Classroom Etiquette

• Students must wear appropriate classroom attire specific to their class. No warm-ups, leg warmers, baggy clothing, skirts, or excessive jewelry are permitted.

• Hair must be in a bun for ballet or securely pulled back for all other classes.

• Use the restroom before class begins.

• Consistent attendance is expected, please avoid frequent absences.

• Cell phones are not allowed in the dance studio.

• Always show kindness and respect to instructors, staff, and fellow students.

• Talking during class should be limited to asking questions.

• Be open to learning new material and bring positive energy to class.

• Do not lean, lounge, or hang on the ballet barres.

• If you are injured, notify your instructor before class and participate mindfully or observe if needed.

• Do not attend class if you are ill.

• If you need to leave class early, inform your instructor beforehand.

• No running, yelling, or rough play in the studio or in the hallway.

• Help keep our space clean, dispose of all trash properly.

• Gossip, obscene language, and inappropriate conversations are not tolerated in class or anywhere in the studio.

• No gum, food, or drink (except water) is allowed in the studio.

• Students arriving more than 15 minutes late may be asked to observe rather than participate.

Additional Expectations for Dancers Age 13+

• As older dancers and role models, you are expected to uphold high standards of behavior. Negative or inappropriate discussions will not be tolerated.

• You are responsible for managing your time effectively so that dance, schoolwork, and outside activities do not conflict.

Make-Up Classes

Students may make up missed classes by attending another class at their level or below.
Example: A dancer enrolled in Children’s Intermediate Ballet may make up a class in Children’s Ballet III, but not in Children’s Advanced Ballet.
All make-up classes must be completed before the end of the current session.

Placement

Class placement is determined based on the dancer’s age, focus, skill level, and natural ability. Each dancer is unique, please trust your instructor’s professional judgment. Ballet Etc. reserves the right to adjust student placement at the discretion of the instructor.

Pointe Work Policy

Dancing en pointe is not an expectation, but rather a privilege that must be earned through consistent training and readiness. Ballet Etc. has a set pointe shoe examination process that all dancers must pass.

Instructors will determine if and when a dancer is ready to begin pointe work. This decision is based on several important factors, including but not limited to:

• Proper placement and body alignment

• Understanding of rotation

• Ankle and foot strength/stability

• Core strength

• Level and technique

• Attendance and consistency

• Focus and maturity

• Age and physical development

• Genuine desire and commitment

• Safety is our top priority: only dancers who meet all criteria will be considered for pointe work to ensure a safe and successful transition.

Weather Policy

Classes will be held unless otherwise notified. If Traverse City Public Schools close due to inclement weather, Ballet Etc. will also cancel classes. You will receive an email the morning of, please make sure your account email is up to date and check spam/promotions for emails. This does not apply to delays, in-service days, or teacher workdays. Classes will still be held in those cases. When in doubt, check our Facebook or Instagram for updates.

Payment Policy

Dancers enrolled in Creative Movement, Pre-Primary, Pre-Ballet, Children’s Ballet I, II, III, or those taking only one class are required to make full payment before their first class to reserve their spot. Due to high demand, we cannot hold spots without payment.

No refunds will be given unless the dancer is injured and unable to participate or in the case of a death in the immediate family.

Dancers taking multiple classes or enrolled in Children’s Intermediate and above may request a payment plan. Failure to stay current on payments will result in the loss of your class spot and dancers may be ineligible to perform.

Payment plans at the request of the parent and approval by the studio owner will require a valid credit card to be on file: Calculated amount due will be based on total tuition divided by the number of weeks in the session. Registration Fee is not included in the payment plan and must be paid outside of the payment plan prior to session starting.  Payment must be made by cash, check or credit card by the 15th of each month, if payment is not made, the card on file will be charged automatically on the 16th.