Our Policies

The Vermont Ballet Theater School Center for Dance provides students with a choice of pre-professional and recreational dance training and performance experience in a friendly and nurturing environment, guiding and educating them through the real world of dance. We believe that dance improves confidence, coordination, and concentration through memorization and disciplined movement. The creativity, grace, and love of dance will enhance your child’s life forever. Our faculty appreciates the opportunity to share the excitement, challenge, and beauty of dance.

We want to make your child’s dream a reality. Please review the information below and contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Student Registration:

Registration and agreement forms are completed online. Once submitted and processed, class spaces will be filled in the order in which they were received, and you will receive an email confirmation.

Registration Fee:

A $25.00 non-refundable registration fee must accompany this form. The registration fee covers all classes from September through June for the academic year.

Academic Year Tuition Enrollment:

Enrollment is for the full academic year, 10 months, from September, through June. Tuition is divided into 10 monthly installments or a full year's payment. Tuition may be paid online by e-check, American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa. A 3% transaction fee will be attached to all credit card payments. There are no transaction fees if you pay by eCheck. Monthly tuition payments are set up for automatic payment. You may opt out of automatic monthly tuition payment deductions on your credit card or eCHECK by email request.

Tuition Refunds:

 A tuition refund is granted if enrollment is canceled prior to the first class. Students may withdraw after the first month without additional payment. Enrollment cancellation and refund requests must be received in writing. There are no refunds on academic year tuition after the first month; full monthly payments are required at this point.

Late Fees, Returned Check Fees, and Invalid Credit Card Fees:

There is a $10.00 late fee after the 10th of the month. A $30.00 fee for all returned checks and a $10.00 service charge for invalid or expired credit cards.

Performance and Costume Fees:

The spring costume fee is between $65.00 and $75.00 and they’re divided on to two payments, 1/2 October 1st and 1/2 November 1st, prices are depending on the student’s level. Non-company members performing in Vermont's Own Nutcracker pay a $35.00 performance fee and a $20.00 costume handling fee, performance fee for Celebration of Dance in the amount of $35.00 will be added to the account on May 1st.

RETURNING STUDENTS

Based on the previous academic year level, returning students should register for the classes in the next level up. The teacher has the right to reassign the student’s class following an evaluation of the student’s first lesson.

PLACEMENT CLASS:

New students to VBTS, ages 9 and up, will be required to take a placement class to determine their level. The evaluating teacher will then assign the student to the appropriate class.

Class Changes:

Any class changes require the approval of the teacher and administrative staff at VBTS.

Absences:

Consistent attendance is essential for a dancer’s development. Students with irregular attendance may be dismissed from class or moved to another class. Students are advised to make up any absences as soon as possible. Speak with your child’s teacher or call the main office with any questions.

Studio Cancellations:

VBTS follows the Essex and Shelburne school closing policies for inclement weather. If schools are closed for the day due to weather, VBTS will close as well. The missed classes are considered absences and should be made up, as per our "Absences" policy above, as soon as possible. We will email all VBTS families, update our website and Facebook page, as well as our voicemail at both campuses, in the event of a studio cancellation.

Tardiness:

It is important to warm up muscles carefully to ensure safety. Latecomers miss this opportunity and disrupt the flow of the classroom. Students more than 10 minutes late may be asked by their teacher to sit down and observe.

Dress Code:

Boys will wear white t-shirts, black tights, a black support belt, white socks, and white or black ballet shoes. Girls in Children's Introduction to Dance (CID) through Advanced Ballet will wear pink tights, pink ballet shoes in leather or canvas, and their required class leotard (no underwear, please). Girls’ hair must be secured in a bun or French twist. For all jazz, hip-hop, and modern classes, refer to the class page for the required dress code.

Photography and videography:

Registering at VBTS grants us the right to photograph or film you and/or your child. These materials will be used in any marketing promotions that VBTS deems fit.