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Student/Parent Handbook
2016-2017
Accredited by the:
“The largest teaching & examining body of classical ballet in the world!”
www.radusa.org London, England
ballet modern jazz flamenco
tap lyrical
17404 HILLCREST SUITE 200 DALLAS, TX 75252 972.818.4949
[email protected] www.royaleballet.com
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Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................3
Studio Program ...................................................................................................... 4
Director & Faculty .............................................................................................. 4-5
Enrollment .............................................................................................................. 6
Curriculum............................................................................................................6-7
Studio Rules ........................................................................................................... 8
Dress Code ...............................................................................................................9
Tuition & Fees………. ..................................................................................... 10-13
Fees: Recital, Costume, Competition, & Nutcracker…………….............. 13
RAD Exams ............................................................................................................13
Schedule & Holidays ..............................................................................................14
Birthday Parties …………………………..............................................................15
Social Media, Website & Communication……..................................................... 15
Liability Release..................................................................................................... 16
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Welcome to the 2016-2017 season of the Royale Ballet Dance
Academy!
This year is sure to be one of continued growth and inspiration for all. The
friendly environment at RBDA is known for motivating students to strive for
excellence in technique, grace, and poise. We anticipate these goals to remain ever
strong as we begin another year of dance instruction.
As always, a faculty of professionals is a major attribute of a quality dance school.
The RBDA meets the highest standards of dance instruction. Each teacher has
dance performance experience, as well as many years of teaching proficiency.
Thank you for reading this online Student/Parent Handbook. The information
herein will make your experience at Royale Ballet Dance Academy more
informative and enjoyable.
Angela Sham, Artistic Director
Royale Ballet Dance Academy
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Studio Program _
The RBDA program is designed to teach students from 3 years of age up to adults ― whether
they are planning a career in dance or not. The core of our program is the world-renowned
syllabus of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in London, England. The right to be a member
of the RAD is only earned by examination. In order to enrich the RBDA’s syllabus, open classes
are also conducted in other classical ballet techniques. In addition to ballet, and so that they can
become well-rounded professionals, we encourage our students to study various dance forms,
such as jazz, modern, tap, lyrical, etc.
Director & Faculty
• ANGELA SHAM, A.R.A.D.
Artistic Director, Royale Ballet Dance Academy
Ballet (RAD Method)
• Advanced teaching degree from London’s Royal Academy of Dance.
• Trained in South Africa and attended the National School of the Arts studying ballet,
modern, flamenco, and classical Greek.
• Danced professionally with Theo Dantes Company before opening her own dance
school where she taught for 15 years.
• Invited in 2000 to teach the Royal Academy of Dance Method in Dallas as Director of
Ballet at Royale Ballet Dance Academy.
• Assumed ownership of Royale Ballet Dance Academy in 2003 and has become well
known for promoting a high standard of dance in the DFW Metroplex.
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Faculty (continued)
• TATYANA IVANOVA CASE
Ballet (Vaganova Method)
• SUZELLE POOLE
Ballet, Guest Instructor
• LESLIE PECK
Ballet
• HAILEY VON SCHLEHENREID
Assistant to Director & Resident Choreographer
Ballet & Lyrical
• KATIE ENER SADORRA
Ballet
• DANIEL DE CORDOBA
Flamenco (Spanish)
• ALYSSA HARRINGTON
Modern
• HANNAH WEST
Jazz & Lyrical
• KATE MCDERMITT
Jazz
• MELISSA GONZALES
Tap
• DEXTER GREEN
Hip Hop
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Enrollment _
Each student must complete a registration form every school year for emergency reasons. No
student will be allowed to participate in classes until a registration form has been submitted. It is
the responsibility of the student or parent to keep the academy updated on any changes in contact
information.
New students are evaluated during the student’s first lesson and are then placed in an appropriate
level class. A variety of criteria such as age, ballet technique, natural talent, and maturity are
taken into consideration to ensure correct placement. Parents and children should take into
consideration that each student is unique, and some students may advance at a quicker or slower
rate than others.
Curriculum (Pre-school – Advanced)
CREATIVE MOVEMENT: Pre-Ballet & Tap (3-4 years old)
In these classes, young students learn fundamentals of all dance, including turn out, good
posture, and rhythm. These classes introduce the joy of dancing to young students while
allowing their bodies to develop in a safe way. Some students may require an extra year of
creative movement, depending on their progress and physical ability.
COMBO CLASSES:
• Pre-Ballet (Creative Movement) & Tap
• Pre-Primary & Primary (3-5 years old)
• Ballet/Tap combination class is offered
BALLET:
All students are required to take ballet, based on the philosophy that ballet provides a solid
foundation for all other forms of dance. Ballet also creates discipline, creativity, and
appreciation for dance as an art form.
Ballet levels (known as “grades”) include:
• Pre-Ballet (Creative movement), Pre-Primary (Pre-K), & Primary (Kindergarten)
• Grades 1-5 (about 6-12 years)
• Grades 6-8 (Romantic Style, 12 years and older)
• Intermediate Foundation & Intermediate
• Advanced I, Advanced II, & Pre-Professional
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POINTE WORK:
Students are invited to take pointe by recommendation of the Director when their strength and
technical ability reaches a level where the additional challenge would benefit their classical ballet
training. The Director’s decision will be based on the student’s strength of technique.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL:
For the serious dancer, Royale Ballet has broken down training into three levels, known as Pre-
Professional 1, 2, and 3. With an exceptional, well-rounded faculty, pre-professional students
are trained in RAD method and Vaganova method and supplement their study with other dance
forms and training. Pre-professional division is by invitation only. The Pre-Professional
division is only considered for those wishing to enter the professional world of dance and
requires daily training.
MODERN (Intermediate & Advanced):
Dancers focus on using this form of dance as serious expression of emotions, using a free-
flowing interpretive style. No one method is taught, but rather elements taken from several
methods create a diverse and dynamic curriculum.
TAP:
Tap training enhances an awareness of timing and rhythm, and improves a student’s agility.
Tap levels include: Beginner, Levels 1-5, Intermediate, and Advanced.
JAZZ:
Students will focus on different styles of jazz, including: Classical, Lyrical, Broadway, and
Latin. Jazz levels include: Beginner, Levels 1-5, Intermediate (may last two years), and
Advanced (may last two 2 years).
YOUNG MEN:
Royale Ballet offers separate classes for young men to be taken in conjunction with the regular
classes/levels. Ballet training for young men is designed especially for the needs of the male
dancer, with an emphasis on athleticism.
FLAMENCO:
All levels of flamenco instruction focus on technique, form, and musicality.
ADULT CLASSES (Beginners to Intermediate):
Classes are offered for adult students in ballet and flamenco.
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Studio Rules
• Students must arrive ten minutes before class begins to allow time to dress and warm up.
Please enter the studio as soon as the previous class is dismissed. DO NOT WAIT IN
LOBBY.
• RAD Grade 6 and up students will not be allowed in class if more than 20 minutes late.
If late, report to the office before entering class.
• Students must be promptly picked up upon the completion of their class.
Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about ride safety.
• Students may not leave class without the consent of the instructor.
• Students must keep the studio clean.
• Students are expected to behave in a respectful manner towards their instructors and
fellow students at all times.
• All students must be neat in appearance and are required to adhere to the dress code for
each class.
• No eating or chewing gum is allowed during class.
• All rehearsals are mandatory.
• Children are not allowed to be left unsupervised anywhere in the school.
• Parents are asked to maintain an atmosphere of discipline by not interrupting classes.
Parents may watch classes through the viewing window, although the instructor may
close the blinds at their discretion.
• If you require a conference with an instructor, please call the office at 972.818.4949 or
email us at [email protected] to make an appointment. Impromptu meetings can
be disturbing to class schedules and may not allow parents, students, and instructors to
thoroughly voice concerns.
• Parents may enter studios to observe classes by invitation only.
• If a student will be absent from class, he or she must give the school notice by
calling/leaving a message at 972.818.4949 or by emailing at [email protected].
• Students and parents are expected to obey the state laws regarding smoking, illegal drugs,
parking, etc.
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Dress Code Students are expected to follow the dress code at all times, and are advised to bring clothing to
cover up after dance when they are leaving the studio. Hair must be pulled back neatly and
secured in a bun. If you are not sure about where to buy dance attire or what kind of dance attire
to purchase, please contact the studio at 972.818.4949 or via email at [email protected]
for recommendations. Below is the approved Dress Code by class/level:
Class/Level Required Dress Code _
Creative Movement ❑ Pink ballet shoes
(Primary Ballet) ❑ Pink or black regulation leotard
Ballet
Grades 1-3
❑ Lavender leotard
Grades 4-5 ❑ Burgundy leotard
Grade 6 – Advanced II ❑ Black leotard
All levels ❑ Pink tights
❑ Pink ballet shoes
❑ Hair in neat bun
❑ Pointe shoes (depending on level)
❑ Soft pointe shoes (for RAD classes)
Pilates ❑ Dance attire or other comfortable clothing that
allows for easy movement
❑ Exercise mat
Tap, Jazz, Modern,
& Lyrical
❑ Black regulation leotard
❑ Black or tan tights
❑ Black tap or jazz shoes, bare feet, or
modern/lyrical sandals
Hip-Hop ❑ Appropriate dance clothes
❑ Dance sneakers at teacher’s discretion
Character ❑ Heeled character shoes
❑ Character skirt
Flamenco ❑ Heeled flamenco shoes
❑ Flamenco skirt
❑ Castanets
**NOTE: No jewelry other than pierced ear studs may be worn during class.**
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Tuition & Fees
Registration Fee: A one-time, non-refundable, annual registration fee of $45.00 is due per
student and must be submitted together with a signed registration form at the time of registration.
Registration forms may be printed from the Website. NOTE: For families registering more than
one child, the fee will be $75.00/family.
Tuition: Tuition is based on the number of classes in which the student is enrolled. Tuition and
registration fees are non-refundable. There are no credits for missed classes. Reimbursements
are not given for classes missed due to vacations or school functions. Students are obligated for
a full semester’s tuition even if they withdraw before the end of the semester. Tuition credits are
at the Director’s discretion and may be applied to the following semester in the event a student
must withdraw from classes due to a prolonged illness or injury, as verified by a doctor’s written
confirmation. RBDA must be informed a month in advance and in writing if a student
decides to discontinue classes.
*Students who join Royale Ballet in the middle of a semester are still responsible for the entire
semester’s tuition but are welcome to attend extra classes, if desired, to make up for previously-
missed classes.
Tuition Payment Plans: Royale Ballet offers either 1) a semester plan, or 2) an installment plan
as method of payment.
Semester Plan (Preferred): The tuition for the year will be split into two payments with the
first semester payment due during or before the first week of fall classes (August 22-27, 2016).
The second semester payment is due during or before the first week of spring classes (January
2-7, 2017). Those choosing the semester payment plan will receive a 5% discount off each
semester’s tuition provided that payments are received on or before the first class of each
semester. Credit cards MAY be used towards payments on the Semester Plan, but are NOT
eligible for the 5% discount.
Monthly Installment Plan: The Fall Semester payments will be split into five, equal monthly
installments due and payable during the first week of semester classes. The Spring Semester will
be split into six monthly installments, with the final installment half the amount of the previous
payments. For first semester, along with the first month’s installment (see chart above),
student/parent must also submit four post-dated checks (for installments two through five) and
the annual registration fee. The first installment and five post-dated checks for the second
semester are due during the first week of Spring Semester (January 2-7, 2016). NOTE: If the
above installments, including post-dated checks, are not provided as required during the first
week of class, a one-time $50 servicing fee will be assessed.
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Tuition Schedule Fall Semester: Aug. 22–Dec. 17, 2016/ Spring Semester: Jan. 2–Jun. 10, 2017
Weekly Classes
SEMESTER PLAN
Fall Semester Due 1st week of
semester; if paid
during 1st week, take 5% off each semester’s
payment
TOTAL ― (5% discount)
SEMESTER PLAN
Spring Semester Due 1st week of
semester; if paid
before or during 1st
week, take 5% off each semester’s payment
TOTAL ― (5% discount)
INSTALLMENT
PLAN
Amounts for Monthly
Prorated Checks
(5 Payments due 1st week
of class in Fall Semester;
5.5 Payments due 1st week
of class in Spring
Semester)
Creative
Movement
$325/sem. ― ($309.00) $358/sem. ― ($340.00) $65/mo.
1 Class/Week $350/sem. ― ($333.00) $385/sem. ― ($365.00) $70/mo.
2 Classes/Week $500/sem. ― ($475.00) $550/sem. ― ($522.00) $100/mo.
3 Classes/Week $650/sem. ― ($618.00) $715/sem. ― ($679.00) $130/mo.
4 Classes/Week $750/sem. ― ($713.00) $825/sem. ― ($783.00) $150/mo.
5 Classes/Week $850/sem. ― ($808.00) $935/sem. ― ($888.00) $170/mo.
6 Classes/Week $950/sem. ― ($903.00) $1045/sem. ―
($993.00)
$190/mo.
Unlimited Weekly
Classes (10 &
under)
$950/sem. ― ($903.00) $1045/sem. ― ($993.00) $190/mo.
Unlimited Weekly
Classes (11 &
older)
$1200/sem. ―
($1140.00)
$1320/sem. ―
($1254.00)
$240/mo.
Private Lessons $65/hour
**NOTE: The “semester plan” is the preferred method of payment. The “monthly
installment plan” is offered as a courtesy. It is not based on actual costs per month, but rather, is
split into prorated installments for convenience purposes only.
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Family Discounts: Families with multiple children enrolled qualify for 5% discount on the 2nd
child’s tuition, and 10% discount on subsequent children’s tuition. The above discounts will be
applied first to the lower level student(s) tuition, and will only be applied to semester payment
plans. Family discounts can be combined with the 5% early payment discount.
Scholarships: Scholarships are determined on a case-by-case basis at the Director’s sole
discretion.
Late Payments: A $10 LATE FEE will be applied to all accounts not paid-in-full by the 5th of
each month. Additionally, a $20.00 SERVICE FEE will be applied to an account for checks
returned to Royale Ballet by the bank. Returned checks cannot be re-deposited. Statements are
available upon request.
Attendance: No CREDIT, REFUNDS, or ADJUSTMENTS will be given if a student is absent
or for classes missed on bad weather days. Missed classes cannot be used in place of payment.
In a case of a bad weather day, a notice will be posted on the board of a make-up class time.
Withdrawing from Classes: Royale Ballet must be given at least one month’s notice, in
writing, if a student decides to discontinue classes. The notice must be mailed to Royale Ballet
or hand-delivered to the office, to the attention of Angela Sham, Director. Refunds will only be
given in cases of a medical emergency or an unforeseen circumstance, in which case a month’s
paid notice will be required.
Additionally, any student who elects to leave Royale Ballet after agreeing to participate in the
annual Recital is liable for any costume(s) already ordered or purchased on their behalf. The
costume fee and all other recital fees must be paid in full.
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Fees: Recital, Costume, Competition, Nutcracker
RECITAL FEES: Our annual Recital is one of the highlights of the year! We always use a
state-of-the-art theater which affords our students an opportunity to dance on a full-sized stage
with professional lighting and all that goes into a professional production. When a student
registers for classes and agrees to take part in the annual recital, he or she agrees to pay all 1st and
2nd semester tuition fees and all applicable recital and costume fees. All students wishing to
participate in recital will perform in one or more dances.
A non-refundable Recital Fee of $55.00 ($75 for families with multiple dancers) is payable on
or before December 17, 2016. This fee only covers a deposit to reserve the theater. Ticket sales
($8-$15 each) help cover the additional expenses of programs, professional stagehands, security
staff, as well as ushers. Costume fees are extra.
COSTUME FEES: Costumes are ordered separately for each dance/dancer.
Costume and recital fees are separate fees. Costume orders are placed early in order to facilitate
their arrival in time for the dress rehearsal and recital.
Costumes vary in price ($55-65 PER COSTUME for younger students and $65+ for older
students). Prices will be announced in February, and the payment deadline will be the Costume
Day for your child’s class. NOTE: A late charge of $20 will be imposed if your costume fee(s)
are not made prior to the costume order being placed.
COMPETITION (a.k.a. “Company”) FEES: The Royale Ballet Dance Academy’s
Competition Ensemble is by invitation only. Our “company” competes and performs at venues
throughout the year. Youth America Grande Prix is our most important ballet competition, and
Jump is our main jazz/lyrical competition. The Company will also perform at outreach programs
and Dance for the Planet.
NUTCRACKER FEES: For those wishing to participate in the Nutcracker production, a $130
fee is due per student ($145 per family w/ multiple dancers) by August 31. This fee covers
unlimited rehearsals, production costs, venue costs, and costume costs (regardless of the number
of roles).
RAD Exams
We place great value on exams and on the discipline involved in preparing for them. The
selection process usually takes place during the first semester of classes and not all students will
be entered for exams. If you would like to be considered for RAD Exams, please inform the
Director by November.
The Royal Academy of Dance exams are held in the spring. The national office of the RAD in
the USA schedules different exam dates each year. The RAD requires an exam fee from all
participants. Visit www.radusa.org for more information.
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Schedule & Holidays 2016-2017 Regular weekly classes are scheduled from August 22 through June 10 and summer programs are provided during the months of July and August. Please email [email protected] for more information.
DATE EVENT
August 22 ❑ Fall semester classes begin
❑ REGISTRATION FORMS/FEE & TUITION DUE
August 27 ❑ Nutcracker Auditions
September 5 ❑ Labor Day/Regular Classes
September 9-10 ❑ RAD Exam Days/ NO REGULAR CLASSES
September 17 ❑ Nutcracker Rehearsals Begin
❑ NUTCRACKER FEES DUE
November 23-26 ❑ Thanksgiving Holiday/No Classes
December 1 & 2 ❑ MANDATORY Nutcracker Dress Rehearsals
December 3 & 4 ❑ Nutcracker Performance Dates
December 17 ❑ Last day of Fall classes
December 16 & 17 ❑ Winter Workshop
December 18-January 1 ❑ Winter Break/No Classes
January 2 ❑ Spring semester classes begin
❑ TUITION DUE – 2nd Semester
❑ RECITAL & COSTUME FEES DUE
March 6-11 ❑ Spring Break/No Classes
April ❑ Recital tickets go on sale
June 6 ❑ Mandatory Dress Rehearsal for Recital
June 11 ❑ RECITAL at 2:00pm
July ❑ Open Summer Classes for all ages
July 31-August 11 ❑ RBDA Summer Intensive
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Birthday Parties
Royale Ballet rents out space for birthday parties. Reservations are required as well as a $50.00
non-refundable deposit. The rental fee of $175 includes studio space, music, tables, chairs, and
clean-up supplies. For more information please call the office at 972.818.4949 or email us at
Social Media & Website
Royale Ballet often uses its Website and social networking sites to promote the school. Pictures
of recitals and performances, as well as videos, may be used. Names of students are never used
in conjunction with pictures and videos without permission. Students are encouraged to check
our Facebook page (facebook.com/royaleballetdanceacademy), our Website (royaleballet.com),
and our Twitter account (twitter.com/RBDanceAcademy) for news and updates about the studio.
NOTE: If a student or parent sees a picture of themselves or their child online on one of these
sites, it is up to them (the parent or student) to inform the director via a letter or email if they
wish for the video/picture to be removed.
Communication
Email will be the main form of communication between parents and the studio. Tuition
statements are not sent out electronically or by mail; it is up to the parents to keep track of their
tuition payments. Statements will only be sent out on request or if a payment is late.
Information about recitals and performances and other studio news will almost always be sent
out via email. It is important therefore, for parents to provide a working email address (one that
they check often) at the time of registration. Phone calls will be made to parents only in
emergency situations. Parents are also encouraged to check the Website for up-to-date
information, such as bad weather cancellations, forms, and other general communication.
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Liability Release
Liability Release: In consideration of the student’s enrollment at Royale Ballet, the student and
his or her parents or legal guardian do hereby release, discharge, and covenant not to sue Royale
Ballet Dance Academy and its owner/director, teachers, or other personnel in connection with
any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or
relating to any loss, damage, injury, including death, that may be sustained by the students while
enrolled at Royale Ballet Dance Academy or while on its premises.
I HAVE READ THIS STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK, AND BY
SIGNING THE REGISTRATION FORM, I AGREE TO ROYALE BALLET
DANCE ACADEMY’S POLICIES AND PROCEDURES CONTAINED
HEREIN.
