Overview of ASB
The Acton School of Ballet is owned by Chip (Director) and Melissa Morris (Administrator). All schools have different mission statements and methods of operation, and we hope that by sharing this simple outline of our year, we can answer many of your questions. We are always available to discuss your concerns, and look forward to a wonderful year filled with many happy returning faces and as well as many new ones!
The Acton School of Ballet is comprised of an upper and lower school. The lower school includes Toddler/Parent First Steps, Pre-Ballet, and Levels 1 and 2, in which students take classes once a week. The upper school includes Levels 3-9, all modern and jazz dance classes, and various supplementary classes. As students move through the levels of the syllabus, the number of classes they take increases. For instance, Levels 3 & 4 take 2 classes per week, Level 9's take 5+ classes.
We divide the year into three terms: a Fall session (16 weeks), a Spring session (16 weeks for the lower school and 19 weeks for the upper school), and a three-week July intensive.
Tuition is based on the number of classes a student takes in a semester, and must be paid in full at the commencement of each semester.
Placement in a level is decided in the Spring of each year by the faculty for returning students, and by a placement class or review by the Director for new students. Toddler/Parent, First Steps, Pre-Ballet, and Level 1 students are placed according to age and grade (see syllabus programs).
Enrollment in the upper levels is determined by age and grade in school, previous training, and technical aptitude. Some students advance faster than others, based on their ability and physiology. The aim of the Acton School of Ballet is to honor and challenge the abilities of all our students by providing multiple levels of training and attention to each student.
Each syllabus level is identified by a color, and students in that level wear a color-coordinated leotard (except boys, who wear a white top and black tights or leggings in all levels). You can find detailed attire requirements here.
Students stay in some levels for one year, and in others for two or more. Within each of these levels we may offer several sections to keep the size of classes small. For instance, last year we offered six sections of the Pre-Ballet, and three sections of Level 2. We also offer to our upper level students various supplementary classes such as Variations, Choreography, and Advanced Ballet. Any supplementary classes which students qualify to take are listed as options on their Fall and Spring registration forms.
Students wishing to take private lessons to supplement their classes may do so by contacting the school or talking directly with their teacher. Several of the faculty offer private and semi-private lessons during the week; this is an option for students in all levels.
We are extremely proud of our faculty, who bring excellent professional experience and educational backgrounds, passion for teaching, and diverse, creative perspectives. New ideas are always percolating at faculty meetings, and we embrace their energy and enthusiasm, and their unabashed adoration of their students! Please take some time to read their biographies here.
Parents may request a conference with their student’s teacher at any time. Formal con- ference times are set up in the Spring to discuss all students’ progress. The school also hosts an Open House during the last two weeks of the Fall term, and parents are in- vited into the studios for observation classes. Of course, parents may always watch classes as all three studios have viewing windows. Notices of Open House and confer- ence times, as well as lots of other pertinent school information, is posted in the school lobbies and on this web site. Parents of older students heading off to summer dance programs should know that we post audition schedules downstairs in late Fall and keep a notebook of evaluations by our students of their past experiences in these many programs.
We ask that you think of our school as you think of your family. If your child is going to be absent for any reason, please call to let us know, so that the Administrator and teacher do not worry. If your child is going to be late, please call the school. Repeated lateness is not tolerated, as it is disruptive to the class and dangerous to the dancer, who does not have time to properly warm up. Teachers have the right not to admit a student who is late for class.
Students wishing to make up a class because of an absence may always take a class in another section of their level or of a lower level. They can not take a make up class in a level above theirs. You can find a list of make-up classes here.
We have high expectations of ourselves, our faculty, and our students. We believe a strong work ethic enhances the physical achievements of every good dancer and teacher, and a compassionate perspective is behind all emotional growth. We foster an educational community that challenges and nourishes its students and faculty, and expect our students to support and encourage one another, regardless of their aptitude.
We know that families juggle many activities and we support our student’s other passions. However, we ask that if your student does make a commitment to dance at ASB, that he or she plan to attend classes faithfully, absent only for sickness or legitimate reasons. Student attendance is evaluated at the end of each term, and future enrollment at ASB is dependent on this record.
We hold a talent show in the Spring, called Everything Else We Do, which celebrates the non-dancing accomplishments of our student body.
Classes are cancelled only in extreme weather, but we may also have class when some public schools close. Our faculty and students come from two states and over 20 communities, so we try to make decisions based on numerous safety factors. We email all families and leave a message on the school phone by noon of the day in question.
In the Spring of each year, ASB performs a full-length ballet. All students, with the ex- ception of First Steps, Jazz, and Modern 1 and 2 students, perform. Pre-Ballet, Levels 1 and 2 perform one day of the two performances. The other upper levels perform both days. In addition to regular classes, students must attend a dress rehearsal at the per- formance site, and sometimes another weekend rehearsal at the studio.
Parents purchase costumes for these performances. Students are measured in January and costume deposits are required at that time - last year this deposit was $25.00. In May, when costumes arrive at the studio, families first pay the balance and then the student may take the costume home in preparation for the performances. We make every effort to keep the costs of this one time purchase low, but families should expect to spend between $70 -$100 total for a ballet costume. Every family receives one com- plimentary ticket per enrolled student for the performance, and additional general ad- mission tickets are available. Videos of the performance are available for sale.
The Acton School of Ballet is the home school of the Commonwealth Ballet Company (CBC), a youth ballet company. CBC is a non-profit corporation administrated by a Board of Directors, legally and financially separate from the Acton School of Ballet. Company membership is determined by auditions held in September.
CBC is well known for its yearly Nutcracker productions, lecture-demonstrations, and other high-calibre performances.
Traditionally, many students from Acton School of Ballet audition for the non-company Nutcracker roles of which there are dozens. In 2008 the Nutcracker audition will take place on Sunday, September 14 in the ASB studios. Please check the CBC website, http://commonwealthballet.org, in August for details.
ASB is located on 3 Spruce Street in West, Acton, in a large historic apple barn converted to three large studios, our offices, lobbies, dressing rooms, costume and prop rooms, and facilities. Parking is available in the large adjacent parking lot and also on the street. Office hours are 3-7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and by appointment.
The Acton School of Ballet’s website, http://actonschoolofballet.com, is an excellent source for more information, weather cancellations, and updates regarding the school.