Predance 3–5yrs

Threshold Division students begin their dance experience through creative play and the use of imagery. They develop fundamental dance movement patterns and musical rhythms. The teacher will guide them through a simple warm up of the legs and feet. Gradually the students will move across the floor through a series of exercises of developmentally-appropriate exercises based on the ballet curriculum. Children will learn the importance of patiently waiting to take turns and will gain the confidence to move alone or in a group.

Pre-Ballet 6 -7yrs

Pre-ballet students are trained through simple but traditional ballet structures. The class will place importance on alignment and posture through codified barre exercises. Students will learn the traditional language of ballet through a syllabus designed specifically for this age group. Stretching, and strengthening exercises are developed throughout the class period. Classes are accompanied by a live pianist and students experience and begin to recognize classical music.

Ages 8–18yrs

This program is designed for students who want to train classically with a professional faculty, but as a supplement to gymnastic training, ice skating or a more commercial dance experience. Students in this division will be placed by audition in a ballet level according to their age, experience and development. They may choose to participate fewer hours than the requirements specified in the Professional Program. Students may also choose to take contemporary, tap, jazz or Pilates alongside or in place of ballet classes. The number of days and hours spent dancing in this division will be tailored to the individual needs of the student. Ballet class dress code will still apply.

* Please Note: Dancers in this level may or may not advance to the next level on a regular basis depending on their level of commitment to their program.

Ages 8–19yrs

All classes in the professional division are supported by a live accompanist, adding a secondary artist to support and facilitate our teaching faculty.

BASIC I-III

Students in the basic levels will have their first experience with a broad based codified ballet syllabus. Emphasis in Basic I-III is on alignment, posture and proper placement based on the individual physique. All exercises are developed to give the dancer greater control, strength, length and deportment. Head and body direction are introduced by the end of Basic II and are integrated into movement by Basic III. Live piano accompaniment helps students develop musicality and awareness of rhythmic patterns, counts, accents and nuance.

• Basic I (required ballet 1 day per week, Basic IA required 2 days per week)
• Basic II (required ballet 2 days per week)
• Basic III (required ballet 3 days per week)

TECH I-IV

In Tech Levels I through IV students develop greater individual physical awareness and begin to access artistic interpretation. They are less prone to imitate and are more aware of applying corrections and they begin to acquire an understanding of technical principles and philosophy. Strength, elevation, extension and control are now instrumental as students perform pirouettes, petite allegro, grand allegro and adagio. By the time they are promoted into Tech III students are exploring artistic interpretation, style and musicality. The partnership between the artistic and athletic aspects of dance performance becomes real for students at this stage in their training.

• Tech I (required ballet 3 days per week)
• Tech II (required ballet 4 days per week)
• Tech III (required ballet 4 days per week, contemporary or jazz)
• Tech IV (required ballet 5 days per week, contemporary, Pilates optional)

ADVANCED I-II

In the Advanced Levels dancers develop greater capacity for movement breath, quality and emotion. Their connection to movement becomes intuitive and natural. It is in these levels where students begin to make artistic choices. While continuing to develop strength, clean line and polished movement capabilities, students at these Levels must demonstrate strong musicality and must be able to incorporate musical understanding into their dance expression.

• Adv I (required ballet 5 days per week, contemporary, Pilates, jazz optional)
• Adv II (required ballet 5 days per week, contemporary, Pilates, jazz )

Professional Trainee Program

(Required ballet 6 days per week, Pilates, contemporary, jazz, variations, rehearsal)

Students are selected by the artistic director for this intense program. This program is for the serious dancer who is ready to devote close to 20 hours per week training and rehearsing. Dancers in the Trainee program may be invited by the director to dance beside company members in any given performance season.

Continuing Adult Dance Program

The Adult Program is designed for adults new to dance as well as advanced dancers who want to continue to stay in shape. This program is taught by the Conservatory faculty. As in the regular Conservatory, students are given the same attention to technical detail and musicality, focusing on correct alignment, port de bras and movement quality. Pilates and contemporary classes are open to adults. Please inquire for more information.

All classes will be conducted in closed studios for the benefit of the students—this environment facilitates student concentration and avoids distraction.

1. Students enrolled in the Professional Division are expected to attend all regularly scheduled classes unless ill or due to other unavoidable absence.
2. If a student is not able to be present for class, please notify The Conservatory office (626) 683-3459 prior to noon on the day of class.
3. Attendance is recorded daily by the administrative staff.
4. Students enrolled in the Professional Division who have two unexcused absences from class or who have failed to notify the office in advance of the absences will be given a notice of probation. Subsequent violations will be reported to the school director.
5. Students are required to be on time for class. Students who are late by 10 minutes or more may sit and take notes and attend a make-up class.
6. Students must be dressed appropriately as described in the ballet dress code.
7. Parents and students are expected to observe class etiquette and be polite and cooperative.
8. In order to ensure the safety and appropriate training of students, the Artistic Director’s permission must be sought to attend ballet classes outside of the student’s prescribed training program. Approved private lessons can be arranged with individual instructors and scheduled through the administration at the front desk.

Basic 1-3, Technique 1-4, and Advanced 1 and 2

1. There are two regular performance opportunities each year; The Nutcracker (by audition only) and the Conservatory in Concert (mandatory for Professional Division).
2. In order to participate in the performances, students must attend all required classes and any scheduled rehearsals at The Conservatory and/or location where the performances are to be held. Absences will only be excused in the event of the most urgent, personal emergency. Failure to be present for required classes/rehearsals shall be reason for suspension from the performance.
3. Student and parent cooperation are required to facilitate a polished and professional performance. Misconduct may be cause for suspension from the performance.
4. Students participating in rehearsals and a performance must immediately notify the Conservatory administration of any absences due to illness or other emergency. These absences must be approved by the administration in order for the student to be a part of the performance; other absences, not due to illness, will be grounds for dismissal from the production.
5. Parents of performers in any given concert are required to volunteer in some capacity or if they are unable, then they must pay the volunteer buy-out fee, which is non-refundable.

Students are required to follow the Conservatory dress code. No jewelry, except post earrings will be permitted. Tights must be worn inside the ballet shoe and be clean, with no holes or runs. Please do not wear extra clothing beyond what is listed in the dress code. Students without ballet shoes will be required to watch the class rather than participate.

Hair Code (all levels):

• Boys–Hair should be combed back from the face.
• Girls–Hair should be pulled away from the face and worn in a bun if long enough.

Dress Code

Boys (all levels)–White shirt and black shorts or black tights, white ballet slippers.
Girls–

• Predance, Ages 3–5 Years–light blue leotard (no attached skirts, tutus or fluffy sleeves), pink slippers and pink tights.
• Pre-Ballet–Black leotard, pink slippers and pink tights.
• Basic 1-3–Black leotard, pink slippers and pink tights.
• Tech 1-4–Black leotard, pink slippers and pink tights.
• Adv 1-2–Black leotard, pink slippers and pink tights.
• Pre-professional Trainee Program – Black leotard, pink slippers and pink tights.

The Conservatory is not responsible for lost jewelry, clothing or accessories. Please keep track of your belongings by stowing them under the barre in the studio.

• Labor Day
  August 31–September 2
• Thanksgiving
  November 28–December 1 (Studio Closed)
• Winter Break
  December 23–January 5 (Studio Closed)
• Spring Break
  April 18–20 (Studio Closed)
• Memorial Day
  May 24–May 26 (Studio Closed)

1. Payment–Tuition is due prior to the start of the semester and is late after the start of the semester. There are no tuition refunds. A payment plan is offered. The payment plan must be established before the due date for tuition. Payment for all classes, including evaluation/audition classes, must be paid prior to participation in the class. All classes paid in arrears will be charged at the single class rate; late fees and penalties will apply.
2. Registration Fee-There is a one time registration fee of $50 for the Elementary, Open Dance, Contemporary/Jazz/Hip-Hop/Tap and Professional Programs.
3. Financial Aid and Scholarships–Available on a case by case basis. Financial aid scholarships are need and merit based. A student who is receiving financial aid must strictly adhere to the attendance code or the student will forfeit financial aid.
4. Make-up Classes–Tuition is not refunded for absence. Make-up classes for a class missed due to illness may be taken in a level below the student‘s registered level or by a recommendation from the teacher. Makeup classes must be taken during the first week upon return to class and may not be carried over to a new trimester. Make-up classes will not be given for classes missed due to vacation.
5. Prorating–Only applied to new students entering in the middle of the Fall, Winter and Spring trimesters. Prorating does not apply to the summer intensive; however, a per-class rate may be available during the summer intensive depending on enrollment.
6. Non-Payment/Late Payment of Tuition–Tuition or payment for all classes must be made in advance. A late fee of 10% will be assessed for all classes not paid for in advance. The Conservatory, at its discretion, may dismiss any student if his/her tuition is not paid by the last day of the month that it is due. No student will be allowed to participate in a performance if their tuition is overdue.
7. Cancellation/Withdrawal Policy-No refunds will be given for withdrawals. Tuition may not be transferred to another student and may not be applied to a different trimester.

Preschool & Elementary Division

• Alissa Halpin
• Sarah Halpin – Intro to Creative Movement
• Amy Schadt – Creative Movement
• Mary Troy – Pre-Ballet

• Lau­rence Blake – Ballet
• Richard Bradley – Ballet
• Reggie Brown – Contemporary
• Alissa Halpin – Ballet
• Jean-Marie Martz – Ballet, Pointe
• Alice McIntosh – Tap
• Julia Ortega – Ballet
• Cherise Richards – Contemporary
• Marcos Perez – Boys Ballet
• Amy Schadt – Jazz
• John Todd – Ballet
• Mary Troy – Ballet, Pilates
• Cyn­thia Young – Ballet, Pointe

Open Adult Program

• Richard Bradley – Ballet
• Helga de Kan­sky – Ballet
• Cherise Richards – Contemporary
• Mary Troy – Pilates

• Clifford Casapoa
• Joe Lawrence
• Mark Litver
• Yelena Osipova
• Mariam Terzian