BAY RIDGE BALLET 

1.  General School Info:

• Bay Ridge Ballet is a classical ballet school offering year-around quality education in a wide range of dance forms including ballet, pointe, modern, tap, jazz, hip-hop, tumbling, musical theater, boys classes, adult classes and pre-professional training programs.

• BRB is made up of the lower school and upper school divisions.

• At BRB, our mission is to inspire, motivate and nurture dance students by providing education in a positive manner. We maintain a fun, yet disciplined environment that allows students to develop and master dance skills along with a lifelong appreciation for dance. 

• BRB provides a strong program in proper, safe technique, vocabulary, discipline and artistry as we strive to empower our students with a strong sense of self-confidence. All programs are taught in a welcoming and non-competitive environment that encourages growth as a dancer, as well as an individual. 

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2. If enrollment is below the required number of 6 students, the Director reserves the right to cancel the class or make adjustments to the class schedule.

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3.  Arrival:

• Faculty members are expected to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to personally prepare for teaching.

• BRB students are also expected to arrive early according to school policies.  

• Once your music and class plans are set up and you are dressed in your teaching attire, please check the set-up and cleanliness of the studio and notify BRB staff immediately if changes need to be made.   

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4.  All classes must begin and end on time. ​​​

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5.  Student Attendance: 

• Attendance must be taken in Google Sheets at the start of all classes.  

• Record students who are present with a "P"

• Mark absences by indicating an "A" 

• Mark all late students "L"

• Mark children who observe due to illness or injury with an "O"

• Ask lobby staff to call the parents or guardians of any student who is consistently tardy, absent, is observing class or any other issue. 

• According to BRB policies, a student in the Upper School Division (Levels I-IV) arriving more than 15 minutes late, should observe class.

• Students in the Upper Division should fill out the "Class Observation Form" found in the studio if late or observing class for sickness/injury. Instructors, please collect at the end of class. Inform admin staff to contact the parent if a child sits out for any reason.     

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6. Students' Dress Code:

• BRB Dress Code is mandatory.

• Dress Code must be assessed at the time of attendance and addressed immediately with the parent and student.

• Hair must be pulled back in a pony tail, braid or bun for the lower school (Pre-K 3 Ballet - 2nd Grade Ballet).

• Hair must be pulled back in a bun for the upper school (Ballet I-IV).

• Only form-fitting ballet sweaters can be worn in cold seasons. No big, baggy shirts. 

• Please ask administrative staff to help with communications to parents.   

• Dress Code info can be found on our Dress Code page. 

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7.  Faculty Dress Code:

• Instructors are expected to be examples for their students by wearing professional, neat dance attire. 

• Footwear: Proper dance shoes must be worn at all times. Do not teach in socks. 

• Footwear Examples:

  • Pre-Ballet, Elementary Ballet, and Ballet I: Ballet slippers or teaching sandals

  • Ballet II, III, IV and Pointe/Variations: Ballet slippers, teaching sandals or split sole dance sneakers

  • Jazz: Jazz shoes or dance sneakers

  • Tap: Tap shoes

  • Hip-hop: Sneakers

  • Modern: Bare feet

  • Camps: Ballet slippers, teaching sandals, jazz shoes or dance sneakers

• Shirt/Top: Please make sure to choose tops that are professional and appropriate for teaching young students. No low cut, midriff exposing/cropped, see through, strapless, excessively baggy or worn-out tops.

• Shirt/Top Examples:

  • Leotard 

  • Simple t-shirt/turtleneck (any length sleeve is ok)

  • Tank top (no low cut necklines or armholes please)

  • Neat sweaters or form fitting sweatshirts

  • BRB logowear, solid black or other solid color shirts without graphics are recommended

  • Appropriate undergarments should be worn

• Bottoms: Choose legwear that allow students to see your lines and movement. Very baggy or wide leg pants should not be worn.  

• Bottom Examples:

  • Leggings

  • Bike shorts (no shorter than mid-thigh)

  • Tights 

  • Ballet skirt  

• Hair and Accessories: Hair should be neat, presentable and appropriately pulled back to set a good example for the students. No facial piercings (small dainty nose stud is ok), hats, large jewelry or long nails.  

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8. Emergencies:

• If a student's parent needs to be contacted in the case of an emergency, administrative staff has access to the child's emergency contact info and will call.

• Instructors may also access all emergency contact information on their attendance sheets.

• Call 911 in case of an emergency. 

 

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9.  Studio Dates:

• School closings and other important dates can be found at bayridgeballet.com/calendar.

• Save dates in your personal calendar. 

• Closing dates can also be found on your attendance sheets.

• Please announce closings to parents and students at the start and end of class.  

 

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10.  Student Placement:

• Children in the Lower School classes are all placed based on birth year. 

• All Upper Division faculty should assess students at the start of the school year to assure appropriate placement.

• Communicate to the Director via email at info@bayridgeballet.com if you feel a student is not placed appropriately.

• Do not discuss placement with students or parents until communicating with the director.  

• Advancement in level is not encouraged halfway through the school year unless absolutely necessary.

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11. At BRB we believe in training dancers in a safe, healthy way to prevent injuries and teach students proper techniques in dance training. It is an important part of BRB's mission to train dancers to be technically sound.  

 

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12. Studio Equipment: ​

• BRB has a bluetooth connector, headphone jack and iPhone adaptor to play from your music device. 

• Props, mats, ballet barres, etc. must be returned neatly to the appropriate place after each use.   

• Please inform BRB staff if supplies such as ice-packs or bandaids need be replaced after using the last ones. 

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13. Faculty and staff opening or closing up the studio, please see the "Opening/Closing Checklist" in the attendance book and in the lobby for a check list on all that's involved with opening up and shutting down everything safely.   

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14. Important parent and student policies are posted at bayridgeballet.com/policies. Read through and be aware of the rules we set forth for our families, so we all have consistent expectations and provide a positive experience for all.  

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15. Students' Classroom Etiquette:​

• Some basic rules for all classes include always having a positive attitude, no leaning on walls, no talking, don't hang on or crawl under barres, don't touch the mirrors, always ask permission to leave the studio and remember proper dancer etiquette at all times.

• All classes end with reverence, applause and a "Thank You" to your teacher and reward stickers for Lower Division classes. 

• Discipline is at the core of BRB's philosophy and can only be learned with the positive support of our teachers.

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16. Statement on behavior from our School Policies:

• "During class, younger students who demonstrate disruptive behavior will be given warnings. If they continue to be disruptive, they will be asked to observe the class. All such incidents will be discussed with parents after class."

• "Older students will be subject to class dismissal for poor attitude or disrespectful behavior. Positive attitudes provide the best learning environment for everyone in the classroom. In the event of a breech of these ethics, a meeting will take place and further incidents could lead to program dismissal."  

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17. Junior Teachers will be assigned to as many lower school division classes as possible, prioritizing the youngest age brackets. Please remember that these young dancers are in class to help you. Be specific in directing them and give them guidance to improve, as many are new to assisting.  Please use password "ballet" at link bayridgeballet.com/junior-teacher-guidelines to see what info your JT will receive. 

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18. Studio Access:

• Parents and siblings are not allowed in the studio area unless approved by the teacher.

• Young students may need some extra support initially, but communication must go to the parent that this is an independent class ultimately. I recommend you suggest to the parent that the child can bring a support stuffed animal to watch the next class. In addition to lots of positive encouragement, this typically gives the child the support they need to go independently into class!       

• Students are not allowed in the studio without the teacher.  

 

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19.  Instructor Absences:

• Contact the director at info@bayridgeballet.com ASAP with any foreseen absences.

• The instructor is responsible for finding a substitute for classes to be missed. Please reach out to BRB faculty first, then other recommendations can be considered. 

• Please see the Faculty & Staff Google Sheet HERE for a complete list of BRB instructors & subs.

• Remember to update your information on the Faculty & Staff Google Sheet regularly. 

• Lesson plans, videos or music may be requested if a sub is scheduled. 

• Faculty who consistently need a substitute may be dismissed and their agreement terminated.

• I support my instructors in all their outside projects, but must also consider the parents and the students when it comes to multiple absences. 

• Important dates instructors are not permitted to get substitutes include first days of semesters/sessions, observation days, recitals and classes preceding performance dates. 

• A full commitment, with minimal substitutes is required. 

 

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20.  BRB Students:

• All outside projects or opportunities extended to BRB students by faculty must be communicated to the Director and approved before communicating to the student or student's parents.

• BRB will communicate via email with everyone involved to maintain a professional relationship with all parties.    

 

 

21. All communication from instructors to BRB parents and/or students is required to go though the studio. Contacting directly is not permitted.  ​​

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22. Observation Days:

• Observation Day takes place during the final class of Fall Semester for all classes.

• Due to limited seating, only parents and siblings are invited to attend.

• Please see the CALENDAR for specific Observation Days dates.

 

 

23. Recitals & Pre-Ballet Recitals:​

• BRB Recitals take place in June. Please see the CALENDAR for specific Recital dates. 

• Recital attendance is required for all instructors at a performance/event compensation rate of $20/hour.    

• Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 Ballet students will have an in-studio Pre-Ballet Recital the final classes of Spring Semester. This performance will include a small portion of class (ex. stretch, warm-up, across the floor) then the children will go behind the curtains and put on a simple costume with the help of a few volunteers. Once dressed, they can perform their dance and then get lots of class photos! 

• See HERE for more Pre-Ballet Recital info. 

• Kindergarten Ballet & higher classes will participate in the Recital at the end of the school year.

• Preparing for the Recital should never exclude any member of the class and a proper warm-up should always be included in classes. 

• We do not have a themed recital, so you are free to create any piece you like. I am happy to speak with you more on your ideas if you need further direction or inspiration! 

• Students pay a low costume fee that allows us to purchase pieces to build a basic costume. Our dress code leotards are used as the base. Costume ideas/themes must be emailed to the Director at the start of Spring Semester to allow time to order costumes.

• Stretch & Conditioning classes do not participate in the Recital.

• See HERE for more Recital info! 

• Music must be submitted via e-mail to the Director no later than 2 weeks before the performances.   

• Dances should be about 2-3 minutes. Keep choreo simple and fun! 

• In addition to the upstage and downstage center and quarter marks, sticker dots with letters will be placed in lines just as we have in the studio. 

• Please note, the stage only has entrances upstage left and right.

• The downstage curtain will close between every piece. 

• JT's must be choreographed into your piece and they need to be able to confidently lead their group. Please make sure they are placed where they are not blocking the children.  

• Be sure to set a curtsy/bow and practice it every run. 

• Teach children to smile and emote! 

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24. Let's support one another & stay in the know! 

• Join the mailing list and READ our emails to stay current on school info. (I promise to keep them short & sweet!) 

• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Like, comment and please SHARE to help support our school and keep our dance family growing!

• Connect with BRB and we'll do the same for you!  

 

 

25.  Social Media: 

• Please take photos and videos of special class moments or students' shining accomplishments, as this truly helps our school to grow. Feel free to use the studio cell phone or your own personal device. Don't hesitate to ask admin staff for help! Text the studio or email all to bayridgeballetsocialmedia@gmail.com.   

• We also encourage posting on your own social media accounts. Please credit all photos posted of BRB students on social media with the appropriate tagging @bayridgeballet. Teachers are not permitted to use the student's name in photos.

• Students/parents and instructors should not message directly. It is appropriate for all communication to go through our school.  

• If connecting with the school, responsible personal posting is strongly suggested. Students and parents are just a click away! Refrain from posting profanity, sexually explicit content, content glorifying illegal activities, alcohol or drug use and discriminatory remarks. Please use your best judgement when posting, so as to best represent BRB and yourself.  

• Help our school continue to grow! 

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26.  As an independent subcontractor for Bay Ridge Ballet, you agree to not accept another position or take on other work duties that will interfere with the agreements of this contract. 

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27. Payment:

• Payments will be issued electronically on the 1st and 15th of every month in the agreed upon amount. 

• All Faculty and Staff must submit their Google Sheet Time Sheet to receive compensation. You will receive a link to your BRB Timesheet via email. Simply input your hours and initial, then your payment can be processed.

• An email reminder will be sent a couple days before the end of the pay period.  

• BRB Instructors are independent subcontractors. You will be asked to submit a W-9 Form to the Financial Director every year.  

• Contact Steve Grado at bayridgeballet@gmail.com or 917-365-0528 for any questions regarding compensation. 

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28. Private Lessons - Please see below for simple steps to coordinating Private Lessons:

• Step 1- Click here to see the webpage where you can instruct your students to reach out:  www.bayridgeballet.com/private-lessons. If you have students ask you or if you approach parents, they will go to this page to schedule.  

• Step 2- Once you've received the request via email, you may discuss your fee directly with the parent, which must include the rental fee to be paid to BRB. Rental fees vary based on the number of dancers you are scheduling. Semi-private lessons can be scheduled for up to three dancers.  All private lessons must be posted on the studio's Google calendar to avoid double booking the space. 

• Step 3- Schedule your private lesson at the studio by emailing both info@bayridgeballet.com (to schedule) & bayridgeballet@gmail.com (for rental fee).  

• Step 4- Include your private lesson on your timesheet to have the rental fee deducted from your compensation. 

• Statement on Private Lessons from the webpage: "Scheduling Policy: Private lessons are scheduled and paid for directly with each instructor. Instructor rates vary depending on their experience and the type of private lesson you are scheduling. Our suggested rate for one-hour private lessons is $80-$150, which includes the space rental fee. The instructor is responsible for the rental fee. ​

• Statement on Private Lessons from the webpage: "Cancellation Policy:  All private lessons require 24 hours notice to be cancelled. Private lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged full amount." 

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29. Positivity:  

• BRB works hard to maintain a positive environment for all of our students. Please support us and do your part to maintain this mission.

• Bring any negativity immediately to the Director, so the concern can be addressed and we can continue providing something special for our students!

• BRB is a school created by a teacher, for teachers, so know that you have my full support when dealing with parents and students.  

• Always feel free to reach out to the Director with any issues, concerns or suggestions. BRB strives to offer a positive experience for our students and faculty alike. Communication is key!

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30. Headshot & Biography:  ​If you have not already done so, please email your headshot and biography for the faculty webpage and promotional purposes. Returning faculty, please send any updates as needed.  

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31. Faculty/Staff Contact Google Sheet:  You will be invited via email to join our "Faculty & Staff Info" Google Sheet. You will be able to click on the provided link to access contact emails and phone numbers and see other important information.  

 

 

32. Covid-19 Amendment:  

• By submitting the form below, you are agreeing to have read and understand all safety policies. 

• Should BRB be required to close, all classes will continue virtually.

• Parents are required to administer personal health assessments on their child prior to arriving to BRB.

• All faculty & staff must complete a personal health assessment prior to arrival and will have their temperature taken upon entry.

• Staff and students are required to sanitize or wash hands upon arrival and whenever necessary. 

• By submitting the form below, you are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to Covid-19 exists in any public place where people are present, voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure and understand that BRB is not liable for any illness or injury.    

• Lysol spray and disinfectant wipes can be found in the lobby. 

• Hand sanitizer can be found in the studio and lobby. 

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We hope you enjoy your experience with Bay Ridge Ballet.  We value your expertise and talent.  

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We must keep the lines of communication open so we can work together to provide the best for our students. My cell phone is 404-697-6465 and my email is info@bayridgeballet.com. Reach out anytime with questions!

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Save this webpage for future reference and indicate your agreement to the above terms by submitting the form below asap. 

 

Thank you! 

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Sincerely, 

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Patricia Foster-Grado

Founding Director

BAY RIDGE BALLET

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Last updated 1/16/2025