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 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 dance classes, and various supplementary classes. As students move through levels, the number of classes they take increases. For instance, Levels 3 and 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.
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 five 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.
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. First Steps, Pre-Ballet, and Level 1 students are placed according to age and grade. Each level is identified by a color, and students in that level wear a color-coordinated leotard. 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.
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.
Parents may request a conference with their student's teacher at any time. Formal conference times are set up in the Spring to discuss the student's progress during the year. The school also hosts Open House during the last two weeks of the Fall session when parents are invited to sit in and observe classes and meet the faculty. Notices are posted in the lobbies - always a good place to catch up on school news and postings of area dance events, as well as summer dance opportunities available to older students.
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 and let us know, so that your student’s teacher or the staff does not worry.
We know that families juggle many activities, and we support our students' other interests. We hold a talent show in the Spring, called Everything Else We Do, which celebrates the non-dancing accomplishments of our student body. However, we ask that if your student does make a commitment to dance at ASB, that she/he attend classes faithfully, absent only for sickness or legitimate reasons. Please do not try to have your child juggle more activities than she/he can handle. The ASB syllabus challenges and builds an education based on cumulative lessons. The more a student misses, the more she/he will fall behind. Students may always take make-up classes in other sections of their level during the week.
Classes will be cancelled only in extreme weather conditions - we may have classes even if some public schools close. When in doubt call the ASB school office at (978) 263-6572 or check the ASB web page after noon on the weekday in question (8 AM on Saturday).
In the Spring of each year, ASB performs a full-length ballet. All students in the school perform except the First Steps, Modern 1, and Modern 2 students. Pre-Ballet, Levels 1 and 2 perform one of the two performances. Levels 3 and up perform both days. In addition to their regular classes, all students must attend a dress rehearsal at the theater.
Families purchase costumes ordered by the School for these performances. Students are measured in January and costume deposits are required at that time - last year this deposit was $25.00. When costumes arrive at the studio in May, 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 $45 -$95 total for a ballet costume. Every family receives one complimentary ticket per enrolled student for the performance, and additional general admission tickets are available for sale.
The Acton School of Ballet is the home school of the Commonwealth Ballet Company (CBC), a semi-professional 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 each June. 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. This fall the Nutcracker audition will take place on Sunday, September 16 in the ASB studios. Please check the CBC website, http://commonwealthballet.org, in August for details.
The Acton School of Ballet’s website, http://actonschoolofballet.com, is an excellent source for more information, weather cancellations, and updates regarding the school.