Birmingham Ballet Academy Policies and Procedures

Birmingham Ballet Academy

A Reputation of Excellence since 1991

2008-2009 School Year Policies and Procedures

Enrollment: When you register for a class, you are registering for the entire term. BBA accepts a limited number of students. Class size is limited and filled on a first come first serve basis. Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet: Limited to 8 students per class; Primary Ballet, Tap Junior: Limited to 10 students per class; Elementary Ballet, Tap I; Limited to 12 students per class; Senior Division Ballet Classes: Limited to 12 students per† Level. BBA reserves the right to cancel classes that do not meet a minimum enrollment of six students and offer an alternative class time. If the alternative class time does not work for you, your fees will be refunded.

Registration: The Registration Fee is $45.

Tuition: The term is divided into two semesters. Tuition may be paid by the Semester or Quarter.

By Semester - Two Payments: Junior Division: 9/1 and 1/15 Elementary and Senior Divisions: 8/1 and 1/15

By Quarter - Four Payments: Junior Division: 9/1, 10/15, 1/15, 3/15 Elementary and Senior Divisions: 8/1, 10/15, 1/15, 3/15

Spring Performance: The 2008- 2009 School Year Class Session culminates with a Spring Performance on Friday, May 29. A Spring Performance Fee is charged to cover each dancers participation and unlimited tickets.

Performance Fee (due w/ registration): Junior Division: $65 Elementary and Senior Divisions: $100

Costume Fee (due 11/1) : Junior Division: $70 per costume Elementary and Senior Divisions: $85 per costume

Payment Options: You may pay by credit card or from checking by electronic funds transfer. Payments will automatically be charged to your account when they are due.

Additional Discounts:

Annual Payment Discount: 5% off yearly tuition if both semesters are paid in full by the first day of class.

Family Discount: 10 % off Tuition for the 2nd child and all subsequent siblings. Family discount applies to the lesser fee.

Refunds: Registration Fees and Performance Fees are non-refundable. Costume Fees are refundable prior to December 15. Tuition is only refundable when the Withdrawal Policy is followed.

Withdrawal Policy: New students may withdraw from Quarter Two with written notification prior to October 1. Otherwise, all students are responsible for the entire tuition of Semester One. Withdrawal is accepted from Semester Two with written notification from a parent or guardian prior to November 21. Withdrawals will not be accepted after November 21 and tuition will be due through the year. Non-attendance does not constitute withdrawal.

Collections: A $25 fee is charged on returned checks or rejected charges. Parents are responsible for any expenses (including attorney fees) that BBA incurs in pursuit of uncollected tuition or fees.

Attire: Students must wear appropriate attire for all classes. Girls in Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet and Primary Ballet wear a pink leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, and hair secured in a bun. Girls in Elementary Ballet and beyond wear a black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes and hair secured in a bun. Boys wear a white t-shirt, black tights, white socks, and black ballet shoes. Tap students wear beige tap shoes. Jazz students wear black jazz pants and black jazz shoes. Dance skirts are not allowed. Leg warmers are allowed at the discretion of each teacher. Students without†appropriate attire and hair styles may not be permitted to take class.

Attendance and Lateness: Regular timely attendance is required. Please call to report the necessity of an absence. To prevent injury, tardiness beyond 10 minutes may result in the student not being allowed to participate in class. In the event of absence, make-up lessons are encouraged in a class of similar age and ability through March 15.

Code of Ethics: To ensure the quality of our environment Birmingham Ballet maintains a zero tolerance policy in regard to bullying, theft, or vandalism. Students will be subject to dismissal for poor attitude, disrespectful behavior, or poor attendance. Parents are also subject to a code of ethics when entering Birmingham Ballet. In the event of a breech of these ethics, a meeting will take place and further incidents could lead to dismissal. Refunds will not be considered for students or parents in violation of this policy.

Class Observation: Each studio has observation windows. Classes may be observed at any time.

Injuries: Parents, legal guardians of minor students and adult students waive the right of any legal action for any injury sustained on school property resulting from normal dance activity or any other activity conducted by the students before, during or after class time.

Photo Release: Birmingham Ballet and/or BBA is hereby granted permission to use photographs or videos of students in BB/BBA publications and for promotional purposes including brochures, web sites, posters, and advertisements. Permission is also hereby granted for the school to copyright such photographs and recordings in its name.

Inclement Weather: BBA will close if either the Vestavia or Hoover School Systems close for inclement weather.

Holidays Observed:

Labor Day: September 1

Thanksgiving: November 24 - 29

Nutcracker Week: December 1 - 6

Christmas: December 22 - January 3

Spring Break: March 16 - 21

Hansel & Gretel Week: February 23 - 28