TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS

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1 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 3 BOSTON BALLET SCHOOL OVERVIEW. 3 CHILDREN'S PROGRAM, ages CLASSICAL BALLET PROGRAM, ages INTENSIVE PROGRAM, ages TRAINEE PROGRAM, ages PLACEMENT AND PROMOTION 5 REPEATING LEVELS OF STUDY 6 GOING ON POINTE 6 GPAA ACADEMIC AND RESIDENTIAL PARTNERSHIP. 7 ENROLLMENT ENROLLMENT OF NEW STUDENTS.. 7 ENROLLMENT OF RETURNING STUDENTS 7 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INFORMATION CANCELLED CLASSES 8 CONFIRMATION OF ENROLLMENT. 8 CLASS SWITCH REQUEST 8 WAITING LIST... 9 WITHDRAWALS. 9 FINANCIAL INFORMATION TUITION AND PAYMENT PLAN OPTIONS... 9 AUTOMATIC PAYMENT OPTION.. 10 LATE PAYMENTS. 10 RETURNED CHECKS 11 TUITION REFUNDS.. 11 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS. 11 SCHOOL POLICY & PROCEDURES ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES 12 MAKE UP CLASSES.. 13 CLASSES PLUS PROGRAM..13 ARRIVAL AND TARDINEESS. 14 PICK-UP AND LATE FEES 14 DRESS CODE.. 14 CLASSROOM AND BUILDING ETIQUETTE. 15 DRESSING ROOMS AND BATHROOMS 16 SECURITY.. 16 MEDICAL CONCERNS AND EMERGENCIES BOSTON STUDIO PARKING AND DROP-OFF CONCERNS.. 17 METROWEST STUDIO PARKING CONCERNS ANIMALS AND PETS 18 SNOW DAYS/ CLASS CANCELLATIONS/ HOLIDAY SCHEDULES 18 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE.. 18 TABLE OF CONTENTS PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITES COMPANY PRODUCTIONS. 19 BOSTON BALLET SCHOOL SPRING SHOWCASE PERFORMING GROUPS 20 BOSTON BALLET SCHOOL ENSEMBLE PARENT VIEWING POLICY 21 PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOTAPING 21 THE NUTCRACKER Introduction.. 22 The Nutcracker Hotline The Nutcracker Handbook Eligibility...22 GENERAL INFORMATION CONTACT INFORMATION.. 22 COMMUNICATIONS. 23 BULLETIN BOARD POLICY 23 LOST AND FOUND PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES STUDENT DIRECTORY STUDENT COUNCIL 24 STUDENT INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION.. 24 TICKETS TO BOSTON BALLET PERFORMANCES. 24 STUDENT WELLNESS PROGRAM PHYSICAL THEREPY SERVICES 25 INJURY PREVENTION.. 25 NUTRITION HEALTH POLICY...26 CENTER FOR DANCE EDUCATION EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH 27 Citydance 27 Taking Steps 27 Adaptive Dance SYDELLE GOMBERG LIBRARY. 28 SUMMER PROGRAMS.. 28 Summer Dance Program, Boston.. 28 Summer Dance Program, Newton Young Dancers Summer Workshop YDSW PARTICIPATE IN THE FUTURE OF BOSTON BALLET OPPROTUNITIES FOR GIVING 29 CENTER FOR DANCE EDUCATION GIFTS STUDIO LOCATIONS AND HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS

2 INTRODUCTION Boston Ballet Founder E. Virginia Williams opened a ballet school in 1953 with the vision of establishing the highest quality dance education facility in the region. The program was officially incorporated as Boston Ballet School in 1979 and since then has grown from a small, regional dance studio into the largest ballet school in North America. In 1989, the school programs, summer programs, adult programs, and extensive network of community outreach programs were integrated into the acclaimed Boston Ballet Center for Dance Education (CDE). With over three thousand participants annually, and serving a variety of educational purposes, CDE programs all share the common goal of inspiring a life-long love of dance in every student. BOSTON BALLET SCHOOL OVERVIEW Boston Ballet School offers classes for students ages two through adult who wish to dance simply to enjoy the many benefits of high quality classes, as well as those who wish to pursue a professional career in ballet. Boston Ballet School operates three state-of-the-art studios in Boston (Boston Studio), Newtonville (MetroWest Studio), and Norwell (South Shore Studio). A fourth location is being built in partnership with the YMCA in Salem (North Shore Studio), and is scheduled to open Fall of All Boston Ballet School facilities have sprung floors, regulation height barres, and pianos for live piano accompaniment. The schools share a centrally managed curriculum and faculty under the direction of Boston Ballet Artistic Director, Mikko Nissinen. The comprehensive curriculum teaches a strong classical technique that is adaptable to any style, and its elective classes are designed to allow for individualized training at every level of interest and ability. Class sizes are limited so that the faculty can provide personal attention and correction. Maximums vary depending on level and may also be affected by studio dimensions. Boston Ballet School faculty members are highly credentialed professionals, carefully selected for their experience in the dance and education fields, as well as their ability to motivate and nurture students. Children s program instructors have a complete knowledge of ballet technique, but specialize in the special emotional and developmental needs of young children. During the school year, BBS students participated in over 100 community events in the Boston Metro area and as far away as Beijing, Russia, Germany and Denmark. 3 CHILDREN'S PROGRAM, ages 2-7 Hand n Hand, Rhythm and Movement, Creative Dance, Pre-Ballet, & Primary The Children's Program classes provide children with a creative introduction to music and movement while progressively teaching age appropriate dance fundamentals. The classes are designed to build interest, strength, vocabulary, and artistic sensibility, laying the groundwork necessary for success in the Elementary program. Students do not focus strictly on classical ballet at this age because at this stage of their muscle and bone development such training can be detrimental, especially to their hips and feet. Class sizes are limited, teacher/student interaction is high, and children progress at an appropriate pace. Students in the Children s Program are promoted based on age. The age cutoff guideline is September 1 of the current school year. CLASSICAL BALLET PROGRAM, ages 8-20 Elementary, Intermediate & Advanced Levels The Classical Ballet Program curriculum has been specifically designed to build a thorough vocabulary and strong technique. The core hours for the intermediate and advanced levels are fewer than the hours required for the Intensive Program, and represent the minimum to obtain a complete classical ballet education. Additional elective and enrichment classes are available starting at the Elementary 3 level. Students are encouraged to customize their schedules with these optional electives in order to meet their individual fitness, technical, and artistic goals. Pointe work in the Classical Ballet Program begins in the Intermediate 2 level. INTENSIVE PROGRAM, ages Intermediate & Advanced Levels The Intensive Program blends rigorous pre-professional ballet classes with an array of enrichment activities. Students enter this program upon the recommendation of a Boston Ballet School principal. The increased class time allows for additional training and mentoring of select students who are pursuing a professional ballet career or higher education in dance. The advanced levels of training include pointe work for women, specialty men s classes, variations, pas de deux, core conditioning, and optional career prep classes. Pointe work in the Intensive Program begins in the Intermediate 1i level. TRAINEE PROGRAM, ages The Boston studio offers a post graduate finishing program for students who are completing their training in anticipation of company auditions and placement. Students are invited to this program by the Artistic Director, Associate Director, and on the recommendation of the school principals and senior faculty members. Students are selected for the Trainee Program based on the artistic staff s assessment of their potential to be offered a contract by Boston Ballet II, Boston Ballet Company, or another top tier professional ballet company. Students in the trainee program receive rigorous full-time training, individual coaching and 4

3 audition support, and additional rehearsal and performance experience with Boston Ballet II and Boston Ballet Company. The Trainee Program is a twoyear program. PLACEMENT AND PROMOTION Advancement through Boston Ballet School is based on many factors including a student s strength, commitment, mastery of material, maturity, attendance record and artistic development as assessed by her or his teacher(s) and principal. In all cases, a student s ability to safely execute the required class material is considered above all other factors including age. Students are placed in an appropriate program and level based on four general criteria: technical ability, physique, interest, and attendance. Technical ability is defined as sufficient mastery of ballet technique and artistry at each level. This mastery must be demonstrated by new students in a placement audition, and by current students in the classroom. Physique is defined as possessing the strength, turnout, flexibility, and bone structure, which will allow a student to safely (without undue risk of injury) undertake the course requirements. Physical characteristics, including bone structure, become increasingly important as a student progresses in their intensive studies from intermediate to the advanced levels. Interest is defined as demonstrating a strong desire to pursue this course of study, as well as a willingness and commitment to participate fully and enthusiastically in both ballet and enrichment classes. Attendance is defined as attending classes consistently in order to keep up with material, prevent injury, prepare for performances, and build strength, skill and artistry. Conferences between the parent and teacher or principal are encouraged whenever there is a question or concern about a student's progress. Please contact your studio s Principal to schedule a conference. Students may be invited to study in the Intensive Program with a recommendation from their teacher to their principal. This recommendation is generally made during the year-end evaluation period. The principal or an intensive program faculty member will assess the student s suitability for the program and final placement will be noted on the year-end written evaluation. Students in the Classical Ballet and Intensive programs of Boston Ballet School receive an end-of-year evaluation. These evaluations address overall progress, 5 effort, attitude, and recommend improvements in the different areas. Student placement is noted on these year-end evaluations which are mailed home early to mid June. All placements are final and not subject to review. REPEATING LEVELS OF STUDY Please do not be concerned if your child stays in his or her current level for two or more years. Unlike academic schools, Boston Ballet School has a three tiered program and assumes that its students will remain in a level for more than one year. Our primary concern is that a student be placed in a level and program that is appropriate to his or her skills and physical strength. Because students grow and develop at different rates, advancement to the next level will be different for each child. For instance, a child that has a growth spurt may need additional time to gain the strength and coordination necessary to execute specific dance steps appropriately. So, please do not assume that something is wrong if your child remains in his or her current level for more than one year. A student who carefully develops his or her technique early in the curriculum will reduce their risk of injury, and will improve their rate and likelihood of advancement in later years. GOING ON POINTE Girls typically begin pointe work in the Intermediate 1 Intensive or Intermediate 2 levels. Regardless of level or program, however, students will only be able to go on pointe if they are able to do so safely, without risking injury to their growing bones and joints. To ensure this safety, Boston Ballet School faculty assess the following physical characteristics before recommending a student for pointe work: 6 a) Adequate flexibility of the foot to allow the student to align the bones of the foot with the tibia -- the ability to get fully onto the tip of the pointe shoes b) Adequate strength of the foot, ankle, leg, and torso to sustain the pull-up required--generally attained with a minimum of three years of disciplined ballet training c) Adequate turnout and strength of the turnout muscles to sustain proper alignment--generally attained with a minimum of three years of disciplined ballet training d) General physical maturity that suggests the development of the bones and joints are stable--generally not realized until the child is at least 10 years old A young dancer who successfully meets all of these requirements will minimize the likelihood of injury, will progress more rapidly, and will find the work less difficult. Recommendations for pointe work are made conservatively because a student s long-term health and well being are always our top priority.

4 RESIDENTIAL AND ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIP WITH GPAA New in Fall 2007! Boston Ballet School is pleased to announce a residential and academic partnership with Grace Performing Arts Academy (GPAA). For our many school year students who move away from home in order to train with Boston Ballet School, this will be a wonderful opportunity to receive a complete education in a supervised setting. Students may choose to enroll in only the academic or residential option, or both. Academic tutoring is also available. Susan St. John, Director, Grace Performing Arts Academy, brings a strong degree of experience and professionalism to the partnership and will work closely with Boston Ballet School to ensure the most rewarding experience for all students and parents. Applications and further information about Grace Performing Arts Academy is available at Inquiries should be directed to Susan St. John at sstjohn@bostonballet.com or (617) ENROLLMENT ENROLLMENT OF NEW STUDENTS For the Children s Program, enrollment is on-going through the end of April. For the Classical Ballet and Intensive programs, enrollment is on-going through the end of February. Enrollment in any class is dependent upon availability of open spots. Parents or students interested in signing up for classes at Boston Ballet School should contact the administrator at the studio location they plan on joining to request a registration packet, class schedules, and class availability. Students ages nine and older with previous ballet training are required to take a placement class to determine the level of study best suited to their abilities. Group placement classes are typically held at each studio in late spring and summer for fall placement. Between September and February, new students are scheduled to take a class in a level that is appropriate to their current training level and evaluated for placement by the teacher. Once a recommendation is made, the registration process is completed by filling out registration materials and by making the required tuition payment. Tuition is pro-rated for students who join after October 1 st. All students are required to pay the registration and installment fees, regardless of registration date. ENROLLMENT OF RETURNING STUDENTS Returning Boston Ballet School students receive a registration packet, along with their year-end evaluation which includes their class placement in June. Returning students receive priority placement if their registration materials are 7 submitted by the deadline noted in the registration packet and their Boston Ballet School tuition account is in good standing. Priority registration does not guarantee a space in the class of choice. Instead, it is a period of time when the Administration Office processes only those registration forms from returning Boston Ballet School students. Due to the high demand of students wishing to enroll in Boston Ballet School, you risk losing a space in the class you have been recommended for if you do not respond by the priority deadline. Returning Boston Ballet School students who do not meet the priority deadline will be processed with new students on a first-come, first-served basis beginning when registration is opened up to the public. Enrollment of any student is subject to the artistic and administrative discretion of the faculty and staff. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INFORMATION Boston Ballet School is approved by The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) to enroll international students through the M-1 student visa. We are approved for full-time course study in Intermediate levels and above. International students are required to audition and can do so by making an appointment for a live audition or video audition. Upon acceptance to the School, the student will receive registration materials including an international student application. Only students who are registered in Boston Ballet School for full time study or registered for one of Boston Ballet School s summer programs will be considered for M-1 status. Obtaining a student visa is a lengthy and detailed process. Please leave at least 1-2 months for the processes to be completed as to not delay the start of your training. International student visas must be renewed each year. International students that leave the United States without the knowledge of Boston Ballet School will not be granted re-entry. It is the responsibility of the student to provide any changes to their information. CANCELLED CLASSES Boston Ballet reserves the right to cancel any class during the year due to insufficient enrollment. Families will be contacted by the Administration Office to discuss alternatives. CONFIRMATION OF ENROLLMENT Parents will be notified via to confirm their child(ren) s enrollment. If an address is not provided, a letter will be sent home in the mail. CLASS SWITCH REQUEST Class switch request is available only between classes of the same level and if there is space available in the new class. A $20 fee will be charged for all requests made to switch classes after the registration has been processed. Please contact the Registrar at to request a switch. 8

5 WAITING LIST If, after submitting your registration form, you are notified that the class you selected is filled, you may request to have your child s name placed on the waiting list for that class. If a spot becomes available in the class for which you are on the waiting list, you will be contacted by the Office of Administration and offered the spot. Your tuition deposit and registration fees will be processed only when your child has been officially enrolled in a class. All waiting list requests are effective based on the date that the request is made to be on the waiting list and are processed on a first come, first-served basis. If you enroll in another section of this, or any other class, the "wait list" option will not be available to you. WITHDRAWALS When a student withdraws from any Boston Ballet School class, it is necessary to notify the Administration Office in writing to ensure that the account is properly closed. Informing your child s instructor is not considered a formal notification of withdrawal. Withdrawals are effective as of the date on which the Office of Administration receives notification. In cases when notification is received after a student stops attending class, the billing contact will still be held liable for tuition due for classes between the last attended class and the effective date of withdrawal. When the Administration Office is notified of a withdrawal, a formal Withdrawal Form will be sent to the parents to complete and return to the Administration Office. Once the Administration Office receives the completed withdrawal form, any refund due will be processed based on the initial notification date. For financial details associated with withdrawals, please see Tuition Refunds explanation under Financial Information section. A student withdrawing from the Classical Ballet or Intensive program between August 16 and March 31 for a non-medical reason will be assessed a $100 Early Withdrawal Fee. This fee is waived in the case of a serious illness or injury, documented by a doctor s explanation. Boston Ballet School reserves the right to formally withdraw any student whose family s account is two months in arrears. Tuition adjustments/refunds will not be given after March 31 except in the case of a serious illness or injury documented by a doctor s explanation. FINANCIAL INFORMATION TUITION AND PAYMENT PLAN OPTIONS Tuition may be paid in full, or if desired, by installments through a payment plan. Those who choose to pay by installments and also opt out of the automatic 9 payment option will receive mailed statements for the remaining payments around the 1 st of the months that the payments are due. Payments are due by the 15 th of the month. All students (new and returning) will be required to pay a $40 annual, non-refundable registration fee. An annual, non-refundable $50 installment plan fee will be charged for the nine payment plan (Plan B) and is waived for those who select the automatic payment option upon registration. All fees are due with the first tuition payment at the time of registration and are applied per student, not per family. Boston Ballet School reserves the right to require families to submit payment in full at any time. AUTOMATIC PAYMENT OPTION (APO) For your convenience you may also select to have your payments processed through our Automatic Payment Option. If selected, the credit card provided will be automatically charged on the due date for each billing cycle, on or around the 15 th of the month. If you select the Automatic Credit Card option on your registration form, the installment plan fee is waived. Families that do not originally select the Automatic Payment Plan will have the opportunity to select it for remaining payments on the paper bills. However, the one-time installment fee, which was due with the registration form, cannot be waived after the initial deposit was made. Please note that if your credit card is declined or is invalid, Boston Ballet School s Bursar will contact you requesting a replacement number. If you do not respond to this request, the Automatic Payment Option will no longer be valid and you will receive a statement(s), according to the plan you requested, requesting payment(s) with the appropriate due date for the remainder of your balance. A late fee will be charged to the account (see Late Payments, below). LATE PAYMENTS An ACCOUNT refers to the total tuition owed by a Primary Billing Contact (selected by applicant on registration form) to Boston Ballet Center for Dance Education. A $20 late fee will be charged each month for as long as the account is delinquent in paying the required payments. When the payments for a given account become up-to-date, the late fee(s) will no longer be charged. The account is considered to be a family account, and thus payments that fall up to two months behind for each account may result in your child(ren) being temporarily withdrawn from Boston Ballet School and may jeopardize future enrollment. This may also prohibit participation in any Boston Ballet program or production. Failure to pay one sibling s tuition will affect the other s eligibility for Nutcracker, other performance opportunities, and future enrollment. A student s year-end evaluation and placement information will not be mailed out 10

6 (this normally occurs in late June) if the family s account has not been paid in full. If financial difficulties arise, please call the Administration Manager at (617) Accounts that fall six months or more in arrears will be submitted to a collection agency and assessed collections fees at no more than 33%. RETURNED CHECKS A $30 fee will be charged for all checks returned to our office for insufficient funds. Replacement funds must be a certified bank check, money order, or cash. TUITION REFUNDS Students canceling their enrollment prior to August 15 th will receive a full tuition refund (less the registration and installment fees) without penalty. Prorated tuition adjustments are given to students who withdraw between August 16 th and March 31 st. However, we suggest that parents encourage their child to try at least six classes before withdrawing, as very often it takes this long for children to adjust to a new situation. When a student in the Classical Ballet or Intensive programs withdraws from Boston Ballet School between August 16 th and March 31 st for a non-medical reason, a $100 Early Withdrawal Fee is assessed prior to the tuition adjustment is determined. This fee is waived in the case of a serious illness or injury documented by a doctor s explanation. Tuition refunds take approximately six to eight weeks to be processed. Please refer to the Withdrawals explanation under the Enrollment section for additional information. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS Limited financial assistance is awarded to students in the Intensive program and to Citydance alumni. These students must demonstrate financial need as well as a high level of talent, interest, and commitment as evaluated by the student s principal and teachers. Students wishing to apply for assistance must return the Financial Assistance form (included with their registration packet) and supporting documentation by the stated deadline to guarantee consideration. Merit scholarships are limited and awarded by the Artistic Director, Associate Director, and Boston Ballet School principals. Such scholarships are talentbased and generally restricted to students in the upper levels. By the end of August, families receive a letter notifying them of their financial aid and merit scholarships awards and any remaining amount of tuition that is due. Parents and students must sign and return the enclosed financial aid/ scholarship agreement by the stated date or it will be assumed that student does not wish to accept the financial aid award and terms. In this case, money will be redistributed. 11 A student must fulfill certain obligations throughout the year if awarded financial assistance or merit scholarship. The student must maintain a good attendance record in all classes, work to the best of their ability, report any absences to the studio administrator; maintain technical progress in all classes; set a good example of professional conduct (i.e., be on time to class, appear as scheduled in Boston Ballet performances, not smoke or drink alcohol) while both on and off the Boston Ballet premises; receive permission from his or her principal before taking classes or performing outside of Boston Ballet School; assist with Boston Ballet School projects or events if asked; and respect the property of Boston Ballet, staff, faculty and students. Students must have either graduated from high school or be enrolled in a program to obtain a high school diploma. (International Students must have completed or be enrolled in a high school equivalent.) Tuition payments must be up-to-date. Please note that scholarship and financial assistant awards only apply to the core curriculum and not for fees, performing groups, or enrichment classes. Financial aid or scholarship money may be rescinded at any time based on the discretion of Boston Ballet faculty or staff if it is found the student has not complied with the terms and conditions with which they have agreed to abide when accepting the financial aid. SCHOOL POLICY & PROCEDURES ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES Students are expected to attend all of their classes. If a student is unable to attend a class, the parent must notify the studio administrator at that child s school location at least one hour before the scheduled class. To report your child s absence, call the appropriate Absence Hotline: Boston Studio (617) x440 MetroWest Studio (617) x441 South Shore Studio (617) x442 Informing your child s instructor of an absence is considerate, but insufficient for the attendance record. In order for an absence to officially be recorded, you must notify a studio administrator at the phone numbers listed above or in person at the front desk. Reported absences for the following reasons are considered excused absences: Illness, Injury, Family Emergency and Boston Ballet Rehearsal and/or Performances. Only excused absences are eligible to be made up. If a student is absent for over two weeks for medical reasons, the Registrar must be notified by the parent, and a related note from the doctor is required for the student s file. Excessive absences that are not relayed to the School Administrative staff will be followed up by the Center for Dance Education staff and faculty. Absences may put a student at risk for injury, impede her or his progress, and negatively impact production rehearsals. For those reasons, absences may jeopardize a student s participation and role in Boston Ballet productions and his or her promotion to the next level of training. 12

7 MAKE UP CLASSES If a student has reported an absence to the studio administrator, AND it falls into the excused absence category, a make up class may be scheduled. Students are not required to make up missed classes. Make up class requests will not be honored for excused absences reported after it occurred or for unreported absences. Make up class maximum allowances are as follows: Children s Program students may make up a maximum of 1 class per year. Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced and Trainee level students may make up a maximum of 8 classes per year. Students are expected to attend class during production periods whenever possible unless a rehearsal directly conflicts with their regularly scheduled class. If the student is unable to attend classes during production periods, an absence must be called in. Student absences for any of the reasons previously listed may be made up prior to February 28 th. Absences due to legal holidays, religious holidays, bad weather, or regularly scheduled classes cancelled for any reason by Boston Ballet School are eligible to be made up and will not count against the student s yearly allotment. Students may attend a makeup class in a level equivalent to or one level below their current level and must schedule it within their respective programs at any studio. For example, a student in Intermediate 2 Intensive Newton may take a makeup class in Intermediate 2 Intensive Boston or Norwell OR Intermediate 1 Intensive in Boston, Newton, Norwell. A student in Intermediate 2 Classical Ballet Boston may take a makeup class in Intermediate 2 Classical Ballet in Newton or Norwell OR Intermediate 1 Classical Ballet in Boston, Newton, Norwell. A student should schedule a makeup with a Studio Administrator at least one day prior to taking the class. He or she must obtain a makeup slip from the Studio Administrator s desk and hand it to the faculty member for the teacher to sign off on. CLASSES PLUS PROGRAM New in fall 2007! The Classes Plus Program allows Intermediate level students and up to attend extra ballet technique classes in a lower level. To qualify, a student must be enrolled in all possible electives offered to his/her level. Students are restricted to taking extra classes within their current program (Classical Ballet or Intensive). For instance, an Advanced 1 student may take additional classes in Intermediate 3; an Advanced 1i student may take additional classes in Intermediate 3i. 13 When an eligible student decides on a class to attend, he or she must arrive at least 15 minutes early and retrieve a class slip from the Studio Administrator. The student is responsible for completing the slip and returning it to the faculty member teaching the class. Boston Ballet School reminds participating students to be mindful of class time when levels are preparing for spring performances or year-end evaluations. Please be prepared to only take barre/center for these classes. Boston Ballet School hopes that the Classes Plus Program will further our students training and ability to customize their own schedules. Because this is a new program, the policy is subject to change and may be revised throughout the school year. ARRIVAL AND TARDINESS Students are expected to arrive at least ten minutes prior to class time or whatever time is needed to be dressed and fully warmed up before class begins. Students arriving ten minutes after their class has begun will not be permitted to take the class due to risk of injury, but should observe. PICK-UP AND LATE FEES Parents are expected to pick up their children immediately after class ends. Boston Ballet School cannot be responsible for children, whether students or family/friends, who are left unattended at the studios. When a child has not been picked up within a half hour after their class has ended, a late pick-up fee in the amount of $20 per child will be charged for every 15 minutes that the child(ren) remains in the care of Boston Ballet School. The late pick up fee must be paid in cash at the time the child is picked up or before the child attends his or her next class. A record of any late pick-up fees incurred for unsupervised children will appear on your account. DRESS CODE Boston Ballet School students must adhere to a special dress code which is detailed in the student registration materials. The required ballet dress code items can be purchased at most dancewear stores. We do not endorse or guarantee the quality of merchandise and Boston Ballet School has no formal relationship with any stores. A suggested list of dance supply stores is available with the Studio Administrator or online at our website. We recommend that you bring the dress code requirements with you to the store to be certain the proper items are purchased. All students are expected to maintain a neat appearance and to abide by their specified dress code. All dancewear should be cleaned frequently, an extra pair of socks or tights should be carried in dance bags, and all outerwear must be removed prior to the beginning of class. Long hair must be worn in a bun (instructions for crafting a neat bun are available with the Studio Administrator), and short hair must be pulled back off the face. For the safety of the students, 14

8 only simple stud jewelry is permissible. Leg warmers or other warm-up gear are not permitted in class. If you have an injury, leg warmers may be permitted by your teacher. Please tie ballet slippers drawstrings in a knot and tuck in or cut off the excess. A teacher may ask students to remove excess clothing or replace non-regulation clothing before the commencement of class. Dance clothes should not be worn outside the building. Outerwear should be worn when entering and exiting the buildings. Ballet slippers should NOT be worn outside the buildings as pebbles and dirt can become embedded in the soles and damage the dance floors. CLASSROOM AND BUILDING ETIQUETTE Please show respect for the teacher by not talking during class and acknowledging corrections with a polite response. Students are encouraged to attend to their personal needs prior to class in the dressing room. Chewing gum, food, and drinks are not allowed in the studio. Food and drinks are permitted in the student and parent lounge areas only. Please be courteous and pick up when you have finished eating. Boston Ballet buildings are often used for fundraising events or for Board meetings. Students are expected to be respectful to staff and visitors at all times. Facility-related problems such as plumbing or equipment failure and safety issues should be reported to the Studio Administrator by students or parents. Temperature control in all Boston Ballet locations remains a challenge and is monitored by faculty, staff, and production personnel at all times, and is therefore unnecessary to report. Every effort is made to keep the studios at a comfortable temperature, and teachers are advised to make exceptions at their discretion to dress code and water policies in the event of extreme heat or cold. New heating and cooling systems are on the fundraising wish list for all three studios and anyone interested in making a donation specifically for this purpose is encouraged to contact the Boston Ballet Development Department at (617) All stairways, hallways and doorways must remain unobstructed at all times in order to adhere to fire code. Coats, bags, and other property should be stored in the dressing rooms, or if absolutely necessary, under benches or neatly around wall perimeters of larger waiting spaces. Children who are visiting any Boston Ballet School, be they students, siblings or guests of students must be properly supervised while in any Boston Ballet School building. Parents will be asked to leave the building with a child who is overly disruptive to the operation of the School. In all arrival and pickup activities, please be considerate of other drivers and our neighbors. 15 Boston Ballet School reserves the right to refuse service. Anyone who works, studies, volunteers or otherwise participates in Boston Ballet Center for Dance Education activities is expected, at all times, to demonstrate respect for others and for the facilities and to promote an environment which is safe and welcoming of diversity. Boston Ballet School reserves the right to institute appropriate discipline as circumstances warrant. Such discipline may include, but is not limited to, suspension or dismissal without advance notice, or the right to not re-enroll a student in cases of extremely inappropriate conduct by a student or parent (i.e., theft, smoking on the premises, physical or verbal aggression; possession, distribution, or use of illegal drugs in any Boston Ballet facility). In cases of suspension or dismissal, tuition will not be refunded. Please refer to the Financial Aid and Merit Scholarship details under Financial Information section for additional information about disciplinary consequences for students receiving financial aid or scholarship awards. DRESSING ROOMS AND BATHROOMS The dressing rooms are for the exclusive use of Boston Ballet School students and should be used and maintained in a responsible manner. Students are expected to use the dressing rooms to change in and out of their ballet attire and to fix their hair, not the public bathrooms. The staff reserves the right to ask students found loitering or changing in public bathrooms to leave immediately. Uncooperative or disrespectful students may be reported to principals. Students of all ages use the dressing rooms and the use of improper language is inappropriate at all times. Lockers are for day use only and locks are not permitted overnight. Students enrolled in certain levels may be assigned lockers at the beginning of the year based on the discretion of the school staff. At the end of your class, the lock should be removed and the locker emptied. In this way, everyone will be able to share the space. SECURITY Students should not to bring valuables to Boston Ballet School. If this is unavoidable, valuables should be kept locked during class time in a locker (bring your own lock) and then removed from the locker after class. If the items do not fit in a locker or if a locker is not available, they should be kept close by. In extreme cases, valuables may be turned in to a Studio Administrator for safe keeping. Parents should not leave young children unattended. While Boston Ballet Center for Dance Education makes every effort to ensure the safety of our students, we cannot guarantee the safety of unattended children. Any suspicious behavior or individuals should be immediately reported to the Security Guard or Studio Administrator on duty. 16

9 MEDICAL CONCERNS AND EMERGENCIES The faculty are aware of any medical concerns or conditions your child might have based on the information that you supply upon registration. If changes should arise, we ask that you notify the Administration Office in writing so that all medical records are accurate. Should an emergency arise, all attempts will be made to reach a student s parents first. If a parent/guardian is not reached, the emergency contact provided on the registration form will be called. Boston Ballet School requires health insurance provider information to be on file should an emergency arise in order to facilitate medical attention. Please notify the Office of Administration in writing should insurance information change. First aid kits are available in all Boston Ballet Facilities. Should someone need minor medical attention, please see the Studio Administrator on duty. Boston Ballet takes the safety of all its students and employees very seriously. Emergency evacuation plans have been reviewed with all faculty and staff members. In the case of emergency, Boston Ballet School has Red Cross certified First-Aid and CPR faculty and staff members in all three locations. BOSTON STUDIO PARKING AND DROP-OFF CONCERNS Because of the heavy traffic on Clarendon Street in Boston, ABSOLUTELY NO double parking, attended or unattended, is permitted in front of these studios. The BOSTON studio does NOT have a parking lot and as a result, parking can be extremely difficult. If you must park, please find a legal spot on the street or use one of the local parking garages/lots: Atelier 505 Parking Garage: Located under the Calderwood Pavilion. Entrance on Warren Avenue, at the rear of the facility. McKinley School Parking Lot: Limited free parking available Mon.- Thurs. after 4pm and on the weekends between Fri. 4pm and Mon. 6:45am. Cars must be parked between the lines or they will be towed. Entrance on Dartmouth Street. Open Lot on Berkeley Street: There is an open parking lot on Berkeley Street at Columbus Ave. open until 10pm. In Boston, the Boston Transportation Department has implemented a two-part enforcement plan designed to improve traffic flow, decrease congestion and increase traffic and pedestrian safety in downtown Boston. You are advised to pay close attention to all posted parking regulations as increased enforcement personnel will be monitoring the downtown area. Students should wait inside the lobby, especially at night, and watch for their rides through the windows. Please help us protect the safety of our students. 17 METROWEST STUDIO PARKING CONCERNS The gas station next door to the MetroWest studio offers discounted gas every Monday, which causes consistent backups at the main parking lot entrance on Washington Street. We encourage everyone to use the other two entrances to our parking lot - on Washington Street, between Brussels Sprout Kids and the Bead Store, and on Walnut Street. Please note that the parking lots surrounding the MetroWest Studio are public lots. We request that everyone be polite and courteous with our neighbors and their customers who also use these lots. ANIMALS AND PETS Animals and pets are prohibited from Boston Ballet facilities for the safety of the faculty, staff, and students, with the exception of guide animals. SNOW DAYS/CLASS CANCELLATIONS/HOLIDAY SCHEDULES For any questions related to class cancellations, please call the Boston Ballet School Class Cancellation Line at (617) x567 to find out the status of your individual studio. This voice mailbox is available to students and staff and includes information relating to inclement weather, holidays, and any other event that might result in class cancellation. The Class Cancellation Line also reports cancellations of Boston Ballet performances, student rehearsals, and other student events. In the event of inclement weather, information will be updated throughout the day on the voic recording. Class cancellations may differ from public school closings and may vary by studio location. Because many of our students travel long distances to attend classes, we encourage parents to use their judgment and to respect any posted snow emergencies for the areas through which they must travel. Classes canceled by Boston Ballet School due to inclement weather, or classes missed due to prohibitively dangerous driving conditions and reported as such on the Absence Hotline, may be made up until February 28th and will not count toward make up class maximums as defined in MAKE UP CLASSES policy above. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE Should you have a grievance associated with your child s or your own experience at the Boston Ballet School, please explain the nature of your grievance verbally or in writing to the Boston Ballet School personnel most directly involved. This course of action should take place no more than fifteen (15) business days after the incident. Please take into consideration that any action taken, whether formal or informal, should be handled in a private, cooperative, and respectful manner. If unable to rectify the issue directly, you are also provided with the option of reporting a formal grievance. This act should take place no more than fifteen 18

10 (15) business days after the occurrence that produced the grievance, or no more than five (5) business days after an attempt at the informal reconciliation described above. To report your/your child s grievance in a formal manner, contact the Studio Administrator where your child is enrolled (phone numbers listed on the last page of this handbook). The Administrator will refer the complaint to the appropriate staff member who will then review your complaint and contact you. Please note that Boston Ballet s Nutcracker is a company production and not under the auspices of Boston Ballet School. Grievances associated with Nutcracker should be directed to the Nutcracker Coordinator at (617) PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES COMPANY PRODUCTIONS The ultimate goal of many Boston Ballet School students is to perform on stage. We provide this chance to hundreds of our students each year, through an audition process for children s roles in productions such as The Nutcracker and La Sylphide. As a world class professional ballet company, Boston Ballet s artistic staff determines the eligibility requirements for its company productions. Eligibility requirements and casting may be based on age, class level, number of classes per week, height and size requirements of the costume department, technical ability, and on the artistic staff s subjective aesthetic judgment. Due to the many unpredictable variables involved, casting in professional productions is not indicative of a student s potential for promotion in the School. Casting in company productions neither positively nor negatively impacts a student s school evaluation or placement, except in cases where multiple class absences, for any reason including company productions, may impede their mastery of required skills for their level. If parents or students have any concerns regarding how missed classes required by any non-school production or event may impact school progress, please consult your child s teacher prior to auditioning. Students cast in company productions are expected to wear their school dress code for all rehearsals whether at the studio or the theatre and to attend all classes unless they directly conflict with production or rehearsal schedules. Although every effort is made by the artistic staff to be cognizant of children s needs, any parent of a student who is auditioning for a Company production should be prepared for inevitable scheduling changes with little notice, providing or arranging their own transportation to and from rehearsals or performances, late hours in the theatre, as well as their child s individual ability to keep up with their academic and dance class work and their child s ability to tolerate disappointment should they not get cast or receive the part they want. Such are the challenges that accompany the many benefits of the professional audition, rehearsal, and performance experience. 19 BOSTON BALLET SCHOOL SPRING SHOWCASE All students in levels Elementary through Trainee (both Classical Ballet and Intensive Programs), are invited and encouraged to participate in a year-end performance, this year scheduled for the weekend of May 30 - June 1, 2008 at the Cyclorama. Parents should be aware that these performances will require extra rehearsals. The Spring Showcase is an exciting opportunity for students to perform not only for their friends and family but also to display their talents to the local Boston community. The show has been seen as an artistic achievement for our students as well as a successful fundraiser for the School s growing scholarship program. An admission price is charged for all performances and BBS families have the opportunity to purchase tickets for several weeks before ticket sales are opened to the public. Commitment slips, stage door release forms and additional performance information will be mailed home mid year. Commitment slips need to be returned in order for the faculty members to choreograph and teach their dance. With over 800 students performing in the showcase, the stage door release form is critical to ensure the safety and security of all students as we release them to parents in a timely manner. Absences between January and the Showcase are not acceptable and will jeopardize your child s participation. If you anticipate missing multiple rehearsals for any reason, please discuss the possibility of an understudy role for your child with her/his teacher when you turn in the commitment slip. Addressing rehearsal conflicts early on with the teacher is essential to their ability to choreograph and cast in a way that optimizes all students participation and experience. Students who enroll in the Boston Ballet School after February 1 st will automatically participate as understudies. Although understudies are not guaranteed a performance, they will receive the benefit of learning multiple roles and experiencing the rehearsal process. It is the faculty member s discretion whether a child will be able to participate on stage and in what role. PERFORMING GROUPS The Performing Groups are an opportunity for students to gain additional rehearsal and performance experience designed to support their technical and artistic development. The Performing Groups are structured as classes held on Saturdays at the South Shore and MetroWest studios. Students of designated levels from all three studios are eligible to enroll in a Performing Group class without audition. The goals of the class are to expose students to the invaluable process of learning and rehearsing repertory and to provide them with additional performing opportunities. 20

11 Students in a Performing Group are taught how to approach rehearsals and how to convey the stylistic requirements of the piece they are learning. They learn and practice all aspects of preparing a piece for performance including basic stage concepts such as spacing, blocking, cleaning, entrances, exits, audience awareness and bows. Class time will be solely dedicated to learning choreography and rehearsing. Consequently students are required to attend either a core or elective ballet class on Saturdays in order to be appropriately warm for rehearsals. The Performing Groups are additional classroom hours and therefore carry an additional cost. Parents who have suggestions about possible venues for our performing groups should contact their Principal. Commitment through consistent attendance is essential to Performing Group enrollment. A child s attendance in the performing group class will affect his or her casting and participation in Performing Group performances. BOSTON BALLET SCHOOL ENSEMBLE Boston Ballet School Ensemble is an auditioned group of students who perform classical and contemporary works at Boston Ballet School year-end performances and other community events. The eligibility requirements for the 2008 Ensemble are as follows: Trainee, Advanced 2i, Advanced 1i, and Intermediate 3i. For Trainee students, participation in the Ensemble is mandatory, and thus the Ensemble audition is not required. Please note that all auditioning students, regardless of level, may be cast as understudies. Intermediate 3i students are only eligible to audition for understudy positions. The audition for the 2008 Ensemble will take place on January 8, 2008 and rehearsals are scheduled to begin on Saturday, January 19, The Ensemble requires additional classroom hours and therefore carries an additional cost. A registration form will be distributed amongst members upon acceptance. If you are selected to participate in the Ensemble and wish to accept our offer, it is mandatory to complete the registration form and submit the proper payment. PARENT VIEWING POLICY During the year Boston Ballet School opens its classroom doors to parents and family and invites them into the classroom to observe class for peek weeks. Open house periods are noted on the school calendar. Parents may view classes only during open house periods or with prior permission from the teacher. Parents are not allowed to watch their children in Boston Ballet Company auditions or rehearsals. PHOTOGRAPHY/ VIDEOTAPING Parents may photograph or videotape during the Children s Program peek weeks. Photography or videography is prohibited during any Boston Ballet School performance or dress rehearsal due to potential rights restrictions associated with music, choreography, and costumes. 21 THE NUTCRACKER INTRODUCTION Boston Ballet Company presents over 40 performances of The Nutcracker each year at The Opera House. It is the world s best attended Nutcracker, with over 140,000 people in the audience each season. Part of its beauty is the children from Boston Ballet School who are cast by the artistic staff of Boston Ballet Company for this production. Auditions for children roles typically take place mid-september, and rehearsals typically begin in early October. While performing in The Nutcracker is an exciting and rewarding experience, there is a considerable commitment on the part of the parents and the student. Students auditioning must be available to attend all rehearsals and costume fittings for which they are called, and to perform in all of The Nutcracker performances to which they are assigned. THE NUTCRACKER HOTLINE The Nutcracker Hotline will be activated the first Tuesday in September. If you have any questions, please call (617) If you leave a message, every effort will be made to return your call within two business days. THE NUTCRACKER HANDBOOK Students who are eligible for the Nutcracker will receive a Nutcracker Handbook in the early part of the school year. The handbook contains information about the audition process, rehearsals, and performances. The handbook also contains registration materials, which must be turned in by the required due date prior to the audition. ELIGIBILITY Each year Boston Ballet Company defines the eligibility requirements for auditioning for The Nutcracker. The following requirements for The Nutcracker are typical, but may be adjusted each year: Elementary students enrolled since January 15 th of the previous year All Intermediate and Advanced students in Classical Ballet and Intensive programs are eligible to audition. Participation required for Advanced 1i men, Advanced 2i and Trainee Program students Advanced 1i women must audition if they wish to be considered for Sugar Plum attendants Failure to accept a role or complete all obligations for previous years results in ineligibility Tuition payments must be current GENERAL INFORMATION CONTACT INFORMATION Studio Administrators are on duty at the front desk of all three studios whenever classes are taking place. The role of the Studio Administrator is to assist all 22

12 parents, students and visitors with any questions or concerns they may have regarding Boston Ballet School. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact your studio administrator or stop by the front desk and they would be happy to assist you. Boston Studio: (617) MetroWest Studio: (617) South Shore Studio: (617) If you leave a voice mail message, the Studio Administrator will try to return your call within 24 hours. If you would like to speak with your child s instructor, please leave a message with your Studio Administrator. The Studio Administrator will pass your request along to the instructor who will contact you. COMMUNICATIONS has become our primary means of disseminating information en masse to parents and students. Our website, is also a valuable tool for communicating with parents, subscribers, board members and audience members. Please keep your addresses updated in the School records to receive the latest news for both the School as well as special offers and information on the Company. Finally, for students and parents, the student bulletin board in each studio is another resource for community postings. Please make a point of reviewing it regularly. BULLETIN BOARD POLICY Each school will designate a section of bulletin board space for parent information, where parents may post announcements. Postings must be approved by the school s Principal. This approval process assures that the content of the announcement is appropriate and in keeping with the School s philosophy. Please ensure that there is a person to contact on the announcement. The bulletin board will be cleared monthly. LOST AND FOUND Please mark your child's full name on every piece of ballet attire and any other personal belongings which your child may bring to the studio. Do NOT bring valuables to the studio. Boston Ballet School cannot be held responsible for any personal items left in any of its facilities. To access lost and found, please see your studio administrator. Lost and found items will be discarded at the end of each month. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES If you have questions or concerns regarding any aspect of your child s experience here at Boston Ballet School, please schedule a conference with the teacher or school principal. This should be done through the studio administrator at the student s school. 23 STUDENT DIRECTORY Each fall Boston Ballet School publishes a student directory, which is available for reference to Boston Ballet School parents, students, faculty, pianists and staff at the Studio Administrator s desk at each studio location. The directory lists all students who answered Yes to the Directory Listing question on their registration form. The lists are in both zip code and class order for easy lookup and carpooling. This directory is designed to facilitate families of Boston Ballet School with carpooling and may not be used to solicit merchandise or services. STUDENT COUNCIL Meghan Bowler, a Boston Ballet School Advanced 2i student, recently established the Boston Ballet Student Council with representatives from each studio location. The foremost objectives of the Student Council are to facilitate communication between students and faculty, to fundraise, especially for scholarship students, and to maintain connections with alumni. A representative from each studio will work together over the course of the year to achieve these objectives. Students interested in participating in the Student Council should contact Meghan Bowler at Meghan.bowler@juno.com. STUDENT INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES A variety of teaching assistant and internship positions exist within Boston Ballet School. An internship at Boston Ballet School provides an opportunity to learn the inner workings of the nation s largest ballet school. Interns can assist inside the classroom, with administrative tasks, or with our pianist coordinator. Internships are unpaid positions; however, students may receive academic credit or fulfill community service requirements. Interested students should contact Carolyn Rock, Registrar at (617) VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION The Boston Ballet Volunteer Association is an active community of men and women who assist with special events, outreach programs, lecture series, and host Wang Theatre and Boston Ballet studio tours. For additional information, please contact the Volunteer Department at volunteer@bostonballet.com TICKETS TO BOSTON BALLET PERFORMANCES Currently enrolled Boston Ballet School students and parents receive a significant discount to Boston Ballet performances. Parents of students in the school and Adult School students may receive a 50% discount on tickets in section B of the house. School age students may receive tickets at $10 each in section "B" of the house. There is a limit of 10 tickets per Ballet student per show. This discount is available for any SEASON ballet. These tickets can be purchased ONLY through Boston Ballet Box Office. Please purchase your tickets in person at 19 Clarendon Street, M-F, 9am-5pm or over the phone by calling (617) This offer is not available for The Nutcracker or Night 24

13 of Stars and can not be combined with any other offer. Tickets are subject to availability. Student Rush tickets are available for Full-Time college students and children ages Students may purchase Student Rush tickets at significantly reduced rates with cash only by going to The Wang Theatre Box Office with any student ID card, school schedule, or report card the day of the performance. There is a limit of one ticket per student. Student Rush tickets are not available for The Nutcracker or Night of Stars. he Boston Ballet Box Office offers all parents of students participating in The Nutcracker, priority-buying privileges for Nutcracker tickets. Please refer to The Nutcracker handbook for more information. For other Boston Ballet ticket information, please call the Boston Ballet s Box Office at (617) STUDENT WELLNESS PROGRAM PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES In conjunction with Children s Hospital, Boston Ballet School is able to offer physical therapy services, on site, at Boston Ballet, 19 Clarendon Street, at a nominal charge of $ The clinic, offered the first Saturday of each month between October and June, is staffed by physical therapists from the Department of Physical Therapy, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA. This staff also provides physical therapy services to the Boston Ballet Company dancers, the Boston Ballet Summer Dance Program, and DanceLab. Students with a diagnosed injury must have a physical therapy referral signed by their physician and will need to have their first appointment in the physical therapy department at Children s Hospital, Boston. This is necessary for both registration and insurance requirements. Physical Therapy Screenings and/or Consultations do not require a referral. For more information, please refer to the letter from Children s Hospital, mailed at the time of registration or ask a Studio Administrator for an additional copy. To schedule an appointment, call the Physical Therapy Department, Children's Hospital at (617) Please state that you are a Boston Ballet student. s INJURY PREVENTION There are several steps dancers can and should take to help prevent injuries: 1. Warm up properly. Dancers should arrive at the studio early to do light stretching and exercises focusing on the stomach and back. If they are recovering from an injury, the injured area should be specifically warmed-up prior to class. 2. Pay attention to nutrition. Eat well, as appropriate to your metabolism, to keep your muscles and bones strong and able to deal effectively with the extra strains and stresses of dancing. Intensive students are 25 encouraged to consult with a nutritionist to obtain a peak performance nutrition plan. 3. Allow yourself time to fully recover from injuries. Be patient with your body, and be diligent in performing any physical therapy exercises you may have. Your teachers and principal will not penalize you for taking the time you need. 4. See your doctor if you believe you may be injured. Don t take chances with your body. If you have pain at one site of your body which continues or increases as you are participating in classes, please see your doctor and inform your teacher. Early detection is the key to preventing serious injury. Please inform your teacher if your doctor has recommended a less rigorous class during your recovery period. 5. Ice Massage. If you are unable to see your doctor immediately when you suspect an injury, the best home treatment is to massage the affected area with ice. Eight minutes of ice massage, followed by a five-minute break, then eight more minutes of ice massage, three or four times per day, is usually adequate. Always use a thin cloth or towel between the ice and your skin, or be sure to keep the ice moving, and do not leave the ice on too long. NUTRITION The health and safety of Boston Ballet School students is of utmost importance. Throughout the year, students are encouraged to maintain healthy eating and exercise habits. Jan Hangen, M.S., R.D., L.D.N is a Clinical Nutrition Specialist affiliated with Children s Hospital Sports Medicine Clinic in Boston and Waltham. Ms. Hangen, who also runs a private practice, is Boston Ballet School s recommended nutrition consultant. Ms. Hangen, who will also be offering workshops during the year, can help students develop a nutrition program that will optimize their dance experience. Her services are covered by all major health insurance providers. She can be reached at (617) HEALTH POLICY Students who are deemed at risk of injury to themselves or others for any reason may be required to receive a medical clearance and/or subsequent follow ups in order to continue participating in classes, rehearsals, or performances. This decision will be solely at the discretion of Boston Ballet School principals with the participation of the Associate Director and Managing Director. Concerns regarding risks of injury can arise from any number of reasons including a student who demonstrates erratic behavior, sudden weight loss or weight gain, or visible physical limitations to class participation. A student s parent or guardian will be immediately notified and offered guidance and support in setting up required appointment(s) with one of Boston 26

14 Ballet School s affiliated experts in the fields of mental health, nutrition, medical health, or physical therapy. Confidentiality of students and families is always carefully guarded. All student health concerns are approached with care and are discussed supportively in a private conference with a parent or guardian present. Students/parents are responsible for paying for any mandatory clearances and follow ups, though most evaluations are covered by major insurance providers. CENTER FOR DANCE EDUCATION EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH The Education and Community Outreach Office provides dance education to over 3,000 children in the Boston area each year through its Citydance, Taking Steps and Adaptive Dance programs. Citydance: Teams of Boston Ballet Center for Dance Education faculty and staff visit third-grade classes in 80 of Boston s public schools to provide a one-hour informative workshop on dance, costumes, and music that has the children dancing in their classrooms. Over 300 students are then invited to attend Introduction to Ballet, a free 10-week program held at Boston Ballet School studios. In addition to ballet classes, students are also introduced to other forms of dance such as Chinese, Ballroom, and African Dance. Upon completion of Introduction to Ballet, students who wish to continue their ballet studies may do so during the third and final phase of the Citydance program Beginner Ballet. Beginner Ballet classes offer a more intensive approach to their training by holding free weekly classes exclusively in ballet technique. Citydance students are encouraged to join Boston Ballet School s Elementary level upon graduation from the Citydance and are given on-going financial aid and additional mentoring to support their pursuit of ballet training. Currently over 40 alumni of the Citydance program are enrolled at Boston Ballet School from the Elementary Level up to the Trainee Program. Taking Steps: Taking Steps, a free after-school dance and theatre program for girls ages 11-14, consists of two school year sessions held at the Hennigan School in Jamaica Plain and a week long summer session held at the Boston studio. The curriculum reflects an integrated arts approach using dance, theatre, visual and literary arts as tools for understanding cultural identity, personal expression and physical awareness. Financial aid is now available to Taking Steps alumni who wish to study ballet at the Boston Ballet School. Taking Steps classes, dancewear, supplies and other program materials are provided at no cost to participants Adaptive Dance: Adaptive Dance reflects an innovative collaboration between the faculty from Boston Ballet and Children s Hospital and is designed to foster a love of dance and creative expression in children with Down s syndrome. The hour-long classes provide a positive atmosphere for the exploration of movement while maintaining a focus on the individual abilities of each child. Additionally, the Adaptive Dance teaching staff is deeply dedicated to helping each child develop self-confidence and enhance self-esteem. SYDELLE GOMBERG LIBRARY The Sydelle Gomberg Library, located outside of studio 1 in the Boston Studio, houses an extensive collection of books, magazines, and videotapes related to dance, dancers, and related arts. Library hours are dependent on volunteer availability. While rare books, magazines, and videotapes must remain in the library, a large part of the collection may be checked out. Students, family, and friends are encouraged to take advantage of this wonderful resource. If you are interested in volunteering to staff the library, please contact the Boston Ballet Volunteer department at (617) If you are interested in donating materials to the library, please call (617) All donations are tax deductible. SUMMER PROGRAMS Boston Ballet Center for Dance Education offers a variety of summer programs for our students. Students travel from around the country and world to attend these prestigious programs. Auditions for the Summer Dance Programs take place in early February. For questions regarding our Summer Dance Programs, please call (617) For questions regarding the Young Dancers Summer Workshop, please contact your local studio administrator. In order for a year-round student to be eligible to attend a Boston Ballet Summer Program, their family s account for must be paid up-to-date. Summer Dancer Program, Boston The Summer Dance Program for male and female students ages has been acclaimed for its distinguished classes, taught by nationally and internationally recognized faculty. Boston Ballet School students in level 3i and up of the intensive program are not required to attend an audition, but must pre-register to receive their registration packet in the mail. The Summer Programs Office will announce when pre-registration forms become available and mail preregistration forms to eligible existing students. Boston Ballet School students of other levels in the classical program, who meet the age requirement, are invited to attend an audition to determine acceptance. Students in this program attend

15 class at the Boston studio, and residential students are housed at Boston University. Summer Dance Program, Newton The Summer Dance Program in Newton for students ages 11-14, provides comprehensive ballet training for dancers who strengthen ballet technique through the instruction and mentorship of gifted national teachers. Unlike traditional summer dance programs, this program allows students to participate in special mentoring sessions, in which a principal teacher works intensively with students on their individual needs as well as coaches students in variations class. This program has a residential option. Students attend class at Boston Ballet s Metrowest facility in Newtonville. Boston Ballet School students in level 2i and up of the intensive program are not required to attend an audition, but must pre-register to receive their registration packet in the mail. The Summer Programs Office will announce when pre-registration forms become available and mail pre-registration forms to eligible existing students. Boston Ballet School students of other levels in the classical program are invited to attend an audition to determine acceptance. Young Dancers Summer Workshop YDSW YDSW is a non-residential program offered at all three locations, with two and four week sessions, offering classes for students ages three through twelve. Information is typically available at our three studio locations in February and will be automatically mailed to all eligible students. YDSW offers students the opportunity to concentrate on ballet, yet also study new forms of dance which are not offered during the school year such as flamenco, jazz, Chinese and musical theatre. Ballet stories classes are offered for 3-5 year olds. PARTICIPATE IN THE FUTURE OF BOSTON BALLET OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING As government funding of the arts has declined, individual and corporate contributions have come to play an increasingly important role in helping the ballet bring the highest quality dance training and performances to the community. Any contribution, no matter how large or small, will help keep us dancing and teaching. If you or your company would like to make a donation to Boston Ballet, please development@bostonballet.com or call (617) Benefactors of Boston Ballet: Annual donors of $2,000 or more Friends of Boston Ballet: Annual donors of between $100 and $1,999 Planned Giving: Planned or deferred charitable gifts through the E. Virginia Williams Legacy Society Special Funds: Specify your individual gift to support a specific school, outreach, or Company program Matching Gifts: Corporate plans that match employee s charitable donations Gifts of Securities: Gifts of securities with valuable tax benefits to the donor Sponsorship: Corporate sponsorship of individual Boston Ballet productions or Community Outreach programs Corporate Circle Membership: Corporate giving programs at various levels CENTER FOR DANCE EDUCATION GIFTS Each year thousands of students participate in high-quality dance programs through Boston Ballet s Center for Dance Education community outreach department (please see Education and Community Outreach Section, above). These creative, educational programs have been offered by the School and Boston Ballet for almost 50 years in our studios, at community sites and schools throughout Massachusetts, and at theaters where the School and Company perform. Citydance (serving Boston Public School students), Adaptive Dance (designed for children with Down Syndrome), and Taking Steps (engaging year-old girls from city neighborhoods) are three nationally recognized programs offered by the Center for Dance Education. These free or subsidized initiatives are funded by a combination of individual gifts, corporate sponsorship, and foundation grants. Ballet training is an expensive undertaking, and the Center for Dance Education awards a significant amount of merit scholarship and financial aid each year to attract and retain top talent, as well as to support the important socio-economic diversity of our student body, whom we recognize as our future audience members, corporate leaders, and policy-makers. Students from our community outreach programs who are interested in pursuing more serious ballet training are offered financial aid to offset School tuition. The School s trainee program, a post-graduate program for selected students under consideration for positions with Boston Ballet II, Boston Ballet Company, or other top- tier ballet companies, relies heavily on merit scholarships to attract and retain talent. These scholarship funds provide an essential bridge between our community outreach programs and Boston Ballet School, as well as between Boston Ballet School and the Company. Boston Ballet is building a new school facility in Salem in partnership with the YMCA, enabling us to offer high-quality ballet training and outreach programs to North Shore communities. Many giving opportunities exist to support Boston Ballet School s latest phase of expansion.

16 The Boston Studio is home to the Sydelle Gomberg Library (see description above under Center for Dance Education), an extensive collection of books, magazines, and videotapes/dvd s related to dance, dancers, and related arts, and Boston Ballet Company performances for use by students and faculty, and by appointment, the community at large. If you or your company would like to designate your donation to Boston Ballet for a particular Outreach program, School merit scholarship and/or financial aid, the Sydelle Gomberg Library, or the new North Shore facility, please development@bostonballet.com or call (617) STUDIO LOCATIONS AND HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS BOSTON STUDIO 19 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA Administrator: (617) METROWEST STUDIO 863 Washington Street, Newtonville, MA Administrator: (617) SOUTH SHORE STUDIO 34 Accord Park Drive, Norwell, MA Administrator: (617) For DETAILED DIRECTIONS visit our website at HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS Class Cancellation Hotline: (617) Nutcracker Hotline: (617) Absence Hotline, Boston: (617) x 440 Absence Hotline, Metrowest: (617) x 441 Absence Hotline South Shore: (617) x 442 Physical Therapy Appointments, Children s Hospital, Boston: (617) Nutritionist Appointments (617) Susan St. John, Grace Performing Arts Academy: (617) SCHOOL PERSONNEL Margaret Tracey, Associate Director, Center for Dance Education: (617) Elizabeth Benjes, Managing Director, Center for Dance Education: (617) Tamara King, Principal, MetroWest Studio: (617) Christine Busch, Principal, South Shore Studio: (617) Christopher Hird, Artistic Coordinator, Boston Ballet School: (617) Anna Lantz, Elementary Program Head and Children s Ballet Mistress: (617) Cynthia Drayer, Classical Ballet Program Head: (617) Parren Ballard, Career Preparation Head: (617) Elizabeth Akerstein, Administration Manager: (617) Marissa Krolewski, Boston Studio and School Events Manager: (617) Carolyn Rock, Registrar, Boston Ballet School: (617) Mallory Coppenrath, Bursar and MetroWest Studio Admin Assistant: (617) Maya Isyanova, Pianist Coordinator: (617) Brynn Hale, Outreach Manager: (617) David Alexander, Education Advisor: (617) Patrick Schneider, Summer Programs Manager: (617)