2024 Prospectus

Thank you for your interest in joining Branches Performing Arts family in 2024. We are thrilled that you are considering joining us as we celebrate a decade of dance. We pride ourselves on providing a high standard of dance education both in person and through our Distance Dance program online. We strive to provide an inclusive and nurturing environment for all students and families by working together to create a positive studio culture. By choosing Branches Performing Arts, your family will be warmly welcomed into a network of students, parents, teachers and mentors who share the love of dance. 

We want to make your overall experience with our studio pleasant and memorable; our studio guidelines are in place to ensure that our students are empowered and inspired. Contained in the following pages are guidelines concerning attire, class placement, behaviour expectations. We have tried to give you as much information as possible so you will know what is required of both you and your child as we begin a new dancing year together. Please feel free to ask us questions if there is something you do not understand. Please do not hesitate to contact the director, Amy Tinning if there is a problem. You can contact Miss Amy via mobile 0418194863 or via e-mail branches.performingarts@outlook.com.au (we will respond within 3-5 working days during office hours 9:00am to 2:00pm). 

Branches Performing Arts offers premium quality training to dance students in person in Cloncurry, Julia Creek, Richmond and Barcaldine on a weekly basis. As well as Winton, Longreach, and Mt Isa & through our online 'Distance Dance' program, which involves pop-up in person workshops on a regular basis. 

Our 2024 timetable is built around a huge variety of classes and a NEW class levelling structure that is tailored to the needs of our students, along with both in person and online options. The NEW class levelling will ensure student progression across all ages and ambitions. Our students can also look forward to opportunities to perform, build confidence and experience the rush of performing. Preparations for performances will commence at the end of Term 1. We encourage all members to join at the start of Term 1 to maximise their dance training and preparedness for class reviews and performances. 

Further modifications are being made in 2024 to accommodate the growth of Branches Performing Arts dance family, as well as Principal Teacher Amy Tinning's family. Ms Tinning is relocating to the Darling Downs and will manage the dance studio externally, making visits to the Northern studio's throughout the year. We will be welcoming more staff members across both the teaching faculty and admin team. Please keep an eye on our social media and website for incoming updates regarding new staff, classes and other changes in 2024. 

In 2024 Miss Hillary will be joining our teaching faculty, being based in Julia Creek as the North West Studio manager, running our Cloncurry, Richmond and Julia Creek studios. Miss Hillary’s dance experience is well rounded with a decade of training behind her in: Tap, RAD Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary and Hip-Hop.

Miss Hillary has built her dance knowledge upon the solid foundations instilled by her Brisbane based studio. She is passionate about inspiring the next generation of regional dancers and looks forward to offering her knowledge, energy and enthusiasm to our in person students.

In 2024 all of our ballet students will learn the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus. The option to sit the formal examination will be offered to students who have the desire to work towards preparing. We believe it is important for our students to set an attainable goal and all will be encouraged to take part in our in house assessments. 

Our entire team of qualified, skilled and experienced teachers are passionate about catering to a wide range of abilities & ambitions. Please subscribe to our website and follow our social media to stay up to date with important updates.
 

2024 Term Dates:

Please note you will need to refer to the current timetable listed on our website for dates when classes have been cancelled. 

Other important dates:

Uniform pre-order for Term 1 delivery cut-off 4th December.

Admin closure 8th Dec 2023 to 10th January 2024.

Enrolments Open 9:30am 17th Jan 2024.

Virtual Open Day/Info Session online 18th Jan 2024 11:00am to 12:00pm. 

NEW class levelling structure 

Check out this guide for Cloncurry/Distance Dance/Barcaldine and Julia Creek/Richmond to see what classes your child can do, based on their age. 

VENUE'S & ZOOM ID's

All class venues are listed on the timetable. 

JULIA CREEK 44 Burke Street, BPA Studio
RICHMOND Goldring St, Richmond Shire Council Hall
BARCALDINE Dance Hall @ Barcaldine State School
CLONCURRY Cloncurry Shire Council Community precinct 
WINTON TBA
MOUNT ISA TBA
LONGREACH TBA
GEORGE TOWN Sports Centre

DISTANCE DANCE

Click here to view Zoom ID's for your childs' teachers for their respective classes. 

 

ZOOM CLASS DELIVERY

All classes will be delivered via Zoom to you from your chosen location (hired studio or home space). Please ensure that you have a clear safe space to dance, free of hazards, distractions and obstacles. If participating in the family lounge room we would appreciate if siblings and extended friends and family aren't present in order to reduce distractions.

Each lesson a role will be marked and only those who have finalised their registration paperwork and fees will have access to the online training.

Prior to lessons starting please be sure to download Zoom & log on for classes 5-10 min prior to the start of class.

NOTE: Please Zoom the respective teacher for each class as listed on the timetable.

DISTANCE DANCE class times are all listed on the timetable listed on our website.


USING ZOOM

While we appreciate that this may be an entirely new program for some of you, we kindly ask that you take some time to familiarise yourselves with the program before classes commence. To allow the classes to run smoothly we ask that you please read through the following Zoom guidelines:

• Our teachers would prefer if all students could add their name in Zoom to enable them to put names to faces more easily. You can do this once you have entered the Zoom session.

• If possible, we would like for the camera to be set up so that students are viewed from side on when completing barre work and from the front for centre work.

• While classes are running in Zoom we would appreciate if you could please use gallery view, so that you can see the teacher and participants.

• We kindly ask that you mute the microphone during all classes unless you are asking a question.

• Please make sure to log on a few minutes prior to the class start time so that you are prepared for the commencement of the class.

• If you have the Zoom application, please make sure that it is updated to the latest version.

• If for any reason your Zoom account removes you from a class, please make sure to shut Zoom and turn your device off and on again before trying to re-enter the session.

For more information on how to use gallery view in Zoom or other FAQs about the program, please visit their website at the link: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en- us/articles/360000005883-Displaying-participants-in-Gallery-View

Tips: We usually find Zoom to be most effective when the laptop or steaming device is connected to your TV. This can be easily done in most cases via a HDMI cord.

Here's how to connect your laptop to your TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=s532CgZNrMg

This is not essential however we find this enhances the experience as it increases the size of the view and improves the volume for dancers learning via zoom. We  have been running our Distance Dance program via Zoom with great success for the past few years. We have added many new classes in 2024, class descriptions can be found on the NEW parent portal. 

Concert Performance Dates:

To celebrate our 10th Anniversary in 2024 we will bring all students who wish to perform together in Julia Creek to host one major performance 23rd November 2024 (date TBC). All students from all studio locations will be encouraged and invited to take part in the major performance held in Julia Creek. All students will be given the opportunity to showcase their end of year routines locally also in an intimate and more casual class showing at their final scheduled class of the year. Further details will be released regarding our end of year performance options throughout the year. 

 

UNIFORM

In 2022 we updated our uniform and school colours to Navy Blue/Nude Gold/White. Our NEW uniform pieces are all be made by Brisbane based dance wear supplier, 'Reedle Dance wear' who specialise in making premium quality dance wear and costumes.

All students* are required to wear the correct uniform and shoes to all classes. Over the past 24 month period, we have transitioned from the old uniform to the new uniform. Old uniforms will no longer be permitted to be worn in 2024. 

How to order:

'Reedle' are the supplier of all uniform pieces, Branches Performing Arts will be the distributer of uniform pieces in 2024.

To order your childs' dance supplies (excluding dace shoes) in 2024 you will be able to do so directly through 'One Stop Shop' on our general website. 

Pre-loved uniforms can be found and sold via the BPA-BUY-SWAP-SELL group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/217914745781111/?ref=share_group_link 

 

DANCE SUPPLIES (Tights + Bags)

You can now pre-order all of your dance supplies including; uniforms, tights and dance bags through Branches Performing Arts online shop. Pre-ordering is essential. You can source your childs' dance shoes through a dance shop of your choice.

Second hand dance wear and shoes may also be sourced through:

BPA BUY-SWAP-SELL: Facebook group with pre-loved dance shoes and BPA Uniform Items.

UNIFORM LIST:

Flip ‘n’ Flex:

- BPA Leotard or BPA crop-top or BPA camisole top, with BPA Bike Shorts or full length leggings

- Tan tights (optional) or bare legs in class

- NO shoes

 

Contemporary:

- BPA Navy Leotard or BPA crop-top or BPA camisole top, with BPA Bike Shorts or full length leggings

- Tan tights (optional) or bare legs in class

- NO shoes

 

Jazz:

- BPA Navy Leotard or BPA crop-top or BPA camisole top, with BPA Bike Shorts or full length leggings

- Tan tights (optional) or bare legs in class

- Tan Jazz Shoes (Capezio)

 

Tap:

- BPA Navy Leotard or BPA crop-top or BPA camisole top, with BPA Bike Shorts or full length leggings

- Tan tights (optional) or bare legs in class

- Black Tap Shoes (Capezio)

 

Hip-Hop:

- Any BPA uniform pieces. We recommend one of our loose fitting styles of shirts and shorts.

- Tan tights (optional) or bare legs in class

- Black joggers or canvas lace up shoes (from Kmart or Big W)

 

Ballet:

- BPA Navy leotard

- Pink Tights (not optional)

- Pink split sole canvas or leather ballet shoes (no ribbons)

 

Dance Club:

- BPA Navy leotard 

- BPA Shorts, Skorts or Skirt

- Pink tights (optional)

- Pink split sole canvas or leather ballet shoes (no ribbons)

 

Boys (all classes):

- BPA Uniform T-shirt

- Navy shorts

- Respective shoes for the style

 

FEES & CHARGES

Group Classes

All fees (online & in person) are calculated individually per student. Class fees are to be paid for at the commencement of the Term. Prices listed do not include GST or 4% transaction fee applied to fees via the online store. 

$12 per (30min) lesson

$15 per (45min) lesson 

$17 per (1 hr) lesson

$20 per casual class or specialty class or casual/trial class

All students are required to pay an annual registration fee of $50 per child. There is one non-refundable fee per student, per year. Register by 26th January 2024, to avoid late enrolment fees of $75 per student, per year. This fee is to cover increased running costs associated with admin, insurance and music licence fees.

Trial Classes

Not sure which class your child should take? Classes can be trialled once at $20.00 per class. No registration fee required.

 

BARCALDINE STUDIO FEES:

All classes are taught by student teacher, Hannah Gronold and are therefore offered at a discounted rate of $5 per class (plus $10 admin fee per style, per student, per term). Tuition fees must be finalised prior to the start of term via our website (no cash payments accepted). Tuition fees are non-refundable (unless cancelled by Branches Performing Arts). As Hannah is a student teacher, an adult will also be present at the time of classes. 

Private Coaching/E-Team
Students who wish to do Royal Academy of Dance Ballet Exams or compete in the eisteddfod in a solo, duo or group dance will require private coaching. All students who receive private coaching wishing to compete must also take our Body Conditioning classes & be studying ballet. This applies to BPA students & non BPA students. All coaching students (BPA students & non BPA students) will also be required to pay an annual E-Team registration fee of $150 payable at the start of the dance year. This fee covers the cost of time and resources put into: music selection, costume design, music licensing, travel, in some cases accommodation and coaching at the comp/exam. Price does not include GST.

$70 per hour (solo) or $120 per hour non BPA student

$60 per hour ONLINE $110 per hour non BPA student

$80 per hour (duo) $130 per hour non BPA students

​$90 per hour (3+ group) $150 per hour non BPA students

This rate will be charged according to the time and number of people in the private lesson. There has been an increase in private lesson fees in 2024 for non BPA students inline with standard industry rates, based on quality and experience.

Private Coaching Booking Process:
Contact Amy Tinning direct via the parent portal or studio e-mail to schedule lessons. This year students wishing to book private coaching will need to pursue their bookings as per availability. Students who have pre-arranged a permanent private lesson booking will have their lessons listed on the timetable. Casual private lessons can be arranged as per availability. 

NEW Parent Portal + BPA Studio App (coming soon)
To accommodate the growth of the studio and to improve efficiency and ease when signing on for dance in 2024 we have made major changes to the sign on process. Once you have read and agreed to the information and terms and conditions outlined in this package you will need to complete the online enrolment process via the NEW parent portal.

We trust that you will enjoy our innovative approach to dance classes and studio management. The parent portal allows you to:
1. View classes enrolled in, plus the timetable
2. Make payment for tuition fees
3. View and print statements
4. Update your account information
5. Notify class absence

To register for your child/children for classes follow the prompts. The system will calibrate your childs' information to display what classes your child/children are eligible for. You will also find class descriptions for each class on the NEW parent portal. 

Please register your EOI to receive notification when official registrations for 2024 open via the NEW BPA parent portal. NOTE: EOI do not equate to officially enrolling your child. You must complete the enrolment process via the parent portal. 

PAYMENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Tuition fees are payable via the BPA Studio App. However if you receive an invoice from us or attend any classes with us please make payment by the due date. 

"Prompt payment of fees is greatly appreciated. A late fee of 10% may be charged to accounts not paid for up to 15 days after fees are due (unless prior arrangements have been made). No refunds or credits will be given to classes not attended. If you would like to discontinue any classes, please give notification prior to the beginning of the term. Once classes have commenced, fees for the total number of classes enrolled are due and payable."

For your convenience, you can pay your tuition online with a credit card, debit card, or direct debt. Tuition fees are no longer sent out via pay pal to the email, you must finalise tuition fees via our online shop. The information on enrolment form is assumed as being valid for the entire year, unless we are otherwise advised of changes. Payment Terms are clearly stated above & in the enrolment agreement and must be respected. In the case that the payment terms are abused and continually dishonoured students enrolment may be declined in these circumstances.

 

Concert/Costume/Payments

It is assumed that all students take part in the end of year concert, unless otherwise stated. It is recommended that students who wish to take part in the concert are enrolled for the entire year. Students are allowed to attend classes and not take part in the concert, however the end of year performance is a real highlight and we strongly encourage participation.

 

Payment of costumes for the concert is an essential part of being involved in the end of year performance. Each costume per style is estimated to cost between $70-$140, with correct stockings, shoes, hair & make-up supplies being required also. Please consider your ability to manage this expense when signing up to Branches Performing Arts.

 

Extra rehearsals are also part of being involved in the end of year concert. These are charged to term fees in term 4, in accordance to your child’s enrolment. For example, if your child is enrolled in 3 styles of dance, each style is charged at $10 per style = $30 per additional rehearsal. Typically there are 2x stage rehearsals and 2x dress rehearsals in the in the lead up to the concert. More rehearsals may be required at the discretion of the teacher.

 

The students work very hard each year to present their final show. We ask that parents be as supportive as possible during this process. We try very hard to start rehearsals on time and end on time- we can only do this with your complete cooperation. 

 

Class Placement

Our new studio management software will allocate students in their respective classes in the most appropriate class based on age and ability level. Sometimes after beginning class it may be necessary to move a student to a different class to better meet his or her needs. We will discuss the potential move with the parents and try our best to accommodate personal schedules. We want your child to benefit from the dance education you are paying for, therefore we need to make sure they are in a class that allows them to excel.

 

Class Transfer/Withdraw

If for some reason at any time during the dance season it is necessary for your dancer to be transferred to another class or withdrawn from class, suitable arrangements will be made to transfer classes. In the case of a withdrawal after the term has already commenced, you will be responsible for any and all charges incurred on your account (including costumes & extra rehearsals). All classes cancelled by Branches Performing Arts will be fully refunded/credited.

 

Class Etiquette

Dance class is like any other structured learning environment. We expect all students to behave with a level of self-control and respect that is appropriate for their age. Students are expected to arrive on time, be properly attired and ready to learn.

 

Students will be verbally corrected when necessary and will only be asked to leave class if they use vulgar language, refuse to cooperate with the teacher , or become physically or verbally abusive to the teacher or other students. Also, only students enrolled and paying for a class can participate in a class.

 

Please do not let siblings, friends, etc. go in the dance room unless it is their scheduled class. No one has permission to run the music or assist in a class unless Miss Amy has hired them to do so. Extra people in the dance classroom is distracting and takes class time and teacher attention away from those students who are paying for the class. No electronic devices are allowed in the dance room during class time, with the exception of a recording device to support independent practice.

 

Studio Rules

Please no food, drink, gum or lollies inside the dance area/studio space. No street shoes are allowed on the dance floors in an effort to keep it clean and safe for our dancers. All dancers regardless of age must wait inside the studio for for collection by their parent or guardian. This policy applies to all dancers. This is for everyone’s safety since the street can become busy during pick-up times.

Before Class

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early, and begin warming up your body as you need.

• Be dressed and ready for class, as per the dress code

• Please do not do your hair during class; have your hair ready before class, and make sure it is well secured.

• Use the bathroom and hydrate yourself before class.

• Remove street shoes before entering the studio space, and do not wear your dance shoes outside.

• Make sure your dance bag and clothing are ready prior to arriving at the studio.

 

Waiting Area Etiquette

Since we want your time spent at the studio to be as pleasant as possible, we ask that noise be kept to a minimum in the waiting area. Food & Drink may be consumed in the waiting areas, provided that rubbish and scraps are thrown in the bin or taken away from the premises upon leaving. Please also be advised the waiting room is a shared space for all dancers and their parents, so please be respectful of your property and others’. Also be advised that the studio gets very busy during the week. There are many cars entering and leaving the parking area; therefore the foot path and street is not a safe place for children of any age to play. We love our dancers and their families and want to keep everyone safe.

 

After Class

• Always leave the studio clean and organised, as you found it.

• Always put rubbish and extra equipment (stretch bands, matts etc) where they belong.

• Wait patiently if you need to speak to the teacher after class, call or email asking for a convenient time for them to talk.

 

Class Observation Policy

We want you to be involved in your child’s dance education as much as possible, and we want you to feel you are getting a good value for your money. In order to accomplish this, we have an open-door policy for all classes. However we discourage disruptions to class, so therefore do not advocate that parents, family and friends attend classes. Children learn best without an audience during classes. 

 

Sick Or Injured

• If possible, attend class. Sitting down to observe the class.

• If student is injured, let your teacher know immediately and take advice on what to do or not do.

• If you are too sick to attend, please advise the teacher.

 

 

Thank-You

• Always thank your teacher after receiving every correction or compliment.

• Always thank your teacher after class.

 

Contact

Please direct all correspondence to Principal Teacher Amy Tinning, via phone, email or parent portal. Please do not communicate with any teachers with regards to dance via private messenger on their personal Facebook messenger. We wish to track and keep dance related corespondents clear and organised, communicating via the specified channels will assist us to do so. 

We are easily contactable via our BPA studio Facebook/Instagram pages, phone & email. M: 0418194863

E: branches.performingarts@outlook.com.au

Office hours are 9:00am to 2:00pm Mon to Fri during school term. 

 REGISTER HERE