The Louisville Ballet School is the premier center for training and educating young dancers. The faculty at the School is comprised of current and former members of some of the most prestigious dance companies both in the United States and internationally. Every faculty member serves as a mentor to a small number of dancers, helping them to grow and develop a deep appreciation and love for the performing art of dance.
The School’s comprehensive curriculum focuses on strong technique that is continually being advanced by a quest for more athleticism, artistry, clarity, grace, speed and musicality. This curriculum is designed to serve all young dancers. Annual performances of classical and contemporary works, presented to the public, are an important part of training at the School and mark the culmination of the academic year. This experience allows students to develop discipline, endurance, choreographic memory and stage presence as they prepare for a professional life in the arts.
While some graduates of the Louisville Ballet School will go on to careers with professional ballet companies, all will develop skills that will enable them to be successful in all their endeavors in life.
School Policies and Guidelines
Scholarships and Financial Aid
School Schedules, Notices, and Cancellation
Dancer Care, Etiquette and Wellness
Student / Instructor Interaction
School Policies and Guidelines
No illegal substances, firearms or weapons are allowed on Louisville Ballet School property.
The Louisville Ballet School does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or national or ethnic background.
Louisville Ballet Downtown Studios
315 East Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202 - 583-3150 x 245
St. Matthews Studios
4121 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40207 - 895-3700
For studio hours, please visit Hours and Locations.
Enrollment & Tuition – Students are usually enrolled for the entire school year, which consists of the Fall and Spring Semesters. Tuition rates are available on the class schedule listing and on our website. Special discounts are available for families with multiple students and for those students registered in elective classes.
Semester Dates
Fall Semester August 8 – December 3, 2011
Spring Semester January 9 – May 12, 2012
2011 – 2012 Registration – Registration begins in July and continues on a first-come, first-served basis. You may mail, email, fax or drop off your registration form and payment to the Louisville Ballet School (Main St. Location) between 10 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday.
Tuition – Tuition prices listed in the class schedule are for each semester. Students enrolled in the Fall semester will automatically be billed for the Spring semester unless the School Administrator has been notified prior to the beginning of the semester that a student does not intend to return. Additionally, please inform the School Administrator in writing of all changes of address or student status during the semester. Payments will be accepted during regular school hours or office hours or mailed to the attention of the School Administrator to the Louisville Ballet School, 315 E. Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202-1215. Credit card payments may also be made by phone.
As a rule, students will not be admitted to class without having paid tuition and fees in advance, according to the payment requirements specific to their program and level. The School reserves the right to remove any student who fails to comply with its rules and regulations or who engages in any activity contrary to the fulfillment of its objectives. In such event, the School will be owed fees for the entire semester.
Tuition is to be paid in full by close of business on the weeks listed below. Delinquent accounts will be charged a $25 late fee per semester. An additional $5 late fee will be charged each week that accounts remain delinquent. Checks returned for insufficient funds or declined credit card transactions will incur a $30 fee per check. Contact the School Administrator to arrange payment of overdue accounts.
Installment Payment Schedule – Tuition payments can be divided into two or four installments each semester. The account holder must provide a credit card for payments to be divided evenly and deducted automatically on the designated due dates. Account holders selecting 2 installments will be billed on the first Friday in the months of August, October, January, and March. Account holders selecting 4 installments will be billed on the first Friday in the months of August through November and January through April.
Training between Sessions – Intermediate through Advanced level students may take adult classes at no charge when no other classes at an appropriate level are offered. This is in effect between Spring, Summer and Fall semesters and during school vacations and holidays. Students are invited to attend morning ballet classes during our Summer Intensive for a special rate or Adult Division classes at the regular rate if he or she is unable to attend the enroll for the full-day Summer Intensive session.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The Louisville Ballet School wants to share the joy of dance with students from our entire region. School Fellowship and Work-Study Tuition Exchange Program applications are due by 5:00 pm Friday, August 5, 2011. No late or incomplete applications will be considered. Any awards are only applicable to the 2011 – 2012 School year (August – May) and any required service hours must be completed by the end of each semester.
School Fellowship
For students who demonstrate exceptional aptitude and merit, there are a limited number of partial tuition fellowships awarded for the 2011-2012 school year. Awards are granted based on merit to students who have studied in the School for a minimum of one year (or have attended Level 3 or 4 of the Summer Dance Programs or Summer Intensive) and who are enrolled for a minimum of three classes per week during the 10-11 school year. Students who are granted fellowship awards are ambassadors of the Louisville Ballet School and will be asked to participate at various School and public events. For additional information, please click here to view and submit the School Fellowship Application Form online.
Work-Study Tuition Exchange Program
Dedicated applicants may apply for a limited number of work-study opportunities in exchange for credit toward their dance training for the 2011-2012 school year. Work-Study Tuition Exchange participants are selected based on financial need through a non-audition application and evaluation process. Students and/or parents accepted into the Work-Study Exchange Program are assigned specific duties that provide valuable assistance to the Louisville Ballet School. The number of work-study hours assigned is based on evaluation of individual applications and proposed contributions. For additional information, please click here to view and submit the Work-Study Tuition Exchange Program Application Form online.
Placement
Returning students shall register for the class level recommended in the evaluation process at the end of the prior school year. New students will be evaluated in an orientation class held prior to the beginning of the semester. Class selection for new Primary Division students should be made according to the student’s age as of the start of the school year, August 8th. The School reserves the right to determine the class level for every student, regardless of prior training. Students are required to attend all assigned classes according to level and placement.
Occasionally, changes in placement will be made when a new semester begins and the School reserves the right to make placement changes within the first 3 weeks of each semester.
Class placement is for the entire academic year.
Students should generally expect to spend a minimum of one to two years at each level before being promoted to the next level. Parents or guardians may request a re-evaluation in writing by submitting a written request form at the front desk of the St. Matthews studio and submitting the $10 re-evaluation fee during the first five weeks of the semester. The School will take steps schedule an appointment with their child’s instructor and/or the School Director to review the child’s progress.
Outside Training
The Louisville Ballet School’s curriculum is comprehensive and demanding. In order to maintain a commitment to each dancer’s artistic and technical growth, Louisville Ballet School students are not permitted to take classes with or perform with any other ballet studio, school or company without written permission from the School Director. In addition, The Louisville Ballet School does not offer private instruction to Louisville Ballet School students at any of its locations.
Student Evaluation
In addition to comments given by each student’s instructor(s), all students enrolled in the School’s vocational levels (Elementary and Intermediate levels) will be formally evaluated to help determine student advancements for the next school-year. The evaluation process also provides clear goals for our students as they develop their technique and love of dance.
Attendance is imperative for consistent progress. Students are expected to attend all classes unless formally excused due to illness or other extenuating circumstances. The Louisville Ballet School must be notified if an absence is anticipated. Please contact us via email at school@louisvilleballet.org or call 583-3150 x245 for Main Street classes. For classes held at the St. Matthews studios, email stmatt@louisvilleballet.org or call 895-3700.
In order to ensure proper attendance records, students are asked to briefly check in with the front desk staff before each class. Primary Division students will line up with their instructor who will call out the name of each student for the front desk staff. Elementary and Youth Division students are asked to communicate their full name and class with the front desk staff before going to the dressing room or classroom. All students arriving once a class has begun must check in first with the front desk staff to determine if the student will be permitted to join the class.
Students are encouraged to make up any excused absences, which include those missed due to illness, injury, weather cancellation or tardiness. All make-up classes should be completed by the end of each semester. Make-up classes may be taken in an alternate section of the student’s registered class or in a lower level class. Parents should sign their child in at the front desk for all make-up classes taken at the St. Matthews studios to ensure that the student receives credit for the classes they make up. If the parent or student does not sign-in to record the make-up class, it will not be recorded on their attendance record, which could affect the student’s evaluation at the end of the school year.
Tardiness is unacceptable. To prevent physical injury to our young dancers when attempting to dance without proper warm up, students entering a ballet class after pliés will remain in the studio and observe class. Students arriving to elective classes more than 10 minutes late will remain in the studio and observe class.
Drop off / Pick up
Since young children often need to use the restroom or need a parent at a moment’s notice, we would appreciate it if parents could please remain at our studios during classes that are thirty minutes in length.
St. Matthews Location: Parents and guardians will need to walk to the second floor and into our lobby to drop off or pick up their children. All students, regardless of their age and maturity, MUST wait to be picked up by their guardian in the front seating area where our receptionist is located.
Please be punctual when picking up your child after class. Late pick-ups will be charged $10 for any portion of each hour that the parent is late.
For the safety and health of the students, street clothing and shoes must be worn over dance clothes when entering and exiting the building.
Lobby / Waiting Area
The waiting area at the St. Matthews studio is for the convenience of our families. All children who are not attending class must be accompanied by an adult while in the lobby. Although quiet conversation is welcome, please respect others (including all other organizations using the space) and the classes that are in session.
There are tables in the lobby for students and families to eat. Please restrict food and drink consumption to the clearly designated areas.
Students that wish to do school work in a quiet setting are invited to work quietly in our Study Room. Please check in with the Front Desk Attendant for permission to use the Study Room.
School Schedules, Notices and Cancellation
Please visit our School Calendar for a complete listing of important dates.
Detailed class schedules can be found on our Class pages.
Notice Boards
Bulletin boards are located in the lobbies at both the St. Matthews and Main Street studios. Students and parents are encouraged to look regularly for information concerning class changes, PALS, seminars, rehearsals, performances and other School related information. Similar information will also be available on our website for your convenience. Families are asked to provide an email address at Registration in order to expedite the delivery of important school information. When time permits, the Louisville Ballet School staff will make every effort to communicate most important information via email blast. Please check your email regularly to ensure you receive important school information and inform us of any changes in your email address.
Peek Weeks
Parents are invited to observe their child’s progress during observation weeks, which are scheduled once per semester. Please view our School Calendar for details.
Weather Cancellations
During inclement weather, the Louisville Ballet School will generally close when Jefferson County Public Schools classes are cancelled. However, we will not always adhere to Jefferson County Schools closures, since afternoon weather and driving conditions can differ considerably from early morning conditions. Please call 583-3150, ext. 245 or check the school website for the most up-to-date announcements related to School closings.
Dates for Louisville Ballet School Performances can be found on our School Calendar.
Primary Division Demonstrations
Primary Demonstration Day is a showcase of our youngest student’s achievements. This informal showing gives our students a performance experience, allowing them to share what they have learned throughout the year without the stress and anxiety of a traditional “recital”.
Spring Showcase and Spring Collection
The Spring Showcase is a main stage feature performance designed especially for the students of the Louisville Ballet School. Performers discover the art of storytelling through dance while sharing in the traditions of the full-length classical ballets. Showcase dancers attend regular rehearsals in addition to his/her regular classes.
As an important aspect of the training offered at the Louisville Ballet School, all Beginning through Pre-Professional level and Youth Open Division students are invited participate in the annual Spring Showcase. Students who wish to participate must register for the Showcase in addition to their regular technique class(es) to be involved. Although a student may be enrolled in the Spring Showcase, mandatory attendance at Showcase rehearsals is required in order for any student to be allowed to perform.
The Spring Collection features students in a wide range of dance styles offered in the Youth Open Division. Dancers will learn choreography during class time that will be presented on stage as part of the Spring Showcase performance.
Louisville Ballet’s production of the Brown-Forman Nutcracker
Louisville Ballet School students are given the opportunity to audition for children’s roles in this magical production. This is a chance for young dancers to be a part of a long-standing Louisville holiday tradition and to rehearse and perform along side the professional dancers of the Louisville Ballet. For additional information, please visit the School’s Brown-Forman Nutcracker webpage.
Louisville Ballet Youth Ensemble
Chosen each year by audition, Intermediate and Pre-professional students are selected for the Louisville Ballet Youth Ensemble. The Youth Ensemble was founded in 1952 and is now in its fifty-eighth year training the finest dancers and choreographers of tomorrow. In addition to its own performances, the Youth Ensemble also dances at the annual SERBA Festival (Southeast Regional Ballet Association) hosted by Regional Dance America.
Parent Association of the Louisville Ballet School
PALS stands for the “Parent Association of the Louisville Ballet School”. The PALS organization was created in 1999 with this mission statement:
“To encourage and support the students of the Louisville Ballet School in their efforts to learn and grow in their study of dance and appreciation of the arts.”
PALS Membership is separate from each student’s annual registration fees. We encourage you and your family to become active members of PALS and help maintain the Louisville Ballet School’s outstanding reputation as a leader in the artistic community. PALS involvement includes, but is not limited to raising funds for our students to attend the Southeast Regional Ballet Association (SERBA) festival, hosting receptions for School activities, providing holiday treats for the students at Louisville Ballet School, and for the teachers during teacher appreciation week. PALS also helps with facility improvements such as painting and carpeting the lobby. Meetings are scheduled throughout the school-year. Meeting notices will be sent via email blast and posted on the bulletin boards at St. Matthews and Downtown.
Additional information can be found on the PALS webpage.
Dancer Care, Etiquette, and Wellness
The student dress code or uniform maintains the tradition of classical ballet. Therefore, appropriate class attire is required. Please carefully review the following uniform requirements listed for your child’s class level. Students dressed inappropriately for class will not be allowed to participate, but will remain in the studio and observe.
Purchasing Dancewear
Required styles are reasonably priced and can be purchased at Kinney Dancewear & online at Discount Dance Supply. A percentage of all orders placed through Discount Dance Supply will benefit the Louisville Ballet School by using the Teacher Referral Program code “TP27451.”
Hair must be kept off the face and neck. Long hair must be prepared in a neat bun secured with hairpins and hairnet prior to class time. No watches or jewelry may be worn except small earrings.
Parents are encouraged to monitor the fit and condition of all dancewear. Leotards, tights, and shoes that are too small or too large can interfere with technique. Severely small shoes can permanently injure a student’s feet, joints and back. Oversized garments and shoes can be dangerous and may cause injury. The instructor must check all shoes before elastics or ribbons are sewn.
Any clothing worn over the dancewear qualifies as a warm-up. Warm-ups make it quite difficult for the instructor to assess proper technique, placement and alignment. When necessary, warm-ups specifically made for ballet are the only additional dancewear permitted during classes. These items are snug and form fitting, like a leotard, allowing the instructor a clear view of the torso and spine.
All leotards, tights, skirts and dance shoes should be clean, neat, and labeled with the student’s full name in permanent, waterproof ink. Class attire for those in the Primary, Elementary, Intermediate and Pre-professional divisions includes, but is not limited to, one leotard, in the required Motionwear brand, per student. Required styles for each level are listed. Additional leotard styles may be worn but must be in the specified color for each level.
Primary Division girls wear a pink cap-sleeved leotard, pink crepe skirt, plain white socks and pink full-sole ballet slippers. No tights, please. Boys wear a tight fitting white tank with black shorts, plain white socks and black or white full-sole ballet shoes. Pre-Ballet students also wear black tap shoes.
Elementary I level girls wear a light-blue cap-sleeved leotard, plain white socks and pink full-sole ballet slippers. No tights or skirts, please. Boys wear a tight-fitting white tee shirt or leotard, black or gray tights with dance belt, plain white socks and black or white full-sole ballet shoes.
Elementary II-IV level girls wear a light-blue tank style leotard, pink tights and pink full-sole ballet slippers. No skirts, please. Boys wear a tight-fitting white tee shirt or leotard, black or gray tights with dance belt, plain white socks and black or white full-sole ballet shoes.
Intermediate I young ladies wear a maroon sweetheart tank leotard with pink tights and pink full-sole ballet slippers (pointe shoes for pointe class). No skirts, please. Young men wear a gray or black unitard, or tights and white tee shirt, dance belt, plain white socks and black or white full-sole ballet shoes.
Intermediate II-III young ladies wear a maroon sweetheart tank leotard with pink tights and pink split-sole ballet slippers (pointe shoes for pointe class). No skirts, please. Young men wear a gray or black unitard, or tights and white tee shirt, dance belt, plain white socks and black or white split-sole ballet shoes.
Advanced ladies wear a lavender camisole leotard with pink tights, pink split-sole ballet slippers and pointe shoes. No skirts, please. Gentlemen wear a gray or black unitard, or tights and white tee shirt, dance belt, plain white socks and black or white split-sole ballet shoes.
Youth Ballet I, II, & III young ladies wear a solid-colored leotard, pink tights and pink ballet slippers. Hair must be kept off the face and neck. Long hair must be prepared in a neat bun secured with hairpins and hairnet. Boys and young men wear a tight-fitting white t-shirt or leotard, black or gray tights with dance belt, plain white socks, and black or white full-sole ballet shoes.
Dance Access I girls wear a pink leotard, pink crepe skirt, pink tights or plain white socks and pink full-sole ballet slippers. No tights, please. Boys wear a tight fitting white tank with black shorts, plain white socks, and black or white full-sole ballet shoes.
Flamenco ladies wear a solid-colored leotard, a long flamenco skirt and shawl, with character shoes. Additional accessories and dress requirements for young men will be coordinated with the instructor.
Hip Hop and Street Jazz ladies wear a solid-colored leotard or a solid-colored t-shirt, jazz pants, and jazz sneakers with socks or tights. Boys and men wear a solid-colored t-shirt, jazz pants with dance belt, and jazz sneakers with socks. (No shoes that are worn outdoors, please.)
Tap students may wear a solid-colored leotard or a solid-colored t-shirt, jazz pants, and black tap shoes with socks.
Modern ladies wear a solid-colored leotard with pink or black convertible tights and bare feet. Boys and young men wear a tight-fitting, solid-colored t-shirt, jazz pants with dance belt, and bare feet.
Pilates students may wear yoga or other similar work out wear and bare feet.
Adult Ballet, Ballet F.I.T., and Ballet Stretch ladies wear a leotard with tights or leggings and ballet slippers. Gentlemen wear a tight-fitting t-shirt, black tights with dance belt, white socks, and ballet shoes.
Lobby / Corridors: Students and family members are expected to be quiet, courteous, respectful and well behaved while in the lobby and all corridors. We ask that families that use the lobby and kitchen area for meals utilize the designated tables near the kitchen and be sure to clean up after themselves. Cleaning supplies will be made available upon request. Tables and chairs are available for quiet study while in the lobby and a limited number of chairs are available in the corridors for parents to quietly observe classes. Overcrowded corridors are considered hazardous by the Fire Department and increase the risk of injury should an emergency evacuation be necessary. Additionally, it is very disruptive to the classes if students become distracted by commotion in the corridors.
Downtown Studio Facilities: Students who use the Louisville Ballet staff lounge must adequately clean up after themselves. Food items, dishes, school supplies, and any other items brought into the lounge must be kept in a tidy manner. Nothing other than food or homework is to be placed on the table.
It is expected that students respect the Louisville Ballet staff by keeping noise to a minimum, both during and after normal business hours.
Attending classes in the Louisville Ballet studios is an exceptional privilege. We expect our Intermediate level students to maintain proper decorum and cleanliness in order to be allowed to use this shared space. Permission to use the staff lounge may be revoked for students who are disruptive or untidy. Without this space, it is important to note that there is no other space inside the building in which students are allowed to eat snacks, do homework, or relax and stretch before class.
Studio Etiquette: Intermediate and Advanced level students may request permission to enter an empty studio prior to the start of their class for the purpose of warming-up. Quiet conversation, exercises and stretching are encouraged. Running, shouting, gymnastics and gossiping are not permitted. Students in the Primary, Elementary and Youth Open divisions are not allowed into the studio before their class time or without their instructor.
Once class has begun, quiet is required of all students. Students may raise their hand to ask questions related to class work. Students need to use the restroom prior to class time in order to preserve the continuity of class, unless in the case of an emergency. The wish for a drink of water is not considered an emergency. Tightly closed water bottles are strongly suggested for Elementary through Pre-Professional level dancers. Students will remain standing during class time. Sitting on the floor or leaning/hanging on the barres is not permitted. Disrespectful, uncooperative, or aggressively competitive attitudes are not acceptable from parents or students, and those behaving in such a way will be asked to leave. Inappropriate behavior may be reported in writing to the parents and School Director.
Students are encouraged to exit the studio quickly and quietly after class, remembering to take all personal belongings with them. As Instructors are often required to begin another class immediately following your child’s class, please schedule time with the School Administrator or Director to discuss questions or concerns without interrupting the class schedule.
A student with an injury is encouraged to observe class in order not to fall behind with material. Students should inform their instructors of any recent illness, injury or other medical conditions that may affect stamina or performance. All injuries sustained while at any Louisville Ballet School location must be reported and documented by filling out an injury report which is available as needed. All medication is the responsibility of the student and parent(s).
During adolescence, learning and maintaining good personal hygiene is very important. Dancers perspire during classes and it is encouraged that they use deodorant and/or antiperspirant to minimize body odor. Students may take classes on multiple days during the week and should wear clean dancewear every day. Students should wash their hands after using the restroom to decrease the spread of germs.
Please be considerate of the health of classmates and Instructors. In order to ward off an “epidemic” during cold and flu season, please give your child adequate time to recover from an illness before returning to class. Classes are physically demanding and partial participation is not as beneficial as taking an alternate make-up class when the student is fully recovered. Students who show symptoms of severe sickness will not be allowed to take class and will be isolated and sent home.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been monitoring the progression of the H1N1 Influenza (swine flu) outbreak since the first cases were reported in Mexico. The Louisville Ballet School would like to advise you that we are taking this situation very seriously and have implemented many safety measures in order to maintain the health and safety of our students and instructors. Because little was known about the transmission or severity of the illness, the early guidance to schools was very aggressive. While the spread of the virus from person-to-person continues, the severity of the virus does not appear to be any more severe than seasonal influenza. Our goal is to minimize the potential spread of H1N1 influenza, or other infectious illnesses, to individuals at our School by implementing the following:
* Hand sanitizer is available in each studio and at the front desk.
* Barres are wiped regularly with disinfectant wipes.
* We strongly recommend that students carry hand sanitizer with them to use before and after class.
* If you or your child notices illness in a classmate, please notify the front desk receptionist or the instructor.
* Students must understand the importance of washing hands with soap and water often. This is the best way to decrease the chances of spreading disease.
* Students must practice good cough etiquette. Cough and sneeze into a tissue or turn your face to the side and cough or sneeze into the crook of the arm. If a tissue is used, throw it away immediately. Avoid coughing directly into hands. Wash or use hand sanitizer as soon as possible after sneezing or coughing.
Your assistance is greatly appreciated as we combine our efforts to combat H1N1 influenza and other transmissible illnesses. We assure you that the School is monitoring CDC guidance and following their recommendations to ensure student safety.
Parents should monitor their students for any signs of illness and keep their children at home if they are sick. Specifically, any time a child has symptoms such as fever with cough, vomiting or diarrhea they should be kept at home and not sent to dance class until those symptoms have been gone for at least 24 hours. In addition, we ask you, as a parent, to assist in our efforts to keep the flu and other illnesses from spreading by following these guidelines:
* Keep students with influenza-like symptoms (fever with a cough or sore throat) or signs of other infectious illness (fever, vomiting, diarrhea, draining wound) at home.
* If the student has been ill with any of those symptoms, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after all symptoms have resolved.
* If students have symptoms, they will not be allowed to attend classes without a medical evaluation. If they appear to have an influenza-like illness when they arrive at the studio or they become ill during the class, they will be isolated and sent home. Please make sure that the School has your updated contact information.
* Please monitor your child each day. If any signs of illness are present keep your child at home.
Student/Instructor Interaction
Please be advised that the study of dance as an art form does involve physical contact. If you feel there has been any inappropriate physical contact, in class or rehearsal, please immediately report the incident to the School Director.
Valuables / Lost & Found
The Louisville Ballet School is not responsible for lost or stolen personal belongings. Students are strongly advised to leave personal valuables at home. Purses and wallets may be taken into the studio while students are taking class.
Lost and found items are kept in the lobby at the St. Matthews studio and in the vending area / lunch room downtown. All items will be donated to charity if not claimed by the end of each semester.
Dressing Rooms / Lockers
Students are expected to bring only their dance bags with dance shoes and accessories into the studio. Coats, street clothes, street shoes and school bags are to be kept in the dressing room during classes. Students may store these items in the lockers that are provided in each dressing room. All belongings are to be taken home after class.
We ask that students refrain from eating while in the dressing room. Instead, the lobby near the kitchen area has tables that are designated for eating.