POLICIES AND RULES
Registration
All Academy students must register at the beginning of each academic year before attending classes. The academic year runs from September to June.
The registration fee is $40 for one student, $60 for two students, and $75 for three students per family. Returning students will not pay an additional registration fee till next September. Dancers enrolled in the First Semester will be automatically re-enrolled in the same class for the Second Semester. The registration fee is non-refundable.
A placement class is required for ages 9 & above and must be scheduled in advance. The placement/ trial class fee is $20 for all levels. Please notify the front desk of any changes to your name, address, phone number, emails, and emergency contacts.
Registration is not complete, and the spot is not reserved until payment is done. Registration will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis as availability is limited.
Tuition
The tuition reserves your child’s spot for the month based on the total number of hours of instruction taken per week. All classes must be paid in advance. No exceptions.
The first-semester tuition is due at the time of registration. Second-semester tuition is due on January 15, 2024. First Semester: September – January (5 months). Second Semester: February – June (5 months).
Installment /monthly/ payments for the next month are due on the 20th of the current month. (For example, the November tuition payment is due on October 20.) September tuition is due at the time of registration. May and June tuition will be combined and is due on April 20, 2024.
Payments remain the same each month regardless of attendance, school closures, holidays, and bad weather or electricity outages.
We currently accept personal checks or cash, no credit or debit cards. Please make checks payable to Academy of Russian Classical Ballet.
The tuition fee is non-refundable and non-transferable from one month/ semester to another and from one student to another.
The academy office does NOT send bills for tuition.
Late Fees
A late fee will be charged for all late tuition payments. Please add $25 to your late tuition payment.
$35 handling fee will be charged for all returned checks. No exceptions.
Attending Classes
Due to the high demand for our classes, we ask you to give us advanced notice if your child will not be attending classes for a long time. Otherwise, your child may lose their spot in the class.
All classes are subject to minimum/maximum enrollment. If there is no longer space available in a class or a class has been canceled, you will be notified as soon as possible.
Class sizes are limited to 12 for Levels A, A*, and B and 12-17 for Levels C-G. All scheduled classes and instructors are subject to change.
Personal medical insurance is the responsibility of each student. Academy of Russian Classical Ballet, its faculty, and staff shall not be held responsible for any injury or illness which occurs while studying at Academy of Russian Classical Ballet.
Notice of dancer withdrawal must be given in writing (email is OK) to the Academy of Russian Classical Ballet office one month in advance. Please be advised that the dancer will be re-evaluated if she/he desires to rejoin the Academy of Russian Classical Ballet. There is no guarantee that the dancer will be placed in the same level as before withdrawal. All amounts due must be paid in full (including tuition fee, performance fee, or any outstanding private lesson fees).
Policy on Days Missed
Classes missed for family vacations, voluntary absences, and school events are not reimbursable. If a class is canceled due to the instructor being sick, substitute availability, or severe weather conditions, the student(s) may be entitled to a make-up class upon request from the Administrative Director.
In the event of your child being absent, you must send an email in advance with the day of the absence and request a make-up class. Students may make up their classes with their own level or the level below them. Parents must send a 24-hour email notice if a student cannot attend a scheduled make-up class, otherwise, the office will not be able to re-schedule it.
Make-up classes must be taken within the same semester of the reported absence. In the case of an actual withdrawal from all classes due to injury, sustained illness, or other medically validated reasons, tuition charges may be suspended until the student returns to class at the discretion of ARCB. No refunds will be given for prior classes missed.
ARCB does not prorate or refund for missed classes or canceled classes due to weather-related closures (see below), as well as scheduled holidays and breaks (such as Thanksgiving Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Break, etc.).
Emergency Closure
Academy of Russian Classical Ballet will cancel classes according to the Lake Washington School District decisions for school closures due to weather, road conditions, and any other emergencies.
There are no make-up classes for weather-related closures, nor are tuition refunds available for these canceled classes. You can check the status of LWSD schools at www.lwsd.org.
Substitutes
Instructors may have absences approved by the Artistic Director and Executive Director for various reasons, including (but not limited to) illness, family emergency, guest teaching, guest performing, and participation in continuing education. In the event that the regularly scheduled instructor will be absent, the Artistic Director will secure a competent, qualified substitute for the instructor. In the event of a prolonged absence, every effort will be made to secure a long-term substitute to ensure the consistency of training.
Similarly, teacher assignments are subject to change at any time during the semester due to any of the reasons listed above.
Dress Code
All students should attend each lesson, be on time, and dress properly. Any student who is not dressed properly may not be permitted to join the class.
Maintaining proper uniform sets a tone of professionalism and respect for the ballet school, its teachers and training and is thus required for ALL students enrolled at ARCB. The ballet uniform for girls and young women consists of a leotard (color assigned by level), Ballet Pink Convertible Tights, and Pink Ballet shoes (slippers). See the Dress Code page for all requirements.
Security
Academy of Russian Classical Ballet strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for its staff and students. In pursuit of this objective, selected areas of the academy premises are equipped with video cameras. The academy’s Video Security System is used only for the protection and safety of students, employees, property and to assist law enforcement in the event of an emergency. The Video Security System is a closed network of cameras utilized to capture images and transmit them for display on closed-circuit monitors. The system is not used for live monitoring unless there is a significant rule violation or security situation. Cameras are not installed in areas of the academy where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as in restrooms and dressing rooms.
Students who are 12 years old and younger must leave each class/rehearsal with a parent. Students who are 16 years old and older may, with a parent’s permission on file, leave the academy by themselves between classes.
Students between the ages of 12-16 who wish to leave the academy between classes may leave in small groups (no less than three students) and must notify their parent(s) as well as the Administrative Director before exiting the building.
Please note: Parents may not give permission that is more liberal than outlined above. Students may NOT leave the academy by themselves if they do not meet the criteria listed above, regardless of willingness or permission on the part of the parent. Parents of Levels A and A* students should not leave the premises during their child’s class time.
Students must be picked up no later than 15 minutes after class/ rehearsal; ARCB does not provide childcare after classes/ when rehearsals are finished. Please make every effort not to be late to pick up your child.
Fire Evacuation Procedure
In the event of a fire at ARCB or the surrounding buildings, ARCB students will be escorted as quickly as possible out of the building through the door(s) nearest to the studio they are in. Students must not grab any belongings from the dressing room and must follow their instructor out of the building promptly, calmly, and in an orderly fashion.
Students will participate in fire drills periodically and will be instructed as to fire evacuation procedures at the onset of the year and/or during summer intensive.
Personal Belongings and Cleanliness of Studios
Students should keep their personal belongings and dance bags in the dressing room. Due to the limited space of the academy, hallways and waiting areas should be kept clear and as neat as possible. Though ARCB is not responsible for lost or stolen items, there is a Lost & Found box located in the dressing room; if you find a clothing item, dance shoe, or other items that are not yours, please put them in the Lost & Found box.
Parents and students are reminded to clean up after themselves and pick up all food wrappers, band-aids, and other trash items as they see them. We must all work together to maintain a clean and professional atmosphere for teaching. Please do NOT leave your trash for someone else to clean up. Also, please tidy up toys and books after playing in the children’s play area.
Photography and Videography
Unless you have received advance permission from ARCB’s staff, no one is allowed to take photos or videos of dancers during class or rehearsals.
Social Media Policy
All students are expected to use social media (examples being, but not limited to: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Google+, Flickr, blogs, etc.) with respect for the privacy and well-being of others and should not post and/or distribute anything that is abusive, hateful, or embarrassing to another individual.
No one is allowed to take photos or videos of students/ instructors during classes or rehearsals and publish these on the social media listed above without the artistic director/ office’s permission.
Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy
Academy of Russian Classical Ballet admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and other school-administered programs.
Academy Rules
The following rules are universal and are followed by all major ballet programs and professional companies. All students enrolled at ARCB, and their parents, should familiarize themselves with these rules of etiquette and observe them at all times.
• Students must arrive on time for class. Students should arrive at least 10 minutes before class to prepare themselves appropriately.
• Students should not wait for teachers before entering the studio and should be prepared to begin class as soon as the teacher enters.
• All students must follow the Academy’s Dress Code. Ballet attire must be clean and in good condition for each class and performance.
• Female students of all levels must have their hair pulled back in a neat ballet bun. A student without a proper bun may not be permitted to join the class.
• Students are required to bow/curtsey and thank the teachers after class.
• Students may not wear street shoes on the dance floors. Conversely, students are not to wear their ballet shoes outside the premises, as this brings small pebbles and other debris onto the Marley, which can severely damage the floor.
• Be appreciative of corrections and apply them. Students will progress only as fast as they can make corrections.
• Students may not talk among themselves while the instructor is speaking and giving instruction. If students have a question, they are to talk to the teacher after class.
• If a parent(s) has a question for a teacher or wishes to discuss a child’s progress, please schedule an appointment via email.
• Leaning or hanging on the barre, yawning, and inattention are not acceptable forms of behavior during class. Be kind to your classmates. Displays of temper, rudeness, and gossip are unacceptable.
• Out of respect for our dancers, teachers, and administrative staff, please keep voices and activity in the lobby down to a minimum. Parents who observe their child’s class in the main classroom, please do not talk! All cell phones must be turned off during classes and rehearsals!
• Students are not permitted to chew gum during their classes.
• No food and drink in classes! All food and beverages must be kept in the designated areas.
• Students are asked to leave all valuables and money at home. ARCB is not responsible for lost items.
• Students should label their dance shoes and personal belongings to avoid mix-ups.
• Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises or while representing ARCB in public.
• No jewelry is allowed in any ARCB classes or rehearsals, with the exception of small stud earrings.
• Cell phone/ electronics use is prohibited during class.
Competitions
One of the best ways a student can rapidly improve technique and artistry is to undergo the rigorous training necessary to prepare for a world-class ballet competition. An additional benefit to attending various competitions is the opportunity to vie for scholarships for summer study at world-class ballet schools, scholarships to university programs, and contracts with major ballet companies, both in the USA and abroad.
As students must serve as representatives of ARCB, participation in the competition is strictly on an invitation-only basis at the sole discretion of the Artistic Faculty.
All detailed information about participation in ballet competitions can be obtained at the office by request.
All competition-related costs are separate and independent from any ARCB tuition payments.
Performances
Providing numerous performance opportunities is a crucial component of the overall dance education for students at the Academy of Russian Classical Ballet. Typically, ARCB students will participate in a Winter Performance of The Nutcracker in December and a Spring Performance at the end of the second semester.
Performances offer a chance for the students to participate in a cumulative experience of their training in the academy and to learn firsthand the artistry, expression, and technical excellence expected of accomplished artists. Students also learn how to conduct themselves professionally backstage while working with a professional stage crew and gain valuable lessons in teamwork, adaptability, and compliance. In addition, students of ARCB will have the unique opportunity to perform works in the classical ballet repertoire, as well as original choreography by ARCB’s artistic staff.
Participation in these performances is optional, but it’s expected of each student, as performing experience is an essential element of effective dance training. All students enrolled in ballet classes are eligible to participate in ARCB performances*. Only students of Levels B and above can participate in The Nutcracker. Students of Level A* might be invited to take part in the Nutcracker only if they participated in previous ARCB performances and after approval from the Artistic Director.
The performance fee is applied. The performance fee is not included in your semester tuition payment and will be charged separately. Performance fees are non-refundable and non-transferable from one student to another.
All costumes are provided by ARCB (except in cases where a special costume is used, ex.: costumes for contemporary dances, solo variations, etc.) and remain the property of the ballet academy after performances. ARCB does not charge any additional fee for renting costumes.
Roles
The casting of roles in productions is done through assignment or audition, depending on the specific requirements of each production.
Note that casting is made at the sole and entire discretion of the Artistic Faculty and is non-negotiable.
There are many factors that affect casting decisions, including but not limited to costume sizes, numbers needed, students’ technical and artistic proficiency, and the Artistic Director’s vision for a particular piece or role. In addition, all casting is tentative and subject to change, pending the student’s participation and/or progress in rehearsals. Students are encouraged to give their utmost to each role they receive and work hard to be professional in their execution of each role.
Rehearsals
Students must dress up properly for all rehearsals in the academy and theatre. Girls’ hair must be pulled back and done up in a ballet bun at the crown of the head.
Students are expected to attend every rehearsal for their role/dance/part; multiple absences are grounds for dismissal from the performance. In the case of student illness, please contact the Admissions Director to let us know if your child will be unable to attend a rehearsal.
Students that are listed as “understudies” for a particular role are expected to attend all rehearsals for that role.
Students are not guaranteed to perform the role for which they are understudying. However, they should be proficient enough in the choreography to be able to step into the role in the case of student illness or injury, or a similar emergency situation.
All rehearsals will be held at the academy on weekends. For The Nutcracker and the Spring Performance, students should attend rehearsals on Saturdays after 4:30 PM and Sundays after 11:00 AM. Additional rehearsals may be scheduled after regular classes at the discretion of the Artistic Director.
