Dear Parents,

Please allow me this opportunity to address a few important issues for our upcoming year. With the new season upon us, I am writing to welcome you back to Philadelphia Studio Ballet and I hope this letter finds everyone rested and well.  Let me begin by thanking everyone for a remarkable year—one which brought together management, staff, and families.  I was delighted to watch the development of new ideas (tap, hip- hop) take place at PSB this past season which I believe changed the entire atmosphere of the studio and I hope you found enjoyable.

The past few years, many have asked why I characterize Philadelphia Studio Ballet as a professional school. Now I know what it feels like having to promote a “project” in a professional manner. Certain endeavors have been very difficult; colleagues could have told me that things don’t always work out as planned, but I am discovering that myself. As an educator, however, I have been able to stay committed to quality.

PSB is a school run by a former dancer, but, it is important to note that it is also staffed only by professionals. As a result, we are able to give the necessary skills required to pursue a career in dance if your child so chooses.

My aim is to develop dancers with a strong, clear classical technique with an emphasis on artistry, purity of line, and quality of movement. However, education and training are not the only important aspects of dance. Our students are always being encouraged to enjoy themselves and have fun while learning in a relaxed, pressure free atmosphere! Although a student may not have ambitions to dance professionally, the benefits of high quality classes are invaluable. Experienced teachers, along with state-of-the-art floors minimize the potential for life long injuries that can accompany bad training and poor facilities. The identity of a dancer used to be significantly different than the needs of dancers today. Offering many dance disciplines, other than the traditional approach is so important. To that end, we are delighted to welcome new and talented faculty this year and we expect they will integrate seamlessly and carry on the tradition here. This season our students will have the opportunity to study with guest teachers and dancers in our newly established Master Class Program.  Additionally, I am honored to offer a Boys Class  this season which will be fully funded. This scholarship program will be taught by one of my professional colleagues from Pennsylvania Ballet. These attributes distinguishes us from the rest.

Subsequently, after three years, Philadelphia Studio Ballet is now ready to announce the formation of a performing company. PSB is offering serious students the opportunity to participate in high quality productions throughout the year.  This opportunity provides a peek at the commitment necessary for a career in dance. Even if your child does not want to be a professional dancer, students gain invaluable experience performing in a professional environment, but ultimately, it is the excitement of being on stage that they cherish the most.  

          Schedules are fairly demanding and company membership is not for everyone. Producing a quality production will require students to attend all classes and to participate in extra rehearsals. This requires significant commitment by the student, as well as his or her parent

         Our company will hold an annual performance of “The Nutcracker” as well as other productions throughout the year. For our “non-ballerinas” inclusion in our company is also possible as we will use our tap and jazz/hip-hop students to round out our programs.

        Nutcracker auditions will be held in September and students, level pre-3 and above who wish to participate may audition at that time or by appointment. Dancers can expect to rehearse Saturday afternoons and as the performance date grows closer, rehearsals are often held on Sunday afternoons as well.

There is an annual $125.00 participation fee for company members. Fees are standard for studio companies and PSB’S cost is actually less expensive than others. This helps offset the expense of costumes, rehearsals, theatre rental and technical production. This fee is not applied to our year end Showcase.

As the school matures and parents become more familiar with the scheduling of a ballet studio, please expect to change day and time of attendance from year to year.  This is standard practice as your child moves through the levels of technique. I have attempted to maintain the same days and times (approximately) that were convenient for you last season, although this was not always possible.  Be aware that the levels are now renamed to accommodate your child’s progress and new levels were added as well. For instance, if your child was in Ballet 1 last season, she or he will be in Ballet 1X this season.  

Level assignments were mentioned for the upcoming year, and after conferencing with my faculty, it seems prudent for all to assume that your child will move up one level. There are a few instances where this general rule does not apply and you will be contacted within a few days. I think most of you will find this acceptable.  However, I am always available if you need further assistance.

          Once again, you will notice the addition of musical theater classes on our schedule. For enrolled students, we will present an informal “in-studio” performance at the end of our second quarter. This should be very exciting.

I have enclosed only the most pertinent details in this letter along with the schedule. Please visit our website, www.philadelphiastudioballet.com where you will notice updated and revised information. I have clarified the school’s policies and artistic guidelines, as well as performance information, and please note certain changes in our dress code.  Your current leotards will not go to waste though, as they can be used again during our “leotard color of your choice weeks.”

I invite you to check our new section entitled FAQS where many of your questions have been addressed. You may also pick up the remainder of the information by attending one of our open house gatherings or on your first day of class. Please let me know by phone or e-mail (I will reply with a confirmation), if you are interested in returning and which classes you would prefer. Since the first week of classes will be used for level placement (Ballet 1 and above), please check the schedule for convenience in case your child is moved. Additionally, it is always a good idea to have two choices available as enrollment is limited. Returning students are always first to be considered, however.

            I must extend a great big thank you to all who participated in our spring Showcase, both dancers and behind the scene helpers; it was an exceptional performance! Included in the fall information, you will find some preliminary details concerning next year’s performance.  I have worked hard to find a way for families to handle the additional cost of participation and I have copied a pattern established by a colleague which, I believe, is an excellent strategy. Hopefully, this will alleviate the concern of a one time payment.

In closing, I have felt privileged to work with the staff and children at PSB and marvel at the high degree of motivation shown by the students.  I have seen them change and I have enjoyed watching their development.  I believe strongly that students should gain as much performance experience as possible and the schedules are usually demanding.  Many thanks must go to all the parents who give so much support and commitment.  After all, not many of my 3 year olds are jumping into the family SUV and driving themselves to ballet class.  I hope to work with many of you in the future and look forward to seeing you soon!

Fondly,

Suzanne