FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
***All information below is subject to change pending COVID-19 restrictions and circumstances.***
AUDITIONS & AUDITION RESULTS:
Do I need to register to audition?
Yes, all students must register online to audition for any Ellison Ballet program. All Ellison Ballet programs enroll students by audition only.
Can I audition in person for Summer 2021 programs?
No, auditions for 2021 programs are only available via one of the published Zoom audition dates or by video submission.
Are Ellison Ballet's 2021 summer programs being held in person? Is there a Virtual Intensive planned for 2021?
While auditions are being held virtually (Zoom and video only), we are planning to hold all 2021 summer programs in person in New York City (as of October 2020). While we were thrilled with the great success of our 2020 Virtual Intensive, we are not currently moving forward with a Virtual Intensive in 2021.
I don't have access to a dance studio, can I still participate in a Zoom audition at home or film my video audition in my home?
Absolutely. Please see our Audition Page for our tips and suggestions for optimizing your home dance space.
What if I am not able to attend any of the Zoom audition dates listed?
Students not able to attend a scheduled Zoom audition can submit a video audition through our online audition registration form.
What size should the audition photos be? Do they need to be professionally taken? What photos do I need?
All students must upload two photos with their online audition registration: 1st arabesque & tendu a la seconde.
Audition photos do not need to be professionally taken (photos taken on a cell phone are just fine), so long as the photos are clear, taken in a well-lit area, and show the student's full body.
Photo files must be cropped to square before uploading in order to display correctly. Photos in portrait or landscape orientation will not display correctly.
Photo files should be labelled with the student's full name and pose (ex: Jane Smith Arabesque, not IMG_0123).
What levels and programs will I be considered for?
You may specify on your audition registration which programs you would like to be considered for. Some students may receive acceptance to programs other than those they have requested if the faculty deem it appropriate. Students are considered for all levels of the programs.
What can I expect during the Zoom audition? Who will be adjudicating my audition?
The Zoom audition class will consist of barre, center, pointe for the women if applicable and men's technique for the men. All auditions are conducted by Artistic Director Edward Ellison and/or Ellison Ballet full-time faculty members.
When will I receive my audition results? How will they be sent to me?
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 auditions?
Yes, but please know that the summer intensive programs are considered “Phase Two” in the audition process for the year-round 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.
May I request and receive feedback from my child’s audition?
Unfortunately, Ellison Ballet and its staff are unable to offer feedback for any audition.
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 submit their enrollment 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 typically receive their final results in March.
enrollment process
I’ve been accepted! How do I enroll? Is it better to email the invoice or mail a hard copy?
All students who wish to enroll and save their spot must fill out their online enrollment form and send in their invoice with first payment by the deadline listed in their acceptance letter. Sending the invoice either via email or paper mail is fine; however we ask that you send it in only once.
Don't forget to also email in your Physician's Release, Photocopy of Insurance Card, and Photo for Student ID.
Once you have been accepted, we encourage you to register as soon as possible. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Once classes have filled, we will no longer be able to accept additional registrants. After the deadline listed in your acceptance letter has passed, we cannot guarantee your space.
Where can I find tuition and deposit information?
All tuition and deposit information can be found on the invoice included with your acceptance letter. Please note that late fees are assessed on all late payments as outlined in the Payment Policies, and we are not able to send reminders for payments due or deadlines; please refer to your invoice for all relevant information.
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 we 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 in late spring 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.
I am an international student. Do I need a visa or special documentation to attend the summer program?
For the summer program, you may attend on a tourist visa.
Can I apply for a scholarship or financial aid?
Ellison Ballet awards a limited number of merit-based tuition scholarships for the summer program. All students are automatically considered during the audition process. If a scholarship is not noted in your child's acceptance letter, this indicates that your child was not awarded a merit-based scholarship.
Parents may request and complete a financial aid application in order to be considered for need-based financial assistance. Financial aid funds are limited and considered on a first-come, first-served basis. You may not apply for financial aid prior to receiving an acceptance letter. However, we encourage interested parents to apply as soon as possible once they are notified of their child's acceptance as application processing may take several weeks.
about the program
Will precautions be taken regarding COVID-19?
All enrolled students and parents will receive a detailed COVID-19 Safety Plan prior to the start of the Intensive detailing the precautions taken by Ellison Ballet, MMAC (our studio building), and 850 West End (our residence building), as well as the policies and procedures students will be expected to follow to ensure a safe learning environment for all.
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.
Class schedule for all programs is Monday-Friday.
EBSI: Depending on level assigned, your EBSI schedule begins between 9am and 12pm and ends between 3pm and 8pm. Each level has a minimum of 3-4 classes per day. These include: Classical Technique, Pointe, Variations, Pas de Deux, Russian Character, Contemporary, Workshop, Separate Men’s Technique/Variations
CVI/PDD: The daily schedule run from 12-6pm. Each day’s classes include: Classical Technique + Pointe and/or Variations and/or Pas de Deux.
How are levels determined for accepted students?
Placement classes are typically held on the first day of the program. In some cases, students may be initially placed according to age and the faculty will then observe over the first few days to ensure that all students are placed appropriately, making changes as necessary.
Are there planned activities for my child when they are not dancing? How do I sign up for weekend activities?
Ellison Ballet offers optional weekly group activities including tickets to world-class performances at Lincoln Center, the Joyce Theater, Broadway shows, and more. Ticket costs are not included in tuition. Ticket order forms are sent out in March/April; parents are welcome to join but must purchase additional tickets. Additional activities including museum visits, picnics in Central Park, shopping, and more are arranged by chaperones in the residence hall for interested students. Ellison Ballet students get to experience the best of NYC!
*All activities are pending COVID-19 availability and restrictions.
Is there a performance at the end of the program?
There is no formal performance. Instead, family members are invited to 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.
*Parent observation may follow a different format TBA pending COVID-19 restrictions.
Can I be considered for the Professional Training Program while participating in the Summer Intensive?
Ellison Ballet holds auditions for the Professional Training Program during the four-week Summer Intensive each year. All summer students interested in being considered for the year-round program should register for and attend this audition.
Where do your students come from?
Ellison Ballet welcomes talented students from across the United States and from dozens of countries around the world!
housing
Is there housing offered? Where do students stay while attending an Ellison Ballet summer program?
Yes, Ellison Ballet provides dormitory-style housing to all accepted 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 I reserve housing?
The online enrollment form will ask whether you would like to reserve housing for your student. All families who check "yes" on this form will receive a housing registration form, housing payment contract, and Housing Handbook in March/April with further instructions on how to confirm your housing reservation and make payment.
Do most summer students use Ellison Ballet housing? What if my child is younger?
About 60-80% of Ellison Ballet summer students reside in the 850 West End residence while participating in Ellison Ballet summer programs. Students from all age groups 12-19 stay in the residence, with most students being age 14+. Our chaperones are extremely attentive, especially at making sure our youngest 12-13-year-old students feel safe and welcome!
What is the supervision like for the students?
Ellison Ballet chaperones live on-site at the residence with the students. The chaperones are thoroughly vetted and background-checked with an extensive application process. 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 the parent is a chaperone.
How are roommates assigned?
You may request a roommate on the online Housing Reservation Form (sent separately in the spring to all students who reserve housing upon enrollment). If you do not request a roommate, your child will be placed with another student near to them in age and/or level. Your student will room with a student of the same gender. Please let us know if you have specific rooming requests that you would like us to accommodate. Based on the information you provide in the online Housing Form, we will make every effort to accommodate your requests. However, that is not always possible. In the event of a roommate conflict, Ellison Ballet reserves the right to relocate roommates to another room.
Can my housing student have their own room? Will my student share a bathroom?
We offer single and double rooms. Each room has its own bathroom. Students in single rooms will have their own bathroom, while students in double rooms share a bathroom with their roommate only.
Is there a housing curfew?
Yes. Curfews and other residence rules and policies are outlined in the Housing Handbook.
What is included in the dorm rooms? Is there a kitchen?
Please refer to our Housing page for more information. Additional information will be included in the Housing Handbook.
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 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.
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 20 starting at 1pm
Classes Begin: Monday, June 21
Classes End: Friday, July 16
Housing Check-Out Date: Saturday, July 17 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 18 starting at 1pm
Classes Begin: Monday, July 19 12pm
Classes End: Friday, July 30 6pm
Housing Check-Out Date: Saturday, July 31 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.
What do students need to bring with them to live in the dorms?
A suggested packing list can be found in the Housing Handbook, which is sent in March/April to all students who reserve housing.
Is there Wi-Fi at the residence?
850 West End is equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi access.