Dress Code
ONLY clothing items purchased through the studio are permitted as classwear. Shorts and pants are printed with the studio logo. Skirts and sweaters match each level's leotard color.
Class uniforms are issued upon registration of new students. This is what your registration fees pay for. Appropriate footwear is also available through the studio, but is not included in the registration fee, as different classes require different shoes. This way everyone has what they need, and parents have one less thing to worry about. Extras can be purchased as desired through our online store. Girls’ uniform and grooming: All items are available for purchase through the studio. Designated leotard in level color. Flesh tone tights in ballet; skirts that match leotards, black pants or shorts with the studio logo are permitted over tights if desired. Hair must be secured away from the face in all classes. Ballet students in Teal Level and older are expected to wear their hair in a bun if it is long enough (if you don’t think it’s long enough, see Kara!). They are also expected to put their hair into said bun independently - without adult help. We will spend some class time at the beginning of the year learning how to do so. Boys’ uniform and grooming: All items are available for purchase through the studio. White athletic top with black bottoms (choice of pants or tights) and black shoes. If hair is long, please keep it off the face with a headband or hair tie. Adults: Adult students may choose to wear fitted exercise attire in lieu of leotard and tights if desired. Color is your choice. Wear what makes you feel comfortable. All students should cover up their dance attire when outside the studio. This is for both physical health and personal safety, especially when it is cold outside. Transitioning from moving in a warm environment to sitting still in a chilly car for the ride home is not healthy for your muscles. Please wear some pants and a coat. DO NOT WEAR DANCE SHOES OUTSIDE. They will pick up dirt, grit, rocks, and even slivers of glass, and all of this debris ends up on our dance floor, where students sit to stretch and some classes dance barefoot. Also for this reason, please do not wear regular shoes on the dance floor. |
Attendance and Missed Classes
It is the student's responsibility to attend classes on a regular basis in order to advance technique. Students who are injured or ill but not contagious are invited and encouraged to observe their regular classes. They may be asked to take notes or offer feedback to their peers. This is a good way to remain engaged and continue learning. Students who are ill and contagious or fevered are asked to remain at home to avoid spreading sickness. Advance notice of inability to attend and/or participate is greatly appreciated. If a prolonged leave of absence is required, please contact the director.
If classes must be canceled due to inclement weather or other circumstances, missed classes can be made up by attending other classes of the same level or one higher or lower (closest to the student's current age). The decision to close will be made at the director's discretion, taking into consideration the the weather forecast, the actions of the local school systems and local businesses, and any other factors deemed appropriate. Regardless of the studio's decision, please use your best discretion based on the weather conditions along your route when deciding whether or not to come to class in these circumstances. An official announcement will be sent via text and posted to the studio’s social media accounts. ONLY closures will be announced. If there is no announcement, classes will be held as usual. Individual inquiries about whether classes will be held will not be answered (just imagine for a moment how much time it would take to answer the same question 80 separate times).
If classes must be canceled due to inclement weather or other circumstances, missed classes can be made up by attending other classes of the same level or one higher or lower (closest to the student's current age). The decision to close will be made at the director's discretion, taking into consideration the the weather forecast, the actions of the local school systems and local businesses, and any other factors deemed appropriate. Regardless of the studio's decision, please use your best discretion based on the weather conditions along your route when deciding whether or not to come to class in these circumstances. An official announcement will be sent via text and posted to the studio’s social media accounts. ONLY closures will be announced. If there is no announcement, classes will be held as usual. Individual inquiries about whether classes will be held will not be answered (just imagine for a moment how much time it would take to answer the same question 80 separate times).
Dropoff and Pickup
The studio door will be unlocked 15 minutes before the start of the first class. Students are strongly encouraged to arrive a few minutes early for their classes, in order to be fully prepared mentally and physically to do their best. Children under the age of seven may NOT be left unattended at the studio outside of their class time. Children seven and older may wait alone if a sibling is attending class.
Pickups of any student of any age more than 10 minutes after their classes end will be subject to a late pickup fee. For a first offense, pickups between 10 and 20 minutes late: $10, between 20 and 30 minutes late: $20, more than 30 minutes late: $30. These fees will increase by $10 with each subsequent late pickup. Fees will be added to your DSP account.
Our parking lot serves several other businesses and can be a very busy place. After dark it is not very well lit. For your children's safety, please come into the building to collect them. Older students who have their parents' permission to leave the studio alone must inform their instructor when they leave and where they are going. They may NOT leave between classes or between rehearsals.
Pickups of any student of any age more than 10 minutes after their classes end will be subject to a late pickup fee. For a first offense, pickups between 10 and 20 minutes late: $10, between 20 and 30 minutes late: $20, more than 30 minutes late: $30. These fees will increase by $10 with each subsequent late pickup. Fees will be added to your DSP account.
Our parking lot serves several other businesses and can be a very busy place. After dark it is not very well lit. For your children's safety, please come into the building to collect them. Older students who have their parents' permission to leave the studio alone must inform their instructor when they leave and where they are going. They may NOT leave between classes or between rehearsals.
Social Media Policies
In an effort to keep our relationships professional and cordial, we feel that some degree of privacy is required. Faculty members do not accept Facebook friend requests or follows on personal Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok, or other social media, from students under age 18 or from their parents. Please feel free to follow the official studio Instagram @etudesballetschool, like the studio’s business Facebook page, and interact with us on our closed, private Facebook group. (Info on the Parents page.) If you don’t see it, ask! Feel free to add other studio parents you may be friends with. They must answer the questions to be accepted. Minor students may join this group. ONLY instructors, students, and their parents/legal guardians will be approved to join. Announcements and discussions are are often posted to this private page.
Our Promises To You
The faculty of Etudes Ballet School strives to provide your dancer with a safe, healthy, and enjoyable dance experience. All classes are taught by qualified instructors and content is appropriate to age, development, and ability. Feedback, corrections, criticism, and discipline will be offered with compassion and with the intent of helping the student realize his or her potential. Conflict between students will be addressed only if it is apparent that the dynamic of the class is being disrupted. All music selections for classes and performances are carefully vetted for language and content. All costuming decisions will be made with age, modesty, and functionality in mind. Families with questions and concerns are always welcome to initiate a discussion with the director.