Studio Policies
Brevard Ballet Academy

Trial Class Policy

Brevard Ballet Academy welcomes new students to experience our program with one complimentary trial class.

• ▪One free trial class is available for all first-time students.
• ▪Trial classes are offered by appointment and are subject to class availability.
• ▪The Academy Director or faculty will use the trial class to evaluate the student’s age, experience, and ability to determine appropriate class placement.
• ▪Students should arrive 10–15 minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork and become familiar with the studio.
• ▪Trial students should wear comfortable, form-fitting athletic clothing. Ballet shoes are encouraged but not required for the trial class.
• ▪Participation in a trial class does not guarantee placement in a specific level or class.
• ▪Following the trial class, families will receive class placement recommendations and registration information.

Placement evaluation is done by the Artistic Director before the first day of classes. Student enrollment is done through the Brevard Ballet Portal.

Class Placement

Class placement at Brevard Ballet Academy is determined by the Academy Director and faculty based on each student’s age, previous training, technical ability, physical development, and overall readiness for a particular level. To ensure safe and healthy dancer development:

• ▪New students may be asked to participate in a trial or evaluation class before placement is finalized.
• ▪Placement is based on individual ability and development, not age alone.
• ▪Students may be recommended for a different level than previously studied in order to strengthen technical foundations.
• ▪Faculty may adjust a student’s placement during the year if it is determined that another level would better support the student’s progress.
• ▪All placement decisions made by the Academy Director are final.

Our goal is to place every student in the environment where they can develop proper technique, build confidence, and achieve long-term success in ballet training.

Competition Team Placement

Participation in Brevard Ballet Academy’s competition program is by invitation only. Dancers are selected at the discretion of the Artistic Director based on technical ability, artistry, work ethic, consistency, and overall readiness for competitive performance. Placement decisions are made in the best interest of both the individual dancer and the overall quality of the competition pieces.

Exclusive Training Policy

To preserve the integrity and consistency of our training program, students enrolled in Brevard Ballet Academy are expected to receive their primary classical ballet instruction exclusively through Brevard Ballet Academy.

Students may not enroll in, train with, rehearse, or perform with other local dance studios or ballet schools while actively enrolled at Brevard Ballet Academy. Participation in workshops, summer/winter intensives, or master classes outside the Academy is permitted only with prior approval from the Academy Director.

Any exception to this policy is at the sole discretion of the Academy Director. Failure to comply may result in reevaluation of a student’s enrollment or class placement.

Registration & Fees

A one-time annual registration fee per student secures enrollment for the season and helps cover administrative and studio costs. Placement in each level is determined by the faculty based on age, experience, and readiness to ensure every student is appropriately challenged and supported.

Costume, recital, and performance fees are separate from tuition and are announced well in advance of each production so families can plan accordingly.

Classroom Etiquette

At Brevard Ballet Academy, we strive to create a positive, respectful, and supportive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to grow both as a dancer and as an individual. Students are expected to conduct themselves with kindness, responsibility, and respect at all times. Students are expected to:

• ▪Arrive on time and ready to participate.
• ▪Be respectful to instructors, staff, fellow students, and parents.
• ▪Listen attentively and follow instructions promptly.
• ▪Demonstrate a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
• ▪Accept corrections with respect and apply them to improve.
• ▪Care for studio property and equipment.
• ▪Keep personal property (ballet bags) neat, out of walkways, and in a cubby when not actively in use.
• ▪Represent Brevard Ballet Academy with professionalism and respect both inside and outside the studio.

Wellness Expectations

Healthy dancers perform at their best. Brevard Ballet Academy encourages students to develop habits that support their physical and mental well-being. Students are encouraged to:

• ▪Stay well hydrated before, during, and after class.
• ▪Eat nutritious meals and snacks to fuel their training.
• ▪Get adequate rest each night to support recovery and performance.
• ▪Practice proper stretching and warm-up techniques before and after class.
• ▪Listen to their bodies and communicate any pain or discomfort to an instructor.

Student Social Media Expectations

• ▪To maintain a respectful and focused learning environment, students are not permitted to take photos or record videos during class, rehearsals, or performances unless authorized by an instructor.
• ▪Students should respect the privacy of others by obtaining permission before posting photos or videos that include fellow dancers, faculty, or staff. We encourage all social media content to reflect the positive values and supportive community of Brevard Ballet Academy.

Kindness and Respect Policy

• ▪Bullying, intimidation, unkind behavior, or repeated actions or words that make another person feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or excluded will not be tolerated. Students are expected to treat instructors, staff, classmates, and families with kindness, courtesy, and respect at all times.
• ▪Any concerns should be reported to the Academy Director and will be addressed promptly and fairly. When necessary, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken to ensure a positive learning environment for all students.

Disciplinary Procedures

Brevard Ballet Academy is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment for all students. When behavioral concerns arise, disciplinary action will be determined based on the nature and severity of the situation. Disciplinary actions may include:

• ▪Verbal warning or correction
• ▪Parent or guardian notification
• ▪Meeting with the Academy Director
• ▪Temporary removal from class or rehearsal
• ▪Suspension from classes or Academy activities
• ▪Dismissal from Brevard Ballet Academy

The Academy Director reserves the right to determine the appropriate course of action. Serious or repeated misconduct, including bullying, harassment, disruptive behavior, or actions that compromise the safety or well-being of others, may result in immediate suspension or dismissal.

Participation in dance classes, rehearsals, performances, workshops, camps, and other activities at Brevard Ballet Academy involves physical activity and carries inherent risks, including but not limited to falls, muscle strains, sprains, fractures, and other injuries. By enrolling a student at Brevard Ballet Academy, the parent/guardian (or adult student) acknowledges and agrees to the following:

Assumption of Risk

I understand that participation in dance instruction and related activities involves inherent risks of injury. I voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation and accept full responsibility for any injury, illness, or accident that may occur while participating in Academy activities or while on Academy premises.

Medical Authorization

In the event of an emergency, I authorize Brevard Ballet Academy to seek emergency medical treatment for my child (or myself, if an adult student) if I cannot be reached immediately. I understand that I am financially responsible for any medical expenses incurred.

Release of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless Brevard Ballet Academy, its owners, directors, instructors, staff, volunteers, and independent contractors from any claims, demands, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to participation in Academy activities, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Health Responsibility

I certify that my child (or I) is physically able to participate in dance activities. I agree to notify the Academy of any medical conditions, injuries, allergies, or limitations that may affect participation.

Personal Property

Brevard Ballet Academy is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings, including dancewear, costumes, shoes, electronics, or other personal items brought to the studio.

Acknowledgment

The liability waiver is signed by every family as a condition of participation at Brevard Ballet Academy. The full waiver, with signature lines, is included in the Student Handbook and is signed during enrollment in the Brevard Ballet Portal.