Ballet Wichita Academy is a community of dance enthusiasts who seek to share that love with others. We do this through our values and mission. These unite us under a common purpose, and hold us to a high standard of artistic ideals and excellent character.

Our Values:
Community - Centered
High-caliber Education
Positive Environment
Respect Culture
Whole-Person Development
Pursuit of Excellence


Our Mission:
At Ballet Wichita Academy, we create a space where every dancer feels a deep sense of belonging and purpose. Rooted in community and fueled by positivity, we provide high-caliber dance education that honors growth grounded in care of the whole-person. With dedication to excellence, we nurture individual goals, celebrate progress over perfection, and empower each dancer to move with confidence, connection, and joy.


Definitions of Values:

Community - Individuals coming together to support, encourage, and empower each other in pursuit of a goal.

High-Caliber Education - A highly trained faculty, teaching the most comprehensive ballet education Wichita has to offer, with additional focus in other dance disciplines to create a well-rounded dancer.

Positivity - An atmosphere where challenges are met with an attitude of optimism, encouragement and determination, and all wins are celebrated by faculty, staff, volunteers and students.

Respect - An atmosphere where all people are treated with kindness and compassion.

Whole-person minded - Faculty and staff lead from a position of care; considering each person’s mental/emotional/physical health, and life experiences.

Excellence - Faculty, staff, volunteers and students are committed to a high standard of decorum, dress code, speech, and give their full effort to their given roles and assignments.



Academy Divisions & Levels

Ballet Wichita Academy Divisions


Children’s Division Ages 3 - 5 Creative Movement
Ages 5 - 7 Primary Ballet

Preparatory Division Program / Level Level 1 + Supplementals
Determined by Level 2 + Supplementals
Placement class

Intermediate / Advanced Program / Level Level 3 + Supplementals
Division Determined by Level 4 + Supplementals
Placement class

Advanced / Pre-Professional Program / Level Level 5 and up
Division Determined by + Supplementals
Placement class

Community Dancer Approx. Ages 10 - 18 Level 2 + Supplementals
Division Level Determined by Level 3 + Supplementals
Placement class Level 4 + Supplementals
All “open” classes

Teen / Adult Dancer Ages 15+ All “open” classes
Division All Teen / Adult classes


* ”Supplementals” refers to all classes outside of ballet technique classes. This includes, but is not limited to: contemporary, jazz, conditioning, dance exploration, pre-pointe / pointe, pas de deux, variations, men’s, tap, music theater, and pilates.

* ”Open” classes refer to those with the “open” distinction in the schedule. These classes are available to dancers of many levels and disciplines.

* ”Teen / Adult” classes refer to those with the “Teen / Adult” distinction in the schedule.


Descriptions of Divisions


Children’s Division

The Children’s Program is designed to inspire a life-long love of dance for students ages 3 – 7. Through age-appropriate curriculum, students build confidence and capacity in their physical potential, while imagination and artistic expression develop their unique sense of creativity. The fundamentals of classical ballet are gradually introduced, setting students up for success as they graduate into the Preparatory Program.

Preparatory Division

The Preparatory Program is ideal for students with approximate ages 7 - 12, placed in levels through a placement class. It explores the beauty and rigor of classical ballet and (encouraged, but not required) introduction to other dance disciplines (supplemental classes.) Students in the Preparatory Division develop strong foundations, rooted in responsible, informed, and healthy dance technique that helps prevent injury. This program supports their future advancement into pre-professional training or the pursuit of other passions in dance.


Intermediate / Advanced Division

The Intermediate / Advanced Program elevates the potential of ambitious students who have found their passion in dance. Like the Preparatory Program, the Intermediate / Advanced Program is based on responsible, informed, and healthy dance technique that helps prevent injury. Pointe work is a possibility for many dancers (but not required,) and is introduced as students advance their skill in both ballet and other dance styles (highly encouraged supplemental classes) for a well-rounded dance education. Artistic expression takes on increased focus and students begin developing their knowledge of style and repertoire.


Advanced / Pre-Professional Division

The Advanced Division is the pinnacle of pre-professional training and is aimed at preparing students for future careers in dance or collegiate pursuits. Advanced Division students continue to refine their technical knowledge and capacity safely with or without pointe work. A well-rounded dance education through supplemental classes are required. They also explore and develop their unique gifts as performing artists.


Community Dancer Division

The Community Dancer Program features programming that offers expanded flexibility, and diverse class options for students approximately ages 10 – 18. The program’s structure is designed to support students who may be interested in a single class or more as an enhancement to other pursuits or who are looking to design a more individualized class schedule. This program is ideal for community studio dancers to take extra classes with BWA, music theater students who already have a background in dance, dancers who also play sports and/or instruments, or who have a rigorous academic schedule, etc.


Teen / Adult Division

The Teen / Adult Program is designed with a variety of dance classes for those who begin their dance training in their teen / adult years, or for those returning to dance as a familiar pursuit from their past. Taught by our expert faculty in a relaxed but still challenging environment, classes are offered on a flexible, drop-in basis or with the choice to enroll. Whether you’re exploring dance for the first time or have years of experience, our Teen / Adult Program connects adults at all levels to the best Ballet Wichita Academy has to offer.


Division Notes:

The Academy Director (with the help of teaching faculty) will assist in finding the right placement for each dancer and help students/families understand the course of study based on the chosen division.

Divisions can be changed, based on what currently fits a dancer's needs best.

The Teen / Adult Division is a stand alone division, not necessarily connected to the others. However, like above, division choices can be changed based on the dancer’s needs.


Notes on progress reports and level placement:

Students are evaluated for class level and division placements on an individual basis, not by age or class group. This practice allows each student to progress at their own pace without pressure to compare themselves to others, optimizing their learning experience.

It is very common for students to repeat a level. In fact, students should expect to repeat a level at least once or twice during the course of their training at the Academy. Moving through levels too quickly can have a detrimental effect on student training and can hinder progress at more advanced levels. For the safety and benefit of our students, we take proper level placement very seriously and strongly encourage parents to defer to the expertise of our faculty when placement decisions are made. We consider it our responsibility to work in the best interest of each student.

Readiness for pointe work is evaluated during the year for students in Preparatory Division Level 2 who show potential and capacity to move on to the Intermediate / Advanced Division Level 3. Faculty consider the decision to place a student on pointe a serious responsibility. In keeping with that responsibility, the Academy strongly recommends all students receive a formal pointe evaluation conducted by a doctor. The final decision to place a student on pointe is based on classroom observation, and the expert opinions of Academy faculty and leadership. Faculty must consider each student’s safety and well-being on an individual basis, with regard to anatomical structure, injury prevention, strength, flexibility and technical ability. Those students who are recommended to begin pointe will be required to attend The Annual Pointe Intensive in the Summer to start their pointe training. This invitation to begin pointe work will be included in the Spring Student Evaluation, delivered by email to the parent.

BALLET WICHITA
RELEASE, INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT
In consideration of participating in BALLET WICHITA activities, and for other good and valuable consideration, I hereby agree to release and discharge from liability arising from negligence BALLET WICHITA, its owners, directors, officers employees, agents, volunteers, participants, and all other persons or entities acting for them (hereinafter collectively referred to as Releasees), on behalf of myself and my children, parents, heirs, assigns, personal representative and estate, and also agree as follows:

I acknowledge that participating in BALLET WICHITA activities involves known and unanticipated risks that could result in physical or emotional injury, paralysis or permanent disability, death, and property damage. Risks include, but are not limited to, broken bones, torn ligaments or other injuries as a result of falls or contact with other participants; death as a result of drowning or brain damage caused by near drowning in pools or other bodies of water; medical conditions resulting from physical activity; and damaged clothing or other property. I understand such risks simply cannot be eliminated, despite the use of safety equipment, without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the activity.
I expressly accept and assume all of the risks inherent in this activity or that might have been caused by the negligence of the Releasees. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary and I elect to participate despite the risks. In addition, if at any time I believe that event conditions are unsafe or that I am unable to participate due to physical or medical conditions, then I will immediately discontinue participation.
I hereby voluntarily release, forever discharge, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Releasees from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action which are in any way connected with my participation in this activity, or my use of their equipment or facilities, arising from negligence. This release does not apply to claims arising from intentional conduct. Should Releasees or anyone acting on their behalf be required to incur attorney fees and costs to enforce this agreement, I agree to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs.
I represent that I have adequate insurance to cover any injury or damage I may suffer or cause while participating in this activity, or else I agree to bear the costs of such injury or damage myself. I further represent that I have no medical or physical condition that could interfere with my safety in this activity, or else I am willing to assume – and bear the costs of – all risks that may be created, directly or indirectly, by any such condition.
In the event that I file a lawsuit, I agree to do so in the state where Releasees facility is located, and I further agree that the substantive law of that state shall apply.
I agree that if any portion of this agreement is found to be void or unenforceable, the remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect.
By signing this document, I agree that if I am hurt or my property is damaged during my participation in this activity, then I may be found by a court of law to have waived my right to maintain a lawsuit against the parties being released on the basis of any claim for negligence.

I have had sufficient time to read this entire document and, should I choose to do so, consult with legal counsel prior to signing. Also, I understand that this activity might not be made available to me or that the cost to engage in this activity would be significantly greater if I were to choose not to sign this release, and agree that the opportunity to participate at the stated cost in return for the execution of this release is a reasonable bargain. I have read and understood this document and I agree to be bound by its terms.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND MEDICAL RELEASE STATEMENT

Participation in Ballet Wichita Academy is completely voluntary. I/we have reviewed the dancer agreement and choose to participate with a full and complete understanding and acceptance of the risks associated with taking classes with Ballet Wichita Academy. I assume complete responsibility for any injury to me/my child that may occur during Ballet Wichita Academy & Ballet Wichita activities/while on any premises in which dance classes may occur and hold harmless Ballet Wichita Academy & Ballet Wichita, the sponsors, promoters, or other persons associated with Ballet Wichita against accidents, or injury.

FURTHERMORE: I HEREBY give permission for me/ and or my child to receive medical/dental treatment when deemed necessary for the entire period that I/or my child is participating in Ballet Wichita Academy & Ballet Wichita classes. I/we will not in any way hold Ballet Wichita Academy or Ballet Wichita responsible for any treatment deemed necessary for medical/dental services.