Conservatory of International Classic Ballet Theatre
Pre-Ballet Ages 6-8
Pre-professional 9-12
Pre-professional 13 and up

Call (925) 864-8760 to schedule a personal consultation.

ADDRESS: 4645 Gulf Breeze Parkway Suite D, Gulf Breeze, Florida 32563

CONSERVATORY OF ICBT

OUR MISSION is to offer the highest quality classical dance program that fosters each student’s technical execution, artistic expression, and creates for them a disciplined and nurturing atmosphere. With great attention to the syllabus of Classical Dance from Agrippina Vaganova, each student will progress according to standards that are designed to protect young dancers from injury and grant them the opportunity to prepare for a career in classical dance. We also offer upper level classes which diverge to include a well-rounded approach, offering students the opportunity to learn classical ballet, character, historical dance styles. Our goal is to help each student reach their full potential whether it is for the simple love of the art or a desire to become a professional ballet. Conservatory of International Classic Ballet Theatre aims to promote the art of dance through educational and performance opportunities. We are Performing Arts Cultural Exchange Foundation formed in 2018 in memory of Professor Peggy Willis-Aarnio’s lifelong work in classical ballet education with Pedagogical Training from Vaganova Choreographic School, Saint-Petersburg, Russia. Peggy was the first American to become a Certfied Practitioner of Classic Dance in 1994. PACEBALLET.ORG provides The Peggy
Willis Scholarship Award to a talented student to pursue her/his dream to become a professional artist.

OUR EXPECTATIONS for the students include having a desire to learn with an understanding and strong respect for teachers at all times. Respecting fellow students and having the self-discipline to always put forth their personal best. Tradition, discipline, and respect will permeate the atmosphere in our classes and help each student develop a sense of pride as they train in the distinguished tradition of classicalbdance instruction.
STEP BY STEP we will guide each student through a curriculum that will educate them in musicality,
coordination, and creativity. We have classes to suit ages 6 through 99. Our classes are developmentally age appropriate and build in a progressive fashion. Our Artistic Director along with Program Director will place the student into approximate class level to ensure student’s growth and advancement.
MASTERING THE ART of ballet requires hard work and dedication. It also requires teachers to explain the students to the greater dance experiences for growth to give them opportunities for encouragement and direction from those in the world of professional ballet. From time to time, we will host Master Classes with artists who are dedicated to the art of ballet. We encourage our students to take advantage of the offered Master Classes and enroll in other forms, such as modern dance classes in order to learn how to emanate the passion and connectivity in their classical ballet.

•REGISTRATION: Register with Conservatory of ICBT using our online portal at
PACEBALLET.ORG
When you enroll, you agree to the Terms and Conditions stated, including general school policies as
outlined in Conservatory of ICBT Handbook, Liability Waiver, photo/media, and all forms that are
attached in WELCOME PACKET, when student has been accepted into the Conservatory of ICBT.

• A $25 per student registration fee is assessed upon enrollment.
• June 1st begins our Inargural SUMMER 2026 Program, AUDITIONS will be part of Acceptance into
  the Conservatory of ICBT.
• September is the first month of the school year for which tuition is invoiced. Invoices are emailed
  on the 1ST WEEK of the month, with tuition due on the 7th and LATE after the 15th.

YEARLY PAYMENT POLICY: It is important to understand that enrollment in the school year program is
for a nine-month period (September – May). There is a yearly Registration Fee and an end of year
performance Fee [amount TBD]will be required for participantion. Registration Fee must be paid to confirm the student’s space in class. STUDENT SHOWCASE fees will be assessed early in the Spring semester. First month’s tuition will be invoiced September 1st (or the first month in which the student is enrolled, if after September).
Tuition may be made :

• Cash, Check (payable to Performing Arts Cultural Exchange), Credit/Debit Card, ACH
• Installments paid annually, bi-annually, or monthly [with prior arrangements].
• AutoPay OR Online Payments are possible through PAYPAL. A credit card, debit card, or checking account information can be stored in our system for automatic payment to be run on the 7th of the month. The office must receive WRITTEN notice two weeks prior to the next billing cycle if any changes are to be made to enrollment status or the amount withdrawn each month. Remember that your child is enrolled for the FULL SCHOOL YEAR and your payment is an installment and NOT a month to month fee.
• Notice of withdrawal, class changes, and changes to some auto-pay settings may NOT be completed via the online portal. Please email marinaballet@yahoo.com to arrange for changes to classes/AutoPay or withdrawal.
• Monthly installments are invoiced on the 1st of every month, due on the 7th (this is the date that AutoPay will run), and LATE after the 15th. A late fee of $15 will be charged if payment is received after the 15th of the month.
• If a check is returned due to insufficient funds, a $25 fee will be charged then it must be paid in cash or money order.
• If payment is not made in full by the end of a month, the student may not attend class until balance is paid in full.
• Tuition is NON-REFUNDABLE. There are no refunds for missed classes and no discounts for partial class participation. In cases of severe physical injury, tuition may be credited toward future Conservatory of ICBT classes.
• Medical documentation is required from your students physician, to ensure activity is approved for dance instruction.
  DRESS CODE POLICY:
  The dress code rules are established for several reasons, and they are enforced while students are on
  Conservatory of ICBT premises or any venue where you are representing Conservatory of ICBT. We want to ensure that our students develop a sense of modesty and dignity in their appearance.
  STREET CLOTHING POLICY is as follows:
• No revealing clothing or bare midriffs. Mesh/see-through fabric does
  not count as covering
• No “short shorts” are allowed (unless part of costume)
• No political statements, or offensive language allowed between
  students.

CLASSROOM POLICY: is as follows:

• Hair should be securely pulled back, pins should not fall out, hair should not fall down. Students in Pre Ballet and older should wear their hair in a bun or similar style for ballet class. Loose ponytails or loose braids are not permitted. Hair accessories should be secure so they do not fall off during class. Girls with very short hair should secure their hair with a band and/or spray to prevent hair from falling in front of face. Boys must have neat hair, combed out of their face and be clean shaven.
• No jewelry is worn during class unless it is a finger ring of significant purpose or stud earrings. This is
  because they could harm your child during class and they can harm other students during class.
  Nobody wants to lose valuables, please do not bring valuables to class!
• To ensure that teachers can see that each student is in proper alignment, students should not wear
  loose shirts or jackets over their leotards. Girls may wear proper ballet skirts in auxiliary classes only
  with teacher’s permission. Ballet technique classes levels should follow guidance of Conservatory ICBT standard attire. Any above levels should not wear skirts or any other accessories without permission.
• Pink tights must be worn UNDER the leotard and never on the outside of the leotard. Tights are meant to serve as underwear for ladies. Additional undergarments are not necessary with tights. Gentlemen should wear athletic briefs or a dance belt under tights for support.

ASSIGNED CLASS DRESS CODE: Dress code is in place so that instructors may easily see the lines of the
body and uniformity across the class. Wear appropriate color leotard and shoes to class with hair out of face and off of neck.

• Adult Ballet attire: Black leotard with pink tights preferred.
• Pre-Ballet 6-8 : Girls: Pink leotard with white socks, pink ballet canvas with ribbons. (not the house
  shoe type that is sold at discount stores.) Boys: white t-shirt, black shorts or stretch pants, black ballet flat (this is in all classes for boys except Vocational.)
• Pre- Professional 9 – 12 year olds: Light blue leotard, white socks, pink ballet canvas with pink ribbons, hair in bun, secured with matching hair net.
• Pre- Professional 13 and older: Lavender leotard, pink tights, pink ballet canvas with pink ribbons, hair in bun
• Pre-Professional Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced Foundation, Advanced I, and
  Advanced II): Girls – Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet canvas with pink ribbons, hair in bun. Boys – Black tights, dance belt, fitted white tee, black ballet flats.
• Ballet Intermediate/Advanced: Any solid-colored leotard (no neons or patterns), pink tights, pink ballet canvas with ribbons, hair secured in a bun.
• Auxiliary Character and Other Classes: Students should wear the attire for their ballet level. Character
  Skirts with black tights and character shoes may be permissible per teacher instructions. Modern
  classes follow teacher directions, some specialized shoes may be needed, otherwise, bare feet.

Boys’ attire is the same in all levels up through: Fitted white tee shirt, gym shorts or black jazz pants or
athletic leggings, black ballet flats.
In order to protect our Studio Flooring:

• DO NOT USE DRYER SHEETS OR FABRIC SOFTNER WITH ANY CLOTHING WORN IN STUDIOS. These
  products cause the floor to become slippery and could be a hazard to the students and teachers.
  Please so not use lotion within 2 hours of entering dance studio.
• DO NOT WALK ACROSS STUDIO FLOORS IF YOU ARE WEARING STREET SHOES. Dirt particles will cause damage. Ballet shoes should NOT be worn outside of class unless practicing in a clean environment or performance.
  CONSERVATORY POLICIES:

1. Conservatory of ICBT is an alcohol, tobacco, and drug free environment. Use of such substances will not be tolerated at our facilities or any event venue.
2. No foul language. Bad language and derogatory remarks will not be tolerated at
   Conservatory of ICBT or any event/venue where you are involved with the school.
3. No dancer or parent is allowed to dictate placement at the barre, order of class exercises, choice of music, level placement, beginning of pointe, or attire under any circumstances.
4. Your time and tuition investment are valuable, students should NO arrive promptly for class. Disruptive and disrespectful behavior in class not only interrupts the learning process but does not reflect the character
   of our school. Examples of inappropriate behavior such as, but not limited to, the following will result in a verbal warning and/or disciplinary action:

• Talking excessively during the class.
• Talking while the teacher is providing instructions.
• Leaving the dance area and/or studio without permission
• “Talking back” to the teacher or otherwise conversing with the teacher or others in an impolite or ill-
  mannered way.
• Refusal to follow the teacher’s instructions.
• Bothering another student by touching them in an impolite or annoying way, as well as no public
  displays of affection of a romantic nature.
• NO Diva behavior – Dancers must be the most arrogant on stage and the most HUMBLE off stage.

1. Students must follow the dress code for all classes and rehearsals. Please do not wear any distasteful or immodest clothing of any kind in or around Conservatory premises or at any Conservatory event venue.
2. All dancers are encouraged to come prepared in appropriate attire & supplies in their dance bag. All
   dancers must supply their own tape, scissors, bandages, personal water bottles (with student’s name).
3. No Food and drink allowed during the lesson. While in class, no drinking allowed, ask instructor if you have any questions. . GUM IS NEVER PERMITTED ON THE PREMISES. Please put trash in trashcans. Keep the Conservatory spotless!
4. The Conservatory is not responsible for stolen, damaged, or lost items. It is best to leave valuables at home. Theft or unauthorized use of other people’s belongings or that of The Conservatory is not tolerated.
5. Cell phones may be brought to The Conservatory but left with personal belongings during the lessons at studio. (Parents during classes must turn their cell phones to vibrate or silent and only engage in phone calls outside of the open studios. Due to limitations of our studio do not disturb the lessons by speaking during the lessons. Please observe a 10-minute drop-off and pick-up window of time for escorting your child into and out of the building, please be prompt for dropping off and picking up your student.
6. No one may video tape or photograph activities at The Conservatory or any performance without prior permission from the Artistic Director.
7. Hygiene is IMPORTANT! Students should not have strong body fragrances (odor, perfume, etc.) at class, rehearsals, or performances. DO wear deodorant and practice good hygiene. Failure to comply may result in warning from the teacher.
8. If glasses are worn, please have them secure. Please be aware that, due to safety concerns, glasses may not be worn during performances.
9. In case of an emergency and a parent or guardian must take a student from class, please contact the
   Director and we will enter the studio to notify the instructor and student. Parents are not allowed to enter the studio during class time. Aside from the interruption of class, we want to keep your child safe and verify the authority of the person removing the child from class.
10. Please remember that instructing dance is a hands-on occupation. Teachers and assistants will need to touch the student in an appropriate way when adjusting placement of hips, feet, arms, etc. Respect will always be shown to the student. Students learn in numerous ways, speech, touching and correcting anatomy are all necessary methods to be used. Parents should discuss all concerns with the Director for a full understanding.
11. If you have a question or concern, please DO NOT call the instructor on their home or cell phone. Please DO call (925) 864 8760 or email MarinaBallet@yahoo.com to schedule an appointment with Sheila Kleiman.
12. Certificate of Accomplishment: Successful Students enrolled in any of the Conservatory of ICBT will
    receive a Quarterly Evaluation of their understanding of Vaganova Principles of Classic Dance and will be presented with Certificate of Achievement from Marina Medvetskaya. Advancement into the next level of Vaganova Training Program will be determined by Ms. Medvetskaya.
    a. Artistic Director may at any time redirect a student to a non-vocational level class.
    b. Class advancement is determined by Ms. Medvetskaya who will require a sincere committment as well ascontinuity in class attendance. Excessive absences hinder advancement.
    PARKING:
    Please observe the designated parking spaces that are available. Conservatory is NOT RESPONSIBLE for any loss of property or damage in the Shopping Center. If there is no parking allowed in the area in front of the main entrance, please escort your student into the door to the studiolikewise , and pick up promptly when class is over. There is limited parking space available, and we need people to park in an organized fashion in order to optimize parking spaces. Please be respectful of other neighbor’s property.

PICK UP/DROP OFF POLICY:

1. To ensure the safety of each student, we ask that students come directly in the building at drop off.
   Students must wait inside the building while waiting for parent pick up. We do not want students out front where cars are coming and going or where they would be close to Highway 98 or hit within the parking lot.
2. Please be PROMPT when picking up your student from class. We understand that there are rare occasions when circumstances may be beyond your control, but please respect that the faculty have lives outside of work and should not be delayed after work hours.
   ATTENDANCE / TIMELINESS:
3. Students who are ill should be resting at home and ARE NOT PERMITTED to attend or observe class or rehearsal. Help us keep the other students healthy! Students will be allowed to make up classes at their earliest convenience at another class of the same or lower level. Speak to the School Principal or RAD Program Director about your make-up class intentions.
4. Regular attendance is critical to the progress and development of each student. Students should not
   schedule appointments or activities that will conflict with their scheduled classes or rehearsals. Every absence adversely affects the exam preparation, rehearsal process and ultimately the performance. The faculty reserves the right to dismiss students because of excessive absences when exam or performance preparation is involved. Excessive absences may result in the need for a student to repeat a level or lose their part.
5. Students should arrive early to class in order to warm-up before class so as to alleviate possible injury and be ON TIME. If more than 15 minutes late, the instructor has the right to require the student to sit and observe class. Tardiness is disruptive.
6. If a class is cancelled by The Conservatory office, you will be contacted by text or email. We make every effort to make classes up classes as soon as possible. In the event of bad weather, The Conservatory generally follows the Bentonville School District decision, but will open if roads clear by afternoon. Please check for email and text updates before leaving for class if there is any question about possible weather-related closings.
7. Students who are injured should observe class or rehearsal. Written permission by a parent or physician should be given before the student resumes class activity.
8. If a student must withdraw from The Conservatory, please notify the Director via email at
   Marinaballet@yahoo.com at least two weeks prior to the next billing cycle. You will be charged contracted tuition fees until proper notification is received by the Directors Office.
9. The Conservatory will generally follow the Santa Rosa school calendar regarding closings for major breaks such as Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break. There will be no classes on Labor Day or Good Friday. We will remain in session during in-service days and the shorter holidays such as MLK Day, Presidents
   Day, etc. Some classes may be cancelled during the International Vocational Exams in the Spring, but students will have opportunities to take make-up classes as needed.

The Conservatory observes a very generous make-up policy. If a student misses a lesson,
they may take a make-up class in another class of the same level or a level below. Please do contact the School Principal at Marinaballet@yahoo.com to give notice of your intent to take a make-up class, or for guidance for a make-up.
AUDITIONS:
The Conservatory conducts several auditions annually, including Trainee Program Auditions, Nutcracker
Auditions, as well as auditions held onsite for summer intensive programs hosted by reputable outside schools and companies. It is always important to think of auditions as learning experiences. We do everything possible to ensure that each student has the opportunity to have a fair audition. Local instructors and/or experts in dance are asked to participate with The Conservatory faculty for admittance into the Trainee Program. Nutcracker auditions are run by the production’s artistic/rehearsal staff. School production roles will be fairly assessed by our excellent faculty and staff; therefore, casting decisions are not up for discussion. Performing any role helps the dancer gain self-confidence and put their training into action!
MASTER CLASSES:
On occasion we will bring in inspiring teachers to share their expertise and knowledge through Master Classes. Students from selected levels are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and participate.
PERFORMANCES:
We produce The International Classic Ballet Theatre of Marina Medvetskaya, the Company is founded by
Performing Arts Cultural Exchange Foundation. We produce Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and other classical ballets in conjunction with Artistic Director Marina Medvetskaya. INFORMATION ABOUT PERFORMING OPPORTUNITIES WILL INCLUDE an end of the year CONCERT SHOWCASING YOUR STUDENT! Details will be sent out and posted each year. DETAILS WILL BE FORTHCOMING LATER THIS YEAR.

SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES:
A separate registration will be available for students wishing to participate in our summer programs.
We encourage you to sit down and go over this handbook with child and make sure they understand the
expectations contained within. We look forward to helping them meet their personal goals with dance whether they are attending for the purpose of exercise, to become a professional, or just because dance is fun! Please know that we encourage open communication, and we very much want to hear from you if you ever have questions or concerns. We can be reached at 925 864 8760.

Selected students ages 6-8 years old will be required to attend a minimum of 2 lessons per week for pre- professional training. Ages 9-12 years old are required to attend a minimum of 3 lessons per week for pre-professional training. Students 13 years old and up are required to attend a minimum of 4 lessons per week for pre-professional training. Make up classes (with Dr’s note) will be available with prior approval from Ms. Medvetskaya, days/times to be announced. Lessons are limited to 15 students per class.

Weekly SCHEDULE as follows:
YEAR 1 VAGANOVA TRAINING
Mon, Wed & Fri 4:00-5 00PM, Saturday (time TBD)

YEAR 2 VAGANOVA TRAINING
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs & Fri 5:15 -6:30PM Saturday (time TBD)

ADULT BEGINNER TRAINING
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat 10:30AM – 11:30AM
ADULT INTERMEDIATE TRAINING
11:30AM – 1:00PM

ADULT BEGINNER TRAINING
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thursday
6:30 – 7:30PM

PRIVATE COACHING SESSIONS (dependent on availability)

Pre-Ballet students (ages 6-8) will be accepted into the Conservatory’s Program with personal consultation with Ms. Medvetskaya. Classes will be Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30-4:15.