STUDENT HANDBOOK

C E N T R A L C A M P U S

2201 McRae AvenueOrlando, FL 32801407-418-9818

S O U T H C A M P U S

7988 Via Dellagio Way, Suite 204Orlando, FL 32819407-352-9733

O R L A N D O B A L L E T . O R GPhotography by Michael Cairns 2019

ABOUT ORLANDO BALLET SCHOOL

Orlando Ballet School is the official school of Orlando Ballet. As one of only four American Ballet Theatre certified schools, OBS provides professional ballet training through year-round programs, summer intensive training, workshops and master classes. Students who have completed programs have accepted positions with American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Houston Ballet, Ballet Met, and Paul Taylor Dance Company.

SCHOOL CALENDAR | Click to View

  M I S S I O N S T A T E M E N T 

Orlando Ballet entertains, educates, and enriches through the highest quality of dance.

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Hello and Welcome to Orlando Ballet School,

It is my honor and pleasure to head such a world-class school, that feeds into the world-renowned Orlando Ballet Company.

Our organization mission statement reads, ‘to entertain, educate and enrich through the highest quality of dance’ I am dedicated to delivering the highest quality of dance education through these methods to the Orlando community.

Throughout the School, I aim to keep the emphasis on strengthening not only the classical technique, which is the very beginning of what dance means to me, but also to broaden the dance vocabulary to encompass the needs of ever evolving dance companies around the world. Artistry, confidence and performing continually whether it’s in class or on stage will bring the audience to you. A wise person once told me, “Talent and facility will get you in the door, but hard work will get you a career.” In my experience, this is true for all paths that our dancers may take. The discipline and work ethic that is part of the culture of classical ballet lends itself to any prospective career. We are proud to be able to instill this life skill that helps not only to develop dancers, but helps your child succeed in whatever path their life takes them.

I want to thank the faculty for their unyielding passion to developing the person, the technician and the artist in each of our students. I am deeply appreciative for all they do.

Thank you for supporting our beautiful art form and for allowing us to instruct and inspire your children.

Phillip Broomhead SCHOOL DIRECTOR

S T U D E N T H A N D B O O K O R L A N D O B A L L E T S C H O O L 3

SCHOOL FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATION

Phillip BroomheadSchool Director

Jenny LogusSchool Business Manager

Kim MarshAssistant to the School Director & Head of Pre-Professional Division

Gonzalo EspinozaPrincipal Teacher/ School Choreographer

Bevalie PritchardHead of Young Dancer Division & School Performance Coordinator

Chiaki YasukawaPrincipal Teacher & Head of Academy Prep

Katie SlatteryCommunity Enrichment Assistant & Teacher

Charmaine HunterDirector of Community Enrichment

Vincent LeeRegistrar

Victoria SarauSouth Campus Supervisor

Michael CarrCentral School Administrator

Jonna StephanSummer Intensive Coordinator

FA C U LT Y

Allison Jay BaberEllie Potts BarrettMichelle BaxleyAmyia BurrellAdrianna DudaPaul JohnsonLaura Love

Mila MakaroffVenus-Maria MalloryRebecca MartinSheri MetcalfPercy NelsonJulie O’ConnellSusan Olson

Glynn OwensElizabeth Shook-KingJessica Sibley YatesMarianna TzanovaHeidi TowleJennifer Zuckerman

C O M M U N I T Y E N R I C H M E N T FA C U LT Y

Matt BarryDaniel BodifordAretuza Garner

Coco LoupeMila MakaroffLori Patai

Grace Song-KennardDianne Yates

D R O P-I N FA C U LT Y

Boris CeballosDimitri DelazanosDavid GabrielTasha Golis

Krista LeddenAnamarie McGinn HarrisIsabella MendezKate-Lynn Robichaux

Cuic SuarezAmanda Tempel

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CO N T EN T S

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Program Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2 R E G I S T R AT I O N A N D F I N A N C I A L I N F O R M AT I O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Registration Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Payment Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Tuition and Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Refund Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Returned/Declined Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Scholarships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

3 O B S P R O C E D U R E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Parent Availability and Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Class Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Make-Up Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Withdrawal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Leave of Absence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Evaluations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Audition and Rehearsal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Year-End Showcase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

4 S T U D E N T A N D FA M I LY B E H AV I O R E T I Q U E T T E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

All photography in OBS Handbook by Michael Cairns 2019

S T U D E N T H A N D B O O K O R L A N D O B A L L E T S C H O O L 5

1ENROLLMENT

AND PLACEMENT

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ENROLLMENT AND PLACEMENTOrlando Ballet School is open enrollment year-round consisting of 33 weeks of class.

All students, new and returning, are carefully placed in the most appropriate level based on their dance history, skill, and age. Placements incur a fee if placed in a level with availability. Fees will be waived if the student has been placed in a level class that is at capacity. Students will have the option to be placed on a waitlist. If a spot becomes available and registration is completed, the placement fee will automatically be added to the account.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Young DancerPROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Orlando Ballet School's Young Dancer Division is for students starting at 18 months and up. From young toddlers to pre-teens, the goal of this division is for dancers to gradually learn the fundamental movements through the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. Students will obtain technique, strength, and flexibility. Students ages 7+ require a placement to determine the appropriate level.

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Pre-Professional PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Pre-Professional division is for students ages 11 and up who are interested in classical ballet training including ballet, pointe and character. The division includes Level 3, Upper 1 (Levels 4), and Upper 2 (Levels 5, 6 & 7). Pointe work is introduced in Level 3. Level 3 is offered at both the Central and South campus. Upper 1 and Upper 2 are only offered at the Central campus.

This division also includes the Demi Pre-Professional Program, which is designed for students who want to continue their ballet studies without the full pre-professional schedule. This program is offered in Levels 3, Upper 1 and Upper 2. Only Level 3 Demi Pre-Professional is offered at the South Campus.

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AcademyPROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Academy is a full-day ballet training program for ages 12 through 18. There are three levels in the Academy: 1, 2, or 3 which are determined by ability. Dancers in the program train five to eight hours per day, six days per week. Students in this program complete their academics through virtual learning programs. In addition to classical ballet technique, dancers also study point, variations, pas de deux, modern, and other forms of dance.

The Academy program also includes our early release program, Academy Preparatory for Levels 2 and 3 which is only offered at the South Campus. The Academy Preparatory (Prep) program provides accelerated training for students who have auditioned and who have been accepted. This program is an “add-on” to the student’s OBS leveled classes. Classes within this program may require early release from the student’s primary grade school. If accepted, the School will provide a letter to student’s principal as needed. Eligible students must be in levels 2A-3B to be considered.

International StudentsStudents must be accepted into a program before they are able to apply for a student visa with Orlando Ballet School. OBS issues Form I-20 that lead to a F-1 student visa. OBS does not offer housing for international students but may assist them in finding accommodations. More information and procedures can be found in the International Student Visa Information Form.

Orlando Ballet School does not require TOEFL scores. However, the School highly advises that students be able to comprehend and understand directions given by staff and faculty.

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2REGISTRATION

AND FINANCIAL

INFORMATION

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REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION

REGISTRATION PROCESSUpon registration all students and their parents and/or legal guardians make the commitment to pay the agreed upon full tuition.

Orlando Ballet School accepts registrations throughout the school year base on availability. All registration is completed online. The registration fee and 10% of total tuition are due at the time of registration. A credit card or debit card must be on file in the system in order to register. Students must be officially registered before their first day of class. Students who are not registered before their first day of class will not be permitted to attend class until registration is complete. Returning OBS students must register in their recommended level (please refer to the year-end evaluation).

For classes that have a waitlist, families will be notified when there is availability. Registering from the waitlist will be first come-first serve. An account with OBS must be created in order to be placed on the waitlist officially.

Students/Families with previous school balances will not be permitted to register for the school year (including workshops, master classes, auditions, and any summer programs) until outstanding balances are satisfied.

Returning Students with No Continuous Enrollment

Students who have not registered with Orlando Ballet School for more than one school year will be required to take a placement class in order to be re-evaluated. Year-end school evaluations and level recommendation from the last registered term will not be considered.

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PAYMENT OPTIONSOrlando Ballet School offers two payment options.

1. One tuition payment in full due at registration, with 5% tuition discount.

2. Monthly installments for the duration of the school year. Installments will be divided equally based on the date of registration and the remainder of months in the school year.

If the installment plan is selected, auto billing will be processed on the 1st of every month regardless of the registration date.

OBS accepts credit or debit cards, cash, check, and cashier's check as forms of payment. OBS does not accept PayPal or any form of direct deposits as a form of payment including eChecking accounts and eCheck.

TUITION AND FEESTuition and fees will vary from level to level. When applicable, the registration fee includes the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) exam fee. The Showcase Fee includes costume, performance, and video of the showcase.

Since the Academy Preparatory program is an add-on to the student’s leveled classes, there are no associated fees.

Tuition and fees cannot be adjusted or changed. Students registering after January 31 will not be in the showcase and the fee will be waived.

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REFUND POLICYIf parents/students elect to withdraw from Orlando Ballet School before the first day of class, the 10% tuition down payment and showcase fee (if submitted at the time of registration) will be refunded. The registration fee is non-refundable. Any amount paid towards completed class is non-refundable. There is no tuition refund for any missed classes.

Non-refundable fees and payments include:

§ Registration

§ Showcase (after November 1)

§ Transfer

§ All discounts

§ Missed classes

§ All tuition payments toward completed class hours

§ All fees associated with auditions, professional performances*, and/or competitions

§ Canceled classes due to weather or unforeseen extreme emergencies

§ Full prepaid tuition and fees from students who have not properly withdrawn from the School.

* If a student withdraws from OBS and is casted for a role in a professional performance, such as Nutcracker, all fees (Participation Fee) will not be refunded.

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RETURNED/DECLINED PAYMENTSIf any payments are returned or declined (specifically in the auto-billing installment plan), parents/guardians will have 10 days to reconcile that payment. If the monthly balance is not submitted by the 10th day, students will not be permitted to attend class until the account is current.

If an account reaches 60 days past due, Orlando Ballet School will send via USPS Certified Mail, a final notification of account status and require payment within 5 days.

Additionally, the School may enlist the assistance of an outside collection agency to recover the full balance due. A minimum of $100 collections administrative fee will be charged to all accounts sent to collections. Should the costs of outside debt collection be more than $100, families will also be charged the difference.

If a student withdraws, any past due amount will be due in full immediately.

There will be a $30 service charge for any returned check, regardless of check amount. OBS will not accept more than a total of two returned checks. After the second returned check, payments must be made by credit/debit card, certified check, or cash.

SCHOLARSHIPSOrlando Ballet School offers merit-based scholarships for students who are eligible. They are at the sole discretion of artistic directors and artistic staff. Students who accept scholarships are required to participate in community enrichment performances and related events, if applicable. More information can be found in the scholarship information packet.

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3OBS PROCEDURES

R E G I S T R A T I O N A N D F I N A N C I A L I N F O R M A T I O N 1 5

OBS PROCEDURES

PARENT AVAILABILITY AND ASSISTANCEFor dancers in Pre-Primary for 3's (Dress Up and Dance) and Pre-Primary for 4's (Creative Movement), OBS requires parents/guardians be readily available in case the child needs bathroom assistance.

CLASS SCHEDULEEvery effort will be made to conduct class as scheduled with the primary assigned instructor. Orlando Ballet School may, from time to time, combine classes or provide substitute instructors due to unexpected instructor absences or emergencies. Also, classes may be canceled due to weather conditions or other notable and unforeseen emergencies. OBS will strive to communicate any changes as clearly and quickly as possible either by email, phone call, or Remind App.

In the event of weather-related or other unexpected cancellations, Orlando Ballet School (Central & South) will follow the Orange County School System decision. Classes that fall on a national holiday or weather emergencies will be not be rescheduled. If an unexpected cancellation occurs that affect either campus, notices will be sent via text message (Remind Application) or email.

Some Academy classes will be combined with other OBS levels, the Trainees or Orlando Ballet Second Company (OBII). This is to ensure that all aspects of dance training and education are being met.

Adjusted or revised schedules will not be permitted unless it is written and approved by the School Director. However, the School Director may permit students to take additional classes that are outside their confirmed schedule. If so, the School Registrar will confirm with the School Director and communicate with the family. The approved classes will be an additional cost and it will be added to the account.

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TRANSFERAll students transferring to another class or level (including mid-year promotion), after the first 3 weeks of the school year, require written approval from school staff or their instructor. There is a $10 fee for transfers which will be automatically added to the account. Transfers are not completed until registration information has been updated in the account.

ATTENDANCEStudents must be registered online before attending class. Students are not permitted to attend classes they are not registered for. While we highly encourage our students to attend all their classes to achieve the integral part of training and physical development, we understand that emergencies and absences due to sickness may occur. Absences in relation to education, medical condition, or religious events are excused. As a courtesy, please notify administrators or instructors a day in advanced before the absence. Planned absences such as doctor appointments, family vacation, etc., must be communicated to the Campus Administrator via email.

Please note that if a student arrives late due to personal schedule, appointments, etc., students may not be able to participate in class and will be asked to observe that day. This will be at the discretion of the instructor.

Students can have one unexcused absence during preparations for the year-end showcase. Excused absences such as illness/injury (with doctor’s note), religious activities, or academic related events will not count against the student. Any extended absence of more than 2-3 days must be communicated in writing via email to the administrative team or to the appropriate Division Head. If the student has more than 3 absences, final decision of the student’s participation will be made by the School Director.

O B S P R O C E D U R E S 1 7

Academy students are required to participate in performance opportunities scheduled throughout the school year which includes community enrichment. Planned absences must be communicated to the School Director, Assistant to the School Director, or the School Performance Coordinator 3 weeks in advance. Multiple unexcused absences may affect future performance opportunities.

MAKE-UP CLASSThe opportunity to make up a class is at the discretion and advisement from instructors or artistic staff. Making up a class is contingent upon class availability and capacity. The make-up/absent form must be signed, completed, and turned into the Campus Administrator.

Students are only allowed to make up classes within their level or below. Students are not allowed to make up classes above their level. If a student cannot make-up their class at their enrolled campus, they must seek and receive approval from the campus’ instructor and administrator. Students will only be allowed to have a maximum of 3 make-up classes.

WITHDRAWALThe Withdrawal Form must be completed and submitted to the School Registrar in order to officially withdraw from the School. Any incomplete forms will not be processed. All verbal notifications will not be accepted, including phone calls and voicemails. The parent or guardian will be responsible for all tuition payments due until the School Registrar receives the Withdrawal Form. In addition, full tuition for the month the student stops attending classes is still due and will not be refunded. A student is not able to withdraw from the School until all financial obligations and balances have been met. The School may enlist the assistance of an outside collection agency to recover any remaining overdue balance.

Students/Families who do not notify OBS staff and submit the withdrawal form will not be refunded if tuition and fees were paid in full.

Students may be administratively withdrawn if circumstances become necessary.

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LEAVE OF ABSENCEStudents from time to time, may need to leave during the school year due to medical conditions or to recover from physical injury. A doctor’s note must be submitted with the withdrawal form (with the Leave of Absence option checked) in order to keep his/her registration status as active. The parent(s) or student must notify the School Registrar in writing, if/when they intend to return. If students decide not to return, an official Withdrawal Form will need to be submitted to withdraw from OBS for the remainder of the school year. All verbal notifications will not be accepted, including phone calls and voicemails. Excessive absences without email notification to instructors or school staff does not constitute as an official leave of absence. Families will still be responsible for tuition payment.

EVALUATIONSStudents receive a mid-year and year-end evaluation for the purposes of gauging progress and areas of improvement. Mid-year evaluations will often be general and informal. However, year-end evaluations are the primary tool used for level recommendations/promotions into the following year. Year-end evaluations will be sent to families via email. If a student is not promoted to the next level for the following year, students have the option to be re-evaluated after the summer. Completing the school year in the registered level/class does not guarantee automatic progression into the next level.

O B S P R O C E D U R E S 1 9

AUDITION AND REHEARSALOrlando Ballet School provides opportunities for our students to participate in professional productions. Students who audition for any Orlando Ballet Company production, including Nutcracker, are subject to the casting decisions made by the Orlando Ballet and Orlando Ballet School Artistic Staffs. Students who are chosen will be casted in roles necessary for the success of the production. This includes having adequate understudies in case of illness or injury for productions that may not allow for multiple casts. As a courtesy and respect to staff and other families and students, students are not permitted to decline any given roles, including understudy. Attendance at rehearsals are mandatory. More information on attendance at rehearsals will be communicated at the appropriate time.

YEAR-END SHOWCASEBaby & Me students and parents do not participate or have a year-end showcase. Pre-Primary 3’s (Dress Up & Dance) will have an in-house performance during their last week of classes.

Students who register prior to January 31 who submit the showcase fee will be able to participate in the showcase. Any students registering after January 31 will not be in the showcase due to the timeline of costume ordering and performance preparation. The showcase fee will be waived for these students. Please review the attendance policy for absences pertaining to the year-end showcase. In addition, to the attendance policy, accounts must be current and/or paid in full before the student’s designated showcase. Students will not be allowed to participate if there are any outstanding balances.

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4STUDENT AND

FAMILY BEHAVIOR

ETIQUETTE

O B S P R O C E D U R E S 2 1

STUDENT AND FAMILY BEHAVIOR ETIQUETTEAt Orlando Ballet School we strive to provide the highest quality of training and the safest environment for our student’s every day. In order to do so, we ask for your help and our students’ help in creating this environment. The School Director and OBS faculty are available to discuss any needs with a parent directly. We believe the following guidelines and commitment will help us to create this environment:

§ Following school rules

§ Being respectful of OBS staff, fellow students and their property

§ Remaining disciplined and focused on daily dance work

Understand all students are placed in the level that Orlando Ballet School Artistic Staff deems appropriate for optimal progression.

Students are expected to create a positive and supportive learning environment for themselves and for their fellow classmates.

We ask that all families accept the following responsibilities:

§ Support my child in his or her efforts in attending Orlando Ballet School by ensuring punctual transportation, supporting classroom methodology, and respecting the relationship between my child and his/her instructor.

§ Understand that my child may be dismissed from the classical ballet training program at OBS if he or she has unexcused and/or excessive absences.

§ Monitor OBS calendars, schedules and be aware of policies (including helping my child be correctly dressed in proper attire and hair for class), and be responsible for my child’s consistent participation in all scheduled events.

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§ Understand that students are not to be dropped off more than 15 minutes before class. All South Campus students must be escorted and signed in/out.

§ Realize that I (parent/caregiver) am not to leave the school facility during class time if my child is unable to manage bathroom duties alone, if your dancer is in the Pre-Primary 3 and/or 4 classes.

§ Respect the advisement of the OBS faculty regarding my child’s progress in their program.

§ Understand that the student may need to repeat their current level. Completing the school year does not guarantee an automatic progression to the next level. Every child develops differently both physically and cognitively. The decision to retain or advance a student is made with careful consideration keeping the child's best interest in mind.

§ Bring any problems or potential issues to OBS’ attention in a timely fashion to ensure all students’ needs are being met and addressed.

§ Be mindful of different viewpoints, cultures and lifestyles.

§ Be sure my child is aware of all Orlando Ballet School policies and the behavior that is expected of him/her while creating a supportive environment in the school and classroom.

§ OBS does not tolerate any of the following:

» Any form of bullying and/or cyber bullying and any similar actions that occur within the student body, offsite and/or onsite.

» Any form of violence, harassment or discriminatory remarks

» Inappropriate photos posted on social media

» Inappropriate physical touching of any kind

Evidence of such actions may result in school dismissal immediately.

Understand that OBS practices a Zero Tolerance Policy (regarding bullying, drugs, drinking, smoking, and vandalism) with regard to a more serious offense that can result in dismissal of the school.

S T U D E N T A N D F A M I L Y B E H A V I O R E T I Q U E T T E 2 3

Orlando Ballet School programs funded in part by:

C E N T R A L C A M P U S

2201 McRae AvenueOrlando, FL 32801407-418-9818

S O U T H C A M P U S

7988 Via Dellagio Way Suite 204Orlando, FL 32819407-352-9733

O R L A N D O B A L L E T . O R G