As of 9/1/06

Mission
Center for Dance Education
The Whole Student
Beyond Dance
Exceptional Depth in Faculty
Communication
Press and Marketing
Class Locations
Placement and Promotion
Classes
Proper Appearance
Parent Observation
Website = Communication!
Health, Nutrition and Safety
A Dancer's First Pointe Shoes
Student Showcase and Performance Opportunities
Attendance, Arrival/Pick-up, Class Cancellation and Make-Up Classes
Code of Conduct, Discipline and Dismissal
Food/Beverages and Smoking
Mentors
Ballet Students: When Did You Start to Dance?
Letters of Recommendation as requested of the BNE/CDE Faculty

Mission

allet New England is committed to technical excellence, distinction, dedication and quality by providing the finest in dance education, with an emphasis in classical ballet, to develop poise, self-awareness and confidence through achievement. Our philosophy is one that emphasizes the whole student, and instills qualities that will carry students throughout their lives. We are committed to the education of dancers of all ages, levels, abilities and economic backgrounds, to producing the highest standard of excellence in professional dance performance, and to providing quality outreach programs to the greater Seacoast area and beyond.

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Center for Dance Education

he Center for Dance Education (CDE), the official school of Ballet New England, offers classes in all levels of classical ballet, pointe and pas de deux, as well as jazz, modern, flamenco, pilates, male technique, creative dance and contemporary dance for students of all ages, from pre-school to adult, girls and boys, women and men. Expert instruction is provided by diverse and technically proficient faculty members, all of whom are focused on providing the best possible overall education, which is in sync with the individual goals and objectives of each student, no matter the age. A student is trained in classic, basic technical elements through demanding, challenging courses; however a student is never pushed beyond his/her physical or emotional limits.

hy Ballet New England?

echnical excellence is our hallmark and the very essence of what we at BNE strive for with each student. It is our foundation and what we do best.

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The Whole Student

e value each and every student, no matter the age. Beyond imparting a stellar technical excellent (our foundation) and quality education, we are always cognizant of the "whole" student - which means both their physical and emotional well-being. Physically, we work with the student to recognize and realize their personal abilities to achieve their individual goals and objectives, while realizing their individual limitations - not all bodies are the same, and they do change throughout the years - along with the ability to move consistently. Injury prevention is a priority and working with the student to really understand how their own body is composed, works and moves, helps them in the long run to realize what they can and cannot do safely. We do not pressure students to go beyond what they are physically able to do, unlike other schools. Emotionally, we try to understand “where they are and why they are there” at different points in time. Stresses such as illness, family issues and peer pressures can greatly affect one's ability to succeed and we recognize that. A great deal of time is spent one-on-one with students as they express need - and often even when they don't! To move ahead, a grounding or maturity is needed and we help them discover this within themselves - we listen, and listen more, and then direct, encourage and nurture. Additionally, a system of workbooks has been implemented for all levels of ballet for more in-depth study about language and history of dance. Nationally recognized guest artists frequently conduct master classes and unique workshops that enrich and inspire students. While attending CDE, students have the opportunity to associate with professional company members, choreographers and directors, and to develop exceptional relationships that very few young and aspiring dancers can experience.

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Beyond Dance

t BNE, we help students to be healthy without demanding a predefined type of body image. Look in any of our classes, or view any of our performances, and you will see all kinds of bodies. We are not about being a waif. We are about being healthy and confident. Throughout the year, we offer classes in health and nutrition, body structure (through chiropractic discussions and lectures) and affirmative mental motivation. Positive reinforcement and correction versus negativity are conveyed both to the students and parents. Etiquette and respect are two very important features paramount to the instruction a student receives at BNE.

DE includes an intensive pre-professional curriculum that prepares students for a career in dance and several of our students have become Company Members over the years. Many students of CDE have been accepted into such prestigious programs as The School of American Ballet, Boston Ballet, Kirov Academy of Ballet, Ballet West, Houston Ballet, Bolshoi School of Ballet of Moscow, Pennsylvania Ballet, The Julliard School, Joffrey School of Ballet, Briansky Saratoga Ballet, Washington Ballet, Princeton Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, New York City Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Hubbard Street 2 Company, Green Street Company, Mercyhurst College, The Hartt School, SUNY Dance Conservatory, University of Utah and the American Ballet Theatre.

dditionally, we offer Summer Programming for ages 3 through adult, with resident and guest faculty, which attracts students from around the country, such as New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Texas, Wyoming and Colorado.

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Exceptional Depth in Faculty

e have an extraordinary and invested team of teachers on staff. Uniquely talented and expert in many disciplines of dance, each one truly helps each and every student to develop and to believe in him or herself as they move through the levels of instruction. They are the ones who help to develop the greatest level of self-esteem for each student through hard work and respect. Mentors and friends, they are always trying to find ways to successfully motivate and to stimulate. For a city such as Portsmouth - which is not New York, Boston, etc., this is an incredible team of dance professionals, each with a dynamic professional and performing background. Several of our faculty has been asked to be guest artists in national and regional companies and performances. We continue to work on professional development of the faculty through in-house workshops and training seminars. We believe in our faculty. Our faculty provides a wealth of professional networked resources and contacts throughout the nation, which is in turn provided to the students of BNE. Most of our faculty members are currently CPR and First Aid Certified.

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Communication

his is a cornerstone to the health of any school and successful organization. Professional guidance and assistance are provided to every student who is considering a career in dance. Not every student has a professional career in mind, and to that end, we offer professional guidance toward either a career or a recreational program in dance and associated fields. . Written student evaluations are distributed at the beginning of trimester 2, and a progress report at the beginning of trimester 3.

CONFERENCES REQUIRE AN APPOINTMENT.

 

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Press and Marketing

hese avenues are developed and used extensively by BNE, with strong relationships with area media outlets (50+ contacts), along with print advertising including in newspapers, local and national magazines, radio and television. Press and media has included articles and photos in a new American States textbook series, one specifically on NH with our photo, published in Canada for elementary and junior high schools, a book on NH by journalist Linda Landry, featuring a chapter on the 2001 Nutcracker, the NH Arts and Crafts Guide, Portsmouth Magazine, Dance Teacher Magazine, and over 100 articles in the local media this past year alone. BNE has received numerous awards, including the Spotlight Award for Nutcracker and most recently, New Hampshire Magazine's “Best of New Hampshire” for the 2001 Nutcracker. BNE is a member of the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, New Hampshire Dance Alliance, and is listed in the National Dance Directory.

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Community Educational Programs

allet New England has an aggressive outreach program and extensive repertoire; seeking out and participating in local and regional outreach opportunities. These opportunities include bringing the art of dance into the community through workshops, demonstrations, school performances and scholarship programs. It is also through this element that we continually seek our opportunities to collaborate and joint venture with other arts organizations to ultimately provide expanded artistic, educational, cultural, social and improved quality of life values to the community at large. Over the years, nationally and internationally renowned guest artists have performed at our invitation, from Companies including:

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Class Locations

Portsmouth: Connie Bean Center, 135 Daniel Street, 2nd & 3rd floors
North Hampton, Centennial Hall, 105 Post Rd. www.centennialhall.org

Durham, Mill Pond Center for the Arts, 50 Newmarket Rd., www.millpondcenter.org

All classes, times, dates, locations and faculty are subject to change. Private lessons are available upon request.

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Ballet New England and the Center for Dance Education does not discriminate in the acceptance of students, or in the hiring of faculty, staff or performers, on the basis or race, gender, ethnicity, religion, age, or any other criteria as outlined by state and federal equal opportunity regulations.

Placement and Promotion

ew students enrolling in the Ballet Levels I-VI or most Enrichment Classes are required to take a placement evaluation. This procedure facilitates placement in the level of study best suited to their individual abilities. Students previously enrolled are placed in their appropriate levels after the end of the year evaluations are distributed in June. Faculty members base student advancement on careful evaluation. Student placement and/or promotion into the appropriate level are based on 3 criteria: physique, technical ability and interest. For Ballet, it is fairly customary for most students to repeat at least 2 levels during their progress to Level V. This is normal and should not be viewed as a setback. Moving ahead too quickly, rather than proceeding at a conservative pace, is much more detrimental to the technical and artistic development of the student and carries a higher risk of injury.

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Classes

lease note that many class levels are offered more than once per week. We suggest for the more serious student, the more classes a student takes, the earlier the student is able to reach his/her goals and objectives in dance; the fewer, the greater the likelihood the student will require much more time in order to attain his/her aspirations and to ultimately move forward through the program. Students in all classes, except for Creative Dance (Age 3), are offered the opportunity to perform in the year-end Student Culmination and Awards Program held in June. To be eligible to perform, students must attend classes January - June on a regular basis and must attend all scheduled rehearsals for this program.

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Proper Appearance

side from the dress code identified for each class, or as outlined by the instructor, students are expected to maintain a clean and neat appearance. Long hair must be worn in a bun, and short hair must be pulled back off the face. Jewelry, leg warmers or other warm up attire are not permitted in class. For safety and theft prevention, it is strongly recommended that no valuables or jewelry be brought to class. The Center assumes no responsibility for loss or theft of any personal property. It is recommended that students carry their personal items in a dance bag into the studio of the class they are attending.

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Parent Observation

ne week each trimester is identified for parent observation. All parents are welcome to attend classes to observe the progress of their child within the context of the classroom setting. These weeks will be posted on our website and on the school bulletin board.

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Website = Communication!

ll the information you need to know about classes, faculty, schedules, events, opportunities, directions, newsletters, rehearsal schedules, Nutcracker information, policies, annual calendar, cancellations, etc. are posted on our website.

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Health, Nutrition and Safety

he safety of our students, parents, visitors and faculty are of paramount importance to every member of Ballet New England and the Center for Dance Education. We go to great lengths to insure our students are safe in the studios, within the classroom setting, before and after classes, within the space we occupy in the Connie Bean and Centennial Hall. We also look to each and every parent or legal guardian to make sure your child is well equipped, prepared and aware of themselves in public surroundings.

ost of our faculty and staff are certified in First Aid and CPR. Should any medical emergency arise, we are prepared and we will use the Medical Permission information provided upon registration to the very best of our abilities. Please make sure we have the most up to date medical information and releases for your child on file at all times.

utrition is a key component to the physical health of our active students. During the course of the year, local hospital and chiropractic personnel provide information through seminars to the student body on such topics as diet, exercise, growth and development, posture, and maintenance of healthy body weights. We are also very concerned about the emotional well being of our students. The student in total, both physical and emotional, is considered at each and every step of development here at Ballet New England. We treat each student with care, concern, thoughtfulness and respect. And in turn, we expect each student to treat his/her classmate, instructor and parent in the same manner.

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A Dancer's First Pointe Shoes!

ongratulations! You are at a point (pun intended) in your dance vocation where pointe shoes are required and you are now ready to purchase your very first pair of pointe shoes. This is a very special event in a young girl's dance life. We at Ballet New England recognize this milestone and would like to offer some tips. We cannot overstate how important the proper fit of these, or any, shoes are to your physical health.

Surprisingly enough, the bones in a young dancer's feet and ankles will not be completely hard and fully joined until anywhere from her 12th to 23rd year. A shoe that is not properly fit can, and most likely will, damage the future growth patterns of a young dancer.

Allow enough time to spend at the dance merchant. You will need to try on several different styles and sizes. Develop a rapport with the merchant you feel most comfortable with, as you will by purchasing many, many shoes throughout your dance life. Merchants often need to “just move supply” and you don’t want to get caught-up in those kinds of marketing techniques. The more unrepeatable stores will try to talk you into the shoes they want you to purchase, not always the right shoe for you. Catalogue shoes are not recommended either as you don’t have the opportunity to try several on pairs at one time so that you can do good comparison shopping. Parents, whatever you do, please do NOT buy shoes that you daughter has not tried on or any shoe that you might feel “she could grow into.” One last recommendation, speak with your Ballet New England instructor. All of our ballet instructors are prepared to help you with your ultimate decision as to the proper and vital fit.

Fitting a Pointe Shoe Correctly

• All legs, ankles and feet are not the same. One pointe shoe does not fit all.
• Speak with your instructor first. She/he will be able to make recommendations for the type and style of shoe your daughter requires as a beginning shoe. Her instructor will take into account the many different issues your daughter requires, including injury prevention.
• Shoes must have an exact fit, like a glove. The shoe must fit snugly to reduce friction and consequently cut down on calluses and bruises.
• Shoes that are too large make it impossible to achieve proper support and balance.
• The dance merchant should be knowledgeable and reputable.
• They should know without question how a shoe is constructed, know the differences in manufacturers and basically, know about ballet from an anatomical viewpoint.
• They should be able to provide instruction on how to sew on the ribbons and elastics. Do not actually sew them on, as your instructor requires that she/he see them first.
• NOTE: It is mandatory that these shoes not be worn outside the classroom setting. Do not wear them at home, on the street, etc. We further recommend that shoes are stored in a ‘breathable’ container or bag (put them in the mesh part of your dance bag – BNE has mesh bags for sale) as they need to dry thoroughly after being worn. Storing them in plastic bags will cause rot and mold to grow, and the sweat will cause the shoe to “break,” and brand new shoes will then be required; new shoes will continue to be required in a shorter period of time.

Sewing Recommendations

• Thick thread is required to sew the ribbons and elastic on the shoe; good substitutions are quality quilting thread or dental floss.
• Singe (with a match or lighter) or “fray check” the ends of your ribbons before sewing them onto your shoes. ONLY WITH ADULT SUPERVISION!

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Student Showcase and Performance Opportunities

pen to all classes, this optional event is an annual favorite. Students select their own costumes and music; choreograph and perform their pieces for family and friends.  The performance will be held at the Little Harbour School in spring 2007.

n aggressive outreach program continues to be well underway, which provides the student with the important and necessary opportunity to perform in public. Such venues include area schools, assisted living communities, Market Square Day, Prescott Park, First Night, the Palace Theatre, Rochester Opera House, The Music Hall and Children's Day to name a few. Students in all classes, except for Creative Dance (Age 3) are offered the opportunity to perform in the year- end student Culmination & Awards Program held in June. To be eligible to perform, students must attend classes January through June on a regular basis & must attend all scheduled rehearsals for this program.

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Attendance, Arrival/Pick-up, Class Cancellation and Make-Up Classes

tudents are expected to attend all their scheduled classes and will only be excused if CDE has been properly informed in advance. If absence is required for an extended period of time, the student will be excused only with prior written notification from a parent. Students who are frequently absent from class must realize that being in class is a commitment, and they do not set good examples for those students who work diligently every week. Please notify the office if the student will be absent from class. CDE reserves the right to dismiss any student whose attendance or conduct is deemed inappropriate or unsatisfactory.

tudents are expected to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to class time. Students arriving 10 minutes after the class has begun will not be permitted to attend class, but are expected to observe. Parents are expected to pick up their children immediately after class ends. Ballet New England and the Center for Dance Education will not be responsible for students left unattended. For reasons of safety, parents of young students are expected to come up to the second and third floor studios to pick up their children. All other students may wait downstairs in the first floor lobby of the Portsmouth location, especially at night, and watch for their rides through the windows. Students in North Hampton and Durham should be picked up within the waiting area outside the studio.

Please help us protect the safety of our students. While waiting, students are not to congregate on the stairways or landings. Running in the building hallways and yelling are prohibited and will not be tolerated. Please be considerate of other drivers, pedestrians and our building neighbors.

Ballet New England is not responsible for any belongings of any student at any time.

hould the City of Portsmouth close or release early due to inclement weather, class cancellations will be posted on our website and made on local radio stations (WERZ, WOKQ, WTSN, WBACH) and on television station WMUR Channel 9. The offices of Ballet New England also will make every effort to notify parents via email and postings on the website. A recording will also be immediately placed on the BNE telephone answering system. The school may also be closed for other “acts of nature,” “war,” or for other unforeseen reasons. We strongly recommend that students or parents call before departure during unusual circumstances. Any classes canceled due to inclement weather, etc. may be made up during the trimester.

Ballet New England and the Center for Dance Education reserve the right to cancel any class if enrollment is insufficient and tuition payments will be refunded.

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Code of Conduct, Discipline and Dismissal

ach of us who works, studies, volunteers or otherwise participates at Ballet New England and the Center for Dance Education is expected to demonstrate respect for others and the facilities at all times and to promote an environment which is safe and welcoming of diversity.

he Center for Dance Education reserves the right to institute appropriate disciplinary measures as circumstances warrant. In cases of extremely inappropriate behavior (i.e., physical or verbal aggression, possession, distribution or use of illegal substances), such discipline may include suspension or dismissal without advance notice.

t is a privilege for students to perform with Ballet New England and with our national guest artists. Professional behavior is expected and required from every performer at all times. Students must conduct themselves in a quiet, controlled and orderly fashion at all times during all rehearsals, costume fittings, and performances. This behavior applies to activities at the Music Hall (as well as other venues) and at the Portsmouth and North Hampton locations.

The following behavior is not permitted and are grounds for fine(s) or immediate dismissal:

In addition, the duties of each student includes:

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Food/Beverages and Smoking

nder no circumstances is chewing gum, food or beverages allowed in the studios. All Ballet New England locations are public facilities and are smoke-free. Students may bring water in a sealed water bottle container to class in their dance bags. Please use the many trash receptacles placed around the buildings for refuse.

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Mentors

tudents in the advanced level classes (i.e., Ballet V and VI) are expected to be “examples of excellence” by their demeanor, presence and esprit de corps in all school and public settings.

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Ballet Students: When Did You Start to Dance?

s it pertains to ballet, some students begin classes at age two or three, and some “seriously” start later than that. In the very early years such as two or three, a student is really just beginning to learn to move to music and rhythm in a dance environment. At BNE, students, aged three to five, are placed in Creative Dance, which is designed to develop and refine motor skills. This is followed by Pre-Ballet for ages six or seven and is a transitional class between Creative Dance and Ballet I. Industry-wide, it is not until about the age of seven that a student is able to begin the assimilation of the physical and mental demands of a complete ballet class, to fully learn the basic terminology and to take beginning corrective instruction. To that end, BNE recommends when asked about the starting point of a student's ballet training, Ballet I or Age Seven is the appropriate answer. A student may able to expound upon this if asked, but this is viewed as the proper beginning point. Of course if a student started later than that, the first ballet class and the student's age are used.

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Letters of Recommendation as requested of the BNE/CDE Faculty

he faculty of Ballet New England openly welcomes requests from all students and is ready to prepare letters of recommendation as required year round. Students must ask their teacher(s) for such a letter well in advance (a minimum of two weeks) of the required due date of the document in order to provide the teacher the adequate amount of time to sufficiently craft an appropriate letter of recommendation. At the same time, the student must also provide, in writing, the name of the contact, the name of the school and address, and the fax number or email, as appropriate, of the school. The faculty member will then prepare a confidential letter of recommendation to the school and either forward it via first class mail or via fax. A copy of this letter will be kept in the student's permanent file in the office of BNE, which is not available for viewing by the student or their parent(s) as is the policy of many such national organizations. All letters of recommendation are strictly confidential. By this method only, will the faculty member be able to honestly and sincerely convey all pertinent information regarding the student's attitude, performance and abilities, as observed by the faculty member without the apprehension of causing unnecessary consternation on the part of the student or parent(s). This honest critique also speaks to the ultimate credibility and reputation of the faculty member within the dance-world network, be it local, national or international. It is paramount that the word of our faculty be truthful and accurate, whether it is positive or negative, especially when the comments address overall and long-term issues of personal safety and health (Revised January 2004).

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