2015 | 2016 Student Handbook CENTRE LOCATIONS Powers Ferry 2000 Powers Ferry Rd SE, Suite G-4, Marietta, GA 30067 Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre 1695 Marietta Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 Buckhead Centre 4279 Roswell Rd, Suite 703, Atlanta, GA 30342 Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance MISSION STATEMENT To ENRICH the human spirit through dance, INSPIRE through performance, and EMPOWER through education, while building on the rich legacy of the art of dance. The Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education is committed to inspiring excellence. SHARON STORY Dean, Centre for Dance Education JOHN MCFALL Centre Director/ Artistic Director DIRECTION Led by John McFall and Sharon Story, the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education features a team of over 40 professional instructors at its Powers Ferry, Buckhead, and West Midtown studios. The Centre’s instructors are dedicated to providing a nurturing experience in the art of dance that will aid in the physical, intellectual, and spiritual development of students at all levels. Our instructors are among the best in Atlanta, including current and former members of Atlanta Ballet and other professional dance organizations around the world. ABOUT THE CENTRE Founded in 1996, the Centre provides an opportunity for everyone in the community, no matter his or her age or experience, to discover the joys of dance. The Centre instills confidence and self-awareness that will help anyone achieve his or her goals and dreams. Since its founding, the Centre has become one of the top ten dance education facilities in the country and continues to set a high standard for excellence. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, the Centre has world-class faculty and a challenging and comprehensive curriculum designed to inspire future dancers. Students also receive the special benefit of being able to rehearse with and observe the professional company and learn the ins and outs of being a professional dancer. Photos by Charlie McCullers ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK CENTRE FACULTY ADMINISTRATION Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre (MCC) 1695 Marietta Blvd NW Atlanta, GA 30318 Phone 404.873.5811 | Fax 404.874.7905 Powers Ferry (PF) Heather Conley, Principal 2000 Powers Ferry Road SE, Suite G-4 Marietta, GA 30067 678.213.5000 Buckhead Centre (BH) Kate Gaul, Principal Chastain Square 4279 Roswell Road, Suite 703 Atlanta, GA 30342 404.303.1501 Sharon Story - x215 Dean sstory@atlantaballet.com Heather Conley - x150 Powers Ferry Centre Principal hconley@atlantaballet.com Kelly Cooper - x225 Centre Admissions Director kcooper@atlantaballet.com Kate Gaul - x391 kgaul@atlantaballet.com Buckhead Centre Principal Nicole Kedaroe - x150 Centre Programs Manager nkedaroe@atlantaballet.com Armando Luna Principal Faculty Diane Sales - x102 Community Partnerships Manager dsales@atlantaballet.com Emily Cook Harrison MS, RD, LD Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Centre for Dance Nutrition ecookharrison@atlantaballet.com Darcy Farrington-Ryan - x100 Reception Supervisor & Studio Rentals Manager dfarringtonryan@atlantaballet.com Operator Kids In Step Boutique Adult Open Division Information Visit centre.atlantaballet.com/ and Facebook/AtlantaBalletCentre for the latest information 4 x 100 x 150 x 101 x 150 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK TABLE OF CONTENTS Placement of Students 6 Performance Opportunities 7 Parent Opportunities 8 Centre For Dance Nutrition & Health Professionals 8 Enrollment Division Class Descriptions 9 Creative Movement 10 Session Classes 11 Student Division 12 Summer Programs 18 Community Programs 19 Pre-Professional Division Class Descriptions 20 Centre Procedures 23 Dancer Responsibility 25 Instructions for a Proper Bun 26 Atlanta Ballet Boutique 27 Tuition Policies 28 Required Student Releases 30 Student Calendar 31 5 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK PLACEMENT OF STUDENTS All students will be carefully placed in the classes matching their technical abilities. The age of one student may differ from the other students. The Centre will make a concerted effort to keep the age ranges as close together as possible. However, the main emphasis will be placed on a student’s technical achievement. He or she will be placed in the level that encourages the most progress. A dancer must be challenged but not overwhelmed. EVALUATIONS/ADVANCEMENT Students will be evaluated by the faculty at the end of each semester to ascertain progress and determine their placements for the coming semester. The first evaluations will be for spring recommendations and identify what needs attention. The final evaluations will be for the following year’s placement. Progress is closely evaluated for each individual throughout the year. It is not uncommon for a student to stay at the same level for at least two years. The changing of levels in the Centre is always decided with your child’s best interest and advancement in mind. If a child is promoted too soon, he or she will miss some very valuable training. The dancers in the Centre will be placed with care and consideration at all levels of training. POINTE AGREEMENT Your child will be notified an approved pointe agreement letter, when she is ready for pointe. Students must schedule their first pointe shoe fittings at the Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre Boutique. Fittings are by appointment only. Contact the Boutique at bboutique@atlantaballet.com to schedule your appointment. LESSONS POLICY OUTSIDE OF CENTRE The Centre for Dance Education is committed to providing students consistent training at the highest level. The Centre works in partnership with students and parents to maximize their weekly schedule to the needs of each individual dancer. This requirement ensures consistent training for your child’s dance education without conflicting ideologies or possible injuries to your child. To this end, it is strongly advised that students and their families not seek outside classes, private lessons, or coaching. If a class or discipline is not offered at one of our locations, please discuss your desires with the Centre Principals or Dean for approval. Private lessons are available at each Centre for levels BIV and above, but are not considered an essential part of a dancer’s education. Lessons can be booked through Centre administration and are offered based on availability. Please contact education@atlantaballet.com for approval and availability. COMMUNICATION Information regarding the Centre is sent via email and eNews blasts and is available on bulletin boards and at the front desk. The faculty do not have time between classes to address concerns properly. If you wish to speak with your child’s instructor, a communication log is available at the front desk. Write your concerns, name, and phone number in the log and the appropriate staff member will return your call. Staff members’ phone numbers, addresses, or emails will not be given out to students or parents. OBSERVATION OF CLASSES Parents should wait in the lobby during class. To avoid any distractions to the students and instructors, no one will be allowed to watch classes. There are two observation weeks throughout the year so that you may see your child’s progress. Please check the Centre calendar for the dates of the observation weeks. Cameras, video recorders, and cell phones are NOT allowed in the studio during observation. 6 PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES SPRING CONCERT All registered Centre students are eligible to participate in our annual Spring Concert. It is an optional performance with an additional fee required. Before committing to participation in the concert, please note that any missed rehearsals disrupt the entire class, as well as the choreography and planning by the instructor, so it is imperative that you are able to commit to all class rehearsals. The Centre reserves the right to dismiss a student from performing due to excessive absences. In the event of a withdrawal or inability to participate, the concert fee is nonrefundable. Please note that Session classes and Teen Ballet classes are not eligible to perform in the Spring Concert. Refer to the calendar on page 31 for performance dates. Spring Concert Fee Early Bird (if paid by Nov 24th): $155 Regular Fee (if paid between Nov 25th – Jan 9th): $180 Extra Costume Fee: $80 ATLANTA BALLET’S NUTCRACKER All Centre students have priority casting for Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker. They must be 8 years of age by September 1st and enrolled in the BII level or higher in order to participate. Casting for Nutcracker is chosen by audition. The audition process does not guarantee a role in the performances. Fees will be associated with participation. Please refer to the Centre calendar for the audition date. Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker Fee: $150 Family Ballet Fee: $150 TICKETS TO ATLANTA BALLET PRODUCTIONS Atlanta Ballet offers special discounts for Company productions to Centre families. Please open your Centre emails each month for details about these ticket offers. Your ticket purchases not only support the Atlanta Ballet Company, but also enrich your child’s dance experience. Contact patronservices@atlantaballet.com with any ticketing questions. 7 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK PARENT OPPORTUNITIES MOON DANCE Moon Dance is the principal fundraising event for the Centre and benefits its Community Programs and scholarships fund. This casual, fun event gives Centre parents and Adult Open Division students the opportunity to mingle with other members of the Centre community and deepen their connections with the Centre. Individual tickets are $50 and couples are $75. Visit centre.atlantaballet.com/moon-dance for more details. PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION At the time a child is enrolled in the Centre, the parent automatically becomes a member of the Parent’s Association. Scheduled meetings will be posted in the lobby of all studios. For information, contact Kelly Cooper at 404.873.5811 x225 or visit centre.atlantaballet.com. PARENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM $10 Adult Open Division classes $100 Adult Open Division class cards (11 classes of your choice) This offer is available at all three of our Centre locations for the school year! Note: If your child decides to withdraw from the Centre, your partnership will be discontinued. PRINCESS TEAS The Powers Ferry and Buckhead Centres each host a Princess Tea for all Centre for Dance Education students enrolled in levels A to BI and their friends. Our royal guests enjoy tea and sweets, crafts, face painting, photos, and special performances by the Atlanta Ballet Centre Youth Ensembles. Tickets are $25 per child. Contact your Centre location for more information. Please refer to the student calendar on page 31 for dates. ATLANTA BALLET CENTRE FOR DANCE NUTRITION The Centre for Dance Nutrition assists individuals, dance schools, and dance companies in achieving the best possible performance with fewer injuries by ensuring that health and nutrition are an integral part of each dancer’s education and experience. www.dancernutrition.com Emily Cook Harrison MS, RD, LD – Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist MOTION STABILITY Motion Stability Physical Therapy has a clinic on site in the Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre. The clinic is staffed by physical therapists seeing both dancers and patients from the general public. If you or your child would like to be seen by one of the physical therapists, call 404.382.8702. They can assist you with insurance benefit verification and scheduling. motionstability.com CENTRE WELLNESS PROFESSIONALS For more information on associated doctors, contact Centre staff members. Dr. Letha Griffin – Orthopedic Doctor, Peachtree Orthopedic Clinic Dr. Nadine Kaslow – Ph.D, ABPP, Psychologist, Emory University Dr. Frank Sinkoe – Podiatrist Dr. Cassidy Foley – Pediatric Orthopedic Assistant 8 ENROLLMENT DIVISION ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK ENROLLMENT DIVISION CREATIVE MOVEMENT CLASSES Creative Movement classes combine stories and music in a child-friendly setting for ages 2 to 7. At each level, the students further develop their body awareness, rhythm, flexibility, coordination, and confidence, which form an important foundation for their future ballet technique training. A LEVEL Age 3 (as of Sept 1, 2015) AIII LEVEL Age 6 (as of Sep 1, 2015) Registration Fee: $50 Annual Tuition: $680 Registration Fee: $50 Annual Tuition: $750 Optional Discipline Classes: AI LEVEL Age 4 (as of Sept 1, 2015) Beginning Tap Broadway Tap Jazz Modern Registration Fee: $50 Annual Tuition: $680 Optional Discipline Classes: Beginning Tap/Jazz Combo AII LEVEL Age 5 (as of Sept 1, 2015) Registration Fee: $50 Annual Tuition: $680 AIV LEVEL Age 7 (as of Sept 1, 2015) Registration Fee: $50 Annual Tuition: $750 Optional Discipline Classes: Broadway Tap JazzModern Optional Discipline Classes: Beginning Tap/Jazz Combo Broadway DRESS CODE: Girls: Light pink short-sleeve Atlanta Ballet logo leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes Boys: White Atlanta Ballet t-shirt, black shorts or tights, white socks, black ballet shoes 10 ENROLLMENT DIVISION SESSION CLASSES These 45- minute classes are offered in 10-week intervals. Registration Fee: $25/session* Session Tuition: $168 *Discounted registration if student enrolls in all four sessions at time of first registration. Fall I Fall II Aug 17 – Oct 24 Oct 26 – Jan 16 Spring I Spring II Jan 18 – Mar 26 Mar 28 – Jun 4 MOMMY AND ME Age 2 (as of Sept 1, 2015) This class, designed for a 2-year-old and accompanying adult, introduces the young student to locomotive movement and music. Dress Code: Girls: Light pink Atlanta Ballet logo short sleeve leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes Boys: White Atlanta Ballet t-shirt, black shorts or tights, white socks, black ballet shoes. TAP, TWIST & TWIRL - Powers Ferry Centre Ages 3-6 (as of September 1, 2015) Leave your tutus behind and add some flair to your tots’ dance moves with our “Tap, Twist & Twirl” class for ages 3-6 at the Powers Ferry Centre. Dancers will stretch to the skies, rock to fun rhythms, and tap to Broadway tunes. Classes will consist of 30 minutes of tap and 30 minutes of jazz. The class includes a demonstration held on the last day of each session. No dress code required. IMAGINE THAT! - Buckhead Centre Ages 3-5 (as of September 1, 2015) Come dressed to dance to your favorite songs! Imagine That! is a skillfully crafted 45-minute class designed as an imaginative introduction to jazz, tap & ballet for children at the Buckhead Centre. Children are encouraged to come dressed according to the triweekly class theme. 11 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK ENROLLMENT DIVISION STUDENT DIVISION CLASSES BI LEVEL Age 7+ (as of Sept 1, 2015) BI level classes are designed around a structured classical ballet curriculum. Students use the ballet barre to learn technique, vocabulary, flexibility, coordination, and confidence. Classes in this division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and development. Students are promoted according to individual progress in acquiring technique and strength. Classes meet for one hour twice a week. To ensure each student receives the best level of instruction for his or her age and ability, the Centre requires placement classes for each new dancer. Registration Fee: $50 Annual Tuition: $1,550 Extra Ballet Classes: $775 Optional Discipline Classes: Tap Jazz Modern Hip-hop BII LEVEL Students continue to develop technique and vocabulary, flexibility, coordination, and confidence. Classes in this division are carefully graded by age, physical strength, and development. Students are promoted according to individual progress in acquiring technique and strength. Classes meet for one hour twice a week. To ensure each student receives the best level of instruction for his or her age and ability, the Centre requires placement classes for each new dancer. Registration Fee: $50 Annual Tuition: $1,550 Extra Ballet Classes: $775 Optional Discipline Classes: Tap Jazz Modern Hip-hop DRESS CODE: Girls: Royal blue short-sleeve Atlanta Ballet logo leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes Boys: White Atlanta Ballet t-shirt, black shorts or tights, white socks, black ballet shoes 12 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK ENROLLMENT DIVISION STUDENT DIVISION CLASSES BIII LEVEL BIV LEVEL Students are promoted according to individual progress in acquiring technique and strength. Classes meet for 1.5 hours twice a week. Three to four classes per week are highly recommended. Under the instructor’s guidance, these classes ensure the student’s mastery of the fundamental movement methods. To ensure each student receives the best level of instruction for his or her age and ability, the Centre requires placement classes for each new dancer. Students are promoted according to individual progress in acquiring technique and strength. Classes meet for 1.5 hours twice a week. Three to four classes per week are highly recommended at the BIV level. Under the instructor’s guidance, these classes ensure the student’s mastery of the fundamental movement methods. To ensure each student receives the best level of instruction for his or her age and ability, the Centre requires placement classes for each new dancer. Registration Fee: $50 Annual Tuition: $1,960 Extra Ballet Classes: $980 Optional Discipline Classes: Tap Modern Hip-hop Jazz Broadway *Pre-Pointe *Students can advance to Pre-Pointe with instructor’s recommendation only. Registration Fee: $50 Annual Tuition: $1,960 Extra Ballet Classes: $980 Optional Discipline Classes: Tap Modern Hip-hop Jazz Broadway *Pointe *Students can advance to Pointe with instructor’s recommendation only. DRESS CODE: Girls: Purple short-sleeve Atlanta Ballet logo leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes Boys: White Atlanta Ballet t-shirt, black shorts or tights, white socks, black ballet shoes 13 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK ENROLLMENT DIVISION STUDENT DIVISION CLASSES C LEVEL To ensure each student receives the best level of instruction for his or her age and ability, the Centre requires placement classes for each new dancer. Students are promoted according to individual progress in acquiring technique and strength. C level classes present the dancers with a more challenging vocabulary. The Centre has a twice-weekly policy: each dancer in the Student Division is required to take a minimum of two ballet technique classes per week. Three to four classes per week are highly recommended. Under the instructor’s guidance, these classes ensure the student’s mastery of the fundamental movement methods. C level classes meet for 2 hours twice a week. Registration Fee: $50 Annual Tuition: $2,250 Extra Ballet Classes: $1,125 Optional Discipline Classes Tap Modern Hip-hop *Pointe *Students can advance to Pointe II with instructor’s recommendation only. Atlanta Ballet Company dancer Nadia Mara. DRESS CODE: Ladies: Burgundy tank Atlanta Ballet logo leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes Boys: White Atlanta Ballet t-shirt, black shorts or tights, white socks, black ballet shoes 14 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK ENROLLMENT DIVISION STUDENT DIVISION CLASSES D LEVEL To ensure each student receives the best level of instruction for his or her age and ability, the Centre requires placement classes for each new dancer. Students are promoted according to individual progress in acquiring technique and strength. D level classes present the dancers with a more challenging vocabulary. The Centre has a twice-weekly policy: each dancer in the Student Division is required to take a minimum of two ballet technique classes per week. Three to four classes per week are highly recommended. Under the instructor’s guidance, these classes ensure the student’s mastery of the fundamental movement methods. D level classes meet for 2 hours twice a week. We will work with each individual student to create a schedule that balances the dancers desire along with other academic & school activities. Registration Fee: $50 Annual Tuition: $2,250 Extra Ballet Classes: $1,125 Optional Discipline Classes Tap Broadway Modern Hip-hop *Pointe *Students can advance to Pointe II with instructor’s recommendation only. DRESS CODE: Ladies: Navy blue tank Atlanta Ballet logo leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes Boys: White Atlanta Ballet t-shirt, black shorts or tights, white socks, black ballet shoes 15 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK ENROLLMENT DIVISION STUDENT DIVISION CLASSES PREPARATORY LEVEL To ensure each student receives the best level of instruction for his or her age and ability, the Centre requires placement classes for each new dancer. Students are promoted according to individual progress in acquiring technique and strength. Prep level classes provide an introduction to the ballet vocabulary and move at a quick pace. These classes are designed to help escalate students’ knowledge of ballet so they may join the BIV level classes. Prep level classes meet for 1.5 hours twice a week. Registration Fee: $50 Annual Tuition: $1,960 Extra Ballet Classes: $980 Optional Discipline Classes: Tap Hip-hop Modern *Pre-Pointe *Students can advance to Pre-Pointe with instructor’s recommendation only. TEEN Ages 13+ For students ages 13 and up, the Student Division now offers teen classes in ballet. Only one class per week is required; however, students are highly encouraged to take two or more classes per week. Teen level classes meet for 1.5 hours. Registration Fee: $50 Annual Tuition: $980 DRESS CODE: Girls: Purple short-sleeve Atlanta Ballet logo leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes Boys: White Atlanta Ballet t-shirt, black shorts or tights, white socks, black ballet shoes BOYS CLASSES Ages 6+ Boys’ classes are available to male dancers ages 6 and up and are essential in the development of a young male dancer’s technique. The instructors, both current and former male dancers from Atlanta Ballet’s professional company, are mentors and examples of what today’s young male dancer can aspire to become. The boys’ class meets once a week. Students enrolled in a boys’ class should also enroll in at least one age appropriate ballet class. Registration Fee: $50 Boys Intro Annual Tuition: $0 Boys I Annual Tuition: $775 Boys II Annual Tuition: $980 DRESS CODE: Ladies: Navy tank Atlanta Ballet logo leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes Boys: White Atlanta Ballet t-shirt, black shorts or tights, white socks, black ballet shoes 16 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK OPTIONAL DISCIPLINES Jazz is a high-energy class with roots in jazz music of the last century, but it is brought up to date with the many styles seen in popular culture today. It is an essential part of a dancer’s training. Hip-hop is a modern dance style born out of urban street dance. This exciting and fast paced class includes breaking, locking, and popping. Students learn specific hip-hop steps and techniques as well as challenging choreography. Modern will cover the foundations of modern dance through a variety of exercises, improvisations, and movement combinations that help students feel comfortable moving their bodies in new ways. Our modern instructors are experts in a number of modern techniques, including Lester Horton, José Limón, Martha Graham, Paul Taylor, and Bartenieff Fundamentals. Tap gives students an opportunity to learn tap technique while incorporating both cabaret and rhythm tap. Broadway is a musical theatre-based class. The students learn to be versatile as they are exposed to a wide variety of dance genres. The class helps develop a wellrounded dancer who can respond quickly to new choreography in distinct styles. Contemporary dance blends the strong and controlled legwork of ballet with the modern dancers’ body movement. It develops the use of floor work, fall and recovery, and improvisation. Students learn to respond to changes in rhythm, speed, and direction. It also incorporates elements of world dance cultures. Registration Fee: Annual Tuition: In addition to technique schedule: 1-hour class In addition to technique schedule 1.5-hour class $50 $380 $780 $570 $980 DRESS CODE: Ladies: Black short-sleeve Atlanta Ballet logo leotard, pink/black tights, black jazz pants or bike shorts, class appropriate shoes Boys: White Atlanta Ballet t-shirt, black jazz pants or tights, class appropriate shoes 17 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK 2016 SUMMER PROGRAMS To ensure the highest quality of continuity in your child’s dance education, the Centre does not recommend summer camps at other schools unless a dancer is in the Pre-Professional Division. In this division, the students are carefully placed into summer programs that develop a relationship for future professional careers. We would like to recommend the many summer camps the Centre has to offer. If your child is interested, please contact Nicole Kedaroe at nkedaroe@atlantaballet.com or visit our website at centre.atlantaballet.com/summer-programs. If you are pursuing summer programs outside of the Centre, they should be discussed with your Principal and approved by the Dean. This policy comes with your child’s best interest in mind, as conflicting styles can take months to repair and could lead to injuries. Student must be of age as of June 1, 2016. Summer dates to be announced. SUMMER INTENSIVE PROGRAMS Audition is required – see centre.atlantaballet.com/summer-programs for audition dates and locations. Intermediate Atlanta Ballet Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre Ages 12+ Advanced Atlanta Ballet Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre Ages 12+ Intermediate Georgia Southern University Ages 11+ Professional Atlanta Ballet Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre Ages 16+ SUMMER DAY PROGRAMS (No audition required) Creative Movement Summer Classes For ages 2-4 1 45-minute class per week Young Dancers Summer Experience For ages 5 - 7 Ballet, arts & crafts, music, tap, jazz, ballet story time Classes held Monday – Friday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Teen Ballet For ages 13+ Class held once per week on Saturday, 12:30-2:00 pm Boys Class For boys ages 7+ 1-hour class per week Beginning / Intermediate Intensive For ages 8+ Classes held Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 4:00 pm (Early drop-off/late pick-up available) 18 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK COMMUNITY PROGRAMS It has been a long-standing goal of Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education to educate, inspire, and reach out to youth who may not otherwise be exposed to dance. Through strong partnerships with Parklane Elementary School, Maynard Jackson High School, and Drew Charter Schools, the Centre for Dance Education was able to do just that by establishing the Centre Dance program. Centre Dance integrates dance classes into the standard academic curriculum, using before, during, and after-school programs. This approach provides an alternative learning environment to encourage students’ self-expression and social awareness, while enriching each school day. In 2014, Centre Dance was proud to include our newest program, Atlanta Ballet’s Ailey Camp, which serves over 100 middle school children during a six-week period. Students are able to experience many types of dance, including ballet, jazz, modern, and hip-hop. Teachers of students who participate in the Centre Dance program have noticed positive changes in attendance, behavior, and academic performance, as well as a growth in confidence. Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education and the Centre Dance program have been awarded Fulton County Schools’ Prestigious Partner Award by Parklane Elementary along with four Blue Ribbon Awards. This is the highest award for partnership given by the school system and recognizes organizations that have made unique and lasting impacts on the school, are active parts of the school community, and show deep interest in the success of the school. Centre Dance is in its eighteenth year at Parklane Elementary and in its ninth year at Maynard Jackson High School. For additional information regarding Centre Dance, contact Diane Sales, Community Partnerships Manager, at 404.873.5811 x102 or dsales@atlantaballet.com. 19 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION PRE-PROFESSIONAL Audition is required. Advanced students may audition for the Pre-Professional Division, an intense program designed for dancers who wish to pursue a career in professional dance. With up to five hours of required daily classes, Pre-Professional students practice classical and contemporary ballet, pointe, adagio, modern, and jazz. They may rehearse with Atlanta Ballet’s professional company, learning repertory and possibly performing on stage at the Fox Theatre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Pre-Professional Division classes are offered at the Aspirant, Elite, Premiere, Conservatory, and Fellowship levels. Pre-pro students receive free tickets to all Atlanta Ballet productions. Credit Hour Requirements: Aspirant: 17.75 hours per semester; Optional add 6 hours Elite: 18 hours per semester; Optional add 4 hours Premiere: 21 hours per semester; Optional add 4 hours (Transfer credits are not accepted. Please see website for more credit hour information.) • Atlanta Ballet Centre Theatre is a SERBA honor company and represented the Southeast in the USA International Ballet Competition twice. • 4 Centre graduates are current Company members. • 13 Company members have been part of the Pre-Professional, Fellowship, and/or Summer Intensive programs. • 8 Summer Intensive students were selected as Fellowships for the 2014-15 Season • Other graduates are dancing with elite ballet companies across the country. Registration Fee: $50 Annual Tuition: $4,080 DRESS CODE: Ladies: Black Atlanta Ballet pinch-front or princess-seam logo leotards, pink tights, pink ballet/pointe shoes Boys: White Atlanta Ballet t-shirt, black shorts or tights, white socks, black ballet shoes 20 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK CONSERVATORY Audition is required. Conservatory dancers are select individuals who are at a crucial point in their development. This progressive level of training allows a young female or male artist the opportunity to mature before entering the demanding work of a professional company. The dancers for the Conservatory Program will be chosen from our Pre-Professional Division, Summer Advanced and Professional Intensives, and interested national & international candidates. Conservatory dancers will be involved in daily semi-private classes taught by Atlanta Ballet artistic staff, principal faculty members, and guest master teachers. They will have a total of 30 hours of instruction during the week Monday to Saturday. These classes are designed to enhance a student’s level of technique and artistry. The classes include a daily technique, pointe, men’s, variations, pas de deux, modern, contemporary, and repertoire. The dancers will follow the Company’s daily schedule from 9:30am-6:10pm with a common lunch break. This will allow for rehearsal with the Company from 3:10 – 6:10pm, as needed, along with learning their own repertory. This schedule is designed to allow the dancers to work with the professional company and also have an outside means of employment. There will be several opportunities to perform with the Atlanta Ballet Company in many of its larger productions. They will be a large part of our educational commitment to the community with involvement in the Community Programs activities. These young adults are on the verge of becoming professional dancers, and this is their first step to realizing Atlanta Ballet’s mission and place in the community. The Conservatory Program will represent Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education as Honor Company at the Southeast Regional Ballet Association and with its own works at Spring Concert and performances throughout the year. Credit Hour Requirement: 30.25 hours per semester; optional 6.5 hours. See website for full credit hour requirements. (Transfer credits are not accepted.) Registration Fee: $50 Annual Tuition: $5,260 DRESS CODE: Ladies: M,W,F: Amethyst Atlanta Ballet pinch-front or princess-seam logo leotards. T,TH: Garnet Atlanta Ballet pinch-front or princess-seam logo leotards. Pink tights, pink ballet/pointe shoes Boys: White Atlanta Ballet t-shirt, black shorts or tights, white socks, black ballet shoes 21 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION FELLOWSHIP The Fellowhip Division is the Pathway to Becoming an Atlanta Ballet Company Member Audition is required. The Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education Fellowship Division program was created with a mission to give young dancers the opportunity to develop in a nurturing atmosphere that will groom them to become professional dancers and illustrate what is expected of them in an artistic community. The program represents a commitment by Atlanta Ballet and Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education to work closely together to train exceptional young dancers. As a group, Fellowship dancers attend special classes and are invited to join Company class. They rehearse with the Company in repertoire that is presented throughout the season. This includes collaborating with guest choreographers, if selected. In addition to Company productions, the Atlanta Ballet Fellowship Ensemble will have the opportunity to present their own performances. This opportunity can often feature Fellowship dancers in soloist and principal roles. Fellowship Stephanie Hall. The Fellowship dancers are a select group of individuals who have arrived at a defining point in their development. The intense level of training, as well as performing with the Company, helps fulfill the promise that the high expectations demanded of a professional member of Atlanta Ballet is achievable. Candidates for the Fellowship Division are selected from our Summer Professional Intensive, Pre-Professional and Conservatory Divisions, and by audition. The Fellowship dancers receive a weekly stipend and shoes during the Company’s season. They also receive free tuition for all classes and for the Professional Summer Intensive. In the 2014-15 Season, 12 members of the 23 professional company dancers had passed through the Fellowship Division during their careers. Those who are not chosen to enter the Atlanta Ballet company are carefully mentored by Atlanta Ballet’s artistic staff in finding possible placement in other companies. Credit Hour Requirements: 43 hours per semester. See website for full credit hour requirements. (Transfer credits not accepted.) *Audition is required for a Fellowship dancer position. Audition dates and cities to be announced. Please continue to visit centre.atlantaballet.com/pre-professional/fellowship for updates. 22 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK CENTRE PROCEDURES ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE All students must sign in and sign out daily. When your child enters the building, they should immediately check in with the front desk. This is not only for attendance records, but also for emergency and security reasons. For safety and security, all students must be picked up in the lobby by a parent or guardian. No child will be allowed to wait outside or leave the studio without a parent or guardian. LATENESS Dancers will have a 10-minute grace period for lateness. If they arrive more than 10 minutes late, they can only watch class. If they arrive more than 10 minutes late and have another class following, they will be allowed to warm up themselves and join the class at the teacher’s discretion. LOST AND FOUND The Buckhead and Powers Ferry Centres will hold lost and found articles of clothing for one month. Any clothing will go to charity and Community Programs. The Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre front desk will hold lost items for one week. It is advised that all clothing have the student’s name printed on them so that we may return the items promptly. ABSENCES Please call the front desk at your location to report absences. Front desk staff will notify the faculty. FOOD AND BEVERAGES Food may only be eaten in the designated area of the lobby at each location. No food will be allowed in the studios, bathrooms, dressing rooms, or studio hallways. All food must be thrown away in the garbage cans or recycling bins provided. Any infringement of this will necessitate a “water only” policy with food allowed only outside. SCHEDULE CHANGES Schedule changes must be made by using the schedule change form and can be made up until October 1st. A change made at the start of the spring session can ONLY occur if an instructor has advised your child to make such a change to his or her schedule. Any change you feel necessary to make mid-session MUST be approved by the Dean. If approved, you will incur a $25 fee. You may add a class to your child’s schedule at any time without incurring the $25 fee. You will be notified via email once the charge has been processed and informed of any fees due via email. 23 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK STUDENT LIBRARY A student library has been established at the Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre; computers, books, magazines, DVDs, and VHS will be available to the students. DVDs and VHS must be checked out from the Dean’s office. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. This is a place to do homework. It is not a lounge for the students and must be respected as such. If this is not respected, the library will be off-limits to those students who are not obeying the guidelines set by the Dean and Atlanta Ballet administration. WITHDRAWAL All withdrawals must be done through the Centre. Withdrawal forms can be obtained from the front desk at each studio and must be turned in to the location principal. Full tuition for the month the student stops attending classes is still due. You will be responsible for your tuition commitments until the withdrawal form is presented to the Centre. MAKEUP CLASS Level-designated makeup classes will be held throughout the year at all locations. Any registered Centre student may take a makeup class at any location. In order for your child to attend a makeup class, you MUST contact the director of admissions at 404.873.5811 x225 no later than one week prior to the scheduled “makeup” class to reserve his or her spot. Classes are limited to 12 students at the A level and 20 students for levels B through D. We will not pro-rate tuition for missed classes. Students may not attend other classes as make up without permission from the principal. CANCELATION OF CLASSES – INCLEMENT WEATHER If a class is canceled for any reason, a notice will be posted on the boards in the lobbies of all locations and emails will be sent to all affected students. Updates will also be available in the Centre eNews and on the Facebook page and Centre blog. The Centre will follow Fulton County school system’s closings in the case of severe weather conditions. Students are allowed to make up any classes missed as a result of cancelation. See makeup class procedure. COMMUNICATION Information regarding the Centre is sent via email and eNews blasts and is available on bulletin boards and at the front desk. The faculty do not have time between classes to address concerns properly. If you wish to speak with your child’s instructor, a communication log is available at the front desk. Write your concerns, name, and phone number in the log and the appropriate staff member will return your call. Faculty and staff members’ phone numbers, addresses, and emails will not be given out to students or parents. It is the intent of Atlanta Ballet and the Centre for Dance Education that all students and employees will enjoy an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment of any student and/or employee by another student, employee, supervisor, or non-employee. Atlanta Ballet has established specific policies regarding these issues. A copy of these policies is available upon request from the front desk. Any infringement of these policies should be reported to the Dean immediately. 24 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK DANCER RESPONSIBILITY As a representative of the Centre, each student must be encouraged to achieve the highest standards of etiquette and professionalism. DAY TO DAY RESPONSIBILITIES All dancers must check in with the front desk for attendance to ensure the utmost security. All dancers and parents are responsible for checking school call boards in the lobby daily for any upcoming events and changes that may occur. CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE • There will be no talking or hanging on barres in class at any time. • There will be no food, gum, beverages except water, or cell phones allowed in the studios or hallways. Studios must be picked up upon departure. • The pianos and mirrors will not be touched or played with at any time. • The teacher and peers will be treated with the utmost respect at all times. The faculty and accompanists will be properly thanked after each class. • There is zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior in or outside classroom. If this general etiquette is not followed, the teacher has the right to dismiss the dancer from class. If the dancer is dismissed from class, they must see the Dean. • The use of alcohol, cigarettes, illegal substances, and weapons is strictly forbidden at the Centre or anywhere on Centre property. Students in violation will be dismissed immediately. If this general etiquette is not followed, the teacher has the right to dismiss the dancer from class. If the dancer is dismissed from class, he or she must see the Dean. DRESS CODE AND APPEARANCE • Dressing rooms are provided at each location. There will be no dressing in the bathrooms. Lockers at the MCC location are available for upper division, Pre-Professional & Conservatory students. • All students in the enrollment levels A through Conservatory must have their hair up in a bun. • For the student’s safety, there will be no jewelry worn in class, including watches, necklaces, and dangling earrings. • No visible undergarments under uniform. Underwear should not be worn under tights. • Students MUST wear the required ballet attire with appropriate hair in a proper bun in order to participate in class. This attire includes the uniform leotard, tights, and leather ballet shoes. Leather ballet shoes are required. If your child does not wear them, they will be asked to sit and watch class as well as write out various syllabus rules and corrections that take place in class. A box of “lost and found” shoes is provided at the front desk. These shoes are available to borrow and must be returned at the end of class. • Students must enter and exit the building with street shoes and a cover-up over leotards & tights. 25 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK INSTRUCTIONS FOR A PROPER BUN 1. ELIMINATE ALL FRIZZINESS! 2. With one hand, gather hair into a “bunch” at back of head. With other hand, lightly spray hair around head with water. 3. Brush hair into a ponytail and secure with covered elastic. Ponytail should be no lower than middle from back of head. If hair is worn in braids, braids should be secured tightly to head and secured with covered elastic. Center ponytail between ears so that it is not leaning to one side or the other. 4. Brush and smooth hair towards ponytail. 5. Spray hairspray evenly around head. 6. Twist ponytail and begin to spiral hair around elastic. Coil hair into bun a bit at a time, insert hairpins at every inch. Insert pins, coil a bit more, insert more pins, etc. until ponytail is wound around to make a “snail coil” (as flat against head as possible). 7. IMPORTANT! Wrap hairnet around bun. 8. Add a few extra hairpins to ensure that bun is closely attached to head. 9. An additional, very light spritz of hairspray may be used if needed. 10. Children with hair at ear length or above must secure hair with bobby pins and light spray. 11. Please make sure hair is done when children arrive at the studio. 12. If hair is too short, please make sure it is securely off the face. PLEASE NOTE: Proper hair is part of ballet etiquette. It is important for ALL students of ALL ages to have proper, neat, and appropriate hair for auditions, class, and rehearsals. 26 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK THE ATLANTA BALLET BOUTIQUE The Atlanta Ballet Boutique is a gift and dancewear store for the student and professional dancer. We are the exclusive providers of the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education official uniform leotard, which is required for all Enrollment and Pre-professional Division students. The Boutique also carries a complete line of ballet accessories, apparel, shoes, non-uniform dancewear, and gifts and a collection of ballet books, CDs, and DVDs. WE HAVE 3 STORE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre • Uniforms for all programs, including Pre-Pro and Conservatory uniforms. • Adult fashion dancewear. • Pointe shoe fittings by appointment only. Buckhead Centre • Uniforms, tights, and shoes for all programs up to D level. • Fashion dancewear for adults and children. Powers Ferry Centre • Centre uniforms, tights, and shoes ONLY. HOURS: The Michael C. Carlos Boutique standard location hours: School Year: M-Th, 1:00pm to 7:30pm and Saturday, 8:30am-12:30pm Summer: M-F, 8:30am- 4:30pm and Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm The boutique is closed during Centre holidays and breaks. The Buckhead and Powers Ferry locations are available during the regular business hours of the Centres. Please ask the front desk for assistance if a volunteer is not in the Boutique. If you have any additional questions, you may contact us at boutique@atlantaballet.com. 27 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK TUITION POLICIES Online registration is available for returning students. Please note that all online registrations will incur a $5 processing fee. There is only one registration fee per household if registrations for all students within a household are completed at the same time. The Centre is pleased to offer three tuition payment options. 1. One Installment due at registration, with 5% discount 2. Two Installments • 1st installment due at registration, covers classes Aug 17th – Jan 16th • 2nd installment due January 1st, covers classes Jan 18th – June 4th 3. Ten Installments 1st and last installments are due at registration with the remainder due the first of every month, September through April. Please note that each of the ten payments covers 4 weeks of class, not the “calendar month.” INSTALLMENT August September October November December DATE DUE registration Sept 1st Oct 1st Nov 1st Dec 1st CLASSES COVERED August 17th – September 12th September 14th – October 10th October 12th – November 7th November 9th – December 5th December 7th – January 16th (You do not pay for the 2 week winter holiday) January Jan 1st *January 18th – February 13th February Feb 1st February 15th – March 12th March Mar 1st March 14th – April 9th April Apr 1st April 11th – May 7th May registration May 9th –June 4th *Monday, January 18th is Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. INVOICES WILL NOT BE MAILED! Tuition is refundable before August 17, 2015 OR before your child’s first class if it is different than August 17, 2015. No refunds are given after a student’s first class. If you have selected the two or ten installment options, please keep in mind that each installment is due on the first of the month. We offer a 15-day grace period. On the 16th day of the month, the payment will be considered late. At that time, a $25 late fee will automatically be charged to your account. Please be aware that if your account becomes delinquent by two installments, we will respectfully remove your child from class and/or the Spring Concert until your account is current. In order to return to class, the account must be paid in full. In order to change your child’s schedule or withdraw from classes, a schedule change and/or withdrawal form must be completed and submitted to the Centre admissions director or Principal at your location. Your account will continue to accrue tuition until a withdrawal form is received. 28 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK PAYMENT POLICIES Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education accepts payment by check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Please make all checks payable to Atlanta Ballet. Include your child’s name and class location (Buckhead/West Midtown/Powers Ferry) in the memo portion of the check. We do not accept postdated checks! A $35 fee will be assessed for each returned check. Multiple instances of returned checks may result in a policy of payment by credit card or money orders only. The Centre does not accept cash payments. REFUND POLICY After a student’s first class, any tuition or performance fees paid are non-refundable. If a student withdraws prior to the first day of class, all tuition is eligible for a refund except the registration fee. The Centre does not pro-rate tuition. AUTOMATIC BILLING PROGRAM For your convenience, we offer the option to automatically bill your credit card as part of our automatic billing program. If you choose to be a part of this program, we will automatically bill the credit card on file either the first of each month from September through April, if you choose the ten installment plan, or on January 1st, if you choose the two installment plan. In the event that the credit card is declined, the Centre reserves the right to remove your child from further classes until payment is made. If payment is not received by the close of business on the 15th day of the month, a $25 late fee will be charged to your account. Other fees such as Spring Concert and Nutcracker are not automatically scheduled for billing. Performance fee billing can be scheduled for the following dates only: Nutcracker Fee of $150: Oct 3rd Spring Concert Early Bird Fee of $155: Nov 24th Pre-Professional Fee of $250: Feb 1st To schedule a FEE auto bill, please contact Kelly Cooper at kcooper@atlantaballet.com. SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarships are offered based on demonstrated financial need and are available to students who have attended the Centre for one or more years. Scholarship students will be asked to share some responsibilities within the Centre. They will also be expected to act as teachers’ assistants and examples to the younger students of the Centre. Scholarships will be revoked if students or parents do not meet the high expectations or standards set by the Centre. Applications are due by June 30th prior to each school year. Visit centre.atlantaballet.com for more information. 29 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK REQUIRED STUDENT RELEASES Must be signed for student registration CREATIVE MOVEMENT PARENTS I understand that due to the young age of my student, he/she will need to be accompanied to the restroom when emergencies arise during the class. I give permission for Atlanta Ballet’s instructors, instructor assistants, or Centre Principals to escort my student to the restroom when necessary. To assist the staff with this situation, I will allow my student ample time to use the restroom prior to entering class. RELEASE OF LIABILITY I am aware that ballet training and the stretching exercises associated with it place unusual demands on the body and carry with them the risk of injury. On behalf of my child and myself (and I am no longer a minor, on my behalf), I assume the risk and agree that Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education shall not be liable in any way for injuries sustained during attendance at the Centre or any of its related functions. It is also understood that dance instruction involves kinetic corrections and may include physical contact from the instructor or fellow students as part of regular class work and rehearsals. PHOTO / VIDEO RELEASE I hereby give Atlanta Ballet’s videographer and/or photographers, the right and permission to copyright, use, reuse, publish, and republish photographic pictures of my child, or reproductions thereof, in color or black and white for any purposes whatsoever; including the use of any printed matter in conjunction therewith. I hereby waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photograph and/or advertising copy or printed matter that may be used in conjunction therewith or to the eventual use that it might be applied. I hereby release Atlanta Ballet from any liability as a result of any distortion, blurring, alteration, optical illusion, or use in composite form, whether intentionally or otherwise, that may occur or be produced in the taking, processing, or reproduction of the finished product, its publication, or distribution of the same. I have read the foregoing release, authorization, and agreement and warrant that I fully understand the contents thereof. Please be aware that students may not go on pointe or change levels until given written permission from the Centre. Pointe shoes, upon purchase, should be approved by the designated pointe instructor before sewing ribbons. 30 ATLANTA BALLET STUDENT HANDBOOK 2015 | 2016 STUDENT CALENDAR AUGUST JANUARY CONTINUED 15th – Buckhead Open House 18th – Martin Luther King,Jr. Holiday 16th – Powers Ferry Open House 19th – Spring Session Begins 17th - Fall Session Begins 29th - One-Day Summer Day Program Sale/ Summer Registration Kickoff SEPTEMBER 7th – Labor Day Holiday 12th – Centre Ensemble Fall Auditions at MCC 12th – Nutcracker Auditions at MCC 13th – Healthy Living Day at MCC 19th – Makeup Classes at MCC 26th – Nutcracker Cast Organization Day OCTOBER 1st – Deadline for Student Schedule Changes 3rd – Nutcracker Rehearsals Begin / $150 Nutcracker Fee Due 10th – Moon Dance Event 18th – Nutcracker Photo Shoot NOVEMBER 2nd-7th – Parent Observation Week 9th-14th – Spring Concert Costume Measurement Week 24th – Spring Concert Fees Due - $155/Student 25th-28th – Thanksgiving Holiday for Centre Classes 26th – Thanksgiving Holiday for Nutcracker Participants DECEMBER 5th - Makeup Classes at Buckhead Centre 8th-11th – Nutcracker Rehearsals at Fox Theatre 11th – Nutcracker Performances Begin 16th – 17th – KIS Performances 20th-Jan 3rd – Winter Break 28th – Nutcracker Performances End JANUARY 8th – Centre Ensemble Spring Auditions at MCC 9th – FINAL Spring Concert Deadline $180/Student FEBRUARY 1st – Spring Concert Rehearsals Begin 1st – Pre-Pro Performance Fee Due 7th – Buckhead Princess Tea 11th – KIS Performance at Cobb Energy Centre 20th – Makeup Classes at Powers Ferry Centre 21st – Powers Ferry Princess Tea MARCH 7th–12th – Buckhead Spring Break 12th – Summer Scholarship Application Deadline APRIL 4th -9th – MCC/PF Spring Break 11th – Evaluations/2016-17 Registration Info Distributed 11th -16th – Parent Observation Week/ Spring Concert Info Distributed 18th – 22nd – Buckhead Registration Week 23rd – Makeup Classes at MCC 25th - 30th – Powers Ferry Registration Week MAY 2nd-7th – MCC Registration Week 7th – Makeup Classes at Buckhead Centre 9th – Registration Open to the Public 9th-15th – Spring Concert Tech Rehearsals 12th-15th – Spring Concert Performances 30th – Memorial Day Holiday JUNE 4th – Spring Session Ends 13th – July 31st – Summer Session* 30th – Scholarship Applications Due for 2016-2017 *See Summer Brochure for Summer Program Audition Dates. 11th – Evaluations / Mid-Year Statements Mailed 16th – End of Fall Session 31 All Centre for Dance Education photos by Kim Kenney. Cover features Atlanta Ballet dancer Jared Tan. 2015 | 2016 Student Handbook INSPIRING EXCELLENCE Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre 1695 Marietta Blvd NW Atlanta, GA 30318
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