Studio Policies
The dress code and behavior code are a critical part of maintaining the educational objectives at Ballet Arts Studio and the Dutchess Dance Company. These traditions of classical training instill a positive work ethic and discipline. All of the policies require very strong parental support.
Dress Code
Ballet
For Girls
Black leotard (spaghetti strap leotards are not permitted), tights and ballet slippers that most closely match skin tone with elastic sewn on. Solid-colored black or pink ballet skirts are permitted for dancers in Middle and Upper School classes. All other Lower School dancers, with the exception of Preparation for Ballet dancers, are not permitted to wear skirts. Pointe shoes that most closely match skin tone in pointe classes with the ribbons and elastics sewn. Hair in a bun (see left).
For Boys
Black tights or leggings, white t-shirt, white socks, white or black ballet slippers.
Modern & Jazz
For Girls
Solid color leotard (spaghetti strap leotards are not permitted), black tights or tights that most closely match skin tone, without feet or convertible. Fitted black dance shorts are permitted (no writing, words or designs allowed on shorts). Skirts are not permitted. Dancers must have black jazz shoes for Jazz. Flesh-colored sole shields are optional for modern. Hair can be in a bun or in a ponytail.
For Boys
Solid color t-shirt, black tights without feet, or black dance pants. Black jazz shoes for Jazz. Flesh-colored sole shields are optional for Modern..
Tap
For Girls
Solid color leotard (spaghetti strap leotards are not permitted) and black tights or tights that most closely match skin tone. Fitted black shorts are permitted (no writing, words or designs allowed on shorts). Ballet skirts are not permitted, except in Tap I. Black tap shoes with flat tap heel. Hair can be in a bun or in a ponytail.
For Boys
Black dance pants, solid color t-shirt, black tap shoes with flat tap heel.
Theater Dance
For Girls
Solid color leotard (spaghetti strap leotards are not permitted) and black tights or tights that most closely match skin tone. Fitted black shorts are permitted (no writing, words or designs allowed on shorts); skirts are not permitted. Tan character shoes with low heels for Theater Dance III; black jazz shoes for Theater Dance I and II. Hair can be in a bun or in a ponytail.
For Boys
Black dance pants, solid color t-shirt, black jazz shoes.
Contemporary
For Girls
Solid color leotard (spaghetti strap leotards are not permitted), black tights or tights that most closely match skin tone without feet or convertible. Fitted black dance shorts are permitted (no writing, words or designs allowed on shorts). Skirts are not permitted. Flesh-colored sole shields or dance socks are optional. Hair can be in a bun or in a ponytail.
For Boys
Solid color t-shirt, black dance pants. Flesh-colored sole shields optional.
Hip Hop
For All
Solid color leotard or t-shirt, tights or dance shorts/jazz pants; jazz shoes or black soled dance sneakers.
Adults
For All
Adult students may wear what they wish, but we ask that all adult students be mindful of the Ballet Arts' Dress Code.
NOTE: No other clothing, including, but not limited to, leg-warmers, sweaters, non-ballet skirts, t-shirts and cover-ups, is allowed, unless by specific instructor permission and for a specific reason. Students must ask the instructor, prior to the beginning of class, for permission to wear any additional clothing in class.
Hair & Accessories
Hair in a Bun: For all dancers Lower School III and below, hair must be in a tight, classic ballet bun at the crown of the head during classes. For all dancers Lower School IV and above, the bun does not have to be at the crown of head during classes. However, during all rehearsals and performances, all Ballet Arts' dancers must have their hair in a tight, classic ballet bun at the crown of the head. Bun hair must always be completely off the face and neck, and must be pinned tightly and securely, with bangs pinned back so that hair is not in the eyes. Hair nets are very strongly recommended for all buns. Girls with short hair must use tight barrettes to pull hair back. We strongly discourage the use of headbands (if headbands are used, they must be solid black, with no writing or designs).
Hair in a Ponytail: Hair must be pulled back in a high ponytail, at the crown of the head, and tightly secured. Hair must be off the face and neck. Bangs must be pinned so that hair is not in the eyes and is off the face.
Jewelry: Only very small stud earrings are permitted. No other jewelry of any kind is allowed. Dancers wearing any other jewelry will need to remove the jewelry before class. To avoid the possibility of losing something valuable, we suggest you do not bring these items to the studio.
Behavior Code
Students are requested to respect the space in which the dance work takes place by only wearing dance shoes while in the studios. All students are expected to bring their dance shoes (which should only be worn indoors) with them to class and change into their dance shoes before entering the studios.
Students may bring dance related clothing and accessories into the studio. Water in non-breakable containers is also permitted. No other drinks, or food, are permitted in the studio. No cell phones, iPads, laptops or any other electronic equipment are permitted in the studio.
Medical Concerns: Please send us an email if your dancer has any medical or physical issues or mental health conditions of which Ballet Arts Studio should be aware.
Attendance at all classes and rehearsals is very important for consistent technical and artistic development. Attendance at both classes and rehearsals is reviewed periodically by the Artistic Director, and unexcused absences may result in a change of class placement, removal from specific classes (for example, pointe classes), and inability to participate in performances, including The Nutcracker and the Spring Concert.
Attendance at Nutcracker and Spring Concert rehearsals: All rehearsals at the venues are MANDATORY. If a dancer has a conflict with any of the Nutcracker or Spring Concert rehearsals at the venue, Ballet Arts must be notified as soon as the conflict arises if the student would like to see if they can still participate in the performance. Ballet Arts has sole decision-making authority regarding whether a dancer will be excused from a rehearsal at the venue. If a school prom or graduation, for a student graduating from that school, conflicts with a rehearsal at the Spring Concert venue, only seniors graduating from that school can be excused from a Spring Concert rehearsal at the venue on the night of the prom or graduation. No exceptions will be made to this policy.
Tardiness: Students must be on time for class. A student should never be late by more than ten minutes, except under special circumstances. A late student should wait quietly by the door until motioned by the instructor or staff to enter the studio, either to watch or join the class. If a dancer is tardy for class, the instructor determines whether or not the dancer can join the class. This is to ensure that all dancers are properly warmed up for class. If the instructor determines that the student cannot join the class, the dancer is expected to sit quietly and watch the class.
Students should not leave classes early. In the event a student must leave class early, that student should inform Ballet Arts’ staff and the instructor before the class begins, and should leave class at the necessary time in a way that results in the least disruption to the class.
Visits to the bathroom should be completed before or after class. Water in non-glass re-sealable containers are allowed in the studios. Water bottles must always be tightly closed when not being used. Food and chewing gum are never allowed in the studios.
No smoking is allowed in or at Ballet Arts Studio. Ballet Arts Studio practices zero tolerance for drug and alcohol use.
It is customary and important for students to clap for each other and the instructor, and formally thank the instructor, at the end of each class
Tuition
· Tuition is based on an academic year. Students must register each year. The total number of classes for each level and for each class during the year will vary depending on the calendar and on school vacation days. Ballet Arts Studio does not follow any particular school district calendar so please refer to our Studio Calendar and note days on which the studio is closed.
·An Installment Payment Plan of quarterly payments every eight or nine weeks is available for your convenience. Please remember that paying tuition in installments of every eight or nine weeks does not mean that there will be eight or nine classes at each class level during the installment period. Tuition is due on the first day of each installment period. Ballet Arts Studio does not mail installment payment notices so we ask parents to please mark the calendar. There is a $15.00 late fee for tuition received more than ten days after the due date.
Make-up classes may be available at the discretion of the Director and based upon the reason a class is missed and must be taken within the month that a class is missed. Make-up classes are generally not available for involvement with sports teams, school plays, personal vacations, family visits, or routine childhood illnesses. Please call or email the Studio if you would like to see if a make-up is available for a missed class.
Refunds, including for tuition and Production fees, are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and are given at the discretion of the Director.
Tuition discounts of 10% are given beyond the first child registered in a family. The 10% discount will be given to the child taking fewer classes.
Production fees, master classes, private coaching, summer programs and special events are charged separately from class tuition. payments.
Drop Off & Pick Up
Safety Procedures: The Beacon Police Department has informed us that anyone who parks or stops on the sidewalk or walkway in front of the Ballet Arts Studio will be ticketed. Additionally, stopping anywhere in front of Ballet Arts creates an unsafe condition. To ensure maximum safety for all of our students and the community, please adhere to the following rules. NO EXCEPTIONS. Thank you.
The safety of all of the students and the community is a major priority. Thank you for your cooperation.
Drop Off
Please do not stop or wait in your car in front of the Studio.
Please park on Henry Street and walk your child to the Studio.
Pick Up
Please do not stop or wait in your car in front of the Studio.
Please park on Henry Street and walk to the Studio to pick up your child.
Students are not permitted to wait on the front steps or to sit on or play around the rock garden in front of the Studio.
Trial & Private Classes
Trial Classes
Trial Classes may be available to students wishing to experience new dance disciplines. Students and parents may also be able to watch classes by prior arrangement.
Private Classes
Private classes / coaching is available with all instructors at Ballet Arts. These sessions must be scheduled through the office. Cancellation of a private must be made more than forty eight (48) hours before the scheduled service, or the fee will remain due.
Click here for the fee schedule.
Weather Related Closings
Decisions regarding closings due to snow and inclement weather are made at the last possible moment, to ensure that we do not close unnecessarily. We make closing decisions by 3pm on weekdays and 7:30am on Saturdays. Emails are sent to our current students email list. Information is also posted to our Facebook Page. Please do NOT call the studio.
