Springfield Ballet’s dress code is designed to encourage unity and discipline among its students. Instructors are aided by the dress code in their dedication to the development and training of dancers. They are able to see the body’s form to ensure that the dancer is moving safely and correctly.

Leotards for ladies: We encourage and require basic leotard styles in black (Ballet 1+) or pale pink (CM1, CM2 and Pre-ballet). Having a camisole or tank sleeve with a simple scoop front and back and no decorations or attachments is a must for any dancer’s leotard wardrobe. Short- and long-sleeve styles are also very classic, keep you warmer on cold days and help an older dancer stand out in an audition. Leotards with lots of straps, lace, mesh or rhinestones may look great in the catalogue or on the hanger, but they can be distracting and uncomfortable in class. As a dancer progresses and does partnering work in ballet and modern, excessive straps or decorations can even cause injury. As students get older and begin taking more classes each week, variety in leotards can be a fun way to express style while maintaining the integrity of the dress code. As a dancer progresses in level, they “earn” the opportunity to wear blue leotards (Ballet 5+) on certain days and colored leotards (Ballet 6+), as well. The classic leotard style has a truly great benefit, allowing dancers to feel like they are part of the team without having to worry if the leotard is “stylish” enough. The best leotards allow dancers to feel comfortable and focus on dancing; not on what they are wearing!

Tights for ladies: The pink tights we require for performances are the “pink mesh seamed tights,” Body Wrappers #A45-adult and #C45-child in Ballet Pink. These tights are a little more expensive per pair, but they do not get runs as easily. If they do run, you can control the run with clear nail polish or even with sewing up the hole. This style of tights is not required for classes, but it might be worth checking out if your child constantly has runs in her tights.

Leather ballet shoes: The choice to have dancers wear leather ballet shoes at Springfield Ballet is for two main reasons: leather shoes tend to hold up and last longer than the canvas style, and more importantly leather is harder to work in so the dancers’ feet become stronger working in leather shoes versus the canvas shoes. As far as the sole of the shoe, dancers in Creative Movement 1 through Ballet 1 should be wearing a shoe with a full sole. Dancers in Ballet 2+ can wear either a split sole or a full sole, whichever feels more comfortable and fits best. Continued on next page

Reasons for Springfield Ballet’s Dress CodeBy Ashley Paige Romines, Artistic & School Director

to the pointe November 2017

Springfield Ballet, The Creamery Arts Center, 411 N Sherman Parkway, Springfield, MO 65802417.862.1343 | www.springfieldballet.org | info@springfieldballet.org

Springfield Ballet, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the art of ballet through premier education, performance, outreach and collaboration.

Tuition Updates & Reminders• To pay tuition monthly, you must set up

auto-payments through Active Network.• If the monthly payment plan option is

chosen during registration, the higher rate will still be charged if the balance is paid off early.

• The Ballet 4 rate now includes unlimited ballet and elective classes. (Semester rate: $680, Monthly rate: $175)

• The Ballet 4/5 rate now includes unlimited ballet and elective classes. (Semester rate: $720, Monthly rate: $185)• A $2-5 convenience charge for credit/

debit cards will apply to drop-in classes (including adult), class card purchases (including adult) and other miscellaneous purchases. Cash, check or credit/debit cards are accepted for these purchases.

• The convenience charge is waived for workshop registrations and all tuition payments, including private lessons, rehearsal makeup lessons, production fees and summer camps.

• If registration is cancelled BEFORE classes begin each semester, a $25 cancel fee, plus the $10-15 registration fee will not be refunded.

• NO cash is accepted for tuition payments.• At the time of registration, a registration

fee is due per student. If you register on or before the open January 4, the fee is $10/student. After January 4 the fee is $15/student.

• Families with two or more children enrolled receive a 20% discount off the second (and all subsequent) student’s tuition. To receive the family rate, you must register all siblings at one time.

Registration for Winter/Spring will begin the last week of November, exact date TBD. See the last page for full

tution rates and policies for Winter/Spring 2018.

Reasons for Springfield Ballet’s Dress Code continued

How should a ballet shoe fit? When getting fitted for ballet shoes, you do not need to leave growing room. Unlike street shoes, the toes should reach the end of the shoe. The shoe is too small if the toes are crunched or knuckled. Leather ballet shoes do stretch after the dancer wears them a few times. Like any other shoe, they have a break-in period. When you first get the shoe, there isn’t a right and a left. However, after wearing the shoe one or two times, the shoe will mold to create a distinct right and left. The elastic and drawstring hold the shoe on the foot, so it doesn’t go flying as the dancer kicks or turns. The elastic on the top of the foot can be sewn in two ways: 1) one elastic across the top of the foot close to the ankle, similar look to a “Mary Jane” strap, or 2) crisscrossed—If a shoe comes with two elastics sewn to the back, simply sew the elastic in a crisscross across the top off the foot, but still close to the front of the ankle. The drawstring also helps to hold the shoe securely to the foot. Be sure to tie the drawstring in a knot, cut the excess (but leave at least an inch or two), and tuck into the shoe. Some dancers tape in the drawstrings to prevent them from popping out of the shoe. The knot should be secure—you don’t want to lose the drawstring in the shoe, because fishing it out can be extraordinarily tedious to just impossible!

Hair: Hair needs to be secured completely off the face. This is to minimize distraction and for the safety of the eyes when a dancer turns. Dancers in Creative Movement 1 through Ballet 1 should have their hair as pulled back as possible. It is required for dancers in Ballet 2 and up to put their hair in a ballet bun (or similarly secured style). Doing a bun can be intimidating at first, but with practice it can be done quickly and securely. Need step-by-step instructions? Instructions on how to do a bun is now posted on our website under School, then Forms. Hair accessories, such as headbands, clips, decorative flowers, etc. are a great way of expressing style. The hair accessories should be held securely on the head so they don’t fly off when the dancer is moving, and they also should not cause distraction. The dancer is in class to focus on dancing, not on hair!

Warm-ups: Warm-up attire can be distracting to both the dancer and the instructor. Typically, no warm-ups are allowed at Springfield Ballet; however, Studio C can get cold in the winter time, so the instructor may allow a classic, form-fitting black or pink ballet wrap sweater or black or pink legwarmers during the beginning of class. When dealing with some injuries, it also can be helpful for a dancer to have a legwarmer on the ankle or knee to help increase circulation, especially at the beginning of class. If a dancer is wearing a legwarmer due to injury, the instructor should always be informed at the beginning of class.

If you have any further questions about dress code, feel free to contact me at apromines@springfieldballet.org.

Springfield Ballet, The Creamery Arts Center, 411 N Sherman Parkway, Springfield, MO 65802417.862.1343 | www.springfieldballet.org | info@springfieldballet.org

Springfield Ballet, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the art of ballet through premier education, performance, outreach and collaboration.

Winter/Spring EventsBreakfast with Santa & The Nutcracker

December 2 | 8:00-9:00amBattlefield Mall

A Night for the NutcrackerDecember 14 | 5:30pm

Hotel Vandivort

The NutcrackerDecember 15-18

Open Registration DayJanuary 4

Winter/Spring SemesterJanuary 8 - May 12

Auditions for A Tale of Two Wolves(ages 11+ en pointe)

Thursday, January 11 | 7:10-9:30pm

Auditions for A Tale of Two Wolves(ages 4+ not en pointe)

Saturday, January 13 | 12:30-5:15pm

Daddy Daughter DanceFriday, February 9 | 6:30pm

FREE Boys Workshop - Ages 7-12Sunday, February 25 | 2:15-3:15

Children’s Workshop Series: Peter & the Wolf

Sunday, February 25 | 3:30-5:30

NO Classes - Spring BreakMarch 12-17

FREE Boys Workshop - Ages 9-14Sunday, March 25 | 2:15-3:15

Children’s Workshop Series: Little Red Riding Hood

Sunday, March 25 | 3:30-5:30

NO Classes - Production WeekApril 9-15

A Tale of Two WolvesApril 13-15

Class Placement RemindersWith the Winter/Spring 2018 information being posted soon, we want to give you a quick reminder of the Class Placement policy at Springfield Ballet:

Class placements are based on skill level, attainment of curriculum goals and age. However, the age of one student may differ from other students in a class, and students are placed in the level that will encourage the most progress. A dancer should be challenged but not overwhelmed. All class placements are ultimately determined by the School Director under the advisement of the student’s most recent instructor(s).

Progression from one level to the next is not comparable to that of an academic school. Students may spend multiple years in each level before advancing to the next, and all students should expect to remain in a level for a minimum of one year. Each student should form their schedule on the basis of the School Director’s recommendations and in support of his/her personal goals. Students who do not take the recommended number of classes or students who take semesters/sessions off from classes can expect to remain in a level longer so they may solidify the technique and curriculum of that level.

Class placements are highly individualized and should not be compared to other students. Please know that the Springfield Ballet faculty take great care in determining class placements for each individual dancer with his/her long-term training potential in mind. Being with friends or staying with a particular group of dancers are not factors that are considered when determining class placements. Please help your dancer understand that each dancer has his/her own personal training journey.

Children’s Workshop Series

Ages 3-8 | $12 for one workshop, $22 for bothRegister at springfieldballet.org/workshops

the Wolf Sunday, Feb 25 | 3:30-5:00

Littlee Red Riding Hood Sunday, March 25 | 3:30-5:00

Peter&

Sun, Feb 25 | ages 7-12 | 2:15-3:15 pm

Sun, Mar 25 | ages 9-14 | 2:15-3:15 pm

Open AuditionsAudition is open to age 4 and up*

*Four-year-olds must be four by January 1, 2018ALL students who audition must be enrolled in dance technique classes (not necessarily at Springfield Ballet).

Thursday, January 11, 2018The Creamery Arts CenterFor ages 11+ (en pointe)

MANDATORY Parent/Performer Meeting...........................7:10-8:00 pmAudition for ages 11+ (en pointe).......................................7:45-9:30 pm

Saturday, January 13, 2018The Creamery Arts Center

For ages 4+ (not en pointe)MANDATORY Parent/Performer Meeting.........................12:30-1:45 pm(for participants new to a Springfield Ballet Production)MANDATORY Parent/Performer Meeting.........................12:50-1:45 pm(for returning participants)Audition for ages 4-6..........................................................1:30-2:15 pmAudition for ages 7-9..........................................................2:15-3:30 pmAudition for ages 10+ (not en pointe).................................3:30-5:15 pm

Makeup Auditions scheduled on a per case basis. Contact Ashley Paige Romines at 417.862.1343 or apromines@springfieldballet.org by January 8, 2018.

Tuition Rates for Winter/Spring 2018

Class Level Semester

Rate

(16 weeks,

paid in full)

Monthly Rate (total

for semester)

Tuition Policies Tuition may be paid by Semester or Monthly. Semester Tuition paid in full is due upon registration and is NON-REFUNDABLE. Monthly tuition is paid in four installments—the first is due upon registration then the following three payments are due on the 15th of the three consecutive months. To pay tuition Monthly, you must set up auto-payments through Active Network. The automatic withdrawal will come out on the 15th of each month during the payment plan agreement period. If the monthly payment plan option is chosen online during registration, the higher rate will still be charged if the balance is paid off early.

Payments received after five working days of the due date will incur a $15.00 late fee.

At the time of registration, a registration fee is due per student. If you register before or on the open registration date, the fee is $10 per student. After the open registration date, the fee is $15 per student.

Tuition is NON-REFUNDABLE—Once registered, all participants agree to pay for the entire semester/session, whether paid by Semester or Monthly. If registration is cancelled BEFORE classes begin each semester, a $25 cancel fee, plus the $10-$15 registration fee will not be refunded.

Families with two or more children enrolled receive a 20% discount off the second (and all subsequent) student’s tuition. To receive the family rate, you must register all siblings at one time.

Springfield Ballet will accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express for tuition payments. Springfield Ballet will accept check payments through the business office after the registration fee is paid online at the time of registration. NO CASH is accepted for tuition payments. The convenience fee is waived for all tuition payments, including private lessons, rehearsal makeup lessons, production fees, workshops and summer camps. A $2-$5 convenience charge will apply to drop-in classes (including adult), class card purchases (including adult) and other miscellaneous purchases. Cash, check, or credit/debit card are accepted for these purchases.

For all other Tuition Policies, please refer to the Student/Parent Handbook.

Dance with Me, Creative Movement 1, Creative Movement 2, Pre-Ballet, Ballet 1

Dance with Me (30 min, 1 class per week, 7-week session) $75 (7 weeks) $42 ($84)

Creative Movement 1 (30 min, 1 class per week, 8-week sessions) $100 (8weeks) $55 ($110)

Creative Movement 2 (45 min, 1 class per week) $220 $58 ($232)

Pre-Ballet (60 min, 1 class per week) $230 $60 ($240)

Ballet 1 (60 min, 1 class per week) $230 $60 ($240)

Add on class rate for CM2, PB, B1 +$120 $30 ($120)

Ballet 2, Ballet 2/3, Ballet 3, Ballet 3/4, Ballet 4, Ballet 4/5

Ballet 2 (1 Ballet class per week) $240 $65 ($260)

Ballet 2 (multiple classes, includes unlimited ballet plus one elective) $400 $105 ($420)

Ballet 2/3 (multiple classes, includes unlimited ballet plus one elective) $440 $115 ($460)

Ballet 3 (1 Ballet class per week) $250 $68 ($272)

Ballet 3, 3/4, 4, 4/5 (2 Ballet classes per week) $500 $130 ($520)

Ballet 3 (multiple classes, includes unlimited ballet plus one elective) $520 $135 ($540)

Ballet 3/4 (multiple classes, includes unlimited ballet plus one elective) $540 $140 ($560)

Registered in 1-2 CLASS(ES) PER WEEK B2-B4/5: Add on an elective class rate

+$160 $40 ($160)

Registered in MULTIPLE CLASSES B2-B4/5: Add on an additional elective class rate

+$120 $30 ($120)

Unlimited: Ballet 4, Ballet 4/5, Ballet 5, Ballet 5/6, Ballet 6, Ballet 7

Ballet 4 (unlimited classes) $680 $175 ($700)

Ballet 4/5 (unlimited classes) $720 $185 ($740)

Ballet 5 (unlimited classes) $740 $190 ($760)

Ballet 5/6 (unlimited classes, not en pointe) $780 $200 ($800)

Ballet 5/6 (unlimited classes, en pointe) $840 $215 ($860)

Ballet 6 (unlimited classes) $880 $225 ($900)

Ballet 6/7, Ballet 7 (unlimited classes) $940 $240($960)

Other rates

Single class $18*

Class card (10 classes) $170*

Open Adult Ballet & Conditioning Single Class $13*

Open Adult Ballet & Conditioning Class Card (8 classes) $88*

Private lessons & Make-up rehearsals $52 per hour

Private lessons with School Director or Associate Director $60 per hour

Production fee (student/non-student) $95/$145

Workshops $12 each/ $22 for both

*Credit Card convenience charge applies to single class and class card rates

$2-$5

Registration fee ($10 per student; If registered after January 4, the Registration fee will be $15 per student)

$10-$15

NOTES ON MULTIPLE CLASSES (Ballet 2-Ballet 3/4) AND UNLIMITED CLASSES (Ballet 4 and up): Dancers in Ballet 2-Ballet 3/4 must register for classes they will attend. Unlimited ballet classes include all ballet classes at or below the dancer’s level. Please see the Student/Parent Handbook for the procedure to excuse absences and to make-up classes.

Dancers in Ballet 4 and up must register for classes they will attend on a regular basis. Dancers at these levels can also drop-in to additional ballet classes at or below their level. Please check with the office for drop-in availability for FULL classes. Please see the Student/Parent Handbook for the procedure to excuse absences and to make-up classes.