DANCE WORLD STUDIOS

Costume Fittings & Supervised Changing in Shows Policy

(Applies to all students under the age of 18)

Version Date: 25 Sep 2025

INTRODUCTION

This policy explains how Dance World Studios (DW) manages costume fittings and dressing assistance for students under 18 during recitals. Our priority is to ensure all students feel safe, respected, and supported during rehearsals, fittings, and performances.

This document forms part of DW’s Child Safety Protocols, ensuring compliance with Child Safe Standards and Working With Children Check (WWCC) requirements.

1. COSTUME FITTINGS

• Costume fittings are necessary to ensure every student’s costume fits properly, allows safe movement, and is ready for performance.
• Fittings will take place mainly at DW before the show or the theatre if last minute adjustments are necessary.
• Fittings are conducted in group settings and usually held during regular class times. DW staff will explain the process before fittings commence.
• Costumes may be tried on over tight-fitting dancewear (e.g., ballet leotards). Students may also wear bike shorts, singlets, or midriff tops for comfort and modesty.
• Costumes selected for each routine are age appropriate.
• No makeup is to be worn by any students under the age of 15.
• Costumes for under 5s, under 8s, and under 10s are kept at DW and transported to the theatre. They are not distributed to the junior cast to avoid damage, loss, or being forgotten at home.

2. WORKING WITH FAMILIES

• Fittings will start in Term 4 from Oct 6.
• Families will receive at least 48 hours’ written notice for the first fitting. If adjustments are required, a minimum of 24 hours’ notice will be given for follow-ups.
• The class dance teacher usually conducts the initial fittings to help children feel comfortable, assisted by DW staff. Before fittings begin, they will explain what to expect (e.g., show costumes, measurements, trying on items).
• The process runs more smoothly when parents/guardians prepare children by explaining what to expect, raising any special requirements early, and providing suitable base layers (e.g., shorts, singlets) if required, while also respecting backstage guidelines.
• Children are expected to treat each other respectfully, follow instructions during group fittings and changes, and let a DW staff member know if they feel uncomfortable.

3. SUPERVISION

• Costume fittings and dress change assistance are headed by Yasmine Moore (DW Dance Coordinator & Head of Wardrobe).
• Assistance is supported by DW teachers, admin staff, and crew, all of whom hold a valid WWCC.
• DW staff may also assist with hair styling during show runs and concerts.
• More than two people will be present at any costume fitting involving a child, with a DW supervisor.
• DW may arrange parent volunteers with sewing skills to assist with making, repairing, or adjusting costumes. If such parent volunteers need to fit a child, a DW staff member will always be present.
• All cast members aged 18 and over must obtain a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) and provide a scanned copy to DW prior to show week.

4. CHANGE ROOMS

• All dressing spaces are shared and supervised to ensure safety and fairness, with separate boys’ and girls’ rooms and restricted access.
• Private dressing rooms for individual use are not available at DW or at the theatre.
• Girls are supervised by female staff only.
• Boys are supervised mainly by male staff, with assistance from female staff if quick changes are required during dress runs or shows.
• Cast members are not permitted to move between gender-designated dressing rooms.
• Windows will be covered for privacy.
• Parents and family members are not permitted in change rooms or backstage at the theatre.
• Filming or photography is strictly prohibited in any dressing room.
• Children should not bring mobile phones or recording devices into rehearsal or dressing rooms.
• Once the cast is in full costume, DW staff may take a group photo outside the dressing room for internal use only. These photos will not be shared publicly.
• If your child feels uncomfortable changing in a group setting, please encourage them to tell the supervisors so adjustments can be made.

5. TOILETS

• At DW, toilets on the upper level are gender-specific facilities.
• Single-user toilets are available on the ground floor of DW for personnel or students with special needs or disabilities.
• At the theatre, all toilets are gender-neutral, single-user facilities. Children under 10 will be escorted by a DW staff member or crew and returned to the dressing room.

6. DRESS RUNS & SHOW DAYS

• DW will conduct a show run with costumes at the studio and another at the theatre.
• For students performing in more than one routine, quick changes will be rehearsed during technical runs so students are prepared.
• Students aged 15-18 will not be allocated a dresser, as they are expected to manage changes independently, however, DW staff are available to assist if required.

7. ACCESSIBILITY

Families with students who have disabilities, special needs, or cultural requirements should contact DW in advance to discuss any support required.

8. CONCERNS & FEEDBACK

Any concerns or risks identified during fittings, rehearsals, or shows should be reported to Yasmine Moore or any DW staff or crew.

Children and families are encouraged to have open communication so that matters can be addressed quickly and appropriately.

9. CONSENT

Parents/Legal guardians are required to provide consent for DW staff and dressers to assist their child with fittings and costume changes.

In practical terms, fittings cannot take place without DW staff assistance, and younger cast members will need help with costume changes during technical runs and shows. This consent ensures children are properly supported and that families can feel confident their children are comfortable and cared for throughout the process.

PERFORMANCE VIDEO

Video Levy is compulsory for all students per show. Only 1 fee is payable for families performing in the same show.