studio guidelines

  1. Enrollment

    1. Classes for the 2024-25 dance season begin August 12, 2024 and run through May 21, 2025.

  2. Class Placement

    1. Dancers should be placed in classes appropriate to their experience as well as age. The ages listed on our website should be used merely as guidelines.

    2. Adjustments may be needed to ensure that each dancer masters the necessary skills to progress through the curriculum. The Artistic Director will consult parent(s) if a different placement is deemed best for the dancer.

    3. If you have any questions about placement, please contact the Artistic Director and she will be happy to discuss the best options.

  3. Class/Level Cancellations

    1. Ballet of York County reserves the right to cancel or combine any class or level that does not have a sufficient number of students enrolled to support the instructor for the class.

  4. Attendance

    1. Class attendance is taken daily. Consistent attendance is very important in maintaining growth in technique and muscle strength.

    2. Please call or email if your child must be absent.

    3. We do not refund or pro-rate tuition for missed classes.

    4. Please be aware that monthly tuition fee remains the same regardless of weeks in the month, school vacation closings, or the number of absences in a month. Tuition for performance months (May & December) are the same as every other month. We do not charge extra for additional rehearsals.

  5. Injuries

    1. Any injuries or illness that occurs while at the studio must be reported the same day to the Artistic Director and an incident report filed.

  6. Arrival and Departure 

    1. Please escort younger dancers to the door. Please monitor your dancers in the parking lot. Younger dancers will only be released to a guardian at the door. Please do not ask younger dancers to walk across the parking lot alone.

  7. Dress Code/Hair Rules (all ages)

    1. Appropriate colored, modest, ballet cut leotards must be worn to classes (no mesh/sheer panels, cutouts, rhinestones or attached skirts)

      Ballet Beginnings/Creative movement- plain pink or black leotard, no skirts

      Ballet 1- plain black leotard, no skirts

      Ballet 2, 2.5, 3 & 3.5- plain black leotard, no skirts

      Ballet 4- plain black or burgundy leotard, no skirts

      Ballet 4.5- plain black or burgundy leotard, no skirts

      Ballet 5- black, BYC teal or colored leotard, no skirts

      Boys/ Men Classes- black long, athletic type pants with plain white t-shirt

      Modern- same attire as Ballet classes

      Tap- same attire as Ballet classes

    2. Ballet pink tights for girls.

    3. Shoes: Dance shoes should never be worn outside the building. Outside dirt and grit ruins dance floors.

      1. Ballet shoes: Pink ballet shoes for girls. Black ballet shoes for boys.

      2. Tap shoes: Black tap shoes (tan shoes are acceptable for class but black shoes must be worn for performances)

      3. Modern: No shoes required, ballet shoes are acceptable.

    4. Hair for girls ages 6 and older should be in a neat classical ballet bun. Older students should have buns secured with hairpins and a hairnet. Hair for girls younger than age 6 should be neat and pulled away from the face. If hair is too short for a bun, it must be pulled back from the face, off the neck, and secured with elastic bands or barrettes.

    5. No leg warmers, skirts, shorts or other additional clothing is allowed. However, skirts must be worn by BYC Company Members during rehearsals or when requested by the Artistic Director.

    6. Stud pierced earrings are the ONLY jewelry allowed in class. No bracelets, anklets, necklaces, etc. Ballet of York County staff is not responsible for the safe return of jewelry that must be removed after the student has entered the classroom.

    7. Students should wear coverups (EX: skirt, shorts/pants & shirt, dress, etc.) to enter and exit the studio. Students should not wear their leotard alone. Dancewear alone is inappropriate outside of studio or performance settings.

  8. There is to be no photography/video taken of any class either in the classroom or from the door without permission from the Artistic Director. No dance or portion of choreography/class may be posted in its entirety on any social media outlet or website without permission from the Director.

  9. No Bullying Policy

    1. Ballet of York County adheres to a strict no bullying policy.

    2. Any student who participates in name calling, threats of verbal or physical harm, or physical or emotional intimidation or harassment may face immediate dismissal.

    3. Students and parents concerned with student conduct should immediately contact the Artistic Director.

  10. Holidays

    1. The studio will be closed on the following dates during the 2024-25 season

      1. September 2

      2. November 27, 28 & 29

      3. December 9- 15 (Nutcracker dress rehearsals & performances at Johnson Hall Theatre Winthrop University)

      4. December 20-January 3

      5. April 21- 25

      6. May 12- 18 (Spring performance dress rehearsals & performances at Johnson Hall Theatre Winthrop University)

    2. Inclement Weather Policy:

      1. The studio will close for inclement weather as necessary. Check the BYC Facebook Parent Group, Remind App and emails for updates.

    3. We do not close for teacher workdays.