Q: What qualifications are necessary to register for
Children’s Division classes?
A: The JKO School Children’s Division is an open-enrollment
program. No prior experience is necessary.
Q: When registering for classes, how do I choose a level
for my young dancer?
A: When registering a first-time student for the Children’s
Division, 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. Our faculty will assess the dancers class assignments during
the first classes of the semester and make recommendations for the
most appropriate class placement. All new students interested in
enrolling in Levels 2A, 3A, and 3B will need to participate in a
Placement class on the first day of the school year.
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 after the assessment period 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: The JKO School registers and enrolls students on a rolling basis.
Registration for the 2011-2012 school year will begin in late June
2011. Students can still register for classes once the semester
has begun.
Q: What is the tuition for the year?
A: Tuition for the 2011-2012 academic year is as follows: $1,150
for students in all Primary Levels; $2,350 for students in Levels
1A and Level 2A (without Character class); $3,050 for students in
Levels 2A (with character) and 3A; and $3,750 for students in Level
3B.
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 can apply to super throughout ABT’s performance seasons
as well.
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