Class Levels
All classes are sorted by age, in order to keep material developmentally appropriate. Age groups are color-coded as follows:
RED/PINK: Ages 4-5
BLUE: Ages 6-8
PURPLE: Ages 8-10
TEAL: 10-12
BLACK: Ages 13+
RED/PINK: Ages 4-5
BLUE: Ages 6-8
PURPLE: Ages 8-10
TEAL: 10-12
BLACK: Ages 13+
Dress Code
Class uniforms are issued upon registration of new students. This is what your registration fees pay for. Appropriate footwear is also distributed 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: Designated leotard in level color. Flesh tone tights in ballet; other styles may wear black pants over their tights. Hair must be secured away from the face in all classes. Ballet students in Purple 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: 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. *Adult students, please contact the studio to have your fees waived if you do not wish to wear the standard uniform.
All students are required to 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.
Please 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.
Girls’ uniform and grooming: Designated leotard in level color. Flesh tone tights in ballet; other styles may wear black pants over their tights. Hair must be secured away from the face in all classes. Ballet students in Purple 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: 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. *Adult students, please contact the studio to have your fees waived if you do not wish to wear the standard uniform.
All students are required to 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.
Please 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 Lancaster County Public Schools 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 Remind 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.
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 Lancaster County Public Schools 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 Remind 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.
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.
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 on foot must inform their instructor when they leave and where they are going.
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 on foot must inform their instructor when they leave and where they are going.
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. (Links to our official, public SM profiles appear below in the footer.) The url to our closed parents’ group is found on the parent page, posted at the studio, and is sent out periodically in our email newsletters. If you don’t see it, ask! Feel free to add other studio parents you may be friends with. 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.