FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 2020
***Summer 2021 updates coming soon!
AUDITIONS AND THE AUDITION PROCESS:
What size should the audition photos be? Do they need to be professionally taken or printed?
Audition photos do not need to be professionally taken or printed (photos taken on a cell phone are just fine), so long as the photos are clear and taken in a well-lit area. For photos uploaded to our online registration form, they must be cropped to square before uploading in order to display correctly. For printed photos for walk-in registrants, any size is acceptable, but 4x6 is preferred.
How soon will I receive my audition results?
Most audition results are sent out via email within two weeks of audition date, although some results may take up to three weeks during the busy season. Students who have urgent deadlines upcoming for other programs may call the Ellison Ballet office to request audition results early. However, we ask that students be patient and wait for their results by email whenever possible.
Can I audition for just the year-round program during the Summer Intensive Audition Tour?
Yes, but please know that the summer intensive programs are considered “phase two” in the audition process for acceptance into the year-round Ellison Ballet – Professional Training Program. Participating in one of the summer programs allows Mr. Ellison and the faculty to see how the student works over an extended period of time and allows the student to get first-hand experience of Ellison Ballet, its faculty, and programs, thereby allowing both to determine whether the student and school are a good fit.
Auditions for the year-round program are held during the four-week Summer Intensive each year for interested students.
I’ve received an acceptance to an Ellison Ballet summer program but I’m still waiting to hear back from other programs.
Each student’s acceptance letter states a deadline by which they must turn in their forms and tuition deposit in order to secure their place in the Program. Students who wait until after their deadline are NOT guaranteed a place in the Intensive and can be enrolled only if space is available.
I received a Wait List letter. What now?
Students who have been offered a place on the Wait List must respond to their email within ten days confirming that they would like to remain on the Wait List. Students who do not respond will not be placed on the Wait List. Students who have accepted a place on the Wait List will receive their final results in March.
ENROLLMENT PROCESS:
I’ve been accepted! Is it better to email the invoice or mail a hard copy?
Either is fine; however we ask that you send it in only once.
Don't forget to also fill out the online registration form and send in your Physician's Release, Photocopy of Insurance Card, and Photos for Student ID..
I’m trying to submit my enrollment forms by the deadline but can’t get an appointment at the doctor’s office to sign the Physician’s Release before then. What should I do?
Please submit all forms (except Physician’s Release) filled out completely along with the student’s tuition deposit by the deadline in order to hold his/her place. We understand that it may take several weeks to secure a doctor’s appointment and allow Physician’s Release forms to be turned in separately as late as May 1.
When will I receive more information about the program?
All enrolled students will receive a Student Handbook via email providing detailed information about the program.
Note: All students and parents must sign and submit the online Student Handbook Agreement (asserting that they have read the Handbook and agree to abide by the policies therein).
All students who have reserved a room at Ellison Ballet housing will also receive the Housing Handbook with information regarding staying in student residences.
Note: All students staying in EB housing must sign and submit the online Housing Handbook Agreement (asserting that they have read the Handbook and agree to abide by the policies therein) included at the end of the online Housing Reservation Form.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
Can I do just a part of program (ie: just two weeks of the Four-Week Ellison Ballet Summer Intensive or just one week of the Classical Variations or Pas de Deux Intensive)?
We highly discourage partial participation, as the Vaganova-based curriculum builds progressively over the course of the program. If extenuating circumstances prohibit a student from participating fully, we request that the family send an email to explain their situation in writing and request approval.
What is the daily schedule like?
A sample schedule is included in the online enrollment form and in the Student Handbook. Individual schedules are provided each weekend for the upcoming week. The full schedule for the first week is sent out at the end of the first day, following placement classes.
Is there a performance at the end of the program?
There is no formal performance. Instead, family members are invited to come watch the final day of all their child’s classes on the last Friday of each program. Photo and video recording are permitted, however no flash photography.
HOUSING:
Is there housing offered? Where do students stay while attending an Ellison Ballet summer program?
Yes, Ellison Ballet provides dormitory-style housing to Summer Intensive students conveniently located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan at 850 West End.
Please check our housing page for more information.
How do students travel between the residence and the studio?
Most students take the subway (a 7-minute ride). Others choose to walk (approx. 30-minute walk). The simple route is explained in the Student Housing Handbook.
Parents can choose the level of supervision their child will receive while traveling when filling out travel permission options on the online Housing Reservation Form (sent separately in the spring to all students who reserve housing upon enrollment).
Options include:
- Student chaperoned at all times
- Student must travel in a group of 3 or more students
- Student must travel with a buddy
- Student may travel alone.
What is the supervision like for the students?
Ellison Ballet chaperones live on-site at the residence with the students. Most chaperones are moms of students currently attending the program. They are there to assist the students with activities like grocery shopping, cooking, doctor’s appointments, mediating roommate issues, and any other needs that may arise during a student’s stay in the EB residence. There is also always a chaperone on-site at the Ellison Ballet studios at all times.
How can a parent become a chaperone?
Parents interested in chaperoning can email diane@ellisonballet.org to request a Chaperone Application. We request that interested chaperones be able to commit to a minimum of two weeks. Chaperones are provided their room and a weekly Metrocard by Ellison Ballet.
**The child’s room is not discounted when a parent chaperones.
I’m booking flights. When is move-in/move out? When do classes start and finish?
Four-Week Ellison Ballet Summer Intensive (EBSI)
Housing Check-In Date: Sunday, June 21 starting at 1pm
Classes Begin: Monday, June 22
Classes End: Friday, July 17
Housing Check-Out Date: Saturday, July 18 by 1pm (except for those continuing on to CVI/PDD)
Two-Week Classical Variations and Classical Pas de Deux Intensives (CVI/PDD)
Housing Check-In Date: Sunday, July 19 starting at 1pm
Classes Begin: Monday, July 20 12pm
Classes End: Friday, July 31 6pm
Housing Check-Out Date: Saturday, August 1 by 1pm
The 850 West End Staff will be available to assist you to ensure a smooth move in and move-out. Students arriving prior to 1pm may store their luggage in the lobby storage area until their room becomes available.