Ballet Policies & Procedures

The Carlsbad Dance Centre strives to provide the best and most comprehensive ballet training possible. A good ballet dancer is developed on a foundation of regimented training & discipline. Our ballet staff requests that you and your dancer read this Policies & Procedures section carefully to ensure that you both understand what's expected and required before they attend their next ballet class.

Any ballet student not wearing the proper shoes or attire (as described in this section) will not participate in that lesson. Additionally, any ballet dancer whose hair bun does not remain secure will be asked to sit out the remainder of that lesson. If a dancer is asked to sit out, they will not leave the classroom but will, instead, view the remainder of the lesson quietly from the side. In order to keep our ballet students training and learning at the highest level, we respectfully ask for your compliance with the following requirements.

NOTE:  All Ballet classes are “technique” only and do not perform individual dances in the recital. A Ballet Production number is offered to ballet students that would like to perform in the recital. There are additional charges for rehearsal fees and costumes to participate in the Ballet Production.

Dress Code

  • All dancers are required to wear clean PINK tights and clean PINK ballet slippers.
  • No tan or black tights and no jazz shoes or lyrical shoes.
  • Pre-ballet/Ballet I - Pink or Black Leotard
  • Ballet II, III, IV - Black Leotard
  • Intermediate/Advanced - Black or Solid Color Leotard
  • All dancers are required to wear hair in an approved bun. No ponytails please. Any dancer whose haircut is ear length or shorter is required to wear pigtails or a headband to keep hair away from the face.
  • Please remove all jewelry and watches before class. Stud earrings may be left in.
  • No attached skirts please. Skirts may only be worn after barre exercises and only at the discretion of the instructor. Younger dancers are encouraged not to wear skirts since they can be more of a distraction than an accessory. No Tutus.
  • Dance sweaters and leg warmers may be worn during the colder months, but they must fit the body snugly. No sweatshirts, sweatpants, shorts or t-shirts. All bulky clothing items must be removed before class begins.
  • Don't forget to cover up after class! Keeping freshly worked muscles warm is one of the best forms of injury prevention. Change into street shoes! Ballet slippers are not designed to withstand the wear from brick or pavement.

Hair, Attire & Shoes

  • Buns must be neat and held up with hairnets and bobby pins. Hair should be sprayed and bangs or layers should be pulled back with pins, barrettes, or gel.
  • Pinned braids or bun clamps are allowed but must be neat & secure.
  • Please replace torn or stained tights before your next class.
  • Ballet slippers must have an elastic strap sewn on (NO KNOTS), have a drawstring and be free from excessive holes. Drawstrings should be tightened around the foot, tied into a knot and cut down to one inch with the excess tucked into the shoe. Check knot frequently to avoid losing the drawstring in the shoe.

Class Conduct

  • Dancers should arrive on time and prepared to begin class. Any dancer arriving more than 10-minutes late may be asked to sit out during that lesson. This is because the exercises that are typically done during the first 10-minutes of class are the most important to warm up and stretch the muscles. Dancers that skip these exercises are more prone to injury and should not attempt to leap into class without the proper warm up.
  • Please be polite and show respect to the instructor and other dancers by refraining from talking during class. Questions are welcomed and are an important part of the learning process. However, please do not make comments or ask questions that do not directly pertain to class. The instructor will listen to comments and answer general questions after class.
  • No cell phones or other electronic devices that will interrupt class.
  • No chewing gum, food or drink in the classroom. Water bottles only!

Attendance

  • Regular attendance is required in order to progress.
  • Those dancers that miss more than three (3) classes in a row, or those that have inconsistent attendance may be moved to a lower level if they are not progressing at the same rate as their class peers. Dancers that have missed should schedule a make-up class of the same or lower level within one month of the absence.
  • Dancers on the Competition Team must attend class regularly and must make-up any absences within one month. Instructors do keep track and excessive absences will result in removal from the team.

General Information

If a ballet lesson is part of your dance day, please arrive at the studio ready for your ballet class by wearing your ballet attire under other dance clothes. Have your hair already prepared in a secure ballet bun. Dancers are not to use the restrooms as dressing rooms between classes.

  • Please allow the instructors to make all decisions regarding level and class placement. Each dancer is carefully placed in a class that the instructor feels is the best for that dancer's age and abilities. We cannot accommodate dancers for reasons such as friends, carpools, etc. Remember that each dancer progresses at their own pace and some groups that start ballet together will often not be in the same class after a year or two.
  • A dancer may be advanced in tap or jazz, but without the proper turn-out, strength, flexibility or knowledge of vocabulary, they may be placed in levels lower in ballet.
  • Dancers will be tested on vocabulary and flexibility at least twice a year.
  • Dancers should speak to the instructor regarding any injuries or other problems that may interfere with their abilities before class begins. Remember that general muscle soreness is normal and not considered to be an injury. Any dancer or parent seeking personal counsel with a ballet matter should make an appointment with the instructor.