ZION STUDIOS

Hip Hop Dance & Music School

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

At Zion we are passionate about Hip Hop dance! However, we are also passionate about creating an environment that is fun, encouraging and positive.

Our commitment is to have teachers and facilities that promote such values & ethics. We foster a partnership between the studio/teachers & the students. It is when we work together that we are strongest:

“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi engari he toa takitini”

“It is not from my strength alone, but from the strength of the group that comes success”

That is why we feel it is important that there are not only expectations for the studio and teachers, but also for the students and their families.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM THE TEACHERS

Be professional, energetic and encouraging in both the way that they teach and the way that they relate to you each student and the class as a whole
Ensure that music, choreography and costuming are age and skill appropriate
Be in the designated studio on time, prepared and ready to go at the scheduled class time
Provide students with their own copy of the dance mix by the end of week four of the term – for students to take home and rehearse to.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM THE STUDENTS

We operate out of a shared facility, so it is important that this is acknowledged and understood. There are often multiple activities happening at the Northcity church facility and we expect students to be considerate of other users. All spaces, equipment property must be used with care and respect.
Respect is shown to studio management and staff and instructions are followed as requested
Teachers must respected and listened to during the class. Any disruption by the few affects the rest of the class and will not be tolerated.
We do not tolerate any form of bullying or disrespectful behaviour by students towards other students, staff or users of the facility.
Students are on time, prepared and ready to fully engage in their class. If they are not able to attend or participate they should communicate this to the teaching staff or Studio Administrator.
Have fun and enjoy being part of Zion Studios.
Appropriate dance shoes must be worn for all classes, no dancing in socks.
Appropriate clothing must be worn. e.g - shorts or track pants, t-shirt or Hoodie. Must be able to dance in it.
All students should bring their own water bottle to class.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS

Fees are to be paid prior to the beginning each term, unless an arrangement has been discussed and agreed to by Zion management. Students with unpaid invoices who haven’t contacted us to make an arrangement for delayed payment will not be permitted to attend class. Any debt collection fees incurred in collecting overdue debts will be added to the amount outstanding.
If there appears to be an error on the students account, provide relevant details by email to office@zionstudios.co.nz so that the error can be investigated by appropriate staff.
Provide constructive feedback and consultation when appropriate but respect Zion’s decisions and processes.
Engage with staff constructively to resolve any concerns or issues that they may arise.
Understand that Zion is staffed on a part-time basis so please bear this in mind when contacting us. Please be aware that people in the Northcity Church administration area are not Zion staff and are unlikely to be able to assist you.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A BEGINNER CLASS

A beginner class should look like this…

Start: Teachers greet you in the café area before moving from the café area through to the studio.
Roll call & Warm up: The warm-up will be approximately 10 minutes long, consisting of simple moves to get the body working and a stretch to ensure that muscles are not strained during class.
Teaching: Every fortnight a new set will be learned; every other/in between week will be going over the previous week set and formatting/positioning it,so children need to practice these at home each week. They'll be working towards the class’s dance piece in the end of term concert.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM AN ADVANCED CLASS

Advanced classes are for those who desire to progress a higher level of dance ability. They are longer in duration than the beginner class to include more teaching time and body conditioning, to help facilitate these goals. Students are selected for advanced classes by audition (run annually in December to start in the following term). When accepting a place in an advanced crew, students must understand and agree to the additional Expectations that come with the privilege of being part of this group of crews. Please click here to read those Expectations.

An advanced class should look like this…

Start: Students are greeted by teacher in the café area and any discussions will take place there before moving through to the studio to begin dancing.
Warm up: An advanced warm-up could include running or jumping to get the body moving, it may also include some technique practice through repeated simple moves.
Strengthening: Strengthening drills of the abdominals, legs and arms may be completed to music. Strength in the core and main muscles of the body will help students to execute moves to the best of their ability and improve their overall performance.
Teaching: Students will learn advanced sets throughout the term in preparation for the concert. They will need to practice these at home during the week and then teachers will critique the sets in class (not re-teach them!).

All students in advanced classes are also required to attend NOIZ Academy.

ADVANCED CREW EXPECTATIONS

Being a part of an advanced or semi advanced crew is a privilege, not a right. Along with any privilege comes responsibility and commitment, not just from students, but also their families and caregivers.

Consider carefully whether you will be able to meet the expectations that come with being in one of these crews prior to accepting the place offered. Remember that you have auditioned to be a part of a crew at this level and, as we have limited spaces, many who auditioned have not been offered a spot. In fairness to everyone –those who didn’t make it, those who will be investing in you, and those dancing alongside you – please don’t accept an advanced or semi-advanced crew spot without understanding and agreeing to these advanced student expectations.

Minors who accept positions in advanced crews must have the approval of their parents/ caregivers who have also read and agreed to these expectations.

ACADEMY

NOIZ Academy is a compulsory component of all advanced crews and some semi-advanced crews. Acceptance of a position in one of these crews therefore includes a commitment to attend NOIZ sessions on Monday nights. Please talk to Zion Management if you are unclear about what this means or if there are factors that you need to discuss.

Click here to learn more about Academy

TAKE COMMITMENTS SERIOUSLY

Be at all practices as a priority. This includes, for example:
- attending practice even when there is a social engagement that you would rather be at
- when you don’t “feel like it”
- when you have an injury or minor illness that isn’t contagious and/or doesn’t require bedrest. You can still learn and participate in various ways even if you are unable to dance
- when it is hot / cold / early / late etc.
- when you are annoyed at / about somebody in your crew or your teacher
Give as much notice as possible if you have an important, unavoidable reason to miss a Zion commitment to ensure any adjustment for your absence can be planned for
It is unacceptable at any time to walk out of a practice, meeting, conversation or workshop; all issues must be resolved in an appropriate, responsible, respectful manner.
When you have committed to a performance/event or competition, this commitment includes attendance at all meetings and practices. Any potential absences should be discussed with Zion management prior to accepting a spot in a crew for that competition/event so that, where possible, planning can be made around any expected absence – although that will not always be possible and it may be that you will need to be a reserve performer or even skip that particular commitment
Give your full effort and a positive attitude in classes and workshops
Accepting a place in a crew, performance or competition means committing to pay the relevant fees and costs on time. Fees are kept as low as possible and all non-Zion costs are passed on without “clicking the ticket” to minimise the financial hurdle for everyone who wants to be a part of Zion. This means that we operate on a very tight budget and need you to pay your bills on time to meet our financial commitments.

BE POSITIVE, RESPONSIBLE AND ENGAGED

Recognise that you are part of a crew and that your behaviour, attitude and contribution affects the experience and ability to learn and grow of those around you. Ensure that you are not the person that makes it hard for others or for your teachers and leaders.
Try your best to leave your “stuff” at the door. This doesn’t just mean your belongings, but also anything going on for you or others that is not relevant in the class. If you are disconnected or abrasive in class it will change the whole environment and it is unreasonable for you to allow personal issues to impact everyone else. If you are going through a major issue that is likely to affect your ability to positively participate, ensure that you discuss this with your teacher or Zion management. Together we can work out what can be done to help you – and to minimise any impact on the rest of the class. Remember that we can’t help you if we don’t know there is something going on. We have an awesome team of community support professionals supporting Zion students and families so don’t struggle with stuff on your own when we are here to help. However, if your issue is a minor one, just lay it all on the dance floor rather than giving it any attention. There is nothing like dance to help you work out the kinks in your day. Take the opportunity to get stuck in and leave it all behind you – even just for that hour.
You are an important role model both inside and outside of class. Remember that the younger students look up to you and will copy the behaviour that you exhibit. Do not condone or engage in illegal or illicit activity or encourage others to do so. Be very mindful of the content of conversations when younger or impressionable students are present and may overhear you.
At Zion we have a Zero Tolerance for Bullying Policy.
Don’t talk about somebody behind their back or engage in gossiping, personal judgements are otherwise undermining of others. This is a form of bullying and will not be tolerated. If you have an issue with somebody – student, teacher whoever – either talk directly to that person or an appropriate member of Zion management. Remember that listening to and spreading gossip is the same as cheering on while somebody is being physically bullied. Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.
Understand that being friendly, supportive and respectful of others is important and encouraged, but that doesn’t mean that you have the right to claim relationships uninvited. For example, it may be inappropriate to private message people, comment on their personal life or contact your teachers outside of class times etc. Be considerate of the personal space of others.
Be aware and careful about how you communicate on social media. Remember that this is a public arena that creates a perception of who you are so ensure that you are representing yourself (and Zion) well.
Do not turn up to Zion or any associated event under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Disruptive or disrespectful behaviour, bullying, bad language etc will be tolerated. Unacceptable behaviour (including, in some circumstances from parents or supporters) may result in a range of disciplinary actions, including potentially being withdrawn from your crew, suspended from Zion Studios or other actions made at the discretion of Zion Studios management and Board of Trustees.
Respect the Northcity building and facilities, the spaces of other organizations when performing offsite and the property of others. Do not use resources, rooms or equipment unless specifically approved by Zion management. Remember that none of these things are yours, nor do they belong to Zion.

RESPECT THE FACILITIES

We are very fortunate to be able to use facilities and resources at Northcity, which are also shared by a number of other Northcity and community groups. Continued misuse or disrespect of resources, rooms and equipment may result in them becoming unavailable to Zion students.

Clean up your own mess and don’t leave your dishes or rubbish for others to clear away.
Make sure all spaces are clean and tidy and all equipment is put away (ready for the next user) before you leave the room.
Take your gear and belongings with you when you go.

You are responsible for you own personal belongings, so ensure that you look after them and do not leave anything unattended in the café or Spark room. Zion or Northcity accepts no liability for personal belongings that go missing.

APPRECIATE OPPORTUNITIES

You must be open to learning new and different things. This includes sessions that you may not expect to pursue further or don’t really interest you. Remember that every opportunity will be something that will help you to grow. Who knows what you might need in your bag of tricks later on?!
Take advantage of any Workshops whenever possible – whether here at Zion, or through other organisations. These are arranged to allow you a range of new growth opportunities and will help to develop skills that will prepare you for performances and events that we may be offered. Help us to attract high quality teachers – or invitation to outside workshops – by ensuring that we develop a reputation for having motivated, enthusiastic students.
Zion is not just about making you a better dancer; we are also committed to personal and community development. We have a number of non-dance support programmes at Zion and across the wider Northcity organization that may be able to assist you with personal and family issues. Please talk to Zion Management if there is something going on for you that you could do with some support with, even if it is just an open ear.

HE WAKA EKE NOA – WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

Support and celebrate the successes of everyone – don’t just save your encouragement and praise for those at the top of their game, or people you know
Accept selection decisions made and be supportive rather than critical when you are disappointed. There will be a range of opportunities that will be suitable or unsuitable for individuals or groups for a variety of reasons and Zion management will make selection decisions considering all factors.
While selection factors will vary for each specific event, the one thing that will be constant is a requirement that performers/competitors selected must understand that they are representing Zion as well as themselves. This means that the confidence of Zion leadership that participating students will represent Zion values and expectations of behaviour is of the highest priority. A breach of these values and expectations at any stage – pre or during events – will result in the removal of a student from the event group. Please note; under some circumstances, removal could be due to disruptive or disrespectful behaviour by family members or other supporters rather than the student themselves.
When we travel out of town, we do so as a group. This means all travelling students and staff travelling together, staying together, working together. This is not only because it builds relationships across crews and age-groups, but is also an important practical measure to maximise cost savings and allow us to be well organised and efficient, able to make changes to schedules, deal with issues as they arise and easily manage and account for the large number of students who are in our care. Any student with concerns about this must discuss them with Zion management prior to accepting a place for the relevant event. While there are sometimes genuine reasons that we may agree exemptions for, these are not common and must be discussed with Zion management – not simply advised to them. Non-compliance with this requirement will likely mean that the student has their place withdrawn for that particular trip or event.
Prizemoney or gifts for performance or competition crews (in most circumstances) will be invested in our sponsorship fund rather than being gifted to those performers involved. This recognises that no crew or individual is successful without support from the whole Zion community, and gives us all an opportunity to be part of a community that supports each other in practical terms.
Do not offer or accept any event or engagement on behalf of Zion without the explicit approval of Zion management. This includes any engagement where you know that the perception is that you are accepting as a Zion crew or performer even when that isn’t your specific intent.

COMPETITIONS & TRIPS

PARTICIPATION

At Zion we have a good record of producing competition crews that have performed and placed at numerous competitions locally, nationally and even internationally. Each year, we commit to preparing crews to compete in a number of local and international competitions. However, although we proactively aim to participate in these competitions, crews/performers should not take it for granted that they will be part of the Zion team attending. There is a wide range of criteria for us to assess prior to determining how many crews and which students we offer a participation opportunity to – such as (but not limited to) crew and individual dancer readiness in both skill and attitude, costs, scheduling conflicts, support team availability, criteria of the event etc.
In general, all competition crews will be built from students who attend NOIZ Academy, as this means that they are able to take part in the additional holistic development that we have found is required to succeed.
Some competitions are qualifiers for subsequent competitions. While it is very exciting to be selected to progress in a competition or even to win selection for an international competition, we may not be able (for the same variety of reasons) to accept a place in the competition that has been qualified for. This is especially true when out of town travel is required.
All participation decisions and selection offers are entirely the discretion of Zion management, considering all resources, criteria, and other relevant information; including, when requested, input from parents/bill payers. Acceptance of an offered spot is up to individual students and parents in consideration of the commitment involved. However, given that minimum crew member numbers are required in most cases, confirmation can’t be made until that minimal number of students have committed to participate in a particular crew.
We do not compel students to participate, regardless of which crew they are a member of – remember that competitions are opportunities we enjoy being able to facilitate, but they are not the primary focus of Zion. We completely understand and support that life happens outside dance. However, once a dancer has committed to a competition it is important to understand that there are implications for others if they withdraw. For this reason, proper consideration must be given before a dancer commits their participation.

COSTS

Estimates of costs will be given prior to requiring commitment from any student for a performance or competition. However, as many of these costs are to do with travel or events outside our management, confirmed costs may not be available until after we have information on numbers/crews/etc involved and commitments will be needed based on ball park estimates only.
Travel and event costs will be invoiced as cost recovery only (i.e. no Zion profit margin will be included). In all cases, these invoices need to be paid within 7 days to reimburse us for the costs paid on your behalf.
- All known costs for an event – e.g. entry fees, costumes – will be invoiced to relevant travelers as soon as they are known.
- Any costs incurred on behalf of an individual traveler (e.g. flights) will be oncharged immediately.
- General costs incurred during the event/travel – e.g. food, activities, transport – will be invoiced as soon as practical after the event or trip.
Agreeing to be a part of any competition, performance or event crew includes agreeing to
- attend all associated meetings, rehearsals and performances
- participate in relevant fundraising
- paying for any fees, costume costs, travel costs etc prior to the trip or event
- adhering to all rules and expectations (this agreement extends to any family members or supporters who are also involved/travelling).
Zion has no liability or requirement to reimburse or refund any costs incurred by or for students who are uninvited, withdrawn or suspended in any situation due to policy or behaviour breaches by them or a person associated with them.

EXPECTATIONS

While we encourage crews to participate in identified events and competitions, as a studio we cannot take sole responsibility to plan, organise and manage all logistics required – specifically with regard to travel, accommodation and fundraising. Our staff are all part-time and need input and support from students and their families to make events happen. Families need to commit their co-operation and support, as students and staff. However, guidelines and communication will be in place so that we are all on the same page and working as one whanau toward goals.
Competitions fall outside of our employment agreements with the teachers, meaning that a teacher’s attendance of a competition with any crew is completely voluntary and a personal, rather than an employment, commitment. Often the teachers will be part of competition crews themselves. It should also be noted that if a teacher is at a competition to perform themselves, they may choose to focus primarily on that purpose and not necessarily be available to work with their students. However, whenever possible, we will ensure that all competing students have assigned support from interns or other appropriate staff.
There will be Trip Forms issued for all travel that includes info on the event and rules and expectations that you must read and agree to. Ensure that you read and accept all information and that you adhere to the rule and expectations. Zion Studios will assign a suitable person to liaise with parents and caregivers during events and competitions, but this will be just one of their tasks and their primary focus will be making sure that event and external commitments are met and that students are properly cared for. Crew members and accompanying support people are expected to help and support each other as well as those in other crews.
All Zion events, trips and performances have a strictly enforced zero drug and alcohol policy. This includes parents and supporters staying in shared accommodation with the students. Parents and supporters who do not wish to comply with this policy must arrange alternate accommodation away from the Zion group.
Students, families and others attending a competition or event as part of Zion will be expected to act in alignment with Zion’s values and guidelines. Competitions are by nature high stress environments. Disruptive or negative behaviour or actions that are contrary to instruction or the rules that have been stipulated either before or during the event will not be tolerated. Any such action by a student (or, in some cases their parent, caregiver or family member) may result in the student being withdrawn from the event. This is not an action that will be undertaken lightly, but will be determined by the event or trip management team in consideration of the impact of the offending behaviour on the wider group.

FAQ

HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ZION?

Email or the Get in touch form is the most efficient way to get in touch and we aim to respond to all messages within 48 hours. It may be possible to contact Zion Studios by phone (03) 375-0850 but this will depend on what they are involved in at that particular time (they may be in meetings, teaching, or engaged elsewhere).

We do our best to keep everyone informed via the website and facebook pages, so many queries will be answered by checking those out first.

IMPORTANT – Please respect the fact that staff do not work 24-7 and and you should not expect to converse via text or social media etc, or get responses to emails outside working hours. It is not appropriate to private message staff using their personal facebook or email unless specifically invited to.

WHAT IF THERE IS A CONCERN OR ISSUE?

We have a feedback form that you are able to fill out and send it through to us - or contact us on: 03 375 0850
On no occasion is it appropriate for a conflict, complaint or concern to be aired in a public forum such as social media rather than in discussion with the relevant person.
If a teacher or staff member has concern about a behaviour, attitude or incident involving a student, they will initially try to deal with it directly with the student in a relational manner. Should that not be successful in resolving the issue, they will consult with the Management Team to determine the next steps.

HOW DO I PAY?

For your convenience, there are several ways for you to pay:

You can pay through DSP Merchant Services through your parent portal.
You can pay direct to our bank account – 02-0816-0005285-000. Please include the student name and crew as a minimum reference and the invoice number if possible.
During normal studio hours, we can take EFTPOS, credit and cash payments in the Zion cafe.

Also, please note that staff in the Northcity church administration area are not Zion staff, so please don’t disrupt them to process payments for you.

If you require a receipt, please drop us an email or note your request for one with your payment.

HOW DO I FIND OUT HOW MUCH TO PAY?

Most of the regular classes or combinations of classes are listed on our Term fees page on this website. However, if your particular combination of classes is not listed, please contact us with a request for a confirmed price. Please note that some classes or combinations of classes will be at invitation only (in consideration of the student’s ability, our timetable and spaces available) so it would be a good idea to have a conversation with the Studio Administrator anyway before trying to register for a non-standard combination.

HOW DO I MAKE A PAYMENT ARRANGEMENT?

Payment arrangements need to be in place, and an initial installment made, prior to the beginning of term unless agreed otherwise. We are happy to work with you to develop a plan that will fit your budget as long as the full amount has been cleared before the end of term. Once you make an arrangement you need to stick to it, otherwise all future terms will need to be paid in advance without the installment option being available to you. Please simply email your proposed payment schedule to office@zionstudios.co.nz. and arrange for the first installment to be paid prior to term starting. If we have any concerns or questions, we will come back to you to discuss options.

HOW DO I FIND OUT WHETHER THERE ARE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OR SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR MYSELF OR MY CHILD?

Please email us to make an appointment with Liise to discuss which of our assistance options will work best for you.

WHO DO I TALK TO ABOUT A MISSING PAYMENT OR OTHER ISSUE WITH MY ACCOUNT?

Please email office@zionstudios.co.nz and we will sort it out asap.

WHAT IF MY CHILD DOESN'T DO A FULL TERM?

Classes are charged as term fees – not individual class fees (except for some Open classes where specified). If your child begins term late or misses classes for sickness, holidays etc, or simply because they don’t want to continue, deductions from the term fees or refunds are not applicable unless special circumstances apply and are agreed in advance with the Studio Administrator.

ARE THERE COSTS OTHER THAN TERM FEES?

Yes, there may be other costs to consider, such as:

In consultation with their teacher, crews will choose the costume for their term performance. For younger students, this conversation will also include parents where practical. We try to ensure that costumes can be made up of items that students will already have, or can obtain at low cost. On occasion, particularly for crews who perform in the public arena rather than here at Zion, we may agree and stipulate a specific item of clothing. However, we know that sometimes students advise their parents that they “must have” a particular garment or brand when that is not the case. If parents or caregivers have any concerns or questions about costumes, they should contact us to discuss.
If extra classes are requested by crews outside the standard timetable sessions that make up the term, there will be an additional charge for those classes unless specifically agreed with Zion management. Teaching and studio hire charges are incurred by Zion for every class we run.
On occasion, crews will be put together or have additional dancers added for public performances. Additional practices will be added for these events, which may or may not incur a class cost – depending on the nature of the event. Students will be advised if additional costs will be charged prior to their acceptance of being part of a performance crew.
If a student attends competitions or workshops, all associated costs (either shared or individually incurred) will be payable by the student. On such occasions, Zion doesn’t charge additional fees or costs on top of those charged by external providers unless specified and agreed by participants in advance.
Any travel expenses will be oncharged at cost to participating travelers

DEBT COLLECTION

* Any debt collection expenses incurred to recover unpaid accounts will be added to the outstanding amount due and be the sole responsibility of the person who has registered or is financially responsible for the student/organisation being charged *

QUESTION NOT ANSWERED?

Please get in touch with us, and we'll assist you as soon as we can :)

GET IN TOUCH

Zion Dance Studios

(03) 375 0850

office@zionstudios.co.nz