students are not left by themselves during break times or when being dropped off early for class. JMDS is not responsible for any items or valuables during lesson times. 

Collecting your child

Parents/carers must come into the waiting areas to collect children age 12 and under. Young children will not be allowed to walk out into the car park by themselves; it is also not the responsibility of assistant teachers to walk students to the car parks. 

Possible bad weather disruptions or cancellation of classes

In the event of bad weather, we will decide as early as possible whether to cancel classes. Notices will be sent out via the Class Manager app, and on the school Facebook and Instagram. The above procedure will also apply if lessons are cancelled for any other reason. Any cancelled classes will be made up at the end of term where possible. Please note if classes are cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, they may not be made up.

Complaints procedure

Every parent / carer has the right to politely complain and Miss Hollie will do her utmost to ensure disagreements and misunderstandings are amicably resolved. Disagreements with the way JMDS is run are unfortunate (and, thankfully, very rare), but ultimately Miss Hollie’s decisions are final. Abuse and rudeness will not be tolerated. Miss Hollie reserves the right to refuse custom.

Attending other dance schools

Students coming from other dance schools will be assessed in their trial lessons to determine what grade/s they should be in. Once students are accepted it is on condition that they do not attend another dancing school. This is to avoid conflict of interest. After consultation with Miss Hollie, students are very welcome to take outside classes, such as associate programmes, competitions, outside performances, auditions, professional engagements, summer/Easter schools or workshops. Students should not take outside dancing exams, competitions or workshops without prior consultation. If your child’s commitments to another dance establishment start to conflict with the ethos of or events at JMDS, your child will be asked to consider giving up lessons at one of these establishments. 

DBS

If you wish to see copies of the principal’s or teachers’ DBS checks, please ask.

Waiting areas

All people using the waiting areas must show respect to other members of JMDS. Please ensure that your conversations are child friendly – no student should overhear bad language or swearing. Please note that waiting areas are for students and their parents/carers only.

Payment policy

How to pay for classes 

Bank transfer with the invoice number or students name(s).

We also welcome cash payments and offer payment plans.

Half a term’s notice must be given to cancel any classes or half a term’s fees will be due.

 When to pay for classes 

1. Classes should be paid for at the beginning of term when you receive your invoice or within the first two weeks of term, otherwise 10% is added to your invoice as a late fee.

2. Fees are not refundable, but specific situations will be subject to discretion.

Absence 

If you miss lesson(s) you will be charged for the full amount of the classes missed. If your child has poor attendance they may not be entered for exams or performances, or will be asked to learn from a video or have their space in formations moved.

 Illness 

If a child is ill and not able to dance, please do not send them to class. Due to Health and Safety and the health of other students, students who are ill will not be allowed to watch the class. If a child becomes too ill to dance during a lesson, we will phone their parent/guardian and they will need to be collected as soon as possible.

If your child is injured (for example broken arm, sprained ankle) the students are very welcome to watch the class, especially if it is a competition or exam class. However, this needs to be discussed with Miss Hollie prior to the lesson. 

 Guidance and policy for unsupervised children

 What age can children be left unsupervised at dance (including classes, exams, shows or other events run by JMDS)? 

• The NSPCC recommends that all children under 13 years be supervised by their parent, carer or guardian as they may not be mature enough to handle emergencies or difficult situations. However, the GOV.UK website clarifies that the law is not specific on this.

• It is a parent’s decision as to what age they allow their child to attend dance venues unsupervised.  

JMDS policy on unsupervised children 

• Children in lessons are under the care and supervision of the teacher and or any other cover teacher / student helper.

• Children who have breaks between classes or wait for classes to start are NOT under the supervision or responsibility of the dance school. Children under the age of 12 years should be supervised during any break times when taking dance classes. It is the parent’s responsibility to put plans into place to find suitable supervision during break times, and the child should be informed of this.

• At dance events like shows and performances JMDS will ensure all children are supervised by the correct number of chaperones backstage. These chaperones will have attended an in-house meeting and be aware of the dance school’s policy regarding supervising children.

• At other dance events, e.g., exams, children under the age of 13 should be supervised by an adult.
  • At JMDS we follow the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) Professional Code of Conduct.

• All notices are emailed and will appear on the Class Manager app.
• The best source of information is this website, which is updated regularly. 

• All teachers have their own teaching style. Occasionally we may need to use stand-in teachers. Students and parents alike should treat all teachers politely and with respect.  
•  Teachers have discretion over whether and when a child will take exams and progress to the next class.  
•  Under traditional class etiquette, teachers are addressed by all pupils as "Miss" and then their first name, eg. Miss Hollie, Miss Emma, etc.

• Parents can call or email misshollie@jmdancingschool.com if they wish to discuss any matter.
• My office hours are from 9.30-4pm, Monday-Friday. I will respond to voice messages as promptly as possible.  

•  The Head Student of the school is an advanced all-rounder who is able to give teachers support and help whenever needed.  
•  The Head Student, always chosen by Miss Hollie, will be a student teacher and a representative for other pupils.  
•  The Head Student's parents should be fully supportive of the school and of their child's position. 

• Some pupils may take on the role of ‘student teacher’ under the direction of Miss Hollie.

• Takes place annually in November.
• Any of our students can enter by choreographing a composition for themselves or for another child / group at the school. Sections are the same as for the British Arts Awards.
• Medals are awarded to each child in a duet or solo. Students in group items may purchase medals. A trophy is awarded to the highest scoring composition choreographed for someone else / a group.
• Items can be entered for The British Arts Awards.

• Full-length ballets and musicals may be staged in the summer every other year. Shows entail many hours’ preparation and full-day rehearsals ahead of show dates. Full commitment is expected on these days from all students: all rehearsals must be attended. This ensures a professional, slick production.
• Presentation Day is held annually in late June/early July. This entails a first half of invited performances, followed by a second half Grande Finale when every student appears on stage in uniform. For many, it’s the highlight of the year. Over 80 cups and trophies are awarded for the students’ work during the year. It is expected that every student, from Baby to Advanced, is present. Even the youngest win awards!

• Group dances for shows and competitions are choreographed based on the full class of students. Once choreography has started, a commitment by all students is required and expected.
• Inclusion in group items for the British Arts Awards is by invitation only. The selection process depends on suitability to the chosen genre, age (entrants may not collectively exceed a certain age limit), height (students are often grouped together for uniformity), and willingness to commit long-term to the full rehearsal schedule.

• We follow the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) syllabi for ballet & tap and Grade 5+ in modern, and the British Arts Association syllabi for drama, musical theatre and modern medal tests. 
• Uniform is required for ISTD exams, as well as pink canvas ballet shoes.
• Exam success generally dictates whether children progress into the next class.
• Pupils will be entered for an exam at Miss Hollie’s and teachers' discretion.

• Please read the terms of payment below to avoid late payment surcharge and non-notification charges.
• All fees are due on the first lesson of term or during the first two weeks if given to a teacher or posted.
• An extra charge of 10% of total fees is payable on fees which are not in the office by the third Monday of term.
• It is your responsibility to ensure payment reaches Miss Hollie in time, otherwise the 10% will be added. You accept the responsibility for this extra charge by your child attending classes at JMDS. No exceptions can be made on the surcharge.
• Please ensure that any cash is put in an envelope with your child’s name on it.
• Please note that Miss Hollie requires one month’s notice in writing if a student no longer wants the class place, as per your child’s registration form. You will be subject to half a term’s fees should this notice not be given.
• Notice must not be given verbally to teachers – it must be in writing to Miss Hollie please.

General

DEVANT (d'von) - in front
DERRIERE (derry-air) - behind
DE COTE (d'cotay) - to the side
EN AVANT (on av-on) - forwards
EN ARRIERE (on arry-air) - backwards
EN FACE (on fass) - facing the front
CROISE (cwoz-ay) - crossed
OUVERT (oovair) - open
ADAGE (add-ahj) - slow, sustained movement
ALLEGRO (al-leg-gro) - lively, jumping movement
BRAS (brah) - arms
DEMI (demmy) - half
DESSOUS (UNDER) (d'soo) - front to back
DESSUS (OVER) (d'su) - back to front
PETIT (petty) - small
GRAND (grond) - big
A TERRE (a tair) - on the ground
EN L'AIR (on lair) - in the air
 

Grade 1

PLIE (plee-ay) - a bend of two knees
BATTMENTS TENDUS (battmon tondoo) - to point or to stretch
EN CROIX (on cwah) - in the shape of a cross
GRANDS BATTMENTS (grond battmon) - big and beaten
RETIRE (r'teer-ray) - to withdraw or draw up
PORTS DE BRAS (por d'brah) - carriage of the arms
CHASSEE (shassay) - to slide
DEGAGE (d'gah-jay) - to disengage
POSE (posay) - to step
SAUTE (so-tay) - to jump
PETITS JETES (petty jettay) - little springs
TEMPSLEVE (tom lev-ay) - to hop
CHANGEMENT (shonj-mon) - jump changing feet

Recognise, clap and know the time signatures of:
POLKA 2/4
WALTZ 3/4
MARCH 4/4

Grade 2

RONDS DE JAMBE (ron d'jomb) - round of the leg
A TERRE (a tair) - on the ground
EN DEHORS (on de-or) - outwards
EN DEDANS (on de-don) - inwards
ASSEMBLE (assomblay) - to assemble
SOUTENU (soo-ten-oo) - to sustain
RELEVE (rell-ev-ay) - to pull up or snatch
CROISE (cwozzay) - crossed
OUVERT (oovair) - open
EN FACE (on fass) - facing the front
EN L'AIR (on lair) - in the air
DEMI-DETOURNE (demmy d'tornay) - half a turn
JETE (jettay) - to throw
GLISSADE (gleess-ahd) - to glide
PAS DE CHAT (pa d'sha') - step of a cat
ECHAPPE (ay-shap-ay) - to escape

Recognise & clap:
SEMIBREVES (4 beats) MINIMS (2 beats) CROTCHETS (1 beat) QUAVERS (½ beat)