The Academy at Andalusia Ballet

Parent Information

	The Academy
	The Academy at Andalusia Ballet helps students develop from their first class with exposure to with music and movement to becoming accomplished dancers. There are three divisions at the Academy which are carefully designed to introduce the correct technique and instruction appropriate for the age and physical development of each student. The three separate divisions are the Children's Division, the Elementary Division, and the Upper Division.			Spring Performance Rehearsal Schedule General Information Costumes Backstage Procedures Video / Photography Food Policy
	Faculty
	The faculty is comprised of teachers with years of experience in teaching and performing, each with specific areas of expertise, bringing to the Academy at Andalusia Ballet a wealth of knowledge to share. The focus of training is on the excellence, fun, and joy of dance at each level of achievement. The principles, discipline, artistry and mental-physical development acquired through the study of classical ballet and other dance forms provide students with the confidence, focus and poise for success in years to come.
	Performance Opportunites
	Performing is an important aspect of a dancer's training and experience. All students in Levels Pre-Ballet through Level 7 perform in the annual Spring Showcase which features choreographed demonstrations of each class level, many other performance opportunities are available for students as well.
	Class Observation
	Class Observation: Twice per year, parents/guardians are invited into the studio to observe class. This is an opportunity to experience ballet class from start to finish: barre through center, in some levels variations. Modern, Jazz and Tap also hold parent observations. These are observations are held for parents/guardians to observe their student’s progress.
	Advancement
	All promotions are made at the end of summer and students receive their placement in the mail with our annual registration brochure. Promotions are based on several factors such as ability, age and maturity as well as class configuration. Students progress at different rates and are placed at the level where it is judged they will gain the most benefit. Company members get written/verbal evaluations at the end of company workshop in August.
	Pointe Shoe Readiness
	Pointe work is introduced when the student is approximately 10-12 years of age and their technique is sufficiently developed. Pointe shoe evaluation classes are given 3 times a year. For a downloadable copy of the pointeshoes readiness information sheet, please click here.

 

 

 

General Performance Information for Parents

 

Rehearsal Information

Rehearsal Schedules will be posted as soon as they become available. Schedules are sent home with every participating dancer and are also available for download.Children should wear their dance uniforms to rehearsals, except dress rehearsal.
Dress rehearsal is a closed rehearsal dancers will need to be checked in at the conference center.

Costumes

Spring Performance costumes are sent home on parent observation day. Costumes should be steamed to remove wrinkles- usually hanging the costume in a steamy bathroom for 5 minutes will remove wrinkles.

Children should come to the Dixon Center dressed and ready to perform.

Hair should be in a bun. Using firm hold hair gel and slicking it back tightly. Use a hair net that matches your child’s hair color. Spaying the hair and bun will help it last through rehearsals and performances.

Please do not let your child eat or drink while wearing their costume.

No nail polish or jewelry of any kind is allowed.

Costumes are NOT allowed in the audience.

 

Backstage Procedures

Due to the limited dressing room space and for the safety of our dancers we require parents/guardians to check in dancers at performances. We have volunteers who are designated to each level or group to assist. Parents will not be allowed backstage. Please be respectful of the directions given by the volunteers. It is necessary to keep the noise level down backstage.

Video Taping

Performances are professionally videotaped.
No videotaping is allowed during performances or dress rehearsal. As always, for the safety of all of our dancers, flash photography is not allowed at any time.

Vicky Popwell will be available for pictures on Thursday afternoon at 3:30 - 4:30.

Food

Dancers should be fed a light, and nutritious meal before coming to the theater.

NO FOOD IS PERMITTED at the Dixon Center.

 

 

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