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Parent/Student Handbook

WELCOME TO NORTH CENTRAL BALLET’S 2026/2027 SEASON!

For more than 33 years, North Central Ballet has been the leader in classical ballet education in Northeast Tarrant County. Our mission is to provide the highest quality ballet training in a positive, disciplined, and encouraging environment where students develop technical excellence, artistry, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

This handbook contains important information regarding tuition, attendance, dress code requirements, performances, studio policies, and the 2026-2027 season. Please read it carefully and retain it for future reference.

2026-2027 AT A GLANCE

August 18, 2026 – Fall Classes Begin

August 29, 2026 – Nutcracker Auditions

September 4-7, 2026 – Labor Day Holiday

October 31, 2026 – Halloween (No Classes)

November 21 & 22, 2026 – Nutcracker Short & Sweet

November 23, 2026 – Grapevine Carol of Lights

November 23-29, 2026 – Thanksgiving Break

December 14-20, 2026 – The Nutcracker

December 21, 2026-January 3, 2027 – Christmas Break

January 9, 2027 – The Sleeping Beauty Auditions

January 18, 2027 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

February 15, 2027 – Presidents Day

March 15-21, 2027 – Spring Break

April 8-11, 2027 – The Sleeping Beauty

May 28-31, 2027 – Memorial Day Holiday

June 5, 2027 – Giselle (End-of-Year Performance)

June 7, 2027 – Summer Classes Begin

July 5-16, 2027 – Intermediate Summer Workshop

July 5-23, 2027 – Advanced Summer Workshop

July 5-9, 2027 – Adult Ballet Intensive (Intermediate/Advanced)

July 12-16, 2027 – Adult Ballet Foundations Intensive

July 12-16, 2027 – Fairy Tale Ballet Camp

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS (STUDIO CLOSED)

September 4-7, 2026 – Labor Day Holiday

October 31, 2026 – Halloween

November 23-29, 2026 – Thanksgiving Break

December 21, 2026-January 3, 2027 – Christmas Break

January 18, 2027 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

February 15, 2027 – Presidents Day

March 15-21, 2027 – Spring Break

May 28-31, 2027 – Memorial Day Holiday

PAYMENT POLICIES

• Annual Registration Fee: $35.00 per student.

• Tuition is due on the first day of each month.

• A late fee of $25.00 will be assessed on accounts not paid by the seventh (7th) day of the month.

• Costume Fee: $130.00 per participating dancer.

• Performance Fee: $130.00 per participating dancer.

• All online transactions are subject to a 2.89% online service fee.

• Notice of withdrawal must be submitted in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to discontinuing classes. The following month’s tuition will be due for students who do not provide the required notice.

• There are no tuition adjustments, credits, or discounts for missed classes. Makeup classes may be available when appropriate.

• Tuition, registration fees, costume fees, performance fees, tickets, and online service fees are non-refundable.

• Returned checks are subject to a $25.00 returned check fee.

• Accounts more than forty-five (45) days past due may result in suspension from classes, rehearsals, performances, and other North Central Ballet activities until the account is brought current.

AUTOMATIC PAYMENTS

North Central Ballet offers automatic monthly tuition payments through Jackrabbit. Families electing automatic payments authorize North Central Ballet to charge the payment method on file for tuition and applicable fees as they become due.

PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS

All payments are due on the first day of each month.

When making payments by check, please include:

1. Student’s First and Last Name
2. Month being paid
3. Purpose of payment (tuition, costume, performance fee, tickets, etc.)

This information ensures that payments are properly credited to the correct account.

STUDIO POLICIES

North Central Ballet is committed to providing a positive, disciplined, and professional learning environment where students can develop to their fullest potential. The following policies help ensure a safe and productive experience for all dancers and families.

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL

• Students should arrive a few minutes before class begins, allowing adequate time to park, change shoes, and prepare for class.

• Students should be picked up promptly at the conclusion of class.

• Parents of young children should remain on-site during class unless prior arrangements have been made with the office.

LOBBY & WAITING AREA

• Please help us maintain a quiet and respectful environment in the lobby and waiting areas.

• Children waiting for siblings should remain under parent supervision at all times.

• Running, excessive noise, and disruptive behavior are not permitted.

• Water and light snacks may be consumed in the lobby area. Food and drinks are not permitted in the studios.

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE

• Students are expected to arrive prepared for class and dressed according to the North Central Ballet dress code.

• Students should demonstrate courtesy and respect toward instructors, staff, volunteers, and fellow students at all times.

• Students are expected to give their full attention during class and follow all instructor directions.

• Cell phones and electronic devices should be silenced and stored during class.

• Students should use the restroom before class whenever possible.

ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION

• Consistent attendance is essential for proper ballet training and advancement.

• Students arriving more than fifteen (15) minutes late may be asked to observe class rather than participate for their own safety.

• Students should make every effort to attend all scheduled classes, rehearsals, workshops, and performances.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

• Please label all shoes, dancewear, water bottles, and personal items.

• North Central Ballet is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen property.

RESPECT FOR THE SCHOOL

• Students and families are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively upon North Central Ballet both inside and outside the studio.

• Respectful communication with faculty, staff, volunteers, and fellow families is expected at all times.

• North Central Ballet reserves the right to dismiss any student or family whose behavior is disruptive, disrespectful, unsafe, or inconsistent with the mission and values of the school.

DRESS CODE

A proper dress code is an important part of ballet training and helps create an atmosphere of discipline, focus, and professionalism.

Students are expected to attend class in the appropriate attire for their level. Instructors must be able to clearly observe alignment, posture, and body placement in order to provide proper corrections and ensure student safety.

GENERAL DRESS CODE REQUIREMENTS

• Hair must be neatly secured away from the face and neck.

• Jewelry should not be worn to class with the exception of small stud earrings.

• Gum chewing is not permitted.

• Blue jeans, oversized clothing, sweatshirts, hoodies, and non-dance attire are not permitted in class.

• Students not dressed appropriately may be asked to observe class rather than participate.

TODDLERS / PRE-BALLET / KINDERGARTEN

Girls:
• Black leotard
• Pink tights
• Pink leather ballet shoes
• Ballet skirts permitted

Boys:
• Solid color T-shirt
• Black dance pants or sweatpants
• Black leather ballet shoes

CLASSICAL BALLET

Girls (Ages 5-12):
• Black leotard
• Pink tights
• Pink leather ballet slippers
• Ballet skirts permitted

Girls (Teen/Adult):
• Black leotard
• Pink tights
• Pink leather ballet slippers
• Ballet skirts permitted

Men/Boys:
• Black tights or dance pants
• Black or white fitted T-shirt
• Black leather ballet slippers

POINTE

• Pointe shoes may only be worn by students who have received instructor approval.

• Students must meet North Central Ballet’s strength, technique, maturity, and attendance requirements before beginning pointe work.

• Pointe placement is determined solely by the Artistic Director and faculty.

PERFORMANCES

Additional costume, hair, makeup, and appearance requirements may be assigned for performances, demonstrations, auditions, and special events.

ADULT BALLET DRESS CODE

Adult ballet students are encouraged to dress comfortably while maintaining attire that allows instructors to observe alignment and technique.

Recommended attire includes:

• Ballet slippers
• Leotards
• Tights
• Leggings
• Fitted athletic wear
• Dance skirts (optional)

Students should avoid excessively loose clothing that obscures body alignment and placement.

Hair should be secured away from the face whenever possible.

Adult ballet classes are designed to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for dancers of all experience levels, from absolute beginners to experienced dancers returning to ballet.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

The safety of our students, families, and faculty is our highest priority.

In the event of severe weather, hazardous road conditions, power outages, or other circumstances that may affect studio operations, North Central Ballet may delay, cancel, or modify classes and activities.

When weather-related changes occur, families will be notified through one or more of the following methods:

• Email
• Jackrabbit Parent Portal
• North Central Ballet Social Media Accounts

Whenever possible, decisions regarding class cancellations will be made as early as practical. However, weather conditions can change rapidly, and announcements may occasionally be made later than desired.

Please use your own judgment regarding travel conditions in your area. Families should never feel obligated to travel when they believe conditions are unsafe.

Missed classes due to weather-related closures may be eligible for makeup classes when appropriate and scheduling permits.

North Central Ballet appreciates your understanding and cooperation when weather conditions require schedule adjustments.

PERFORMANCE PARTICIPATION

Performance opportunities are an important part of the educational experience at North Central Ballet.

Students participating in productions, demonstrations, outreach performances, workshops, and special events are expected to attend all required rehearsals and performances.

Casting decisions are made at the sole discretion of the Artistic Director and faculty based upon age, ability, technical readiness, artistic development, attendance, and rehearsal participation.

Students who accumulate excessive absences or demonstrate insufficient preparation may have roles reassigned when necessary for the success of the production.

Participation in performances may require additional fees, costume expenses, rehearsal commitments, and schedule adjustments beyond regular class attendance.

Specific production information, rehearsal schedules, and participation requirements will be distributed separately for each event.

June Tuition

June tuition for your child is due in full no later than
June 1, 2027.

The annual production is an important part of the North Central Ballet
curriculum. June tuition is not prorated because the performance occurs
before the end of the month.

All accounts must be paid in full and up to date before costumes,
performance tickets, and fall recommendation letters will be released.
Students with an outstanding balance may not participate in rehearsals
or the performance.

Click Here for Full June Policies