Knoxville Ballet School Policies
Dress Code
Girls Ages 4 through 8:
Black leotard (long sleeved, short sleeved, tank, or camisole; no skirts); girls enrolled in Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet may wear any solid color leotard
Thin, white ankle socks
Pink ballet shoes
Girls Ages 9 and up:
Black leotard (long sleeved, short sleeved, tank, or camisole; no skirts)
Pink convertible tights
Pink ballet shoes
Please note: Girls should avoid wearing underpants beneath leotards or tights; it obscures the leg line and makes for a sloppy appearance.
Boys:
White short-sleeved, fitted t-shirt
Black tights or bike-style shorts
White crew socks
Black or white ballet shoes
Please note: Young men should wear a dance belt beneath tights or shorts.
During the winter months, leg warmers and a fitted ballet sweater or shrug may be worn during barre.
Bulky clothing that obscures the body should be avoided.
Shoes may be canvas or leather, with full or split sole, according to personal preference. If this is your first pair of shoes please ask Deb about the correct fit and sewing the elastics before you buy.
Long hair should be worn in a classical bun. Short hair that falls into the face should be swept back with barrettes or an elastic headband.
Girls with pierced ears may wear small earrings to class. All other jewelry, including wristwatches, should be avoided.
Dancewear with fabric glitter is unacceptable, as the glitter tends to "shed" everywhere.
Wearing perfume or cologne to ballet class is discouraged.
ALL STUDENTS MUST WEAR STREET CLOTHES OVER DANCE WEAR WHILE GOING TO AND FROM THE BUILDING.
For Adult Basic Ballet Students:
Adult dancers may wear stretchy, form-fitting clothing to ballet class, or classical ballet attire. Shoes are not required for adult dancers, but a pair of socks at least is recommended. Avoid wearing clothing that confines movement (e.g., blue jeans).
Conduct and Classical Ballet Etiquette
Arrive on time or even a few minutes early for your class. If you arrive early, you may go into the studio--so long as there is no class in session--and begin to stretch and warm up on your own, quietly. Late arrivals will be asked to warm up before joining the class in progress.
Turning cartwheels or otherwise tumbling in the ballet studio is both dangerous and bad classroom etiquette. Please save these undeniably fun activities for your backyard.
Parents and students: Please remember that noise from the lobby, hallways, and dressing room carries over the tops of the studio walls. Be respectful of students in class while you're waiting for dismissal, and keep your reception area and dressing room conversation and behavior from interfering with the class in session. Likewise, if you are taking a class, wait until class ends to talk and visit with your friends. The Golden Rule is an excellent model.
Enjoy food and drinks in the reception area, and tidy up after yourself when you're done.
Only ballet shoes, pointe shoes, and dance sneakers are permitted in the ballet studio; street shoes are permitted in the reception area, hallways, restrooms, and changing room.
Absolutely no smoking is permitted anywhere in the school, including the area outside the front doors. Please go far away if you must smoke.
Inclement Weather and Illness
If driving conditions are hazardous because of ice or snow, KBS will cancel classes. We will not always adhere to Knox County Schools closures, since afternoon weather and driving conditions can differ considerably from early morning conditions. If we must cancel classes, KBS will make every effort to contact the affected families.
If you have a child who is ill, please do not bring your child to class. If you have a child who has had a fever within the 24 hours before class, please do not bring your child to class. Rest is important during illnesses, and missed classes may be made up at a later date. Likewise, please do not bring siblings with illnesses into the school. Parents will be asked to remove sick children from the school at the instructor's discretion. Please make sure the school has on file a reliable emergency contact for your child.
If the instructor is ill and a substitute instructor is available, class will go on as scheduled; otherwise, class will be cancelled. KBS will make every effort to contact all affected families in advance.