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ACADEMY INFORMATION --
LEVEL
PLACEMENT
Students are placed in their
appropriate level by age or after taking a placement class arranged by the
instructors. (See Class Placement Chart). Determining factors include age, previous training, and natural
ability. (Pre-Ballet, Children’s Division, and Adult levels do not
require a placement class.)
TUITION (Tuition Table)
Tuition is payable in advance. There are a variety of payment options
available with discounts for pre-payment of multiple months or multiple classes
in the case of “drop-in” classes. Additional fees are added to late payments
(after the 10th) and returned checks. A special rate is available
for professional dancers upon presentation of current AGMA, AGVA, AFTRA, or
Equity Card.
REQUIRED CLASSES BY LEVEL
Each student is required to
take a minimum number of classes per week depending on his or her level:
Pre-Ballet, Children’s 1,
2, & 3...... ......... 1 class/wk
Academy Level
1.................................... 2 classes/wk
Academy Level
2.................................... 3 classes/wk
Academy Level
3.................................... 4 classes/wk
Academy Level
4.................................... 5 classes/wk with pointe
Academy Levels
5............................. ..... 5 classes/wk with pointe
Academy Levels 6 &
7............................. 5 classes/wk with pointe
ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to
maintain regular attendance in the minimum number of classes required for their
particular level. An exception would be an absence due to illness or other such
acceptable reason, in which case the class may be made up in another class of
the same level or lower level. Classes missed due to holidays or illness may be
made up any time during the following three months. Students are expected to
arrive on time and ready for class.
DRESS CODE
Girls/Ladies: Pink tights
and shoes for all levels. Pink leotard and hair pulled back for Pre-Ballet
levels. Light blue leotard and hair in bun for Children’s Levels. Black
leotard and hair in a “classical ballet bun” for Academy levels. No jewelry.
Boys/Gentlemen: Black tights, white socks and black or white shoes, white
T-shirt.
EVALUATIONS
Students are formally evaluated
each year to ensure correct level placement and to maximize
each student’s potential. Initial placement for the year reflects our
presumption that the student will maintain good attendance and work ethic in
his/her classes to progress with the rest of the class. In the event that the
faculty believes that a student would receive more suitable training in a
different level, the student and parent(s) will be notified and the student will
be moved. The curriculum for each level is mandatory. Students whose schedule
does not accommodate their level’s curriculum may enroll in a lower level. Good attendance alone does not assure that a
student will move through the academy syllabus with the rest of the class. Each
student must apply him or herself and exhibit consistent and dedicated work
habits to progress.
CURRICULUM
The curriculum of the Long
Beach Ballet Academy reflects the eclectic repertoire of a professional ballet
company. Weighted heavily toward training of classical ballet technique, the
school also hosts an internationally recognized Summer Program where other forms
of dance are introduced, including jazz, African dance, modern and character dance.
BALLET TECHNIQUE
This is the foundation of all
dance forms necessary for the linear and technical development of a dancer.
Twelve levels of technical training span a child’s first introduction to musical
movement to and including the emergence of a professional dancer.
Pre-Ballet and Children’s Division
For children from three years
of age. Includes six levels of training in preparation for the Academy
Division.
Academy Division
The Academy Division develops
artistry, technique, stamina, and discipline. Pointe work is introduced in
Level 4. Serious students are immersed in a professional atmosphere of
high-level training in preparation for a professional carreer.
Adult Division
For adults not
pursuing a professional dance career, who nonetheless desire to begin or
continue ballet training.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
"Ballet Ambassadors to to
China" Summer Intensive
Each year students from across the country are selected to
join the Long Beach Ballet on their annual six-week summer intensive that
culminates with a three-week performance tour to
China.
Three Week Summer Intensive
Each year students from across
the country are selected to participate in a three-week summer intensive which
culminates with a student recital.
Children's Dance Camp
A special annual summer program for younger students that
features classes in ballet, character, jazz, folk dancing and hula, as well as
arts and crafts, costuming, and stage make-up. This two-week program culminates
with a performance on stage.
PERFORMING OPPORTUNITIES
Performance opportunities are
available to all students age four and up. Each June, students perform in the
Annual School Performance -- an elaborate two
hour production featuring a full-scale story ballet plus exciting variations by
Upper Division students. In December, the school produces David Wilcox’s
internationally acclaimed production of The
Nutcracker. These performances are the culmination of countless hours
in the classroom and is rewarding for students and family alike.
THE COMPANY
Advanced level students are
eligible for selection to join the Long Beach Ballet, an
internationally recognized, non-profit, pre-professional performing company.
This select group of talented and dedicated students gains experience and
understanding of what a professional ballet career involves, providing a bridge
between classroom training and a professional career. Members work with an
array of international talent, including choreographers, directors, and
dancers. Master Classes are regularly
scheduled with the world's top dancers, teachers, directors and coaches. The Long Beach Ballet is an Honor Company of Regional Dance America
and has official ties to the National Ballet of China in
Guangzhou.
RULES AND ETIQUETTE
WHILE IN
CLASS
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Respectful posture and
attitude must be maintained throughout the entire class.
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Attention should be
directed towards the instructor at all times.
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Finish each exercise in
the instructed stance and remain until the instructor gives permission to
continue.
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Turn toward the barre
between exercises.
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Sitting down is allowed
only with the expressed permission of the instructor.
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Learn exercises quickly so
as to benefit the most from each exercise.
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Pay attention to
corrections given to other students and try to apply the corrections to
yourself.
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Pay attention to questions
asked by other students as they probably pertain to you as well.
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When another group is
dancing, prepare yourself to begin dancing as the group before you is finishing.
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In the center, when you
finish your exercise, immediately move to the front of the room then straight to
the side to allow the next group to start dancing without interruption.
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If you are taking a makeup
class in a level lower than your own, yield the center barres to the students of
the assigned class. Stand in the back rows when dancing in the center.
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If you are in a
combination class with different levels, the higher level will stand on the
center barres. After barre, the higher level students stand in the front of the
room.
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If you stand on a center barre, it is your responsibility to put it away at the end of barre.
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Be quiet. Speak only if
the teacher asks you a question or if what you say directly pertains to the
class.
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If you are injured or
otherwise prevented from participating in the entire class, inform the
instructor PRIOR to the start of class.
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Use the restroom before
class.
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Thank the instructor after
each class. Curtsey to the pianist after each class (if applicable).
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Dress code should be
adhered to at all times in each division. (See Dress Code)
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Gum-chewing is not
permitted while in class.
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If you are sitting out the
class due to illness or injury, sit in the front corner of the classroom and do
not talk.
OTHER
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Arrive early and be ready
to start your class at its scheduled time. Arriving at the start-time of your
class means you will be late
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If you arrive for class
1-10 minutes late, go directly to the front desk and receive a tardy entrance
slip, then proceed into the class.
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If you arrive more than 10 minutes after
the start of the class, you will not be permitted to enter.
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You may enter the studios
only when the instructor is present or has permitted you to enter.
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The equipment inside the
studios is for the instructor’s use only. This includes stereo and all pilates
equipment.
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The dry-erase boards are
for instructor use only.
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Siblings will not be
permitted to remain in the building unattended.
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Keep your voice down.
There is no running, playing, or yelling inside the building.
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If a child needs adult
supervision to use the restroom, a parent or guardian must stay in the lobby for
the duration of the class.
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Parents need to be on time
to pickup their child after each class or rehearsal. If a faculty or staff
member is required to stay more than 10 minutes after the conclusion of the
class, the parent will be charged a $10 fine.
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There is no food of any
kind or drinks allowed inside the studios. Water bottles only.
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