BAY RIDGE BALLET 

1. General School Info:  Bay Ridge Ballet is a classical ballet school offering year-round 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 consists of Lower School and Upper School divisions.

 

Mission: Our mission is to inspire, motivate, and nurture dance students by providing education in a positive, inclusive manner. We maintain a fun yet disciplined environment that allows students to develop and master dance skills while fostering a lifelong appreciation for dance. BRB provides a strong program emphasizing proper, safe technique, vocabulary, discipline, and artistry, empowering students with self-confidence. All programs are taught in a welcoming, non-competitive environment that encourages growth as dancers and individuals.

 

Compliance: BRB adheres to New York State Education Department (NYSED) guidelines for non-degree-granting institutions and federal regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure accessibility and inclusivity in our programs.

 

 

2. Class EnrollmentIf enrollment falls below the required minimum of six students, the Director reserves the right to cancel the class or adjust the schedule. Notifications will comply with New York State consumer protection laws, ensuring timely communication to affected families.

 

 

3. Arrival Time Schedule

• Faculty: Faculty members must arrive 10–15 minutes early to prepare for teaching, ensuring compliance with New York State Labor Law § 195 (workplace safety and preparedness).

• Students: Students are expected to arrive early per BRB policies to ensure classes begin on time.

• Studio Setup: Faculty must check the studio’s cleanliness and setup, notifying administrative staff immediately if changes are needed. BRB adheres to New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) guidelines for maintaining sanitary facilities.

• Punctuality: All classes must begin and end on time to respect scheduling and labor regulations.

 

 

4. Student Attendance

• Recording: Attendance must be recorded in Google Sheets at the start of each class:

  • Present: "P"

  • Absent: "A"

  • Late: "L"

  • Observing (due to illness/injury): "O"

• Tardiness/Absences: Faculty must notify lobby staff to contact parents/guardians of students who are consistently tardy, absent, observing, or facing other issues, in compliance with NYSED parental engagement requirements.

• Upper School Policy: Students in Upper School (Levels I–IV) arriving more than 15 minutes late must observe class and complete a "Class Observation Form" available in the studio. Faculty must collect forms and inform administrative staff to contact parents if a student observes due to illness or injury.

• Compliance: Attendance records are maintained in accordance with New York State recordkeeping requirements for educational programs and federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines to protect student privacy.

 

 

5. Students’ Dress Code

• Mandatory Dress Code: The BRB Dress Code is mandatory and must be assessed during attendance. Non-compliance must be addressed immediately with the student and parent.

• Hair Requirements:

  • Lower School (Pre-K 3 Ballet–2nd Grade Ballet): Hair in a ponytail, braid, or bun.

  • Upper School (Ballet I–V): Hair in a bun.

• Attire:

  • Only form-fitting ballet sweaters are permitted during cold seasons. No oversized or baggy shirts.

  • Leg warmers and other warm-up gear are prohibited.

• Communication: Faculty must request administrative staff assistance to communicate dress code violations to parents, ensuring compliance with NYSED parental notification protocols.

• Reference: Dress Code details are available on the BRB Dress Code page.

• Compliance: Dress code policies align with NYSED guidelines for maintaining a safe and professional learning environment.

 

 

6. Faculty Dress CodeFaculty must model professional behavior by wearing neat, appropriate dance attire, setting an example for students and complying with workplace professionalism standards under New York State Labor Law.

• Footwear (appropriate for class type):

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

  • Ballet II, III, IV, 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.

• Tops:

  • Leotards, simple t-shirts/turtlenecks, tank tops (no low-cut necklines or armholes), neat sweaters, or form-fitting sweatshirts.

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

  • No low-cut, midriff-exposing, see-through, strapless, baggy, or worn-out tops.

  • Appropriate undergarments must be worn.

• Bottoms:

  • Leggings, bike shorts (mid-thigh or longer), tights, or ballet skirts.

  • No very baggy or wide-leg pants.

• Hair and Accessories:

  • Hair must be neat and appropriately pulled back.

  • No facial piercings (except small, dainty nose studs), hats, large jewelry, or long nails.

• Compliance: Faculty attire aligns with New York State workplace safety and professionalism standards.

 

 

7. Emergencies

• Procedure:

  • Administrative staff will contact a student’s emergency contact using information provided in enrollment forms.

  • Faculty may access emergency contact information on attendance sheets.

  • In case of an emergency, call 911 immediately, as required by New York State Public Health Law § 3000-b.

• Compliance: BRB maintains emergency contact records in accordance with NYSED and FERPA requirements. Faculty are trained in basic emergency procedures per Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.

 

 

8. Studio Dates

• Calendar: School closings and important dates are available at bayridgeballet.com/calendar and on attendance sheets. Faculty must save these dates in personal calendars.

• Announcements: Faculty must announce closings to parents and students at the start and end of class, ensuring compliance with NYSED parental communication requirements.

 

 

9. Student Placement

• Lower School: Students are placed based on birth year.

• Upper School: Faculty must assess students at the start of the school year to ensure appropriate placement. Concerns about placement must be emailed to the Director at info@bayridgeballet.com. Faculty must not discuss placement with students or parents until approved by the Director.

• Advancement: Mid-year level advancements are discouraged unless necessary. Directors will solicit faculty recommendations for level advancements via email at the end of each school year. Students typically spend 2–3 years per Upper School level.

• Ensemble Evaluations: Faculty teaching Ensemble students may be required to complete mid-year evaluation forms.

• Compliance: Placement policies align with NYSED guidelines for fair and consistent student assessment in educational programs.

 

 

10. Safe Training PracticesBRB is committed to training dancers in a safe, healthy manner to prevent injuries and promote proper technique, in compliance with NYSDOH guidelines for physical activity programs and federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) standards for protecting student well-being.

 

11. Studio Equipment

• Music: BRB provides a Bluetooth connector, headphone jack, and iPhone adapter for music devices.

• Props and Supplies: Props, mats, ballet barres, etc., must be returned neatly after use. Faculty must notify staff if supplies (e.g., ice packs, bandages) need replacement.

• Compliance: Equipment maintenance adheres to NYSDOH sanitation standards and OSHA workplace safety regulations.

 

 

12. Opening/Closing ProceduresFaculty and staff opening or closing the studio must follow the “Opening/Closing Checklist” in the attendance book and lobby, ensuring compliance with New York State fire safety codes and OSHA workplace safety standards.

 

 

13. Parent and Student PoliciesImportant policies are posted at bayridgeballet.com/policies. Faculty must review these to ensure consistent expectations, aligning with NYSED parental engagement guidelines.

 

 

14. Students’ Classroom Etiquette

• Rules:

  • Maintain a positive attitude.

  • No leaning on walls, talking, hanging on/crawling under barres, touching mirrors, or leaving the studio without permission.

  • Practice proper dancer etiquette.

• Class Conclusion: All classes end with reverence, applause, and a “Thank You” to the teacher. Lower Division classes receive reward stickers.

• Discipline: Discipline is central to BRB’s philosophy and is supported through positive reinforcement, in line with NYSED guidelines for fostering safe learning environments.

 

 

15. Behavior Policy (from School Policies)

• Younger Students: Disruptive behavior results in warnings. Continued disruption leads to observation status, with incidents discussed with parents post-class.

• Older Students: Poor attitude or disrespectful behavior may result in class dismissal. Repeated issues may lead to a meeting and potential program dismissal.

• Compliance: Behavior policies align with NYSED standards for maintaining a positive educational environment and federal CAPTA requirements for student safety.

 

 

16. Junior TeachersJunior Teachers are assigned to Lower School classes, prioritizing the youngest age groups. Faculty must provide specific guidance to Junior Teachers, many of whom are new to assisting. Access Junior Teacher guidelines at bayridgeballet.com/junior-teacher-guidelines using the password “ballet.”

 

17. Studio Access

• Restrictions: Parents and siblings are not permitted in the studio unless approved by the teacher. Students may not enter without a teacher present.

• Young Students: For young students needing extra support, faculty may suggest bringing a stuffed animal to the next class to ease the transition to independent participation.

• Compliance: Access policies align with NYSDOH safety protocols and NYSED guidelines for secure educational environments.

 

 

18. Instructor Absences

• Notification: Faculty must contact the Director at info@bayridgeballet.com as soon as possible for foreseen absences.

• Substitutes: Faculty are responsible for finding substitutes, prioritizing BRB faculty. The Faculty & Staff Google Sheet provides contact information. Lesson plans, videos, or music may be requested for substitutes.

• Restrictions: Substitutes are not permitted on the first days of semesters/sessions, observation days, recitals, or classes preceding performances.

• Policy: Excessive absences may lead to dismissal, per the faculty agreement. Faculty must balance outside commitments with BRB obligations.

• Compliance: Absence policies comply with New York State Labor Law § 195 for fair employment practices.

 

 

19. BRB Students and Outside OpportunitiesFaculty must communicate and receive Director approval before offering outside projects or opportunities to BRB students. BRB will coordinate communication via email to maintain professionalism, in compliance with NYSED parental engagement requirements.

 

 

20. CommunicationAll faculty communication with parents and students must go through the studio. Direct contact is prohibited to ensure compliance with FERPA and NYSED privacy standards.

 

 

21. Observation Days

• Schedule: Observation Days occur during the final class of the Fall Semester for all classes, with dates listed on the calendar.

• Attendance: Only parents and siblings may attend due to limited seating.

• Compliance: Observation policies align with NYSED guidelines for parental involvement.

 

 

22. Recitals & Pre-Ballet Recitals

• Main Recital:

  • Held in June (see calendar for dates).

  • Attendance is optional. Faculty receive free tickets to observe.

  • A select team of instructors may join the performance team at $20/hour.

  • Kindergarten Ballet and higher participate. Pointe/Pre-Pointe and Stretch & Conditioning classes do not.

  • Costumes use dress code leotards as a base, with additional pieces purchased via a low costume fee. Costume ideas must be emailed to the Director at the start of the Spring Semester.

  • Music must be submitted two weeks before performances. Dances should be 2–3 minutes (max 3.5 minutes).

  • Choreography must include Junior Teachers, with clear staging to avoid blocking students.

  • Faculty must teach a curtsy/bow and encourage smiling/emoting.

• Pre-Ballet Recital:

  • Held in-studio during the final Spring Semester classes for Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 Ballet.

  • Includes a class portion, costume change, performance, and photos.

• Compliance: Recital policies adhere to NYSED guidelines for inclusive student participation and NYSDOH safety standards.

 

 

23. Summer Session, Camps & Intensives

• Details: Available on the summer tab at bayridgeballet.com.

• Policies: School-year policies apply, including dress code based on upcoming class placement. Summer programs may mix levels.

• Cancellation: Programs with fewer than six registered students may be canceled at the Director’s discretion.

• Compliance: Summer programs comply with NYSDOH regulations for youth camps and NYSED educational standards.

 

 

24. Community Engagement

• Mailing List: Faculty must join the mailing list and read emails to stay informed.

• Social Media: Follow BRB on Facebook and Instagram, liking, commenting, and sharing posts to support the school.

• Compliance: Engagement activities align with NYSED community involvement guidelines.

 

 

25. Social Media

• BRB Content:

  • Staff may take photos/videos for promotional purposes. Faculty must ensure students appear polished during these sessions.

  • Faculty may take photos/videos of class moments and share with the studio, crediting 

    @bayridgeballet

    . Student names must not be used for privacy reasons.

• Personal Accounts:

  • Faculty must avoid direct messaging with students/parents, routing communication through the studio.

  • Personal posts should avoid profanity, explicit content, illegal activities, or discriminatory remarks to represent BRB professionally.

• Compliance: Social media policies comply with FERPA, NYSED privacy standards, and New York State anti-discrimination laws.

 

 

26. Independent Contractor AgreementAs independent subcontractors, faculty agree not to accept conflicting work that interferes with BRB commitments, per the online schedule. This aligns with New York State Labor Law § 191 for clear employment terms.27. Payment

• Schedule: Payments are issued electronically on the 1st and 15th of each month.

• Timesheets: Faculty must submit timesheets via Dance Studio Pro, accurately recording hours worked, including regular, administrative, and performance/event hours. Late arrivals must be reflected, with compensation awarded to substitutes.

• W-9: Faculty must submit a W-9 annually to the Financial Director.

• Contact: For payment inquiries, contact Steve Grado at bayridgeballet@gmail.com or 917-365-0528.

• Updates: Payment policies may transition to a mobile time clock. Faculty will be notified via email.

• Compliance: Payment practices adhere to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations for independent contractors and New York State Labor Law § 191.

 

 

28. Private Lessons

• Scheduling:

  • Booked through Dance Studio Pro, with parents selecting instructors based on availability and rate.

  • Faculty set rates ($80–$150/hour, including studio costs). Instructors receive 70% of gross revenue; BRB receives 30% for scheduling, space, and support.

• Payments: Issued on the 1st and 15th of each month. Faculty must log hours on timesheets under “Private Lesson Rate.”

• Cancellation: 24-hour notice is required. Late cancellations are charged in full.

• Compliance: Private lesson policies comply with New York State consumer protection laws and IRS revenue reporting requirements.

 

 

29. PositivityBRB maintains a positive environment for students and faculty. Concerns or negativity must be reported to the Director immediately for resolution, aligning with NYSED standards for supportive educational settings.

 

 

30. Headshot & BiographyFaculty must submit a headshot and biography for the faculty webpage and promotional purposes. Returning faculty should provide updates as needed.

 

 

31. Faculty/Staff Contact Google SheetFaculty will receive an email invitation to join the “Faculty & Staff Info” Google Sheet for contact information and updates, ensuring compliance with secure data management under FERPA.

 

 

32. Health and Safety (COVID-19 and General Protocols)

• Health Assessments:

  • Parents must conduct health assessments on students before arrival.

  • Faculty and staff must complete a health assessment and have their temperature checked upon entry.

• Sanitation:

  • Hand sanitizer is available in the studio and lobby. Lysol spray and disinfectant wipes are in the lobby.

  • Faculty and students must sanitize or wash hands upon arrival and as needed.

• Liability:

  • By agreeing to these guidelines, faculty acknowledge the inherent risk of COVID-19 exposure in public settings and assume related risks, understanding BRB is not liable for illness or injury.

• Virtual Classes: If BRB closes due to public health mandates, classes will continue virtually, per NYSDOH and NYSED guidelines.

• Compliance: Health protocols align with NYSDOH COVID-19 guidance, OSHA workplace safety standards, and federal CDC recommendations.

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33. Notes on Compliance

• NYSED: References to NYSED guidelines ensure BRB operates as a compliant non-degree-granting educational program, focusing on parental engagement, student safety, and inclusive practices.

• NYSDOH: Health and safety protocols align with state regulations for sanitation, youth programs, and COVID-19 response.

• New York State Labor Law: Employment practices (e.g., payment, absences, workplace safety) comply with state labor standards for independent contractors.

• Federal Laws:

  • FERPA: Protects student privacy in attendance and communication records.

  • ADA: Ensures program accessibility.

  • CAPTA: Supports safe training and behavior policies to protect students.

  • OSHA: Guides workplace safety and emergency procedures.

  • IRS: Ensures proper contractor payment and tax documentation.

• Consumer Protection: Class cancellations and private lesson policies align with New York State laws for fair business practices.

 

Commitment to Excellence: We value your expertise and dedication at Bay Ridge Ballet. Open communication is essential to providing the best experience for our students. Contact the Director at info@bayridgeballet.com or 404-697-6465 with any questions. Please save this link for future reference and indicate your agreement by submitting the form below as soon as possible.​

 

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 7/31/2025