AYBT Handbook 2024 2025 1 : simplebooklet.com

Registration and Tuition • Annual registration fee - $25/student – This is nonrefundable and helps cover non-tuition essentials to keep monthly tuition costs lower • Tuition is due on the 1st and payable by the 10th day of each month, August through May. A $10 late fee will be assessed after the 10th. Only past due accounts will be billed. • Full year tuition must be paid by September 10, and half year tuition must be paid by September 10 and January 10th or the account will revert to monthly payments. • Tuition will not be prorated or refunded for missed classes. Students may make up classes any time during the term in which they are missed in any class that is at their current level or lower. Please inform instructor that the student is making up so attendance can be recorded. • Refunds are available only in case of prolonged illness or a family moves out of the area. Refunds cannot be made for involvement with sports teams, school plays, personal vacations, family visits, expected childhood illnesses, or loss of interest. • There is a $35 fee for any checks returned or resubmitted for insufficient funds. • Tuition is based on a ten month academic year. It is assumed that all students will enroll for the entire academic year, but if you choose to discontinue a class, please give a 30 day notice to the office in writing at aybt@aybtheatre.org to avoid being billed for that month. If notice isn’t given in writing to the office, AYBT reserves the right to continue to bill until formal notice has been

Page 4

Page 5

Page 6

2024-2025 Calendar SCHOOL YEAR DATES August 5, 2024 – May 18, 2025 SEMESTER DATES • Semester 1: August 5, 2024 – December 21, 2024 • Semester 2: January 6 – May 18, 2025 SCHOOL CALENDAR Open House: August 3, 2024 First Day of Classes August 5, 2024 Auditions for the Nutcracker • Company- August 17, 2024 • Open- August 24, 2024 Nutcracker Performance: December 20-22, 2024 Spring Show: April 25-27, 2025 School Showcase Date: May 21, 2025 Alabama Dance Festival: January 24-26, 2025 SCHOOL CLOSURE DATES Labor Day: September 2, 2024 Fall Break: September 29-October 6, 2024 (Nutcracker rehearsals will be held Sept 28) Thanksgiving Break: November 26-December 1, 2024 (Classes will be held November 25, 2024) (Nutcracker rehearsals will be held November 30 and December 1) Winter Break: December 23, 2024 – January 5, 2025 Spring Break: March 9-16, 2025 (Spring performance rehearsals will be held March 15) Last Day of Classes: May 17, 2025 WEATHER CLOSURES Closings due to weather correspond with Huntsville City Schools

Page 7

Class Descriptions • DanceFUN(damentals): 1, 2, & 3 is for ages 3, 4, and 5 respectively. It provides an excellent foundation for the study of all forms of dance • Pre-ballet: ages 6 and 7, based more on ballet principles, but still emphasizes the “fun” aspects of dance • Music & Movement: This class invites preschool students ages 3-5 to explore and experience foundational elements of movement and music through play-based activities. • Ballet 1: for ages 8 and up with no dance experience or for age 7 with previous dance training. Beginning ballet technique includes barre, center, and traveling exercises. • Ballet 2-8: placement by ability. Each level increases strength, ease of movement, and knowledge of ballet vocabulary • Boy’s Class**: a separate ballet class for boys ages 6-9 with little or no training • Teen/Men’s Ballet**: a separate ballet class for older boys with dance experience • Teen/Adult Ballet: ages 12 and up with little or no ballet training who would like to start or resume ballet class, but do not want to be with younger dancers • Jazz 1 and Tap 1: ages 7 and up with no previous dance experience, age 6 with previous dance experience • Theatrical: Ages 7 and up; must have some dance experience, preferably ballet • Modern 1 and Hip Hop: ages 8 and up with no experience or age 7 coming from DanceFun or other creative movement programs **denotes tuition free of charge (registration, costume and recital fees still applicable) thanks to the Huntsville Arts and Cultural Grant program

Page 8

Class Placement/Evaluation • Ages 8 and below are invited to register for classes for their respective age level; no evaluation is necessary. New students over the age of 8 will be evaluated to determine the appropriate level placement based on many factors including age, ability, and dance experience. Please contact the school director at aybt@aybtheatre.org to schedule an evaluation. • Some classes require prerequisites or permission of instructor. • Current students will be assessed each spring semester and given a written placement card with the levels of classes they may register for in the upcoming year. • Dance levels are not like grade school where students automatically move up each year. Students move up based on their application & execution of curriculum, performance, and technique in class. We want to ensure each dancer has mastered the skills required in that particular level before moving to the next level. • Many of our students remain at a particular level for several years receiving the best education and training to help them gain confidence in skills and learn in a safe and progressive path. Directors and teachers thoroughly consider each student’s progress when dancers are placed in levels. There is no re-leveling based on the opinions of parents or students. • Non-Discriminatory Policy – AYBT admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, religion, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship, programs, and other school-administered programs.

Page 9

Attendance • Regular attendance is essential to the development and advancement of each student. Students with exemplary attendance gain a better understanding of their physical abilities, proper ballet technique, and the art form overall. Absences, regardless of the reason, can affect a student’s ability to be promoted and will affect the quality of our performances if rehearsals are missed. • Any students who are more than 10 minutes late or are not adequately prepared (proper dance attire and hair) for class may be asked to observe the class for safety reasons and decision will be left up to the discretion of the instructor. Students who arrive late to a class already in session should only join the class after the instructor has given permission. • Make-up Policy: If you miss class due to illness, injury, or weather cancellations, you may make it up in another class that is in the student’s current level or a level below at any time. There are no refunds or prorated tuition rates for missed classes. Please inform instructor that the student is making up so attendance can be recorded. • Injured students or their parent, if the student is a minor, are required to inform directors or teachers of their injury and will be required to provide updates As stated in the AYBT injury policy. • Severe Weather Class Cancellations: In the event of severe weather, AYBT generally follows weather related cancellations in conjunction with Huntsville City Schools (HCS). In the event HCS declares a “Virtual Learning Day”, AYBT will make the decision to cancel or alter the days schedule of classes by noon or earlier that day. We notify parents of closures though the email account on file with the office. • Severe Weather During Class: If there is a severe weather alert that is a “watch”, then the teacher will be notified; if the alert is a “warning” for our immediate area, then students and teachers will proceed to the designated safe location in the building (downstairs hallway, dressing room, and bathrooms) . Note: Any student who wishes to proceed to the designated safe location before the teacher deems it

Page 10

necessary, will be excused from class to do so. Class Attire • DanceFun – any color leotard, pink footless tights, bare feet • Pre-ballet – any color leotard, pink tights, ballet shoes • Ballet – any color leotard, skirts (optional), pink or black tights, ballet shoes • Partnering - any color non-slick leotard, if worn skirts must not tie, pink or black tights, pointe shoes • Boys/Men – black tights, leggings, jazz pants, or bicycle shorts, t-shirt, black shoes • Hip Hop, Theatrical, and Jazz – form fitting workout wear and jazz shoes • Modern – form fitting workout wear and bare feet or foot undies • Tap – tap shoes • Small earrings may be worn, but no large jewelry, necklaces, watches, bracelets or rings. Wedding bands may be worn for class. • Warmups are allowed at the beginning of class but should be removed before the completion of barre • All female students are required to have hair securely pulled back for ballet (no ponytails)

Page 11

• Annual School Showcase – Each student is given the opportunity to demonstrate the skills they have gained throughout the year by participating in our School Showcase. Performing is a wonderful experience and a valuable part of each dancer’s education. We encourage every student to take advantage of this opportunity to share their knowledge and passion with family and friends. The fee to participate is $65 for the first dancer per household, $45 for the second dancer in that household, and $40 for each additional dancer from the same home. The event is free admission. Attendance is necessary the last few months of school to learn the choreography. Too many absences may result in removal from the performance. In the event there will be absences, participation is left up to the discretion of the classroom instructor. – If any showcase costume is provided by AYBT, there will be a $15 rental fee for the first costume in the household, plus $5 for each additional costume. – Showcase fees are due March 1st. • Additional opportunities – Some AYBT productions require additional cast members. Performing opportunities are extended to AYBT students when needed or requested by the Artistic Director. • Performance Rehearsal Attendance – Attendance and punctuality for all rehearsals is required in order to ensure that a student can appear in AYBT performances. Signing up for these performances is only the first step in securing one’s ability to be on stage! Please be mindful of your family’s schedule and carefully consider your commitment to these activities. Students are required to be at every rehearsal, on time, dressed, and ready to enter the studio or theater. Fulfilling these requirements is mandatory. It is the only way the dancer is sufficiently prepared to realize the excitement and benefits of dancing on stage with confidence and joy. – Theater rehearsals the week preceding a show are mandatory. In the

Page 12

Page 13

Pointe Progression • Requirements – Working en pointe is for serious students who have studied the art and technique of classical ballet at the student division level for a minimum of four years. Age is not the sole factor used to determine a child’s readiness. It is never too late to start a student on pointe, but doing so too early may potentially cause adverse effects on your child’s physical development as well as their progression. All pointe progressions are at the sole discretion of the instructor based on the student’s technique, strength, and development. We ask that parents not purchase pointe shoes until directed and educated by our faculty. • Intro to Pointe Students & Parents – Students who have been recommended to start pointe will be notified. Classes will first begin on flat, so please do not purchase pointe shoes until you have been informed to do so. When instructions have been given to purchase your first pair of pointe shoes, be sure not to wear or sew anything to them until the fit has been approved by either the student’s teacher or the School Director. Parents and students should be aware that it takes some time and experimentation to find the proper brand and style that is the best for each student.

Page 14

• Communication – AYBT reserves the right to refuse, terminate accounts, remove or edit content, or cancel orders at their sole discretion. When you visit AYBT or send emails to us, you are communicating to us electronically, and therefore consent to receive communications from us electronically. We will communicate with you by email or by posting notices on our website or student & company boards. You agree that all agreements, notices, disclosures, and other communications that we provide to you electronically satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing. • Online Registration – Password Protection – We collect personally identifiable information, such as names, postal addresses, email addresses, credit card information, etc. when it is voluntarily submitted by our families and/or students. It is important for you to protect against unauthorized access to your password and to your computer. If you use this website, you are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account and password and for restricting access to your computer, and you agree to accept sole responsibility for all activities that occur under your account or password. Please be sure to sign off when you are finished using a shared computer. • Our Methods of Communication – Bulletin Boards inside the studio - It is essential that dancers know their class level and to which rehearsals or roles they have been assigned. This enables the participant to be accurate regarding what information to look for on the board. It is the dancer’s responsibility to check the board upon arrival and repeatedly throughout the day. For our younger dancers, parents or legal guardians are required to check the board for their child. – On the website – Calendar and Class Schedules can be found on our website, www.aybtheatre.org. – Email – Newsletter or by email communications from official AYBT email addresses. – Facebook and Instagram – Events and Announcements are often shared here. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. • Liability – Ballet training and the exercises associated with it places unusual stress on the body that may carry risk of physical injury. AYBT, its faculty, staff or board members shall not be liable in any way for injuries sustained or illnesses contracted during attendance at the School or any of its related functions. It should also be understood that dance instruction involves kinetic corrections that may include hands on adjustments of student’s placement as part of regular class work and rehearsals. • Casting – Casting is the selection of dancers for specific roles. AYBT criteria for casting roles include specific skills, clarity of technique, artistry, and stamina. The ability to quickly and accurately learn and execute choreography is critical. The dancer’s attitude,

Page 15

professionalism, cooperativeness, and reliability also play a role in casting decisions. The directors may also need to make judgments which maintain the performance quality of Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre. – Parent volunteer activity, student seniority, or donations do not affect casting in any way. Casting is determined by artistic criteria alone. AYBT directors have the right to change casting at any time. • Publicity – Enrollment grants AYBT the permission to use photos and videos from classes, rehearsals, special events, and performances for the purposes of marketing the School and AYBT performances. Enrollment waives any rights of compensation or ownership thereto. AYBT promotional material is inclusive of, but not limited to, AYBT marketing materials, brochures, information packets, videos, website photos, dance related newspaper and magazine articles, Facebook, and Instagram. If you’d like your student to be excluded from any materials used publicly, please express this in writing to AYBT at aybt@aybtheatre.org. • Code of Conduct – It is a policy of AYBT to promote a healthy and positive environment for all students and staff. Students are expected to behave in a responsible manner and are required to adhere to the School’s Handbook and Code of Conduct. Students are expected to show exemplary conduct at all times, and to treat staff, volunteers, and building personnel with respect. AYBT strives to ensure that the rules are reasonable and clear. AYBT reserves the right to dismiss any student whose conduct is found to be unsatisfactory. • The following are prohibited at AYBT: – Verbal harassment, physical threats or intimidation, acts of violence of any kind – The destruction of school property or property of others – Possession of alcohol and/or illegal drugs is expressly prohibited – Firearms or weapons of any kind – AYBT facilities are designated non-smoking areas. Alabama State law prohibits prohibits smoking in any public facility. – Photography or Videography in changing rooms or bathrooms – Inappropriate use of the internet or social media

Page 16

– Inappropriate use of cell phones • Violation of any of these rules by students or parents will lead to immediate disciplinary action. Actions may include (but are not limited to) probation, suspension, dismissal from the program, or expulsion. AYBT reserves the full authority to enforce the Code of Conduct at the discretion of the Code of Conduct Committee, which may include revocation of scholarships or financial assistance. Failure to meet AYBT rules and requirements can result in consequences ranging from, but not limited to, being moved to apprentice status, being re-cast as an understudy, being removed from a performance, being put on company/studio suspension, and/or expulsion from company/studio. Since we are not able to anticipate every non-compliance issue that may arise, the Code of Conduct Committee reserves the right to issue consequences to match the severity of the infraction at their discretion. Typically, the first infraction will receive a verbal warning followed by an email confirmation to a parent/guardian if dancer is a minor, a second infraction will result in a written warning and will require a meeting with dancer and parent if dancer is a minor, and the third incident of non-compliance will result in active consequences. However, depending on the severity of the non-compliance the Code of Conduct committee may escalate a violation to active consequences immediately without issuing a verbal or written warning. The Code of Conduct committee will be cc’d on all emails relevant to enforcement of the code of conduct. In the event of suspension, no refunds will be given.

Page 17

AYBT Injury Policy Dancing is an activity where injuries can occur. Goal: To support dancers with safety and recovery in mind with support for their mental and physical state. Injury: any pain, swelling, or discomfort resulting from either a trauma (such as a fall) or overuse which prevents the dancer from dancing to their fullest ability. General muscle soreness is normal and not considered to be an injury. • An incident Report form must be completed for any injuries which occur at the studio. • Dancers or parents, if the dancer is a minor, must communicate any injuries that prohibit them from participating fully in class/rehearsal to the directors and teachers and keep them informed of progress and recovery expectations on a weekly basis. Please send these updates by email to the directors/teachers directly. Directors may request a meeting with a dancer or parent, if the dancer is a minor, when there are persistent injuries (lasting two months or more) to discuss the best path forward for the dancer and set expectations. • A hard brace, such as a cast, boot, or surgical shoe, may not be worn during class without a healthcare provider's note. Any dancer with one of these health aids will be asked to sit and observe class/rehearsal without a healthcare provider’s note clearing them for dance specific activity while wearing the aid. These aids can restrict movement and can cause further injury if not used appropriately.

Page 18

• To ensure dancer safety, a dancer returning from an injury or illness must be able to fully participate in class before taking on additional opportunities outside of class such as mini performances. • Class modifications due to illness or injury should be consistent between disciplines. • Performance Note - Injuries occurring within 4 weeks of a performance will require further conversation with artistic directors. At their discretion, directors reserve the right to recast and utilize understudies if any dancer is unable to rehearse their part “full out” including pointe for parts on pointe within 2 weeks of a performance due to an injury. Dancer safety is our number one priority and having an injured dancer perform their role without adequate rehearsal time could lead to further injury. *dancers participating in class at any level are expected to dress for class according to AYBT handbook guidelines.

Page 19

Stage Conduct Rules • All members of the company are to be in the theater in time for warm up class, regardless of the dancer’s place on the program. Pointe shoes do not need to be worn for spacing, but proper ballet attire should be worn with soft ballet shoes. • Sight lines in the wings must always be kept in mind and no member of the company is to stand or sit in the wings where there is a possibility of being seen by any member of the audience. • Be quiet backstage. No talking or “breaking up” is allowed on stage. • Take care to secure hair, headpieces, and pointe shoe ribbons. • Make-up and hair must be approved by the director or assigned volunteer. • No jewelry on stage unless it is part of the costume. • Dancers must remain for curtain calls unless excused by the director. • No food, drink, or gum on stage at any time. • Dancers need to take care not to touch stage curtains or light pipes. • Keep shoes, sweaters, leg warmers, etc., out of wings. • Treat costumes with care and hang them up when taken off. Never take a costume or headpiece that you are not sure belongs to you. • Check props before each performance and do not touch any prop that is not assigned to you. • Notify the proper person if there is a problem with a costume. • Do not eat or drink anything but water while in costume • All members must clean up after themselves. Dressing rooms and backstage areas are to be kept clean and tidy. Food is only to be consumed in approved areas away from props and costumes.

Page 20

Page 21

Dancer Safety All AYBT staff have completed the Safe Sport training and are mandatory reporters. According to Alabama Law, a mandatory reporter must communicate to DHR, law enforcement, or the DA any reasonable cause to believe or suspect that a child has been abused or neglected or who observes any child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that would reasonably result in abuse. AYBT will not post pictures of minors without the permission of their parents by signed release form and will never link to their personal social media pages. Dancers are free to share AYBT social media posts at their discretion. AYBT will not tolerate bullying or harassment of any kind from our dancers or their parents or family. This includes but is not limited to; emotional, physical (hitting, unwanted touching, theft), or verbal (racist or homophobic remarks, threats, name calling, weight/appearance shaming etc). AYBT takes dancers’ and parents’ concerns seriously and encourage our families to reach out to us with worries or questions. Concerned individuals may reach out to a teacher or directly via email or at our HR link through the website.

Page 22

General Guidelines for Scholarship Applications ▪ Scholarship applications may be obtained at the AYBT office or by emailing treasurer@aybtheatre.org. ▪ Only one dancer can be listed per scholarship application. ▪ Scholarships do not automatically renew each year. A new application must be submitted annually. ▪ Scholarship applications contain confidential information and should NOT be openly discussed with other company members and/or parents. ▪ Dancer must attend company auditions, and a parent/guardian must attend the required parent meeting on audition day. Scholarship applications must be turned in to the office by May 15. Failure to comply with this deadline may result in not qualifying for a scholarship. ▪ You may apply for a scholarship for Part A OR Part B of the company agreement. No dancer is eligible for a scholarship for both parts. Parts C and D are mandatory for everyone. ▪ Only households that contain more than one AYBT company dancer are eligible for a scholarship for Part B. The first dancer is expected to fundraise in full, and other dancer(s) may be eligible for a discounted amount of fundraising. ▪ Parent/Guardian and dancer must fulfill all obligations for Part C, volunteer hours. Failure to comply will make the dancer ineligible for future scholarship applications. ▪ Scholarships may be awarded in full or in part depending on the number of applicants each year, directors’ advice, annual budget, and approval by the AYBT Board of Directors. ▪ If a dancer has a prolonged injury or illness (persisting more than two months) that prevents them from fully participating in their classes, their scholarship may be suspended until they can return to classes so the limited funds can help another dancer in need during that time. ▪ Scholarship recipients are required to attend 80% of their classes. Any recipient who does not attend 80% of their classes risks having their scholarship withdrawn or suspended.

Page 23

AYBT 2024-2025 Company Agreement By signing this contract, both the dancer and parent/guardian (if dancer is a minor) agree to fulfill ALL expectations explained below. Please note: The Company year begins July 1, 2024. Part A: Pay Company Dues of $500 • The $100 fee that is paid at auditions is applied to dues payment. Please make checks payable to AYBT. • If paying in full, the remaining payment of $400 must be made by August 29, 2024. • If you would like to make multiple payments, please contact the AYBT Treasurer at treasurer@aybtheatre.org and payments of $140 are due on August 26, 2024; September 24, 2024; and October 30, 2024.. Total fees with payments is $520. Part B: Make a $500 donation to Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre OR raise a minimum of $500 by participating in various part B fundraisers with AYBT. (See Appendix A for specific details on fundraising credits.) If a company member chooses to make the $500 donation to AYBT, this must be completed by December 5, 2024. If participating in fundraising activities, $300 of the $500 should be completed by December 5, 2024. All fundraising must be completed by May 31, 2025. Please note: In-Kind donations of items do not count toward your Part B company fundraising agreement. In-Kind donations are, however, greatly appreciated and fulfill grant requirements. Log all In-Kind donations in the Track-It-Forward App to receive tax deductible receipts, and to be acknowledged in performance programs. Part C: Volunteer a MINIMUM of thirty (30) hours. Volunteer hours can be earned by the dancer, parent, or other family member, in any combination. Volunteer hours may be earned from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Any volunteer hours that are not met will be charged to the dancer’s account at a rate of $10 per missed hour. Please note: All volunteer hours MUST be logged into the Track-It-Forward App to receive credit for the time spent serving. As with Parts A and B, volunteer participation is required to be considered for any offered scholarships and participation in AYBT shows. Part D: Comply with Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre Company Rules 2024/2025 Dancer Name: _________________________________ Dancer Signature: _______________________________Date:____________________________ (If student is a minor) Parent\Guardian Signature: ________________________Date:____________________________ Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre has my permission to use my (my child’s) photograph and/or video for publicity and marketing purposes, online via our website, social media, or in print. Signature of Dancer or Parent/Guardian: _____________________________________________________

Page 24

AYBT 2024/2025 Volunteer Sign-Up This form is due to AYBT by July 15, 2024 Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre is a 501c3 non-profit organization that only succeeds with the help of many volunteers. Working with others to make a better studio environment, raise funds for scholarships and outreach, and present a great production is exciting, fulfilling, and fun! The participation of every Company member's family is necessary to make this and every year the best it can be. Please select at least one area in which you (or your family members) are willing to serve. Make a note of any areas of particular interest, and feel free to add additional ideas or comments. Thank you for being part of the Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre Family! (1) Dancer Name: _____________________________________Dancer Phone: ________________________ Dancer Email: ______________________________________ Junior Company/Senior Company (circle one) (2) Parent/Guardian/Other Volunteer__________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________Email: _________________________________________ (3) Parent/Guardian/Other Volunteer__________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________Email: __________________________________________ (4) Parent/Guardian/Other Volunteer__________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________Email: __________________________________________ Volunteer Opportunities: Add number of interested volunteers next to available areas. ● Production (work during shows) - prop coordination, stage crew ● Hospitality - cast partiest, company socials, lobby decoration ● Fundraising: ad sales, flower sales, rummage sale, boutique ● Publicity: Programs, Distribution of Flyers, Posters, Media Communication, Social Media ● Costumes: Inventory and Upkeep, Sewing ● Props: Construction, maintenance/finishing of large and small stage props, backdrops ● Outreach: The Dance Connection, Panoply, Concerts in the Park, Parades, etc. ● Events: Tutus and Tiaras, Cupcakes and Characters, Nutcracker Tea ● Maintenance: Studio Upkeep (filter changes, basic repairs, simple improvements) ● Assist with grant writing Do you have any special skills or community contacts that you would like to share with your AYBT family? Please list them here. Please also add any suggestions for potential volunteer opportunities. Thank you for helping Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre become even more successful! ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 25

Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre 2024/2025 Company Registration This form is available and must be filled out online, visit aybtheatre.org for the link Register for Auditions being held Saturday Payment of $100 to AYBT is due at auditions. For more information, contact treasurer@aybtheatre.org Name of Company Dancer: ___________________________________________________________ Home Address: _____________________________________________________________________ City: _____________________________ State: ___________ Zip Code: ______________________ Phone: _______________________ Date of Birth: _________________________________________ Dancer Email: ______________________________________________________________________ School Attending in 2024/2025, Grade Level ______________________________________________ Parent/Guardian (if dancer is a minor) ____________________________________________________ Address (if different from dancer) ________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Email: _______________________________________________________________ Emergency Contact: ______________________________ Phone: ______________________________ Use the information above for use in the student directory. YES/NO (circle one)

Page 26

AYBT Company Rules 1. Girls auditioning for the senior company must have had 2 years of pointe work and for the junior company at least 1⁄2 a year of pointe. Note: In extreme circumstances, a member may be waived from the pointe requirement, but may be limited in casting. Dancers, male and female, must be at least 11 years old for the junior division and 13 for the senior division. 2. Members will be selected by annual audition at a date to be designated by the directors. Make-up auditions and extra auditions may be held at the discretion of the Artistic Directors. 3. Minimum class requirements in addition to company and conditioning classes: All company members must take 2 flat technique classes and 1 pointe (for girls) class per week with senior members needing a 4th class each week which may be from any of the disciplines offered by AYB. Special arrangements may also be made for the 4th class to be taken elsewhere. It is recommended that all members take more than the minimum number of classes. Boys are encouraged to take more but are only required to take 2 ballet classes per week. Note: In extreme circumstances, a member may be allowed to take fewer than the required number of classes but cannot rise above apprentice level until the regular requirements can be met. 4. Company members must stay in shape during the summer. Summer class requirements are at least one week of a summer intensive and two classes per week. 5. Apprentice status is given when a member shows promise for the company, but whose technique may be too weak in certain areas for regular membership. For performances, apprentices will be cast, but are not given priority. 6. Company members must attend 80% of their required classes each month. Anyone not meeting this requirement 2 months in a row will be given apprentice status and be dismissed from the company after 3 months. Missed classes must be made up. 7. Company and conditioning classes will be held once a week and are required. Members may not miss more than one day of company class or scheduled rehearsals per month. (Adjustments may be made for flu or other lengthy illness or injury.) Excessive absence may result in not being allowed to perform. Two missed rehearsals in a month may result in understudy status and three may result in dismissal from the cast. Theater rehearsals the week preceding a show are mandatory. In the event of illness or family death please discuss with artistic directors to see if performing is still in the best interest of the dancer. 8. When assigned as an understudy, members are expected to attend rehearsals and learn roles at the back of the rehearsal. Understudies function as “insurance” in case of the illness or injury of a cast member. All members are encouraged to learn all parts. 9. Company members are expected to be punctual and properly prepared for class or rehearsal. This includes proper dress and hair for class and rehearsal and being warmed up

Page 27

before rehearsal if no warmup class is available. 10. All dancers and parents need to represent a high level of integrity and avoid gossip, criticism or disparaging comments about fellow students, teachers and others involved in our studios. Have the willingness to face issues and concerns with maturity and dignity, and speak to one another with respect. 11. Company members must meet fundraising and volunteer requirements. Please refer to the Company Dues form for details. Dancers may be required to attend one out of town dance festival, if scheduled to perform, at their own expense. It is highly recommended that all dancers attend the Alabama Dance Festival January 24-26. 12. Respectful conduct by all company members and parents towards each other, to staff, to volunteers, and to AYBT families is required. They are also expected to treat costumes and venues where they rehearse and perform with equal respect. 13. Every Company member is encouraged to keep a spiral notebook at the studio. This notebook is to be used to record choreography and any corrections given in class or rehearsals, whether they are individual or group corrections. 14. Attire: Girls – a. Approved company leotard (must also have available a flesh-colored leotard) b. Approved company tights (may need trunks/bloomers for certain parts) d. Pink ballet shoes with full arch (closed sides) and pointe shoes e. Hair fixed neatly in a bun with bangs pulled back f. For safety reasons, only small earrings (no dangles) and wedding bands may be worn for class or rehearsal only. Boys –a. Solid Color tee shirt b. black tights (bike short pants or tight jazz pants may be worn also) c. black shoes, sometimes white shoes, and white socks

Page 28

Page 29

Non-compliance with Company rules Failure to meet AYBT rules and requirements can result in consequences ranging from, but not limited to, being moved to apprentice status, being re-cast as an understudy, being removed from a performance, being put on company/studio suspension, and/or expulsion from company. Since we are not able to anticipate every non-compliance issue that may arise, the Code of Conduct Committee reserves the right to issue consequences to match the severity of the infraction at their discretion. Typically, the first infraction will receive a verbal warning followed by an email confirmation to a parent/guardian if dancer is a minor, a second infraction will result in a written warning and will require a meeting with dancer and parent if dancer is a minor, and the third incident of non-compliance will result in active consequences. However, depending on the severity of the non-compliance the Code of Conduct committee may escalate a violation to active consequences immediately without issuing a verbal or written warning. The Code of Conduct committee will be cc’d on all emails relevant to enforcement of the code of conduct. In the event of suspension, no refunds will be given.

Page 30

AYBT 2024/2035 Company Packet Appendix A Fundraising Options and Credit Earned If you are fundraising for Part B of the Company Agreement, below is a list of options that can be utilized to meet your commitment. Anything that is raised above and beyond the minimum requirement is greatly appreciated, as all funds go directly toward scholarships, outreach, and costuming. You are not required to participate in all activities, but you are encouraged to do as much as possible. 100% of the money raised is put back into AYBT’s program to support dancers. Periodic statements will be provided to let you know where you stand regarding your fundraising goal. Remember, $300 of your $500 needs to be earned by December 5, 2024. Other fundraisers may be made available throughout the year. Any fundraising questions or ideas should be directed to bravo@aybtheatre.org or leah@aybtheatre.org . Time Frame Fundraiser Company Credit Earned March/April Spring Plant Sale 40% of total amount sold Spring (counts for 24/25) Belk Charity Sale 100% of total amount sold August Mum Plant Sale 40% of total amount sold Prior to November 1st Program Ad Sale 50% of package sold to NEW advertisers, 40% of package sold to same returning advertisers.

Page 31

November Poinsettia Plant Sale 40% of total amount sold Prior to either show Making a group sale to one organization for one show* (youth group, nursing home, school group, etc.) $20 credit Anytime Obtain Monetary gifts to AYBT 100% of donation paid *No company credit can be earned for group sales of mixed orders (i.e., multiple shows, multiple families) Group sales are defined as a minimum of twenty tickets sold. Example: Sell $280 of Poinsettias = $112 fundraising credit Secure $50 gift certificate for boutique raffle = $20 fundraising credit Sell of $115 Mums = $46 fundraising credit Organize a youth group to see Nutcracker = $50 Sell (2) NEW $100 Ads = $100 fundraising credit Accept a $100 donation to AYBT = $100 fundraising credit Sell $180 of Spring Plant = $72 fundraising credit Total Fundraising Credit = $500 (Part B of Company Agreement fulfilled)