School of Ballet Hawaii

Photo by Anne Mcelwain

Contents and Quick Links:

Sources of Information
Administration and Policies
General Information
Class levels and advancement
Performance Opportunities
Scholarship students
Parent's Association
Helpful Links

School of Ballet Hawaii

Pamela Taylor-Tongg, Director

The school's goal is to enrich student's lives through dance, enhance self-awareness and self-discipline and to introduce them to other art forms. The program also counsels students on health issues. As representatives of the school, each student is encouraged to fulfill a professional etiquette of the highest standards.

Ballet Hawaii prides itself on the quality and professionalism of its operation. The faculty is of the highest caliber and welcomes comments and input regarding any and all aspects of the school. The program represents an inclusive vision to reach people of all backgrounds and abilities through the art of dance. This mission is a collective effort based on non-competitive and positive support, creating a pleasant environment for artistic endeavors to thrive.

The School requires some general guidelines so that all dancers and parents experience a healthy, productive environment. Please read over these guidelines. If you have concerns regarding any of these rules or policies or need to speak to Pamela Taylor-Tongg for any reason, please make an appointment.

Sources of Information

The bulletin boards and information tables located in the studios supply general information as well as important schedule changes. A school calendar is given at the time of registration. The calendar is also posted on bulletin boards. School Instructors' biographies provide a description of each teacher's previous dance background, as well as current involvement in the dance community. Biographies may be viewed on our website under "Faculty".

Telephone Numbers
Ballet Office 808 521-8600 or 808 521-0383 fax

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Policies & Dance Etiquette

Tuition Payments
Students who enroll in the Fall session are expected to commit to the Winter and Spring terms. Students unable to commit to the three terms will not be considered for any roles in Nutcracker or Spring Showcase productions. Payments are due prior to the first class of each term. A late fee of $10 is added after the second week of class. No bills will be mailed.

PLEASE MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO " BALLET HAWAII." INCLUDE YOUR CHILD'S NAME, CLASS NAME, AND TIME IN THE MEMO PORTION OF THE CHECK.

Refund Policy
Tuition will be refunded as follows:
Before first class 100%
NO REFUNDS AFTER CLASS ACCEPTANCE AND PROCESSING OF APPLICATION.

Lateness
Dancers will have a 10 minute grace period for lateness. They need to ask permission from the teacher to enter the class. If they arrive more than 10 minutes late, they are to watch class. If they arrive more than 10 minutes late and have another class or rehearsal following, they will be allowed to warm up themselves and join their next class or rehearsal.

Absence
Please call the ballet office at 521-8600 if the student will be absent from class.

Class "Make up" Policy
If a student needs to make up a class, they must make up a class at the same level or the level below the one they are currently in.

Cancellation of Classes
The School will be closed in the case of severe weather conditions. The Hawaii DOE school system closings will be used as a guide.

Dancer Responsibility
As a representative of the School, each student is encouraged to achieve the highest standards of etiquette and professionalism.

Classroom Etiquette

• No gum or candy allowed in class.
• No talking during instruction.
• No hanging on the barres at any time.
• No food or beverages (except water) allowed in the studios. Studios should be cleaned up upon departure.
• Mirrors should not be touched at any time.
• Do not play or place any objects on the pianos.
• The teacher needs to be treated with the utmost respect at all times.
• The faculty and accompanists should be properly thanked after each class.

If this general etiquette is not followed, the teacher has the right to dismiss the dancer from class.

Dress Code and Appearance - click here for details
Dressing may be done in the studio dressing room.

All dancers are responsible for wearing the correct dress code for their class level. If the dancer does not have the correct attire, the student may be asked to watch the class.

Each student is expected to secure their hair in a neat and secure bun off the face at all times. For the student's own safety, there will be no jewelry worn in class. (including watches, necklaces and dangling earrings.)

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General Information

Arrival and Departure
For safety and security, please adhere to the following guidelines

Parents should accompany the student to studio. Students should wait in the studio or outside on the benches where the teacher can see them. It is not recommended to wait downstairs near the parking lot. All students must be picked up by a parent or guardian upstairs. No child will be allowed to wait outside or leave the studio without a parent or guardian.

Telephones
Students must ask permission to use the phone and calls are limited to three minutes. The school would also like to ask that parents or guardians only call their child in the case of an emergency.

Food and Beverages
No food may be eaten in the studio or homework area. All trash must be thrown away in the garbage cans outside the studio.

Lost and Found
Lost and Found will hold articles of clothing for one month. Any clothing left over a month will go towards charity. It is advised that all clothing have the student's name printed on it so that the items may be returned promptly.

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Class levels and advancement

Placement of Dancers
All students ages 7 and up will be carefully placed in the class that is fitting to their technique. The age of one student may differ from the other students in a particular class. The School will make a concerted effort to keep the age ranges as close together as possible, however, the main emphasis will be placed on each student's technical achievement. They will be placed in the level that will encourage the most progress. A dancer must be challenged but not overwhelmed.

Advancement
It is typical to spend more than one year at each level. Your child may not be promoted every year. The changing of levels in the School is always decided with your child's best interest and advancement in mind. If a child is promoted too soon, then he or she will miss some very valuable training. These children also struggle in the next level, which is unnecessary and even dangerous. The dancers in the School will be placed with care and consideration at all levels of training.

Evaluations
Each student enrolled will be evaluated by the faculty at the end of each term to ascertain progress and determine their placement for the following term. The first evaluations will be for Summer Session recommendations. The final evaluations will be for the following year's placement. Progress is closely evaluated for each individual throughout the year.

Observation of Classes
Parents should wait outside the studio during class where class can be observed. There will be observation weeks throughout the year so that you may see your child's progress. Special arrangements can be made with the director to observe a class in the studio by prospective students, parents or visiting family members.

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Performance Opportunities

Spring Production
The School concludes the year with a Spring production. Details will be outlined in March. Participation in the production is mandatory and all class levels are represented. Please refer to the School Calendar for performance dates. There is a production fee for all who participate.

Ballet Hawaii's Nutcracker
All School students have priority casting for Ballet Hawaii's Nutcracker. Casting for Nutcracker is chosen by audition in September. All children must be 6 years of age by September 1st to participate. There is a production fee for all who participate.

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Scholarship Students

Scholarship students are required to have been enrolled for one year prior to being eligible for a scholarship. Scholarship students will be asked to share some responsibilities within the School and may be asked to act as teacher's assistants. Those on scholarship should serve as positive examples to the younger students of the School. Details and applications are available in the office.

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Parent's Association

The purpose of the Parent's Association is to offer support and assistance to the School in its purpose to train dancers. Members of the Parent's Association are the parents of students enrolled in the School. At the time a child is enrolled in the School, the parent automatically becomes a member of this association. Parents will be notified of regular meetings and volunteering opportunities that will be scheduled throughout the school year.

Violations
The use of alcohol, cigarettes, and illegal substances is strictly forbidden at the School or anywhere on School property. Students in violation will be dismissed immediately.

It is the intent of Ballet Hawaii that all students and employees will enjoy an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment of any student and/or employee by another student, employee, supervisor, or non-employee.

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The School of Ballet Hawaii is committed to inspiring excellence! If you need additional information, here are some helpful links: Request additional information and ask questions by emailing info@ballethawaii.org  or by calling 808 521-8600 Click here for a application form to print and mail to Ballet Hawaii. New students must observe a class before admittance. If necessary an audition class will require a $15.00 fee. School General Information - Your introduction to learning about the School of Ballet Hawaii. Parent & Student Information - Information specific to the needs and concerns of parents and students. Prospective Student FAQ - Frequently asked questions for new and prospective students are answered here. Facility & Contact Page - Iwilei studio 808 521-8600 The Iwilei studio’s are located at the Dole Cannery, 650 Iwilei Rd. Box 221, Honolulu, HI 96817, next to Home Depot and Costco on the 2nd floor next to the Food Court. For a map and directions, click here.