BAY RIDGE BALLET 

DRESS CODE

 

Body placement and lines are essential elements of ballet. Our dress code allows instructors to observe and correct students’ posture and alignment. All students must adhere to Bay Ridge Ballet’s dress code, meeting style and color specifications as outlined on our Dress Code page.

• Lower School Division (Pre-K Ballets & Elementary Ballets): Long hair must be pulled back in a ponytail, braided, or pinned in a bun.

• Upper School Division (Ballet I or higher): Proper ballet buns are required for long hair. Short hair must be pinned away from the face.

• Jewelry: No jewelry is permitted to ensure safety and compliance with New York State Education Department guidelines for physical activity programs, which emphasize minimizing injury risks (NYSED Physical Education Guidelines).

• Cover-Ups: Students may wear cover-ups or non-dance clothing over dancewear when entering or exiting the building to maintain modesty and comfort.

• Cold Weather: As weather gets colder, students are encouraged to purchase the uniform wrap sweater for warmth during class.

• Dance Shoes: Dance shoes must not be worn outside to maintain cleanliness and prevent damage, in line with general safety and hygiene standards.

• Ballet Slippers: Elastics must be knotted and trimmed if necessary for safety and uniformity.

• Labeling: Child’s name must be written on shoes and tags of all dancewear to prevent loss and ensure identification.

• Adult Classes: No required dress code; comfortable clothing, socks, bare feet, or ballet slippers are recommended to accommodate diverse needs and ensure accessibility, per federal anti-discrimination laws (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA]).

 

 

CLASS PLACEMENT

• Lower School Division (Pre-Ballet and Elementary Ballet): Students are placed based on birth year, ensuring age-appropriate instruction per New York State Education Department guidelines for structured educational programs.

• Upper School Division (Ballet I and Higher): Students aged 8 or older must take a placement class to determine the appropriate level based on technique, skill, and ability, not age, to ensure fair and individualized placement.

• Evaluation: Faculty and the director evaluate students at the end of each school year. Advancement is based on the dancer’s ability to succeed at the next level, promoting equitable treatment in line with federal anti-discrimination laws (e.g., Title IX).

• Communication: BRB will notify returning students of class placement/advancement via email prior to registration.

• Level Duration: It is common for Upper School Division students to spend 2-3 years in each level before advancing, ensuring skill mastery and safety.

 

 

POINTE

• Evaluation: Students are placed on pointe after careful evaluation of strength in legs, feet, ankles, hip rotation, abdominals, and back to prevent injury, aligning with New York State health and safety standards for physical activities.

• Class Requirements: Students must enroll in at least two ballet technique classes per week, plus two pointe classes, to safely train on pointe. Three classes per week are recommended to support physical development.

• Stretch and Strengthen Class: A weekly Stretch and Strengthen class is required to enhance safety and reduce injury risk.

• Medical Clearance: Upon notification of pointe eligibility, students must provide a doctor’s note confirming no concerns with scoliosis or growth plate issues, in compliance with New York State health regulations for minors in physically demanding programs (NYSDOH Guidelines).

• Pointe Shoe Guidance: BRB provides guidance on purchasing and preparing pointe shoes to ensure proper fit and safety.

• Safety Approach: BRB employs a mindful approach to pointe work, recognizing its potential risks, to protect students’ health and well-being.

 

 

ATTENDANCE

• Regular Attendance: Consistent attendance is necessary for progress and skill development, per educational program standards.

• Calendar: Visit BRB’s calendar at bayridgeballet.com for closings and special events.

• Absence Notification: Parents and students must notify teachers of foreseen absences to maintain communication and accountability.

• Excessive Absences: Excessive absences may result in students being excluded from BRB performances to ensure fairness and preparedness.

• Make-Up Classes: Up to three make-up classes per semester can be scheduled for an equal or lower-level class. Submit an online Make-Up Class Form.

• Recital Season: Make-up classes are discouraged during recital season to ensure students learn choreography, maintaining performance quality.

 

 

TARDINESS

• Punctuality: Students must arrive on time, in dress code, and ready to dance to avoid disruptions and ensure safety during warm-ups.

• Early Arrival: Arriving 10-15 minutes early is recommended to prepare adequately.

• Building Access: Due to cleaning procedures, students may not enter the building more than 5-10 minutes before class, in compliance with New York State health and safety regulations (NYSDOH COVID-19 Guidelines).

• Late Arrival: Students arriving more than 15 minutes late may be asked to observe class to prevent injury from missing warm-ups, per safety standards.

 

 

STUDIO RULES

• Food and Drink: No gum, candy, food, or drinks are allowed in the dance studio, except water bottles for Ballet I and higher students, to maintain cleanliness and safety.

• Street Shoes: Street shoes are not permitted on the dance floor to preserve the surface and ensure hygiene.

• Mobile Devices: All mobile devices must be silenced. Students may not check phones during class to maintain focus. Violations may result in phones being held until class ends, with parents notified, to foster a respectful environment.

• Belongings: Upper Division students (Ballet I and higher) must bring dance bags into the studio. Younger students should leave belongings with parents to minimize clutter and ensure safety.

• Studio Access: Parents and siblings are not allowed in the studio unless approved by the teacher. Students may not enter without a teacher present, per New York State child safety regulations.

 

 

BEHAVIOR

• Zero Tolerance Policy: BRB maintains a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, theft, or vandalism, in compliance with New York State Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), which prohibits harassment and ensures a safe learning environment.

• Younger Students: Disruptive behavior results in warnings, followed by observation of class if continued. Incidents will be discussed with parents post-class.

• Older Students: Poor attitude or disrespectful behavior may lead to class dismissal. Repeated issues may result in a meeting and potential program dismissal, with no refunds, to maintain a positive learning environment.

• Non-Discrimination: BRB fosters an inclusive environment, adhering to federal and New York State anti-discrimination laws (e.g., Title IX, NYS Human Rights Law).

 

 

WAITING AREA

• Limited Space: The waiting area is open for parents to briefly observe classes, with limited space to comply with occupancy regulations.

• Class Transitions: The waiting area is closed during class changes to ensure efficient transitions, per safety protocols.

• Quiet Environment: The waiting area must remain quiet to avoid distracting students, respecting the learning environment.

• No Disruptions: Parents and siblings must not communicate into the studio during class, maintaining respect for instructors and dancers.

• Behavior: Running or horseplay is prohibited. Students should prepare quickly and enter the studio.

• Mobile Devices: All devices must be silenced in the waiting area.

• Food and Drink: Permitted in the waiting area but must be disposed of properly to maintain cleanliness, per New York State health regulations.

• Strollers: Strollers must be left outside or folded if space allows to ensure safe access.

• Lost Items: BRB is not responsible for lost or stolen items, per standard liability policies.

• Drop-Off/Pick-Up: Students must be dropped off and picked up on time. BRB is not responsible for students outside assigned class times, aligning with child supervision regulations.

 

 

DROP-OFF

• No Double Parking: Double parking in front of the studio is prohibited to ensure safe traffic flow and compliance with New York City traffic regulations (NYC DOT Rules).

 

 

CANCELLATIONS

• Weather Cancellations: Parents can schedule make-up classes for equal or lower-level classes if canceled due to inclement weather. Notifications will be sent via email and phone.

• Low Enrollment: BRB reserves the right to cancel classes with low enrollment, offering a second option or pro-rated refund, per New York State consumer protection laws (NY General Business Law § 394).

• Consumer Rights: Refunds or alternatives for cancellations align with fair business practices under federal and state consumer protection regulations.

 

 

SAFETY POLICIES & PROCEDURES

• COVID-19 Compliance: All students and parents must follow BRB’s Safety Policies & Procedures, aligned with New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and CDC guidelines for public spaces.

• Inherent Risk: An inherent risk of COVID-19 exposure exists in public spaces. BRB is not liable for illness or injury, per standard liability waivers.

• Virtual Classes: If BRB closes due to public health mandates, classes will continue virtually at the same tuition rate, with no refunds, credits, or discounts, per NYSDOH regulations.

• Health Assessments: Parents must conduct personal health assessments on their child before arriving. Faculty and staff must do the same, per NYSDOH guidelines.

• Hand Hygiene: Staff and students must sanitize or wash hands upon arrival and as needed, per CDC health protocols.

• Cleaning: BRB is cleaned daily to maintain a safe environment.

• Health Concerns: Parents of children with underlying health issues should consult a physician, per NYSDOH recommendations.

• Nut-Free Policy: BRB is a nut-free school to protect students with allergies, in line with New York State school health policies.

 

 

SECURITY

• Surveillance: BRB is under 24/7 video surveillance to ensure safety, complying with New York State regulations for child-focused facilities.

 

 

TUITION & PERFORMANCE FEES

• School Year: Consists of fall and spring semesters, with optional summer programs.

• Payment: A deposit is required at registration, with the remaining balance invoiced and due by the first day of the semester or camp. Some programs require full payment at registration.

• Auto-Charge: BRB may charge the remaining balance to the credit card on file if unpaid by the agreed date, per consumer contract agreements.

• Payment Plans: Available for students taking 2+ classes, with 5 interest-free payments and a credit card on file (no debit cards), per fair billing practices.

• Registration Fee: A $20 fee is charged for processing. One fee applies for full-year registration.

• Late Registration: Prorated rates apply for late registrations based on remaining classes, ensuring fairness under consumer protection laws.

• No Refunds: BRB does not offer refunds, per stated policy and New York State consumer contract regulations.

• Late Payments: A $20 fee is charged 15 days after the due date. Unpaid balances after 30 days may result in suspension from classes and performances.

• Returned Checks: A $30 fee applies for returned checks, with payment due in cash within one week, or the student may be withdrawn.

• Nutcracker Performance Fee: Cast members (except Student Ensemble, Party Scene Parent volunteers, and professional cast) must submit a Performance Agreement and fee to cover rehearsal, costume, and production costs.

• Recital Performance Fee: A $60 Performance Package Fee per student (includes digital videos, t-shirt, and staffing costs) and a $40 costume fee per class are due by March 1 for recital participation, per transparent fee disclosure requirements.

 

 

PRIVATE LESSONS

• Scheduling: Booked through the Parent Portal, with instructor rates ($80-$150/hour, including studio fees) varying by experience and lesson type.

• Cancellation Policy: 24-hour notice is required for cancellations. Less than 24 hours incurs the full charge, per consumer contract standards.

• Late Payment: A $20 fee applies if payment is not made at the time of service.

 

 

FOR THE STUDENTS

• Restroom Use: Use the restroom before class to minimize interruptions. Request permission from the teacher if needed during class.

• Respect: Give full attention to the teacher, apply corrections, and maintain silence during class to foster a focused environment.

• Studio Etiquette: Do not lean on barres, touch mirrors, stop mid-movement, or leave class without permission.

• Class Conclusion: End classes with applause and a “Thank You” to the teacher, promoting respect and gratitude.

• Positive Attitude: Smiles are appreciated but not required.

 

 

FOR THE PARENTS

• Communication: BRB communicates via email, phone, and text. Save and unblock BRB email addresses and check regularly for updates.

• Contact Updates: Notify BRB of changes to email, mailing address, or contact information.

• Questions: Email info@bayridgeballet.com for class/school questions or bayridgeballet@gmail.com for tuition inquiries.

• Photography/Video: BRB may photograph/video classes and performances for promotional purposes, with no personal information shared, per New York State privacy laws.

• Respect: Parents must be respectful to faculty, staff, and volunteers. Discussing student placement or casting publicly is inappropriate.

• Communication Protocol: All communication with instructors/staff must go through the studio.

• Social Media: Follow BRB on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

 

 

PRIVACY POLICY

• At Bay Ridge Ballet, LLC,  located at 110 Bay Ridge Avenue, Brooklyn,NY 11220, we are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information when you interact with our services, including our website ([Your Website URL]), dance classes, events, or marketing campaigns (e.g., Google Ads lead forms).

• We collect only the following personal information:  Name, email address, phone number.

• We may also collect non-personal data, such as website usage statistics (e.g., pages visited) or device information (e.g., IP address) via cookies or analytics tools.

• We collect your information when you:  Sign up for dance classes or events (online or in-person), fill out lead forms (e.g., via Google Ads), contact us directly via email, phone, or our website, visit our website, where cookies may track anonymized data (you can manage cookie preferences in your browser).

• We use your name, email, and phone number to:  Register you for dance classes or events, send you updates, confirmations, or promotional offers about our services (you can opt out at any time), respond to your inquiries or provide customer service, improve our services through anonymized analytics.

• Sharing Your Information:  We do not share, sell, or rent your personal information (name, email, or phone number) with anyone, except when required by law (e.g., to comply with a subpoena or legal obligation or in the event of a business transfer (e.g., merger or sale), with notice to you.

• Data Security:  We use reasonable security measures, such as encryption, to protect your information. However, no system is fully secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection.

• Data Retention:  We keep your information only as long as needed to provide our services or meet legal requirements. When no longer necessary, we securely delete it.

• Your Rights:  You can request access to or correction of your information, request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations), opt out of marketing communications via the “unsubscribe” link or by contacting us, disable cookies in your browser, which may affect website functionality.

• Third-Party Links:  Our website or emails may link to third-party sites (e.g., payment processors). We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

• Children’s Privacy: We do not knowingly collect their data without parental consent.

• Contact Us:  For questions or to exercise your rights, email bayridgeballet@gmail.com. 

​

 

CHANGES TO BRB POLICIES

We may update policies, with changes posted here and an updated “Last Updated” date. Significant changes will be communicated via email or website notice.

​

​

NOTES ON GUIDELINES INCORPORATED

• New York State Laws: Incorporated the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) for anti-bullying policies, NYSDOH and CDC guidelines for COVID-19 safety, NYSED guidelines for physical activity safety, and consumer protection laws (NY General Business Law § 394) for refunds and cancellations.

• Federal Laws: Ensured compliance with Title IX and ADA for non-discrimination and accessibility, and consumer protection standards for transparent billing.

• Health and Safety: Added medical clearance for pointe and nut-free policy to align with child safety and health regulations.

• Consumer Protections: Clarified refund, cancellation, and fee policies to meet New York State and federal fair business practices.