Policies – Inland Pacific Ballet Academy

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Rules & Policies

Overall Philosophy:

IPBA is committed to excellence in dance training and to the nurturing and development of the whole child. We believe the values inherent in successful ballet training – discipline, attention to detail, striving for and attaining long-term goals, commitment to excellence, patience, teamwork, and many more, will not only guide students in fulfilling their dance goals and dreams, but will continue to serve them well as they move through life. Achieving excellence in dance and imbuing these human values can only take place in a positive environment filled with respect for the art, appreciation of the discipline of daily practice, and respect for each other and for the space in which we all learn together. Each member of the IPBA family is responsible for helping to create and nurture this environment – one in which we all can thrive.

A full commitment to embracing this philosophy and adhering to the rules below is expected from every member of the Academy including students, family members, visitors, and volunteers. The rules and policies are in place to support our overall philosophy and to create a safe and positive experience for all IPBA participants. IPBA reserves the right to suspend or expel anyone who breaks these rules or whose attitude or decorum conflicts with our overall philosophy.

Note: Inland Pacific Ballet Academy reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.

NO TOLERANCE POLICIES

AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR toward directors, instructors, staff, students, or other visitors:

IPBA will not tolerate aggressive or inappropriate behavior including, but not limited to physical aggression, violence, the threat of violence, intimidation, bullying, disrespect for authority, stealing, gambling, vandalism, profane/inappropriate language or behavior, weapons (including toy weapons), or sexual harassment. This policy applies whether on IPBA’s physical premises, at any IPBA event, or in any digital space including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, X (Formally known asTwitter), Threads, Snapchat and Tik Tok.

ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES:

The use and/or possession of any illegal (or age-restricted) substances or paraphernalia within the IPBA building or any event off site where they are representing IPBA are strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes and all other tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vaping pens, alcohol, and all illicit drugs.

Any infraction of IPBA’s no tolerance policies will result in disciplinary action up to, and including, immediate suspension or expulsion from IPBA.

Note:

Suspensions are defined as immediate departure from IPBA for a period of time determined by the Directors.

Expulsion is defined as immediate departure from IPBA with the understanding that an expelled student is not allowed to return to IPBA in any capacity. NO REFUNDS will be granted to students who have been suspended or expelled from IPBA.

CELL PHONE POLICY:

In order to maintain focus and honor the integrity of the work being done in the studio, the IPBA premises is considered a cell phone-free zone for students. (Parents and guests are asked to restrict their cell phone use to the front lobby or the rear lunch area only. Please no cell phone use in the hallways outside the studios as it is distracting for students and faculty.) The cell phone policy for students also applies backstage at all theaters and at all IPBA events. Cell phones will be collected at the front desk upon arriving at the studio for all classes and rehearsals and stored in a secure location. When at the theater, they will be collected at event check-in points. If you do not wish to have your dancer’s cell phone collected, please have them leave it at home.

If this policy is not followed, the first offense will be a $35 penalty charged to the family’s card on file and notification sent to a parent or responsible adult. The second offense will be a $50 penalty. The third offense will result in a conference with the Directors for the student and a parent/responsible adult with a possible probationary period at the discretion of the Directors.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICIES:

Influencers/Ambassadors: For anyone who is an influencer and/or an ambassador at no time may you promote your brand or products to fellow students, Apprentice/Trainees, company dancers, or IPBA clients on social media, in the building, at the theater, or at any other venue where you are representing IPBA. This includes tagging or mentioning the studio in any post.

The studio is not a commercial space in which to promote or sell products. No promotion or sale of merchandise is allowed on the IPBA premises or any other venue where students are representing IPBA.

No hash tags of IPBA without permission from the Directors submitted via email in advance.

If you are already an influencer or an ambassador, or you are interested in becoming one to represent IPBA, please schedule a conference with the Directors for details on IPBA’s regulations and policies.

Any violation will result in a mandatory conference with the Directors and, at the Directors’ sole discretion, a temporary probationary period, which may include restrictions on access to the premises or possible dismissal from the Academy without monetary compensation for remaining classes not taken.

GENERAL RULES AND POLICIES

Important information is communicated via email. Please make sure your email information is up to date and check regularly.
Physical cueing for purposes of instruction: Due to the physical nature of ballet, it is often necessary, as an essential part of effective instruction, for the teacher to physically touch the students for correcting body placement and position. If this is a problem, please submit a written, signed statement to the front desk staff (either hand delivered or emailed). All statements will be held confidential and kept on file in the office.

Classes and instructors are subject to change: Management reserves the right to engage a substitute instructor when the regular instructor cannot attend. Management also reserves the right to combine or cancel classes when needed.
FOR YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY, WE RECOMMEND NO DROP-OFFS IN THE PARKING LOT. Students should be accompanied by a parent or guardian into the building and should be picked up from the outside dismissal area by a parent. IPBA staff will not allow students to walk down the alley or over to parked cars. IPBA cannot be held responsible for any incident occurring outside the building.
IPBA does not provide supervision of students outside the classroom, nor can we supervise siblings of dancers waiting in the building. All siblings must be under parental supervision. This is for your children’s well-being. We cannot be responsible for the safety of children left unattended.
Parents with students in pre-ballet through age 6 years: Parents must remain in the building while their dancer is in class. There are times that students of this age need assistance using the restroom and re-dressing to return to class. The dancers also look forward to seeing their parents after class, and the situation can become stressful for the student if the parents aren’t there to greet them immediately.
Students arriving early for class, or who are in the building waiting to be picked up, are expected to conduct themselves appropriately. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
Observation Of Classes: Visitors, parents, and friends may observe classes from the observation windows. No one except instructors and students are allowed inside the studios.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MAY A PARENT CORRECT, REPRIMAND, OR OTHERWISE GIVE DIRECTION TO ANOTHER FAMILY’S DANCER. If a behavioral or safety issue arises that needs attention, please bring it to the attention of IPBA Staff immediately so they can resolve it.

TUITION POLICIES AND FEES:

- All tuition, deposits, and fees are non-refundable.
- 30-day prior written notice is needed for any changes or cancellations to your enrollment.

Payment Extension Fee: $35

Late Payment Fee: $35

Registration Fee: A $65.00 registration fee is required once a year. Registration fees are due upon enrollment for all new incoming students and are due every August thereafter. Spirit wear T-Shirt included.
Returned Check Policy: There is a $35.00 charge for any returned E-Check and any declined credit card transaction due to insufficient funds, account closed, invalid account, and expired card.
Evaluations: New incoming student level placement evaluation fee is $20.00. The current student parent-requested level placement evaluation fee is $30.00.
Refund Policy: Students are eligible for a partial tuition refund only if they withdraw from classes due to prolonged illness or severe injury. Requests for refunds must be made in writing and be accompanied by a doctor’s certificate stating the inability for the student to continue dancing. In cases of severe illness or injury credit for missed weeks will be extended for the following session only. This policy also applies to any workshops, master classes, recitals, or any other performance. Refunds will not be granted for any other reason except for prolonged illness or severe injury accompanied by a doctor’s certificate.
Make-ups: One make-up class in the student’s level or one level below are allowed per month. Missed classes may not be carried over to the next month. Missed classes due to Inland Pacific Ballet Company’s rehearsals for The Nutcracker, or during IPBA’s Spring performance rehearsals, may not be carried over or made up in the next month. Must email admin@ipballet.org to schedule make-up class before attending.
Pro-rating: There is no pro-rating of tuition.
Pilates and Private Lesson Tuition Policies: Pilates sessions and private lessons will be considered taken and charged unless IPBA has received 24-hour written prior notice to admin@ipballet.org. With 24-hour notice, make-ups can be scheduled by appointment only within 30 days of missed sessions. Private lessons will be billed at the time of booking. Payment is due no later than 24 hours before the start time of the lesson. Unless you have paid your balance in advance with a different form of payment, IPBA will charge your cc/debit or e-check on file 24 hours in advance of the start time of the Lesson.
All payments for Pilates sessions and private lessons are non-transferable and non-refundable.

LATE PICK-UP POLICY:

Parents are required to pick up their dancers punctually when their classes and rehearsals are finished. Students will not be allowed to wait outside the building, and we do not have designated staff engaged to chaperone students outside the classroom. As staff is required to stay if you are late, a charge of $25 per 15 minutes past your dancer’s designated pick-up time will be imposed and charged to your cc/debit or e-check on file

CLASSROOM CONDUCT:

Arriving Late to Class: To prevent injury and promote professional conduct, students will be asked to observe class if they are more than 10 minutes late. If a student is late to class, they should briefly explain why to the instructor and ask permission to take their place at the barre. If a student is observing class because of injury, they should inform the instructor before the class and then ACTIVELY observe and take notes.
Classroom Barre Positions: In a class where Levels are combined, the more advanced dancers have priority of choice in their positions at the barre. Beyond that, the choice of positions is on a first come first served basis. Students may not save spaces at the barre for other classmates.
Classroom Positions in Center Floor: When classes are composed of students in the same level, students should alternate where they stand, and instructors will rotate lines so all students have an opportunity to stand in the front. If/when classes are combined, it is universally accepted ballet etiquette for higher-level students to stand in front of lower-level students. When taking a class at a level lower than your own, please stand in the back.
Attendance in Technique Class: An understanding of technique is not taught in rehearsals, it is learned in the classroom. Rehearsals are not a substitute for class! Dancers at all levels are expected to maintain their regular class schedule. Only certain steps are used in rehearsal choreography. Dancers will not be able to improve their overall skills and progress through their Level syllabus without maintaining their attendance in class. Consistent absences from class may be grounds for dismissal from the performance for which the student is rehearsing.
Be a positive example: At all times all family members agree to help to maintain a positive and supportive atmosphere at the studio and at the theater and to refrain from negative comments and actions concerning others either on the premises or on social media.
Proper class etiquette and decorum are expected from all students. This includes displaying excellent work habits including: full focus, full effort, respectful behavior towards any instructor, and respectful behavior towards fellow dancers.

For students displaying poor etiquette and/or decorum, faculty will enforce the following disciplinary action as needed: First offense – a verbal reminder to the student. Second offense – the student will be asked to sit and observe, and the front desk will notify a parent/responsible adult. Third offense – a temporary probationary period at discretion of Directors will be imposed with no refunds for classes paid for but not taken.

Grooming. Ballet is a visual art, and dancers need to look their best. Dancers are expected to follow all attire and proper grooming requirements as specified in the dress code.

DRESS CODE

Download – Pre-Ballet Dress Code
Download- Level 1A/1B Dress Code
Download- 2A+ Dress Code
Download- Acrobatics Dress Code
Download- Broadway/Modern/Jazz Dress Code

Note: As per the dress code, hair needs to be pulled back neatly out of your dancer’s face and secured in a tidy bun. If you have forgotten your hair supplies, a small packet is available for purchase at the front desk for $5.00 and must be used before your dancer can enter their classroom. Your card on file will be charged.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO POLICIES:

Photography and videotaping by family members are not allowed in the studios or through the viewing windows. This is for your child’s protection!

ADDITIONAL RULES:

No one but instructors/staff is allowed to operate sound systems, HVAC systems, fans, or other studio equipment.
Students in Levels 4A and below are not allowed inside any studio without an instructor present. As a privilege, students in Level 4B and above may enter a studio before the instructor arrives to set up barres and begin their warm-up. At the first sign of disruptive or inappropriate behavior, this privilege can be revoked at any time.
IPBA is not a playground: No roughhousing, climbing on barres, throwing objects, running in the halls, or other inappropriate behavior.
At the end of each day, please collect all of your belongings. IPBA is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Lost and Found is kept in the back area near the girl’s restroom. Articles remaining in the Lost and Found box will be given away to charity at the end of each month.
So as not to disturb other classes, please keep voices down in the lobbies and hallways. Young students must be encouraged to use “indoor voices”.
Studios and halls are not to be used as dressing rooms.
For the safety of your belongings, do not leave dance bags unattended in the lobby or hallways. Dance bags should be stored in the designated area provided in the classrooms.
No hard heels on the studio floors. Steel heels or taps are allowed only in Studio 3.
No chewing gum is allowed in the building.
Frozen Peas and Ice packs are available for minor injuries. Levels 4A+ and up may access ice on their own. Any student in Level 3C and below needs to bring their injury to the attention of their instructor and ask permission to go to the front desk for ice. Specific rules for use of ice packs are listed on the ice freezer.
Don’t touch the mirrors! Don’t cross the safety tape line on the floor in front of the mirrors. Our large studio mirrors are delicate and expensive. If jarred, they can become dislodged and shatter. A $500 fine will be assessed if damage is caused by negligence.

FOOD POLICIES:

No Peanuts, nut products or Shellfish of any kind are allowed in IPBA facilities at anytime or at any event including backstage.
Lunches/snacks must be brought to the Academy in tightly sealed containers. No paper bags or paper-wrapped fast-food packages. If you bring fast food into the building, please place it in a tightly sealed cooler or container.
Eating is only allowed in designated areas: the seating area in the rear of the facility or the outdoor patio. NO EATING in hallways, and NO FOOD OR DRINKS ARE ALLOWED INSIDE THE STUDIOS (except water).
Do not leave food or drinks unattended during classes or rehearsals. All food and drinks must be stored in sealed containers before and after lunch/snack breaks. Any food left out unattended will be thrown into the trash.
Trash cans are provided in the rear seating area. On breaks, use these trash cans to throw away all food, including wrappers and disposable beverage containers. Do not use the trash cans in the restrooms for food trash. This type of trash will attract ants and other crawling insects, so we need to keep food trash confined to one area.
Do your part for the environment! Please use reusable water bottles whenever possible and LABEL WITH YOUR DANCER’S NAME! Take advantage of the convenient water filling station in the rear lunch area.
It is everyone’s responsibility to keep the studio looking its best. Always clean up after yourself and throw away your own trash.

Consequences for disregarding General Rules and Policies (unless otherwise specified):

First offense: Reminder to the student and a responsible adult family member will be notified; Second offense: A parent/student conference with the Directors will be required;
Third offense: The student will be suspended from classes for the day and a parent notified to pick them up.
Beyond these “three strikes”, consequences may include suspension or expulsion from the Academy.

For additional assistance, please email admin@ipballet.org.