Berkeley City Ballet's School Policies
BCB School Policies:
Absences: Call or email to inform BCB of absences. Absences may effect casting or promotions.
BCB Responsibility: The studio will open 1/2 hour before classes begin. BCB is responsible for students for only 10 minutes before and after class. Charges may be made to parents who leave their child at BCB. Students must have a note from a parent to be excused from the premises when in BCB’s care. BCB is not responsible for students who leave the premises without permission for any reason.
Ballet Supplies: (Ballet 1-6 only) BCB requires a uniform, supplies to put hair up securely, and all necessary shoes, flat or pointe. For the student’s safety, pointe shoes must always be fully sewn and workable (hard) for class and rehearsal. Students without proper and working equipment may not participate.
Class Size: BCB reserves the right to cancel or merge classes as necessary.
Commitment: Once registered, BCB expects students to be committed to their classes and to keep their rehearsal agreements even if they conflict with other activities.
Conduct: Students at BCB are expected to conduct themselves in a disciplined, respectful and courteous manner. The school reserves the right to suspend or withdraw service from any student and family whose attitude, attendance or conduct is found to be unsatisfactory.
Disciplinary Action: If a student’s conduct is disruptive or disrespectful, the student will be asked to sit out of class. If this occurs two times, the parents will be contacted and further disciplinary action will be determined.
Entrance: Entrance into the Pre-Professional program is decided on by the Artistic Director beginning with Ballet 1. New students must audition.
Evaluations: Evaluations are given to students assessing their progress in ballet. Evaluations are also used by the Artistic Director to decide on promotions and casting.
Faculty: Particular faculty members are not guaranteed for specific classes. No refunds will be given for a change in faculty.
Illness: Students are expected to attend and to observe class. Refunds are not given for loss of classes due to illness. Parents must call in, email or send a note of permission if a student sits out due to illness or injury for each class missed. Sitting out may lead to changes in class level and/or casting.
Late Arrivals: For the safety of the dancer, students arriving out of dress code or more than 10 minutes late will be asked to observe rather than participate in class.
Make-Up Classes: There are no make-up classes for Ballet 1 through Ballet 6. There are no refunds for missed classes. For the Open Program: Students may make-up in a class of the same level/age as soon after the absence as possible. No notice is required to BCB.
Non-Payment of Tuition: Students may not participate in class until tuition is paid in full.
Observance of Classes: All regular classes and rehearsals are closed to observation. Visiting Days will be scheduled for Pre-Ballet and Ballet Basics to view the progress of the class.
Parking: There is no parking at BCB. Parking is available on adjacent streets. The parking lot is for employees of the building only.
Pick-Up/Drop-Off: BCB has limited space and parents are requested to drop-off and pick-up students. Parents are encouraged not to sit in the lobby during classes and will be called if necessary.
Portal: Use BCB's portal to add classes (if you are a continuing student), get information on due dates and school closures, and follow your payment history. Enter at the right upper corner of BCB's website, click on "I don't know my password" and create a new one. Students who leave BCB will not continue to have access to the portal and will need to re-register.
Private Lessons/Coaching: All private lessons or coaching for ballet must be taken at BCB with BCB faculty to maintain consistency with the students' goals in the classroom. Private teaching and coaching is available on request (with an additional fee). Private lessons and coaching in another genre may be taken outside BCB but the teacher must be pre-approved by the Artistic Director.
Promotions/ Placements: Promotions and placements are decided on by the Artistic Director and the faculty based on technical progress, physical capabilities and strength, self-discipline, self-expression, consistency of attendance, the potential for professional work and the student’s BCB evaluation. Some students may be asked to repeat a year if they have not accomplished the technique necessary for advancement. These decisions are taken seriously and are based on the proper development and safety of the dancer. Placement, promotions and casting are the final decision of the Artistic Director and are non-negotiable.
Registration/Re-Enrollment: Students who are already registered at BCB do not need to re-register each Quarter. However, they must enroll (add the class through the BCB portal) for summer classes and for the school year. Tuition due is posted each Quarter into the family account (find through the BCB portal) and will be charged automatically to your credit card unless BCB is notified. Tuition may also be paid by check but must be received before the due date or the credit card on file will be charged with no refund and a $20 late fee. Checks can be sent to: 1800 Dwight Way, 94703 (include the name and class of the child) or leave in BCB's tuition drop-box.
Security: Students of the school will be buzzed in before class. Only registered students and their families will be allowed to enter the building when classes are in session.
Summer Workshop: BCB’s Summer Workshop in July (for Ballet 1 through Ballet 6 students) is a required intensive program. This workshop gives the student 80 – 100 more hours of experience in dance. Students are expected to participate until their sophomore year of high school, at which time they are encouraged to audition for alternative programs. Attendance and progress in this program can effect class placement and casting. Auditions are necessary to attend.
Wait-List: If a class is closed a wait-list will be offered as an option for the class online.
Withdrawals: There will be no refunds for student withdrawals.