Download 2016-2017 Handbook - Gwinnett Ballet Theatre

Gwinnett Ballet
Theatre
Handbook
Gwinnett Ballet Theatre
1800 Macleod Drive, Suite A
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
770-237-0046
gwinnettballet.org
Gwinnett Ballet Theatre is a non-profit Center
of Dance for the region surrounding a
20,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility in
the heart of Gwinnett County. GBT offers an
extensive performing season, comprehensive
excellence in training, and an enhanced
outreach program.
Mission Statement
Gwinnett Ballet Theatre has a two-fold
mission. The organization offers the best
dance education possible in a professional
environment while instilling knowledge
and love for dance. In regards to the
community, Gwinnett Ballet Theatre
educates and inspires audiences,
collaborates with other organizations, and
provides scholarship and outreach
programs.
The Pre-Academic Division
Creative Movement is designed as an introduction to dance for
the youngest dancer.
Creative Movement (Age 3-4) - One 45 minute class per week
*focus on rhythmic skills
Pre-Primary Ballet (Age 5) - One1 hour per week
*introduction to musicality and structure
Primary Ballet (Age 6) - One1 hour per week.
*introduction to ballet skills
The Academic Division
The Academic Division (beginning at age 7) provides continued
dance training in a rigorously structured environment.
All students are placed in appropriate levels at the discretion of
the faculty and the artistic director.
Level I - Two 1-hour ballet classes per week – 1 hour of jazz is
optional
Level II - Two 1 1/2-hour ballet classes per week – 1 hour of
jazz is optional
Level III - Three 2-hour ballet classes per week and one jazz
class. One Hip Hop class and one modern is optional.
Level IV - Four 2 hour ballet classes, one modern, one jazz class
per week. One Hip Hop class is optional.
Level V - Five 2-hour ballet classes, one jazz class and one
modern class per week. One Hip Hop class is optional.
Apprentice Level - Six 2-hour ballet classes, one jazz class and
one modern class per week. One Hip Hop class is optional. The
Apprentice Level is preparation for the Performance Division.
Performance Division
Six 2-hour ballet classes, one jazz class and one modern class per
week. One Hip Hop class is optional. Concentrates on theatrical
performance. Dancers must be 14 years or older. Rehearsal
hours are included in the program. Entrance is by invitation
only.
The Open Division
The Open Division is for students who do not wish to enroll in
the full Academic Program. Classes included in the Open
Division are Jazz, Hip Hip, Modern and Teen/Adult Ballet.
Gwinnet Ballet Theatre Ballet Program Dress Code
Dress Code for Girls:
Class Leotard

Motionwear Skirted Leotard Style #4311 in Cotton
Cr. Movement
Pink
o Pre-Primary
Pink
o Primary
Pink
 Motionwear Leotard Style # 2515
o I
Coral
o II
Rasberry
 Motionwear Leotard Style # 2516
(or 2504 – has removable bra)
o III
Royal Blue
o IV
Teal
o V
Ultra Violet
o App. Turquoise
o PD
White
 Black Leotard for performances, photo
shoots, special occasions, etc. (Levels IV –
PD)
 Motionwear Style # 2516 (or 2504)
 Mirella Chiffon Wrap Skirt #S12
#MS12, Black
 Tights - Body Wrappers Convertible (All
Levels)
 Child C45 in Ballet Pink
 Adult A45 in Ballet Pink
 Pink ballet slippers (All Levels)
Dress Code for Boys:




White short sleeve T-shirt (No designs or
logos)
Black tights or shorts
White ankle sox
White Ballet slippers
Open Program Dress Code
o Jazz I through VIII
 Bloch #495 tan slip on jazz shoe
 Any color leotard
 Black Sophie style shorts
 Tights optional with Sophie shorts
 Hair pulled back off the face
o Hip Hop
 Black Jazz/Hip Hop Sneaker
 Solid color t-shirt or tank top
 Sweat pants or long dance pants
 Hair pulled back off the face
o Modern
 Any color leotard
 Solid color t-shirt (bring it with you)
 Black Sophie style shorts or jazz pants
 Tights optional with Sophie shorts
 Hair pulled back off the face
o Dress Code for Teen/Adult Ballet
 Any Black Leotard
 Pink Tights
 Pink Ballet Slippers
School Policies
Students of Gwinnett Ballet Theatre are expected to maintain the
highest standard of discipline and to follow the school
regulations. Poor conduct will not be tolerated. Consistent
student misconduct may result in removal from class or
program, and forfeiture of tuition and fees.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
 Dancers should arrive at least 10 minutes prior to class time
in order to be ready to begin class at the scheduled time.
 Only appropriate attire is to be worn in class. Additional
garments are not to be worn unless authorized by the
teacher.
 There will be no talking in class.
 Dancers will conduct themselves in an appropriate and
respectful manner during class.
 There will be no gum allowed in the facility.
 There will be no misusage of the barres at any time.
 There will be no food or beverages other than water allowed
in the carpeted areas. Students may eat in the lobby or in the
kitchen.
 All students are expected to pick up after themselves. Action
will be taken with students abusing the facility
 The teacher will be treated with the utmost respect at all
times.
 The faculty will be properly thanked after each class.
 Gwinnett Ballet Theatre is not responsible for lost or stolen
articles.
CANCELLATION OF CLASSES
If Gwinnett County Schools are closed due to severe weather, we
will also be closed.
MAKE-UP CLASSES
There are no makeup classes. If a class is altered by GBT, the
class will be rescheduled.
CLASS PLACEMENT
The school is divided into three categories: Pre-Academic,
Academic and Open Division. In the Pre-Academic Division,
students are placed according to age so that they are learning in
a developmentally appropriate environment. Each student must
be the required age by September 1st of that year to enroll in a
class. Academic students are placed according to individual
potential, strength, and technical proficiency. Level
advancement is decided by evaluation and is considered on an
individual basis. Considerations often include a student’s
physical development with regard to injury prevention.
Children experience progression at their own rates and should
be rewarded for their own personal achievements without
making comparisons to classmates. Placement within a level is
subject to change solely at the discretion of the administration.
ATTENDANCE AND BEHAVIOR
Regular attendance of classes is essential in order to advance
through the levels of study. Courtesy is required at all times.
CLASS OBSERVATION
We respectfully request that parents and visitors who wish to
stay during their child’s class time remain in the lobby area.
Parents will not be permitted in the halls or studio areas. We
will have designated “parent observation days” twice during the
year so that you can observe your child’s progress.
TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
A limited amount of tuition assistance is available. Please check
with the school office for more information.
LOST & FOUND
Please look for lost articles of clothing in the “Lost & Found” box.
Any jewelry found will be kept in the office. The lost & found
box will be emptied at the end of each month.
TUITION
 REGISTRATION
An annual, non-refundable fee of $65.00 per student ($85.00
per family) is required at the time of registration, which
covers the school year from August through May.
 Monthly fees are calculated on ten (10) equal payments, not
on the number of classes per month. Those who wish to pay
tuition in advance will receive a 5% discount for annual
payment (Aug – May) if paying with cash or check. For
those with more than one child attending our school, a 10%
discount will be given for each additional child enrolled.
 All monthly tuition is non-refundable and must be submitted
by the 1st day of each month. After the 10th day of the
month, a late fee of $15 will be assessed unless prior
arrangements have been made with the front office. No
refunds will be made for unattended classes. Payments can
be made in cash, by check, or by credit card. A $45 fee will
be charged for any returned checks.
 Students are eligible for pro-rated tuition refund only if they
must withdraw from classes due to prolonged illness or
severe injury, verified by a doctor’s certificate.
 All tuition must be paid in full in order for the student to
participate in any GBT production, classes or recital. If a
student’s account is over 45 days past due, we will
respectfully remove your child from class until the account is
current.
WITHDRAWING STUDENTS
Once classes have begun, tuition is NOT refundable. The
school must be notified in writing when a student withdraws.
Students who miss class or withdraw before the end of the
month are still obligated for the full month’s tuition and the
following month’s fees. Refunds or deductions are not
permitted. Gwinnett Ballet Theatre reserves the right to
make final decisions on all refunds.
PERFORMANCE FEES– ($100.00 per student for each
production/recital)
This fee covers costs associated with GBT performances and is
calculated per production. Fees include any additional
rehearsal hours needed and must be paid in full prior to the
performance in order for the student to participate in any
GBT production.
RECITAL
All students may participate in a recital each spring which
concludes the school year. The performances provide an
opportunity for students to demonstrate the progress made
throughout the year and to gain stage experience. Students
of the School pay a Costume Fee of $80 per costume (paid in
two installments). A late fee of $10 is assessed if the costume
fee is not paid by the due date. Each dancer will receive two
complimentary tickets for the spring recital. Additional
tickets may be purchased at the Gwinnett Center Box Office
prior to the show.
The Guild
Gwinnett Ballet Theatre Guild provides volunteer and
financial support to GBT.
The GBT Guild helps Gwinnett Ballet Theatre to be a vibrant
member of the arts community.
We invite our parents to join the Guild in support of our
dancers and staff.
Publicity Policy
Any publicity materials or photographs pertaining to
Gwinnett Ballet Theatre including social, print, or electronic
methods must be coordinated through our Marketing
Department.
Gwinnett Ballet Theatre performances cannot be
photographed or videoed by anyone other than official
photographers/videographers assigned by GBT to cover
these events.
Costume Policy
All costumes used for performance or promotion must come
from the GBT costume shop.
Photography Release
Parents are asked to sign a photo release form as permission
to be photographed during classes, rehearsals, and
performances as GBT sees fit.
How Dance Education Can Positively Affect
Your Child’s Mental, Physical and
Emotional Development.
The majority of our GBT dancers receive excellent grades in
school. Many of our graduates receive not only dance
scholarships but scholastic scholarships and are at the top of
their academic classes. Why is this?
Numerous studies show how a dance education can benefit a
child’s overall development in many areas. It has been proven
that young dancers develop neural pathways through movement
patterning that are essential to language acquisition, reading
readiness, and mathematical ability. Research has shown that
perceptual/motor ability is related to the acquisition of more
complex skills.
In other words, whether your child becomes a professional
dancer or enjoys dance as an extracurricular activity, there are
great benefits to many aspects of the child’s life.
Here are just a few of the many physical and social benefits
offered by dance education:
 Practice self-discipline and learn to cooperate with
others.
 Develop strong, healthy bodies through physical exercise
which also releases energy in a constructive way.
 Become more self-aware through by expressing feelings
through movement.
 Increase self-esteem.
 Strengthen the ability to listen and follow directions.
 Discover the value of individual differences and
appreciate diverse cultural expressions.
Intellectually, there are many benefits. The information below
was taken from Suite101.com:
“In addition to the overlaps with other subjects, learning dance in school
can lead to high grades through an overall increase in mental ability. In
dance class, Carter (1) explains, students practice physical exercises that
“‘stimulate mental alertness, modeling, sequencing, attention to detail, and
memorization skills,’ thereby promoting the learning process." When kids
learn to dance, they learn important skills, like how to pick up new ideas
quickly, to pay attention to small details, and to focus on the task at hand.
In a controlled study of high school students, there was a statistically
significant difference in the grades of dancer and non-dancer groups. The
dancers’ overall Grade Point Average was 3.22, while the non-dancer
group averaged a 2.87. This equates to the difference between a B+ and a
B-.
Non-dancers average two grade scales below students who have dance
lessons; these students, if they had access to dance in school, could do
much better. Dancers' high grades suggest to Carter that “dancers are able
to manage themselves better in a variety of academic situations, have
higher levels of self-discipline, and have better coping skills thereby
achieving higher academic success.”
The positive effects of dance in school go beyond high GPA into
standardized testing. According to Carter, “the College Board revealed
that students who take arts courses tend to score higher on the Scholastic
Aptitude Test (SAT) than those who do not,” and are more likely to be
successful in college.
(1) Carter, Carmen S. Effects of Formal Dance Training and
Education on Student Performance, Perceived Wellness, and
Self-concept in High School Students. Diss. University of
Florida, 2004. Web.