PAB Student Handbook

Student Handbook

General PAB Contact Information

Email

[email protected]

Website

www.performingartsballet.blogspot.com

Address

Performing Arts Ballet Academy 251 S 1675 E Layton, Ut 84040 Phone Because it is a studio environment, phone calls might not be answered immediately during business hours. But please, leave us a voice mail or send us an email message and we'll assist you as quickly as possible.

Administrative Office Hours

Due to the unique positions and structure of our Staff, the front desk will not always be staffed during all scheduled classes Monday through Saturday, which is very typical of most dance schools. The front desk will typically be staffed 30 min prior to the first scheduled class of the day during the week, as well as multiple other timeframes during the week. Parents are strongly encouraged to call or email in advance if they wish to schedule an appointment.

Communication Email is PAB's primary method of communicating information to parents and students. Please keep your email addresses updated in the Academy records to receive information regarding class schedules, exam days, reminders regarding school closings and other important dates, rehearsal schedules for performances, substitution notices, and almost all other information pertinent to parents. Our website is also a valuable tool for communicating with parents. It includes information on class schedules, class attire, tuition, school year calendars, private lesson payments, as well as ticketing and promotional information. The Student Handbook contains answers to commonly asked questions and policy information including dress code, the process and explanations for Level Promotion, Casting, Exams, Studio Etiquette and more. The Handbook also explains in detail what students can expect from their teachers and classes as well as what will be expected of them in class throughout the year. Friend us on Facebook to receive announcements, photos, videos, and other newsworthy items concerning the Academy, its students, and the dance world at large. Bulletin boards at the studio are another important resource for information regarding rehearsal schedules, exam days, reminders regarding school closings and other important notices. Students may occasionally receive classroom hand-outs with periodic schedule changes and showcase information. Post mail communications are sent home throughout the year, including evaluations and billing information. For matters not already answered by the Handbook, website, bulletin board postings, or email communications,

please contact the studio via phone or email.

Overview of Programs

Children's Division Creative Ballet 1-age 3

Creative Ballet 2 - age 4

Ballet Basics - ages 5-6 (kindergarten)

The children's division is designed for ages three to six and is an introduction to the world of ballet for the young student. Classes are designed to encourage students to explore the elements of dance with a focus towards ballet in a fun and nurturing environment while setting the stage for future training. Classes are offered by age and are carefully developed in accordance with a child’s physical and cognitive abilities. Children are placed in a safe and nurturing environment, and parents are invited to watch class two times per year.

Enrollment in the Children's Program is based on age, regardless of prior experience or ability. Students must meet the appropriate age requirements by September 1st of the current school year.

Preparatory Division Preparatory A - age 6 (1st grade)

Preparatory B - age 7 (2nd grade)

Preparatory C - ages 8-10

Preparatory D - ages 9-11

Our Preparatory Program is designed for students ages 6-11 and is developed in accordance with a child's physical and cognitive abilities. We introduce the concept of ballet as a serious art form, which requires focus and dedication as well as enthusiasm and fun. Students are introduced to Barre and Floor Barre exercises designed to build strength and to teach correct posture and alignment needed for their future ballet training. Students in the Preparatory Division are expected to start learning and memorizing the French classical terminology for the steps they learn. Students who have completed the Preparatory Division will develop a lifelong appreciation for dance and will have received a solid foundation and be fully prepared for entrance in the Classical Ballet Division.

Classical Ballet Division Ages 10+

All levels in this division require a placement class

The Classical Ballet Division provides a comprehensive dance education from elementary through advanced levels. It follows a carefully designed curriculum with 4 levels of study. While it is critical to follow the sequence of the curriculum, each student progresses at his or her own rate because the training is linked to their physical development. PAB faculty works to develop students' individual abilities in a nurturing and supportive learning environment.

Dress Code PAB Students adhere to a specific dress code which helps set the tone of professionalism and respect for the Academy and its teachers and training. Class leotards must be purchased through the studio, however, tights and shoes may be purchased at local retailers. Each level has a designated leotard style and color and should be worn for class and in-class performances as it supports class identity and unity among peers. Students are expected to maintain proper uniform at all times, including during production rehearsals, with the only exceptions being private lessons and "free" days designated by individual instructors. Students are also NOT permitted to wear warm-ups during class, as this does not allow for the teacher to see the student’s placement. A teacher may ask students to remove excess clothing or replace non-regulation clothing before the commencement of class.

Children's Division

Pink short-sleeve leotard

Ballet pink convertible tights without back seams

Pink ballet technique shoes. (Shoes may be canvas or leather; no particular brand or style is required.)

Optional: Pink ballet skirt

Preparatory Division

Violet short-sleeve or tank leotard

Ballet pink convertible tights without back seams

Pink ballet technique shoes. (Shoes may be canvas or leather; no particular brand or style is required.)

Hair must be pulled back and placed securely in a bun.

Classical Ballet Division

Class leotard (color assigned by level and purchased through studio)

Professional mesh transition tights with back seams.

Capezio (theatrical pink) or Body Wrappers (ballet pink)

Pink ballet technique shoes; Shoes may be canvas or leather; no particular brand or style is required.

All students are required to wear Freed pointe shoes

*Note: students who have not been placed on pointe should not purchase shoes until they have been evaluated by their teacher and instructed to do so.

Hair must be pulled back and placed securely in a bun. Bangs must be smoothed back against the head using clips, pins, gel, or hairspray.

Any make-up worn during class should be light and tasteful.

The ballet uniform for boys consists of: Plain, white, fitted T-shirt

Black athletic shorts (bike shorts) or black tights (optional but encouraged)

Dance belt

White socks

White ballet technique shoes. (Shoes may be canvas or leather; no particular brand or style is required.)

Hair must be tidy, and if it is shoulder-length or longer it must be pulled back in a ponytail.

Street Clothes/Warm-up Clothes To promote modesty, as well as keep muscles warm between classes, students should wear warm-ups or other street clothing over their dancewear when not in the studio. Warm-ups must be removed before entering the studio, and may not be worn during classes.

Contemporary Students taking Contemporary class should wear their ballet technique shoes, or go barefoot, at the discretion of the instructor and depending on the material being learned at a particular time. Students must wear their class leotard and tights for contemporary classes; no additional clothing may be worn, however, at the instructor's discretion students may wear their studio t-shirt with form-fitting shorts.

Jazz Students taking Jazz class will need black jazz shoes (slip-on or lace up). Students must wear their class leotard and tights for contemporary classes; no additional clothing may be worn, however, at the instructor's discretion students may wear their studio t-shirt with form-fitting shorts.

Policies and Procedures

Registration Registration materials are available via email following a placement evaluation, at the front desk of the Academy, and on the PAB website (www.performingartsballet.blogspot.com). A complete registration packet contains the tuition list, class schedule, uniform requirements, student handbook*, policies & etiquette overview, and the annual calendar. The Academy must receive registration before a student may begin classes. *Parents and students of the Academy are expected to read through the Handbook thoroughly at the beginning of the year in order to familiarize themselves with our policies and procedures before attending classes.

Tuition and Scholarships Tuition is due the first class of the month. We know that parents are looking for quality dance instruction at an affordable price. One way we are able to keep prices low is by re-using costumes each year. Many studios charge hundreds of dollars for costumes that will be worn once then sold at garage sales years later. Our monthly tuition covers the cost of classes as well as the dancer’s participation in our performances, and we provide the costumes which means no surprise fees throughout the year!

I feel strongly that anyone who has the desire to dance should be given the opportunity regardless of their financial situation. Through the provision of scholarships and other special programs, we seek to provide dance education to talented children who might not otherwise have the opportunity for formal training. Students may apply for a Scholarship at the front desk.

*Discounts apply for paying in advance or for families with more than one child, please speak to Tiffany if this applies to you.

Withdrawal Policy and Tuition Refunds Once a student is enrolled, tuition is due and payable. Students who wish to withdraw from classes must give two weeks notice. Amounts due must be paid in full (including any outstanding private lesson fees for those applicable) and the registration fees will not be refunded. Tuition is non-refundable, with the following exceptions:

1. Students whose classes are cancelled for insufficient enrollment will be given their choice of a pro-rated account credit or tuition refund.

2. Students who withdraw for medical reasons with physician documentation will be given their choice of a pro-rated account credit or tuition refund.

Classes missed for family vacations, voluntary absences, school events, and occasional sick days are not reimbursable. A sick day, or a class cancelled by PAB due to instructor illness and/or substitute unavailability, may entitle one to a make-up class.

Inclement Weather As a general rule, classes will be cancelled due to inclement weather whenever the Davis School District has a cancellation or when the director deems that conditions are not safe to travel. If the district cancels academic classes for a particular day, classes at PAB will also be canceled. All weather-related cancellations, including Saturday classes and rehearsals will be announced via email, post on Facebook, and/or make phone calls or text when classes are cancelled due to severe weather or other emergency. It may also occasionally become necessary for the Academy to cancel a scheduled class due to teacher illness, lack of substitute teacher availability, or other unforeseen reasons. Notice will be given as far in advance as possible, and in most cases by email. Cancelled classes will normally not be re-scheduled, however, students who wish to make up cancelled classes are welcome and encouraged to do so by taking a make-up class at the same level or one level lower than the student's regular class. Please notify the teacher if you intend to take a class to make up for a cancelled class.

Academy Holiday Closures There will be no classes on the following dates:

October 15-18 – Fall Break; No classes

November 25-29 – Thanksgiving Break; No classes

December 19-January 3 – Winter Recess; No classes

January 18 – Martin Luther King Day; No classes

February 15 – Washington & Lincoln Day; No classes

March 25-April 3 – Spring Recess; No classes

*Classes will meet as scheduled on all other dates including any holidays not specified above.

Attendance Students are expected to attend every class for which they are enrolled. Regular attendance promotes steady skill development and class cohesion. Students that are committed to their classes and have regular attendance will be considered for level promotion, key production roles, etc., because they will have the necessary recommended training to excel as expected. Please understand that students who are regularly tardy or absent may need to repeat a given level and as a result may take longer to progress through the program. If a student has a planned absence, late arrival, or early release due to family, school, or other important events, the Absentee Form should be filled out and returned to the front desk. All emergency absences or late arrivals should be reported to the teacher by phone or email.

Make-up Classes Excused absences may be made up by attending an additional class at the same level or a level lower than the student's current placement. The class may be made up during the semester in which it occurs. To arrange to make up a missed class, students/parents should contact the teacher or Academy Director by phone or email to make arrangements.

Late Arrival Proper warm-up is necessary in order to prevent injury. It is very important that students are present for the first few warm-up exercises at the barre. Excessive tardiness is also a disruption to the class. Students arriving after the start of class (approximately 10 minutes) may not be allowed to participate in class and may be asked to observe only. This decision is at the discretion of the instructor and/or Academy Director. *Please remind dancers to use the restroom before class.

Illness/Injury Despite the conditioning incorporated into each dancer's training, injuries occasionally occur as a normal part of any dancer's life. To ensure that injuries are properly treated and in order to expedite the healing process, students with an injury should advise the instructor before class and complete as much of the class as is physically possible. If injured, students are still expected to participate in rehearsals and classes to the best of their ability. This includes walking/"marking" through the choreography if the student is physically able to do so, or alternatively, simply observing and taking notes so as not to miss out on important material while injured. When the student has reached a point in the class after which continuation is not feasible, he/she should excuse themselves to the instructor and sit quietly at the front of the room on the floor carefully observing the rest of the class or rehearsal. Students not able to dance en pointe due to an injury should participate in the class or rehearsal on flat whenever possible. This is standard practice within the ballet world, as students can still learn much from observing the other dancers and being present in the rehearsal. If a student must miss class entirely due to illness or injury, an Absentee Form should be filled out and the absence should be reported to the teacher by phone or email. Any injuries occurring on PAB Property must be reported to the instructor and/or Front Desk Attendant immediately.

Class Placement/Advancement In order to best meet the needs of all students, considerable care and attention is given to student placement. Students age 3-8 may enroll directly into the age appropriate class. Students ages 9 and older with previous ballet training are required to participate in a placement class before enrolling. Placement evaluations are typically done within a current class on the schedule, so that the instructor can evaluate the student in a normal class setting. Placement of a student into a class is based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to age, muscle and bone development, mental and social maturity, work ethic, years trained in ballet (and specifically in the Vaganova method), potential, etc. Promotion of students into the next level may occur at any time during the semester, although it is most common at the end of the school year. Advancement is based on many factors including a student's strength, technical ability, turnout and flexibility, physical development, commitment and participation, mastery of material, maturity, attendance record, and artistic development as assessed by his or her teacher. In all cases, a student's ability to safely execute the required class material is considered above all other factors, including age. Because our work is so closely connected to each individual's physical development, it is not unusual for a student to repeat a level of ballet training (unlike academic advancement). Advancement is at the sole discretion of the Artistic Faculty and is non-negotiable. All students are placed into the level that will allow for maximum growth and improvement for the child. If you have questions about your child's level placement or wish to discuss goals for the student's future, please make an appointment with the Academy Director.

Repeating Levels of Study Because our work is so closely connected to each individual's physical development and unlike academic advancement, it is not unusual for a student to repeat a level of ballet training. The majority of our students will repeat a level at some point in their training. It is critically important that students advance at their own rate so they can master the work demanded of them, avoid injury, and achieve their fullest potential. A student who carefully develops her/his technique early in the curriculum will reduce the risk of injury, and will improve her/his rate and likelihood of advancement in later years.

Going on Pointe Girls typically begin pointe work in level 1 or level 2 of the Classical Ballet Division, however, given the range of physical/developmental maturity in any given group of students, it is not uncommon for some students to be ready earlier than others. Students will be allowed on pointe when it is safe to do so without risk of injury, and only at the discretion of the faculty. Before recommending a student for pointe work, PAB faculty will assess each student to ensure they have sufficient strength to do the following:

Be able to hold their turnout while dancing.

Maintain a strong, straight back while dancing, especially the lower back.

Keep the heels forward-no sickling

Use plie while dancing

Point their feet and stretch the legs while dancing

Pique passe with a straight leg

Be able to do 16 continuous releve's in the center

Be able to hold a passe balance on demi-pointe

The student should be well-placed (hips square, back straight, legs turned out and pulled-up) and have the strength to balance on demi-pointe

Adequate flexibility of the foot to allow the student to get over their shoes

Exclusivity of Study To ensure consistency of training and maximum progress, students should avoid taking dance instruction at schools other than PAB. Advanced students (levels 5-8) who wish to take classes outside of PAB must submit a request to the Academy Director for approval; such cases will only be considered if the particular class is not offered at PAB (hip-hop, ballroom, high school dance teams, etc.) as is standard policy at most professional ballet schools. In most cases, approval will be happily granted if the opportunity will enrich, not distract from, the student's training goals. This policy not only ensures the quality of the student's own training as well as their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, but helps to ensure that other students of PAB will not be affected by changes in repertoire due to absences or other commitments not related to PAB.

Observation of Classes One week of classes will be open to observation each semester. Family and friends are invited into the classroom to observe student's progress. There should not be audible interaction between students and observers during class. Parents may take photographs of their students, however, for the safety of our students flash photography is prohibited. Videotaping is not allowed.

Exams & Parent Conferences We understand that students grow and develop at their own rate, and in their own time. Teachers monitor the progress of each student in each class individually and strive to provide consistent corrections. Students in the Classical Ballet and Preparatory Division receive year-end evaluations. Evaluations address overall progress, effort, attitude, and recommend improvements in different areas. On exam days, regularly scheduled classes may not be held in order to facilitate the scheduling of exams (check Annual Calendar for specific details). Please pay close attention to the Annual Calendar as well as email and bulletin board notices regarding exam schedules and special instructions. A written summary of each student's progress will be made available to the student and his/her parents following the exam, typically within about 3 weeks, which should be reviewed thoroughly in order to concentrate upon areas needing to be improved. Student placement for the following year is noted on year-end evaluations. All placements are final and at the discretion of our Artistic Staff. Faculty members are happy to meet with parents, although it can often be challenging to catch teachers in between classes. Parents and students wishing to meet with their child's instructor in person to discuss progress, evaluation results, and future career goals are required to request a conference with his/her teacher. Please contact your Studio Administrator and they will arrange a time for you to meet.

Parent Role in Ballet As parents, you play a vital role in your child's ballet training. We strongly feel that your child's experience during their years in ballet school will have an enormous impact on the person he/she will become. We also fully understand the fact that we will have an impact on your child's development as a person as well as a dancer, and do not take that responsibility lightly. To that end, our primary goal is to help each student reach his/her fullest potential as a dancer, and to provide the best training possible. As a parent, your primary goal should be to serve as your child's biggest fan and support system. Teachers will be a source for correction and instruction, and parents should be a source of constant, unconditional support. If either party crosses these boundaries, if forces the other party to do the same, resulting in less progress for the child. Please be mindful of this during your child's training.

Building Self-Esteem One of the greatest gifts we can provide for our children is a good sense of self-esteem and self-worth. Ballet training requires a tremendous amount of hard work, discipline, focus, and years of commitment. It's important for parents to help their children discover their own unique talents and qualities, and to value their own strengths, but also teach them that feeling special doesn't mean feeling better than others. Confidence comes from trying and failing and trying again and again until they become successful. Parents can contribute to a child's confidence level by praising children when you see them putting effort toward something at which they previously failed. Teach your kids to work towards a goal and to have pride in their accomplishments. Even when your child seems disappointed, it is best to find the positive in the situation and help your child to re-focus his/her attention and energy in a more productive manner.

Relationships with other parents/students Behavior, either verbal or physical, which disregards or demeans the self-esteem of others will not be tolerated. Such behaviors are unacceptable regardless of how they are communicated. We ask that all parents refrain from encouraging unhealthy competition between your child and his/her classmates. These students may be some of your child's closest friends over the years, so please help us to nurture these relationships. Unfortunately difficult situations may arise where one might be involved with others who choose to foster unhealthy competition or gossip amongst parent/students. Please keep in mind some of the following tips for handling uncomfortable situations with other parents. In addition, please do not hesitate to contact the Academy Director at any time should a situation arise that is uncomfortable, harmful to your child or another student, or disruptive to the studio environment. Separate yourself from the situation. If you find yourself sitting next to a parent who continually gossips or

speaks badly of other children, consider waiting with another parent, or moving to an alternate area.

Be ready with a quick non-confrontational response to comments. Telling someone simply that a comment is inappropriate should remedy the situation, and will likely prevent against hearing any more similar comments from them in the future.

Talk with your child. If he/she is hearing inappropriate comments from other students/parents, encourage him/her to share those comments with you and handle them in an appropriate manner. Prepare your child in advance for overhearing a snide comment by assuming that any gossip from the lobby will find its way into the studio in some fashion. Your child should be equipped with some simple pleasant responses.

Above all else, we encourage all parents to set a good example for your child and other students. By refraining from gossip and encouraging healthy relationships amongst your child and his/her peers, your child will be much better poised for long-term success and growth.

Please Review the enclosed ‘Classroom Etiquette’ before the first day of class.

Personal Belongings and Cleanliness of Studios Students may stow their personal belongings and dance bags in the cubbies. Due to limited space, floors of the studio hallways and waiting areas should be kept clear and as neat as possible. All dance shoes and personal belongings should be labeled to avoid mix-ups. Students are asked to leave all valuables and money at home. Though PAB is not responsible for lost or stolen items, there is a Lost & Found box located at the front desk; if you find a clothing item, dance shoe, or other items that are not your own, please place these in the Lost & Found. Parents and students are reminded to clean up after themselves and to pick up all food wrappers, band-aids, and other trash items as they see them. We must all work together to maintain a clean, professional atmosphere for teaching. Please do NOT leave your trash for someone else to clean up.

Nutrition and Wellness Ballet is an athletic pursuit and the body needs the best support possible. Understanding how to fuel his/her body is an essential part of a dancer's education. Seminars on nutrition and wellness may be held each year during summer intensive. Additionally, instructors share information with students on a continuing basis. Here are a few ideas to help your child have the most beneficial training experience:

Healthy eating and adequate rest: Ensure your child has eaten a snack before class. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, yogurt and nuts are a great way to fuel your child's active body. Sleep is important and allows the muscles to relax overnight, so mind that your child goes to bed on time. Stay in shape outside the studio: As well as physical education at school, stay active by swimming, walking and bike riding. Arriving early and preparing for class: Your child will get the maximum benefit from his/her ballet class is he/she arrives early (15 minutes before) and is prepared for class. Students should use the minutes before class to stretch or think about the exercises they did in the last class.

Student Health Policy: Students who are deemed at risk of injury to themselves or others for any reason may be required to receive a medical clearance and/or subsequent follow ups in order to continue participating in classes, rehearsals, or performances. This decision will be solely at the discretion of PAB Faculty. Concerns regarding risks of injury may result from any number of reasons including a student who demonstrates erratic behavior, sudden weight loss or weight gain, or visible physical limitations to class participation. All student health concerns are approached with care and are discussed in a private conference with a parent or guardian present. The confidentiality of students and families is always carefully guarded. Should an emergency arise, all attempts will be made to reach a student's parent/guardian first. If a parent/guardian cannot be reached, the emergency contact provided on the registration form will be called. If changes in this information occur we ask that you notify the front dest so that all medical records are up to date.