GMB Dancer Handbook

Table of Contents

1. General Health & Safety

2. Payment Policies

3. Community & Inclusion

4. Attendance & Class Cancellations

5. Syllabus & Student Progression

6. Performance

1. General Health & Safety

GMB Dance is committed to providing an exemplary physical environment for healthy training of all participants, including:

• Regulated heating and cooling for indoor activity;

• Appropriate flooring for the ongoing impact, such as jumping;

• Proper airflow and ventilation;

• Respect for and adherence to government rules and participant comfortability surrounding COVID-19 protocols;

• Accessible facilities such as restrooms and private areas for changing clothes if needed;

• Careful attention to cleanliness;

• Supervised and well-lit exits and entrances on-premise; and

• Closed-door policy for classes in progress.

In addition, GMB Dance is committed to providing:

• Clear communication with participants and families;

• Acknowledgment, respect, and discretion of any physical or mental health issues that would affect a student's participation in class;

• Staff will contact primary and/or emergency contacts as soon as it is safe to do so in the case of an emergency;

• Phone access to contact a guardian or call 911 in case of emergency;

• Student and instructor access to first-aid kits; and

• Completed accident reports for any injuries sustained in class.

GMB Dance agrees to keep all personal information confidential.

Child Protection Policy

As a provider of dance education to children and vulnerable others, GMB Dance recognizes its responsibility to provide and uphold a protection policy that prioritizes the wellness and safety of those entrusted in its care.

Please click here for the full policy.

Safeguarding Statement

I am a Dance Educator and a Professional in the Performing Arts Sector. I have committed to the healthy dissemination of my knowledge to others and pledge to keep all in my care safe.

I adhere to and comply with the Provincial and Territorial Child Protection Legislation and Policy provided by the Government of Canada.

I will listen to and believe any child, young adult or adult who comes forward with concerns about their welfare or the welfare of others.

I believe the right to safety applies to everyone, irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, culture, religion, language, sexual orientation, ability, disability and social circumstance.

GMB Dance states with absolute confidence there will be zero exploitation in any of the following:

• Music

• Costuming

• Uniform requirements

• Classwork

• Choreography

• Performance

• Images shared through social media or website

Social Media & Image Capture Agreements

One of the best ways to share the fun of dancing with each other is through photographs and videos. GMB also uses images captured in its marketing.

Agreeing to a Photo and Video Release or Image Capture Waiver is part of registration, which means GMB can use images of students and families of GMB on the GMB website, social media pages, brochures or other promotional materials.

It is understood that no identifying information is ever attached without permission.

Should a family not agree to this policy, families must communicate this to GMB in writing. GMB Dance will make all efforts to ensure images of these individuals will not be used publicly.

GMB Dance Online Identities:

• Website www.gmbrilliance.com

• Facebook www.facebook.com/gmb.dance/

• Instagram www.instagram.com/gmb.dance/

2. Payment Policies

Payment Agreement & Options

In registering yourself or your Dancer with GMB Dance, you are agreeing to the following:

I, the Primary Contact of the Dancer indicated by name in my registration form, understand that I am responsible for any tuition, registration and/or costume fees associated with the classes I have registered for my child.

By registering myself or my child, I am committing to any associated fees before myself or my child can participate in any activity. Should I fail to complete payment of said fees, I understand myself, or my child, may not be able to participate.

I understand that any payment arrangements with other family members, including the other biological parent of said child who is not residing in the same residence as myself, are my sole responsibility to organize.

I understand that GMB Dance cannot invoice anyone other than myself for fees associated with mine or my child's class unless a separate Payment Agreement is signed by any other party taking responsibility for payment, and that Agreement is emailed to support@gmbdancer.com or appropriate court documents naming both parents responsible for payment can be produced.

GMB Dance Families must pay all fees before or on the first class of each session. Payments can be made via a cheque payable to Give Me Brilliance Dance, cash, credit card via Stripe through Class Manager's portal, or e-transfer to support@gmbdancer.com.

Refunds

GMB Dance will attempt to contact Preschool to Intermediate dance families who have registered for a session and have missed two (2) consecutive classes via email.

After three consecutive absences, please be aware of the following protocol:

• Should a student wish to cancel their enrolment after a session has begun, refunds do not apply to any classes already taken or missed.

• To be eligible for a refund of the remaining classes, GMB Dance must be notified via email at support@gmbdancer.com on or before the third class*

  *Please note, this policy does NOT apply to Session 4+ (Recital Preparation). Any withdrawals after Session 4+ (Recital Preparation) commences will not be eligible for a refund or use for future credit.

• A refund will only be available for classes after communicating a formal withdrawal. No refunds will be given for students who simply do not return to class.

• If a student wishes to withdraw because of illness or injury, the remaining amount for unused classes can be either redeemed as credit for future sessions or refunded.

Scholarship Program & Tuition Assitance

If you wish to explore even partial tuition subsidies, this is for you! GMB Dance wants families and dancers to feel comfortable using the scholarship program.

The Scholarship Program sees funds going directly to the cost of tuition for any student in need.

A Dancer may receive a scholarship after applying and meeting the following criteria:

• The Dancer has demonstrated commitment to studying dance for more than two consecutive sessions, displaying solid and consistent attendance records.

• The Dancer demonstrates discipline and focus in class.

• The Dancer exhibits excellent personal progress.

• The Dancer shows a positive attitude towards teachers and classmates.

• The Dancer displays an obvious passion and love for dance.

• The Person responsible for payment indicates financial support would be conducive to continuing the Dancer's study.

Proceeds for the scholarship fund are collected through optional donations upon registration, portions of merchandise sales or fundraising items, and private gifts.

Donations

If you are interested in being a donor, you may do so at any time by:

• Completing the online donation form

• Providing a cheque payable to Give Me Brilliance Dance (Mailing Address: 13966 Hwy 1, Hants Border, NS | B0P 1P0)

• E-Transfer to support@gmbdancer.com

Please note that GMB Dance is not a registered charity, and donations are not eligible for tax credits.

Gift Certificates

You can purchase gift certificates that can be used for any class in any session. Please fill out THIS FORM to purchase.

3. Community & Inclusion

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

GMB Dance classes provide a place where everyone, irrespective of their age, gender, ethnicity, culture, religion, language, sexual orientation, ability, disability, and social circumstance, feels a sense of belonging, is respected and valued, and has their individual needs understood and met as far as resources allow within the context of the services provided by GMB Dance.

All students can meaningfully participate in all aspects of the curriculum/programme, and learning extends to challenge and promote the individual's abilities and development.

Should a circumstance arise where the resources, including instructor knowledge, do not meet the requirements for safe or fulfilling learning, all efforts will be made to remedy this. Strategies may include discussion with the student, the family, or other professional(s) who may help better the situation. All communication will be respectful and come from a place of care. GMB Dance will highly regard privacy at all times.

Freedom to Be Yourself Policy

All participants agree to The Freedom To Be Yourself Policy, which includes acknowledgment and respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion statements and acknowledgment and respect for anti-bullying statements.

Anti-bullying

GMB Dance will always observe and respect the individual and their identity without judgement or discrimination and expect all others, including students and their families, to do the same.

Should anyone involved in GMB Dance's activities feel they are the target or have witnessed another being the target of discrimination or bullying, they can feel confident that Miss Jen or any other representative of GMB Dance will listen to their concerns.

Students will always have the opportunity to discuss their experiences. GMB Dance will take the matters discussed seriously, take positive action, and offer ongoing support.

Students who are bullying others will work with GMB Dance to establish what needs to change.

GMB Dance will inform parents, guardians, or the primary contacts to help create positive change. It is of the utmost importance to restore and maintain a relaxed and safe learning environment for every student.

Dancers are also encouraged to reach out to others if they are experiencing bullying in their lives. BullyingCanada offers a toll-free hotline with a team of over 350 trained volunteers to help: (877) 352-4497

4. Attendance & Cancellations

Attendance

Attendance is important! Students who do not participate as fully as possible in any class are missing out on the potential of their training.  

There is no determined number of excused or unexcused absences permitted. However, inconsistent attendance, harmful behaviour, and attitudes adversely affect the dancers and the group's development. As such, if there is cause for concern, they will be addressed. 

As dance is a physical activity, there is always some risk of injury. Therefore, dancers should take injuries seriously, some with rest and time, others with professional medical attention.

Students are encouraged to attend class and observe if they are rehabilitating an injury that allows them to do so. Observation, including note-taking, is an excellent practice.

Class Cancellations & Make-up Days

All classes in a session will expect to run, regardless of the weather. However, there are days when road conditions are so bad that GMB Dance must decide to cancel classes.

Should GMB Dance cancel classes because of weather or other unexpected circumstances, families will be notified by 2:00 pm on the day by email and social media (Facebook/Instagram), and GMB Dance will update the website with a day-of notice.

One week is reserved for makeup classes because of snow days that often occur during winter, the week before March Break. These classes are optional and at no additional cost to families or dancers.

As a minimum number of students is required for a class to run within a session, GMB Dance reserves the right to cancel any program without sufficient registration. In the event of a program cancellation, students who have registered and paid for the session will receive a full refund.

5. Syllabus & Student Progression

Formal Syllabi used at GMB Dance

The formal syllabus used by GMB Dance includes:

• Ballet - Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)

• Contemporary - Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD)

• Jazz - Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers (ADAPT), Performing Arts Educators of Canada (PAEC)

• Tap - Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD)

Examinations are available upon request for Ballet and Contemporary dancers.

Student Progression

Although not all participants in a dance class intend to take their studies further than their present experience, everyone should have the chance to do so if they desire.

Progression through the levels offered through GMB Dance is based on, but not beholden to, age.

GMB Dance levels

• Preschool: ages 3 - 4

• Primary: ages 5 - 7

• Elementary: ages 8+

• Intermediate: ages 12+

• Adult: ages 19+

Students will remain in a level for successive years or dance seasons; however, this does not mean they will constantly repeat the same material. The curriculum reflects the participants and is built to develop experienced dancers while welcoming newcomers into the class. It includes a formal syllabus and free exercises designed to progress students safely and effectively.

Sticker Charts

Dancers receive a sticker chart which collects stickers after each class, keeping a record of how many classes they attended and celebrating their time in the studio. Every child who attends a class will receive a sticker. They are not used as behaviour or performance awards but to acknowledge their commitment to learning.

When a chart is filled up, dancers receive a new one.

6. Performance

Demonstration Days

Demonstration Days are scheduled for the last week of Session 1 and Session 3.

These special classes invite family and friends to observe a typical class. Students will informally showcase all aspects of their process, from warm-up to cool-down. These demonstrations allow parents to appreciate their student's hard work and to recognize and celebrate their efforts and accomplishments with friends and family.

For the students themselves, demonstration days allow them to practice standing in front of an audience without being overwhelmed by the stage, bright lights, and the formalities of a recital.

Scheduled Performances

A formal performance, the GMB Dance Year-End Recital, will be held each June. Additional performance opportunities, such as performance parties, parades, festivals, competitions, or other community-focused events, may arise. For those outside of Company Membership, performance opportunities are all completely optional.

The Recital

Committing to the Recital means a commitment to dedicated rehearsals pre-performance. These rehearsals are scheduled for the final four weeks of a season, currently under the title of Session 4+

The tone for these final weeks can feel intense as students begin to focus primarily on preparing for the stage, but many live for this type of excitement!

The commitment deadline for the Recital is the first week of February.

Dress Rehearsal

Dress rehearsal is an essential part of the performance experience. Dancers appreciate time before the show on stage in their costumes under the bright lights to ease jitters and ensure their moments in front of an audience are the best they can be!

Costuming

There is a costume fee of $20.00 per student per class for the Recital. This money goes towards building a GMB Dance costume library where costumes will be reused and recycled for future dancers and pieces of choreography.

After the show, GMB Dancers can either:

• Purchase the costume to take home for an additional 30.00

• You can also return the costume to our collection to receive a 5.00 credit with GMB Dance or give as a donation to the Scholarship Program.

Please note: For the 2024/2025 Season, all costume fees will be non-refundable.

Stage Makeup

The role of stage makeup is to highlight facial features for performance under the bright stage lights, meaning it can be applied more heavily or be more pigmented than would appear 'normal.'

The use of stage makeup is not intended to exaggerate gender but to make faces pop! Therefore, all gender identities are advised to use makeup for the stage.

Dance Make-Up Kit Recommendations:

• Foundation & setting powder

• Eyeliner pencil - Black or dark brown

• Eyeshadow - Blue/green/brown; neutral colours will not be as easily seen

• Mascara - Black or dark brown

• Blush - Rosy

• Lipstick - On the pink or red side rather than brown or purple; a bright colour that can easily be seen from the stage.

• False eyelashes (optional)

Please note that GMB Dance respects any family's decision not to use makeup if they choose.

Hair requirements will vary depending on the class.

GMB Dance Company

GMB Company is a full-season program designed for dancers who are committed to their dance practice in preparation for the stage.

Time and financial commitments are required to prepare for performances, which include the entire company. Dancers may have additional opportunities to learn and perform solo, duo and small-group choreography.

Next audition date: Saturday, June 28, 2025