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ACADEMY INFORMATION --
PLACEMENT
Students are placed in their
appropriate level by age or after taking a placement class arranged by the
instructors. (Placement Chart). Determining factors include age, previous training, and natural
ability. (Pre-Ballet, Children’s Division, Teen, and Adult levels do not
require a placement class.)
ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to
maintain regular attendance in the minimum number of classes required for their
particular level. An exception would be an absence due to illness or other such
acceptable reason, in which case the class may be made up in another class of
the same level or lower level. Classes missed due to holidays or illness may be
made up any time during the following three months. Students are expected to
arrive on time and ready for class. Students entering class late may be asked
to observe the class at the discretion of the instructor.
TUITION
Tuition is payable in advance. There are a variety of payment options
available with discounts for pre-payment of multiple months or multiple classes
in the case of “drop-in” classes. Additional fees are added to late payments
(after the 17th) and returned checks.
ATTIRE
Girls/Ladies: Pink tights
and shoes for all levels. Pink leotard and hair pulled back for Pre-Ballet
levels. Light blue leotard and hair in bun for Children’s Levels. Black
leotard and hair in a “classical ballet bun” for Academy levels. No jewelry.
Boys/Gentlemen: Black tights, white socks and black or white shoes, white
T-shirt.
PROFESSIONALS
A special rate is available
for professional dancers upon presentation of current AGMA, AGVA, AFTRA, or
Equity Card.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Every student is expected to
conform to the rules and regulations and to behave in a disciplined, responsible
and courteous manner. The school reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any
student whose attitude, attendance, or conduct is found unsatisfactory.
EVALUATIONS
Students are evaluated
several times during the year to ensure correct level placement and to maximize
each student’s potential. Initial placement for the year reflects our
presumption that the student will maintain good attendance and work ethic in
his/her classes to progress with the rest of the class. In the event that the
faculty believes that a student would receive more suitable training in a
different level, the student and parent(s) will be notified and the student will
be moved. The curriculum for each level is mandatory. Students whose schedule
does not accommodate their level’s curriculum may enroll in a lower level or may
transfer to the Teen Division. Good attendance alone does not assure that a
student will move through the academy syllabus with the rest of the class. Each
student must apply him or herself and exhibit consistent and dedicated work
habits to progress.
CURRICULUM
The curriculum of the Long
Beach Ballet Academy reflects the eclectic repertoire of a professional ballet
company. Weighted heavily toward training of classical ballet technique, the
school also hosts an internationally recognized Summer Program where other forms
of dance are introduced, including jazz, African dance, and Russian and Chinese
character dance.
BALLET TECHNIQUE
This is the foundation of all
dance forms necessary for the linear and technical development of a dancer.
Twelve levels of technical training span a child’s first introduction to musical
movement to and including the emergence of a professional dancer.
Pre-Ballet and Children’s Division
For children from three years
of age. Includes six levels of training in preparation for the Academy
Division.
Academy Division
The Academy Division develops
artistry, technique, stamina, and discipline. Pointe work is introduced in
Level 4. Serious students are immersed in a professional atmosphere of
high-level training in preparation for a professional carreer.
Teen and Adult Division
For teenagers and adults not
pursuing a professional dance career, who nonetheless desire to begin or
continue ballet training.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
"Ballet Ambassadors to to
China" Summer Intensive
Each year students from across the country are selected to
join the Long Beach Ballet on their annual six-week summer intensive that
culminates with a three-week performance tour to
China.
Three Week Summer Intensive
Each year students from across
the country are selected to participate in a three-week summer intensive which
culminates with a student recital.
Children's Dance Camp
A special annual summer program for younger students that
features classes in ballet, character, jazz, folk dancing and hula, as well as
arts and crafts, costuming, and stage make-up. This two-week program culminates
with a performance on stage.
PERFORMING OPPORTUNITIES
Performance opportunities are
available to all students age four and up. Each June, students perform in the
Annual School Performance -- an elaborate two
hour production featuring a full-scale story ballet plus exciting variations by
Upper Division students. In December, the school produces David Wilcox’s
internationally acclaimed production of The
Nutcracker. These performances are the culmination of countless hours
in the classroom and is rewarding for students and family alike.
THE COMPANY
Advanced level students are
eligible for selection to join the Long Beach Ballet, an
internationally recognized, non-profit, pre-professional performing company.
This select group of talented and dedicated students gains experience and
understanding of what a professional ballet career involves, providing a bridge
between classroom training and a professional career. Members work with an
array of international talent, including choreographers, directors, and
dancers. Master Classes are regularly
scheduled with the world's top dancers, teachers, directors and coaches. The Long Beach Ballet is an Honor Company of Regional Dance America
and has official ties to the National Ballet of China in
Guangzhou.
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