Information

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Every student registered in our Recreational program (Movement & Dance, Syllabus Ballet, Adults and Senior, and international folk dance) is invited and encouraged to participate in our performances. In addition to our Spring Performance at the end of the academic year, there are two performances in our stage-configured largest studio during the year. These performances mix ballet technique demonstrations and original dances, and students enrolled in modern and/or physical conditioning classes will also be able to perform. All these performances are open to the public. The first in studio performance is usually during the last week of the fall semester and is followed by a holiday party, during which families and friends can join us for a festive gathering.

NEBC does not use regular class time to rehearse for performances. In order to participate in performances, students enrolled in Pre-Ballet and Syllabus Ballet classes must attend rehearsals. NEBC does not use regular class time to rehearse for performances. Performance rehearsals, therefore, will be held on Friday afternoons after regular classes. We understand that Fridays may not be convenient to some parents and students. Please let us know as soon as possible whether you will be able to accommodate rehearsals' times. Students who miss more then two rehearsals for a performance will not be permitted to participate in that particular performance. This policy is not intended as a penalty; performing adequately requires a minimum number of rehearsals. Please note that classes on Fridays will mix levels, so that students in both Pre-Ballet and Syllabus Ballet classes have the opportunity to warm up before rehearsals. Students who do not have classes on Fridays but who are, nevertheless, attending rehearsals must arrive sufficiently in advance to be adequately warmed up when the rehearsal begins. Students in Movement & Dance, adult & senior, and international folk dance classes rehearse during regular class time, since the parts that such students dance are less demanding can be more easily assimilated to their regular routine.

A unique feature of the adult and senior ballet program is the opportunity to perform in the Vermont Ballet Chamber. For more information, contact the NEBC office.

There are no costume or performance fees at NEBC. Each performing student will receive several free tickets for each performance.

ATTIRE AND HAIR

Students at NEBC must wear proper class attire, and this policy will be enforced at all levels to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning for our students. Failure to comply with the dress code may be reason for dismissal from class.

Movement & Dance and Syllabus Ballet classes:

The required dancewear is made available at NEBC retail or by special order.

There is no specific color requirement for students in adult and senior classes, conditioning and floor barre classes, folk dance, and modern dance.

Folk Dance: character shoes

The following requirements apply to all classes

• No undergarments under leotards
• No watches or jewelry can be worn in class. Only discreet stud earrings are permitted for girls.
• Warm up apparel must be removed before class (except students in floor barre and conditioning classes are permitted to wear dance warm up apparel)
• Girl's hair must be secured tightly into a bun (secured hair but no bun in floor barre and conditioning classes)

We make every effort to maintain the best quality and safest dance floors for our dancers. You must remove your shoes before entering the studios, since street shoes, even tennis shoes, may damage the dance floor.

REPORT CARDS

At the end of each semester, every student registered in Syllabus Ballet Program receives a Report Card from her or his instructor. On this Report Card, the instructor comments on the student's attitude, effort, and progress and identifies the areas needing improvement. NEBC believes that regular feedback and constructive evaluation are necessary aspects of ballet training. This Report Card is an excellent opportunity for students and their parents to receive a valuable assessment of the students' training. Parents who wish to discuss any aspect of this Report Card are encouraged to make an appointment with the instructor or NEBC Director.

ADVANCEMENT

Physical development and emotional maturity vary from child to child. Advancement from one level to the next level in the Syllabus Ballet Program is not automatic, but is based on individual readiness for the challenge of next level. At the end of the year, instructors carefully evaluate individual students for advancement to next level. Such evaluation is noted on the students' report cards for students' and parents' review. If you have concern or questions regarding your child's advancement, please do not hesitate to contact the NEBC Director or your child's instructor.

WITHDRAWAL

Full refund before classes begin except for the registration fee. 50% after the first week of classes, 25% after the second week, no refund after the second week of the month.

CANCELLATIONS

NEBC reserves the right to cancel a class or classes. NEBC will make its best efforts to place students enrolled in the cancelled class(es) in other similar class(es).

ATTENDANCE

Even though NEBC maintains an open and flexible Syllabus Ballet program, we recommend that students enrolled in the Syllabus Ballet Program attend class more than once a week. As with any other physical activity and other skills, the more the students practice, the more progress they will make and the more benefit students will attain from their classes.

Students are expected to attend all the class(es) for which they are enrolled. If they are unable to attend class, they should notify the NEBC office. They may schedule make-up(s) within the same semester of their missed class(es). If students miss a significant number of classes, they may be dismissed from class with no refund.

TARDINESS AND STUDIO ETIQUETTE

Students must be on time and ready for class. Students who arrive late must not enter the studio while the music is playing. They must wait until the music stops, then step inside the doorway and wait until acknowledged by their instructor. If significantly late, students may be asked to sit and observe the class instead of participating in it.

Students must wait for their instructor before entering the studio. They must enter the studio quietly and take their designated places.

Respectful and proper manners are expected from students on the premises of NEBC. Excessive noise and unruly behavior from students will not be tolerated. Parents are also asked to keep voices and other noises at reasonable levels while waiting for their children.

There is no bathroom break during class. Make sure that your children use the bathroom just before class. No drinking break is permitted during class. Plastic water bottles are permitted in the studios.

Talking during class is not permitted. Students who have questions may raise their hand to ask the instructor. No sitting during class is not permitted without the permission of the instructor.

FACILITIES

NEBC is located in a brand new dance center comprised of 4 studios, one of which is more than 2500 square feet. All studio are equipped with Harlequin sprung floors designated to maximize students' safety. In addition, we have a small library available to students where they can find materials about dancing and ballet.

Please help us keep the facilities in good conditions by eating only in designated areas and placing litter in the designated containers.

LEVELS AND PLACEMENT

It is important that students enroll in classes best suited to their abilities. We strive to place students in the right class at the time of enrollment. However, students may be asked to transfer to another class that is more suitable to their ability during the first week of classes. In this case, NEBC works with parents to reschedule the class so that the new schedule is still convenient to parents and children.

THE USE OF CORRECTIONS AND PHYSICAL TOUCH IN DANCE TRAINING

Students should expect to receive verbal corrections and corrections through physical contact in dance, conditioning and floor barre classes. Such corrections are necessary to help students in their training. If students feel uncomfortable about any aspect of such corrections, they should advise their instructor as soon as possible.

VALUABLES AND PERSONAL INJURY - DISCLAIMER

NEBC and its employees, agents, and contractors are not responsible for lost, misplaced, or damaged personal property.

The instructors at NEBC strive to furnish the best and safest possible instruction. Ballet is, however, a physical activity for which there is a risk of injury even when competent instruction is given. NEBC asks that all parents and adult students to sign a waiver stating that they have been informed of the risk of injury associated with ballet instruction.

PERSONAL SAFETY

NEBC enforces a controlled area policy so that only authorized persons may enter the premises past the lobby area. The front desk is staffed during the hours of operations of NEBC. Minor students are not permitted to leave the NEBC premises unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. They must wait in the lobby area until picked up by such parent or adult guardian.

OFFICE

Our office is staffed from approximately 9:00 AM to 8:45 PM. If you need to meet with our faculty and staff, please make an appointment. If you have any concern or questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

"LE PETIT RAT"

NEBC provides a retail store named "Le Petit Rat" after the famous French little ballerinas of the Paris Opera Dance School scurrying from one dance studio to another in the long corridors of the Paris Opera. The store is found next to the front desk. This is a unique shopping outlet that will surely suit your fancies in dance related products. The hours of operation are the following: 3PM to 7PM from Monday though Friday and 9PM to 1PM on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays.

TUITION

A box is available by the front desk for tuition to be dropped in every month. Tuition is due by the 10th of each month. We do not send invoices unless you are late with your payment. There is a 5% charge for late payment. If you are mailing your payment, please send it to:
     New England Ballet Conservatory
     PO Box 8251
     Essex, VT 05451

CLOSING OF THE SCHOOL

Please refer to the SCHEDULE for the holidays closings of the school and vacations times. NEBC follows the South Burlington school closing policy for inclement weather.

CLASS OBSERVATION

NEBC does not have formal observation times. Each studio has a viewing window through which parents may watch their children and observe their class. Occasionally, with the consent of the instructor, parents may also watch the class within the studio itself as long as they can remain during the entire period of the class and do not distract their or other children during class.

In addition, parents have the opportunity to observe the progress of their children in the performances which include demonstration of regular class work.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

NEBC believes that involving the local community and local talents in the various aspects of the school is an important aspect of the NEBC's mission. We encourage parents and family of students to share their talents and time in some of the multi functions of the school. If you think you can sew, craft some theatrical props, play a musical instrument, or welcome the public in our public events, please let us know.