Student & Family Handbook

Mission Statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg 1

Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg 1

Curriculum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg 1

Faculty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg 1

Student Placement & Advancement . . . . . . . Pg 2

Levels/Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg 3

Evaluations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P3 3

Private Lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg 3

Competition Pg 3

Adult Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg 4

Performance Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg 4

Going en Pointe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg 5

Dress Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg 6

Teacher/student contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg 6

Studio & Facility Etiquette . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg 7

Code of Conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg 8 

Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg 9

Parent Observation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg 9 

Meeting with your child’s teacher . . . . . . . .Pg 10

Tuition & Payments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg 10 

Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg 11

Emergency Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg 11

Photography & Video Recording. . . . . . . . . .Pg 12

Harassment & Bullying Policy . . . . . . . . . . . Pg 12

Supporting Healthy Habits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg 12

Reporting Medical Concerns . . . . . . . . . . . Pg 12

Healthy Body Condition Management. . . . . Pg 12

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Turning Pointe

Mission Statement

The goal of Turning Pointe Ballet is to create a loving, encouraging and nurturing environment, while instructing dancers in high quality, classical ballet technique. Turning Pointe Ballet’s methods help dancers develop grace, poise, self discipline and stage presence in innovative and effective surroundings, while creating dancers who appreciate and recognize their own growth and encourage the growth of those around them. 

Facility 

1343 West 75 North Centerville, UT. 

This lovely building is equipped with two 1,500 square foot studios, foyer space for dancers to prepare for class and cubbies to store their belongings during class, multi-stall restrooms, changing room space, and a parent’s lounge to use while students are attending classes. 

Curriculum

Turning Pointe's curriculum has been developed over many years and is founded in classical ballet and the Cecchetti method. The syllabus is designed and focused to meet the developmental needs of children at each age and level. 

Faculty 

Turning Pointe faculty members are experienced professionals, specifically chosen for their knowledge in the dance and education fields, as well as their ability to motivate and nurture students. Instructors draw upon their wealth of training and experiences, as well as seeking on-going learning and knowledge for continued enhancement of instructional strategies.

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Student Placement & Advancement

In order to best meet the needs of all students, significant care and attention are given to class placement. Students ages 2 through 5 may enroll directly into the age-appropriate class as outlined on the Turning Pointe website. Students ages 6 and older with previous ballet training are required to participate in a placement class before enrolling. Parents of students without previous dance training should contact Turning Pointe to discuss placement and training options. Turning Pointe is happy to accommodate audition/placement classes throughout the year. Please contact Turning Pointe for scheduling. Students and parents should know that class levels at Turning Pointe do not directly correspond to levels offered at other dance schools. 

Turning Pointe offers a first time, complimentary class, prior to registration, to dancers/families who are interested in finding out more about ballet and what Turning Pointe has to offer. 

Advancement through the levels of Turning Pointe’s curriculum is based on many factors, including a student’s strength, commitment, attendance, maturity, mastery of skill level, and artistic development as assessed by the teachers and adjudicators. In all cases, a student’s ability to safely execute the required class curriculum is considered above all other factors, including age. 

Most ballet classes at Turning Pointe contain two or more skill levels. Each consecutive level builds on the level before. Ballet training is interconnected with an individual’s physical development. Thus, in contrast to typical academic advancement, it is not unusual for a student to repeat a level of ballet training, especially when there is a break in steady  instruction, i.e. prolonged or on-going absences or “summer vacation.”

Differing from academic advancement, students do not automatically advance to the next level at the end of each school year. Students are placed in the level that will encourage the most progress. Advancement and progression to the next level may occur at any time during the school year. However, the formal student evaluations are held at the end of the year, in the form of End-of-Year Evaluations. 

The majority of our students will repeat a level at some point in their training. It is critically important that students advance at their own rate so they can master the work required
of them, avoid injury, and achieve their fullest potential. A student who carefully develops their technique early in the curriculum will reduce the risk of injury and will improve their likelihood of advancement in later years.

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Levels/Classes

• Tiny Two-twos: Designed as a parent/child experience and introduces movement, peer interaction, and enhances imagination.  

• Pre-Ballet and Kinder Ballet levels: introduce movement, pantomime, coordination, classroom setting and peer interaction practice. 

• 1st Position: Is a Basic Ballet Level class and introduces more formal training with barre and center work, enhancing coordination, musicality, and classroom structure. 

• 2nd Position: Is an Academic Ballet Level class where the foundation of classical ballet technique is delivered and more formal training is promoted. 

• 3rd Position: Is a Beginning Teen class and provides an opportunity for a student who has not received prior ballet instruction at a younger age, to start their training  at the introductory skill level, and add to their understanding and ability in ballet terminology, technique, and implementation. 

• 4th Position: Is an Intermediate Ballet Level class where students continue to refine their work, increase their stamina, add to their repertoire of steps and technique. This class includes pointe work

• 5th Position: Is an Advanced Ballet class and is the culmination of many years of training, continuing to motivate dancers to reach their highest potential.  This class includes pointe work.

• Men's & Boy's Class: Designed for boys and men only, taught by a male instructor. This class is an opportunity for boys and men to embrace the athleticism of ballet. They’re taught discipline, focus, and respect for the art form of ballet.  Our classes are designed specifically for male dancers and emphasize correct ballet technique, strength and flexibility, musicality, and coordination in a fun atmosphere where boys can feel comfortable dancing and studying ballet with other boys

Evaluations 

Formal student evaluations are held at the end of the year, in the form of End-of-Year Evaluations. These vital assessments will give students their level placement for the following year. It is essential for dancers to attend their scheduled Evaluation class. 

Private lessons 

With preapproval of the instructors, dancers may schedule (using the parent/on-line portal) private lessons with a teacher on a one-time or recurring basis and pay the accompanying additional fees for those lessons. 

Competition 

Turning Pointe ballet does not participate in any official or sanctioned competition forums or events.

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Adult Classes 

Adult Ballet classes: Beginning and Intermediate levels. These classes are open to the public and are designed for individuals 13 years and older, regardless of prior experience.  Punch passes can be purchased for convenient drop-in attendance. 

Barre Workout Classes: These drop-in classes are available weekly with morning or evening class options. No previous dance training is necessary.  Barre is a toning, total body workout. It engages muscles you wouldn't normally target, ones deep inside your body that more traditional workouts don't reach. High reps and low impact, our barre classes challenge anyone looking for an enjoyable and engaging workout. With themed classes each week and fun, simple choreography as part of each class,  Barre is a blast! 

Performance Opportunities

Ballet is a performing art and as such, students participate in performances giving them the opportunity to bring the work and efforts from the studio to a setting to share with an audience.   Students are charged for one costume per season (school year) and keep the costume once the performances are completed. 

• Autumn/Winter: “Variations” 

(Includes dancers in 1st -5th Position Classes) 

Performed at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre 

• Autumn: In-class demonstration: “I am Thankful for Ballet”     

(Includes dancers in Tiny Two-twos, Pre-ballet, and Kinder Ballet) 

• Winter: In-class Demonstration: “I Love Ballet” 

(Includes dancers in Tiny Two-twos, Pre-ballet, and Kinder Ballet) 

• Spring: “Story Ballet”

 (Includes dancers in 1st -5th Position Classes) 

Performed at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre 

• Spring: Pre-Ballet and Kinder Ballet Concert

 (Includes dancers in Tiny Two-twos, Pre-ballet, & Kinder Ballet) 

Performed at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre

• Spring: Year-End Evaluations  

(Includes dancers in 1st -5th Position Classes) 

• Spring: In-class demonstrations: "Hooray for Ballet"  

(Includes dancers in Tiny Two-twos, Pre-ballet, and Kinder Ballet) 

• All students who participate in the  Spring performances will be charged a costume fee. The costume is theirs to keep. 

• Girls are encouraged to also  purchase a flesh-colored leotard to wear under their costume for performance, to facilitate costume changing while in the dressing room with their class.

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Going en Pointe 

Female students will begin pointe work when they have passed the physical evaluation conducted by our faculty. Students will be allowed en pointe when it is safe and only at the discretion of the faculty. To ensure this safety, Turning Pointe faculty assess the following physical characteristics and requirements before recommending a student for pointe work: 

• The dancer must be consistently taking a minimum of 3 hours of ballet classes a week consistently. 

• The dancer must have at least 3 years of consistent training in ballet.

• The dancer must have adequate flexibility of the foot and ankle to allow the student to align the bones of the foot with the tibia—the ability to “get fully onto the tip of the pointe shoes.”

• The dancer must have adequate strength of the foot, ankle, leg, torso, and core,  to sustain the pull-up required. 

• The dancer must have adequate turnout and strength of the turnout muscles to sustain proper alignment.  

• The dancer must have general physical maturity that suggests the development of the bones and joints are stable; generally, not realized until the child is at least 11 years of age. 

• The dancer must be in good health.

  • Cardiovascular Endurance: The dancer should be able to complete full classes without excessive amounts of rest due to health conditions or injury. 

  • Good mental health: The dancer should be mentally prepared and invested in the challenges pointe can bring and demonstrate a strong sense of maturity and responsibility.

  • Sleep: It is recommended that pre-teen and teenage dancers are sleeping a minimum of 9 – 9 1⁄2 hours per night for adequate body recuperation.

  • Nutrition: The dancer should be maintaining a healthy weight through good nourishment and exercise with whole foods and complex carbohydrates. 

A young student who successfully meets all of these requirements will minimize the likelihood of injury, will progress more rapidly, and will find the work less difficult. Recommendations for pointe work are made conservatively, as the long-term health and well-being of each student is always the priority. 

First time pointe shoe fittings will be scheduled with the teachers, dancers, and parents at Pat’s Dancewear in Bountiful.

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DRESS CODES 

Dance is a disciplined art form and must be respected as such. In order to teach effectively, see proper body alignment, and make necessary corrections, the dancer must be dressed appropriately. Also, hair must be secured out of the face in a style suitable for the student’s class level. The Turning Pointe Dress Code is designed to encourage unity and discipline among its students, to minimize in-class distractions, and maximize physical ability.  

In the grand tradition of classical ballet and out of respect for the art form, we strive to have a clean, uniformed look for our students in all dance classes. In order to achieve this goal, students are required to purchase and wear the proper uniform for each class and performance as listed on the website. This includes a Dress Code class/level leotard style and color (1st -5th Position). Tights and ballet shoes should also match our dress code requirements. 

Dancers with long hair should secure it off of the face and out of the eyes. Younger dancers may wear a ponytail while 1st -5th Position dancers should secure their hair in a bun. Short hair should be styled to be out of their eyes. 

Ballet slippers must never be worn outdoors as this tracks dirt into the studio and is detrimental to the floors, dangerous for the students, and damaging to the shoes.  Dress code requirements are necessary in every level of the school.

For their safety, all students must wear street shoes and clothing that covers their dance attire when they are outside of the studio.

TEACHER-STUDENT CONTACT 

In teaching the art of ballet, as well as other dance disciplines that may be offered at Turning Pointe, it is entirely appropriate for a teacher to place their hands on a student to correct the student’s posture, the physical line, the position of the student’s body or part of their body, or to help a student hold a position. Turning Pointe does not and will not tolerate any teacher-student contact that is harmful or inappropriate. In enrolling their child, parents acknowledge that it is Turning Pointe’s practice to possibly correct students with physical contact.

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STUDIO AND FACILITY ETIQUETTE 

Turning Pointe policies are designed to promote a positive, safe, organized experience for all students and their families. Our goal is for every child to thrive in a positive, nurturing environment that fosters learning, growth, and achievement

Students are to adhere to the following etiquette: 

Drop off and pick-up:

In the changing room and restrooms: 

• Students should use the available changing rooms to change in and out of their ballet attire and style their hair. Changing rooms should be used and maintained in a responsible manner. 

• The use of improper language is inappropriate at all times.

• Items found at the end of classes will be placed in the Lost and Found.             Unclaimed items will be donated at the end of a two-month period. 

• Utah code Title 76 strictly prohibits photographing and filming in the changing rooms, or restrooms. 

In the Classroom: 

• Students should arrive early to class, be dressed in the appropriate dress code and prepared to dance when the class time begins. Each student is responsible to arrive to class ready to pay attention and work hard. If a student is going to be late, every effort should be made to inform the teacher of the late arrival. As to not create a distraction or disruption, when a student arrives after class has begun, they should remain in the foyer area until the teacher invites them into class.  Students arriving 10 or more minutes after the class has begun will have missed the proper warm up portion of the class and may be asked to not participate, due to the risk of injury, but should remain to observe class.  

• Students should exhibit cooperative, respectful behavior during classes, rehearsals, performances, and activities. 

• Chewing gum, food, and drinks—with the exception of sealable plastic or metal water bottles —are not allowed in the studio. Glass water bottles are not permitted. Food and drinks are permitted in the waiting areas only. Be courteous, and pick-up debris when you have finished eating. In order to avoid any issues with nut allergies, please no nuts or nut butter. 

• Students are responsible for picking up after themselves, including making sure that their belongings are in a cubby or hung up to keep the hallway clean, clear, and safe.

Personal Belongings:

• Please provide your student with a dance bag. Please make sure your student’s bag is large enough to keep everything in it and that your student only brings items necessary for class.

• Students should not bring valuables to Turning Pointe’s facility. Coats, bags, and other property should be stored in the proper areas. Personal items should not be brought into the studios. 

• Turning Pointe will not be held responsible for any personal items lost, stolen, or damaged. 

• Please write your student’s name in shoes, leotards, skirts, bags, etc. This makes it easier for us to reunite items with their owners.

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CODE OF CONDUCT 

Turning Pointe requires all students, parents, and guardians to abide by the following Code of Conduct: 

It is important that students are consistent and punctual in their attendance to promote a positive learning and performance experience for themselves and their classmates. It is expected that when a student registers for a class, they will continue to attend from the beginning date through the end date of the class. 

• Late arrival or early departure from class sessions is discouraged. Punctuality is imperative to each student’s physical safety. Classes progress from warm-up to demanding muscle activity. Minimal interruptions to both teachers and other students is crucial. Students require the maximum class time for their progression. 

• Students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled classes, rehearsals, and performances. Illness or injuries must be communicated to Turning Pointe as soon as possible. 

• Turning Pointe will not tolerate tobacco, electronic cigarette or vape products,  drugs, alcohol, or  illegal items  or the consumption or distribution of these substances at any time while attending Turning Pointe. 

• No parent/guardian or student will harass, demean, tease, abuse, assault, or gossip about another person. 

• No student or parent/guardian shall tamper with, take, or damage the personal property of others, including the Turning Pointe staff and the facility itself.  

• Inappropriate or disrespectful behavior or language will not be tolerated. 

• When entering and leaving the studio, students of all levels must wear appropriate clothing over their uniform or change in changing rooms at the studio. Street shoes are required outside of the studio. 

• Parents/guardians and students should respect the expertise and decisions of the Turning Pointe faculty. 

• Parents/guardians should support their students at all times, and encourage them to enjoy their training.                                                                        

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COMMUNICATION 

Turning Pointe Ballet uses a variety of communication methods to keep families up-to-date: 

• Email is the primary method of communicating information to parents and students. Please keep your email addresses updated and make sure to opt in to email blasts in the Parent Portal to receive the latest information. Also be sure to check your spam/junk folders for emails. 

• The Parent Portal Bulletin Board is another way that parents may receive information, including the studio schedule for the week. 

• Our website is also a valuable tool for communicating with parents. It includes information on class schedules, dress codes, and school-year season calendars, as well as ticketing, promotional information, and much more. 

• In the event of an emergency or cancellation of classes due to weather or otherwise, communication will be sent by both email and text message to the contact information in the Parent Portal. Please keep this information up to date. 

PARENT OBSERVATION 

In order to provide your student with the best learning experience possible, parents are not allowed to sit-in on classes. 

Turning Pointe strongly encourages parents/guardians to wait in the Parent’s Observation Lounge Area or leave the building during class time, especially if they have other children with them. Younger students especially have a difficult time concentrating in class when they have spectators peeking through the studio doors or if the noise in the hallway is too loud. 

Turning Pointe reserves the right to ask parents/guardians to leave the building during class time if the students are not able to focus. 

We understand that you may want to see how your child is doing in class.

Therefore, Pre-ballet classes are scheduled with two, annual in-class demonstrations and a year-end performance. Upper-level classes have two performances during the year. 

Under special circumstances parents/guardians may arrange an observational visit with the instructor prior to observing.  Young children and infants may only observe if they are respectful, quiet, and able to sit still and not distract while in the studios. 

Food and drink are NOT allowed in the studios.

Parents may use the upstairs Observation area to watch classes, as long as parents and any accompanying siblings/children do not create a distraction or disturbance to any classes. 

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MEETING WITH YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER 

Faculty members are happy to meet with parents. However, all meetings must be scheduled ahead of time. Please respect the teacher’s need to be available to teach their classes. Teachers will not disrupt or delay class instruction to speak with an unscheduled parent. Please set-up a time to meet with your child’s teacher other than class times. Appointments can be scheduled through the Parent Portal, by email, or telephone.  

TUITION, PAYMENTS, and FEES 

Turning Pointe uses an online Auto-pay system. There is a Credit Card or ACH option through the Parent Portal, which parents are required to set-up. A Convenience Fee is assesed with each transaction and the policy and rate is stated in the Parent Portal. Tuition is divided into nine equal payments. The full tuition or first payment will be automatically posted at the beginning of the Season (School-year). Subsequent payments will be charged to the credit/debit card on file on or about the 5th day of each month. No tuition reduction/refund will be given for classes missed.

REGISTRATION FEE            

All students (new and returning) are required to pay an annual, non-refundable registration fee. All fees are due at the time of registration and are per student. (With a maximum family fee of $130.00) The $65.00 registration fee will be charged to the card on file at the time of registration for classes. 

LATE FEES           

All accounts will be charged a $25 late fee after the 15th of the month. This fee may be applied to accounts that are unable to be processed at the time that Auto-pay is run.  At two payments past due, the student will not be permitted to attend class until the account is made current. 

COSTUME FEES

Dancers are charged a costume fee at the begining of each year. This fee is to provide a costume for each dancer for the Spring Performances. The dancers keep their costume, once the performances are done in the Spring. 

• Tiny Two-twos dancers costume fee is $50 

• Pre & Kider ballet dancers costume fee is $60 

• 1st and 2nd Postition class dancers costume fee is $65

• 3rd, 4th, & 5th Postion class dancers costume fee is  $75             

In the event of withdrawal before the performances, Costume Fees are non-refundable as of  November 1 of each season (school-year)  

WITHDRAWALS            

 To withdraw a student prior to the end of the year, a Withdrawal Form obtained from the Managing Director, must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the student’s last day of class. Refunds or cancellation of recurring charges will be determined at the discretion of Turning Pointe’s Managing Director. If a student withdraws after the first class session the full tuition for the month of withdrawal will be charged. There will be no refund, either total or partial, of the $65 registration fee for early withdrawal. In all circumstances, a $25 administrative fee will be charged for any withdrawals. 

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SAFETY 

Student safety is foundational to a successful learning experience. Turning Pointe requires that parents and students abide by the following additional safety procedures. 

For security reasons, students are required to wait inside the building for pickup. 

To help ensure student safety, we request that you park your vehicle in a marked parking stall and escort younger students into the building before class and out of the building after class. 

Curbside drop-off/pick-up in front of the building is available, on the same side of the street as the facility (Please do not have your unaccompanied child cross the street to and from classes). Be respectful of other parents picking up their students. Provide adequate space for all who are able to pull up to the curb, or use the designated parking stalls on the property.

Teachers will ask students to stay in the building until either they are met by a parent inside or can visibly see their ride from the building 

• INJURY/ILLNESS               Should a student suffer a prolonged injury or illness, parents are required to provide Turning Pointe with written notification from a physician that the student is permitted to resume classes. Turning Pointe also requests any medical information or recommendations that may inform faculty how best to work with that student as they recover. 

• IN-CLASS INJURY/ ILLNESS             Students who become ill or sustain any injury during class hours should immediately report this to their teacher. In such instances, students are expected to continue their class as an observer, if possible. 

• ALLERGY POLICY                   If your child has an allergy which could result in a medical emergency, the parent must inform Turning Pointe in writing at the time of registration so that faculty members can be alerted. If your child carries an EpiPen, please make the faculty aware of where the EpiPen is kept in your child’s dance bag. Please be mindful that this is a public building, and we are unable to anticipate all possible scenarios that could introduce allergens to the facility environment. 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 

• Safety and security are of the utmost priority at Turning Pointe. If you see something, remain calm, and please say something to a staff member. 

• If your child’s medical history has changed since you submitted registration materials, please notify us in writing. 

• Please note that firearms are not permitted on Turning Pointe premises. 

• During adverse weather conditions, parents are encouraged to make attendance decisions for their children based on their specific abilities to get to classes safely. 

• In the event that Turning Pointe must cancel classes due to inclement weather or any other emergency, we will notify parents as soon as possible by text, voice messaging, and/or email. All notifications will be sent via the information in the Parent Portal, so please ensure your family contact information is up to date.

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PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO RECORDING 

The annual Spring “Story Ballet” performances are professionally recorded, and optional purchase of these video recordings is made available to all families.

All Student individual portraits and class pictures are scheduled and taken in the Spring. Purchase of pictures is optional. However, we highly encourage all dancers to attend picture day to participate in their class group photograph. 

HARASSMENT AND BULLYING POLICY 

It is important that all members of the Turning Pointe community (faculty, staff, students,
and families) recognize that abusive behavior, either verbal or physical, including cyber bullying, theft, physical or verbal aggression, and disregarding or demeaning the self-esteem of others is unacceptable. Any individuals engaging in such behaviors will be subject to appropriate legal responses or disciplinary action, which may include suspension, expulsion, or dismissal without advance notice. 

Our community is enriched by the diversity of its members. It recognizes and respects individual differences in culture, race, ethnic origin, religion, gender, and provides a welcoming environment of respect and sensitivity. We rely on all of our faculty, students, and families to work proactively to build and maintain this environment. 

SUPPORTING HEALTHY HABITS 

Turning Pointe is committed to nurturing the whole student Physically, Mentally, and Emotionally. The wholeness of the dancer is important. We strive to help dancers strengthen, stretch, and grow in all aspects. 

REPORTING MEDICAL CONCERNS 

Faculty members are aware of any medical concerns or conditions specified on registration forms. If changes should arise, we ask that you update the student profile in the Parent Portal, as well as notify Turning Pointe in writing so that all medical records are accurate. 

Should an emergency arise, all attempts will be made to reach a student’s parent/guardian first. If a parent/ guardian cannot be reached, the emergency contact provided on the registration form will be called. 

HEALTHY BODY CONDITION MANAGEMENT 

Turning Pointe will not discuss body condition concerns with a student under the age of 18 without a parent present—either in person, via telephone, or with express parental permission in writing. Such a meeting will be attended by two faculty/staff members. Turning Pointe will not make specific medical recommendations regarding a student’s body condition. If desired, the student and parents may seek such a recommendation from a health professional.

Handbook information is subject to up-dates and changes

August 31, 2023