PRE-PROFESSIONAL BALLET ACADEMY

TRAINING STUDENTS TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL

Washington Ballet Academy Summer Session 2024

Discover the artistry and discipline of classical ballet alongside innovative world premieres in our Summer Session. Immerse yourself in a journey through the spectrum of human emotions with our carefully curated repertoire. Dive into a series of events, classes, and more, designed to elevate your passion for dance to new heights. Join us for an unforgettable summer of growth, creativity, and inspiration at Washington Ballet Academy.

schedule

classes

dress code

join a class

We are thrilled to announce our first ever summer intensive! This program is designed for dancers of all levels who wish to dive deeper into their ballet training in a fun and encouraging environment.

This intensive will be led by our experienced ballet instructor Caleb Leitch, with surprise quest teachers along the way, and will focus on technique, strength, and performance. We believe this is a wonderful opportunity for your children to enhance their ballet skills and to experience the joy and discipline of dance in a supportive and creative environment.

TUITION
5-Week Term

PINK | $90 pay in full May | $100 pay in full June/July
TEAL | $280 pay in full May | $300 pay in full June/July
BLUE | $370 pay in full May | $400 pay in full June/July
PURPLE | $450 pay in full May | $500 pay in full June/July

CLASSES
BALLET
CONDITIONING
ELECTIVE
Pointe + Variations + Pas de deux + Guest Teachers

SUITABLE FOR
Ages 5+

Class Levels

Pink

AGES 5-7 / PRE-BALLET
This level is designed for young children aged 5 to 7 years old. It's an introductory level where the students will learn the basics of ballet and classroom etiquette. The focus is on developing a solid foundation in ballet technique with an emphasis on proper posture and alignment. The students will also be introduced to musicality and rhythm through fun and engaging exercises.

REGISTER HERE

TEAL

AGES 6-9 / LEVEL 1
This level is designed for children aged 6 to 9 years old. The curriculum at this level introduces students to more complex ballet movements, while still focusing on the fundamentals of ballet technique and posture. Creativity and musicality are further developed through imaginative exercises and simple dance combinations. Students at this level begin to learn the discipline required to participate in a structured class environment.

REGISTER HERE

BLUE

AGES 8-12 / LEVEL 2
This level is designed for children aged 8 to 12 years old. It introduces students to a more rigorous ballet training, incorporating advanced principles of ballet technique and posture. Emphasizing precision and fluidity, students at this level will engage in complex combinations and sequences. They will also start to learn about artistic expression in dance, integrating emotion and storytelling into their movements.

REGISTER HERE

PURPLE

AGES 10+ / LEVEL 3
This level is designed for children aged 10+ years old. It introduces students to a more rigorous ballet training, incorporating advanced principles of ballet technique and posture. Emphasizing precision and fluidity, students at this level will engage in complex combinations and sequences. They will also start to learn about artistic expression in dance, integrating emotion and storytelling into their movements.

REGISTER HERE

meet the founder

For those of you who don't know me I'm Caleb Leitch, I have a deep and enduring love for the art of dance, which was cultivated from a young age. I began my formal dance training at thirteen and quickly developed a passion for the craft.

Over the years, I have trained in various forms of dance, from classical ballet to modern and contemporary dance, under the guidance of some of the most respected names in the industry.

I am thrilled to announce that I am opening my own dance school, Washington Ballet Academy, and I would be honored if you would join me in this exciting new venture. This school will not only be a place to learn and grow as dancers, but also a community where our shared passion for dance can flourish. I look forward to creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for our students together.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Dress Code

Policies

Scholarships

  • Adherence to the dress code allows students to focus fully on their studies and shows formal respect to the faculty, fellow students, and the long-held traditions of ballet.

    All students must adhere to every aspect of the dress code.

    ALL STUDENTS

    Eyeglasses are not permitted in Level 2 and up for safety reasons.
    Leg warmers are not permitted in class.
    Students taking modern/contemporary may wear ballet slippers and socks, but footed tights without slippers are not allowed.
    Ponytails are acceptable in modern, stretch, contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop classes.
    Favorite Color Leotard Week and Birthdays: Students may wear their favorite solid color leotard. The rest of the dress code requirements still stand. Leotards cannot have crisscross straps, zippers, halters, velvet, lace, cut-out backs, or any other adornments. Gentlemen may wear any solid color tee shirt and tights (no neon tights).

    PRE BALLET

    Students are required to wear form-fitting, movable clothing, and their hair should be tied up and away from their face (in a bun, ponytail, etc.). While there are no specific uniforms or hairstyles required at this level, note that if your child wishes to continue in the program, they will be expected to wear uniforms starting with level 1.

    BALLET LEVELS 1/2/3

    Ladies

    Pink or flesh-tone tights, ballet slippers, and pointe shoes.
    Convertible tights are acceptable, but ankles and feet must be fully covered. Tights must be in presentable condition (no rips).
    Hair must be in a neat bun. If your child has bangs or short hair, it must be pinned back. Small Hair accessories are permitted (ex: flowers, headbands, bows, scrunchies, etc.).
    No jewelry of any kind, except small stud earrings. No watches.
    Only pale pink or clear nail polish is permitted in class.
    Undergarments are not worn under tights. Leotards must have no adornments, such as velvet, cut out backs, lace, multi-color trim, etc.

    Gentleman

    Levels 1
    Socks must be worn with footless tights or bike shorts.
    Dance belts must be worn under all tights and shorts.
    White t-shirt T-shirts must be tucked into tights. T-shirts with logos are not permitted.
    Black ballet slippers with white socks.
    No facial hair. No jewelry, watches, etc.

    Level 2 & 3
    Socks must be worn with footless tights or bike shorts.
    Dance belts must be worn under all tights and shorts.
    May wear black or white ballet slippers, with white or black socks.
    No facial hair. No jewelry, watches, etc.
    Level 3 may wear gray or colored tights on Saturdays.

  • RESPECT & CONDUCT
    WABA promotes a respectful and supportive environment. Any form of bullying or disrespect towards peers or teachers will not be tolerated.

    Make space, take space. Students are expected to participate in classroom exercises and discussions while being mindful of others around them, and allowing everyone the space to participate, grow and learn.
    Good days and Bad days. Ballet is both a challenging art form and sport. Your child will receive constant encouragement and support. However, as with any discipline, they will inevitably experience good days and bad days. We strongly urge families to regularly check in with their children and maintain a supportive and encouraging attitude.
    Treat others as you would like to be treated. In the classroom or rehearsal room, all students, staff, and parents are expected to conduct themselves with kindness and respect.

    STUDENT ETIQUETTE
    Students are expected to behave appropriately and adhere to all WABA policies at all times. We trust our students to represent WABA at its best, meaning all faculty, staff, peers, and studio space are to be treated with respect. This includes:
    No talking during class
    No inappropriate talk in the dressing rooms or hallways
    No food or drink (except water bottles) in the studios
    Respect others’ personal belongings
    Picking up and throwing away any leftover food or trash
    Personal items should be brought into class — WABA is not responsible for any lost or stolen items

    ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
    Students should arrive wearing their dance attire and will be greeted by a WABA representative at the studio entrance. All students must wear cover-ups and street shoes when arriving and departing the building. Bathrooms are available and will be open but dancers are not encouraged to use the stalls as changing areas.

    ATTENDANCE
    It is of utmost importance to understand that regular attendance in class plays a pivotal role in ensuring consistent progress and development in ballet training. By maintaining a constant presence, you can stay updated with the course content, actively participate in class discussions, and grasp the complexities of the subject matter more effectively. Therefore, a steady commitment to attending class is crucial for a healthy and comprehensive understanding of the material being taught.
    If students exceeds more than ten absences per term, students may be subject to level reassignment for the remainder of the term.

    TARDINESS
    Students who arrive more than 10 minutes after class has started will be asked to sit and observe the class. Warming up at the beginning of class is essential for injury prevention.
    If a student is late, they should wait at the door of the studio until the teacher invites them in. If a student is observing class for any reason, they are permitted to be in warm-ups.
    If you know ahead of time that your student will be tardy or absent, please email info@washingtonballetacademy.org or reach out via the BAND app with a note about the tardiness as soon as you are able.

    PUNCTUALITY
    Students should arrive at least 15 minutes before class to prepare and warm up. Latecomers may be denied entry as it disrupts the class and can lead to injuries if proper warm-up is missed.

  • Payments can be made by visiting washingtonballetacademy.org with a credit or debit card; cash or check will not be accepted.

    Based on your tuition payment schedule (either by full-term payment or month-to-month), your payment must be completed by the first Monday of the term. Refunds will not be provided for missed classes.
    A discount will be applied to full-term tuition payments.

    LATE FEES
    Late fees will be applied to any tuition payments that are not received by the second Monday of the month. If you are paying for term tuition in full your invoice needs to be payed by the first day of classes. If you full term tuition payment is not completed by the first day of classes you forfeit your discount and will have to pay month to month for the remainder of the term. if you have any questions about tuition or payments please reach out to us at info@washingtonballetacademt.org, please do not approach instructors during or between class times about payments.

  • REFUNDS / CREDITS
    Tuition is non-refundable.
    Credits toward future enrollment are issued provided notification in writing is made during the first three weeks of the program.
    Credit requests should be submitted via e-mail.

    WEATHER CLASS CANCELLATIONS
    Announcements will be posted on our social medias and in the parent BAND app.
    In case an emergency closing is needed, an announcement for classes will be made by 1:30pm.

  • Sibling Discount-

    Full term tuition payment-

    Dance Sponsorship/Adopt a dancer program-

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