Studio Policies
· Classes for the 2011-2012 dance season begin Monday, September 5th and run through the last week of May or the finish of our Recital.
· Children should be placed in classes appropriate to their age as of September 1, 2011.
· The advancement of a dancer happens through correct repetition of steps and development of physical strength until both mental and physical comprehension has been reached. Every student is different and reaches this comprehension at different times. It is better for the student to wait until his or her body has fully matured and understands the movement at one level before moving on to a more complicated level.
· Our instructors are trained to evaluate the students and understand each child’s physical development. If adjustments need to be made, instructors will advise the parents of a different placement.
· Pointe: It is very important to be cautious and conservative about the age at which a female student begins training on pointe. Usually between the age of 11 or 12, a student that has been training for at least 4 years is physically strong enough and technically advanced enough to begin pointe work. It can be detrimental to start training on pointe too early in a dancer’s career. At too early a stage, a dancer may not have a full understanding of proper body alignment. She may not have developed toe, foot, ankle, leg, and/or abdominal strength and may practice bad habits that can lead to injury or chronic conditions such as tendinitis. There is no need to start pointe training too early as an accomplished dancer will easily be able to go on pointe with little effort and progress at a rapid pace. Many students who begin training too early become discouraged with the difficulty of proper execution which they did not expect. It is much wiser to wait until the proper time when a dancer is physically ready to take on the work level and can achieve the results that she hopes for. Teachers should always approve a student before they go on pointe.
- Scholarships (ONLY BOYS SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME)
*Available to students enrolled ONLY at Bonita’s School of Ballet.*
· Boys: May enroll in all ballet classes free-of-charge. There is a fee charged for all modern/tap/jazz classes.
· Girls: Parents must apply and submit requested information (including tax forms) to qualify. Work scholarships are also available. These scholarships require that you or your student repay class time with work at the studio. Positions available include but are not limited to: Weekly Janitorial work & Building repairs and construction
· If you believe that you have other services to offer, please bring them to Mrs. Bonita for approval.
- Class/Level Cancellations
· BSOB reserves the right to cancel or combine any class or level that does not have a sufficient number (at least 5) of students enrolled to support the instructor for the class.
· Consistent attendance is very important in maintaining continual growth in technique and establishing muscle strength and muscle memory.
· Class attendance is taken daily.
· Please call or email the office if your child must be absent.
· Students are encouraged to make up missed classes on their level or one level below.
· We do not refund or pro-rate tuition for missed classes.
· We expect our students to be prompt and ready for class.
· A student who is more than 10 minutes late should wait at the door quietly, without interrupting, and wait for the instructor to acknowledge them.
· Since a student who misses the first few class exercises runs the risk of injury by not being properly warmed up, the instructor will decide whether or not it is safe for the student to participate. The student may be asked to watch the class.
· Parents should not interrupt the class to give the instructor an explanation for their tardiness. If the instructor needs to know, the instructor will ask or contact you at an appropriate time.
· Ages 12 & up should do stretching and core-strengthening exercises 10-15 minutes prior to class. This will build strength and flexibility to help prevent injuries. Use the hallway, but be careful not to block the main pathway.
· Students are not allowed in the classrooms or class doorways until invited by an instructor.
· Students must be picked up promptly after class. We cannot be responsible for the children after class. Please arrange for a prompt pick-up.
· Please come into the building to pick up your child.
· Non-driving students are not allowed to wait outside or leave the premises until parents retrieve them. Please advise your child(ren) of this rule.
· Students must be dressed and hair properly done prior to entering class.
· Restroom trips should be completed prior to class time. Students will not be allowed to leave during class except in cases of emergencies. Limit fluid consumption immediately before class.
· Students should be prepared with proper shoes, water bottle, and other classroom necessities outside of the dance room at appropriate class times.
· It is not the instructor’s responsibility to search the hallways, bathrooms, or dressing rooms for students.
· All students must be fully prepared in order to participate in class. PLEASE encourage your student to prepare the night before class and pack the necessary shoes, clothing, and hair supplies.
· Don’t forget your shoes! No student will be allowed to take class without the proper shoes.
· Dressing Rooms are to be used ONLY for changing clothes.
· Students are not allowed to loiter in the dressing rooms before or after class and will be asked to leave if they do so.
· DO NOT use restroom as a dressing room.
· Do not allow younger children or siblings to run in and out of the dressing rooms. We do not want any disturbances of others who may be changing.
- Dress Code/Hair Rules (all ages)
· Class Leotards must be worn to the appropriate classes.
· Tights:
o Should be convertible (hole in bottom of the feet) for all modern students and pre-pointe level & up.
o No shimmery tights.
o Replace tights as necessary so there are no large holes or runs.
· Ballet shoes:
o Pink leather or canvas ballet shoes for girls. Boys should wear black leather or canvas ballet shoes.
o Must have elastic securely sewn on.
o No drawstring bows sticking out. It is better that drawstrings are tied in a double knot and excess string is cut off. Be sure that the string is long enough to be tucked inside the ballet shoe.
o Ballet shoes may NOT be worn outside the building as it reduces the life of the shoes and may bring hazardous materials into the studio that can damage the floor and/or cause injuries for students.
· Tap/Jazz Shoes:
o Tap shoes should be black with no tying ribbons. We suggest that elastics be used in place of the ribbons.
o Jazz shoes should be black canvas or suede shoes.
o Tap and/or jazz shoes may NOT be worn outside the building as it reduces the life of the shoes and may bring hazardous materials into the studio that can damage the floor and/or cause injuries for students.
· Hair
o Neat classical ballet bun secured with plenty of hairpins
o Hairnet same color as girl’s hair is recommended
o All whispies sprayed down
o Bangs: allowed for younger students only and should not cover the eyes.
o If hair is too short for a bun, it must be pulled back neatly from face, off the neck, and secured with elastic bands or barrettes that will not fall out.
· No leg warmers or other additional clothing is allowed in class without the instructor’s permission.
· Stud pierced earrings are the ONLY jewelry allowed in class. This means no large earrings, bracelets, Silly Bandz, watches, necklaces, or rings. You will be asked to remove these items. BSOB staff is not responsible for the safe return of jewelry that must be removed after the student has entered the classroom.
· Recital Fee:
o $40, Due before April 1
· Recital Costume:
o $25 deposit due November 1
o Costume balance due January 31
o NO REFUNDS!
· Recital Dances:
o Dances are taught during class. We begin work on our recital dances in February, and a great deal of rehearsal is done during the last few weeks prior to recital time. Attendance in class for the weeks prior to BSOB’s recitals/performances is required to ensure your child a place in the dance. We cannot teach dances during rehearsals, so it is important that you are there during class time.
· Trophies:
o Trophies are presented either during the last week of classes or at the end of the recital. Trophies are given for the 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, and 15 years. A small fee is charged per trophy, varying according to year.
· Performance Date: TBA
· Class Etiquette
o No hanging on the barres.
o Do not enter classroom without instructor’s permission.
o Receive permission from instructor before leaving class.
o No talking or horseplay during class. Excessive misconduct may result in the parents being called in for a conference with the instructor. Misconduct by one or a few interrupts the class for all students.
o No arguing with the instructor or complaining about class work. Negative attitudes affect the entire class
o No chewing gum.
o Follow hair and dress codes.
· Studio Etiquette
o No running in the halls.
o No excessive noise.
o No littering—trashcans are provided.
o No street shoes in classrooms.
o NO FOOD OR DRINKS (except water bottles).
o For safety reasons, no students or children will be allowed in classrooms without supervision by a BSOB staff person. Use of classrooms for “rehearsals” must be approved by Mrs. Bonita, in advance, and be within a time frame that staff is available for direct supervision.
· Family and Friends of Students
o DO NOT INTERRUPT CLASS! Our teachers are instructed to continue teaching when parents stick their heads in the door to tell them something. Interruptions interfere with the training of students.
o Only staff and students allowed in classrooms.
o Parents, siblings, and friends are not allowed in empty classrooms.
o Adults in the hallway should always speak QUIETLY whether talking among themselves or disciplining other children. Noise is a major distraction for the students in class.
o No running or horseplay, which can cause injuries or disturb classes.
o Children not in class cannot be left unattended.
o Children should not be allowed to play in the middle of the hallway.
· Failure to adhere to these rules may be called to an adult and/or child’s attention by a staff member.
· BSOB is not responsible for items lost, misplaced, or left unattended in the studio. Put your name on ALL of your belongings.
· Take valuables with you to the classroom and do not leave them in the dressing room, hallways, or offices.
· Items found at the studio at the end of the day will be place in the Lost & Found box, which is located in the school office.
· Items in the Lost & Found box are periodically donated to a charitable group.
· There is no charge to use the work-out equipment. Any parent or older student is welcome. Parents that are working out should be sure that their children are supervised outside of the workout room.
· No children under the age of 13 are allowed to use the equipment and no one under the age of 18 is allowed in the room alone.
· Closed-toe shoes should be worn at all times when working around or with the equipment.
· There will be a sign in sheet at the front office. Please use this so that we can keep track of who is in the room at what times.
· The studio will be closed for the following holidays:
oThanksgiving—November 24-25
oChristmas—December 19-January 1
oEasterBreak—April 9-13
· Inclement Weather Policy:
oThe studio will close for inclement weather when Union County Public Schools are closed. Check our website for updates.
· We do not close for teacher workdays.
