Should I book a class place for my child?
Currently your child can join the class without pre-booking. You will be asked to complete a registration form on their first attendance. It is anticipated a class booking policy will be introduced from August 2012
Should someone stay with my child during class?
DIA recognises that parents/guardians of new dance students may prefer to stay with their child for an initial settling in period. Therefore, parents/guardians are welcome to stay during dance class for a one or two week period. Following this, DIA asks parents/guardians to allow their child to attend class unaccompanied to help maintain dance student focus. However, any parent/guardian who feels their child requires a more extensive settling in period, this can be arranged. Please don't hesitate to contact DIA to discuss this further.
What should my child wear in class?
Students are required to wear clothing which allows for freedom of movement. As of August 2012 a uniform policy will be in place (more information regarding uniform implementation will be provided on an on-going basis).
Currently it is acceptable for students to wear Ballet/Tap/Jazz shoes of any style/colour in dance class. Alternatively, children/students can wear soft pumps/ have bare feet in Ballet/Jazz and wear a trainer type shoe for Tap/Street. The above also applies to 3-5yr Ballet/Tap/Boogie classes. It is anticipated that students will have the appropriate footwear if regular on-going attendance is expected.
As of August 2012, in line with implementation of DIA uniform policy, students will be required to wear the recommended uniform garments (leotard of a specific colour, tights etc) and footwear in class/examinations. In relation to footwear DIA recommends leather/canvas plain pink ballet shoes (girls), black ballet shoes (boys - all grades) secured with elastic, black low heel tap shoes with toe and heel tap (canvas/leather) and black jazz shoes (with or without split sole). Jazz trainers can be worn for Street/Freestyle. All 3-5yr classes wear ballet shoes for Ballet /Jazz and tap shoes for Tap (tap shoes required for Starlite level do not require a heel tap). NB ballet shoe guidelines apply to female students doing Starlite to grade 2 ballet work. Those of grade 3 and above should have ballet shoes secured with ribbons and not elastics. The Highland School Wear shop, Academy Street, Inverness, stock/order recommended footwear.
To help avoid unnecessary parental/guardian expense, current DIA students who have ballet/tap/jazz shoes and leotards etc of a colour/style different to that of the intended uniform requirements these can be worn to class until such time as child out grown, shoes worn out etc. Additionally, as of August 2012 new students and/or students who try out a new dance discipline can participate in class(s) without the recommended footwear/uniform for up to one month of the associated dance class(s)
Dance Show participation in relation to uniform implementation
Although DIA uniform policy is not being implemented until August 2012 those students participating in the June Dance Show will be required to wear the associated dance footwear in their show dances. However, as the show will take place prior to uniform implementation, students can wear dance shoes of any colour/style when performing in the dance show
It is DIA’s intention that dance class uniforms form a basis, where applicable, for dance show costumes thereby, both maximising uniform usage and minimising costume costs. Parents/guardians will be provided with further uniform information in due course.
Has DIA a Child and Vulnerable Adult Policy in place?
Yes and it is updated/evaluated regularly
Is the founder of DIA insured?
Yes
Does the DIA hold a Public Performance & PRS Licence?
Yes
Does the founder of DIA hold a valid Emergency First Aid at Work certificate?
Yes - valid till 2014
What do I need to bring/wear for Zumba® Fitness?
Generally, you should bring a towel & a bottle of water. It is recommend you wear "cross training" or "aerobic" style shoes such as cross-trainers or dance-specific shoes. These types of shoes provide the cushion and medial lateral support needed for side-to-side movements and have low traction rubber for easy sliding and turning
