Why INCLUSIVENESS is important to us at Future Gems North Shore
ABOUT ME [FUTURE GEMS]
When we teach, we are inclusive of EVERY single dancer. For us that means that every child is recognised and praised for things they have achieved. Every child gets a turn in the front row as they deserve to shine as much as anyone else. Every child is treated equally and fairly, regardless of their ability, regardless of whether they are wearing the right uniform, regardless of whether they turn up to class late.
So often we see children get put down or humiliated for things that are out of their control. We see little things such as a hair not being in a bun, causing children to be kicked out of classes. We see children who may not be coordinated or the most technical dancer, being shoved to the back of the class EVERY SINGLE TIME! We see favourites being placed front and centre, almost so often, it becomes predictable. We see children who’s parents haven’t paid being forced to leave the studio.
But let me ask you this. What if the reason that child didn’t have the correct hair or uniform, is because they just got evicted from their house? What if that child that isn’t the best dancer in the room, practices every single night and tries her absolute best just so she can get recognised in one area of her life? What if the favourite in the class, actually doesn’t put in as much effort and bullies other children at school, just so they can feel good about themselves? What if the reason the fees haven’t been paid is because it’s a single mum juggling 2 jobs just to make ends meet? Should these children be turned away, when really dance is their safe and happy place? I really don’t think so.
If I can be a person that children feel safe and comfortable turning to and if I can provide a happy place that everyone feels welcome in…. Well then, I think I’ve done my part in this world. Every journey at Jigsaw starts with inclusiveness and extends through to every lesson they take. Being kind and generous people is just the way we run business – I don’t know another way then to just be kind.
ABOUT YOU [OUR DREAM FAMILIES]
From the very first time you make contact with us, we will get to know more about you, what your child is like personality wise and what you are looking for in a studio. It is so important to us, that we align with what you’re after and that you align with our values and what we offer. Though we will always be kind, welcoming and respectful, we will not always be the right fit for you and your child (and that is completely okay!)
If this is the case, we will politely and respectfully let you know this as we truly believe the experience and educational benefit that we provide, can only be achieved when there is mutual trust, alignment of values and common goals amongst both the studio and family. We believe in being transparent and want you, the parent, to trust what we offer and how we run the studio. As such, we expect respect and kindness from our dancer’s and parents. We teach even the youngest of children, what it means to be kind, grateful and supportive.
We encourage our students to be welcoming and inclusive to all new students and to help the teachers in making sure they feel comfortable. When necessary, we teach the children about differences in appearance, accents and personalities and let them know that every type is beautiful and unique to them. We call out children if they are not being kind or welcoming of others. This doesn’t mean that every child has to be friends – we don’t expect this at all – but we do expect that they are respectful of their peers.
As a studio, we love seeing our families greeting new families and making them feel welcome. The community we see as parent’s help inform new families of information they need to know and where to go; is simply amazing. We love when families work with us to teach the children what it means to be inclusive and to be kind to every child no matter the differences. Every journey at Jigsaw starts with inclusiveness and extends through to every lesson they take. Teaching the children how to be kind and generous people is just part of the way we teach dance beyond the steps.
ABOUT US [YOU AND ME TOGETHER]
Though we teach dance, this is not all we teach. In fact dance is simply the vehicle we use to deliver greater life lessons to our students. Together, when we work as a collaborative team between the teacher, student and parent, we build children who are kind to one another.
We build children who don’t judge differences in appearance. We build children who want to include others rather than exclude others. We build children who accept diversity and celebrate it. We build children who focus on bringing others up, instead of bringing them down. We build children who respect their peers but also respect those in lower positions to them and also those in a higher position to them. We build children who want to give others a fair go. And finally, we build children who see themselves as equal to any other person and are simply comfortable in being themselves and uplifting others.
Every journey at Future Gems starts with inclusiveness and extends through to every lesson they take. Building a greater community of kind and generous people is part of the larger goal and how we all make our difference in this world.
We are excited to be enrolling for the new year. Please get in touch if you are interested in getting started and we’d love to have a chat and see if we are the right fit for you!
Simply fill out an enquiry form below and we will be in touch to get to know you and your family a little bit better.
