INTEGRAL BALLETNew Parents Guide

2 Contents

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Contents What is real ballet? Registration Scheduling Requests Code of Conduct Attendance Policies Tuition Policies Costumes Recital

Ordering costumes Preparing your calendars ahead Stage make-up and hair class Dress rehearsal and picture day Ordering flowers, boosters and

DVDs

The FAITH Project & Company Participation

Requirements Kids Fest Lecture/Demo Participation Long Island Ballet Competition Scholarships Going en pointe

Field Trips Studio Holidays, Events and

Parties Birthday parties

Using the website: www.integralballet.com

Merchandise Student of the Month Accessing Class Materials,

Curriculum, Choreography

4 What is “Real” Ballet?

5 The DifferenceAs a parent choosing a dance studio, it is important to educate yourself on what’s out there and make the right selection for your child.

6

The Difference

The environment must be conducive for those students that do want the rigorous structure of professional-track ballet training without taking away from the attention given to, or the experience of, the recreational dancers.

There are few schools which offer professional level training programs or who have qualified, professional teachers capable of equipping their students with the level of mastery required in the dance profession. And yet regardless of what your child’s goals are, high level instruction should always a top priority.

Quality education in dance is the basis for a fulfilling experience on any level.

The environment for classical training

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The Difference

Some schools incorporate an end of program performance, so rehearsals in preparation for that would also be a part of the schedule. Performing should not be the focal point, however; learning and increasing knowledge is the main objective of the staff and dancers.

Performing is not the focal point of proper dance training.

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The Difference

Your child’s placement in a new school should be age appropriate, but not determined by their age. While a student must feel comfortable in the group in which they are placed to remain motivated, class placement is determined primarily by cognitive and physical ability. There should also be significant room to improve within the program so the child may reach his/her full potential.

Placement is not based on age in classical training.

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The Difference

…and it is not just about learning the mechanics of a step, a choreography routine, or even the terminology. Ballet requires a conditioning of both the mind and the body so that it becomes like a second language to the dancer. Even professional dancers are required to take ballet class everyday in addition to other physical activities and performing.

At Integral, we are committed to bringing authentic classical dance to recreational dancers as well as professional-track dancers, so we do not require the same level of commitment from every child. We do, however, require that every student is enrolled in at least 1 ballet class each semester that they dance. Elective classes such as jazz, tap and hip hop may be taken in addition to ballet class. There are no quick-fixes or tricks to improvement and nothing replaces the improvement that takes place when a student is committed to exceeding their minimum class requirements (which vary by age and level).

Ballet requires time…

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The Difference

We have a zero-tolerance policy for disregarded dress code, disruptive behavior and administrative issues. We require the support of parents and guardians in all matters of student conduct and adhere to a strict protocol for handing disorderly conduct. Due to the interactive and intellectually/physically demanding nature of ballet class, disciplinary protocol is rarely required for students at Integral Ballet. Parents may refer to their registration forms for a guide to disciplinary protocol.

Ballet requires discipline.

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The Difference

Showy tricks are not required or even encouraged. Ballet technique does not rely on leaps, turns and jumps to gauge level, improve or impress an audience. Those things will happen automatically when alignment, turn out, proper use of the muscles, port de bras etc are worked on and improved upon.

Ballet requires mastery of subtle movements and transitions.

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The Difference

An extension on our previous note is that we don’t seek to emphasize the natural talents that our students already have, but rather, focus on improving upon the basic fundamentals that are required of strong dancers. Unlike commercial dance, which may utilize the natural talents of certain dancers to create choreography or class material, Integral Ballet focuses on skill development and legitimate training. Do not expect to be front and center because you can do splits and flashy jumps, expect to be front and center when the hard work you’ve put in shines through.

Ballet does not rely on natural talent.

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The Difference

Choreographers can use any music from classical to contemporary to even Rock and Roll! However, understanding the cultural context and the richness of ballet requires a significant amount of time spent dancing to and learning about classical music from various time periods and historically famous Ballets.

Classical music has been proven to increase memory retention, concentration and improve mood. The more frequently a student is engaged with classical music, the more of an impact it has on his or her well-being. Ballet is a perfect way to incorporate classical music into young minds, so they can become accustomed to it before their attention is diverted.

Ballet requires classical music.

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The Difference

“Fun” is a matter of perspective. Momentary satisfaction can come from running, dancing, jumping, with no real structure or training involved--- just for the joy of it.

But a longer term sense of achievement, fulfillment, and freedom can be had through disciplined training of the body and mind.

Hard work, focused attention, and continuing progress fills a need in us all for the satisfaction of a job well-done.

As a parent, you must guide your child to see the difference between instant gratification and long-term achievement. Achieving goals which had seemed unattainable at first gives a student the feeling of great personal fulfillment.

One can’t eat fast food all the time, even though it tastes good and is convenient, and expect to stay healthy; one can’t expect that dance instruction with focus placed predominantly on recreation, performing and tricks to provide any improvement.

Classical training offers a long term sense of achievement.

15 Registration

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Read your Registration Forms

thoroughly for important information regarding you child’s participation in dance

class this year!

Registration InformationSeveral dates are set aside each August and June for school year and summer session registration. Forms are always available on the website at www.integralballet.com. Students are strongly encouraged to register no later than the dates provided.

Flyers are sent to the homes of past students each July as a friendly reminder regarding fall registration dates.

Registration refers to enrollment into designated class days and times for each fall/spring and summer session.

Registration requires tuition payment in full, and any obligatory participation fees and costumes fees for the end of year performance.

17 Scheduling Requests

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At Integral, we do our absolute best to

accommodate your scheduling requests.

Please let us know your day/time requests for

the school year by mid-August. Let us know your

summer session requests by the recital in

May.

Between school, ballet, soccer practice and music lessons, you

may feel more like a chauffer than a parent. Please leave your contact information so we can

match you with car pools!

Scheduling Requests

Car Pools

19 Code of Conduct

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Dress CodeProper Dress for Level 1 and up:

•Boys - black ballet shoes, black dance pants, white tee shirts

•Girls - pink ballet shoes, pink tights, black leotard, red alignment belt for

Level 2 and up

•Ballet skirts may be worn

•No street clothes may be worn over ballet attire. A ballet sweater or

legwarmers may be worn if cold.

•Pointe shoes should be secured with elastics and ribbons.

•Hair for girls should be worn pulled back off the face in a secure, neat

ballet bun

•Hair for company ballet dancers should be kept long enough to keep in a

neat ballet bun

•No jewelry permitted including bracelets, necklaces etc. Stud earrings are

allowed for pierced ears.

Students that do not come to class in proper dress code will be

required to sit out & observe.

Appropriate Attire

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Attendance and Punctuality

Students are required to be on time for class and may not leave until the end of class.

While lateness is not permissible, we understand that emergencies arise; please indicate if your child will be late for class by phone, text or email.

Students should not have more than 5 absences per year. Missed classes should be made up in the student’s appropriate level or one level lower. All absences must be reported for the safety and well being of all of our students.

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Breaks, Snacks and Food

No gum, candy or junk food is allowed in the studio at anytime. Parents are asked to kindly and carefully pack non-allergenic snacks required for dancers that will be at the studio for 3 hours or more. Avoid anything with peanuts. Students remaining at the studio for 2.5 hour or less are not permitted to bring food. Water bottles are permissible.

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Disciplinary ActionsIntegral Ballet has a zero tolerance policy regarding disorderly conduct. All staff instructors are certified and trained to manage disruptive behavior before it is considered disorderly conduct. Due to the interactive and demanding nature of ballet class, disciplinary action is rarely needed. If necessary, disorderly conduct will be handled according to the following procedure:

• Student will be reprimanded in class at first offense. An offense is determined by the teacher and/or office staff depending on the age of the child, and the frequency and disruption level of the misconduct.

• Student will be asked to sit out at second offense, during same lesson or a later lesson, and will be forewarned that another occurrence will require them to call home. They will not be invited to continue in class that day. Parents will be advised if they come in to pick up their child.

• Student will be asked to sit out and call home at third offense. At this time a parent may request a conference to determine if the student will be invited to continue classes. Parents, please note that there are no refunds for class time missed due to behavioral issues. Additionally, withdrawal from classes by recital participants is prohibited after October 15.

24 Attendance

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Attendance

Students are required to be on time for class and may not leave until the end of class. While lateness is not permissible, we understand that emergencies arise; please indicate if your child will be late for class by phone, text or email. Students should not have more than 5 absences per year. Missed classes should be made up in the student’s appropriate level or one level lower. All absences must be reported for the safety and well being of all of our students.

26 Tuition Policies

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Tuition Policies

The recreational and company programs at Integral Ballet are conducted by semester: September-January and February-June, and Summer Session.

All students are required to enroll for the full semester in order to participate in classes. Students participating in the recital are required to enroll for the school year in full. All tuition and costume deposits should be paid in full at the time of registration. There is a $20 recital participation fee due upon registration.

Registration in specific classes is finalized after October 15th and changes to class times and dates are not permissible after that date.

New students are welcome to take 2 trial classes for $15 per lesson before being required to enroll for the semester. Registration forms must be completed and trial classes must be paid for before the start of a trial class.

Late enrollees are permitted a pro-rated tuition depending upon the date of their enrollment after October 15. Students enrolling prior to October 15 must pay the semester in full. All absences, make up lessons and holidays have been considered and do not warrant a pro-rated tuition. Please note that late registration will prevent students from being able to participate in performances.

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Tuition Policies: Assistance

Automatic Monthly Billing Assistance ProgramTo better accommodate our students that cannot pay for the semester-in-full as required, we have implemented an automatic monthly billing system. For information, please request an Automatic Credit Card Authorization form. There are no processing fees associated with this program.

Non-Automatic, Month-to-Month Billing Assistance ProgramWe do not offer month-to-month enrollment and therefore do not offer month-to-month billing. Students requiring a non-automatic, month-to-month payment plan may inquire with the office staff or director. Due to administrative constraints associated with monthly billing, there is a processing fee of $10 per month for anyone requiring this billing program. Please note that withdrawal is not permissible after October 15th (for the remainder of the semester for non-recital students, or for the school year for recital participants).

29 Recital

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Costumes for Recreational Dancers

1. Recital costume deposits are paid upon registration

2. Balances will be invoiced in October and are due November 15th

3. Any costume not paid in full by November 15 will not be ordered with the group’s and may incur additional late shipping costs.

Costumes are a very exciting aspect of participation in dance for many of our youngsters. To ensure optimal delivery, correct sizing and quick turnaround of sizing exchanges, we ask for timely payment on costume deposits and balances. Please see payment structure to the left.

Please note that sizes are ordered slightly larger than your child is measured as costumes are more easily taken in than out.

Although our costumes are all made to order, we are limited to standard sizing and cannot guarantee that each costume will fit snug as a bug. Parents and guardians are responsible for tailoring and resizing their child’s costume.

Integral Ballet does everything possible to keep costume costs down and quality up. Combo costumes are often utilized so even if your child is enrolled in three or more classes, they will rarely need more than 2 costumes.

Parents are responsible for tights, shoes and make-up. Capezio in Rockville Centre maintains a list of all performance-related shoe

and tights requirements. Our default is as follows unless you are otherwise instructed by your child’s teacher:Ballet: Pink tights, pink shoes for girls/black pants, black shoes for boysJazz and Tap: Tan tights, tan jazz shoes, tan Maryjane tap shoes (with buckles instead of ribbons)

Hip Hop: Black jazz sneakers

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Prepare Your Recital Calendar

Recital performance and dress rehearsal dates and locations are typically determined by registration in September but certainly no later than October 15th. This is to ensure early planning for our dancers and their families. Recital will always be in May even though classes continue until the end of June. Our recital is not the focal point of training at Integral Ballet, nor is it the culmination of our spring semester. Non-attendance after the recital may result in lower level placement the following semester.Dress rehearsal and picture day will take place anywhere from a month to a few days prior to the performance depending on the availability of the theater. Forms and other details will be made available no later than the beginning of spring semester in February. This includes:

- Program booster order forms- Flower order forms- Backstage Helper sign up- DVD order forms (DVDs are available for order. Due to costs

incurred to have the recital tapes, parents may tape if a space is reserved ahead of time, but if doing so, must also purchase a DVD)

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Stage Make-up and Hair Class

Integral offers a complimentary stage make-up and hair class for dancers and their parents/guardians as the recital date approaches. Stage make-up is very different from ordinary make-up. New parents are welcome and encouraged to attend with their child and their caboodle!

Hair will always be styled in a neat bun for all recital dances unless otherwise instructed by the choreographer.

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Dress Rehearsal and Picture Day

In an effort to make your scheduling easier, Picture Day and Dress Rehearsal are held together at the theater prior to the recital. Order forms for pictures will be available at the beginning of the spring semester and should be returned promptly. Dress Rehearsal should be treated as if it were the recital day, with full make-up, hair, tights, shoes, costumes, etc.

Please keep in mind that though you may not be ordering a photo, other parents will be ordering group shots that will include your child.

Also, as per your registration form, Integral Ballet holds the right to use photographs of your child for its purposes. Nothing will be used publicly without your express consent. If you do not wish to have your photos taken, you must specifically state so upon registration.

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Ordering Flowers, Boosters and DVDS

Integral will provide you with the opportunity to pre-order a half dozen red or multi-colored roses for your dancer. The bouquets are ordered in March and will be at the theater when you arrive for the recital. They must be paid for at the time you place your order. Bouquets may be purchased at the door if there are leftovers only. It is advisable to pre-order your bouquet.Boosters may be ordered in March and will appear in the program. You will receive correspondence regarding the specs of your order. Booster forms can be found online at www.integralballet.com or you can pick one up at the studio.DVDs must be ordered in advance. They typically cost between $20 and $30 per DVD depending on the number of orders received and the vendor. DVD orders must be placed no later than April 15th. They may not be ordered after that date. They will be available for pick up on the last week of classes.

35 The Company

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Integral Youth Ballet Company

•Integral Youth Ballet is a pre-professional children’s ballet company. We are currently involved with securing our 501c3 status as a non-profit! Stay-tuned for more details to come.

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Company Requirements

•The company dancers must meet minimum class requirements, performs regularly throughout the year, holds lecture demonstrations and more. We are not a competitive dance company and place our technical development over performance, however, performing ignites our motivation to excel!

•The company will be looking into participating in the Long Island Ballet Competition beginning in 2012. This is not a typical dance competition. Dancers must perform pre-designated choreography from one of several famous ballets. No points are given for costume, props or choreography and the emphasis is placed solely on the dancers’ technical ability.

• There is no additional cost to be a part of the company but dancers must meet their minimum class requirements at Integral or at the Ohman School. However, specific event-related costs may be incurred (i.e. Long Island Ballet Competition, FAITH Project, personal costume requirements). Company dancers recital participation fees are waived.

• Company participation is not based on skill upon audition but rather, commitment to class time. If you put in the time at Integral, you will become a beautiful dancer.

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The FAITH Project: Company Performance

•The FAITH Project is an annual performance put on by the company to raise money for the American Lung Association in memory of Faith Floridia. All proceeds from the performance are donated on behalf of the ballet company. There is a cost associated in participating in this yearly performance.

The company

performing at Nathan

Hale Senior Village

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Scholarships

Scholarship applications for tuition assistance are available to company students. Applications can be found on the website at www.integralballet.com.

40 Field Trips, Holidays and Events

41Being involved with a community is an important part a child’s development. While we strive to find balance between fun and discipline in the classroom, we also hold events throughout the year to engage our dancers with their peers, in their community, and in the wider world of the arts.

Integral Field Trips, Parties and Events

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Field TripsEach year, we take our dancers to a ballet in New York City. We see either American Ballet Theatre or New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center or City Center. This trip is typically held in the spring and is a fun adventure into the city. We arrange for lunch and dress circle seating. The cost of the trip is typically $45-60 per ticket plus the cost of lunch and transportation.

Mr Ohman thought we

were going to Firebird!

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Field Trip to The NutcrackerIntegral Ballet students receive exclusive discounts to see Frank Ohman’s New York Dance Theatre’s The Nutcracker at the John Cranford Adams Playhouse at Hofstra University.

This event takes the place of classes on the Saturday of the trip. Students that are enrolled in Saturday classes are welcome and encouraged to take make-up classes.

Students will see their teachers and classmates perform and get to tour backstage and meet the other dancers!

Young students must be accompanied by an adult.

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Events, Parties and More!

Integral Ballet holds parties and events for holidays and end of year outside of class time.

Students are required to RSVP and purchase tickets.

The cost of each event is determined by what food will be served and what crafts and activities are planned. Flyers will be distributed several weeks before the event and information is always placed on the Facebook page and website.

The studio is available to rent for parties. Party packages are listed on the website at www.integralballet.com.

45 Starting En Pointe

46 Going En PointeRules and Requirements for Company Dancers beginning pointe

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Going En Pointe3-5 Classes per week required, plus pointe classesBlack Leotard, Pink Tights, Red Ballet Belt, Pink Ballet Slippers

Student must be taking 3-5 classes per week for two years prior to being considered for pointe workThe student must be at least 12 years of age. This is a general guideline. Not all students are ready at age 12. Student must exemplify strong understanding of foot work, the use of demi pointe, have a deep demi plie and a high relevé. The arch of the foot must extend forward on relevé for ankle and calf safety. Once the student is advised that they are ready for pointe, they are required to take 8 weeks of pointe class as pre-pointe (without pointe shoes). During this time they will turn in their essay on common injuries.

They will then consult with their teacher on the type of pointe shoe that is appropriate for their foot and the required accessories including toe pads, elastics, ribbons, etc. They will be advised how to sew the shoes at that time.

Dancers must sew their own shoes and keep a sewing kit in their bag at all times. Dancers will begin with no more than ten minutes of pointe work per week for several months. Pointe shoes should be left at the studio.

The student must be able to keep get the top box of the show on the floor in tendu without bending the knee for lower back and knee safety. The hip flexors must be elongated for lower back and knee safety. The foot must be full, or nearly full grown. This should be discussed with a doctor. Student must turn in a hand-written essay on common injuries associated with pointe work.

48 Using The Website

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Staying Connected Online About Us

Staff bios Ballet company info Private coaching Recreational program details Current Student of the Month Photo gallery

Contact Us Contact information Direct contact form

Schedule Current schedule Current calendar and

closings Tuition information

Current Semester Registration forms Pay online links Calendar and closings Current schedule Class requirements by

level Fees

Field Trip Details Contact form Pas trip photos

Class Info Current schedule Tuition Registration form (children &

adults) Curriculum detail by level

More Birthday party rental Registration form Most recent company

performance Current recital info Ballet glossary Photo gallery Upcoming Auditions:

Locked Ballet company general

info Past recital Info for Students: Locked Pay online Sweats ‘n’ Things

(merchandise) Student of the Month Blog Calendar and closings Private lesson info Code of Conduct

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Staying Connected Online

The Integral password is currently: iloveballet

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Staying Connecting on Facebook

Our Facebook page is checked daily. Feel free to use it as another source to contact the office, call in absences, inquire about events or interact with other students and parents.

We always include: Upcoming events within and outside the studio Student of the Month articles Dance quotes Photos

52 Merchandise

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Sweats n Things

Bags are $25

Tees are$20

Hoodies are $45 for child sizes, $55 for adult sizes

54 Integral Student of the Month

55 Nominate a Student Online

Each student of the month is awarded with a congratulatory greeting on the studio mirror, and a written article and photograph on the website, the Integral blog and on Facebook.

Students of the Month also receive a special award during the reception ceremony after the end of year performance (June is included in May’s announcement).

Students will receive a small scholarship to contribute to next year’s classes.

Every month a student of the Integral Ballet School is honored for noteworthy achievements, extraordinary behavior and/or general excellence. These achievements may or may not be dance-related but show what it means to be an exemplary student of ballet. We love to see our students going above and beyond in every area of their lives.

The Student of the Month becomes a mini-celebrity at Integral Ballet.

56 Class Materials, Curriculum and Choreography

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Class materials including curriculum and glossaries are available online.

Parents are welcome to tape class for the purposes of choreography only, not for syllabus material as this is legally protected content.

Extra help is available via private lessons. Time set aside for extra help for parent and child is charged the same as our hourly private rate.

58Call us at 516-442-1590Or visit us online at www.integralballet.com

Questions or Comments?