Student & Parent Handbook

The foremost goal of the Universal Conservatory of Ballet is to prepare dancers from a young age to reach their fullest potential. Level by level, as students move through the academy’s rigorous system, they are challenged to apply themselves fully to their training. To this end, students are required to take all classes assigned to their level.

UCB intentionally keeps class sizes small — no more than 16 students — so that every enrolled full-time student receives the detailed, individual instruction that larger classes cannot provide.

A quality ballet education requires consistency in methodology and artistic philosophy. UCB’s curriculum is built on the Russian Vaganova method and is organized into seven levels. Dancers are placed by ability rather than age, with an eye toward each student’s overall maturation. Beginning at age 10, students are given a maximum of five years per level to reach the development required to advance. This structure gives every dancer clear goals and ensures the undivided focus of our faculty. At the Artistic Director’s discretion, students who have not demonstrated sufficient technical progress may be invited to repeat a year of training.

Classical ballet is a rigorous and exacting art form, and a degree of selectivity is necessary to maintain a challenging, healthy learning environment. We want every dancer to enjoy their training and to perform to their fullest potential — but because each dancer’s development is unique, no student should ever be pushed toward a physical goal beyond their own readiness.

Students who do not progress to the next level will be encouraged to find fulfillment in other dance styles or physical training. It is our sincere hope that the discipline gained through a demanding program of the highest standard will carry them confidently into other pursuits.

All classes are conducted in closed studios for the benefit of our students. Parents may watch through the studio windows; at the teacher’s discretion, however, curtains may be drawn to remove the option of viewing.

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of regular attendance and a student’s personal commitment to refining their skills and artistry.

• Students are expected at every regularly scheduled class unless ill or otherwise unavoidably absent.
• Parents/guardians must notify the office of an absence by emailing contact@ucofballet.com or calling (916) 542-2170 before 10:00 am on the day of class.
• Attendance is recorded daily by administrative staff, and a permanent record is kept on file.
• Students with multiple unexcused or excessive absences will receive a notice of probation. Continued absences are referred to the school directors, who retain sole discretion over any resulting action, including dismissal. No refunds are issued in cases of dismissal.
• Tardiness is not tolerated. A teacher may ask a late-arriving student to observe class, take notes, and complete a make-up class.
• New students must complete a minimum 30-day trial period, allowing time to adjust to the Vaganova method without disrupting the curriculum for current students.
• Students may not be concurrently enrolled at another ballet school or training academy, in order to preserve the consistency of UCB’s training method.
• Enrollment is for the full academic year. Withdrawal requires 30 days’ written notice to the school and may result in a $100 cancellation fee, which may be waived at the Administrative Director’s discretion.

Students are encouraged to arrive 5–10 minutes before class begins.

For their safety, children under age 10 should be picked up immediately following class. Students age 10 and older must be picked up no more than 10 minutes after their class ends.

Students enrolled at the Universal Conservatory of Ballet are expected to conduct themselves with respect toward the school, its staff, and their peers.

• Students must arrive to class on time, prepared, and dressed in accordance with the Dress Code.
• Conduct on UCB premises — and while representing UCB publicly — should keep the studio a family-friendly environment. This includes keeping displays of affection to a minimum and refraining from posting inappropriate content on social media while enrolled.
• UCB is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items, including phones, money, accessories, or clothing. Theft will not be tolerated.
• Cell phones are not permitted in class and should be kept on silent or vibrate.

We believe a child’s success depends on the support of their parents and guardians. Your commitment to the process makes an enormous difference, and we encourage every family to be an active part of their dancer’s education. Our programs depend on a positive atmosphere for faculty, students, and families alike, and we ask for cooperation and mutual respect among all parents.

The way you treat other parents, students, and faculty leaves an impression on your child — you are their model for how to engage with others in a professional setting. Regular attendance at all classes is essential; teamwork and dedication are central to our educational philosophy.

Parents and teachers may view a child’s development from different vantage points, but we share one goal: ensuring that every dancer receives the best possible training, physically and mentally. Mutual respect between our faculty and our families gives every child the strongest foundation for that care and education.

Social platforms — Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, blogs, and others — are part of everyday life. This policy is meant to give UCB families clear guidelines and avoid any confusion about appropriate use.

• Do not share information that compromises UCB, including personal details about the director, other students, their families, or anything proprietary or confidential to them or to the school.
• Students and parents should never claim or imply that they are speaking on behalf of UCB.
• Never post anything that could compromise the self-esteem of a UCB student.
• If posting video of class or rehearsal, do not post any choreography in its entirety — UCB owns the copyright to all choreography taught at the school.
• Respect the law, including those governing defamation, discrimination, harassment, and copyright. Never post negative comments about other schools, teachers, or about UCB activities such as competitions, conventions, performances, or the directors of those events.
• Ensure your social media conduct is consistent with every policy in this handbook.

Parents and students should not enter the school’s office space; please communicate through the open office window.

• The school telephone is reserved for emergencies only.
• Never interrupt a class in session.
• Only water is permitted in the studios — no food, drinks, or gum.
• We love meeting our students’ siblings, but the safety of every child on the premises is our priority. Children must be supervised at all times and may not run freely through the lobby or classroom areas.
• Please do not dispose of diapers inside the school.
• Cell phones and computers may not be used during class time (no emailing, browsing, or texting). Devices are welcome in the waiting area.
• All communication with teachers or the director must go through the UCB office or school email — students and parents may not contact teachers directly by phone, email, or text.
• Never speak negatively about teachers, students, or parents — from UCB or any other school.
• Never recruit students from other schools.
• Students must show respect for their teachers at all times; inappropriate behavior may result in dismissal from the school.

Private lessons must be requested by the student or parent, either online or in person, with staff assistance for the reservation; confirmations are sent automatically by email. Students may not take private lessons or other ballet classes outside of UCB without first obtaining permission from the Artistic Director or a principal, in order to preserve consistency in training.

Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled lesson. Videotaping during private lessons is not permitted.

Drop-in (non–full-time) students will be charged a choreography fee for any competition or performance, in addition to their private lesson fees.

The UCB holiday calendar is listed in the studio brochure/schedule and kept current at ucofballet.com. Students involved in performances should expect rehearsals may continue during some school breaks.

Notice of holiday closures will be posted or emailed in advance. Monthly tuition is not adjusted for closures, as accumulated bonus classes apply toward the difference.

UCB holds two performances and exams each year — one in December, and a Spring Showcase in May. The following applies to all participants:

• Students from Level IV through Pre-Professional are required to participate in school performances or exams, as part of their education. All attendance and conduct policies apply fully to participating students, regardless of level.
• Students must attend all scheduled rehearsals, whether held at the school or at the performance venue.
• Absence requests must be submitted in writing. Unexcused absences are not permitted except in cases of urgent personal emergency; missed rehearsals may result in suspension from the performance. The school director evaluates each absence individually and retains sole discretion over a student’s continued participation. No refunds are issued for show dismissal.
• Parents and students are expected to cooperate fully to keep UCB productions polished and professional. Inappropriate conduct during rehearsals or performances may be cause for dismissal.
• Parents are required to volunteer — in pre-show preparation or backstage assistance — or may opt out by paying the volunteer buy-out fee.

Performance & Exam Fees

Each student’s family is responsible for the additional cost of participating in performances or exams. This fee covers rehearsals, costumes, and production expenses, and is comprised of:

• The performance fee.
• The volunteer buy-out fee, for families who opt not to volunteer.

UCB holds a Summer Program for Levels 2–8, Pre-Professional, and our Boys Programs, which the Artistic Director considers a vital part of year-round ballet training. Full-time academy students should not audition for other summer intensive programs, as attendance at the UCB Summer Program is mandatory.

A consistent dress code supports the discipline and professional appearance of our students. Anyone out of dress code may be asked to leave class. No jewelry is permitted except post earrings. Tights must be worn inside the ballet shoe, free of holes or runs, and no clothing beyond what is listed below is permitted. Students without ballet shoes will not be permitted to take class and will be asked to sit and observe. Each dancer must wear the designated color for their level, regardless of which class they are attending.

Personal Hygiene

Dance uniforms and shoes must always be clean, and should never be worn outside the studio in place of street clothes. Because instruction is hands-on — teachers will physically adjust posture and foot placement — all parts of a student’s uniform must be fresh and unsoiled. Students are responsible for using appropriate antiperspirant before class, and we ask that strong fragrances be avoided, as some students may have allergies.

Hair Code

• Girls: Hair pulled away from the face into a neat bun with a hairnet. Short hair should be combed back and pinned as needed.
• Boys: Hair combed back and away from the face.

Dress Code by Level

Please confirm requirements for your assigned class with the office. Leotard colors below identify each level at a glance.

Leotards, tights, and accessories can be purchased through UCB’s curated shop at amazon.com/shop/dancechanneltv.

All students are required to have a signed video and photo image release form on file with the school.

Lounges should be kept quiet at all times, out of respect for classes in session and administrative staff working nearby. Men’s and women’s dressing rooms are available for student use; the women’s dressing room is not available for use as a waiting area, and the men’s dressing room may be used as a waiting area (Green Room) when the shades are not closed. Restrooms may not be used as changing areas.

Refrigerators are reserved for staff and faculty; students may use ice as needed for injuries.

UCB is not responsible for lost or stolen items — please do not leave valuables unsecured in the dressing rooms, and be respectful of others’ belongings. Disturbing another student’s property may result in dismissal from the school. Lost & found is located in each dressing room; items are held for a maximum of six weeks.

UCB relies on volunteers throughout the school year, often for student-related events. We’re grateful for any time families can offer in support of these important occasions.

Fall/Spring season tuition and fees are paid via auto-pay (Visa or Mastercard) through your online dance account, with a debit or credit card kept on file. Upon registration, you authorize UCB to charge the card on file for monthly installments on the 3rd of each month as fees become due. Families who prefer to pay by cash or check must submit payment before the 3rd of the month. Tuition payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Payment

Tuition is due prior to the start of each semester, by the date shown on the invoice, and may be paid by check or credit card. Credit card payments incur a 3.9% processing fee. Late payments incur a $20 per-week surcharge. Tuition does not include performance fees, which are billed separately. No tuition refunds are issued for withdrawal or missed classes.

Payment Plan

Payment plans must be established before the start of the academic year, and require a credit card on file at all times — even for families paying by check. There are no exceptions to this policy.

• Payments are due on the 1st of each month, or on the pre-arranged installment date.
• Payments not received by the 5th of the month incur a $20 per-week late charge, and the card on file will be charged.
• Credit card transactions incur a 3.45% processing fee.
• A $20 fee applies to declined or expired cards not resolved by the 10th of the month. Keeping the card on file current is the family’s responsibility.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial aid and scholarships are available on a case-by-case basis, according to need and ability. Students receiving financial aid must strictly maintain the attendance policy, or forfeit their aid. Families receiving aid are required to volunteer for UCB’s crowdfunding efforts and annual fundraisers, and to support UCB events as needed; details will be shared as events approach. Financial aid and scholarships do not apply to the Summer Program.

Prorating

Tuition proration applies only to new students enrolling mid-year, and does not apply to the Summer Program.

Non-Payment of Tuition

UCB may, at its discretion, dismiss a student for non-payment of tuition. No student may participate in a performance while tuition is overdue.

Withdrawals & Refunds

We hate to see a family go, but understand that withdrawals are sometimes necessary. Please complete a withdrawal form in person during office hours no later than 30 days before your intended withdrawal date. Tuition continues to accrue until the form is signed by both the parent/guardian and a UCB representative.