Attendance
Students are expected to be ready for their lessons. This means that they should arrive early, dressed and with hair ready prior to class. Students at the higher levels should warm up and stretch 10 to 15 minutes before a lesson or rehearsal. This transition period assists in their focus and physical well-being.
Students arriving late are not permitted to walk into ongoing class. Late students should ask the teacher for permission to join a class that has already started by waiting just inside the classroom door. Students arriving five minutes late for an hour class, or ten minutes late for a longer class, may be asked to observe class that day, as much can be gained through observation. This is to reduce possible injuries. They may make-up the class on another day.
Students or a parent need to call the studio, 575.779.9128, to let their teacher know if they are going to miss class. You may make-up any missed classes within the semester. You may take a make-up class at your level or lower with the permission of the teacher. This is to keep your training moving forward.
In Studio Behavior
Teachers should be addressed with respect. For example: Ms. Megan, Mr. Soto. This is to help the students maintain a more professional demeanor which is expected of them in the professional dance world today.
No gum, food or drinks, street shoes, or CELL PHONES are permitted in the dance studio. There is a place designated for eating/snacking in our lobby area. Water bottles are allowed and should be brought to every class.
Students may not sit down in class unless instructed by their teacher.
No excessive conversations should take place during class or rehearsal. This can be disruptive to fellow classmates on the floor. We can all learn by observing others.
Students may not leave the classroom without the teacher’s permission. This is for their own safety.
Be respectful of yourself and others. Kindness goes far. No foul language or negativity towards others will be tolerated.
Girls dancing on pointe MUST have shoes that are in good condition and properly fit. It can be dangerous and cause tendon and ligament strains as well as bruised toenails if the shoes are too worn or not the correct fit.
Note To Parents
Parents: Pease do not enter an ongoing class as this creates a distraction and may frighten younger dancers. If you have a concern, please address it via phone call, email or scheduled conference. If you need to remove your child from class early, please inform the teacher prior to class, unless it is an emergency or unforeseen situation. This will reduce class distraction and student anxiety. Observation is permitted from the waiting room window always and in studio sitting is available during observation weeks. Please refrain from peeking through the door. The door should not be blocked, as someone may trip over another child or object when leaving class.
Parents: Please be prompt in picking up your children at the end of class. If they must wait, please notify the teacher before your child’s class begins for their safety.
Parents: Please be timely with tuition payments. Teachers wages, as well as keeping our doors open, depend on your promptness. If there is an issue with payment, please contact the Director, Megan Yackovich, 575.779.9128, to work out payment arrangements.
Dress Code
Level I, II, or III
Level IV, V, or VI
Boys/Men
General Policies & Procedures
INCLEMENT WEATHER
In case of inclement weather, please call 575.779.9128. Ballet Taos will also send timely closure notices via email/text when possible. If Taos Public Schools are closed, we will be as well. Evening classes will be determined by road conditions and weather reports. Please call for updates. As always, we ask for parents and students to use their best judgement. Classes cancelled due to inclement weather will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
COMMUNICATION & CONFERENCES
Conferences can be scheduled by appointment only with both the teachers and the Director. Please call Ballet Taos, 575.779.9128 for a private appointment. Teachers are not available after your child’s class as they often have another class to teach afterwards. If you notice a change in your child’s reaction to class, PLEASE advise the faculty as soon as possible so they may address your concerns. We are a family. Communication is important to us. Older students in levels IV-VI know that I am always available to talk with them. I’m a phone call away. When students’ progress to this level there are many pressures, needs, and conversations that need to be had
PLACEMENT & OBSERVATION
Students often remain in a class level for more than one year. Our main interest is to offer our students proper training for each stage of development. Some students are mentally more mature than their body is capable of physically implementing, while others are physically strong yet not mentally prepared for the increased structure of the next level. If a move to the next level is appropriate, the parent and the student will be notified. Promotions are made at the discretion of the faculty. Parents are invited to request a conference concerning their student’s progress.
We encourage parents to observe classes the last class of every month. In general, parents are asked to refrain from “peeking” as some students are shy or are easily distracted by an audience.
PROGRAM/CLASS FEES
Program fees are due at the first class of each month.
A $10 late fee will be applied to accounts not paid by the 15th of the month. Tuition may be paid by the following methods: cash, money order, check, or via Stripe/Paypal through our website. Checks should be made payable to Ballet Taos Inc. and include your child’s full name in the memo. There is a $10 returned check fee, per check, on all returned checks. Tuition is per month, not per class. Tuition remains the same regardless of absences and whether it is long, five-week month or a short, three-week month.
No refund or credit is given for missed classes and there is a minimum of hours required for each program level.
STUDENT EVALUATIONS
Written evaluations are given to all students enrolled in our ballet programs levels III-VI to assist students in comprehending their individual class goals. We offer evaluations to parents and students at the end of each semester. Student evaluations will also inform you of a promotion to the next level for the next semester and or summer program placement, and progression to pointe technique. Individual student evaluations for our SPRING SEMESTER 2022 will be completed by January 31, 2022.
PRIVATE LESSONS/COACHING
Private lessons and coaching for Youth America Grand Prix, Auditions, etc are to be scheduled through the Director, Megan Yackovich, to avoid scheduling conflicts with program schedules and rehearsals. Private lesson fees will be paid directly to the teacher upon completion of the lesson. The rates are as follows: $20.00 for 30 minutes and $40.00 for 1 hour.