PARENT COMMUNITY

(Please refer to handbook for more information)"

What do I need to wear to class?"
Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet students may wear comfortable clothing they can move in. Ballet shoes are strongly recommended as they work best on our studio floors. Please make sure long hair is pulled up or back.Levels 1–7: Girls – pink tights under a black leotard (level 7 dancers may wear a solid colored leotard of their choice), pink ballet slippers. Split soles are permitted for levels 5 and above. Hair must be in a bun and/or pulled off the face. Boys – black tights and a plain white t-shirt, tucked in. Either black or white leather ballet slippers. Boys 13+ should wear a dance belt instead of underwear. Long hair must be pulled back. Dancers not dressed appropriately for class will be given one warning. Subsequent incidences will result in being asked to sit out.

Why can't I wear warm-ups in class?
Because we need to see your alignment and technique so we can help you develop properly to avoid injuries and achieve success.
PLEASE PUT YOUR NAME OR INITIALS ON YOUR SHOES, DANCEWEAR, AND WATER BOTTLES.

May I leave my belongings in the hall?
No. Please bring your belongings into the studio. This ensures security of your items and fire safety in the hall. PLEASE PUT YOUR NAME OR INITIALS ON YOUR SHOES, DANCEWEAR, AND WATER BOTTLES.

If I know more advanced steps why can't I do them, instead of working so slowly?
Because we want you to learn correctly, and execute steps cleanly and precisely. This ensures that you develop your muscles, correct alignment, and good solid technique, and also prevents injury.

Why can't I go en pointe before age 11?
Because your feet are not developed enough and being en pointe too early can harm your feet. This is why ballet feet have the reputation of being ugly.

I am an adult and have not danced before/in a long time. Are adult drop-in classes a good idea for me?
Definitely! If you are new to ballet you should start with a Beginning Ballet class. Then you can move up to the next level as soon as you feel ready. If it has been many years since you danced and you are worried that you don’t remember anything, you can certainly start with Beginning, but feel free to start with Beginning/Intermediate or Intermediate, depending on your previous experience.

Can I pay for an individual drop-in class with a credit card?
We prefer that you pay with cash or check for a single class, however single class punchcards are available at our registration site, Studio Director, with a credit card. Multi-class punchcards are also available for purchase through Studio Director.

When are Nutcracker auditions held?
Auditions for the Nutcracker are typically held the third week of August (check the fall schedule for the date) as follows—Levels 2B, 3A & 3B: 2–3 PM, Levels 4 & 5: 3–4:30 PM (bring pointe shoes), Levels 6 & 7: 4:30–6 PM (wear pointe shoes). Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time to register. If a dancer is under 18, a parent must sign the audition form. Forms will be available on our website and at the registration desk. You will need to know the dancer’s height for the audition form.

Is there any possibility that a dancer at a level lower than 2B can get a part?
Sorry, no.

What is the time commitment for my child if she/he gets a part?
From mid-September to late October, cast members are likely to rehearse on Saturday afternoon. From late October through mid-November, rehearsals typically run on Saturday and Sunday. The week before performances, there are additional rehearsal times. Performances at Macky Auditorium on the CU campus are Thanksgiving weekend and in Longmont the following weekend.

My child has a family vacation/wants to go skiing/ extracurricular school programs that conflict with attending rehearsals. Can she/he skip a few?
Cast members are not allowed to miss any rehearsals at all. Please do not have your dancer audition unless she/he is available throughout the Nutcracker season. Failure to attend rehearsals will result in dismissal from the cast.

Are there any other commitments I should know about?
Yes, there is a $150 performance fee (per student) that is due by the first rehearsal. In addition, a parent/guardian of the dancer is required to volunteer for a minimum of two shifts per family over the course of dress rehearsals and performances. Failure to fulfill your volunteer obligation will result in an additional fee of $150.

What's the Summer Intensive schedule?
Dates are July 12-30, 2021. Full schedule will be available in March.

Should we pack food and drinks to bring to class?
You will definitely want your child to bring a water bottle (marked with their name). They will need to stay well hydrated. If their class runs all day, have them pack a lunch. For level 3A/3B, they will want to have a snack. They are going to be working hard and will need plenty of fuel!

Will they need to bring anything for the conditioning and specials each day?
Students need to bring their pre-pointe or pointe shoes every day. Depending on their specials for the day, have them bring appropriate shoes and accessories, i.e. yoga mat, character or jazz shoes if they have them. Instructors will give them additional information on the first day of class.