The Ballet School of Vermont Policies

CLASS PLACEMENT

In the first six weeks students are evaluated to make sure they are in the level that is best for them. The normal progression is two to three years, per level. Suggested placement is based on student's level from previous spring quarter. Due to children maturing or continuing their dance education during summer, placement will be reassessed during first quarter of each new season. This placement will depend on age, ability, number of classes taken per week, and class size. Students moving into the Ballet 3 and above levels must have a clear understanding and execution of proper alignment, core strength, and pelvis placement. For the safety of the child's body, students will not be able to dance in pointe shoes without proper placement. Returning students receive a suggested class placement in their new season mailing. This is the recommended level for registration. Evaluations are normally completed by mid-October.

Schedule Changes

Studio Schedule is subject to change based on size and availability. BSVT will try to accommodate the student if there is a change in the schedule, or a refund of the tuition will be given.

CLASS CANCELLATIONS

Due to inclement weather, The Ballet School will close when St. Albans city or town schools close. In the case of a storm later in the day, please check your email prior to coming to class for any cancellations. Cancelled classes can be made up during the quarter.

ATTENDANCE

By the time a dancer reaches the Ballet One level it is imperative for him/her to make a clear choice as to what school the dancer will be attending. BSVT will be teaching from American Ballet Theatre's National Training Curriculum. Therefore all dancers must have the consistency of ABT's guided curriculum. Please notify the school if there is going to be a missed class. There is no refund for missed lessons. Missed classes can be made up during the quarter if space is available. Please reschedule with the teacher.

PLACEMENT for Pointe Prep, En Pointe and NVB

BSVT places students entering the Pointe Prep and En Pointe levels, as well as participation in the Northern Vermont Ballet Company at the discretion of the Artistic Director.
Please also read BSVT's Pointe Shoe Readiness Informational PDF

PHOTO SHOOT

Student's technique will be evaluated using stop action shots with an SLR camera and/or video camera. This is an excellent way for the dancer and teacher to evaluate the student's technique. Students will be prompted to display their technically best dance shots. Photos will be chosen based on technique and image quality by the director. Families will receive those photos by disc. All photos in the brochure and some in this handbook are examples of shots from private photo shoots. A private photo shoot can be scheduled with the director. Please email Jenny@TheBalletSchoolOnline.com for pricing information.

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE 

BSVT is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for high-quality classical instruction. Every student is expected to cooperate with the structure of the classroom. BSVT works with parents to help students develop inner discipline and proper classroom etiquette. In the rare occasion of a disruptive student, they are given ample opportunity to improve unacceptable behavior. If a student must be dismissed from classes for disciplinary reasons, a refund will not be given.

INJURY & MEDICAL

Any medical conditions or previous injuries should be explained to the teacher before enrollment. As with any sport or demanding exercise, there is risk of injury. BSVT, premise and affiliates assume no responsibility for injuries. Parent and student assume all risk.

PICK UP & DROP OFF

Students may be dropped off fifteen minutes prior to class. Children under the age of 10 must be supervised by an adult. Students must wait in the lobby before and after class. This is for their safety, as the parking lot can be very congested.

Withdrawal

A space in the class has been reserved for registered students. Therefore, there is no refund for early withdrawals.

Studio Lobby

Please be quiet while waiting in the studio lobbies as noise is easily carried and distracting to students receiving instruction. Dressing rooms are reserved for changing only. Children playing in them who are spoken to on more than one occasion will be asked to be supervised by their parent or another responsible adult. Older students and adults may use the back study room to quietly warm-up, do homework, or just hang out before their classes. We ask that younger siblings use the play area in the front lobby only please. No running inside the building.

VALUBLES

We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Dance Theater

The Ballet School produces elaborate dance theater productions complete with lighting, scenery, costumes, and props. This requires commitment from BSVT families and students to consistently attend rehearsals weeks in advance of the performance; during regular class time, any extra rehearsals called, and off-campus theater tech rehearsals. Missed rehearsals may result in exclusion from performance. You will be notified in advance which week each year in Quarter 3 is reserved for costume fitting. Attendance is mandatory in order to meet costume deadlines. Rescheduled fittings may result in an additional handling charge. Performance excerpts are available online. Please contact performance coordinator Vicky@TheBalletSchoolOnline.com for further information.