POLICIES:

The Lake Erie Ballet Academy of Dance offers classes to students ages two and a half and older - providing a consistent curriculum in classical ballet. This program of training is rooted in the traditions and philosophies of our founders; Statia Sublette, Arlene Ashton Hays, Sharon Filone, Robert Steele and Christina Maria Adelhardt. The training program is offered in two divisions: the Childrens and Student Divisions.

In the Children's Division Program (ages 2 1/2 - 7 years of age), classes are conducted with the National Dance Education Organization standards, while maintaining a focus on classical ballet. Throughout the Student Division program (ages 7 - 17), students are provided with consistent programming in classical ballet coupled with the disciplines of Jazz, Contemorary and Tap techniques with only the best professionals in the field. Each year the Lake Erie Ballet affords its student body and companies the opportunity to work and study with artists currently producing work in the field of dance. Those students enrolled in the Company Track of study are offered the opportunity audition and be contracted with the Lake Erie Ballet Companies in order to work more closely with our artists in residence.

Each season of dance training is offered in three, ten to sixteen week intervals: September though December, January through May and June through August; each culminating in a full length production or public presentation. Each term students are issued progress reports by their primary instructor. At this time, the parent or guardian is allowed to observe classes and assess their childs progress. At the end of each Term the student is tested and evaluated for advancement within the curriculum. Performance is not mandatory for advancement but encouraged and required of those students enrolled in the Company Track of study. Advancement within the program is granted ultimately by the Director. Students of the Company Track are afforded the opportunity to audition for the Lake Erie Ballet Junior Company prior to each production.

Tuition

Tuition can be paid in full at the beginning of each Term with a 5% discount or can be paid in four monthly installments by the 10th of each month. A Late fee of $20 will be assessed as of the due date. Payments can be made by cash, check, or credit card (via the internet). Monthly invoicing via PayPal can be arranged. A $20 charge will be added for all returned checks or declined credit cards. All tuition payments are non-refundable except in the event of serious injury or illness. Tuition and class schedules are posted at LEB studios and can be requested by calling 814-871-4356 x101.

Click here for tuition scale

Making Up Classes

A student may make up missed classes by attending any class within or below their level of class offered within during the Term of enrollment.

Additional Training

The Lake Erie Ballet offers its students the special opportunity to study with resident guest artists every season. These workshops are available to any student wishing to augment their dance training experience and are offered every eight to ten weeks. Some students may wish to supplement their classes with additional private instruction. Arrangements for private instruction are highly encouraged and can be made with any instructor or artist in residence. Prices may vary.

Scholarship

Scholarship and Work Trade Agreements are available to students and families who demonstrate a need for financial assistance. All financial awards or arrangements are based on need, ability and attitude of the student. All Scholarship Applications must be submitted one month prior to each Term of requested assistance in order to be processed for assessment. Please call (814)871-4356 or email the Lake Erie Ballet with your interest in scholarship.

Performance Opportunities

Students will have the opportunity to participate in a number of newly scheduled performances. Performing is an important and vital tool in every dancer's education.

Throughout the school year, upper level students continue to learn and are given opportunities to present excerpts from the classical ballet repertoire choreographed by the great ballet masters during the Romantic Era and Golden Age of ballet as well as new works from Guest Artists visiting the Lake Erie Ballet.

Every year in September, the Lake Erie ballet invites ballet students from age three and older to audition for the annual production of The Nutcracker. This audition is free and open to public. Each year the Nutcracker showcases the Lake Erie Ballet Companies, esteemed guest artists, technicians and dancers from the community performing with a live orchestra at the historic Warner Theatre.

Each new year brings many new opportunites for performance and growth. Learn more about this season's performance opportunities here.

Costuming

Costuming for LEB productions is often provided for by the organization as part of its mission. For a minimal fee, students can reserve a costume for each production. Students of the Children's Division are sometimes asked to purchase to own their costume for a nominal fee.

LEB Guild ~ Friends of the Ballet

In enrolling yourself or your child in the Lake Erie Ballet's programming, you can become a member of the Lake Erie Ballet Guild - the Friends of the Ballet. If you have a special talent you'd like to share with the organization, the Friends of the Ballet is the organization through which you can choose to do this. By joining the Friends of the Ballet, you ensure the success of the many services the Lake Erie Ballet provides to the Erie community. The Friends of the Ballet meet consistently every month to discuss and plan future ventures for the Lake Erie Ballet. You need not be enrolled in any of the programming in order to be a member of the LEB Guild. One need not have a child enrolled in the Lake Erie Academy of Dance in order to contrubute to the LEB Guild - Friends of the Ballet. Call or contact the Friends of the Ballet, Chair Lori Yusz (2008 -2011) with your interests and talents.