2015 - 2016 School Handbook

2015-2016 C A L E N D A R
FALL/WINTER TERM
Aug. 3-5
Mon-Wed
Aug. 10
Monday
Aug. 29
Saturday
Maintenance Week/ Company Auditions
Time TBA
Classes begin
Semester and Annual Tuition Due
Nutcracker Auditions
Ballet I:
Check in at 11:30
Ballet II:
Check in at 12:15
Ballet III:
Check in at 1:15
Ballet IV:
Check in at 2:15
Ballet V: During Class 10:00-11:30
Ballet VI/Co.:
During Class 10:00-11:30
* Please note we will post Nutcracker Rehearsals and they may be on weekends that we
do not hold classes.
Sept. 7
No Classes
Monday
Labor Day (Make up Nov. 23rd)
Oct. 23-25
Fall Performance Unplugged at the Playhouse
Fri.-Sun.
Nov. 11
We Will have class Veteran’s Day.
Wednesday
Nov. 24 - 28
Thanksgiving Holiday Vacation
Tues. – Sat.
Dec. 4
Nutcracker Ball Fundraiser
Friday
Dec. 7-12
No Regular Classes Nutcracker Week.
Mon.-Sat.
Dec. 11-13
Nutcracker Performance
Fri.– Sun.
(Special Nutcracker Military Night Thurs. 10th @ 7pm)
Dec. 21-Jan 3
No Classes Winter Break
SPRING TERM
Jan 4
Monday
Jan 18
Monday
March 21-26
Mon.-Sat.
Apr. 8-9
Fri.-Sat.
May 29
Saturday
May 31—June 1
Tue. – Wed.
1st day of 2nd Semester
Semester Tuition Due
No Classes
Martin Luther King Day
Spring Break
Spring Performance
Last Day of Classes
Annual School Sketches Performance
HAN DBOOK
2015-2016
Welcome to Huntsville Ballet School
Huntsville Ballet School
DIRECTOR‘S MESSAGE
Our faculty and staff are committed to the goal of providing the finest professional ballet training in the state to all students whether or
not a professional career in dance is planned. The school’s curriculum is designed to develop strong, flexible and versatile dancers
that can adapt to a variety of dance forms. The skills acquired by
HBS students can take them far beyond the studio and stage and
help them succeed in every area of life.
Rachel Butler
Photo Heading
Performance Information: Casting decisions are made by the
Artistic Director and Ballet Mistress based on the student’s size, musicality, behavior and technique. Guest artists will be invited to perform
roles to be determined by the Artistic Director.
Nutcracker: Once again, HBC will be back at the VBC performing
The Nutcracker with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. The Nutcracker has many roles for different age groups. Students who attend
the audition should do so with the understanding that they are making a
commitment to participate in the role they are given. Roles are not negotiable. All registered students Ballet Level 1 and up that are enrolled
in two technique classes or their level minimums are eligible to audition
(no exceptions). Audition information can be found in our school brochure.
Spring Performance: If the program is such that students are
needed, audition and level information will be posted.
Annual School Performance: Participation in the School PerLOBBY RULES: Huntsville Ballet School is a place of learning. We request a calm and quiet environment. We strongly
encourage you to drop and go. We are aware that many of
our students travel quite a distance. If you choose to wait in
the lobby for your child, please be courteous. We reserve the
right to ask anyone in not adhering to our policy to leave the
school building. This will be strongly enforced by our staff.
formance is an opportunity to learn and perfect choreography as well as
give students the experience of having to work within a group. Since
we are a school focused on technique, we feel that targeting some
classes to continue the development of that technique through the entire year is in the student’s best interest.
Performance Fees: The purpose of these fees is to cover the cost
of studio and theater rental, rehearsal personnel, and other production
costs.
Nutcracker: A $130 performance fee (non-refundable) will be due
at the time of audition, August 29, 2015. See calendar for times.
Spring Performance: A $75 performance fee (non-refundable)
will be due at the time of audition. All Company Members will be required to perform, April 8th & 9th, 2016.
Annual School Performance: Each student involved in the Annual School Performance will be charged a $75 fee (non-refundable) to
cover costs associated with performing at the VBC. Admission is free.
*Above fee do not apply to company members for company info see
company handbook.
Page 11
256-539-0961 www.huntsvilleballetschool.org
Parent Information
Arrival and Departure: It is the responsibility of the parent, guardian, or driver
that students arrive on time for class. Students who miss the beginning of class will
not be properly warmed up.
 Students should arrive 15 min. prior to class whenever
possible to stretch and prepare.
 Those arriving more than 10 min. late, without proper dress and hair pulled
back, will be asked to observe class.
 Students need to be picked up promptly after their class or
rehearsal time.
In case of emergency, call the school office.
256-539-0961 www.huntsvilleballetschool.org
Classical Ballet Training: Since ballet is the foundation of all
dance movement, HBS and its staff focuses predominantly on basic ballet technique and classical ballet training as the core of the
curriculum.

Creative and Pre-Ballet Division: This program is designed
for children under the age of seven.

Graded Ballet Division: This division is for levels Ballet 1 and
up, placement is required for these classes. The technical
ballet training in this division puts great emphasis on the
foundation of classical ballet. *There are minimum requirements
Observing Classes: Unless special arrangements have been made with the
teacher and school director, parents are not allowed to observe classes in the
classroom. This distraction can prevent the student from receiving vital information
Photo Heading
needed for his/her development and dance education. We prefer that you drop off
your student.
for Graded Ballet Division.

Character: A specific subdivision of classical dance. It is the
stylized representation of a traditional folk or national dance,
mostly from European countries, and uses movements and
music which have been adapted for the theater. Character
dance is integral to much of the classical ballet repertoire.

Jazz: This program is designed for ages seven and up.
Jazz is a stylized dance that build from a technical ballet
foundation.

Modern: This program is designed for ages seven and up.
Modern encourages dancers to use their emotions and
moods to design new steps with the use of gravity.

Tap: This program is designed for ages seven and up. Tap
is beneficial and emphasizes the recognition of rhythm and
coordination of the mind, body and music.

Open Division: This division is for students thirteen years
and up. The classes are an extension of our Graded Ballet
classes with more flexibility. Classes at this level can be
taken as a drop in class. *There are no minimum requirements for
Registration Fees: All students in the Children’s, Student, and Open Divisions
will be charged a $39 non-refundable registration fee.
Statements, Payments and Late Fees: Tuition is based on a semester
rate but you may chose to make monthly installments due the 1st of each month
beginning September through May. The first monthly installment is due at registration. If paying per semester the first semester and annual payments must be paid
by August 10, 2015. Second semester payments must be paid by January 10,
2016.
 There is a $25 fee for all returned checks.
 Only past due accounts will be billed through USPS.
 A $10 late fee will be posted if not paid by the 10th day of each month.
Students whose accounts are 30 days in arrears will not be permitted to continue
classes or to participate in HBS/HBC performances until the account is brought up
to date.
Refunds: There are no refunds for missed classes. Classes missed due to illness or other reasons may be made up during the year at the student’s current level
or a level below.
Withdraw: Any student wishing to withdraw from Huntsville Ballet School at the
end of the first semester must obtain a form from the school office. Completed
forms mustPage
be returned
to the school office by November 20th, 2015 or you will
10
continue to be billed and are responsible for all tuition until May 2016.
Page 3
Open
Division.
Class Requirements
Positive attitude: Students must create a positive
working relationship with the instructor and other students
and show a willingness to receive corrections from the
instructors.
Advancement and Promotion: Students may
be promoted to a higher level as determined by
and at the sole discretion of the School Director.
Using our professional background as a guide we
place the student where he/she will benefit the
most. Advancement criteria for HBS is based on
many factors:
Dance is a Bridge

Age of the child

Physical and emotional maturity levels

Dance background (not only do we consider the number of years, but also the
type, consistency and intensity of training)
that unites us all.

Ability: Factors that may affect ability are
as follows…
* Attendance
* Number of classes taken per week
* Focus level
* Having the ability to apply and maintain corrections
* Physical attributes cohesive for dance
256-539-0961 www.huntsvilleballetschool.org
Classroom Etiquette
Do…Arrive on time and ready to dance. Students
may be asked to sit and observe class if they are
more than 10 minutes late (this is to avoid injury), or
if they are not in proper dress code with hair pulled
back neatly.
Do…Bring band-aids, tape, needle and thread, elastics, tissues, hair supplies and other items that may
be needed.
Do…Applaud for the teacher and accompanist as a
show of thanks at the end of each class.
Do not…Socialize and talk to other students during
class time. Students who continue to talk out of turn,
are distracting or mistreating others will be asked to
leave class.
Do not…Sit during class or lean on the barres.
Do not…Eat or drink in the studios. The teacher
may allow water bottles in the classroom but will let
students know the proper time to take a break.
Students are assessed annually in musicality, posture, placement, quality of movement, flexibility,
technique, strength, coordination, and turn-out.
Each student receives their assessment and placement information in time for pre-registration.
Page 9
Tuition/ Make-up/ Cancellation of Classes
256-539-0961 www.huntsvilleballetschool.org
Class Information
Tuition: Students are registered in
school for the entire season. Tuition may
be paid in annual, semester or monthly installments. Monthly installments are due by
the first of each month, late on the 10th.
Students who miss class or withdraw before the end of the semester are still obligated for the full semester’s fees. Any student wishing to withdraw for one or all
classes at the end of the first semester
must do so in writing and turn into
Huntsville Ballet School office no later than
November 20, 2015.
Make-Up Classes: If you miss classes due to illness, injury, or
weather cancellations, you may make-up a class in the student’s current level or a level below at any time. Just come to the office and obtain a make-up slip before class. Make-up classes are not transferrable between family members.
Cancellations: In severe weather Huntsville Ballet will not hold
classes. If the alert is a “watch”, the teacher will be notified. If the
alert is a “warning” for our immediate area, students and teachers will
proceed to the designated safe location in the building. Note: Any student
who wishes to proceed to the designated safe location before the teacher deems it necessary, will be excused from class to do so.
Class Minimums for Graded Ballet Division: Technique
(or flat) class minimums are in place to ensure the proper
progression of technique, strength and artistry associated
with a professional ballet school.
Ballet I/Ix
(1 class per week)
Ballet II/IIx
(1 or 2 classes per week)
Ballet III/IIIx
(2 or 3 classes per week)
Pointe
(3 technique classes per week)
Ballet IV/IVx
(3 or more classes per week)
Ballet V/VI
(4 or more classes per week)
*To participate in any HBC performances all students will be required to
be enrolled in no fewer than two technical ballet classes.
Pointe is for dancers who are at least 11 years old and have
studied seriously in our Student Division for a minimum of
four years. Age is not the sole factor used to determine a
child’s readiness, and no student should feel they “deserve”
pointe shoes simply because they meet the minimum age requirement. It is never too late to start a dancer on pointe, but
doing so too early can have detrimental effects on the
dancer’s progress as well as her physical development. Parents will receive a letter in the spring informing them of their
child’s promotion to the Introduction to Pointe class. We ask
that parents not purchase pointe shoes until directed by the
faculty to do so.
Page 5
Dress Code Creative and Graded Ballet Levels
All students are required to wear school uniform in the color prescribed for their class level as listed below. Girls must secure
their hair in a bun and short hair must be pinned back securely
away from the eyes and face.
256-539-0961 www.huntsvilleballetschool.org
Dress Code for Other Dance Disciplines
Leotards:
Creative/Pre-Ballet: White short or cap sleeve leotard
Ballet I/Ix:
Lt Pink short or cap sleeve leotard
Ballet II:
Lt Blue short or cap sleeve leotard
The following class levels will be required to have ONE leotard in the style chosen
below and color of their placed level (also listed below).
Motionwear Camisole– style #2515 (also available in long torso #2702)
All other leotards worn for class may be a different style however, must be in their
class color.
Ballet IIx:
Teal leotard
Ballet III/IIIx:
Ballet IV/IVx:
Ballet V/Vx:
Ballet VI:
Rehearsals: Classroom dress code is expected at rehearsals (no
warm-ups).
Not Permitted: Tights over a leotard, rolled up tights, warm-ups,
skirts, dangling jewelry, watches, ponytails, etc.
Boys: Black tights with black ballet slippers or black tights with thin
white socks and white ballet slippers. Tights should be pulled up and secured with a belt or elastic. A white men’s leotard or plain white t-shirt.
Ultraviolet Purple Leotard
Exceptions: Warm clothing will be permitted in severely cold weather
Plum Leotard
or when the heat is not functioning properly. Bring extra dancewear, preferably body-fitting leg warmers or knit sweaters.
Navy Blue Leotard
Black
Tights: Pre-Ballet – Ballet IV should wear pink tights with feet.
Character: Any solid color leotard, pink tights and black character
Ballet IV – VI should consider a mesh style performance tight with
seams.*Note to pointe shoe wearers: Consider convertible tights.
shoes (no T strap). A black wrap skirt may be worn. Boys may wear
dance pants and black jazz shoes. No street clothes.
Shoes: All students are required to wear pink ballet slippers. The school
Jazz Classes – Girls: Any solid color leotard, tights, black or tan
prefers a full sole shoe through the Ballet III level. The full sole works the foot
jazz shoes. Hair should be pulled back off the face and neck. Jazz pants
may be worn over tights. No street clothes.
for better strength and development. Shoes worn in the studio should
never be worn outside!
Pointe Shoes: Students who have been recommended to start pointe
(see Advancement and Promotion) will be notified by mail. Classes will first
begin on flat so do not purchase pointe shoes until you have been informed
to do so. When instructions have been given to purchase your first pair of
pointe shoes, be sure not to wear or sew anything to them until the fit has
been approved by either the student’s teacher or the school director. Parents
and students should be aware that it takes some time and experimentation to
find the proper brand and style that is the best for each student.
Jazz Classes – Boys: Any solid color t-shirt, any solid color tights
or jazz pants and jazz shoes.
Tap Classes – Girls and Boys: Any comfortable fitting dance
clothing. Dance pants may be worn yet should not cover tap shoes.
Black tap shoes (full sole for beginners).
Hip-Hop Classes– NO JEANS comfortable fitting dance clothing.
Skirts: Not allowed except by permission of the instructor.
Page 7