Troupe Requirements & Expectations – 2026

Participation in EPA Dance Troupe is a privilege and requires a high level of commitment, responsibility, and respect from both students and parents. The following requirements are in place to ensure a positive, fair, and professional experience for all troupe members.

Attendance & Commitment

• It is essential that students do not miss the final troupe class prior to a competition.
  Missing this class will result in the student not being permitted to perform at that competition, regardless of reason.

• Students will only participate in competitions if they are meeting the expected performance standard of a competition team.
  Students who have fallen behind, missed multiple classes, or have not demonstrated commitment to rehearsing at home may not be selected to perform.

• Performance selections for each competition will be finalised two weeks prior to the competition and communicated during troupe classes. These decisions are made in the best interest of the team and performance quality.

Competition Fees & Troupe Levy (2026 Update)

• For 2026, EPA Dance operates under an all-inclusive annual troupe levy, which covers:

  • Competition entry fees

  • Troupe costumes (studio-owned)

  • Costume maintenance, repairs, and storage

  • Staffing and administration associated with the competition season

• The annual troupe levy is paid in instalments across the year, as outlined at enrolment.

• Any external competitor fees required by specific competitions (where applicable) are not included in the troupe levy.
  These fees are typically around $20 per competition and will be invoiced prior to the event if required.
  (Please note: not all competitions charge this fee.)

• Troupe levies are non-refundable once competition entries and costumes have been allocated.

Uniform, Presentation & Punctuality

• Students must attend all troupe classes in full uniform, including correct clothing, footwear, tights, and hair as specified.

• Students are expected to arrive on time, prepared, and ready to work at every lesson.

• At competitions, students must arrive fully prepared, with:

  • Correct uniform

  • Hair completed as required

  • Makeup applied as specified

  Students must not arrive at competitions with incomplete hair or makeup.

Behaviour & Respect (Students)

• Students are expected to demonstrate respect at all times toward:

  • Teachers

  • Fellow students

  • Studio families

  • Competition staff

  • Other studios and participants

• Students must consistently support and encourage one another.
  Bullying, unkind behaviour, or disrespect of any kind will not be tolerated, and students engaging in such behaviour may be removed from troupe immediately.

• Students are responsible for maintaining cleanliness in dressing rooms and backstage areas, including:

  • Hanging costumes neatly

  • Packing costumes away correctly

  • Keeping personal belongings tidy before leaving the venue

Parent Expectations

• Parents are expected to uphold EPA Dance values by demonstrating respectful behaviour toward:

  • EPA staff

  • Other studios

  • Competition officials and volunteers

• Parents are encouraged to celebrate the achievements of all dancers and studios, not only EPA Dance.

• Parents must support their child in arriving on time to competitions with hair, makeup, and uniform completed as required.

• Parents are required to notify EPA Dance in writing of any troupe absences, providing as much notice as possible to support planning and preparation.

• Parents are expected to respect and support decisions made by troupe teachers regarding:

  • Performance selections

  • Students not competing due to unmet requirements

  These decisions are final and made in the best interest of the team, performance standards, and student development.

• Parents must assist their child in ensuring:

  • Costumes are packed away correctly

  • Change rooms and backstage areas are left clean before departing competitions or performances

Final Note

EPA Dance Troupe is built on commitment, respect, teamwork, and pride in presentation.
By enrolling in troupe, families acknowledge and agree to uphold these expectations to ensure a positive and successful experience for all dancers.