Thank you for your interest in The Children’s Ballet. To view questions and answers, click on a topic below:
About Our Studio
Why choose The Children’s Ballet?
Since our founding in 1987, we have been dedicated to helping students develop self-discipline, dedication, positive self-esteem, and an appreciation for the art of ballet.
As a nonprofit school, we emphasize accessible dance education, welcoming students of all ages, experiences, and backgrounds. Our highly-trained staff is committed to educating and enriching each student, and inspiring their unique gifts of creativity in a safe studio environment.
Students who join The Children’s Ballet, including very young students, receive a classical ballet education, learning about classical music, composers, French ballet terminology, and how dance can tell a story without words. Some of our older students graduate to college and professional dance programs.
Every student is given an opportunity to perform before their families and their peers with pride and excitement. Each year, the school produces its hallmark original, full-length ballets, written and choreographed especially for that season’s dancers.
At The Children’s Ballet, we truly believe that dance is for everyone and that art can foster community, create positive influence, and inspire the individual.
Where are you located?
Danville Studio: is located in downtown Danville at 51 South Tennessee Street, close to the Danville Public Library. Ample parking is available in a lot across Tennessee street. There is limited parking behind the studio and on Tennessee street.
Plainfield Studio: is located in downtown Plainfield at 211 West Main Street, across from Hendricks Live! and the Town of Plainfield Government Center. Ample parking is available in a public lot next to the studio. There is limited parking behind the studio. Class entrance is through the back door.
What does ‘non-profit’ mean?
Being a non-profit dance school means that we are exempt from paying taxes, allowing us to put more money toward fulfilling our mission. It also allows us to apply for grants and government funding. While student tuition pays for our studios and programs, grants and donations allow us to broaden our scope and impact in the community.
Do you offer any classes other than ballet?
The Children’s Ballet is a classical ballet school. Our philosophy is that classical ballet is the basis for most forms of dance, so we believe that dancers need to have a solid foundation in classical ballet prior to taking other forms of dance. Occasionally we offer other forms of dance education, as well as an adult ballet class as our schedule allows.
Why don’t you participate in competitions?
The Children’s Ballet is a non-profit community ballet school, so our focus is on performing rather than competing. Our classes and performances emphasize teamwork, collaboration, and storytelling, rather than individual achievement.
What are the volunteer and support opportunities at The Children’s Ballet?
We have several volunteer and support opportunities during performances, and throughout the year on our Board of Directors. You can also make a tax-deductible donation to The Children’s Ballet at any time from our website.
How can I stay informed?
All communication happens by email so please make sure we have your email address up to date and check it regularly. Our school’s website at www.thechildrensballet.com and Facebook page are also excellent resources for staying in touch with current news and offers. Occasionally, we will text with important updates. You can also always ask a member of our staff. Parents are encouraged to set up conferences with teachers when needed. Email (firstname)@thechildrensballet.com.
Tuition & Fees
How much do your classes cost? What are your tuition policies?
Tuition payments are made monthly, on the first business day, via automatic withdrawal from a bank account or card. Families are responsible for keeping their financial information up to date through the parent portal. We do not accept payments at the studio.
A $70 costume fee will be due at registration + tuition for August.
Students in more than one class per week will have additional costumes at $70 each. All costume fees are due by winter break.
December tuition is 50%. There is a $15 monthly tuition discount for each additional student from the same family. The tuition discount for boys is 50% per month.
- Ballet I-III: $70/month
- Ballet IV (2 hours per week): $105/month
- Ballet V (2.5 hours per week): $130/month
- Ballet VI (5 hours per week): $185/month
- Ballet VII-VIII (6 hours per week): $250/month
How do your tuition fees compare to other dance schools in the area?
As Hendricks County’s only non-profit dance school, we are committed to affordable dance education for all students. Our per-hour costs are significantly lower than other dance schools in the area. Click here to download our latest comparative analysis of area dance schools.
Your tuition payments cover all operational costs of the studio, such as teacher salaries, rent and utilities, insurance, and administrative costs.
If I miss a class, can I receive a refund?
Fees are not reduced if a dancer misses a class. Class openings are reserved for your student regardless of attendance. If a class in cancelled, a make-up class will be scheduled.
Click here for the 2023/2024 season holiday schedule.
Our Classes
What are the The Children’s Ballet’s expectations of parents and students?
Parents are expected to support their child’s dance education. We expect our students to arrive on time for their classes with proper, clean attire and hair supplies, be rested, in good health, with nutritional support before aerobic work (i.e. not hungry because they did not get a snack after school).
We have found that the biggest stress students feel is arriving late to class. Parents alleviate this fear by allowing extra time to navigate traffic and parking.
A safe and positive studio environment is conducive to teaching, learning, and having fun — and is essential to our success!
Students should:
- Listen politely and follow directions.
- Be courteous, polite, and encouraging to your classmates. Dance requires teamwork!
- Respect your teacher and classmates in your words and actions. Thank your teacher at the end of class.
How do you place students in classes?
We consider age as a general guideline, but the most important factor is experience. For those who have previously been with the school, instructors will advise when it’s time to move up a class level. Students spend an average of three years at each level in order to acquire the strength and skills needed to succeed while still being challenged.
How many students are in each class?
For our younger classes we limit enrollment to 12 students. Each class must have at least 3 students or it may be cancelled.
Do parents need to stay at the studio during class?
Our waiting rooms are small so, while you are welcome to stay and wait, we encourage you to take time for yourself while your dancer is in class. If you do choose to stay in the waiting room, please keep distractions and noise to a minimum.
What should my student wear to class?
Students should arrive for class ready to dance, with hair neatly in place and wearing clean, uniform ballet attire.
Girls wear plain black leotards (no skirts or embellishments), pink footed tights, and pink leather ballet slippers. Bind hair in a ballet bun or secured braids away from the face. Boys wear black shorts or sweatpants, white shirt, and black ballet shoes. Please no street shoes on the dance floor. Also, ballet shoes should not be worn outside.
Uniforms can be ordered through our online store: https://www.shopnimbly.com/thechildrensballet
Required dancewear may also be found at Kinney Dancewear in Noblesville, other websites (such as Discount Dance or Amazon), and occasionally at Walmart or Target.
What is the purpose of the dress code?
The Children’s Ballet’s dress code is designed to encourage cooperation and discipline among its students. Instructors are also able to see the body’s form to ensure that the dancer is moving safely and correctly. A dancer should focus on developing technique and artistry without distraction of loose or cumbersome clothing. Ballet shoes and leotards are available to borrow from the studio — feel free to ask your instructor.
When do students begin pointe?
Students will begin pointe when they are developmentally ready and have had enough training to safely begin this physically demanding form of dance. Typically, the earliest a dancer begins pointe is around 12 years of age.
What do I do if my student has to miss a class?
Please notify the studio as soon as possible before your student’s class begins. You may call or text 317.316.7373, or email your instructor (first name)@thechildrensballet.com.
How do you handle holidays and weather cancellations?
Consult your student handbook or the ‘Your Studio’ page on our website for exact dates of this season’s holidays. For weather cancellations, we follow the school corporations’s decision on school days. Saturday class cancellations will be communicated by email/text. All closures will be announced via social media as well.
Are trial classes available?
We would be happy to offer a free trial class prior to enrolling your student at The Children’s Ballet. In order to schedule your trial class, please email info@thechildrensballet.com. A staff member will reach out to you within a few days to set up an appropriate trial class.
Performances
Will my dancer have an opportunity to perform with your school?
At the end of each season, The Children’s Ballet casts and stages two performances of an original ballet written and choreographed especially for that season’s dancers. The story and parts are announced in early January.
In addition to the two full-length productions in May, The Children’s Ballet participates in community performances through collaboration with various arts organizations and local non-profits throughout the year.
At Christmas, The Children’s Ballet performs The Nutcracker! Auditions for The Nutcracker take place before classes begin and rehearsals are most Saturdays in the fall.
Why an end-of-season performance and not a recital?
Full-length ballet performances are often called ‘story’ ballets and typically have two or three acts. Our spring performance ballets are original and choreographed for that season’s dancers, featuring each class as part of the narrative. Students learn how a ballet tells a story without words.
A collaboration of this scale offers a unique experience for students, allowing different ages and levels to come together and work as a company. Through the production process, dancers develop a strong sense of confidence, discipline and self-motivation.
Does my dancer have to be in the spring performances?
The performance includes parts written and choreographed for each dancer, and in-class rehearsals start in January. While we offer rolling ‘open’ enrollment until Christmas break (space permitting), classes should be set when rehearsals begin. Parents should notify the studio if their student must withdraw by the end of December. Your costume (registration) fee is refundable.
What is expected during performance week?
All rehearsals/performances for the spring performance take place at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield the week leading up to the performances. Rehearsal schedules are published early in the spring semester.
During the short blocking rehearsals and full-cast run through, parents are in charge of their own children; however, during dress rehearsal and performances, children will be supervised by parent volunteers in the green room at HL!.
Do I have to purchase anything for the performances?
When you register for classes at The Children’s Ballet you will pay $70 per student for performance costumes. This fee is refundable until winter break. Those with more than one costume will pay $70 for each additional costume. Payment for all costumes for the spring performances are due by winter break. There is no refund for costumes once orders are placed.
Tickets for the performance go on sale the first of April and are $15 for adults and $7 for children.
Why do I have to pay for a costume and for tickets to see my child perform?
Our school asks that you purchase a costume, rather than charging a performance fee (as some studios do) to cover costumes. Ticket sales help us cover the cost of production, which can include sets and props, facility rental, production staff, and more. We believe that art has both intellectual and financial value, and is worth investing in.
2023-24 SEASON SPONSORS
