Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the school year?

Our annual season begins in September and ends with our recital in June.

We also offer summer classes in June and August. 

We do not hold classes during the month of July because we encourage our advanced dancers to audition for summer intensive programs around the country. For a complete list of preferred schools, please stop by the office. 

How is tuition handled?

Our annual tuition is paid in two installments (50% is due upon enrollment and the remaining 50% is due on December 1st). We accept credit card payments through our secure online system. Please email us at info@ryeballet.com for more information. We offer a sibling discount of 5% for families with multiple students. Tuition is non-refundable. 

Please see the "Levels" page for tuition pricing.

What should I wear to class?

For information about our Required Uniforms, please see the "Levels" page.  Please see the "Policies" page for information on general ballet attire.

Do you STAGE a Nutcracker PERFORMANCE?

Yes! We partner with The Yorkville Nutcracker choreographed by Francis Patrelle. Students may audition for parts in early September in New York City. Generally, rehearsals for younger dancers will take place at RBC in Rye and rehearsals for older dancers will take place at Ballet Academy East in Manhattan. The performance will be at Hunter College in Manhattan in mid-December.

Do you have a SPRING recital?

Absolutely! Rye Ballet Conservatory stages our annual recital in June. Each year, we choose from one of our many story-driven ballets set to orchestral works that are inspired by our Director's time at New York City Ballet. Our ballets are original pieces that are tailored to the individual abilities and talents of our students.

You don’t need to decide whether your dancer will participate in the recital upon enrollment. You will be asked whether your dancer would like to participate in the recital in late November. Participation in our recital is optional, but 99% of our students do participate.

We charge a fee to participate in the recital, depending on your dancer’s level. This fee will be added to your second tuition installment that is due on December 1st. The fee covers our cost of staging the recital as well as your dancer’s costume rental. Costumes are returned to Rye Ballet Conservatory after the recital.

Do I have to wear my hair in a bun?

Absolutely! Fastening hair in a secure bun is an important part of the beauty and discipline of ballet. A secure bun gives the student freedom to concentrate on her technique instead of fussing with her hair.  Watch Miss Ashlee demonstrate how to make a basic ballet bun in the video below!

When do ballet students start en pointe?

Students start pointe by invitation from the Director only in our Upper School following a thorough pointe readiness examination. There is no specific age for starting pointe. In determining pointe readiness, each student is evaluated by her length of study, weekly attendance, muscular strength, and anatomical makeup of the foot.   RBC partners with Samara DiMattia, a local physical therapist who focuses exclusively on dancers, to evaluate pointe readiness.

What is your policy on attendance and tardiness?

In order for all of our students to excel in ballet, we ask that students attend all classes and make-up any missed classes in a prompt fashion. Each level’s weekly schedule has been carefully considered by our experienced faculty to help facilitate balletic knowledge, growth and confidence.

Please schedule a make-up class by emailing info@ryeballet.com. Due to current constraints on the number of students permitted in the studio, students may not take a class that he or she is not enrolled in without scheduling the make-up class in advance.

It is important to be on time in life and it is the same here at Rye Ballet Conservatory. Students should arrive fifteen minutes before class to stretch and warm-up. Arriving after class starts is disruptive to the teacher and the other students. Any dancer who arrives more than ten minutes late will need to report to the office before entering the studio.  Dancers who arrive late may be asked to sit and watch class. 

Do you hold classes for boys?

Yes! RBC offers a beginner boys-only class. This class is a great introduction to ballet and focuses on athleticism, jumps and fast footwork. Dance training will improve all aspects of boys’ athletic performance, including coordination, strength, balance and mental focus, and can supplement other sports commitments.  Boys who wish to further their dance education can join our co-educational Conservatory Program.

Can my child take extra ballet classes per week?

Absolutely! We love when dancers are excited about ballet and want to take more classes! Contact Miss Ashlee to ask about adding classes to your child's schedule!

Will my child move up a level each year?

It is common and expected for RBC dancers to remain in their level for multiple years. All of our levels are based on ability. Similar to growth spurts, progress in ballet comes at different times and ages for each individual student.

When determining whether to advance a student, our teachers carefully consider a few things:

1) Does the student demonstrate a productive work ethic?

2) Does the student maintain a consistent level of focus during class?

2) Has the student understood and executed the curriculum presented to them?

3) Has the student established proper structural alignment in their movements?

4) Does the student have good attendance?

5) Does the student seem mentally, physically and emotionally prepared for the next level of their training?