Guidelines for Alameda Ballet Students
Class Levels
At Alameda Ballet Academy, we offer a dynamic range of levels, each with its own tailored approach to help dancers thrive. Our comprehensive curriculum goes beyond ballet to include Pilates, yoga, stretching and strength training, injury prevention, nutrition, musicality, dance and art history, choreography, acting, and even exposure to various dance forms—all designed to enrich the dancer’s journey and enhance their artistry.
While the age guidelines for each class are helpful, final placement is based on individual ability and determined by the expert judgment of our ABA staff. We ensure that every dancer is placed in a class that matches their growth and potential, creating a challenging yet supportive environment where they can truly flourish.
| Dance With Me | Ages 3-4+ | 1 class per week |
| Pre-Ballet | Ages 4-5+ | 1 class per week |
| Ballet 1 / 1.5 | Ages 6-7+ | 1 class per week |
| Ballet 2 / 2.5 | Ages 8-10+ | 2 classes per week |
| Ballet 3 | Ages 10 and up | 3 Technique + 3 Pre-Pointe/Pointe classes per week |
| Ballet 4 | 12 & up by invitation | 3 Technique, 2 Pointe, 1 Contemporary class per week |
| Ballet 5/6 | 14 & up by invitation | 4 Technique, 3-4 Pointe, 1 Contemporary, B6: 2 Rep + 1 YAGP/Rhsl class per week |
Punctuality & Classroom Etiquette
At Alameda Ballet Academy, we strive to create a focused, respectful, and uplifting environment where every student can thrive. To support this, we ask all dancers to follow a few important classroom and theater guidelines.
Students must arrive on time, fully prepared, and properly dressed for all classes and rehearsals. Promptness not only shows respect for the art form and instructors, but also avoids disrupting the group dynamic. Tardiness will be recorded in the attendance program. The first late arrival will receive a verbal reminder; repeated lateness without a valid excuse may result in the student being asked to observe rather than participate, and could ultimately affect performance eligibility or enrollment status.
Parents of younger students—you can help by ensuring your child visits the restroom before class begins, as in-class exits can be disruptive.
In the studio, students should keep talking to a minimum, silence cell phones, and refrain from chewing gum. Only water is allowed in the studios—no food or other drinks, please.
Most importantly, all students are expected to show respect—to their teachers, classmates, and the studio space itself—and to approach every class with focus, passion, and a positive attitude. These values are at the heart of what we do and are essential to personal growth, artistic development, and a vibrant studio culture.
Dress Code
WHY NO UNDERWEAR?
You may be wondering why dancers are asked not to wear underwear beneath their leotards and tights. Here’s why:
In the world of ballet, underwear is not worn under costumes—especially on stage. This is both for aesthetic and practical reasons. Underwear can become visible under tights or costumes, which takes away from the clean lines and uniform appearance that are essential in performance. Additionally, when worn beneath snug-fitting dancewear, underwear can feel bulky and uncomfortable, making it harder for dancers to move freely.
At Alameda Ballet Academy, we aim to help dancers feel confident and comfortable in their dance attire from the start—just as they would be on stage.
From a hygiene perspective, tights are designed to be worn like undergarments, and they serve as a clean, breathable, and appropriate layer for class and performance.
Still curious? We invite you to read this article for more insight into this common practice in the dance world.
Thanks for helping us support your dancer’s confidence and professionalism!
At Alameda Ballet Academy, we believe that a neat and polished appearance reflects the grace, discipline, and respect inherent in the art of ballet. Proper grooming and attire not only help students feel prepared and focused but also foster a sense of pride and unity in the classroom.
Hair
For Dance With Me & Pre-Ballet:
Students with long hair should wear it in a secure ponytail.
Short hair must be clipped or pinned away from the face.
Please leave decorative hair accessories at home—they tend to distract little dancers.
For all other levels (Ballet 1 and up):
Hair must be worn in a secure ballet bun. Students will not be permitted to take class without their hair properly styled.
In the first few weeks of class, we’ll demonstrate how to create the perfect ballet bun—no stress, we’ve got you covered!
Jewelry:
No dangly earrings, heavy bracelets, or excessive jewelry. All jewelry must be removed for Pas de Deux class.
Attire
Each level at ABA wears a designated leotard color. This tradition—common in ballet schools affiliated with performing companies—encourages discipline, unity, and a sense of progress as dancers move up through the levels.
We proudly carry Revolution Dancewear in our in-studio store at discounted prices, including leotards, tights, shoes, and accessories. Shopping through our studio ensures correct fit and compliance with the dress code.
Required Class Attire by Level
- Dance With Me & Pre-Ballet
Pink tank leotard
Pink tights & pink ballet shoes
Skirts OK (no tutus, please!) - Ballet 1 & 1.5
Light blue tank leotard
Pink tights & pink ballet shoes - Ballet 2 & 2.5
Lavender tank leotard
Pink tights & pink ballet shoes - Ballet 3
Burgundy tank leotard
Pink tights & pink ballet shoes - Ballet 4
Teal tank leotard
Pink tights & pink ballet shoes - Ballet 5
Royal blue tank leotard
Pink tights & pink ballet shoes - Ballet 6
Black camisole leotard
Pink tights & pink ballet shoes - Pointe
Add pink pointe shoes (Note: We do not stock pointe shoes) - Pas de Deux
Add ballet skirt or practice tutu - Teen Ballet
Black leotard
Pink tights & pink ballet shoes - Boys
White t-shirt
Black tights or leggings
Black socks
Black ballet shoes
Adults in Dance With Me
No strict dress code—just wear something comfy to move in and bring ballet shoes or socks!
👉 Order your required dancewear here!
Looking your best helps you dance your best—thank you for helping us keep our studio professional, unified, and full of ballet magic!
Performances
At Alameda Ballet Academy, we believe that dance is meant to be shared—it’s an art form born for the stage, where movement and music come alive before an audience. Just like any skill, performing takes practice, and we are proud to offer our students meaningful opportunities to shine.
All students are encouraged to participate in our beloved annual productions: The Nutcracker and our joyful Spring Recital. These performances are more than just showcases—they are essential milestones in a dancer’s journey, where technique meets artistry, and confidence takes center stage.
We view performance as an essential part of a dancer’s education—cultivating discipline, teamwork, stage presence, and the joy of artistic expression. These are skills that benefit our students not only in the studio, but throughout their lives.
Our dancers are the seeds we plant today to nurture a thriving arts community tomorrow—not only as performers, but as lifelong patrons of the arts. Through performance, we grow both artists and audiences, creating a future where dance continues to inspire.
Stay tuned for more details on how to get involved in our upcoming productions!
Withdrawal Policy
Alameda Ballet Academy’s academic year runs from August through June, and students are enrolled for the entire academic year. If you need to withdraw your dancer from the program, we require 30 days’ advance written notice using our official Drop/Change Form.
To ensure proper processing, please note the following:
Notice must be given by the 1st of the prior month (e.g., for a November withdrawal, notice must be submitted by October 1).
Drop/Change forms submitted after the 5th of the month will not be accepted for the following month.
Full tuition is charged for the 30-day notice period, regardless of how many classes your dancer attends during that time.
This policy allows us to plan class sizes and scheduling thoughtfully, ensuring the best experience for all our students.
👉 [Click here to download the Drop/Change Form]
Thank you for your understanding and for being part of the ABA community!
Student Teachers
We’re excited to continue our Student Teacher Assistant Program, a cherished tradition at Alameda Ballet Academy! This initiative offers our older students a unique opportunity to develop leadership and mentoring skills, while serving as inspiring role models for our younger dancers.
Students ages 13 and up are encouraged to speak with the Artistic Director if they’re interested in joining the program. In exchange for their time and commitment, participants will receive a slight tuition credit.
To maintain the high standards of this role, demonstrators are expected to:
Lead by example with consistent attendance and a positive attitude
Arrive 15 minutes before class to help set up and warmly welcome students
Maintain a professional appearance (Demonstrators are not required to follow the dress code and may wear skirts, but hair must be neatly secured in a bun)
This is a wonderful way to give back to the ABA community while growing as a dancer, mentor, and leader. We hope you’ll consider being part of it!
Non Discrimination Policy
Alameda Ballet Academy is committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all. We admit students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, and gender identity to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to students at the Academy.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law in the administration of our educational policies, admissions processes, scholarship programs, or any other school-administered activities.
For inquiries regarding classes, please email the ABA office.
Spacious. Safe. State-of-the-Art.
Alameda Ballet Academy is proud to offer one of the largest and most well-equipped dance studios in the Bay Area! Our main studio features a generous 35′ x 45′ Marley dance floor within a 44′ x 55′6″ room, complete with soaring 20-foot ceilings—providing dancers with plenty of space to move freely and safely.
This expansive, airy setup is ideal for physical distancing and optimal ventilation, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for every student.
✨ To learn more about our current safety protocols and guidelines, click here.
Sibling Discount
Families paying monthly tuition receive 10% off for the second child enrolled.
Please note: We do not prorate tuition and only one discount may be applied per family.
