Placement /Level Advancement

Students’ progress in their training by developing work ethic, discipline, strength, and technique. Students also progress at their own, individual pace. Most importantly, technique milestones must be reached before progression can occur. Placement and progression to the next level is by the recommendation of OBT School’s faculty. With the exception of Pre-Ballet and Primary Ballet, students are not placed or advanced based on their age or on their level at a previous ballet school.

Students placed in Level 2 and above are encouraged to take extra lower-level classes so long as they do not conflict with their regular weekly classes.

OBT School’s faculty members are happy to assist students with placement that enrich their training and personal growth.

Student/Teacher Conferences

Students in Level 3 and higher will have an annual meeting with a parent and the School Director during the spring term. These conferences are for students to receive information on their progress and to allow time for questions regarding level progression and technique or discuss concerns.

Level 1 and 2 and 2A students will participate in tutorial classes during observation week where parents can ask questions about level progression and benchmarks. Parents with specific questions or concerns regarding their child’s progress are asked to contact the School to schedule a meeting with the teacher and/or School Director.

Injuries and pressing matters should be communicated by e-mail to schoolofobt@obt.org.

Weekly Schedule

The weekly schedule is posted to OBT School’s blog every Friday of the prior week as well as on the front desk inside the building. We advise students and their family members to regularly check OBT School’s blog and/or front desk for changes that may occur during the week.

Please subscribe to blog updates to be notified when new content is posted.

Tuition
Annual Session tuition is payable in full, in six monthly auto-payments, or three monthly auto-payments for elective classes. To use the auto-payment plan, a credit or debit card must be provided, which will be securely stored in our Mindbody electronic payment system. Each monthly auto-payment is assessed a $15 finance charge. Please note that auto-payments will be charged any time after midnight on the date due. Please contact the school as soon as possible with any questions or concerns regarding your auto-payment. The auto-payment plan is not available for Pre-Ballet tuition.

If a student is advanced a level after the beginning of the Annual Session, tuition for the student’s new level will be calculated based on the date of the advancement and due as determined by OBT School’s staff.

By registering for classes at OBT School, the student and/or student’s family agrees to pay the entirety of the tuition balance. If a student is voluntarily withdrawn, regardless of reason, the balance of their Annual Session tuition is due prior to their last day of class. Tuition balances will not be forgiven, and any unpaid balances will be sent to OBT’s Finance department for collection.

OBT School grants tuition refunds only in the event of a student’s prolonged physical injury which prevents them from participating in classes in any capacity. No tuition refunds will be issued due to early withdrawal. The official date used to determine the refund amount is the onset of injury and will be calculated based on the number of weeks the student cannot participate. All tuition refunds require proper medical documentation, which is to be submitted to the School Administrator in writing from a certified medical doctor within 30 days of the injury. OBT shall consider all refund requests in accordance with this policy, though approval of a refund shall be at the discretion of Oregon Ballet Theatre. Refunds may be issued by check or to the card used for purchase within 30 days less a $45 administrative fee and processing fees incurred if the tuition payment was made by credit card. Registration fees, finance fees, and tuition deposits are non-refundable.

OBT School refunds 100 percent of tuition fees for classes, workshops, masterclasses, and other fee-based instruction, canceled due to low enrollment. In the event of circumstances beyond its

reasonable control, including acts of nature, earthquakes, fires, floods, inclement weather, civil disturbances, epidemics, pandemics, and riots OBT School will do its best, if possible, to offer make up class options in person or virtually. Make up class schedules are at the sole discretion of OBT School and may not accommodate each student’s specific scheduling requirements. In the event OBT is not able to offer make up classes due to a prolonged cancelation of one-month or greater, the organization will consider refund requests, though approval of a refund shall be at the discretion of OBT. Refunds exclude, but do not solely exclude, registration, finance, NSF, audition fees, and first tuition or housing payments within installment payment contracts.

 

Tuition Scholarships
OBT School makes annual, need-based financial aid available to students placed in Level 1 and higher.  Families are welcome to apply once per calendar year for Annual Session scholarships, typically in August, by completing the TADS online application and submitting the Scholarship Request form. Further information and instructions are available at school.obt.org and on OBT School’s blog. Given the limited amount of aid available, the scholarship application deadline is strict, and once passed, no further scholarship applications can be considered until the next session.

Families seeking aid for Summer Programs, Junior Intensive, and Summer Intensive only need to submit a Scholarship Interest form if they have already submitted a TADS application for the current Annual Session. If the family did not complete a TADS application for the current Annual Session, they will need to complete both the TADS application and the Scholarship Interest form by the due date.

By accepting a scholarship, students and family members agree to act as OBT School ambassadors. Additionally, the student and/or family may be asked to volunteer for OBT School and/or OBT programs as requested by OBT School staff. If a student or family member violates OBT School rules or policies, scholarships may be reduced or revoked at OBT School’s discretion. If a scholarship is reduced or revoked, the family is responsible for paying the balance of the recalculated tuition.

The Elena Carter Scholarship and the Franklin Award are Annual Session full-tuition merit scholarships awarded to one student each year.  The Elena Carter Memorial Scholarship commemorates the memory of Elena Carter, a former principal dancer with OBT and a focal OBT School faculty member, and is awarded to a student who shows great potential, leadership skills, and exemplary dedication. The Franklin Scholarship was presented for the first time in 2019 as part of a five year funding initiative to support and encourage male ballet students.

Academic School Credit and Volunteer Hours

Some local school districts and schools may allow high school students to receive credit for PE, art, or an elective by attending classes at OBT School. This exemption is not automatic and will only be granted as determined by the student’s academic school. Assisting and demonstrating in lower level classes may qualify for volunteer hours.  Please see OBT School's blog and contact the academic school for detailed information.
 

Attendance and Absences

Exemplary attendance is expected of all students and all absences are monitored. Excessive absences will result in a meeting with the School Director and may compromise level advancement.

Absence notification must be reported via OBT School Absence Form, https://forms.office.com/r/HNQSwrKqVT, this applies to in person and virtual classes.

Please do not send daily absence notifications to the School Director, School Manager or School Registrar, as these may not be seen in a timely manner. The absence will be relayed to the School Director and teacher. Students under the age of 18 are required to have a parent or guardian report absences.

Notification of one-week prior is required for excused absences. Please fill out the OBT School Absence Form with your request.

Examples of excused absences include medical appointments, auditions, college-related visits/interviews, family vacations, academic school related activities, etc

If a student is ill or injured, the absence will be excused if notification is received before the beginning of the student’s class time. Notification and a progress update is expected daily for a continuing illness or injury. All other same-day absences are considered unexcused.

School staff will contact the student or student’s family if the student misses class and the absence is not reported.

All students are expected to attend the entire duration of the Annual Session in which they are enrolled, except for reasons of documented illness, injury, or emergency. Barring documented long-term illness or injury, should a student become absent long-term or depart without notification/authorization before the end of the program, any and all tuition balances will be due immediately. If the student is a scholarship recipient, their family will forfeit the remainder of the scholarship received and owe the balance of the recalculated tuition. No pro-rating or credit toward future classes will be issued.

OBT School does not provide make-up classes for missed classes. Tuition credits and refunds are issued only in the event of long-term illness or injury.

Tardiness

We expect students to arrive at least 15 minutes before class. Students may be required to sit out of class and take notes if they are significantly late. This decision is usually at the discretion of the teacher. Excessive tardiness will result in a parent conference with the School Director.

Injury and Illness

If a student sustains an injury, whether during an OBT School class, OBT/OBT School rehearsal/performance, or outside OBT, it is expected that the student’s parents will keep OBT School apprised of the student’s progress for their own safety and well-being. Students who are unable to fully participate in class due to an injury, whether major, minor, chronic, or acute, must observe daily classes and take notes until recovered.

Please report an absence if a student has a contagious illness (upper respiratory infection, influenza, conjunctivitis, COVID-19, etc.) or symptoms that include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, congestion or runny nose, fatigue, muscle or body aches, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, pink eye, or rash, due to illness. It is required that you keep the student home for 24 hours after the last sign of symptoms to avoid the spread of disease.

Wellness Services and Referrals

OBT is dedicated to the health, welfare, and safety of all its artists and students. We strive to provide an environment that promotes healthy lifestyles and work habits so each person can become the strongest dancer possible. We also understand that, from time to time, families may seek resources to help their children achieve those goals. OBT School staff are happy to provide contact information for providers who routinely work closely with those involved in the art of dance. Please check the blog for a referral list. OBT does not provide diagnostic, medical, nutritional, or sports psychology services to its students. Our referral is for informational purposes only and families are responsible for the cost associated with these services.

Performance Opportunities

Stage experience aids students in developing the confidence and presence necessary to perform for an audience. The following performance opportunities are available to students in Level 1 and above:

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker (December performances)

All students enrolled in Levels 1-5 are encouraged to participate in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Full rehearsal, production, and performance participation is mandatory for all scholarship recipients. Casting is based on technical skill and costume constraints. Auditioning is required and families can check the Children’s Coordinator blog

at http://obtyoungdancer.blogspot.com for additional information.

Student Performance Series

As part of OBT’s Education and Community Engagement work, OBT Company and OBT2 members, and occasionally upper level OBT School students, perform age-appropriate programs for community groups and school classes as scheduled. Students are invited at the discretion of the School Director and Education and Community Engagement Director. An audition is not required

Annual School Performance (April performances)

Each spring, OBT School students in Level 1 and higher have the opportunity to participate in the Annual School Performance. Participation is strongly encouraged for all students. During the Annual School Performance rehearsal period, January through April, class may be combined or canceled to accommodate rehearsal. Technique classes will not be canceled, although some may be combined with another level. Being cast in a performance is not guaranteed. The program will consist of works chosen to display and elevate students’ technical development and artistry. An audition is not required. Families can check the Children’s Coordinator blog at http://obtyoungdancer.blogspot.com for additional information

Annual Spring Showcase

At the end of the Annual Session, Contemporary Modern Improvisation and Composition programming will be showcased. Students in Levels 3P through 6 will also have the opportunity to opt-in to the peer choreography workshop. These rehearsals will take place on Saturdays after ASP performances conclude. Participation as a is optional.

During performance rehearsal periods classes may be combined or canceled to accommodate rehearsal and performances. Technique classes will not be canceled, although some may be combined with another level.

OBT Company Productions

Depending on OBT’s season and production needs, students may be invited by the Artistic Director or School Director to perform in company productions. Auditions may be required.

OBT Family Ticketing and Subscription Benefit Programs
We not only appreciate the commitment families make to OBT School, but respect their dedication to their children’s growth as artists. We encourage all OBT School students and families to attend OBT performances, both for inspiration and for the potential to learn from the experience.

For any questions regarding purchase of subscriptions or tickets, please contact the OBT Box Office at (503) 222-5538.

Tickets to Company Productions
Subscriptions: OBT School families are eligible to purchase up to four (4) season subscriptions at half price in seating area four (4), which is located on the orchestra level of both the Keller and Newmark Theatres. This applies to both the “Company Package” and “Family Package”. This reduces your cost to one half the prevailing cost per seat for an entire season of incredible performances. A one-time season handling fee of $15 will apply per transaction for all subscription purchases.

Single Tickets: OBT School families are eligible to purchase Nutcracker tickets at 50% off the regular price with a cap of $400 worth of discounted tickets for each production, and 25% off the rest of the season with a cap of $200 for discounted tickets. This discount applies once single tickets have gone on sale to the public, which generally occurs at the end of August. Further details can be found on our website at www.obt.org. Subscriptions as noted above can be purchased at any time. A $4 per ticket handling fee will apply to all single ticket purchases. We understand that ticket exchanges will occur frequently for performances where your child may be performing but casting has not been released yet.  Any ticket exchanges made by OBT School families will not incur an exchange fee.

For any questions regarding purchase of subscriptions or tickets, please contact the OBT Box Office at (503) 222-5538.

Tickets to the School Performance
For School Performance ticket purchases, tickets will be offered at prevailing price and the 25% OBT School discount will not apply since it is not considered a company production. All single tickets will incur a $4 per ticket handling fee.

Families have two options for purchasing their School Performance tickets
1. If you are a subscriber to the current OBT season, you have the option of purchasing School Performance tickets at the subscriber rate of $25 per seat with the added benefit of no extra handling fees. Please see above for subscription discounts.

2. Group rates are offered for the School Performance. The minimum number of tickets needed to receive our group pricing is 6 people. Please inquire at the box office for more information on ticket pricing and handling fees.

Non-OBT School Dance Classes

The School Director works alongside OBT School faculty to provide students with consistency and continuity, in regard to technique and style.  For that reason, Annual Session students are highly encouraged to study ballet at OBT School.

Students may take forms of dance other than ballet, including academic school dance programs, yoga, strengthening, and Pilates outside of OBT School as long as there is no interference with their OBT School class schedule.

Summer Intensives

It is highly encouraged to participate in at least two-weeks of our summer programming.  No audition is required for OBT School students planning to attend OBT School’s Summer Programs, Junior Intensive, or Summer Intensive. Students will be placed in the level for which they are currently enrolled in the Annual Session. OBT School requests students who plan to audition and attend non-OBT School summer programs or intensives to communicate plans to the School Director prior to audition or attendance.

Student Helpers

Students in Level 2 and above may volunteer to assist with Pre-Ballet, Primary, and Primary 2 classes. Students receiving scholarship funds will be considered first. If a student would like to be considered to assist with these classes and has not been asked, please notify the School Director, Administrator, or Registrar.

School Communication
In an effort to conserve resources, all information, such as class schedules, schedule changes, important announcements, etc., will be posted directly to OBT School’s blog. It is recommended that students and families check the blog routinely for last-minute changes. Important information and announcements made through OBT School’s blog postings will also be communicated by email and posted inside the building on the bulletin board.

OBT School Blog Address: www.schooloforegonballettheatre.blogspot.com

Once you are comfortable accessing OBT School’s blog, please sign up for email updates. You can do so at the top of the blog’s main page.

Note: Email alerts are only a device to aid in communication. Do not depend on it for timely notice of all postings. Sometimes email alerts are immediate and sometimes delayed by a number of hours. Always check OBT School’s blog on a daily basis and use the email alert as a back-up.

Parking

The parking lot is reserved for OBT and OBT School employees and short term transactions at our front desk. Additional street parking and street car access is available nearby.

Drop-off and Pick-up Pre-Ballet and Primary students

• Parking-Please park along Bancroft or another nearby street.
• Arrival - Please plan to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before class, though no earlier than 10 minutes and accompany your student to the door to be received by an OBT staff member. Due to injury concerns, students arriving 5 minutes or later will be admitted to class only at the discretion of the teacher. Please keep in mind, arriving late can lead to disrupting the class and the student missing valuable class instruction. Students will be supervised by a staff member.
• To support a focused learning environment and safety, we ask that all Pre-Ballet and Primary parents and guardians drop their student at the front door and not enter the building.
• Preparation for Class - Upon arrival please report to the front door. Students should arrive already dressed in OBT School dress code, with street clothes on top. Students will prepare for class and leave their belongings in the lobby. OBT School’s dressing rooms are off- limits to Pre-Ballet and Primary students. Please be sure to read all Dress Code details, available on OBT School’s blog.
• Pre-Ballet and Primary students will be assembled and led by the teacher or student assistant from the lobby to class at the appropriate time. Any late arrivals should report to OBT School staff to determine if participation is still an option.
• During Class – Families can enjoy the local shops, eateries, and waterfront. Families are not permitted to enter the building or observe class until observation week.
• After Class - At the conclusion of class, the teacher will return students to the main lobby. After preparing to leave, Pre-Ballet and Primary students will leave the building via the front door when their parent or guardian is present. Please be present and available to pick up your child at the end of the scheduled class time.

We ask that parents and guardians wait outside the front door for students to be dismissed by our school staff. Please remember that the OBT parking lot is for employees only.

Drop-off and Pick-up Level 1 – OBT2 Students

Parents and guardians should drop-off their child at the front door. If there is a traffic line, please stop your car at the front door and then allow the student to exit the vehicle. The student must walk in front of the vehicle to the door, not behind the vehicle. Please use care and drive slowly while in the lot. No driver should ever allow the student to exit the vehicle before arriving at the door and then bypass the traffic line. Please note that drop-off is not monitored. If you are uncomfortable dropping off the student in this manner, you will need to find off-site street parking and accompany your student to the door. Students will need to check themselves in and out at the front desk, when entering and exiting the building.

Students in Levels 1, 2, and 2A, are not permitted to use the OBT School locker rooms and should come dressed in OBT School dress code underneath their street clothes.

Students, regardless of age or level, must verbally check out with the OBT School Registrar or staff person upon departure of the premises. Staff will always make visual contact with the authorized pick-up person. Unless the student’s OBT School registration form indicates they may depart the building unescorted, all students must be met in person or by vehicle by their parent/guardian or authorized driver. For their own safety, unescorted students may not be called across the street, to the public sidewalk, or into the parking lot.

If a student is departing with a friend or being picked up by someone other than the normal parent/guardian or authorized driver, parents must send a dated and signed note with the student or an email with the details. Please keep this in mind as your daily carpool or pick-up plans change. To make a permanent change to a student’s permission to leave premises or to the adults authorized to pick them up, please send an email to schoolofobt@obt.org. Students will not be released to another driver, no matter how well known the driver is to OBT School.

staff, without prior notification. This rule is strictly enforced for safety and liability reasons.

Late Pick-up

Students are to be picked up no later than 15 minutes after class ends. Parents or guardians who are late will need to park in an appropriate location and wait at the front door. After 20 minutes, a $25.00 late fee may be assessed per 20-minute increment. If you experience a problem and are unable to pick up your student, please call the school at (503) 227-6890.

Calling will not waive the late pick-up fee, but does alert staff to the situation. It is strongly recommended that this number be programmed into your mobile phone. The Late Pick-up policy applies to all OBT School classes, OBT/OBT School rehearsals, and performances.

Dress Code

All OBT School dress code information is available on OBT School’s web site and blog. Adherence to dress code is expected for in person and online classes.

Adherence to dress code is expected for in person and online classes.

Tights and Ballet Shoes:

Female Identifying:

· Skin-toned or pink tights should be matte (not shiny or Lycra), with no holes.

· Tights must be worn underneath leotard and must cover the whole foot in the shoes.

· Canvas ballet slippers must match the color of the tights (Ex. Skin-toned tights with skin-toned ballet slippers; pink tights matched with pink ballet slippers). Pink tights with skin-toned shoes or skin-toned tights with pink shoes are not permitted. Please replace the shoes when a hole is visible.

· Shoes should be neatly and securely sewn with like colored thread. NO safety pins.

Male Identifying:

· Black bike shorts or leggings with a white fitted shirt (pre-ballet/ primary)

· Black footed or convertible tights with a white fitted shirt tucked in or leotard worn under the tights (Levels 1-OBT2)

· Thin white crew-length dance socks (no tube socks) – All levels

· White canvas ballet shoes (All levels)

· Black canvas ballet shoes with no socks. black fitted shirt tucked in or black leotard worn under the tights (option for levels 4-OBT2)

· No skin-toned ballet shoes for classes or rehearsals

· Dance belts (undergarment) are required for levels 1 and above.

· Elastic belt or dress belt is required on the outside of tights for all male identifying students.

Non-Binary: Please contact the school director if an alternative option is needed for the student.

· Black bike shorts or leggings with a white fitted shirt or color specific class leotard. (pre-ballet/ primary)

· Black footed or convertible tights with a white fitted shirt tucked in or color specific class leotard (Levels 1-OBT2)

· Thin white crew-length dance socks (no tube socks) – All levels

· White canvas ballet shoes (All levels)

· Black canvas ballet shoes with no socks. black fitted shirt tucked in or black leotard worn under the tights (option for levels 4-OBT2)

· No skin-toned ballet shoes for classes or rehearsals

· Dance belts (undergarment) as needed.

· An elastic belt or dress belt is required for keeping tights up.

Religious or cultural dress code accommodations :

· We are supportive of any religious or cultural dress code preferences. Please contact the school director to discuss an appropriate option that best suits the needs of the student and family.

Hair:

· All hair is required to be pulled back into a neat bun if possible and fastened securely using a rubber band, multiple pins and a hair net that matches the color of the student’s hair.

· Students identifying as male or non-binary with long hair must wear hair in ponytail, single braid, or bun. Bangs must be pinned back away from face.

· Short hair needs to be fastened away from face. Bangs must be pinned back away from face. Head bands must match the student's hair color if needed to secure short hair.

· Students/ parents must be responsible for the necessary supplies to have their hair done before class time. No headbands, bandanas, bows, scrunchies, donuts, or other headwear which interferes with or distracts from class.

· Students in levels 6, Trainee, or OBT2 may wear hair in French twist.

· Hair may be worn in a ponytail or braid in designed classes at the discretion of the teacher. (Ex. Pilates, Modern, Strength & Conditioning, Improvisation, Contemporary, and Composition). Bangs must still be secure off the face.

· Unnatural hair color is permitted but must be removed prior to theater rehearsals, performances and photo shoots.

Warm-ups:

· Warm-ups are only permitted before and after class and rehearsal. Please remove all warm-ups prior to the rehearsal or the first combination beginning. Fitted warm-ups are allowed for theater warm up classes only or when observing a class. If a warmup item is needed due to helping an injury, prior instructor approval is needed.

Pointe Shoes:

· Pointe shoes readiness is determined by the School Director and School Faculty. If this is your first year on pointe, do not buy your shoes without prior instruction from the school Director. Fittings will be scheduled to assist you in your purchase.

· The color of the shoes, elastics and ribbons must match the color of the tights.

· Shoes must be securely and neatly sewn with like color thread.

· Additional instructions will be provided to qualified students during the first month of classes.

· All pointe shoes brands permitted except Gaynor Minden. Pointe shoes must be approved by the School Director or instructor prior to sewing.

· Pointe shoes must be brought to every class ready to wear.

Jewelry, Nails, Tattoos:

· No jewelry, watches, necklaces, chokers, anklets, watches, fit bits, bracelets, or rings. Exceptions can be made for health, cultural, and religious purposes but must be approved by the School Director.

· Visible permanent or temporary tattoos are not permitted for theater rehearsals, performances, and photo shoots.

· Facial Jewelry (Ex. Nose rings and studs, eyebrow, and lip piercing, etc.) is not permitted for any classes, rehearsals, or performances.

· Students are permitted to wear small stud-type earrings in class. Not permitted for theater rehearsals, performances, and photo shoots.

· Levels 6, Trainee, and OBT2 may wear small drop earrings, no longer than ½ inch. Not permitted for theater rehearsals, performances, and photo shoots.

· Nails are to be kept short (max length of ¼ inch) for safety purposes. Nail polish is permitted for class, but no nail adornments. (ex. Jewels) No Nail polish for theater rehearsals, performances, and photo shoots.)

Extended Curriculum Classes:

· Pointe, Variations, Repertory: Level dress code is required for all classes. A short black wrap or pull-on skirt may be permitted by the instructor. No high-low or skirts longer than mid-thigh.

· Contemporary, Modern, Improvisation and Composition: Black leotard permitted, black tights, leggings, or mid-thigh length fitted shorts. Black socks or bare feet permitted with the

teacher's permission. NO garbage bag pants/shorts or baggy clothing. Athletic tank top or fitted shirt permitted but must cover mid-section when actively moving. No bare legs.

· Flamenco: Black character or flamenco skirt with black 1” character shoes

· Strength and Conditioning: Any athletic clothing must cover chest to mid-thigh, no exposed midriff.

· Holiday Dress: Observed on Valentines Day and Halloween: Themed costumes or leotards permitted to allow movement. Colored tights, make-up or hair accessories permitted. The torso and legs must remain covered when moving.

· Free Dress: Observed only on pre-determined days to be communicated out in advance. Free dress only applies to wearing a different colored leotard for female identifying or non-binary students, tights must still be worn under the leotard and into the shoes. Different colored tights for male identifying student may be worn, no shorts or cut off tights. Female identifying students may wear a short to mid-length ballet skirt of any color. All other dress code guidelines still apply including hair, nails, tattoos, jewelry.

OBT School equally supports the following dance apparel and footwear stores that carry our dress code items. Discounts may be available to OBT School families upon request. 

Dance Togs                         The Leotard                         Portland Dancewear
3835 SW Hall Boulevard     2432 NE MLK Boulevard     9225 SW Hall Blvd.
Beaverton, OR 97005         Portland, OR 97212             Portland, OR 97223
(503) 644-7545                   (503) 284-9244                    (503) 746-4552
dancetogs.net                     theleotard.com                     portlanddancewear.com

Locker Rooms
Locker rooms are provided for students in Levels 3 and above. The locker rooms are not supervised and are to be used for changing only. Students are not to gather and socialize in this area. Food consumption in the locker room is strictly prohibited. Inappropriate behavior in the locker room will result in loss of locker room privileges.

Students are expected to use a locker. On the first day of class students should report to the School Registrar for locker assignment and to provide their lock combination. Only combination locks are to be used, and the basic turn-dial Master lock is preferred. Keyed locks and the lock brand WordLock are prohibited. If the combination changes, the student must provide the new combination to the school immediately. Should a lock need to be removed by OBT School staff or a locksmith, the student or their family will be responsible for a cutting/removal fee of $50.

Food and/or drink may not be stored in lockers overnight. Students storing illegal or controlled substances, tobacco or marijuana products, or weapons in their lockers will be immediately expelled with no refund of tuition. Lockers are intended for storage of street clothes/shoes, jackets, purses, jewelry, wallets, electronics, and phones while the student is in the studio. Dance bags with pointe shoes/pointe supplies may be taken into the studio and stored along the wall; do not store belongings under the center barres. There should never be unattended personal belongings left in the locker room or common areas. Please lock up all items of value (mobile phones, wallets, purses, jewelry, money, etc.), or leave them at home or with a family member. OBT School/OBT does not accept responsibility for damage, loss, or theft of personal belongings. Report any locker damage or loss of personal belongings immediately to OBT School staff.

Locker checkout will occur on the last day of the Annual Session. The interior of each locker must be emptied, and the interior and exterior must be cleaned.

Storage Cubbies
Storage cubbies are located across from the restrooms. Cubbies may be used to store dance bags and other personal items during classes, however cubbies are open and unsecured. All valuables, wallets, electronics, etc. must be locked in assigned locker, or left at home or with a family member.

Hygiene
As a courtesy to staff, faculty and fellow students, please use deodorant shortly before class. Offensive personal hygiene will be confidentially addressed.

Dress code items should be laundered on a regular basis. It is suggested that multiples of each dress code item be purchased so that clean items can be worn to each class.

Ballet shoes can hold unpleasant odor. Canvas ballet shoes should be machine washed on a cold, delicate cycle with liquid detergent. Allow them to air dry in a warm place. Pointe shoes should be hung to air on a regular basis.

Ice Bin
Students are prohibited from obtaining ice without permission from an OBT school staff member.

All injuries occurring on the premises, requiring ice or not, must be reported to OBT School staff immediately.

Restrooms
There is to be no changing in any restroom/restroom stall. It is inconsiderate to those waiting to use the facilities.

Common Areas
These areas are for warm-up, preparing for class, quiet socializing, and cooling down. These are also the only areas where food can be consumed and should be disposed of in nearby receptacles. All noise must be kept to a minimum as a courtesy to other students and OBT/OBT School staff. Students who are repeatedly asked to lower their voices will be asked to separate themselves from the group, and may have their family contacted to address the issue.

OBT Box Office and Lobby
Due to current health concerns, parents and family members are asked not to enter OBT's building. School business should be conducted via email and phone.

Electronic Devices

Electronic devices, including mobile phones, smart phones, tablets, game systems, computers, etc., should be used only for school or ballet homework or for necessary parent communication. No electronics are allowed for entertainment purposes or social media in the hallways or locker rooms.  Inappropriate online content should not be viewed at OBT School and can lead to dismissal from the school. If use of a device becomes an issue, it will be confiscated by OBT School staff and securely stored until the student leaves for the day. If the device becomes a repetitive issue the student’s family will be contacted. OBT provides wireless internet access for its registered students for educational needs. Please see OBT School staff for the current access point and password. Our guest network is not secure, you are responsible for all activity and any sensitive information you send or receive over this network from your personal device.

It is strongly recommended all students have a mobile phone and share this phone number with the school. This number will be used only by staff in emergency situations or in the case of absences. Mobile phones must be turned off or set to silent/vibrate upon entering the building. OBT School staff will turn off phones not set to silent and heard ringing. Please keep phone calls brief and to an absolute necessity.

Students who make frequent and long calls will be asked to refrain from doing so. Use of mobile phones in any of the studios, including texting, is prohibited. Any student caught texting, making a call, or taking photos or video in the studio during class will be reported to the School Director. Out of respect to faculty, staff and fellow classmates, always ask permission before taking photos or video. Students found taking photos or video without permission will be subject to disciplinary action by the School Director.

Student Conduct

Students must show consistent effort and progress, and behave in a disciplined, responsible, and respectful manner to fellow students, teachers, pianists, staff, and company dancers. Any violation of the Student Conduct policy, on or off-site, by the student or the parent/guardian, will result in a meeting with the School Director, and may result in the loss of scholarship and/or suspension or expulsion from OBT School. Any issues with a fellow student or OBT employee must be handled by meeting with the School Director to resolve the issue not through peer to peer communication. All communication between the School and other students is to be kept private and not shared on social media or within the OBT community.

Parent & Family Member Conduct

Any concerns with OBT, including the School, are to be resolved in a mutually respectful manner free of verbal abuse, physical violence, or threatening behavior. Failure to do so may lead to a family being dismissed from the school.

Mutual Respect & Zero Tolerance Policy
OBT School is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where all students are valued and respected. To this end, all students are to interact with each other in a respectful manner.

OBT School is a safe and welcoming environment. We welcome all students regardless of age, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, national origin, disability, race, size, religion, sexual orientation, or socioenomic background. 

OBT School will not tolerate, nor support in any way, acts of bullying behavior.

OBT School staff will communicate with students to educate them about mutual respect, bullying behavior, and its prevention.

Students are asked to immediately report instances of bullying or aggressive behavior to a teacher, the School Director, School Administrator, or School Registrar. Any student seen or proven to be in violation of the above will be dismissed immediately from the school without any reimbursement of tuition.

Any of the following actions or behavior will not be tolerated and may be the basis for immediate dismissal from the school without tuition refund.

• Tobacco or marijuana use of any kind on or near the premises.
• Consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages, drugs or any other illegal substances.
• Physical, sexual or emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, commission of any violent act, and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health, safety, or emotional well-being of another.
• Harassment of another person, whether physical, sexual, verbal, written, or via Internet.
• Possession, use and/or display of weapons or harmful materials.
• Theft of any kind.

Oregon Ballet Theatre School
2022-2023 Annual Session Handbook Signature Page

I,, and

 (Name of Student)

I,,

 (Name of Parent/Guardian)

have read the 2022-2023 Annual Session Student and Parent Handbook in its entirety and have discussed the contents prior to the start of the program. We have had the opportunity to ask questions of the school and hereby agree to abide by all policies, regulations, and protocols stated herein.

(Student Initials Required Level 1 through OBT2)                                    Date (MM/DD/YYYY)

(Parent/Guardian Initials Required if Student is 17 Years or Younger)       Date (MM/DD/YYYY)

Please electronically sign and date this document prior to the beginning of the program.

To access your copy of these documents please follow this link to MINDBODY and navigate to Documents.