Student & Parent Handbook 2026–2027
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. OUR MISSION
2. NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
3. ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
4. ATTENDANCE POLICY
5. MAKE-UP CLASS POLICY
6. REGISTRATION, EARLY WITHDRAWAL & RE-REGISTRATION POLICY
7. DRESS CODE & UNIFORM POLICY
8. STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
9. PARENT EXPECTATIONS
10. OBSERVATION POLICY
11. PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
12. COMMUNITY RESPECT
13. RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE
14. POLICY CHANGES
15. CONTACT INFORMATION
1. OUR MISSION
The European Ballet School is committed to providing exceptional ballet training rooted in the traditions of classical ballet. We strive to foster discipline, creativity, respect, and a strong work ethic in every student.
Our goal is to create an educational and supportive environment where dancers can grow both technically and personally. We believe that true progress comes through dedication, honest guidance, and appropriate challenges that help each student build confidence, resilience, artistry, and a lifelong appreciation for ballet.
Through their training, students develop skills and values that support success not only in dance, but also in life.
2. NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The European Ballet School welcomes students of all backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
3. ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
The European Ballet School is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for all students. Bullying, harassment, intimidation, or exclusionary behavior will not be tolerated. Students are expected to treat teachers, classmates, and families with kindness and respect.
4. ATTENDANCE POLICY
“Repetition is the mother of learning.”
Regular attendance is essential for progress in ballet training. Consistency and repetition help students build discipline, retain ballet vocabulary and technique rules, and apply them toward developing proper technique. This process supports correct muscle memory, healthy ballet physical development, strength, coordination, a strong connection between the brain and the body, control, and confidence.
• Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes.
• Absences should be reported through the online student account as soon as possible.
• Frequent absences may affect class progress, casting decisions, and performing opportunities.
• Students who miss classes are responsible for catching up on missed material.
• Excessive absences may result in a recommendation to repeat a level for the following year.
5. MAKE-UP CLASS POLICY
We understand that occasional absences are unavoidable.
To be eligible for a make-up class:
• The absence must be submitted through the student’s online account.
• After reporting the absence, a make-up class request must also be submitted through the online portal.
• The student must be currently enrolled in classes.
• Summer programs are excluded from make-up classes.
Please note:
• The school will make reasonable efforts to accommodate a make-up class when appropriate.
• Make-up classes are not guaranteed and depend on class availability.
• Make-up classes have no cash value and cannot be credited toward tuition.
• Missed classes are non-refundable.
6. REGISTRATION, EARLY WITHDRAWAL & RE-REGISTRATION POLICY
A non-refundable registration fee of $50 per student is due upon enrollment each school year. The registration fee is a one-time fee and will not be charged again as long as the student remains continuously enrolled from August through May.
If a student chooses to discontinue classes:
• Written notice of withdrawal must be provided at least thirty (30) days before the next tuition payment is due.
• Tuition remains the responsibility of the family during the 30-day notice period regardless of attendance.
• Students who stop attending classes without providing written notice remain responsible for all tuition charges until official withdrawal is communicated and the notice period has been satisfied.
• If tuition payments are not made and there is no communication from the family, the student may be considered withdrawn from the program.
Class holds
• Class placements and enrollment spots cannot be held without payment of tuition.
• Students who take a break from classes, regardless of the reason, may lose their place in class.
• Returning students are subject to class availability and re-registration requirements.
Students who withdraw from the school and later wish to return:
• Re-enrollment is subject to class availability.
• A new registration fee may apply.
• Previous class placement is not guaranteed and may be reassessed by faculty.
• Previous casting decisions and performance roles may not be available upon re-enrollment.
• Any outstanding balances must be paid before re-enrollment can occur.
7. DRESS CODE & UNIFORM POLICY
Proper dance attire promotes discipline, safety, freedom of movement, and allows teachers to observe alignment and technique effectively.
Students are expected to arrive at each class dressed appropriately according to their level requirements.
Dress Code Enforcement: Students who do not meet dress code requirements may be asked to observe class rather than participate.
Girls
Hair must be neatly secured in a classical ballet bun for all ballet classes.
• Students should wear the required class leotard, pink ballet tights, and pink ballet slippers unless otherwise instructed.
• Pointe students must bring approved pointe shoes only after receiving teacher permission.
• Jewelry should not be worn to class, with the exception of small stud earrings.
• Undergarments should not be visible under dance attire.
Boys
Hair should be neat and secured away from the face if long.
• Students should wear a white fitted T-shirt or the school’s approved dance top.
• Black tights are required.
• Black ballet slippers are required.
• A dance belt is strongly recommended for older male students for proper support and comfort.
• Jewelry should not be worn during class.
8. STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to:
• Arrive on time and prepared for class.
• Adhere to the school’s dress code and uniform requirements.
• Demonstrate respect toward teachers, classmates, staff, and facilities.
• Listen carefully and follow instructions.
• Show good sportsmanship and encourage fellow dancers.
• Maintain appropriate behavior during class and performances.
• Refrain from disruptive, unsafe, or disrespectful conduct.
9. PARENT EXPECTATIONS
Parents are expected to support their child’s training by maintaining respectful communication with the school and helping students follow school policies and expectations.
Parents are expected to:
• Communicate with the school through official communication channels.
• Respond to important school communication in a timely manner.
• Ensure students arrive on time, prepared, and dressed according to the dress code.
• Support regular attendance and punctuality.
• Submit absences and make-up requests through the online student account when needed.
• Pay tuition and fees on time and keep payment information current.
• Respect teacher decisions regarding class placement, corrections, casting, and performance participation.
• Follow observation, waiting area, restroom, backstage, and dressing room policies.
• Treat teachers, staff, students, and other families with respect.
The partnership between parents, students, and teachers is important for creating a positive, disciplined, and productive learning environment.
10. OBSERVATION POLICY
To promote student independence, minimize distractions, and maintain a focused learning environment, parents and visitors are generally not permitted to observe classes.
• The European Ballet School may offer designated Parent Observation Weeks during the school year. Families will be notified in advance of these opportunities.
• Parents and visitors are not permitted on the dance floor unless specifically invited by the instructor for a special event or emergency situation.
• Parents should remain in the designated waiting areas while classes are in session.
• If a parent needs to speak with a teacher, please contact the school through official communication channels.
• Parents are not allowed backstage or in the dressing room during performances unless they are assigned volunteers.
• Parents, family members, and visitors must follow all studio policies regarding observation, photography, videography, and classroom conduct.
This observation policy is designed to help students develop confidence, independence, focus, and self-discipline while providing the best possible learning environment for all dancers
LIVE STREAM OBSERVATION NOTICE
European Ballet School may provide live video streaming of certain classes, rehearsals, or performances for observation purposes only by parents, guardians, family members, and invited guests who are unable to attend in person.
The live stream is intended solely for real-time viewing. European Ballet School does not record, store, archive, distribute, sell, or publicly share these live-streamed videos. Access to the live stream is limited to authorized viewers designated by the school.
11. PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Performance opportunities are an important part of ballet education and provide students with valuable stage experience. Participation in performances is a privilege.
Participation in performances may be affected by:
• Attendance and punctuality
• Classroom behavior and preparedness
• Mastery of choreography
• Compliance with school policies and deadlines
• Adherence to dress code and performance requirements
All applicable studio policies apply during performances, including performances held off-site.
The faculty reserves the right to determine performance participation, casting decisions, and eligibility based on what is in the best interest of the student, the class, and the production.
12. COMMUNITY RESPECT & TRAINING CONSISTENCY POLICY
We ask all families, students, and staff to respect our studio community by keeping communication positive and focused on our training environment. To support consistent progress and proper technique development, we ask that external training methods or other dance programs are not discussed or promoted within studio spaces or communication channels, as consistency in training is important for proper technique development. Any concerns should be brought directly to the studio director so they can be addressed appropriately.
13. RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE
European Ballet School reserves the right to dismiss any student or family whose conduct is disruptive, abusive, unsafe, or inconsistent with school policies.
14. POLICY CHANGES
The European Ballet School reserves the right to update or modify policies outlined in this handbook as necessary. Families will be notified of significant changes.
15. CONTACT INFORMATION
THE EUROPEAN BALLET SCHOOL
Website: www.theeuropeanballetschool.com
Email: europeanballetschool@gmail.com
Phone: 770-773-0114
Thank you for being part of The European Ballet School family. We look forward to another wonderfu