2024-2025 Annual Session
September 3, 2024–June 7, 2025
Student & Family Handbook
Welcome!
Oregon Ballet Theatre School is one of the country’s preeminent dance schools and the official school of Oregon Ballet Theatre. We strive to give each student the highest caliber dance education in a supportive, challenging, and welcoming environment.
OBT School’s philosophy is one of a professionally minded school open to all students. Whether students seek to pursue a career in ballet or have the passion to train, all students are afforded the same excellence in training. Dedication, confidence, and self-motivation are core traits we seek to instill in all our students - qualities they will carry forth on whatever path they choose in life.
Our goal is not only to train the next generation of dancers, but also the next generation of dance enthusiasts, administrators, and artists.
We look forward to working with you and further developing your love for dance. Regards,
Dani Rowe Katarina Svetlova
Artistic Director School Director
Oregon Ballet Theatre School Staff
Katarina Svetlova – School Director James Holstad – School Manager
Alessandro Angelini – School Registrar
Colleen Hildestad – OBT2 Manager & Children’s Production Coordinator
Dominic Walsh - OBT2 Program Director
Faculty & Pianists
Please see OBT School staff web page
OBT School Contact and Location Information: 720 S Bancroft St.
Portland, OR 97239
(503) 227-6890
School Phone: (503) 227-6890
General Email: schoolofobt@obt.org
The general email address is to be used for late pick-up, changes in pick-up/carpool, and for general information and questions.
OBT School Website: http://school.obt.org
OBT School Blog: http://schooloforegonballettheatre.blogspot.com
OBT School office hours are Monday through Friday, 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM, and Saturdays, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. If you call outside of these hours, please leave a voice message and we will return your call within one to two business days. When contacting OBT School, please use the phone number listed above.
Non-Discrimination Policy
OBT School does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, color, national/ethnic origin, disability, size, socioeconomic background, or any other local, state, or federal protected class in the administration of its admission criteria, education policies, scholarship programs, or any other school-administered programs or activities. Actions, words, jokes, or comments based on any legally protected status will not be tolerated.
Right to Refuse Service
OBT School reserves the right to deny service or enrollment, and/or revoke previously awarded privileges at the discretion of the School Director.
Health and Safety
OBT School is dedicated to providing a healthy, nurturing, and safe environment for all of our students. From the state-of-the-art sprung floors in our studios to injury prevention workshops, we are continually working to find ways to support our students’ health and well-being. We strongly believe that a healthy student in mind and body makes for a successful student, and we are committed to this goal.
Family Observation Periods
Family members are invited into our studios for the first day of our annual session for our Fall family orientation. They will have the opportunity to meet the staff, faculty and pianists and hear the necessary information for the year ahead. Pre ballet classes will have a soft-start orientation on the first day of the term to encourage parents and families to familiarize themselves with our teachers, policies, and facilities. Family Observation is permitted during designated periods throughout the Annual Session. During these periods, each level will be assigned specific days and times for
observation. To accommodate observation during this period, class schedules and times may change, and some classes may be combined. Due to space constraints, for Family Observation periods OBT School limits the number of guests per student. Guests are asked to utilize street parking as the parking lot is for employees only. We ask that you arrive prior to the start of the class or wait to enter until instructed by staff. Photography, videography, and recording of any kind during class is prohibited and mobile phones must be switched off. Please remember, you are attending a live class.
Regular Observation Policy
OBT School maintains a No Observation policy throughout its studios. This is done to provide a safe and secure environment for the student’s full concentration, and ensures that they gain the most from our classes, without distraction.
Pre-Ballet
Pre-Ballet students range in ages 3 years through 6 years. Pre-Ballet classes run for 10 to 15 week terms during the Annual Session and meet once a week for a 45-minute period. A placement audition is not required as students are placed based on their age. Please access OBT School’s website or call for the enrollment procedure. Age cut-off for 2024-2025 Annual Session is October 1, 2024 .
To maintain a creative learning and distraction free environment we ask that students and their families follow these guidelines:
• Child uses restroom before arriving for class.
• Child arrives on time ready to dance in correct dress code, covered by street clothes, and hair safely secured.
• Child capable of remaining in class without a parent/guardian present. Until the child is ready to independently enter the building, please remain with them and if necessary, provide comfort and encouragement.
• Child capable of listening to and following simple instructions. Example: Remain in circle, not hang on ballet barres, keep hands to themselves, ask permission to leave studio, etc.
• Child capable of independently using restroom. Please practice your child taking off and putting on dance wear.
OBT School may ask your child to try a future session if they do not demonstrate the readiness necessary for classes.
Class Observation
Years of teaching experience inform us that it is best for students when their parents/guardians do not observe class. Student focus and creative freedom are at their best in a quiet setting of only fellow students and the teacher. Opportunities for observation are scheduled at the end of each term. If the child cries or resists joining class, it is recommended they enroll in a future term to support a positive relationship with ballet training.
Primary and Primary 2
Students aged 7 take class in Primary. These classes run for the 36-week Annual Session and meet once or twice a week for one-hour depending on which track is chosen upon enrollment. A placement audition is not required as students are placed based on their age, but please access OBT School’s website or call for the enrollment procedure. Age cut-off for 2024-2025 Annual Session is October 1, 2024.
Prospective students, ages 8 and above, are required to audition in order to determine level placement. Placement is based on the student’s skill and strength. Levels from other ballet schools are not considered when placement is evaluated. Admission into the program is competitive and dependent on available space. Auditions for the Annual Session will be held twice throughout the year, check website for exact dates. Please see our website for audition information. To schedule a placement class please contact schoolofobt@obt.org. OBT School will make its best efforts to accommodate potential enrollees through additional placement classes when possible/necessary. Current students need not audition in order to enroll in the following Annual Session or Summer Programs. Admission into the OBT2 and Trainee programs is by invitation only, please refer to OBT2’s webpage for that audition process.
Placement / Level Advancement
Students’ progress in their training by developing work ethic, discipline, strength, and technique. Students also progress at their own, individual pace. Most importantly, technique milestones must be reached before progression can occur. Placement and progression to the next level is by the recommendation of OBT School’s faculty. With the exception of Pre-Ballet and Primary Ballet, students are not placed or advanced based on their age or on their level at a previous ballet school.
Students placed in Level 2 and above are encouraged to take extra lower-level classes so long as they do not conflict with their regular weekly classes or result in / exacerbate injuries.
OBT School’s faculty members are happy to assist students with placement that enrich their training and personal growth.
Student / Teacher Conferences
Students in Level 3 and higher will have an annual meeting with a parent and your student’s instructor during the spring term. These conferences are for students to receive information on their progress and to allow time for questions regarding level progression and technique or discuss concerns. The school director is available throughout the year to meet with families to discuss specific concerns that may arise.
Level 1 and 2 students will participate in tutorial classes during observation week where parents can ask questions about level progression and benchmarks. Parents with specific questions or concerns regarding their child’s progress are asked to contact the School to
schedule a meeting with the teacher and/or School Director.
Injuries and pressing matters should be communicated by e-mail to schoolofobt@obt.org.
Weekly Schedule
The weekly schedule is posted to OBT School’s blog every Friday of the prior week as well as on the front desk inside the building. We advise students and their family members to regularly check OBT School’s blog and/or front desk for changes that may occur during the week.
Please subscribe to blog updates to be notified when new content is posted.
Tuition
Annual Session tuition is payable in full, in six monthly auto-payments, or three-monthly auto- payments for elective classes. To use the auto-payment plan, a credit or debit card must be provided, which will be securely stored in our Mindbody electronic payment system. Each monthly auto-payment is assessed a $15 finance charge. Please note that auto-payments will be charged any time after midnight on the date due. Please contact the school as soon as possible with any questions or concerns regarding your auto-payment. The auto-payment plan is not available for Pre-Ballet tuition.
If a student is advanced a level after the beginning of the Annual Session, tuition for the student’s new level will be calculated based on the date of the advancement and due as determined by OBT School’s staff.
By registering for classes at OBT School, the student and/or student’s family agrees to pay the entirety of the tuition balance. If a student is voluntarily withdrawn, regardless of reason, the balance of their Annual Session tuition is due prior to their last day of class. Tuition balances will not be forgiven, and any unpaid balances will be sent to OBT’s Finance department for collection.
OBT School grants tuition refunds only in the event of a student’s prolonged physical injury which prevents them from participating in classes in any capacity. No tuition refunds will be issued due to early withdrawal. The official date used to determine the refund amount is the onset of injury and will be calculated based on the number of weeks the student cannot participate. All tuition refunds require proper medical documentation, which is to be submitted to the School Administrator in writing from a certified medical doctor within 30 days of the injury. OBT shall consider all refund requests in accordance with this policy, though approval of a refund shall be at the discretion of Oregon Ballet Theatre. Refunds may be issued by check or to the card used for purchase within 30 days less a $45 administrative fee and processing fees incurred if the tuition payment was made by credit card. Registration fees, finance fees, and tuition deposits are non-refundable.
OBT School refunds 100 percent of tuition fees for classes, workshops, masterclasses, and other fee-based instruction, canceled due to low enrollment. In the event of circumstances beyond its
reasonable control, including acts of nature, earthquakes, fires, floods, inclement weather, civil disturbances, epidemics, pandemics, and protests OBT School will do its best, if possible, to offer make up class options in person or virtually. Make up class schedules are at the sole discretion of OBT School and may not accommodate each student’s specific scheduling requirements. In the event OBT is not able to offer make up classes due to a prolonged cancellation of one-month or greater, the organization will consider refund requests, though approval of a refund shall be at the discretion of OBT. Refunds exclude, but do not solely exclude, registration, finance, NSF, audition fees, and first tuition or housing payments within installment payment contracts.
Tuition Scholarships
OBT School makes annual, need-based financial aid available to students placed in Level 1 and higher. Families are welcome to apply once per calendar year for Annual Session scholarships, typically in August, by completing the TADS online application and submitting the Scholarship Request form. Further information and instructions are available at school.obt.org and on OBT School’s blog. Given the limited amount of aid available, the scholarship application deadline is strict, and once passed, no further scholarship applications can be considered until the next session.
Families seeking aid for Summer Programs, Junior Intensive, and Summer Intensive only need to submit a Scholarship Interest form if they have already submitted a TADS application for the current Annual Session. If the family did not complete a TADS application for the current Annual Session, they will need to complete both the TADS application and the Scholarship Interest form by the due date.
By accepting a scholarship, students and family members agree to act as OBT School ambassadors. Additionally, the student and/or family may be asked to volunteer for OBT School and/or OBT programs as requested by OBT School staff. If a student or family member violates OBT School rules or policies, scholarships may be reduced or revoked at OBT School’s discretion. If a scholarship is reduced or revoked, the family is responsible for paying the balance of the recalculated tuition.
The Elena Carter Scholarship is an Annual Session full-tuition merit scholarship awarded to one student each year. The Elena Carter Memorial Scholarship commemorates the memory of Elena Carter, a former principal dancer with OBT and a focal OBT School faculty member, and is awarded to a student who shows great potential, leadership skills, and exemplary dedication.
Academic School Credit and Volunteer Hours
Some local school districts and schools may allow high school students to receive credit for PE, art, or an elective by attending classes at OBT School. This exemption is not automatic and will only be granted as determined by the student’s academic school. Assisting and demonstrating in lower-level classes may qualify for volunteer hours. Please see OBT School's blog and contact the academic school for detailed information.
Attendance and Absences
Exemplary attendance is expected of all students and all absences are monitored. Excessive absences will result in a meeting with the School Director and may compromise level advancement .
Absence notification must be reported via OBT School Absence Form, https://forms.office.com/r/HNQSwrKqVT, this applies to in person and virtual classes.
Please do not send daily absence notifications to the School Director, School Administrator or School Registrar, as these may not be seen in a timely manner. The absence will be relayed to the School Director and teacher. Students under the age of 18 are required to have a parent or guardian report absences.
Notification of one-week prior is required for excused absences. Please fill out the OBT School Absence Form with your request.
Examples of excused absences include medical appointments, auditions, college-related visits/interviews, family vacations, academic school related activities, etc.
If a student is ill or injured, the absence will be excused if notification is received before the beginning of the student’s class time. Notification and a progress update is expected daily for a continuing illness or injury. All other same-day absences are considered unexcused.
School staff will contact the student or student’s family if the student misses class and the absence is not reported.
All students are expected to attend the entire duration of the Annual Session in which they are enrolled, except for reasons of documented illness, injury, or emergency. Barring documented long-term illness or injury, should a student become absent long-term or depart without notification/authorization before the end of the program, any and all tuition balances will be due immediately. If the student is a scholarship recipient, their family will forfeit the remainder of the scholarship received and owe the balance of the recalculated tuition. No pro-rating or credit toward future classes will be issued.
OBT School does not provide make-up classes for missed classes. Tuition credits and refunds are issued only in the event of long-term illness or injury.
Tardiness
We expect students to arrive at least 15 minutes before class. Students may be required to sit out of class and take notes if they are significantly late. This decision is usually at the discretion of the teacher. Excessive tardiness will result in a parent conference with the School Director.
Injury and Illness
If a student sustains an injury, whether during an OBT School class, OBT/OBT School rehearsal/performance, or outside OBT, it is expected that the student’s parents will keep OBT School apprised of the student’s progress for their own safety and well-being. Students who are unable to fully participate in class due to an injury, whether major, minor, chronic, or acute, must observe daily classes and take notes until recovered.
Please report an absence if a student has a contagious illness (upper respiratory infection, influenza, conjunctivitis, COVID-19, etc.) or symptoms that include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, congestion or runny nose, fatigue, muscle or body aches, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, pink eye, or rash, due to illness. It is required that you keep the student home for 24 hours after the last sign of symptoms or fever to avoid the spread of disease.
Wellness Services and Referrals
OBT is dedicated to the health, welfare, and safety of all its artists and students. We strive to provide an environment that promotes healthy lifestyles and work habits so each person can become the strongest dancer possible. We also understand that, from time to time, families may seek resources to help their children achieve those goals. OBT School staff are happy to provide contact information for providers who routinely work closely with those involved in the art of
dance. Please check the blog for a referral list. OBT does not provide diagnostic, medical, nutritional, or sports psychology services to its students. Our referral is for informational purposes only and families are responsible for the cost associated with these services.
Performance Opportunities
Stage experience aids students in developing the confidence and presence necessary to perform for an audience. The following performance opportunities are available to students in Level 1 and above:
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker (December performances)
All students enrolled in Levels 1-5 are encouraged to participate in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Casting is based on technical skill and costume constraints. Auditioning is not required as Artistic Staff will select students for participation. Families can check the Children’s Coordinator blog on School Status Connect for additional information.
Student Performance Series
As part of OBT’s Education and Community Engagement work, OBT Company and OBT2 members, and occasionally upper level OBT School students, perform age-appropriate programs for community groups and school classes as scheduled. Students are invited at the discretion of the School and the Director of Education and Community Engagement An audition is not required.
Annual School Performance (April performances)
Each spring, OBT School students in Level 1 and higher have the opportunity to participate in the Annual School Performance. Participation is strongly encouraged for all students. During the Annual School Performance rehearsal period, January through April, class may be combined or canceled to accommodate rehearsal. Technique classes will not be canceled, although some may be combined with another level. Being cast in a performance is not guaranteed. The program will consist of works chosen to display and elevate students’ technical development and artistry. An audition is not required.
Families can find more information on School Status Connect. To receive an invite and for additional information on performance opportunities, please contact the Children’s Coordinator at coordinator@obt.org.
Annual Spring Showcase
At the end of the Annual Session, Contemporary Modern Improvisation and Composition programming will be showcased. Students in Levels 3P through 6 will also have the opportunity to opt-in to the peer choreography workshop. These rehearsals will take place on Saturdays
after ASP performances conclude. Participation is optional. During performance rehearsal periods, classes may be combined with other levels or canceled to accommodate rehearsal and performances. Technique classes will not be canceled, although some may be combined with another level and the length of class may be adjusted.
OBT Company Productions
Depending on OBT’s season and production needs, students may be invited by the Artistic Director or School Director to perform in company productions. Auditions may be required.
OBT Family Ticketing and Subscription Benefit Programs
We not only appreciate the commitment families make to OBT School, but respect their dedication to their children’s growth as artists. We encourage all OBT School students and families to attend OBT performances, both for inspiration and for the potential to learn from the experience.
For any questions regarding purchase of subscriptions or tickets, please contact the OBT Box Office at (503) 222-5538.
Tickets to Company Productions
Subscriptions: OBT School families are eligible to purchase up to four (4) season subscriptions at half price in seating area four (4), which is located on the orchestra level of both the Keller and Newmark Theatres. This applies to both the “Company Package” and “Family Package”. This reduces your cost to one half the prevailing cost per seat for an entire season of incredible performances. A one-time season handling fee of $15 will apply per transaction for all subscription purchases.
Single Tickets: OBT School families are eligible to purchase Nutcracker tickets at 40% off the regular price with a cap of $400 worth of discounted tickets for each production, and 25% off the rest of the season with a cap of $250 for discounted tickets. This discount applies once single tickets have gone on sale to the public, which generally occurs at the end of August.
Further details can be found on our website at www.obt.org. Subscriptions as noted above can be purchased at any time. A $4 per ticket handling fee will apply to all single ticket purchases. We understand that ticket exchanges will occur frequently for performances where your child may be performing but casting has not been released yet. Any ticket exchanges made by OBT School families will not incur an exchange fee.
For any questions regarding purchase of subscriptions or tickets, please contact the OBT Box Office at (503) 222-5538.
Tickets to the School Performance
For
School Performance ticket purchases, tickets will be offered at prevailing
price and the 25% OBT School discount will not apply since it is not considered
a company production. All single tickets will incur a $4 per ticket handling
fee.
Families have two options for purchasing their School Performance tickets
1. If you are a subscriber to the current OBT season, you have the option of purchasing School
Performance tickets at the subscriber rate of $25 per seat with the added benefit of no extra handling fees. Please see above for subscription discounts.
2. Group rates are offered for the School Performance. The minimum number of tickets needed to receive our group pricing is 6 people. Please inquire at the box office for more information on ticket pricing and handling fees.
Non-OBT School Dance Classes
The School Director works alongside OBT School faculty to provide students with consistency and continuity in regard to technique and style. For that reason, Annual Session students are highly encouraged to study ballet only at OBT School.
Students may take forms of dance other than ballet, including academic school dance programs, modern, contemporary, improvisation, yoga, strengthening, and Pilates outside of OBT School as long as there is no interference with their OBT School class schedule.
Summer Intensives
It is highly encouraged to participate in at least two weeks of our summer programming. No audition is required for OBT School students planning to attend OBT School’s Summer Programs, Junior Intensive, or Summer Intensive. Students will be placed in the level for which they are currently enrolled in the Annual Session. OBT School requests students who plan to audition and attend non-OBT School summer programs or intensives to communicate plans to the School Director prior to audition or attendance.
Student Helpers
Students are encouraged to assist with classes below their level, beginning with pre ballet.
Levels
3 and above are highly encouraged to assist with levels 1 and 2. If a student
would like to be considered to assist with these classes
and has not been asked,
please notify the School Manager or Registrar.
School Communication
In an effort to conserve resources, all information, such as class schedules, schedule changes, important announcements, etc., will be posted directly to OBT School’s blog and eventually to School Status Connect. It is recommended that students and families check the blog routinely for last-minute changes. Important information and announcements made through OBT School’s blog postings will also be communicated by email.
OBT School Blog Address: www.schooloforegonballettheatre.blogspot.com
Once you are comfortable accessing OBT School’s blog, please sign up for email updates. You can do so at the top of the blog’s main page.
Eventually, you will be invited to School Status Connect with an email link as well.
Note: Email alerts are only a device to aid in communication. Do not depend on it for timely notice of all postings. Sometimes email alerts are immediate and sometimes delayed by several hours. Always check OBT School’s blog on a daily basis and use the email alert as a back-up.
Parking
The parking lot is reserved for OBT and OBT School employees and short term transactions at our front desk. Additional street parking and street car access is available nearby.
Drop-off and Pick-up Pre-Ballet and Primary students
● Parking - Please park along Bancroft or another nearby street.
● Arrival - Please plan to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before class, though no earlier than 10 minutes and accompany your student into the lobby to be received by an OBT staff member. Due to injury concerns, students arriving 5 minutes or later will be admitted to class only at the discretion of the teacher. Please keep in mind, arriving late can lead to disrupting the class and the student missing valuable class instruction. Students will be supervised by a staff member.
● To support a focused learning environment and safety, we ask that all Pre-Ballet and Primary parents and guardians to either drop their student at the front door or remain in the lobby. Parents are not allowed in the studios unless it is observation week.
● Preparation for Class - Upon arrival please report to the front door. Students should arrive already dressed in OBT School dress code, with street clothes on top. Students will prepare for class and leave their belongings in the lobby. OBT School’s dressing rooms are off- limits to Pre-Ballet and Primary students. Please be sure to read all Dress Code details, available on OBT School’s blog.
● Pre-Ballet and Primary students will be assembled and led by the teacher or student assistant from the lobby to class at the appropriate time. Any late arrivals should report to OBT School staff to determine if participation is still an option.
● During Class – Families can enjoy the local shops, eateries, and waterfront. Families are permitted to enter the building and remain in the lobby, but not observe class until observation week[AA18] .
● After Class - At the conclusion of class, the teacher will return students to the main lobby. After preparing to leave, Pre-Ballet and Primary students will leave the building via the front door when their parent or guardian is present. Please be present and available to pick up your child at the end of the scheduled class time.
We ask that parents and guardians wait outside the building or in the lobby for students to be dismissed by our school staff. Please remember that the OBT parking lot is for employees only.
Drop-off and Pick-up Level 1 – OBT2 Students
Parents and guardians should drop-off their child at the front door. Parents are welcome to remain in the front lobby of the building during class. If there is a traffic line, please stop your car at the front door and then allow the student to exit the vehicle. The student must walk in front of the vehicle to the door, not behind the vehicle. Please use care and drive slowly while in the lot. No driver should ever allow the student to exit the vehicle before arriving at the door and then bypass the traffic line. Please note that drop-off is not monitored. If you are uncomfortable dropping off the student in this manner, you will need to find off-site street parking and accompany your student to the door. Students will need to check themselves in and out at the front desk, when entering and exiting the building.
Students in Levels 1 and 2 are not permitted to use the OBT School locker rooms and should come dressed in OBT School dress code underneath their street clothes.
Students, regardless of age or level, must verbally check out with the OBT School Registrar or staff person upon departure of the premises. Staff will always make visual contact with the authorized pick-up person. Unless the student’s OBT School registration form indicates they may depart the building unescorted, all students must be met in person or by vehicle by their parent/guardian or authorized driver. For their own safety, unescorted students may not be called across the street, to the public sidewalk, or into the parking lot.
If a student is departing with a friend or being picked up by someone other than the normal parent/guardian or authorized driver, parents must send a dated and signed note with the student or an email with the details. Please keep this in mind as your daily carpool or pick-up plans change. To make a permanent change to a student’s permission to leave premises or to the adults authorized to pick them up, please send an email to schoolofobt@obt.org. Students will not be released to another driver, no matter how well known the driver is to OBT School.
staff, without prior notification. This rule is strictly enforced for safety and liability reasons.
Late Pick-up
Students are to be picked up no later than 15 minutes after class ends. Parents or guardians who are late will need to park in an appropriate location and wait at the front door. After 30 minutes, a $25.00 late fee may be assessed per 30-minute increment. If you experience a problem and are unable to pick up your student, please call the school at (503) 227-6890.
Calling will not waive the late pick-up fee, but does alert staff to the situation. It is strongly recommended that this number be programmed into your mobile phone. The Late Pick-up policy applies to all OBT School classes, OBT/OBT School rehearsals, and performances.
Dress Code
All OBT School dress code information is available on OBT School’s web site and blog. Adherence to dress code is expected for all classes and rehearsals, unless specified otherwise.
Tights and Ballet Shoes:
Female Identifying:
· Skin-toned or pink tights should be matte (not shiny or Lycra), with no holes.
· Tights must be worn underneath leotard and must cover the whole foot in the shoes.
· Canvas ballet slippers must match the color of the tights (Ex. Skin-toned tights with skin-toned ballet slippers; pink tights matched with pink ballet slippers[AA20] ). Pink tights with skin-toned shoes or skin-toned tights with pink shoes are not permitted. Please replace the shoes when a hole is visible.
· Shoes should be neatly and securely sewn with like colored thread. NO safety pins.
Male Identifying:
· Black bike shorts or leggings with a white fitted shirt (pre-ballet/ primary)
· Black footed or convertible tights with a white fitted shirt tucked in or leotard worn under the tights (Levels 1-OBT2)
· Thin white crew-length dance socks (no tube socks) – All levels
· White canvas ballet shoes (All levels)
· Black canvas ballet shoes with no socks. black fitted shirt tucked in or black leotard worn under the tights (option for levels 4-OBT2)
· No skin-toned ballet shoes for classes or rehearsals
· Dance belts (undergarment) are required for levels 1 and above.
· Elastic belt or dress belt is required on the outside of tights for all male identifying students.
Non-Binary: Please contact the school director if an alternative option is needed for the student.
· Black bike shorts or leggings with a white fitted shirt or color specific class leotard. (pre-ballet/ primary)
· Black footed or convertible tights with a white fitted shirt tucked in or color specific class leotard (Levels 1-OBT2)
· Thin white crew-length dance socks (no tube socks) – All levels
· White canvas ballet shoes (All levels)
· Black canvas ballet shoes with no socks. black fitted shirt tucked in or black leotard worn under the tights (option for levels 4-OBT2)
· No skin-toned ballet shoes for classes or rehearsals
· Dance belts (undergarment) as needed.
· An elastic belt or dress belt is required for keeping tights up.
· Religious or cultural dress code accommodations:
· We are supportive of any religious or cultural dress code preferences. Please contact the School Director to discuss an appropriate option that best suits the needs of the student and family.
Hair:
· All hair is required to be pulled back into a neat bun if possible and fastened securely using a rubber band, multiple pins and a hair net that matches the color of the student’s hair.
· Students identifying as male or non-binary with long hair must wear hair in ponytail, single braid, or bun. Bangs must be pinned back away from face.
· Short hair needs to be fastened away from face. Head bands must match the student's hair color if needed to secure short hair.
· Students / parents must be responsible for the necessary supplies to have their hair done before class time. No headbands, bandanas, bows, scrunchies, donuts, or other headwear which interferes with or distracts from class.
· Trainee and OBT2 dancers may wear hair in French twist.
· Hair may be worn in a ponytail or braid in designed classes at the discretion of the teacher. (Ex. Pilates, Modern, Strength & Conditioning, Improvisation, Contemporary, and Composition). Bangs must still be secure off the face.
· Unnatural hair color is permitted but must be removed prior to theater rehearsals, performances and photo shoots.
Warm-ups:
· Warm-ups are only permitted before and after class and rehearsal. Please remove all warm- ups prior to the rehearsal or the first combination beginning. Fitted warm-ups are allowed for theater warm up classes only or when observing a class. If a warmup item is needed due to helping an injury, prior instructor approval is needed.
Pointe Shoes:
· Pointe shoe readiness is determined by the School Director and School Faculty. If this is your first year on pointe, do not buy your shoes without prior instruction from the school Director.
Fittings will be scheduled to assist you in your purchase.
· The color of the shoes, elastics and ribbons must match the color of the tights.
· Shoes must be securely and neatly sewn with like color thread.
· Additional instructions will be provided to qualified students during the first month of classes.
· All pointe shoes brands permitted except Gaynor Minden. Pointe shoes must be approved by the School Director or instructor prior to sewing.
· Pointe shoes must be brought to every class ready to wear.
Jewelry, Nails, Tattoos:
· No jewelry, watches, necklaces, chokers, anklets, watches, fit bits, bracelets, or rings. Exceptions can be made for health, cultural, and religious purposes but must be approved by the School Director.
· Visible permanent or temporary tattoos are not permitted for theater rehearsals, performances, and photo shoots[AA21] .
· Facial Jewelry (Ex. Nose rings and studs, eyebrow, and lip piercing, etc.) is not permitted for any classes, rehearsals, or performances.
· Students are permitted to wear small stud-type earrings in class as long as they are a small, singular point attached to a post, no hoop earrings. Not permitted for theater rehearsals, performances, and photo shoots.
· Trainee and OBT2 dancers may wear small drop earrings, no longer than ½ inch. Not permitted for theater rehearsals, performances, and photo shoots.
· Nails are to be kept short (max length of ¼ inch) for safety purposes. Nail polish is permitted for class, but no nail adornments. (ex. Jewels) No Nail polish for theater rehearsals, performances, and photo shoots.)
Extended Curriculum Classes:
· Pointe, Variations, Repertory: Level dress code is required for all classes. A short black wrap or pull-on skirt may be permitted by the instructor. No high-low or skirts longer than mid-thigh.
· Contemporary, Modern, Improvisation and Composition: Black leotard permitted, black tights, leggings, or mid-thigh length fitted shorts. Black socks or bare feet permitted with the
teacher's permission. NO garbage bag pants/shorts or baggy clothing. Athletic tank top or fitted shirt permitted but must cover mid-section when actively moving. No bare legs.
- Nique Technique:
o Female and non-binary identifying dancers: Black or class leotard with fitted bike shorts that cover the thigh to just above the knee.
o Male and non-binary identifying dancers: Black or white fitted shirt, fitted bike shorts that cover the thigh to just above the knee
· Flamenco and Character: Black character or flamenco skirt with black 1-inch character shoes
· Strength and Conditioning: Any athletic clothing must cover chest to mid-thigh, no exposed midriff.
· Holiday Dress: Observed on Valentines Day and Halloween: Themed costumes or leotards permitted to allow movement. Colored tights, make-up or hair accessories permitted. The torso and legs must remain covered when moving.
Free Dress: Observed only on pre-determined days to be communicated out in advance. Free dress only applies to wearing a different colored leotard for female identifying or non-binary students, tights must still be worn under the leotard and into the shoes. Different colored tights for male identifying student may be worn, no shorts or cut off tights. Female identifying students may wear a short to mid-length ballet skirt of any color. All other dress code guidelines still apply including hair, nails, tattoos, jewelry.
OBT School equally supports the following dance apparel and footwear stores that carry our dress code items. Discounts may be available to OBT School families upon request.
|
Dance Togs |
The Leotard |
Portland Dancewear |
|
3835 SW Hall Boulevard |
2432 NE MLK Boulevard |
9225 SW Hall Blvd. |
|
Beaverton, OR 97005 |
Portland, OR 97212 |
Portland, OR 97223 |
|
(503) 644-7545 |
(503) 284-9244 |
(503) 746-4552 |
|
dancetogs.net |
theleotard.com |
portlanddancewear.com |
|
|
|
|
Locker Rooms
Locker rooms are provided for students in Levels 3 and above. The locker rooms are not supervised and are to be used for changing only. Students are not to gather and socialize in this area. Food consumption in the locker room is strictly prohibited. Inappropriate behavior in the locker room will result in loss of locker room privileges.
Students Level 3 and up are expected to use a locker. On the first day of class students should report to the School Registrar for locker assignment and to provide their lock combination. Only combination locks are to be used, and the basic turn-dial Master lock is preferred. Keyed locks and the lock brand WordLock are prohibited. If the combination changes, the student must provide the new combination to the school immediately. Should a lock need to be removed by OBT School staff or a locksmith, the student or their family will be responsible for a cutting/removal fee of $50.
Food and/or drink may not be stored in lockers overnight. Students storing illegal or controlled substances, tobacco or marijuana products, or weapons in their lockers will be immediately expelled with no refund of tuition. Lockers are intended for storage of street clothes/shoes, jackets, purses, jewelry, wallets, electronics, and phones while the student is in the studio.
Dance bags with pointe shoes/pointe supplies may be taken into the studio and stored along the wall; do not store belongings under the center barres. There should never be unattended personal belongings left in the locker room or common areas. Please lock up all items of value (mobile phones, wallets, purses, jewelry, money, etc.), or leave them at home or with a family member. OBT School/OBT does not accept responsibility for damage, loss, or theft of personal belongings. Report any locker damage or loss of personal belongings immediately to OBT School staff.
Locker checkout will occur on the last day of the Annual Session. The interior of each locker must be emptied, and the interior and exterior must be cleaned.
Storage Cubbies
Storage cubbies are located across from the restrooms. Cubbies may be used to store dance bags and other personal items during classes, however cubbies are open and unsecured. All valuables, wallets, electronics, etc. must be locked in assigned locker, or left at home or with a family member.
Hygiene
As a courtesy to staff, faculty and fellow students, please use deodorant shortly before class. Offensive personal hygiene will be confidentially addressed.
Dress code items should be laundered on a regular basis. It is suggested that multiples of each dress code item be purchased so that clean items can be worn to each class.
Ballet shoes can hold unpleasant odor. Canvas ballet shoes should be machine washed on a cold, delicate cycle with liquid detergent. Allow them to air dry in a warm place. Pointe shoes should be hung to air on a regular basis.
Ice Bin
Students are prohibited from obtaining ice without permission from an OBT school staff member.
Students in Levels 3 and up can obtain their own ice.
All injuries occurring on the premises, requiring ice or not, must be reported to OBT School staff immediately.
Restrooms
There is to be no changing in any restroom/restroom stall. It is inconsiderate to those waiting to use the facilities.
Common Areas
These areas are for warm-up, preparing for class, quiet socializing, and cooling down. These are also the only areas where food can be consumed and should be disposed of in nearby receptacles. All noise must be kept to a minimum as a courtesy to other students and OBT/OBT School staff. Students who are repeatedly asked to lower their voices will be asked to separate themselves from the group, and may have their family contacted to address the issue.
No cell phones or devices in common areas.
OBT Box Office and Lobby
Parents are welcome to sit in OBT’s lobby during classes, as long as there is space in the lobby’s designated sitting area.
Electronic Devices
Electronic devices, including mobile phones, smart phones, tablets, computers, etc., should be used only for school or ballet homework or for necessary parent communication. No electronics are allowed for entertainment purposes or social media in the hallways or locker rooms. Inappropriate online content should not be viewed at OBT School and can lead to dismissal from the school. If use of a device becomes an issue, it will be confiscated by OBT School staff and securely stored until the student leaves for the day. If the device becomes a repetitive issue the student’s family will be contacted. OBT provides wireless internet access for its registered students for educational needs. Please see OBT School staff for the current access point and password. Our guest network is not secure, you are responsible for all activity and any sensitive information you send or receive over this network from your personal device.
If students have a mobile phone, it is recommended that they share their phone number with the school. This number will be used only by staff in emergency situations or in the case of absences. Mobile phones must be turned off or set to silent/vibrate upon entering the building. Cell phones must remain in students’ lockers or cubbies. OBT School staff will turn off phones not set to silent and heard ringing. Please keep phone calls brief and to an absolute necessity.
Students who make frequent and long calls will be asked to refrain from doing so. Use of mobile phones in any of the studios, including texting, is prohibited. Any student caught texting, making a call, or taking photos or video in the studio during class will be reported to the School Director. Out of respect to faculty, staff and fellow classmates, always ask permission before taking photos or video. Students found taking photos or video without permission will be subject
to disciplinary action by the School Director.
Student Conduct
Students must show consistent effort and progress, and behave in a disciplined, responsible, and respectful manner to fellow students, teachers, pianists, staff, and company dancers. Any violation of the Student Conduct policy, on or off-site, by the student or the parent/guardian, will result in a meeting with the School Director, and may result in the loss of scholarship and/or suspension or expulsion from OBT School. Any issues with a fellow student or OBT employee must be handled by meeting with the School Director to resolve the issue not through peer to peer communication. All communication between the School and other students is to be kept private and not shared on social media or within the OBT community.
Parent & Family Member Conduct
Any concerns with OBT, including the School, are to be resolved in a mutually respectful manner free of verbal abuse, physical violence, or threatening behavior. Failure to do so may lead to a family being dismissed from the school.
Mutual Respect & Zero Tolerance Policy
OBT School is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where all students are valued and respected. To this end, all students are to interact with each other in a respectful manner.
OBT School is a safe and welcoming environment. We welcome all students regardless of age, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, national origin, disability, race, size, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.
OBT School will not tolerate, nor support in any way, acts of bullying behavior.
OBT School staff will communicate with students to educate them about mutual respect, bullying behavior, and its prevention.
Students are asked to immediately report instances of bullying or aggressive behavior to a teacher, the School Director, School Manager, or School Registrar. Any student seen or proven to be in violation of the above will be dismissed immediately from the school without any reimbursement of tuition.
Any of the following actions or behavior will not be tolerated and may be the basis for immediate dismissal from the school without tuition refund.
● Tobacco or marijuana use of any kind on or near the premises.
● Consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages, drugs or any other illegal substances.
● Physical, sexual or emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, commission of any violent act, and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health, safety, or emotional well- being of another.
● Harassment of another person, whether physical, sexual, verbal, written, or via Internet.
● Possession, use and/or display of weapons or harmful materials.
● Theft of any kind.
