Policy Handbook

CURRICULUM AND LEVELS

The foremost goal of The Grand Academy of Ballet is to prepare dancers from a young age to reach their maximum potential.  Level by level, as students move through the academy’s rigorous system, they are challenged to apply themselves fully in order to fulfill their desired goals in dance.   To this end, academy students are required to take all classes available for their level of training.

The Grand Academy of Ballet is designed to be an intentionally small number of students in the class to provide high-quality detailed instruction to all enrolled full-time students that cannot be obtained in classes bigger than 16 students.

A quality ballet education requires consistency in training methodology and artistic philosophy.  The Grand Academy of Ballet ballet curriculum is based on the Russian Vaganova teaching method and is divided into seven levels.  Dancers are placed in levels by ability rather than age, keeping an overall maturation process in mind.  Starting from age 10, each student is given a maximum of five years per level to achieve the development required to advance to the next stage of training. This added structure will provide clearer goals and assure that each student gets the undivided focus of faculty to ensure their healthy development.  Students not demonstrating sufficient technical ability may be invited to repeat a year of training at the artistic director’s discretion.

Classical ballet is an extremely rigorous and exacting art form.  Therefore, a certain selectivity is necessary in order to provide a challenging and healthy learning environment.  Students are encouraged to fully enjoy their ballet education as well as to perform to their maximum potential.  However, since each dancer has a unique developmental path based on their natural ability, rate of maturation, and temperament, it is important for their health that they not be pushed to achieve any physical goals that may be beyond their reach.

Those who do not progress to the next level will be encouraged to seek fulfillment in other dance styles or physical training.  It is our sincere wish that, by having applied themselves to a demanding training program of the highest standards, they will have gained the confidence to successfully pursue other disciplines or modes of artistic expression.

ATTENDANCE

All classes are conducted in closed studios for the benefit of the students.  Parents may watch students through the glass windows.  However, at the teacher’s discretion, the curtains may be pulled over the windows, prohibiting viewing.

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of regular attendance and the commitment of the student to improve and polish his/her skills and talents.

1. Students will attend all regularly-scheduled classes unless ill or otherwise unavoidably absent.
2. Parents/Guardians must notify the school office of a student’s absence by email to studios@losangelesacademy.org or by phone (818) 582-3429 before 10:00 pm on the day of the class.
3. Attendance is taken daily by the administrative staff.  A permanent record of attendance is kept in the office.
4. Any student with multiple unexcused and/or excessive absences will be given a notice of probation. Subsequent violations will be reported to the school directors who retain sole discretion to take any action against the student including, but not limited to, dismissal from the school. No refunds are given for cases of dismissal.
5. Tardiness will not be tolerated. Students who arrive late may be asked by the teacher to observe class, take notes, and attend a make-up class. *  
6. New students must accept a minimum of a 30-day trial period. This trial period enables the student to adjust and comprehend the Vaganova training method and minimizes disruption of curriculum to current students.
7. Students are not allowed to be concurrently enrolled at other ballet training academies or institutions. This is to ensure the consistency of GAB’s curriculum and training method for our students.
8. Enrollment is assumed for the entire academic school year. The school must be informed in writing 30 days prior to withdrawal from the school, and it may result in a $100 cancellation fee. This fee may be waived at the Administrative Director’s discretion.

*Six (6) Make-up classes are allowed for a missed class due to illness. They may be taken in a class one level below the student’s current level. A make-up class must be taken during the first week of attendance upon the student’s return from being absent.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

We encourage students to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before class starts.

For their safety, children under age 10 should be picked up immediately after class. Students ages 10 and older must be picked up no more than 10 minutes after their class is completed.

STUDENT CONDUCT

Students enrolled at The Grand Academy of Ballet must conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful to the school, the staff, and their peers.

1. Students must arrive to class on time, prepared, and dressed properly (see Dress Code).
2. Students must conduct themselves appropriately while at The Grand Academy of Ballet; this includes, but is not limited to, keeping public displays of affection at a minimum, ensuring that the school remains a family-friendly environment, and refraining from posting inappropriate posts or pictures on social media websites while enrolled and representing The Grand Academy of Ballet .
3. The Grand Academy of Ballet is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings, such as cell phones, money, accessories, or clothing. Theft will not be tolerated.
4. Cell phones are not permitted in class and should be kept on silent or vibrate.

FOR THE PARENTS: “WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER”

We believe that children’s success depends on the support of their parents or guardians. Because your commitment to the process makes an enormous difference, we encourage you to be a part of your child’s dance education. Our programs rely on a positive atmosphere and educational experience for our faculty and students and their parents. Cooperation between all parents is expected. Showing respect—for other parents, the students, and the faculty—makes an important impression on the children. You are a role model for your child about how to interact with others in a professional setting. Your child’s presence at all classes is imperative. The spirit of teamwork and the lesson of dedication are a big part of our school’s educational process. Parents and teachers may look at a child’s learning from different perspectives. However, we believe they share a common goal: to ensure that every child receives the best possible training, both physically and mentally. Mutual respect among our faculty and our students’ parents provides the children with the ultimate care and education.

STUDENT AND PARENT USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Use of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogging, and other online social-media vehicles is commonplace. This policy is intended to provide the Grand Academy of Ballet and its partners, students, and parents with guidelines to eliminate any confusion concerning the use of social media.

• You DO NOT have permission to reveal any information that compromises The Grand Academy of Ballet. By that, we mean you are forbidden to share personal information about the director, other students or their families, or anything that is proprietary and/or confidential to them or The Grand Academy of Ballet.
• Students and parents should neither claim nor imply that they are speaking on behalf of The Grand Academy of Ballet.
• Never post anything that could compromise the self-esteem of students who attend The Grand Academy of Ballet.
• If you post videos of class or rehearsals, don’t post any choreography in its entirety; The Grand Academy of Ballet owns the copyright to all choreography taught at the school.
• Respect the law, including those laws governing defamation, discrimination, harassment, and copyright and fair use. As stated in this handbook, parents and students should never post negative comments about other schools or teachers. Also, please do not post negative comments about school activities such as competitions, conventions, and performances, or about the directors of those events.
• Ensure that your social networking conduct is consistent with all of the policies contained in this handbook.

GENERAL POLICIES

Parents and students should not enter the office space of the school. Please feel free to communicate through the open window of the office.

• Use of the school telephone is limited to emergencies only.
• Parents and students should never interrupt a class in session.
• Only water is allowed in the studios. No food, drinks, or gum.
• We love babies and young children and appreciate the chance to meet our students’ siblings. However, our priority is the safety of every child on the school premises. Children must be supervised at all times and are not free to run around the lobby or classroom areas.
• Please do not dispose of dirty diapers inside the school.
• No cell phones or computers may be used during class time. (This means no emailing, Internet use, or text messaging.) In the waiting area you are welcome to use your electronic devices.
• Students and parents are restricted from contacting teachers by phone, email, text messages, etc. All communication with teachers or the director must go through The Grand Academy of Ballet email or office.
• Never speak negatively about teachers, students, or parents from The Grand Academy of Ballet  or other schools.
• Never recruit students from other schools.
• All students must show respect for their teachers at all times. Inappropriate behavior could result in dismissal from the school.

PRIVATE LESSONS

All private lessons must be requested by the student and/or parent online or in person at The Grand Academy of Ballet and a staff member will assist with the online reservation. Confirmations will be sent automatically via email.  Students are not permitted to take privates or other ballet classes outside of the The Grand Academy of Ballets without first getting permission from the Artistic Director or a principal.  This is to ensure consistency of our training.  Cancellations must be made 24 hours prior to the lesson. Videotaping during private lessons is not allowed.

If you’re not a full-time student (drop-in) you will have to pay a choreography fee for any competition or performance on top of your privates.

HOLIDAYS

Holidays are listed in The Grand Academy of Ballet brochure/schedule and are updated on thegrandballet.org. Please note that students involved in performances may have rehearsals during school breaks.

Holiday Closures: Notices will be posted or emailed prior to closures. Monthly tuition will not be adjusted, as the accumulated bonus classes will be applied.

PERFORMANCES & EXAMS

There will be two GAAB’s  performances and exams each year: in December, and a Spring Showcase in May. The following rules apply to all performance participants:

1. Students from Level IV through Pre-Professional are required to participate in school performances or exams.  This is considered a part of their education.  However, all attendance and cooperation policies apply to all students participating, regardless of level.
2. The student will attend all scheduled rehearsals in the school and/or in the location where performances are to be held.

Absences requested must be submitted in writing.  Unexcused absences will not be tolerated, except in the event of an urgent personal emergency.  Failure to be present for rehearsals shall be the reason for suspension from the performance.  The school director will evaluate each absence from rehearsal on a case-by-case basis and will retain the sole discretion to determine whether the student may participate in the performance. No refunds are given for show dismissal.

1. Parents and students are expected to cooperate in every way to make The Grand Academy of Ballets productions polished and professional.  Any misbehavior or conduct during rehearsals or performances deemed inappropriate may be cause for dismissal.
2. Parents are required to volunteer in some capacity, either in pre-show preparation or in backstage assistance during performances.  They may avoid duties by paying the volunteer buy-out fee.

PERFORMANCE EXAM FEES

Each student (and his/her parent or guardian) will be responsible for the additional cost for participating in performances or exams.  Performance fees cover rehearsals, costumes, and additional production expenses.  The additional cost is comprised for the following:

1. The performance fee.
2. The volunteer buy-out fee (for those who choose not to volunteer).

Performance fees are non-refundable including in cases of dismissal.

SUMMER CLASSES

Grand Academy of Ballets s holds a summer program for Levels 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Pre-Professional, and Boys Programs, which the Artistic Director considers a vital part of the year-round ballet training.  If you are a full-time Academy student please do not attend auditions for other summer programs. Attendance at the The Grand Academy of Ballet Summer Program is mandatory.

DRES’S CODE FOR BALLET CLASS

A dress code allows for the discipline and the professional appearance of our students. Anyone not in the proper dress code may be asked to leave the class.  No jewelry except post-earrings will be permitted.  Tights must be worn inside the ballet shoe and have no holes or runs.  No other clothing is permitted, except what is listed below.  If you do not have ballet shoes, you will not be permitted to take class, but you will be required to sit and watch the class.  The dancer must always wear the color for his or her level regardless of the class that they are taking.

PERSONAL HYGIENE

All students are required to ensure their dance uniforms and dance shoes are always clean.  The studio uniform and shoes are not to be worn outside of the studio or in place of street clothes.  Given the “hands-on” instruction of the classes, and the fact that instructors will be using their hands to adjust body posture or feet positions, it is critical that all parts of the students’ uniforms be unsoiled and fresh.  Additionally, it is each student’s responsibility to use the appropriate anti-perspirant products before attending class.  Please refrain from wearing strong-smelling fragrances, as some students may be allergic to them.

Hair Code for All Levels:

Girls:  Hair should be pulled away from the face and in a neat bun with a hairnet. Short hair should be combed back out of the face and pinned if necessary.

Boys:  Hair should be combed back and out of the face.

Dress Code by Level: Please contact for requirements for your class that you’ve been assigned.

For character class, a black short wrap-around skirt and character shoes are required.                                                      

Boys:  White nylon shirt and black nylon footed tights, and black ballet shoes.  All boys will be required to purchase a black elastic belt from the school at the start of the year.  Character or jazz shoes are required for character class.

VIDEO & PHOTO IMAGE RELEASE

Please note that there is a mandatory video and photo images release form that all students need to sign.

DRESSING ROOMS AND WAITING AREAS

Lounges must be kept quiet at all times for the benefit of those taking or teaching class, as well as for administrative staff working in nearby offices. Men’s and Women’s dressing rooms are available for student use. Women’s dressing room is not available for student use. Men’s dressing rooms are available if the shades are not closed as a Green Room. Please do not use the restrooms as changing areas. The refrigerators are for staff and faculty use only; students may use ice as needed for injuries.

The Grand Academy of Ballet is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Valuables should not be left unsecured in the dressing rooms. Please be respectful of everyone’s belongings. People disturbing the property of others risk being expelled from The Grand Academy of Ballet. The lost & found is located in each dressing room. Items are kept for a maximum of six weeks.

VOLUNTEERS

The Grand Academy of Ballet needs volunteers at various times during the school year. Often the events for which volunteers are needed are student-related. Please be generous with your time to help with these important events.

TUITION POLICY

Fall/Spring Season tuition and fees must be paid via auto payment (Visa or MC) through your online dance account. A debit/credit card must be on file. Upon registration, you grant permission to charge the card on file for monthly tuition installments on the 3rd of each month fees as they become due. However, if you wish to pay by cash or check, payment must be submitted before the 3rd of the month. Tuition payments are non-refundable and non-transferable

Payment

Tuition is due prior to the start of the semester by date on invoice.  Payment can be made either by check or credit card.  Use of credit card for payment will incur a 3.25% credit card processing fee.  Late payments will result in a $20 per week surcharge.  Tuition does not include performance fees, which are paid separately. There are no tuition refunds for school withdrawal or missed classes.

2. Payment Plan

The payment plan must be established before the start of the academic year. All payment plans require a credit card on file even if you pay by check. Absolutely no exceptions will be made to this policy.

Payments are due on the first of each month or pre-arranged installment date.  If payment has not been received by the 5th of each month, it will result in a $20 per week late charge and the credit card on file will be charged.  For credit card transactions, a 3.25% charge will be added to each payment.  There is a $20 fee for declined or expired cards if not remedied by the 10th of the month.  It is the family’s responsibility to keep the card on file current and updated.

3. Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial aid and scholarships are available on a case-by-case basis and based on need and ability.  A student who is receiving financial aid must strictly adhere to the attendance policy or they will forfeit their financial aid.

Families that are recipients of financial aid will be required to volunteer with The Grand Academy of Ballet Crowd Funding, annual fundraisers, and The Grand Academy of Ballet events.  Information will be provided as events approach.  Financial aid and scholarships do not apply to our academy Summer Program.

4. Prorating

Tuition proration is only applied to new students entering in the middle of the academic year.  Prorating does not apply to the Summer Program.

5. Non-Payment of Tuition

The Grand Academy of Ballet, at its discretion, may dismiss any student in cases of non-payment.  No student will be allowed to participate in performance if his/her tuition is overdue.

6. Withdrawals & Refunds

We hate to see you go, but understand sometimes withdrawals are necessary due to unforeseen circumstances. Please complete a withdrawal form in person during office hours no later than 30 days prior to your scheduled withdrawal. Tuition will continue to accrue until this form is submitted and signed by both the parent/guardian and a representative of The Grand Academy of Ballet,.

The registration fee, tuition fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.  Student credit, valid for one year, is given for any tuition credit you may have at time of withdrawal.

Refunds or credits will not be given for late arrivals, early departures, or classes missed due to illness, injury, or outside activities.

STUDENT/PARENT PROTOCOL AND POLICY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Students and parents are expected at all times to maintain decorum that is respectful to the school, its staff, and its policies. The Grand Academy of Ballet reserves the right to dismiss or refuse business to anyone not adhering to this policy.  A signed liability waiver, as well as an acknowledgement of having read and understood all the details in this Policy Handbook, must be on file before the start of each school year.  Please be sure to initial at the top of each page of the handbook where required to indicate that both student and parents have read, understood, and agreed to each page of The Grand Academy of Ballet policies, rules and regulations.

I have read carefully, fully understood and will adhere to the regulations and policies in the current year The Grand Academy of Ballet, Student and Parent Policy Handbook.