At DMTA, we’ve crafted an environment that goes beyond teaching dance and musical theatre – we foster a community where individuals thrive.
We invite your child to step into a space that is safe, supportive, and empowering,designedtocatertothediverseneedsandtalentsofeachstudent, irrespective of their background or abilities Our commitment is to provide an inclusiveplatformwhereeveryonecandiscoverandnurturetheirpassionforthe performingarts.
DMTA is more than just a place to learn dance and musical theatre; it’s a welcominghomeforcreativity,growth,andself-empowerment Recognizingthe uniquenessofeverystudent,wearededicatedtofosteringanenvironmentthat valuesdiversityandembracesindividuality
With a wide range of genres, comprehensive training programmes, and engagingclasses,DMTAtrulyhassomethingforeveryone
With a deep commitment to nurturing both technique and creativity, our staff focuses on helping every student reach their full potential, whether they're just beginning or refining advanced skills. Each member brings their unique style, from classical ballet to contemporary dance, musical theatre, and acro, creating a
THE DETAILS
We encourage you to explore this handbook carefully, as it serves as your comprehensive guide to the terms, procedures, and expectations relevant to your DMTA enrolment Within these pages, you will find valuable information that empowers both prospective and current students to make informed decisions about their enrolment Gain insights into what is anticipated from you, what you can anticipate from us, and the variety of offerings at RGS DMTA
3
Enrolment at DMTA is based on class availability and a minimum age requirement of 3 years Once online registration is complete, and a trial class conducted, official admission to the Academy will be confirmed.
1. The Head of the Academy will provide recommendations for your child's enrolment in classes, considering factors such as their previous experience, skill level, and the trial class they have undertaken. 2
Students are not permitted to learn dance from any other teacher or dance school while enrolled at DMTA.
Some classes may not be offered until an appropriate number of students have enrolled in the class In this instance, students will be placed on a waiting list, and then notified when the class becomes available.
4. Where there are less than 3 students in a class, the class will be charged at a higher rate to cover the cost of our teachers, facility and the class 5 ENROLMENT
Fees at DMTA are assessed on a quarterly (term) basis and are issued at the commencement of each term. Additional charges for extra rehearsals, examinations, costumes, and seminars will be itemised and invoiced accordingly 1 All invoices are to be settled by the specified due date. 2. If an invoice is not settled by the commencement of a new term, the student will not be able to attend. 3
Classes not attended will still be paid for by the parent of the student. The student may wish to attend another class in lieu of the class missed To do this, the parent must inform the Head of DMTA about which class this will be. Students who constantly do not attend performance, examination or competition rehearsal classes will jeopardise their position in such endeavours.
Members of the Academy shall attend all classes and rehearsals unless the teacher is notified of the absence. Prior notice would be appreciated, especially for pre-known absences
THE DETAILS
ROUTINES AND PERFORMANCES
All dance routines and music arrangements (solos, duos, trios, groups) remain the property of The Rockhampton Grammar School. The Academy has no objections to students purchasing individual routines from outside choreographers, as long as the Head of DMTA has been informed in advance and has given permission for this to occur.
Members are obliged to gain permission from the Head of DMTA for the performing of any piece of work outside the studio at events such as eisteddfods, concerts, afternoon teas, fundraising events etc
UNIFORM STANDARDS
Members are required to adhere to the Academy’s dress regulations, donning the appropriate dance attire for every class, workshop, seminar, and rehearsal. Additionally, students are expected to proudly wear the Academy uniform when commuting to and from class and while representing the Academy Please see the uniform page for all details
No photography or filming shall be taken at the Academy’s rehearsal venues without the express permission of the Head of DMTA or the teacher of the class This includes sharing any videos or photos of students, parents or staff on Facebook, Instagram and other social networking sites, if these are taken within the school and its rehearsal venues. 1 In general, students are not permitted to use mobile phones whilst at the DMTA.
For the smooth running of the Academy and the opportunity for every student to access professional tuition in a safe, encouraging and family orientated environment, failure to meet the regulations may lead to termination of enrolment.
CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
Academy members, including both students and parents, must always show respect to peers, parents, and teachers in and outside the classroom, including public areas and performance venues The Academy values disciplined behaviour, and its reputation relies on the exemplary conduct of everyone on and off stage. This expectation applies online, and any negative content on social media platforms reflecting poorly on the Academy is not allowed.
The Academy, in collaboration with families, aims to instil good character and self-discipline Toachievethis,certainrulesareinplace:
1
2
Members must adhere to common sense, good manners, and decency
Any behaviourcontrarytotheseprinciplesisnotallowed.
The rules apply to DMTA members during classes, both on and off-campus, andwhenrepresentingtheAcademyinanycapacity whetherinuniformor recognisedasamember
3.
Members must show respect to all staff at The Rockhampton Grammar School
5
4PersonalappearanceshouldmeetDMTAdressstandards. . Students are not allowed to possess or be affected by tobacco, alcohol, or anyprohibitedsubstances.
Attendance is expected at all classes and rehearsals Failure to attend rehearsals for examinations, competitions, or performances may result in losingsuchprivileges
The entire Academy community, including parents, have a responsibility to upholdthevaluesofDMTAandTheRockhamptonGrammarSchool 10
11.
Students and parents are expected to behave in a manner that enhances theirreputationandthatofDMTA,bothinsideandoutsidethedancestudio, Academyfunctions,andclasshours.
Breaches of the Terms and Conditions may lead to various consequences, includingrulereminders,verbalandwrittenapologies,withdrawalfromclasses, lossofprivileges,meetingsinvolvingthestudent,parent,teacher,andHeadof DMTA, as well as suspension or expulsion. The Head of DMTA will notify parents/guardiansofanyseriousbreach,andtheHeadmastermayrequestthe withdrawal of a student for significant violations of the Academy's Terms and Conditionsbyastudentorparent
Thislevyisdesignedtoreduceexpensesassociatedwithseminars,workshops, and incidental class items. Additionally, it covers the cost of a DMTA branded leotardforgirlsandapairofDMTAbrandedshortsforboys.
Students in the Mini Programme are not charged the DMTA levy and do not requiretheDMTAbrandedleotardorshorts
If a class has fewer than three students, and the class cannot be combined with another class, the lesson will be charged at the duo class rate If there is only one student, the private class rate will apply.
The DMTA publishes a Fee Schedule annually, detailing the amount of fees Fees are payable in advance for each term by the due date printed on the fee statement. A statement will be produced to show amounts receipted.
No student is allowed to commence a new term at the Academy while the fees for a previous term remain unpaid unless reason for non-payment has been given in writing to, and accepted by, the Board Secretary.
The School reserves the right to ask parents to withdraw a student from the Academy while the fees from the previous term remain unpaid
If parents are asked to withdraw a student from the School or the DMTA, the current term’s fees are forfeited
The cost of the collection of any money when due and payable including, but not exclusively, the fees of any mercantile agent or solicitor engaged by the School are recoverable in full from the applicant/s
OUR CLASSES
The Academy offers many classes aiming to accommodate students who are interested in dance as a recreational pursuit and those students interested in extending their skills and excelling in the various performing arts areas.
RAD CLASSICAL BALLET
From Pre-Primary to Solo Seal, the world-renowned syllabus, RAD, enhances technique and artistry. Students who are interested in classical ballet classes are required to attend both weekly classes. Students are invited to examinations when readiness is determined by the Head of DMTA
ADA JAZZ, TAP & POINTE
The dynamic syllabus lays the groundwork for a solid foundation in technique and dance knowledge Led by experienced teachers, students seamlessly progress through examinations, crafting a comprehensive dance education that goes beyond the steps infusing every move with skill and artistry
OUR CLASSES PAGE 10
MUSICAL THEATRE
Our Musical Theatre programme takes centre stage! With classes in MT Sing, MT Act, and MT Dance, students become the ultimate triple threat. Students are invited to showcase their talents at least twice a year with performances from popular musicals
JAZZ TECHNIQUE
Focusing on turns, kicks, leaps, and dynamic combinations, this class is ideal for solo, duo/trio, and group performers and students who wish to further their jazz technique
CONTEMPORARY
Combining classical ballet ideals with freedom and expression, this class emphasises floorwork and progressions across the floor
ACROBATIC ARTS
Progressing through Flexibility, Strength, Balancing, Limbering, and Tumbling, students develop from basic rolls to advanced stage-tumbling effortlessly.
HIGHLAND DANCE
We invite students to explore the rich history and technique of Highland Dance with the NDAA syllabus. From examinations to competitions and performances, our Highland Dance programme prepares dancers for a journey of skill and artistry.
OUR CLASSES
MINI MOVERS
Mini Movers is our first introduction to dance! Mini Movers allows children to have lots of fun whilst finding their creativity, learning to move their body, and finding their rhythm and balance. Our classes will encompass lots of core genres of dance like Ballet, Jazz, Rhythm work and Stretch in our exciting Mini Movers Class!
MINI GROOVERS
Our Mini Groovers programme is the next progression from Mini Movers In this progression we introduce a separate class for each discipline of dance (Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Acro) and the children start to explore each genre in more detail Our classes are designed to teach the children discipline and technique whilst having fun, being creative and learning new skills every week!
MINI SHAKERS
Our Mini Shakers programme is the last progression before the children graduate to Grade Classes. This is where we see the children’s confidence blossom, they learn exciting new combinations and gain more knowledge in their dance styles.
STRENGTH & STRETCH
Our Stretch and Strength class is a dynamic fusion of targeted stretching, and strength training crafted to support dancers in injury prevention and ensure longlasting performance longevity This class goes beyond the traditional, seamlessly blending elements to enhance flexibility, build core strength, and improve overall muscular endurance By incorporating strength principles, dancers not only refine their technique but also fortify their bodies, promoting resilience and well-being throughout their dance journey
PERFORMANCE TRAINING:
Elevate your child's dance experience with our Performance Training programme, tailored for soloists, duos/trios, and groups At DMTA, we believe in nurturing each dancer's unique artistry, and our Performance Training opportunities are designed to showcase just that Students have the chance to join our performance teams when our experienced teachers recognise their readiness for this exciting challenge
OUR CLASSES PAGE
DMTA PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS
RADClassicalBalletExaminations
Students aspiring to take RAD examinations must fulfill specific hour requirements mandated by the RAD in classical ballet, along with additional hours in various facets suggested by the syllabus
DMTA RAD examination students (Gr1 to Adv 2) arerequiredtoenrolinthefollowing:
2 x RAD Syllabus Classes
Stretch & Strength
Pre Pointe (Grade 5 only)
Pointe Extension (Int Found to Adv Found)
Advanced Open Ballet (Adv 1 & Adv 2)
PerformanceClasses
AllTeams(excludingBalletandTap)
All performance team students will be required to participate in a Jazz Technique class and a Stretch & Strength class These classes are essential for developing the technical foundation needed for competitive performances.
BalletTeams
Students will need to attend two RAD classes per week in addition to Stretch & Strength
TapTeams
Students will be required to participate in a Tap class along with the Stretch & Strength class
OUR CLASSES
DMTARECOMMENDEDCLASSPLANS
MiniMovers (KindyAge)
1xMiniMovers
1xMiniAcrobaticArts
MiniShakers (SchoolYear1)
2xMiniShakersBallet (RADPrimaryBallet)
1xMiniShakersJazz
1xMiniShakersTap
1xMiniAcrobaticArts
IntermediateProgramme (SchoolYear5-8)
2xRADGr4-IntFBallet
1xADAGr1-Gr3Jazz
1xADAGr1-Gr3Tap
1xJuniorJazzTechnique
1xJuniorAcrobaticArts
1xJuniorStretch&Strength
MiniGroovers (PrepAge)
1xMiniGrooversBallet (RADPre-PrimaryBallet)
1xMiniGrooversJazz
1xMiniGrooversTap
1xMiniAcrobaticArts
JuniorProgramme (SchoolYear1-4)
2xRADGr1-Gr3Ballet
1xADAGr1-Gr3Jazz
1xADAGr1-Gr3Tap
1xJuniorJazzTechnique
1xJuniorAcrobaticArts
1xJuniorStretch&Strength
SeniorProgramme (SchoolYear9-12)
2xRADInt-Advanced2Ballet
1xADABronzeStarBarToGoldStarJazz
1xADABronzeStarBarToGoldStarTap
1xSeniorAcrobaticArts
1xSeniorContemporary
1xPointeExtension (IntF-AdvFRADonly)
1xAdvancedOpenBallet(Adv1&2)
1xStretch&Strength
UNIFORMS
NEW DMTA UNIFORMS
AtDMTA,webelievethattobeaDMTAdanceristolookandfeelthepart Weare thrilled to introduce our new uniform in 2025, which perfectly reflects our refreshedvisionandcommitmenttoexcellence.
Aftergatheringvaluablefeedback,theuniformhasbeenthoughtfullydesigned with quality in mind, specifically tailored for dance and performance, and is competitivelyalignedwithotherlocaldanceschools Thischangereinforcesour commitmenttoexcellenceandunitywithinourAcademy.
This uniform is more than just attire; it’s a statement of our dedication to creatingexcellenceineverydancerwhowalksthroughourdoors Wecan'twait toseeourdancersproudlyrepresentingDMTAintheirnewuniforms!
TRANSITION PERIOD
ThetransitionperiodforthenewDMTAuniformwillbegininTerm1of2025and will conclude at the end of 2026. During this time, students are welcome to continue wearing the current DMTA leotard, shorts, and leggings in classes However,whentravelingtoandfromthestudios,weaskthatstudentswearthe newDMTAteeorjacket
PleasenotethatallstudentsrepresentingDMTAatcompetitions,workshops,or performances are required to wear the newly branded items We also ask that studentsavoidmixingoldandnewbrandeditemsduringthistransition
LEVY INCLUSIONS
The DMTA annual levy will include one DMTA leotard for female students and one DMTA pair of shorts for male students This ensures that all students will have access to our newly updated uniform, reflecting the refreshed vision and brand of DMTA. Please note, our Mini Movers, Groovers and Shakers are not charged the DMTA Levy
PRICE
The pricing of the new DMTA uniform reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, dancespecific items that promote safe-dance practices andofferoptimalsupportforourstudents Extensive research has gone into sourcing these garments to ensure they meet the demands of dance training, while also considering the cost of other local uniforms
We have worked diligently to price our new uniform competitively, aiming to give our families the best possible value. While there may be slight increases in the cost of some items, the overall uniform maintains a comparable price point, offering superiorqualityanddurability
DMTA BRANDED UNIFORM ITEMS
Girls’ Leotard
Girls’ Leggings T-Shirt
Girls’ Bike Shorts
Boys’ Shorts 1/4 Zip Jumper
Senior Performance Team Jacket
DMTA Bag
UNIFORMS ATTIRELIST
All DMTA branded items are available for purchase at The Rockhampton GrammarSchool’suniformshop-theRedandBlackShop,withtheexemptionof the1/4ZipJacket,whichwillbeorderedthroughDMTAviapre-saleonly,andthe SeniorPerformanceTeamJacket,whichwillbeorderedviainvitationonly. Other items can be purchased online or at one of the local dance shops in