Policies & Regulations

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students

The Anneliese von Oettingen School of Ballet admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Dress Code

Girls: Pink tights, pink ballet slippers, black leotard (any style), hair pulled back in ballet bun. Tights must cover feet-no cut offs! No shorts or t-shirts. Ballet skirts are permitted. (Wrap skirts are not recommended for younger students.) Pointe shoes may be worn only with instructor’s permission, and only if student is taking 2 lessons per week. Boys: black leotard, black tights or bike shorts, black or white slippers, white tee shirt.

Items for purchase may be found at Fabulous Feet Dance Wear located across the street from the Cheviot studio location. If purchasing new ballet slippers, please allow the instructor to check the fit before wearing or sewing elastic in case they need to be exchanged.

Classroom Rules

1. Hair must be pinned back

2. No Jewelry

3. No candy, gum chewing, or toys

4. Prior to class, please wait quietly for your class to begin (no screaming, running etc.)

5. No disorderly conduct (screaming, running, talking, or hanging on the bar during class)

6. Keep your hands to yourself

7. Treat your fellow students and teacher with respect

8. No unkind remarks or inappropriate language

These rules exist for the safety and well being of all the students.

The School of Ballet and our Instructors will not be held responsible for any loss, theft or injury.

Disciplinary Actions

Poor behavior will result in the following actions being taken:

First offense: Verbal warning

Second offense: Written warning and a ten minute time-out

Third offense: Written warning, a call to your parents, time-out for the rest of class

Fourth offense: You are expelled

If a student chooses to break the rules four times, then they should not be here.

It is not fair to the rest of the students who want to learn.

Parents are permitted to watch class, but please do not try to teach or help your child during class. That is the instructor’s job. It is also very distracting to the rest of the students. Should the need arise during class; we are more than happy to ask for your help. We encourage you to come and watch so you can see your child’s progress on special Observation Days held the last lesson of each month.

New Policies September 2010

The Staff at the School of Ballet places students first. We want to carefully consider each individual emotion and concern and provide the perfect environment for encouraging progress in every class. To that end we need to carefully lay the necessary boundaries for each student to feel at ease. We also want to establish the necessary trust and collaboration between teacher, student, parent, and staff to create a nurturing support structure for each dancer.

Communication with Guest Artists

All of our guest instructors have made time in their very busy careers to share their talents with our students. We all need to respect their time. We therefore insist that parents and students direct all questions through Conni, Laura B or Laura H. Through us any questions, issues, or even parent conferences can be arranged. Please, make no attempts to telephone or e-mail our guest instructors directly.

The best way to contact our staff is:

Laura Hughes (Director) by cell: 513 410-0277 by e-mail: laura@avoballet.org

Conni Berns (Ballet Mistress) Leave a message at 513 481-0092 or csberns@gmail.com

Laura Baresel (Program Director a.k.a. “Ballet Police”) Ms. Baresel prefers face to face communication after class or rehearsal or by appointment. Or contact her is by e-mail: lbaresel@gmail.com

Michele Frey (Studio Manager: billing questions) Please call and leave message at 513 481-0092.

Parent Observation

Our studio is not equipped with separate observation rooms. To accommodate parents and help new and younger students feel at ease, we encourage all parents to work towards allowing students to attend class without parent spectators. This is ideal for minimizing distractions and background noises. ALL noisy spectators will be asked to leave. No spectators for any intermediate or advanced level class. Observation Days will be scheduled for all classes.

Class Placement

Students may only attend their recommended class level (or lower), and may be asked to sit out the lesson if the class is inappropriate for the student. Students may need to be evaluated for a class by trying a number of lessons before a suitable level is determined. Final determination of class placement rests with the Ballet Mistress. Teachers have the autonomy to determine if a class is suitable for the student. If the teacher feels the class is inappropriate for the student the teacher will recommend a more suitable class — and the student may be asked to sit out part of the lesson. If attendance is not on a regular basis, students may be asked to step back a class level until they catch up. This is for the well being of the student and the class.

Registration Policy

In order to reduce costs associated with inefficient class scheduling, we are instituting a new Registration Policy. Even as we continue to welcome registration throughout the semester we want to encourage timely enrollment. Beginning January 2011 we will institute a registration fee that would then be waived if registration is turned in before a given deadline. Registration is considered complete with registration form filled out & mailed or turned in to studio office with a $25 tuition deposit.

Tuition Incentives

Changes have been made in the tuition scale to reflect the cost difference between a one-hour beginner’s class and a one-and-a-half or two hour master class– just as we have always distinguished between a 30 minute pre-ballet class and a one-hour lesson. We will continue generous friend & family discounts, with a new “bring a friend” policy. If a new student (any age or level) enrolls based upon your recommendation, we will welcome the new student with a one-time 10% tuition rebate. In addition we will thank you with a one-time 10% tuition rebate. Rebates can only be given when tuition is paid in full and only when the new student enrolls for a full semester.