Northern Dance Theatre (NDT) is committed to providing a positive, supportive, and professional environment for all students, parents, and staff. We recognize that conflicts may occasionally arise, and we believe in addressing them promptly and fairly. This policy outlines our procedures for resolving conflicts within our dance community.
- General Principles
• All members of the NDT community are expected to treat each other with respect and courtesy.
• We encourage open, honest, and direct communication to resolve issues.
• Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the conflict resolution process. - Informal Resolution
• We encourage individuals to attempt to resolve minor conflicts directly with the person(s) involved.
• This should be done calmly, respectfully, and in private. - Reporting a Concern
• If informal resolution is not possible or appropriate, concerns should be reported to:
a) The class instructor (for class-related issues)
b) The studio manager (for administrative or general concerns)
c) The studio director (for serious issues or if previous attempts at resolution have failed)
• Concerns can be reported in person, via email, or by scheduling a meeting. - Formal Complaint Process
a) Submit a written complaint to the studio director, including:- Nature of the complaint
- Individuals involved
- Relevant dates and times
- Any attempts made to resolve the issue
b) The studio director will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 48 hours.
c) An investigation will be conducted, which may include interviews with involved parties.
d) A resolution will be proposed within 14 days of receiving the complaint.
- Conflict Resolution Meeting
• If necessary, a meeting will be scheduled with all relevant parties to discuss the issue and potential solutions.
• A neutral mediator may be present if deemed appropriate. - Possible Outcomes
• Mutual agreement and resolution
• Clarification of policies or expectations
• Apology and commitment to changed behavior
• Disciplinary action, if warranted - Appeals Process
• If any party is unsatisfied with the resolution, they may submit a written appeal to the studio owner within 7 days of the decision.
• The studio owner will review the case and make a final decision within 14 days. - Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation
• All parties involved in a conflict resolution process are expected to maintain confidentiality.
• NDT prohibits any form of retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith. - Documentation
• Records of formal complaints and their resolutions will be maintained confidentially by studio management. - Ongoing Improvement
• NDT will use insights gained from conflict resolution processes to improve policies and procedures where appropriate. - External Resources
• In rare cases where internal resolution is not possible, we may suggest involving an external mediator.
NDT is committed to maintaining a harmonious dance community. We believe that most conflicts can be resolved through open communication and mutual respect. This policy aims to provide a clear framework for addressing and resolving issues that may arise.
