School Handbook

2024-25 PBT School Handbook

About PBT School

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

PBT’s diversity statement applies to all PBT community members:

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is committed to increasing equity, access and opportunity in the art of ballet. We believe that bringing together people with diverse perspectives, histories and life experiences will make ballet richer, stronger and more innovative — resulting in vibrant experiences for all.

MISSION

To be Pittsburgh’s source and ambassador for extraordinary ballet experiences that give life to the classical tradition, nurture new ideas and, above all, inspire. From Pre-ballet to Pre-professional, we guide dancers every step along the way.

PBT School, the official training institution of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, is recognized as one of the nation’s finest schools for dance education and training. Under the leadership of Dean of PBT School Raymond Rodriguez and PBT Artistic Director Adam W. McKinney, PBT School cultivates the next generation of professional dancers and provides a diverse, classically based curriculum to more than 1,500 students of all ages. Many PBT School instructors are certified through level 5 in the American Ballet Theatre curriculum. While students grow in their technique and artistry, PBT School works to instill a long-term appreciation for the art of ballet and the values it embodies.

PBT School is committed to:

• Providing ballet education and training of the highest caliber that prepares students for professional careers in dance

• Welcoming students of all levels, interests and backgrounds

• Fostering an equitable and inclusive environment

• Focusing on the dancer as a whole person and nurturing them into creative, confident and well-rounded individuals

VISION

To unleash ballet’s vast potential to enrich lives.

Dress Code

Please view our Dress Code here for information on required dress code items for your dancers division, as well as policies for hair, jewelry, and body art.

Children's Division Dress Code Options 1&2
Student Division Dress Code: Options 1&2
Pre-Professional Division Levels 6-8 & Graduates:

For hair tutorials and reference photos, please click here. Please email us with any questions.

Please note:

• Students should not wear their dance shoes outside.

• Students’ dancewear should not be visible when entering and leaving the PBT Studios, the

theatre, or any other PBT School event.

Evaluations

Each student will receive a written evaluation at the conclusion of each school year. The evaluation will provide feedback from faculty regarding the students progress throughout the year, as well as a placement for the next school term and summer. Please read below to view evaluation information for each division.

Children's Division

Students in the Children’s Division will receive a written evaluation in the family portal at the end of the school year, including their placement for summer and the following school year.

Student Division

Dancers Levels Preparatory and Level 1 in Student Division will receive a written evaluation in the family portal at the end of the school year, including their placement for the summer and the following school year.

Dancers in Level 2 will have their first evaluation class in February of the school year, to evaluate their progress and determine if they are ready to progress.

Dancers in Level 3-5 of the Student Division will have two evaluations per school year. The first evaluation class will take place in the fall, and the second will take place in the spring. These evaluations are to track progress and evaluate if they are ready to move to the next level in the following school year.

Pre-Professional Division

Dancers in the Pre-Professional Division in Levels 6-8 will have two evaluations per school year. The first evaluation class will take place in the fall, and the second will take place in the spring. These evaluations are to track progress and evaluate if they are ready to move to the next level in the following school year.

Summer Programs

Children's Division Summer

Classes

Students in the Children’s Division are eligible for classes in the level that they finished for the

school year. Like an academic school, the dancers will stay in their level until the fall when they advance to the next level. For example, if your dancer was in Pre-Ballet 3 for the year, they will stay in Pre-Ballet 3 for the summer, and attend Pre-Ballet 4 in the fall.

Summer Workshop Series

Summer workshop dates and themes will be announced later in the school year. These will be communicated via email, posted on the pbt.org site, and also on social media. Families can likely expect a Sunday themed workshop each month, and also a 'weeklong' workshop sometime during the summer. In 2024, the Sunday workshops included a Fancy Nancy Mermaid Ballet workshop, a Nutcracker in July workshop, and a Peter Pan workshop. The weeklong workshop featured an 'All About Ballet' theme and was held in August for four days.

Student Division Summer

Levels Preparatory, Level 1, and Level 2

June & July

Dancers will have workshops designed specifically for their level. In summer of 2023, we offered our Two-week Workshop for June and July, with classes 3 days a week. The curriculum included ballet, jazz, and conditioning. The last day of the workshop is a family observation class.

August

In August, we offer a 1-week workshop themed around repertoire that will be performed by PBT later in the season. For 2024, we offered a Wizard of Oz workshop. This workshop is typically Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 9-1 p.m. The curriculum included ballet, jazz, conditioning, and repertoire from Wizard of Oz. The last day of the workshop includes a demonstration for families to view what the students learned.

Levels 3 & 4

June & July

Dancers are eligible to attend our 3-Week Youth Summer Intensive in July. This intensive

is designed specifically for dancers in these levels, and is a great introduction to a summer

intensive! The curriculum includes ballet, pointe, variations, jazz, conditioning, and repertoire. The program concludes with a demonstration at the end of the program.

August

Dancers in Levels 3-5 are eligible to attend one week sessions of evening classes that will offer a combination of ballet technique in addition to a jazz or conditioning class. Dancers may attend one or two weeks.

Pre-Professional Division Summer

ISP (Intensive Summer Program)

Dancers in Levels 5-8 and Graduates are strongly encouraged to participate in our 5-Week Intensive Summer Program. The curriculum consists of ballet, pointe, variations, pas de deux, contemporary, modern, and repertoire that will be shown at the end of the program. In addition todance classes, we offer seminars on injury prevention with Physical Therapists from UPMC.

In addition to the curriculum above, there is an opportunity for Student Choreography, where

students will apply to be a choreographer, and will be mentored by faculty member Jamie Erin Murphy. The program will conclude at the end of the ISP with an in-studio demonstration.

Company Experience

Dancers ages 16 and up (PBT School Level 8 and Graduates) are also welcome to audition for our two-week Company Experience. This rigorous workshop is designed to emulate the company dancer experience featuring classes taught by PBT company members and faculty. The curriculum consists of ballet, pointe, variations, pas de deux, contemporary, and repertoire. The program will conclude at the end of CE with an in-studio demonstration.

A summer page detailing program offerings for each division will be shared closer to January.

Attendance, Arrival, Dismissal

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance to all classes is necessary. Attendance is a strong consideration when placing students for the next school year. Attendance is also an important factor when considering eligibility for School performances. Students who miss more than 10% of classes should expect performance participation to be affected. Students/families must log absences in their Family Portal in advance of any class that will be missed. Children’s & Student Division students may make up missed classes in an equal or lower level class option. Students arriving 15 minutes late for class must observe class only, in order to prevent injury, which can result from a lack of warming up the body.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

PBT School follows Pittsburgh Public School District in any delays or closings due to inclement weather. This is publicly available on KDKA, WPXI, and WTAE, and will be communicated to our families via email or text as soon as possible. We post any weather delays or cancellations on this site here and will also note it in our Family Portal, as well as send an email.

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL

All parents/guardians will ensure that their child enters the PBT School building for their class. We ask that families arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before their class begins. Families will make every effort to pick their children up from PBT School on time. In the event that the parent or guardian is unable to pick up their child on time from PBT School, the family should notify PBT School by calling the front desk.

Parents/guardians should park their cars in the PBT School parking lots and meet their younger students at the building for dismissal. Young students are not permitted to go through the parking lot or cross the street alone to meet their parents/guardians at their car. There are limited spaces in the main lot, and these spots should be reserved for faculty, musicians, and families of students who will be physically escorted into and out of the building.

If you are picking your child up using the drop-off/pick-up lane, please wait in the lot across the street until it is time to pick up your dancer. Please do not leave your vehicle unattended in the drop-off/pick-up lane. Please do not wait on Liberty Avenue and cause traffic if the main parking lot is full. It is for the safety of all PBT School students and families that these rules for dismissal are followed.

Student Conduct & Expectations

STUDENT CONDUCT

All students will be courteous and respectful to one another, to their teachers, and to all School Staff, Company Staff, and dancers. The Dean will address concerns with any student whose attitude, discipline or overall conduct is unsatisfactory. We wish for all students to respect others, respect property, respect authority, be safety-minded, and to show integrity as good citizens.

PBT School student expectations:

Students must promptly report any injury or illness that occurs while they are at the School to their teacher, School administrative staff, or Dean. Any injuries taking place outside of PBT should also be promptly reported as it would affect the training or rehearsals.
Students are expected to arrive and leave PBT School (and other sanctioned facilities and events) with appropriate clothing covering their dancewear.
Students must respect that the School common and office areas are work places. Students will conduct themselves appropriately, talk quietly, and keep the common areas clean.
Students are responsible for their own belongings. No valuables should be left unattended in the dressing rooms or studios. Personal items left at PBT School will be placed in the Lost and Found for a maximum of two weeks only. Items not claimed within that time will be removed from PBT School.
Students should not cause distraction in the hallways of the building at any time. Failure to follow instructions may result in dismissal.

BULLYING & HAZING POLICY

PBT School is dedicated to providing all residents with a safe and healthy environment where they can grow both artistically and personally. This policy protects everyone from bullying/aggressive behavior and seeks to affirm the dignity and worth of each individual.

PBT School maintains a strict no bullying policy. Students who verbally or physically cause harm or threaten to cause harm, who physically or psychologically intimidate another student, name-call or harass other students for any reason will be subject to disciplinary action and/or may face immediate dismissal from PBT School.

PBT School strongly encourages students and/or parents to notify the School Office with their concerns regarding student conduct. In situations of immediate conflict, students and families should seek help from Front Desk staff and/or School teachers. School faculty/staff should be made aware of the conflict so that they may mediate and help bring resolution to any problems that may arise.

Bullying may be electronic, written, verbal, physical, or a series of acts. The below classifications warrant School involvement:

directed at another student or students
occurs in a school setting (on school grounds, in school vehicles, or at any activity sponsored, supervised, or sanctioned by the school)
is severe, persistent, pervasive
has interfered with a student’s education
has created a threatening environment
has substantially disrupted the orderly operation of the school

PBT School bases its bullying policy off of the PA Anti-Bullying Law for educational institutions. Any violation of this policy will result in the student being subject to discipline at the discretion of PBT School staff and faculty.

PBT School considers hazing in any form a serious offense and does not differentiate in terms of degree. PBT School reserves the right to determine the violation of PBT School’s anti-hazing regulations in terms of PBT School’s definition of the anti-hazing law, civil prosecution notwithstanding. In 2018, Pennsylvania added Chapter 28, regarding minors, the Anti-Hazing Law (Title 18; §2802). In addition to any criminal and civil penalties, students found responsible for violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, with penalties that can range to expulsion from PBT School.

ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, & OTHER DRUGS

PBT School takes its responsibility to prevent alcohol, drug, and tobacco use seriously and maintains an environment free of these substances.

All students at PBT School are to abstain from the consumption, possession, sale, or transport of alcoholic beverages. All students are expected to refrain from the possession, distribution, use, and sale of illegal or unlawful drugs, and the inappropriate use, sale, or distribution of prescription drugs, at all times. PBT School forbids any drug and alcohol related paraphernalia.

PBT School prohibits underage smoking or the use of nicotine products (including chew, vaporizers, and e-cigarettes) and strongly discourages the use by of-age students. Use or possession of any of these products or related paraphernalia is not permitted in PBT Studios or at a School event. ALL PBT School properties are smoke—and tobacco-free.

If PBT School reasonably suspects that a student is in violation of any of the above policies, they may require the student to be evaluated for substance abuse, which may include drug testing and/or alcohol screening.

THEFT & SEARCH

PBT School will not tolerate the theft of any School or other student’s property. Students who participate in any theft face immediate dismissal from PBT School.

PBT School reserves the right to perform bag checks if there is suspicion of any illegal or harmful substance being brought to the Studios or to a School-sanctioned event or if there is suspicion of theft. Any student found in violation of these policies will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the program.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Upon violation of any guidelines outlined in this Student Handbook, the student will face disciplinary action that is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Dean of PBT School and/or PBT School faculty/staff.

Potential disciplinary actions include but are not limited to:

Immediate contact of parents/guardians with notification of policy violation
Meeting with the Dean of PBT School
Privileges revoked (such as performances)
Suspension/Probation from class or performances without refund
Expulsion without refund

Tuition, Payment, Withdrawal, Refunds

When enrolling in PBT School programs, please remember that although payments may be divided throughout the year, students are registered for the full school year (September-May).

TUITION

Tuition may be paid either in full or in payments according to the available payment schedules. Tuition payment reminders will not be sent. Payments will be automatically charged according to the selected payment plan to the card on file in the Family Portal. To update your credit card on file, please see the Family Portal Guide.

Tuition deposits will incur for all Student Division and Pre-Professional Division year-round students. These deposits are taken out of the full tuition pricing and are strictly non-refundable. Registration fees are due upon registration and are strictly non-refundable. If applicable, an installment fee would be due and is strictly non-refundable. To read more, view the Payment Policy in the Family Portal. This can be located under "messages" on the side tab.

Repeated failure to pay tuition may impact enrollment. For account inquiries, please contact the School Office.

ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT

Beginning on June 1, 2025, all credit card payments processed will incur a surcharge. This surcharge covers the processing fee at the rate of 2.69% and it is applicable to credit card transactions made with a MasterCard, Visa, or Discover. This helps cover the increasing costs associated with credit card processing fees. American Express will not be accepted. Debit or prepaid cards are accepted and do not incur a surcharge.

Families are also welcome to pay via check. For those submitting a check, please ensure that the check is received before the payment due date listed in the detailed payment policy. Please complete the following for payment via check:

Checks should be made payable to Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School. In the memo line, please list the name of the student(s).
In the envelope (addressed to PBT School), please include a payment slip.
To mail a check, please address it to PBT School at 2900 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. Care/of can be addressed to Autumn Lenze, School Registrar.

WITHDRAWAL & REFUND POLICY

School registration is an important commitment. When registering in any of the school’s programs, families should understand that we expect students to complete the full year as scheduled (September through May) unless extenuating circumstances present themselves. PBT School relies on accurate enrollment numbers to plan for each school year. Accordingly, student withdrawal after registration often requires significant administrative time and reconfiguration beyond the act of simply removing an individual student from class rosters.

Our withdrawal policy is not intended to be punitive, but rather intended to allow space for changes in individual family circumstances while also recognizing and respecting the impact withdrawals have on the organization. Tuition deposits and registration fees are considered non-refundable in all circumstances. Tuition is refundable or may be adjusted only under the circumstances listed below.

When withdrawing a student from the any division, the following apply:

Parent/Guardian must officially withdraw a student by email notice submitted to our Registrar and Enrollment Manager, Autumn Lenze. Withdrawal requests may not be made by telephone.
Notices of withdrawal do not apply retroactively (i.e. we are not able to accept withdrawal notifications for dates that have already passed.)
Failure to attend classes does not constitute official withdrawal. Notification to the instructor does not constitute official withdrawal.

Prorated refunds will be offered only in the case of documentable health needs. In these cases, documentation from a doctor should be submitted via email to our Registrar at the time of giving withdrawal notice.

For withdrawals not related to documentable health needs, the following terms apply:

• If notice is received prior to the start of the first scheduled class in September, all future invoices will be canceled and all tuition already paid will be refunded (other than the non-refundable deposit and fees)

• If notice is received after the first scheduled class, a prorated refund will be provided, minus a 25% cancellation fee assessed based on the remaining tuition due. For example, if a student withdrew during the academic year and their prorated remaining tuition owed was calculated at $1000, the student would owe a $250 cancellation fee to PBT School and would be issued a refund or cancellation of future charges in the amount of $750.

SIBLING DISCOUNT

For each additional non-scholarship student registered, there is a 10% sibling discount. All sibling discounts apply with the percentage deducted from the lowest tuition. Discount(s) will be reflected in the final tuition payment and will be managed automatically through the database.

SUBSCRIBER DISCOUNT

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Subscribers can receive a 5% discount on student year-round tuition. To apply this discount, please email Registrar and Enrollment Manager Autumn Lenze with notice of your Subscriber status as well as your dancer’s name after registering.

MID-YEAR REGISTRATION, PRORATED TUITION

Students registering after the start of classes will be eligible for prorated tuition charges. Tuition will be prorated manually following registration. Please note that for those who register after the start of classes and who have selected a payment plan, the first partial month will be automatically charged along with the first full month, unless a payment is made manually. [For example, if a student joins in the middle of October, they will be charged for that amount plus the November amount on the November auto-charge date. The regular monthly payment would then begin in December.] This includes any registration fee, installment fee, or deposit, if applicable. Please also note that these fees are not subject to proration. For any specific inquiries, please contact the School Office.

The Nutcracker: About, Policies, Fees

The Nutcracker

ORIENTATION

Orientations will take place before the Nutcracker audition to share an overview of the process with school families. We will hold two options for orientations before the audition, as well

NUTCRACKER AUDITION

To participate in PBT’s The Nutcracker, students must attend the Nutcracker Audition. The audition is open only to PBT Students in Levels 1-6 of the Student and Pre-Professional Divisions where they will have an audition where they will be taught steps from The Nutcracker, and everyone will have an opportunity to try the steps. School faculty will be present to teach choreography and determine casting. Full casting will be announced approximately two weeks before rehearsals begin. Beginning in Level 7, school artistic staff will select a role for students in Levels 7, 8 and the Graduate Program.

The 2024 Nutcracker Audition will be held on Saturday, September 21 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. It is only open to students in Level 1 through Level 6.

NUTCRACKER FEE

To participate in The Nutcracker, students will be required to pay a fee of $110. This performance fee will not be required until after the casting notice is received, but will be due before rehearsals begin.

CASTING

Dancers will be divided into two or three casts, and will share the total of 21 performances. Dancers are not placed into one cast or another depending on ability or favoritism. Carpool requests, logistics, and siblings are a part of casting considerations.

REHEARSALS & PERFORMANCES

Dancers must be available for each of their assigned performances. Any conflicts, for rehearsals or performances, must be noted in advance on the Nutcracker Intent to Perform (audition registration). We try to honor any pre-existing commitments as much as possible when considering casting and participation. Rehearsals will take place both at PBT Studios and at the Benedum Center, depending on the rehearsal date. The full rehearsal schedule will be available at the time of the Nutcracker Audition registration. Performances of The Nutcracker will always take place at the Benedum Center for Performing Arts downtown.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

Parents/guardians who volunteer for performances of The Nutcracker will receive a voucher for each performance. This voucher will grant one free admission to a performance of The Nutcracker. Volunteer assignments will be given based on availability of the volunteer and what is needed backstage.

Performance dates of The Nutcracker 2024

Friday, December 6, 2024 – 11:00 AM – Student Matinee

Friday, December 6, 2024 – 7:00 PM

Saturday, December 7, 2024 – 2:00 PM

Saturday, December 7, 2024 – 7:00 PM

Sunday, December 8, 2024 – 12:00 PM

Sunday, December 8, 2024 – 4:30 PM

Friday, December 13, 2024 – 7:00 PM

Saturday, December 14, 2024 – 2:00 PM

Saturday, December 14, 2024 – 7:00 PM

Sunday, December 15, 2024 – 12:00 PM

Sunday, December 15, 2024 – 4:30 PM – Sensory-friendly Performance

Thursday, December 19, 2024 – 7:00 PM

Friday, December 20, 2024- 7:00 PM

Saturday, December 21, 2024 – 2:00 PM

Saturday, December 21, 2024 – 7:00 PM

Sunday, December 22, 2024 – 12:00 PM

Sunday, December 22, 2024 – 4:30 PM

Monday, December 23, 2024 – 7:00 PM

Thursday, December 26, 2024 – 2:00 PM

Thursday, December 26, 2024 – 7:00 PM

Friday, December 27, 2024 – 2:00 PM

Spring Performance: About, Policies, Fees

Participation in Spring Performance is highly encouraged for all eligible students. It is a wonderful opportunity to perform with the whole school and gain valuable performance experience. To participate in Spring Performance, families must fill out the Intent to Perform Form, which details the dates for rehearsals and performances. Dancers must be able to attend all mandatory rehearsals and performances to participate in Spring Performance.

There is no fee for participation in Spring Performance.

Ballet costumes are provided for the students. Jazz and Modern costumes may require a small purchase.
Performances will take place at Point Park University’s Playhouse PNC Theatre.
A virtual orientation will follow after Winter Break with further information.

Building Policy

BUILDING POLICY

Parents/guardians of all dancers will be allowed to wait in the lobby of the building during the duration of their child’s class period only. All parents/guardians must sign in upon entry. Children must not be left unattended in the lobby more than 15 minutes ahead of their class time. Students should be picked up promptly following their class.

Children’s Division Classes

Restrooms: During our 45 minute Children’s Division classes, parents/guardians are encouraged to stay at the PBT Studios to assist with restroom trips. In the event your dancer needs to use the bathroom, a teacher or assistant will take your dancer out of the studio and will first look for you. If we cannot find a parent/guardian a teacher or assistant will bring your child to the restroom and assist them as needed. If you do not want a teacher taking your child to the restroom, please let us know in writing by emailing us at: pbtschool@pittsburghballet.org

DAMAGES

Families are responsible for any damages caused (by their student or any family/guest belonging to them) to any facility or vehicle used for the duration of all programs. This includes the Byham Center for Dance, as well as any theaters, residence halls, campus buildings, or any vehicle used for student transportation.

*Access to the building is considered a privilege and is not guaranteed. Parents/guardians who do not follow the code of conduct may be denied access to the building at PBT School discretion.

EXPECTATIONS FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

• Be respectful toward all employees of PBT and PBT School.

• Respect that our building is a place of employment and education, and that parents/guardians are guests in the space.

• Be respectful of other PBT School families. With the exception of any parent/guardian volunteers who have been asked to help coordinate rehearsals or performances, no parent/guardian may discipline a child not their own. Any concerns should immediately be directed to the School office.

• Arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before class and leave following the completion of class.

• Families are not permitted elsewhere in the building.

• Refrain from disrupting class or observing through the windows. This is distracting towards both students and faculty. Taking photos or videos of classes is strictly prohibited.

• Request an appointment, at least two weeks in advance, to meet with the Dean, teachers, or other School staff.

Safety Policies & Procedures

PBT School is committed to maintaining a healthy school environment that allows all students to participate in and fully enjoy their dance training. By enrolling in PBT School, parents and students agree to abide by the following safety guidelines, policies, and procedures.

INJURY & ILLNESS

If your dancer is sick, please do not send them to class. Student absences may be reported in the family portal. Should a student suffer a prolonged injury or illness, parents are required to provide PBT School with written notification from a physician that permits the student to resume classes. PBT School also requests any medical information or recommendations that may inform PBT School’s teachers on how best to work with that student as they recover. Information should be directed to the School Office, which will then notify the appropriate teachers.

A student may visit the onsite professionals of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine while they are in the building if they are available at that time. If it is recommended (by a faculty member or UPMC employee) that a student needs to see a specialist, the student will be responsible for making these appointments, checking to see if their insurance covers the service, and arranging and paying for transportation to and from the appointment. Unless it is an emergency, School/residence hall personnel cannot accompany students to and from these appointments.

IN-CLASS INJURY/ILLNESS

Students who become ill or develop a minor injury during School hours should immediately report this to their teacher or other School Staff members. In such instances, students are expected to continue their class as an observer, if possible.

MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION

It is understood that consent is given in advance of any emergency, diagnosis, or treatment required while the student is a student at PBT School, that this acknowledgment authorizes designated school personnel to exercise their best judgment should action be warranted to ensure student's safety, life, and health. Parents/guardians also assume the responsibility for the payment of any such treatment.

It is imperative that PBT School have accurate medical information. In the spaces provided in registration and in your portal account, parents/guardians should describe what needs to be communicated to PBT staff/faculty and/or medical professionals. This includes what should be done in case of an emergency when religious beliefs prohibit any emergency medical attention for accident, sickness, or injury.

MEDICATIONS

PBT School does not permit School staff members or teachers to provide or administer over-the-counter medication.

WEAPONS

Possession and carrying of a weapon by any person other than authorized security personnel on PBT properties or at any PBT-sponsored event is strictly prohibited. Any weapon found on PBT properties or at any PBT-sponsored event may result in discipline, such as removal or a permanent ban.

EMERGENCY

In the event of an emergency, our faculty and staff will follow their emergency manual and training to best ensure safety to all students. Certain safety drills may be practiced during class time.

In an event of a necessary evacuation, faculty and staff will usher students out of the building to a designated location. Students are not allowed to leave on their own and must be picked up by an adult. The pick-up location will be communicated to families as soon as possible; this may be off-site if deemed necessary.

MANDATED REPORTING

At PBT, all faculty and staff are legally required to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the relevant authorities. Due to the typically vulnerable nature of these situations, PBT faculty and staff strictly follow the guidelines outlined through Pennsylvania Law.

TEACHER-STUDENT CONTACT

In teaching the art of ballet, as well as other dance disciplines offered by PBT School, it is entirely appropriate for a teacher to put 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. In enrolling their child in PBT School, parents acknowledge that it is PBT School practice to correct students with physical contact. PBT School does not tolerate any teacher-student contact that is harmful or inappropriate.

Miscellaneous Policies

VEHICLE

Transportation for PBT School-sponsored events shall be by company-owned or commercially-owned vehicles whenever possible. Privately owned staff vehicles may be used for transportation when it is deemed the most practical or the only possible method of transportation. Some examples may include medical emergencies and overflow transportation to PBT-sponsored events.

PHOTO & VIDEO POLICIES

By registering, parents sign a photo/video release which authorizes PBT School to use images of their child for School promotional purposes. PBT School restricts the use of such images to archival needs or School marketing opportunities. PBT School does not permit or authorize the use of such images by any individual or other entity outside PBT School.

PBT School does not permit parents/guardians to photograph and/or video record during Observation Weeks. For the safety of the performers and with respect for copyright laws, PBT School does not permit any unauthorized photography or video to be taken during any showings, demonstrations, classes, workshops, or performances.

PBT School also prohibits any unauthorized or inappropriate use of images taken of PBT School students while they are engaged in School activities. Recording another individual without their express consent is also strictly prohibited.

MEDIA

Dancers and their families should avoid posting to social media or speaking with the media (television, newspapers, etc.) in such a manner that would convey that they are speaking on behalf of PBT School. PBT School employees are the only ones who should be conveying official news, updates, and information. This includes in the event of an emergency so as to protect the safety and dignity of others and to ensure that misinformation is not spread.

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