Introduction
Welcome to the Houston International Ballet Academy. Our programs and policies are designed to provide every student with a professional training atmosphere. Our schedules provide training to all levels of ballet, from the serious student to the recreational student. We endeavor to pass on to all of our studnets the love and dedication deserving of the art of dance!

Registration and Tuition
An annual registration fee of $30.00 is charged each year. A family rate of $50.00 is available when enrolling more than one child per family. The fee is payable upon enrollment.

Tuition is due on the first lesson of the month. Rates are based upon hours of training per week. Monthly payments are based upon each month having 4 weeks, although some months may have more or less. Tuition is not pro-rated for absences. Make-up classes will not be given for holidays. A child may make-up a missed class by letting the office know in advance that the child will not be attending class and then scheduling a date for the make-up class. All make-up classes must be taken in the month which the student missed their regular class. Payments received after the 10th of the month will be assessed a $10.00 late fee. There is a $15.00 fee on all returned checks. Students wishing to withdraw should do so in writing prior to the first of the month.

Attire
Most classes have a reommended attire. Please note carefully the attire requirements for the student's class so they are properly prepared. Students must be in proper dress code to attend class, although we realize that occasional acceptions will happen. No student will be allowed to attend class without shoes. leotards, and tights. Shoes can be purchased at various dancewear shops and department stores in the area.

Shoes
Ballet shoes should fit snugly, with no room for growing. Loose shoes pose a tripping hazard and hinder the proper development of the dancer's training. If the student is in the beginning levels of ballet, please ask the instructor about proper shoe fit. Please sew elastic to shoes. Tying elastics rather than sewing the elastics onto canvas shoes can lead to tendonitis. All students must wear shoes in class. Bare feet or stocking feet are not acceptable as student could injure themselves. Students without proper footwear will be designated to watching class.

Pointe shoes for beginning pointe classes should be checked by the instructor before the ribbons and elastic are sewn in place and the shoe is worn.

If any student needs help in the proper attachment of ribbons to shoes, please ask an instructor.

Tap shoes for the pre-ballet classes should be black with a low heel, and we request the ribbon tie be replaced with an elastic band. Ask the instructor if more details are needed.

Leotards
Most classes have a recommended leotard color. All styles except one strap leotards are acceptable. Saturday classes are color optional days, and the student is not required to wear dress code colors.

Tights
Both seamed and seamless tights are acceptable. Girls should wear solid pink tights. Footless tights are not acceptable for technique or pointe class. Black tights are acceptable only on Saturdays.

Skirts and warmers
Skirts and warm-up clothes may not be worn in ballet class (adult ballet excluded from this rule). They may be worn before and after class and skirts will be allowed in advanced level pointe class and pas de deux.

Boys and Men's Attire
T-shirts may be long sleeved, short sleeved or sleeveless. Shirts must not cover the hips. White or black men's leotards are acceptable in advanced levels. We request that men sew elastic to their shoes and recommend canvas over leather. Tights should be solid black and please note shoe color for class level.

Personal Appearance
Hair should be neatly pulled back from face at all times so as not to interfere with vision or movement. All female ballet students are required to pull their hair back in a bun or similar fashion. Male students with long hair must also secure their hair so as not to interfere with training. Pre-ballet and beginning level student's can ask the class instructor for instructions if needed. Hair and attire need to be ready before student's designated class time.

Jewelry should not be worn during class. Simple stud earrings are an exception.

Gum chewing, food, and drinks are prohibited in the studios and hallways at all times. Students may use the student lounge for snacks and beverages.

Attendance
Students are evaluated twice per year. Ballet students must pass examinations in technique and repertoire to advance and/or maintain class placement. It is important that the student attend the class program as scheduled in order to progress with training. We recommend that all students arrive a minimum of 15 minutes prior to the scheduled class time in order to warm-up before class. It is our policy to refuse any student into class who arrives more than 10 minutes late or is unprepared in proper attire. Inconsistent attendance or excessive absences are not acceptable in the Ballet program and could result in loss of class placement.

Parking
All students, except advanced levels and adults, will not be allowed to exit the building without a parent or guardian. Please park in lot next to building and do not block building door. Students will not be released to parents waiting in cars.