Liability Waiver
I understand that The Academy of Russian Ballet is not responsible for any injuries sustained at any time, and/or at any location in the Wellington Business Center or Reston Business Park. I recognize that my child's participation may expose him/her to the risk of injury. I accept this risk and hereby relieve the Academy of Russian Ballet, and/or its agents, employees, faculty, the Wellington Business Center and Reston Business Park from all liability for personal injury, illness or property damage occurring during instruction or performance, whether or not caused by the negligence of The Academy of Russian Ballet, its agents, employees, and/or faculty.
I understand that any studio, gymnasium, auditorium, or theater is not accountable for any injury, illness, or property damage occurring during performance or instruction. I certify that my child is in good health and capable of participating in all the activities and classes.
I understand that dance instruction involves kinetic corrections to the body that may involve physically touching the students as a part of the regular class work and rehearsals.
COVID-19: I understand that ARB is permitting individuals to enter the premises despite the ongoing spread of COVID-19, commonly known as "the Corona Virus." ARB has instituted measures in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, ARB cannot and expressly does not guarantee, that despite our best efforts to prevent the spread of this virus, Customer might contract this virus at ARB as a result of receiving instruction in person. Furthermore, given the nature of the manner of dancer instruction, close contact between students and teachers, and even other students, while we will do our best to keep at a minimum, cannot be totally avoided. Said permission for Customer by ARB to enter the premises is not to be relied upon as determination that it is safe or advisable even if done in accordance with Center for Disease Control guidelines, State of Virginia guidelines, federal guidelines, local guidelines, and/or any other statutes, regulations, guidelines.
All persons who enter the premises of ARB do so at their own risk and peril. ARB has no liability under any theory of liability for permitting Customer to enter the premises at ARB. I, therefore, agree to assume and take on myself all the risks and responsibilities in any way associated with my entry onto the premises of ARB. In consideration of and return for the opportunity to enter the premises of ARB, I release the ARB (and all ARB owners, employees, and agents) from any and all liability, claims, and actions that may arise from injury or harm to me or others, including death, or from damage to my property or to property of any other in connection with my presence at ARB. I understand that this release also covers liability, claims, and actions caused entirely or in part by ARB act or failure to act, including but not limited to negligence, mistake, or failure to enforce, supervise, or maintain. I assure ARB that there are no health-related reasons or problems which preclude or restrict or otherwise advise against by presence at ARB. I further assure the ARB that I have adequate health, property, and liability insurance necessary to provide for and pay any medical costs or property damage that may directly or indirectly result from my presence at ARB and I will indemnify and hold ARB harmless for any such medical costs or property damage. The facts, circumstances, situation, and advised response to COVID-19 is constantly changing, and ARB has no reliable way to keep fully abreast of this information. The fact that ARB is permitting Customer to enter the premises does not in any way, shape, form, or manner indicate that it is safe to do so. I understand that this release means I am giving up, among other things, all rights I may otherwise have to sue ARB, ARB owners, employees, and or agents for injuries (including death), damages, or losses I may incur or cause. I agree to hold ARB, ARB owners, employees, and or agents, harmless from all claims made by third parties that are in any way associated with my entry onto the premises of ARB. I shall be liable for all attorney fees, Court costs, and all other costs incurred by ARB in enforcing or defending any such claim or any portion of this Release. I also understand that this release is binding on all of my minor children and minors for whom I am legal guardian, as well as the heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns of my minor children and minors for whom I am legal guardian. I further understand that if I am executing this release on behalf of a minor child, then I shall hold ARB harmless against the claims of any other parent or legal guardian of said child who has not signed this release. I also understand that this release binds my heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, as well as myself.
Class Level Placement & Requirements
Level placement is at the discretion of the Artistic Directors and Instructors only. Technical advancement, strength, physical maturity, emotional maturity. Age is a secondary consideration. Students generally spend AT LEAST TWO YEARS PER LEVEL. Each student advances individually, not entire levels/classes at the same time. Students continuously learn new concepts and movements regardless "level". Parents of children in intermediate and above levels should understand that students taking classes less than recommended below will not progress as fast as their classmates and should not expect promotion to higher levels as quickly as those that take multiple classes per week. (With consistent attendance). We recommend all Ballet III and up students should attend classes of different style (Jazz, Modern, Character, Lyrical) for further enrichment. Pointe Policy - Students must regularly attend a minimum of THREE or more technique classes per week to study pointe. Students must attend the proceeding technique class to attend pointe class.
Suggested Ballet Class Enrollment:
Pre Ballet through Ballet 2 1-2 ballet classes/week
Ballet 3-4 2-3 ballet classes/week
Ballet 5-6 4 or more ballet classes/week AND at least ONE additional style (modern, character, jazz, tap)
Ballet 7-8 5 or more ballet classes/week AND at least TWO additional style (modern, character, jazz, tap)
Add/Drop/Withdraw from Classes
Students wishing to add classes, drop classes, or change schedules must complete an "Add/Drop" form at least ONE MONTH prior to the schedule change. (Form is available from ARB office staff). Tuition will not be changed until the form has been received. Students wishing to completely withdraw from ARB before year end must complete an "Add/Drop" form TWO MONTHS prior to the month of withdrawal. Tuition will continue to accrue on accounts until this form as been received. (A letter, text, email, phone call is not considered proper documentation). Accounts not closed without the Add/Drop form and without payment will be subject to billing and/or collections agency. Any tuition credits, costume payment/deposits, stage fee payment/deposits will not be refunded. Students are of course welcome and encouraged to continue to take their scheduled classes during this two month period.
Drop Off/Picking Up & Siblings
Students should arrive no later than 5 minutes before the start of class. Students need to be picked up promptly after the conclusion of THEIR class and/or rehearsal. (Exception for students who are carpooling with another student.) Students picked up 10 minutes after the close of business will pay a $15.00 fee. Please be aware that each day has a different schedule ending time and do not assume there are classes or rehearsals following the end of your child's class. Ballet 6-8 students should allow time for stretching before class begins. If a parent stays to watch class from the viewing area (Levels Pre-Ballet - Level 5), any children/siblings must be under parental supervision at all times. Siblings must NOT enter and play in ANY EMPTY studio. Any ARB property broken and/or defaced by siblings must be replaced by parents. (Studio is inspected each evening at the close of business) ** DUE TO COVID-19 POLICIES there will be NO families or siblings allowed in the ARB studios to wait or watch classes at this time. Please wait in your car for your Dancer to finish class.
Parent Observation & Exams
Parents are asked to not open and close doors during classes as it disturbs and distracts students and teachers. ARB has closed circuit cameras in each studio so parents may observe classes without disturbing instruction. Please do NOT videotape classes from the door area, and/or video a class on the tv monitor in order to post recorded videos online. Parents may be invited into the studio to observe an evaluation class. Ballet 5 and above may have Ballet Exams in class in the Spring. Students will receive forms addressing strengths and weaknesses. Exams are possibly adjudicated by guest jurors. (Pending availability). There is no "Pass or Fail". ** DUE TO COVID-19 there will be NO OBSERVATION OF CLASSES FOR THE 2020-2021 YEAR in the studio.
Summer Intensives/Programs
Intermediate and Advanced students may audition for summer programs and intensives at nationally recognized schools if interested.
Please speak with the Directors about programs that will be beneficial to the student. (Some programs are better than other programs. A program that may be a great choice for one student may not necessarily be a good fit for another student.) Students that attend SIs should also plan on attending the remainder of ARBs summer program to maintain any technical strength and/or progress made. ARB HIGHLY recommends that students attend summer programs that are in line with their future goals in dance. Ex: Student wants to be a ballet major in college - ARB recommends attending summer intensives at college programs starting after their freshman year in high school.
Communication
ARB's main methods of communication is Email and social media. Please make sure that your email addresses are up to date with the office and in the parent portal. Emails from the ARB studios will be sent via the Jackrabbit online system. Please check your email account and be sure to add "Jackrabbit" as a "known" sender. Check your SPAM folder to be sure emails are not there. Important information is also posted on the boards in the studio. Studio hours are M-F 4:30-8:00 and Saturday 12pm-2pm, extended hours on Saturday during rehearsal periods. Email is answered M-F but not on weekends. Office Hours for each location will be posted and our office manager will be available for questions one day/week at each location. Please email Kimberly for questions regarding payments, tuition, add/drop, and Parent Portal. Please understand that it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable about class times, schedule changes, rehearsal schedules, payments due, etc. ARB does not issue bills or invoices. Conferences and meetings with faculty need to be scheduled. Please email office staff to set up an appointment. Please do not email teachers on their personal email/social media for ARB/NVYB related questions. We ask that you respect their "work" vs "social" time and send any ARB/NVYB questions thru the Parent Portal or ARB direct email account. Please do not stop instructors in between classes/rehearsals to discuss progress, issues, etc. as they can potentially be late to their next class/rehearsal.
Weather Policy
In the event that ARB must close to weather, there will be a notice by 3pm issued via email, as well as posted on the website blog, Facebook page, Instagram account and Parent Portal. (The phone message will NOT be changed) Classes missed must be made up by students following the class makeup policy. ARB will not reschedule makeup classes. ARB-Manassas generally follows the Prince William County Schools. ARB-Herndon generally follows the Fairfax County Public Schools.
Etiquette, Respect, Late Entry & Makeup Class Procedures
Students and parents are expected to maintain the high moral integrity of ARB. Bullying, gossiping, disrespect towards instructors, Directors, peers, or other parents inside the studio, outside of class, on the internet, etc. will not be tolerated and will be dealt with accordingly. Parents and Students that have a history of the above issues will find their registrations subject to approval. ARB reserves the right to refuse admission to those that have prior infractions. Late Students in Ballet V and above must wait at the door for invitation into class. Students must make up missed classes within ONE months of the absence on their own accord. If you are absent from a make-up class you are NOT able to reschedule for another make-up class. You do have the option to cancel and reschedule make-up classes BEFORE being absent for that as well, so please do that if you find the original make-up class date/time won't work. Parents are responsible for scheduling the makeup classes thru the Parent Portal and must be scheduled at least TWO hours before the class begins. Tuition credit is not given for missed classes. Students must make up the class missed in a class in the same genre, at the same level or one below. (Missed Ballet class can be made up in another ballet class. A missed Modern class can be made up in another Modern or Jazz class). Students must make up missed classes from the school year during the school year and not during the summer program and/or visa versa. Students are not allowed to use several make-up classes to "add" another class to their schedule instead of registering for the new class.
Performance Opportunities (ARB & NVYB)
ARB has several opportunities throughout the year for students to perform. ARB SPRING CONCERT: All students participate in the Spring Concert unless notified is given by December 1. Please see additional page for details regarding costs, due dates, etc. YAGP: (Youth America Grand Prix) Select students will be invited by the Artistic Directors to participate in this Classical Ballet/Contemporary competition, typically attended in Jan/Feb each year. YAGP participation will not have any reflection on ARB placement or NVYB casting. NVYB PERFORMANCES: (Northern Virginia Youth Ballet) is the non-profit ballet company associated with the Academy of Russian Ballet. ARB students are encouraged to participate in the NVYB productions of "The Nutcracker", our Spring Performance (Ex: Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Paquita, etc) and our Contemporary Concert. Ballet is a performing art and ARB is dedicated to providing stage experience to its students. NVYB performances have additional costume and stage fees that help offset production costs. Interested families must plan on attending the mandatory parent meetings prior to the beginning of rehearsals.
Concurrent Enrollment at Other Studios
ARB provides students with a complete training program and concurrent enrollment is not necessary, and can actually be detrimental to technical achievement and advancement. Enrollment at other studios without permission or consultation may result in expulsion from ARB. Students enrolled at competition studios or gymnasts who are supplementing only ballet are an exception to this policy. Private lessons with ballet instructors outside of ARB faculty are prohibited. Performing with another studio is strictly prohibited unless prior approval is received. (Ex: Kennedy Center) Students found performing at another studio without prior approval may be immediately expelled from ARB.
Make Up Classes, Class Cancellations & Refund Policy
It may occasionally be necessary for The Academy of Russian Ballet to combine or cancel scheduled classes due to inclement weather, teacher illness/inability to find an adequate substitute, and/or performance schedule conflicts. We will give notice of any cancellations as far in advance as possible. If the same class level is available on another day, students should make up the missed class in a timely fashion. Students may attend a make up class at their current level, or 1 level below, within ONE month of the cancellation. If a student withdraws from ARB, any remaining classes available for makeup are null and void. Makeup classes may not be taken past the final date of withdrawal. Scheduling of makeup classes is the responsibility of the parent and can be scheduled in the Parent Portal. If a student is absent from a scheduled makeup class, they are NOT able to reschedule that class (again) for another makeup class. Tuition will not be pro-rated for student absences. Tuition is non-refundable, no exceptions.
Media Release
We believe that our students, staff and school benefit from positive recognition and there may be occasional media coverage that involves our students. We ask permission to release pictures and/or other communication to the media on occasion. This may include newspapers, magazines, news station coverage, newsletters, social media and websites. (Not limited to those only) By signing you authorize The Academy of Russian Ballet to use your child's likeness. The Academy of Russian Ballet has my permission to take photos, videos, and/or films of me, my son or daughter, and consent to use such materials for promotional purposes by The Academy of Russian Ballet and Northern Virginia Youth Ballet.
Instagram: Academyofrussianballet_va
Facebook: Academy of Russian Ballet
Uniform & Class Attire
All students are expected to adhere to the Dress Code and wear uniforms for every ballet class. Please do not substitute brands/styles. Leotards may be purchased directly from ARB. No skirts or warmups permitted in class. Ballet 7 & 8 students may wear any color/style leotard for Saturday classes. Ballet 8 students may wear any color/style leotard for Friday and Saturday classes. Underwear, bras, etc. are usually not necessary in upper level classes. If support is necessary, it must be flesh colored. No electronic devices, phones, ipods, etc. allowed in the studios for classes and/or rehearsals without permission. ARB is not responsible for lost items. Hair must be done UP for ALL ballet classes (Pre-Ballet through Ballet 8). Please use pins, clips, hair spray, nets, etc. to secure hair. No ponytails allowed in any ballet class. Headbands are NOT an acceptable form of hair securing. Hair should not fall down in class. Students with short hair must be done up as much as possible. Street clothes/play clothes are not permitted in any class. No jewelry, watches, bracelets in any dance class. ARB is not responsible for lost items. No gum anywhere in the building. Only water is allowed in the studios. Food must be eaten in the waiting areas, NOT dressing rooms. Please clean up after yourselves.
Tuition/Payment Information
Tuition is based on 36 weeks of instruction with 10 equal "monthly" payments. All tuition is due by the 1st of each month and late as of the 7th of the month. All families are required to have either a debit/credit card on file OR be set up for ACH payments. Late fees will be posted after the close of business on the 7th. Late tuition will incur a $25.00 charge EACH week tuition is overdue. (Date of tuition payment is determined by date received by the office, not the date written on the check) A NSF/Bank Fee will be applied for any returned Check/Bank Draft ($35.00) or a Declined Credit/Debit Card ($10.00). Automatic payments will be initiated on the 1st of each month to ensure transaction is completed by the 7th. Students who enroll at Academy of Russian Ballet AFTER September will receive prorated tuition for the month they enroll. After that, tuition will be charged on the 1st of each month at the appropriate rate according to the number of hours they are enrolled for the remaining months of the ARB school year. All tuition, fees, costume payments/rental fees, performance fees are non-refundable, no exceptions. There will be no refund issued of tuition, fees, costume payments/rental fee, or performance fees due to weather closures, pandemics or other natural disasters. The owners of ARB may, at their discretion, offer a credit or discount in such circumstances. Any such credit or discount will be applied to your family account and may only be applied to future fees. These monies will not be refunded as any form of cash, check or credit back to a bank account or debit/credit card. Only 1 type of tuition discount is applicable per FAMILY (Sibling/ Boys/ Talent/etc). Tuition will not be prorated for student absences. Students with accounts two or more months overdue will not be permitted to attend classes until payment arrangements have been made. "Stop Payments" placed on checks prior to the check clearing the bank will automatically be sent to collections with the appropriate NSF Fees, overdraft fees, late fees, etc. added to the total to be obtained by the collections agency.
