Q: What qualifications are necessary to register for
Children’s Division classes?
A: Primary classes (ages 4-8) are open enrollment and no prior experience
is necessary. When registering a first-time student for the Primary
levels, we ask that you contact our staff prior to registration.
Based on the student’s age and previous experience, our staff
will recommend the most appropriate level for the student to enroll
in.
All students interested in enrolling in Level 1A and above (ages
8-12) must participate in one of the Children’s Division auditions.
Students will be placed by the faculty into the appropriate level
of the program.
Our goal is to create engaging, appropriate and challenging classrooms
for all students in the program while adhering to the guidelines
for age and the development of students in ABT’s National
Training Curriculum. Students may be moved to a higher or lower
level at the discretion of the faculty.
Students will be evaluated at the end of the school year, at which
time they will be pre-placed for the next school year. Students
can spend as many as 1-2 years per level based on progress.
Q: Is there a dress code?
A: Yes. There is a strict dress code for each level of the Jacqueline
Kennedy Onassis School. In order to accurately instruct students
in executing proper classical ballet technique, the positions of
the legs, feet, and torso must be visible. The physical transition
of changing into dance clothes assists students in making the mental
transition to focusing on the body that is essential to a successful
learning environment. The uniform now includes leotards from International
Dance Supplies.
For the safety and etiquette of the ballet class, only small pierced
earrings may be worn. No other jewelry including necklaces, watches,
bracelets, and rings may be worn during class. Girls’ hair
must be secured in a neat bun for ballet class. The bun will keep
hair out of their eyes and off of the neck, and will allow for proper
spotting technique during turns.
Q: Are students in the Children’s Division evaluated?
A: Students will receive written evaluations twice during the year.
Additionally, at the end of the school year, an ABT examiner will
observe each class to evaluate our teacher’s effectiveness
in delivering the curriculum and our student’s progress. For
our young dancers, this process provides an opportunity to receive
the acknowledgement of their physical efforts and feedback from
an ABT master teacher.
Q: Can students still be enrolled once the school year
begins?
A: Registration for the 2012-2013 school year will begin in late
June 2012. Once the semester has begun, enrollment is based on space
availability as well as an audition for students ages 8 and above.
Q: Is financial aid offered?
A: Financial aid for the Children’s Division is awarded based
on need. Applications are available upon request after a child has
registered for the program.
Q: Do students participate in a final performance?
A: As the first semester comes to a close, parents are invited to
a technical demonstration by their young dancers. Parents and families
are again invited to the ABT studios in the spring with an end of
the year final showing featuring a demonstration of the skills students
have worked on in class, as well as a short original dance piece
from each group. The in-studio setting for a performance is ideal
for students at this level of training, as it allows them to experience
the joy of performing while still emphasizing their technical training.
It also offers a comfortable and familiar setting for children in
which to share their dance with family and friends. Unfortunately,
parents cannot observe weekly classes as it’s disruptive to
both the teacher and the students. One week in each semester is
set aside for parent observation. Students may have the opportunity
to audition for ABT’s production of The Nutcracker
and other productions throughout ABT’s performance season.
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