Frequently Asked Questions and Studio Policies
Students
“What do I wear to class?”
Following a dress code shows respect for the art of Ballet, your instructor and fellow students. This is something I feel very strongly about and it will be enforced. Students will be given a warning for failure to follow the dress code, and after that they may be asked to sit out of class until they are able to comply.
The dress code is as follows (for all classes):
Boys: Close fitting white shirt, black leggings, black shoes, with hair neat and secured away from their face
Girls: Black Leotard, Light Pink Tights, Pink Ballet Shoes, with hair secured in a bun. Hair that is too short for a bun must be pulled back away from the face and secured to the Head. Long bangs must be securely pinned out of the face.
A mesh skirt in the assigned class level color is to be worn. Students may wear close fitting leg warmers that are light pink, or a black, close fitting sweater for the first part of class.
Please make sure your hair is secure before class begins. It is rude to fix your hair during class.
Jewelry is not to be worn, as this is a safety hazard. Small stud earrings are permitted.
"It's cold, can I wear a sweater in class?"
Close fitting, black ballet wraps are permitted. Long sleeve leotards are also a nice option for the colder months.
Ballet pink leg warmers may be worn but please no other colors.
“How do I make a bun?”
Start by pulling your hair into a tight ponytail and secure with an elastic hair tie. Use snappy clips and bobby pins to secure any loose hair that does not stay pulled back.
Begin twisting your ponytail and start spiraling into a bun; make sure it lays against your head. (It should resemble a cinnamon roll at this point)
Hold the bun with one hand, and wrap a hairnet around the bun 2 or 3 times, then tuck any extra hairnet under the bun.
While still holding the bun with one hand, begin placing bobby pins into the bun around the edges, making sure to secure the twisted part to the hair pulled against your head. You should use at least 8 bobby pins, but use more if you need to.
Once your pins are secure, shake your head back and forth; if your bun comes loose, it won’t last for all of your class, so use more pins and secure it to your head.
Keep on testing your bun until it feels secure enough to last for the duration of your classes! If you have little hairs that will not stay flat against your head, spray them with a little bit of water or hairspray and smooth them down.
“When should I get there?”
Try to arrive to your class 5-10 minutes early to put on your shoes, help set the barres, and be inside the classroom when your class is to begin.
“What if I’m late?”
If you have arrived late, enter the classroom quietly and without disturbing the other students.
Frequently arriving late is disrespectful and disruptive. It sends the message that you do not take your dance training seriously. It also hinders your progress as a dancer, because the class is designed to build on each preceding combination. Students who make a habit of arriving late may be asked to observe class or switch to another class time.
“What happens if I can’t come to a class?”
Students are expected to show commitment to their classes throughout the year. This means that they make every effort to be in attendance at every class. If you are unable to attend your class, please call, text or email me before your class has begun to give notice of your absence.
“What is expected of me during class?”
Students are expected to show respect and consideration to their fellow students and instructor. This includes:
* Not talking to each other during class
* Following the directions given by the teacher
* Being kind to each other
* Not making personal requests during class
* NO PHONES in the dance room
* Remaining inside the classroom for the duration of the class
* No eating during class
* Being attentive and cooperative
* Please use the restroom before or after class if at all possible instead of leaving in the middle of class
“What should I bring to class?”
Every student should have a dance bag, with the following items inside:
*Water Bottle
*Hair kit (include a small brush, hair ties, hairnets, bobby pins, a variety of other clips,
spray bottle with water , and any other accessories you need)
*Nail Clippers
*Band-aids
*Deodorant
*Sewing kit
*Safety pins
*Personal Toiletries
*Granola bar or small, healthy snack
*Toe tape and other pointe accessories (Pointe Students)
*Clean tights, shoes and leotard (an extra one is always nice to have on hand, too!)
“When can I go en Pointe?”
It is a goal of most dancers to someday be able to dance en pointe. Pointework requires a strong technical background as well as a certain level of maturity. Students over the age of 12 will be considered for going en pointe when it is evident that they are mature enough to handle the extra responsibility, and the have the necessary strength and technique.
Pointe students must attend a minimum of two studio classes per week. Pointe students must be exemplary in their attendance and class etiquette. If you feel that you would like to begin pointe training, please approach me privately and we can discuss what you need to do in order to be ready for pointework.
"When will I move to the next level?"
Students are placed in the class that is most appropriate for their skill level. Simply being a certain age or having friends in a class does not necessarily mean you will be placed in the same class. Everyone makes progress at a different rate and your placement is given careful consideration each year in order to help you make the most progress.
Parents
“Can we watch class?”
Quiet observers are always welcome. There is a designated observation and waiting area where parents and others are encouraged to sit and quietly observe classes.
While class is in session, please keep noise to a minimum and avoid behavior that will distract the dancers. If you must use the restroom during a class, please enter quietly and keep young children in hand. If possible, please make use of the facilities before or after a class, rather than during.
“My child will feel better if I can be in the classroom with them. Is that allowed?”
No. Parents, siblings or friends who are not enrolled in the class are not permitted inside the classroom. Some students experience separation anxiety and I will do my best to work with each situation to the best of my ability, but it is best for everyone if observers remain in the observation area.
“Can I go run an errand while my child is in class?”
Absolutely! Just please keep in mind that this is NOT child care and you are expected to pick up your child when their class is finished. If you need to have them stay for a short while after their class is over, please make arrangements with me in advance.
“Where should I park?”
The property owner has stated that all tenants are to share the parking lot. Business are technically not allowed to reserve parking for their business only. However, in an effort to help me keep the peace with my neighbors, please try not to park directly in front of another business that is open. There are a few spaces in front of the studio, and also usually lots of spaces at the top of the parking lot, and the sidewalk is covered all the way to the studio.
“I have other children, can they come and play while we wait?”
Well behaved siblings are always welcome. I strive to foster a family atmosphere and I love getting to know students’ families.
My only request is that you please make sure children are not disturbing the surrounding businesses, blocking sidewalks or doorways, or being unsafe.
And please kindly clean up before leaving! If you spilled, wipe it up. If you took it out or moved it, please put it back where you found it.
“What if I’m late picking them up?”
Students are expected to be picked up within five minutes of class ending. A charge of $1 per minute you are late after that will be charged to your account, and you will be expected to pay at the time of pick-up.
"When and how do I pay Tuition?”
Tuition is due at the first class of each month. There will be a $15 late fee added to your account if tuition is not paid or mailed by the 10th. You may make payments via PayPal or Venmo, sending them to nevadacityballet@gmail.com, pay via cash or check at the studio, or mail your payment to my home, which is the following address: 18268 Alexandra Way, Grass Valley, 95949. Please do not mail checks to the studio address.
You can also set up automatic payments via credit card if you would like.
Failure to make payments for the month will result in your child being removed from the class.
Once your account is up to date, they may be re-enrolled if space permits.
“Is there a discount when there’s a Holiday or School Break?”
No. Monthly Tuition is based on four weeks per month. Since some months have five weeks and there is no additional charge, months with school holidays are still the regular rate.
There will be no classes held during October Break, Thanksgiving week, Winter Break, or Spring Break.
“What about Snow Days?”
I will cancel classes if the Nevada City Schools or Nevada Union High School has cancelled school for the day. At times, the weather can change in the early afternoon and it may become necessary to cancel classes. If this occurs, I will attempt to contact you before class is scheduled to begin. On days where the weather is questionable, please be available to come pick up your child if it becomes necessary to cancel classes after they have begun. No credits will be given for classes that need to be cancelled, but missed classes can be made up in other classes.
Make-ups can not be used in place of paying tuition.
“We’ve decided to stop coming.”
If for some reason you decide to stop attending classes, you will be held responsible for paying tuition or late fees unless notification has been given before the first of the month that a class is being dropped. Failure to notify me of your absences and missing several weeks in a row may disqualify you from returning to the class. A reassessment of eligibility to remain in your current class will take place and you will be notified of my decision. If you are enrolled in a class that is full and do not communicate with me regarding extended absences, you will lose your spot in the class and be placed on the waiting list.
“We’re going on vacation, do I still have to pay for the full month?”
Yes. Your place in the class is being held, so you are responsible for paying tuition in full, regardless of your attendance. Students are welcome to make up missed classes by attending another class during the week.
“We’ve been sick, do I still have to pay for the whole month?”
Yes. Please see above.
“When is the Performance?”
Our performance is usually the last Wednesday in June. Finalized dates will be released each year once the theater has been booked. Costumes will be ordered for each dance and every effort will be made to keep the cost of these as reasonable as possible. The Costume payments for the June Performance will be due in December and January.
“What are the requirements for performing?”
Performing requires dedication and commitment. I will work on the performance pieces for each class throughout the year. Because of this, I require students who are planning to perform to make a commitment to be in attendance at all of their classes. In addition to complying with the behavior outlined earlier in this packet, students who desire to perform must also abide by the following attendance requirements.
Students who are in the Company are required to be in attendance at their classes all 3 days per week. They will be given 6 excused absences that they may use as needed throughout the year. These can be used for sickness, school functions, or other personal reasons. If all of those absences have been used and they are still missing classes, a re-evaluation of their commitment and eligibility to remain in the group will need to be held. Students who consistently miss classes, arrive late or leave early will not be eligible for all of the performance opportunities.
ALL Students are expected to call when they are unable to attend class, before their class has started. Students are permitted 5 absences throughout the year. After the absence limit has been reached, evaluation of the student in the class he/she attends will be made, and they may be required to take additional classes to help catch up.
All classes must be attended eight weeks prior to a performance. When performance dates are given out, please check your personal calendars and let me know as soon as possible of any scheduling conflicts you may have. Missing any classes during this period will result in the student being staged out of their dances, and no refunds will be given for costumes, tuition, etc. If a student is not feeling well, they still need to come to class to observe. If there is a reason you feel you need to miss a class, you need to discuss it with me ahead of time.
Many times the students themselves are unable to provide their own transportation to classes, therefore, much of this responsibility really falls upon the parents to uphold these requirements. Parents, please carefully consider how you will help your child make and keep this commitment.
Additional Rehearsals: As a performance gets closer, it may be necessary to hold extra rehearsals to pull a dance together and get it ready to perform. This is especially important if a dance includes multiple classes. Students are required to attend all of these rehearsals, even if they feel that they know the dance themselves. It is important for students to rehearse as a group to work on timing, staging, etc. There will be no additional charge for these rehearsals and times for these will be given out when it is evident that they will be needed.
“How do I get updates about Studio news?”
Communication between parents, students and myself is vital throughout the year. I will send important information via email and the studio Discord Channel. I will also put it on the studio website to download. Please visit the website for studio updates throughout the year. You can also check the studio Facebook page and Instagram for updates and reminders.
“I have a question that’s not answered here. How can I contact you?”
I check email daily so you can always reach me that way. The studio phone is my mobile number so you may call or text me when necessary.
With your cooperation, we can work together to create an enjoyable dancing experience!
Health Precautions and Arrangements:
Anyone who is exhibiting symptoms of sickness will not be permitted to attend classes or enter the studio.
If you have been around anyone who is sick, please do not attend classes if you may be contagious.
Students/Parents/Guardians must sign the updated liability release in order to be allowed to participate in classes
WAIVER OF LIABILITY, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
IN CONSIDERATION for being permitted to attend classes at Nevada City Ballet Academy (hereby referred to as "NCBA") the undersigned, on behalf of himself or herself and such participating children, heirs, and next of kin (hereinafter referred to as 'the undersigned") hereby acknowledges, agrees and represents that he or she has inspected and carefully considered such premises, equipment and facilities and that the undersigned finds and accepts same as being safe and reasonably suited for the use or participation by the undersigned and such participating children.
The undersigned has voluntarily chosen to participate/have their child participate in the dance training offered at Nevada City Ballet Academy and acknowledge that they are under no obligation to continue such dance training. The undersigned is fully aware that dance training and related activities carry certain risks that can result in injury, both minor and major. By participating in dance classes and activities at NCBA, the undersigned agrees to take full responsibility for not exceeding their physical limits, for selecting the appropriate level class and for any injury they may suffer.
Furthermore, the undersigned is in agreement that that NCBA instructors have the right to require participants to attend another level class if they believe the individual could cause harm to themselves or others participating in activities above their capabilities. The undersigned also agrees and understands that instructors may provide physical adjustments during class and that this is an integral part of proper dance training. Furthermore, the undersigned is in agreement that participation in any dances or performances is solely at the discretion of the Director and a student's eligibility to do so may be revoked at any time.
In addition, the undersigned acknowledges that novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infections have been confirmed throughout the United States, including several cases in California. The undersigned hereby agrees, represents, and warrants that neither the undersigned nor such participating children shall attend classes at NCBA if he or she (i) experiences symptoms of COVID-19, including, without limitation, fever, cough or shortness of breath, or (ii) has a suspected or diagnosed/confirmed case of COVID-19. The undersigned agrees to notify NCBA immediately if he or she believes that any of the foregoing access/use restrictions may apply.
NCBA has taken certain steps to implement recommended guidance and protocols issued by the Public Health Agencies for slowing the transmission of COVID-19, including, without limitation, the access/use restrictions set forth above. The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that NCBA may revise its procedures at any time based on updated recommended guidance and protocols issued by the Public Health Agencies and further agrees to comply with NCBA's revised procedures prior to utilizing the facilities and services of NCBA. The undersigned further acknowledges and agrees that, due to the nature of the facilities and services offered by NCBA, social distancing of 6 feet per person among students and their instructor during class is not possible. The undersigned fully understands and appreciates both the known and potential dangers of utilizing the facilities, services, and programs of NCBA and that use thereof by the undersigned and/or such participating children may, despite NCBA's reasonable efforts to mitigate such dangers, result in exposure to COVID- 19, which could result in quarantine requirements, serious illness, disability, and/or death.
IN FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF BEING PERMITTED TO ATTEND CLASSES AT NCBA FOR ANY PURPOSE INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, OBSERVATION OR USE OF FACILITIES OR PARTICIPATION IN ANY ON-SITE OR OFF-SITE PROGRAM AFFILIATED WITH NCBA, THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY AGREES TO THE FOLLOWING:
THE UNDERSIGNED, ON BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF SUCH PARTICIPATING CHLDREN, RELEASES, WAIVES, DISCHARGES AND COVENANTS NOT TO SUE NCBA, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers and agents from all liability to the undersigned or such participating children and all personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin of the undersigned or such participating children for any loss or damage, and any claim or demands on account of any property damage or any injury to, or an illness or the death of, the undersigned or such participating children (or any person who may contract CO VID- 19, directly or indirectly, from the undersigned or such participating children) whether caused by the negligence, active or passive, of NCBA or otherwise while the undersigned or such participating children are in, upon, or about the premises or any facilities or equipment therein or participating in any program affiliated with NCBA. The undersigned expressly and knowingly waives all rights under California Civil Code Section 1542, which provides: "A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party."
UNDERSIGNED HEREBY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND SAVE AND HOLD HARMLESS NCBA, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers and agents , and each of them, from any loss, liability, damages or costs they may incur, whether caused by the negligence, active or passive, or otherwise while the undersigned or any participating child is in, upon, or about the premises or any facilities or equipment therein or participating in any program affiliated with NCBA. The undersigned understands and agrees that NCBA is not required to provide insurance to cover the undersigned or such participating children in the event they suffer illness, injury, death, property loss, theft or damage of any sort upon, or about the premises or any facilities or equipment therein or participating in any program affiliated with NCBA.
The undersigned agrees and acknowledges that use of NCBA facilities and services, and participation in NCBA programs, may involve inherent danger and risk, including, without limitation, the risk of physical illness or injury, death or property damage. THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY ASSUMES FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR, AND RISK OF ILLNESS, BODILY INJURY, DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE to the undersigned or such participating children due to negligence, active or passive, or otherwise while in, about or upon the premises of NCBA and/or while using the premises or any facilities or equipment thereon or participating in any programs affiliated with NCBA. The undersigned acknowledges that any illness or injuries that the undersigned or such participating children contract or sustain may be compounded by negligent first aid or emergency response of NCBA and waive any claim in respect thereof.
THE UNDERSIGNED further expressly agrees that the foregoing ASSUMPTION OF RISK, RELEASE AND OF LIABILITY, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT is intended to be as broad and inclusive as its permitted by the law of the State of California and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the remainder of the agreement shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.
I have read the foregoing liability waiver, fully understand its terms, and understand that I HAVE CAREFULLY READ AND VOLUNTARILY SIGN THIS ASSUMPTION OF RISK, RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT AND FURTHER AGREE THAT NO ORAL REPRESENTATIONS, STATEMENTS OR INDUCEMENT APART FROM THE FOREGOING WRITTEN AGREEMENT HAVE BEEN MADE. 1 AM AWARE THAT BY AGREEING TO THIS AGREEMENT I AM GIVING UP LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES FROM NCBA IN CASE OF ILLNESS, INJURY, DEATH OR PROPERTY LOSS OR DAMAGE, INCLUDING, FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT AND WITHOUT LIMITATION, EXPOSURE TO COVID-19 AT ANY NCBA FACILITY OR PROGRAM AND ANY ILLNESS, INJURY OR DEATH RESULTING THAT THIS DOCUMENT IS A PROMISE NOT TO SUE AND A RELEASE OF AND INDENNIFICATION FOR ALL CLAIMS. IF SIGNING ON BEHALF OF A MINOR, I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS AGREEMENT IS MADE ON BEHALF OF MY MINOR CHILD(REN) AND/OR LEGAL WARDS AND 1 REPRESENT AND WARRANT TO NCBA THAT I HAVE FULL AUTHORITY TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF SUCH MINOR(s).