Guidelines for Alameda Ballet Students
Class Levels
Alameda Ballet Academy consists of several levels, with relevant ABA attendance requirements as follows. Pilates, yoga, stretching and strength training, injury prevention, nutrition, musicality, dance and art history, choreography, acting, and many other dance forms are all aspects that are incorporated at the appropriate levels into the training of dancers at Alameda Ballet Academy.| 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 / 5 | 12 & up by invitation | 3 Technique, 2 Pointe, 1 Contemporary class per week (B5 add Sat YAGP) |
| Ballet 6 | 14 & up by invitation | 3 Technique, 3 Pointe, 1 Contemporary, 1 YAGP/Rhsl class per week |
Punctuality & Classroom Etiquette
In order to maintain an atmosphere in which students can thrive, students are asked to follow a few basic ground rules for the classroom and theater. Students must arrive prepared, properly dressed, and on time for all classes and rehearsals so as not to disrupt the entire group. Tardiness will be noted in the attendance book, and students who arrive late for class or rehearsal will receive a verbal warning the first time. Subsequent late arrivals without an acceptable excuse will result in a student being asked to observe rather than participate. Repeated and ongoing tardiness may result in the loss of performance roles and/or being excused from the school.
Parents of younger students can help by making sure your child uses the restroom before class as it is very disruptive if they have to leave during class. Students are requested to keep conversation during class to an absolute minimum. Cell phones are to be turned off before every class or rehearsal. No gum is allowed in the building. No food or drink besides water is permitted in the studios. Students are expected to show respect to the teachers and staff, the studio, to each other, and to approach their work with integrity, passion, and a positive attitude.
Dress Code
A neat and tidy appearance is a necessary element of the graceful discipline of ballet.
Hair
Pre-Ballet and Dance With Me students with long hair should wear their hair pulled back in a secure ponytail. If they have short hair, it must be pulled away from the face. Please leave unnecessary hair accessories at home, as they only cause distractions. All levels except for Pre-Ballet and Dance With Me must come to class with their hair in a bun or they will not be permitted to take class. During the first weeks of classes we will be giving instruction on how to properly wear your hair in class so that everyone knows what is expected of them. Dangly earrings, heavy bracelets, and other excessive jewelry are not permitted. All jewelry must be removed for Pas de Deux class.Attire
Each level is required to wear a specific color leotard in class. This is a common practice at ballet schools affiliated with performing companies, and gives the students a sense of accomplishment as they progress to the next level. We carry leotards, tights, shoes and other accessories from Revolution Dancewear, at a substantial discount. We highly suggest that you purchase dancewear through our dance store, to ensure a proper fit. The requirements for each level are as follows: Dance With Me and Pre-Ballet: Pink tank leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes – skirts are okay, but please no tutus! 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 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 a 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 Dress Code, though we recommend clothes that you can move in easily, along with ballet shoes or socksORDER DANCEWEAR HERE.
WHY NO UNDERWEAR?
The primary reason for this rule is that dancers do not wear underwear under costumes on stage, as the underwear can show under their tights and when worn under the tights and tight-fitting leotard or costume, they can be quite uncomfortable. We want to train dancers to get accustomed to feeling comfortable dancing in only their leotard and tights so they are comfortable on stage. In regards to hygiene, tights are a safe and clean substitute for underwear. Please read this article if you still have questions about this policy. Performances
Dance is an art form created for presentation before an audience and is a skill that needs to be practiced to be done well, just like anything else. Students are in encouraged to perform in both our Nutcracker and the school’s Spring Recital. A passion for performing and the skills it involves represents an important part of the performing arts education that we strive to teach and we hope that it will serve them well throughout their lives. Our students are the most precious seeds that we can plant to ensure a garden of arts for the future and to develop the audiences of tomorrow. more…
Withdrawal Policy
Alameda Ballet Academy’s academic year runs from August to May. Students are enrolled for the full academic year. You are responsible for paying tuition unless you submit a drop/change form and withdraw from the school with 30 days notice.
30 days notice is required on the 1st of the prior month only, and the drop/change form must be submitted. Drop/change form submissions after the 5th of the prior month will not be accepted. Full tuition will be charged for that 30-day period regardless of the number of classes attended.
To download the ABA drop/change form, click here.
Student Teachers
We are continuing our student teacher program as we have found that it is a wonderful way to teach our older students mentoring and leadership skills, and it is beneficial to the younger students by providing good role models. All students ages 13 and up are encouraged to talk to the Artistic Director about this opportunity and will receive tuition credit in exchange. Students who demonstrate are asked to set good examples by being consistent in their attendance, arriving 15 minutes prior to each class to help set up and greet the students, and be professional in their appearance. (Demonstrators do not have to wear the dress code and may wear skirts, but must have their hair in a bun).
Non Discrimination Policy
Alameda Ballet Academy admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities accorded or made available to students at the Academy. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its education policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs or any other school-administered programs. 
For inquiries regarding classes, please email the ABA office.
ABA has one of the largest dance studios in the Bay Area: 35′x45′ marley dance floor; 44′x55’6″ room. Ceilings are 20 feet high! The perfect setup for safe distancing and good ventilation. For information on our safety protocols and guidelines, please click here.
Sibling Discount
10% off the second child for monthly tuition payer. We do not prorate or offer multiple discounts.
