Copyright 2011-2012 Rachel's Ballet - Fremont, CA & Dublin, CA - Phone (510) 656-0920 - www.rachelsballet.com |
Classes
Please read about our RAD program and our Dress Code.
Please check the "News" page for any class schedule changes (replacement
classes/cancellations and extra rehearsals).
For information regarding our FREE classes (Ages 3 to 5 years old), please
see our Community Outreach page.
Please read about our RAD program and our Dress Code.
Please check the "News" page for any class schedule changes (replacement
classes/cancellations and extra rehearsals).
For information regarding our FREE classes (Ages 3 to 5 years old), please
see our Community Outreach page.
"Training and Inspiring Dancers and Teachers of Tomorrow" |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) about Classes & Tuition
What does Rachel's Ballet have to offer compared to other ballet schools?
Our ballet school strives to maintain high standards of quality.
Please compare what we have to offer with other ballet studios and choose what best meets your needs. We want parents and
students to feel confident in their selection of our school.
How do I schedule a Try-Out class?
If you are interested in enrolling in a class, please call Ms. Rachel at (510) 656-0920 or email her at Rachel@RachelsBallet.com. A
Try-Out Class may need to be scheduled. This will allow Ms. Rachel (or another instructor) to observe the student's abilities and
determine the appropriate class level placement. All Try-Out Classes must be pre-approved by the staff and a Try-Out Fee is
required. The Try-out Class fee is $20 per each lesson hour ($30 for 1.5 hours). Please bring the signed Registration Form and Try-
Out fee with you to the scheduled Try-Out Class. If you decide to enroll, the Try-Out Fee will be credited towards your first monthly
installment.
How do I know which class level is appropriate?
Please consult with Ms. Rachel before registering for any class. Normally, a Try-Out Class should be scheduled so that Ms. Rachel
(or another instructor) can observe the student's abilities and determine the appropriate class level placement.
How do I enroll?
After a Try-Out class or consulting with Ms. Rachel, you may enroll for the class(es) specified by Ms. Rachel. Please refer to the
"Classes, Tuition & Policy Information" document for enrollment instructions.
The following can be placed in the black Drop Box at any studio location prior to your first class:
How do I pay tuition? What are tuition installments?
Our ballet school tuition is an annual cost, _not_ a per class cost or per month cost. Our tuition installments are explained in our
"Classes, Tuition & Policy Information" document on our web site. There are ten (10) monthly tuition installments (see our “Class
Tuition” tables for monthly installment amounts) that make up the annual tuition. Each installment does not pay for any particular
month, but rather contributes to the tuition for the whole school year. Therefore, holidays/shutdowns do not affect the installment
amount. This is the same tuition method we have used for the past several years. If you would prefer, we would certainly accept
payment of the annual tuition in full at the beginning of the school year.
We only accept payments by check. Black Drop Boxes are located in each studio lobby for check payments, registration forms and
comments. Checks may also be sent to our mailing address: Rachel's Ballet, 43695 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539.
When was the last tuition increase?
Our tuition has not increased for several years. The tuition is the same for our 2010-2011 School Year as it was in 2006-2007 School
Year. As students move up in grade levels, the amount of class time increases. Notice how the younger ones have a one hour class
twice a week, which progresses to one hour and 15 minutes twice a week, then one hour and 15 minutes three times per week, then
to one hour and 30 minutes three times per week, and finally one hour and 30 minutes four times per week. This is not a tuition rate
increase; you are paying for the additional class time.
For the 2011 Summer Session and Fall 2011-Spring 2012 School Year, we had to make some adjustments to our tuition after
determining that some of the classes were not covering their own costs (Pre-Primary through Grade 4 and the Contemporary
classes). The tuition for the other classes remains unchanged at their 2006-2007 rates. Our tuition rates have not increased for
several years; we are only making some adjustments now to pay our instructors. All the increases are to cover the costs to maintain
and continue our excellent program.
We understand that parents must choose what activities they can afford for their children. That is why we do not pressure students
into Honor Classes or YAGP competition. We graciously extend the invitation to those deserving students; the decision is up to the
student and her/his family. We truly appreciate your patronage and for entrusting your child’s ballet training to our school. We hope
that you will continue to work with us as we enter another exciting year in dance.
What is the Flat Fee?
Students who pay the Flat Fee for the school year are eligible to participate in the annual RAD Examinations/Presentations and the
Annual Showcase. As requested by our ballet parents, multiple required costs have been combined into one flat fee, by grade level,
to simplify the payment process. The Flat Fee by Grade Level is non-refundable and due at registration. The “Flat Fee by Grade
Level” combines the following three fees:
Is there a Sibling Discount?
Yes. We offer a Sibling Discount of 10% off regularly scheduled classes (legal siblings only). Discount does not apply to Honor
Classes, private lessons, non-scheduled classes, YAGP lessons, Try-Out Classes, Drop-In Classes, Flat Fee by Grade Level, or any
other fees.
What are Honor Dances/Classes?
Our invitation-only Honor Classes are for high-scoring students who seek more class time to develop their technique and artistry in a
group setting. Participation in the Honor Classes has always been optional; no one is required to enroll in an Honor Class. Selected
students will attend weekly classes to learn choreography for a group dance (Honor Dance) to be performed at the Annual Showcase
if all requirements are met. If a student does not embrace every opportunity to perform in any class dances offered, such as the
Nutcracker ballet and Annual Showcase, it indicates that she/he does not have the enthusiasm, dedication, and teamwork qualities to
be highlighted as an Honor dancer. High RAD exam scores are not enough for an invitation.
Honor Dances may also be taken to Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) competition. Specific guidelines are required by Honor Dance
students (example: being enrolled for the Summer Session and Fall/Spring School Year). Honor Dance choreography is done during
the Summer Session (8 weeks). Students must be registered and not be absent more than two (2) weeks in the summer to allow the
teacher to choreograph and the class to learn the choreography. No Sibling Discount on Honor Class tuition. If less than five (5)
students enroll in an Honor Class, then Private Lesson rates will apply (Solo, Duet, Trio, or Group).
How are Private Lesson rates determined?
Private lesson fees are rates that our school has negotiated with the instructors for their choreography and private teaching time.
These fees are optional (only those students who choose to participate pay them) and are completely separate from the class tuition.
We hire experienced instructors and fairly compensate them for their expertise. RAD instructors must continue to attend training to
stay current on changes to RAD standards. Each private lesson for classwork requires an instructor to create a separate lesson plan
for an individual student or group of students, identifying areas that require improvement and how to address those areas. Honor
classes with less than five students are basically group private lessons; YAGP and Showcase solo and ensemble classes are
private lessons. These performance-oriented private lessons not only use an instructor’s time, but also her talents in selecting and
editing just the right music, choreographing based on the student’s capabilities, and making changes as needed to highlight the
student’s strengths to energize the performance.
Why are students required to attend three days per week starting with the Grade 3 level to be in the
Showcase or Honor Class?
As a student progresses to the next grade level, the syllabus becomes more difficult. According to our Class Descriptions document:
"Grade Three
Increasing demands of concentration, discipline and stamina make this level a challenging one."
It is for this reason that three classes per week are required to help students become more disciplined and have more stamina. It is
the frequency of practicing (three days per week rather than two days) that is the key.
What is a Master Class? Why is it only listed for vocational level students?
The Master Class is a required vocational level class; students who enroll in “Grades 5/6/7/8 only” do not attend. Pointe work is
practiced in the Master Class for female students. Master classes give vocational students the opportunity to do unset work once a
week to challenge them mentally and allow them to respond to a variety of choreography. While there is one primary teacher for the
Master Classes, other instructors are occasionally invited to teach. This better prepares vocational level students for their exams by
exposing them to different instructors. “Unset work” refers to enchainement, a short series of steps in ballet comprising a phrase
which can be repeated or varied. Students will be asked to quickly memorize and perform enchainements that are created by the RAD
examiner during the vocational exam. Preparation for this portion of the exam is done in the Master class, along with reinforcing
pointe skills learned during the week.
Students must attend four days per week to be eligible for the vocational exams. First, we are concerned about the health of our
students; those who dance only three days a week cannot safely dance on pointe. Students risk injuring feet, ankles, knees, and even
hips when their bodies are not strong enough. Second, attending at least four days a week is necessary to allow adequate time to
learn syllabus exercises, practice enchainements, and improve pointe technique (female students) in preparation for the vocational
exams.
How do the Grade 5 and Grade 6 students also take the Intermediate Foundation class together?
There are three different classes (Grade 5, Grade 6, and Intermediate Foundation) mentioned in this question. For the 2011-2012
School Year, Grade 5 and Grade 6 each have one day per week dedicated to that particular graded syllabus on Fridays. Students who
are “Grade 5 only” or “Grade 6 only” are not yet ready for vocational work, but still must attend two additional days per week (in the
Intermediate Foundation class) or they will not be strong enough to adequately perform the Grade 5 or Grade 6 syllabus.
Intermediate Foundation is the first level of vocational training; pointe work is introduced for female students. Readiness for this level
is determined by the instructors who make their recommendations. The vocational level classes are challenging and instructors
consider many factors, such as physical strength, stamina, maturity, attitude, etc. Usually our Grade 6 students are ready to begin
this first level of vocational training. Some years, our Grade 5 students are particularly strong and deemed ready to commence
vocational training. This is what has occurred for the 2011-2012 School Year. Though some students may be training for different
levels for the Graded Exams on Fridays, they are all training for the same Intermediate Foundation Exam on Mondays, Wednesdays,
and Saturdays.
Most of our students in the upper grades (Grades 6, 7, and 8) train concurrently in a graded class and a vocational class; we refer to
this as studying for "double exams" (one graded, one vocational). Grades 6, 7, and 8 focus on dances that emphasize performance
and artistry; vocational classes focus on technique. The combination of both graded and vocational classes helps our students
develop into well-rounded dancers who perform with proper technique as well as artistry.
What does Rachel's Ballet have to offer compared to other ballet schools?
Our ballet school strives to maintain high standards of quality.
- We offer more than just a ballet class; we teach the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) program. The RAD program provides an
international standard; students worldwide studying at a particular level are taught the same syllabus. - We teach Grades 6, 7 and 8 which are not offered at all RAD schools in the Bay Area.
- Our instructors are RAD trained and fairly compensated for their expertise. Some schools reduce costs by having instructors
prepare the same lesson plan to use the whole week or shorten the class time. Our instructors prepare different lessons
based on the needs of the students in the class; students still learn the necessary skills but also focus on areas that need
improvement. We are proud that all our instructors take so much of their own time preparing for classes outside of class time.
Our instructors are responsible for students knowing the syllabus work by a certain deadline, and helping each student
achieve the highest RAD Exam score based on their individual potential. - Our class size is purposely small for individual student attention.
- We are the only Bay Area RAD school to present vocational level exam students every year (some schools submit students
every other year), and we have separate classes for each grade level. - Our studio floors are professional quality raised shock-absorbing dance floors (sprung floors) for the safety and health of our
students. - We provide opportunities for showcase performances in a professional facility, annual RAD exams, mock RAD graded exams
for parents to observe, free community outreach performances (most recently The Nutcracker Ballet), free community outreach
dance classes at the Fremont Public Library and Pleasanton Public Library for pre-school children, honor dances, and
opportunities for competition (YAGP).
Please compare what we have to offer with other ballet studios and choose what best meets your needs. We want parents and
students to feel confident in their selection of our school.
How do I schedule a Try-Out class?
If you are interested in enrolling in a class, please call Ms. Rachel at (510) 656-0920 or email her at Rachel@RachelsBallet.com. A
Try-Out Class may need to be scheduled. This will allow Ms. Rachel (or another instructor) to observe the student's abilities and
determine the appropriate class level placement. All Try-Out Classes must be pre-approved by the staff and a Try-Out Fee is
required. The Try-out Class fee is $20 per each lesson hour ($30 for 1.5 hours). Please bring the signed Registration Form and Try-
Out fee with you to the scheduled Try-Out Class. If you decide to enroll, the Try-Out Fee will be credited towards your first monthly
installment.
How do I know which class level is appropriate?
Please consult with Ms. Rachel before registering for any class. Normally, a Try-Out Class should be scheduled so that Ms. Rachel
(or another instructor) can observe the student's abilities and determine the appropriate class level placement.
How do I enroll?
After a Try-Out class or consulting with Ms. Rachel, you may enroll for the class(es) specified by Ms. Rachel. Please refer to the
"Classes, Tuition & Policy Information" document for enrollment instructions.
The following can be placed in the black Drop Box at any studio location prior to your first class:
- Completed and signed Registration Form
- Check Payment
- Summer Session: Registration Fee & Full Summer Tuition
- Fall/Spring School Year: Registration Fee, First & Last Tuition Installments, Flat Fee (if applicable), and Nutcracker
Fee(s) (if applicable, only Fremont studios)
How do I pay tuition? What are tuition installments?
Our ballet school tuition is an annual cost, _not_ a per class cost or per month cost. Our tuition installments are explained in our
"Classes, Tuition & Policy Information" document on our web site. There are ten (10) monthly tuition installments (see our “Class
Tuition” tables for monthly installment amounts) that make up the annual tuition. Each installment does not pay for any particular
month, but rather contributes to the tuition for the whole school year. Therefore, holidays/shutdowns do not affect the installment
amount. This is the same tuition method we have used for the past several years. If you would prefer, we would certainly accept
payment of the annual tuition in full at the beginning of the school year.
We only accept payments by check. Black Drop Boxes are located in each studio lobby for check payments, registration forms and
comments. Checks may also be sent to our mailing address: Rachel's Ballet, 43695 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539.
When was the last tuition increase?
Our tuition has not increased for several years. The tuition is the same for our 2010-2011 School Year as it was in 2006-2007 School
Year. As students move up in grade levels, the amount of class time increases. Notice how the younger ones have a one hour class
twice a week, which progresses to one hour and 15 minutes twice a week, then one hour and 15 minutes three times per week, then
to one hour and 30 minutes three times per week, and finally one hour and 30 minutes four times per week. This is not a tuition rate
increase; you are paying for the additional class time.
For the 2011 Summer Session and Fall 2011-Spring 2012 School Year, we had to make some adjustments to our tuition after
determining that some of the classes were not covering their own costs (Pre-Primary through Grade 4 and the Contemporary
classes). The tuition for the other classes remains unchanged at their 2006-2007 rates. Our tuition rates have not increased for
several years; we are only making some adjustments now to pay our instructors. All the increases are to cover the costs to maintain
and continue our excellent program.
We understand that parents must choose what activities they can afford for their children. That is why we do not pressure students
into Honor Classes or YAGP competition. We graciously extend the invitation to those deserving students; the decision is up to the
student and her/his family. We truly appreciate your patronage and for entrusting your child’s ballet training to our school. We hope
that you will continue to work with us as we enter another exciting year in dance.
What is the Flat Fee?
Students who pay the Flat Fee for the school year are eligible to participate in the annual RAD Examinations/Presentations and the
Annual Showcase. As requested by our ballet parents, multiple required costs have been combined into one flat fee, by grade level,
to simplify the payment process. The Flat Fee by Grade Level is non-refundable and due at registration. The “Flat Fee by Grade
Level” combines the following three fees:
- RAD Exam/Presentation Class Fee and Pianist Fee (Fees varies by grade level. We must submit each student's RAD exam
registration in September.) - Showcase Fee (4 tickets per family to defray the theater rental costs)
- Costume Fee (Rental & cleaning fee for one Showcase costume for the class group dance. Costumes must be
reserved/ordered well in advance.)
Is there a Sibling Discount?
Yes. We offer a Sibling Discount of 10% off regularly scheduled classes (legal siblings only). Discount does not apply to Honor
Classes, private lessons, non-scheduled classes, YAGP lessons, Try-Out Classes, Drop-In Classes, Flat Fee by Grade Level, or any
other fees.
What are Honor Dances/Classes?
Our invitation-only Honor Classes are for high-scoring students who seek more class time to develop their technique and artistry in a
group setting. Participation in the Honor Classes has always been optional; no one is required to enroll in an Honor Class. Selected
students will attend weekly classes to learn choreography for a group dance (Honor Dance) to be performed at the Annual Showcase
if all requirements are met. If a student does not embrace every opportunity to perform in any class dances offered, such as the
Nutcracker ballet and Annual Showcase, it indicates that she/he does not have the enthusiasm, dedication, and teamwork qualities to
be highlighted as an Honor dancer. High RAD exam scores are not enough for an invitation.
Honor Dances may also be taken to Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) competition. Specific guidelines are required by Honor Dance
students (example: being enrolled for the Summer Session and Fall/Spring School Year). Honor Dance choreography is done during
the Summer Session (8 weeks). Students must be registered and not be absent more than two (2) weeks in the summer to allow the
teacher to choreograph and the class to learn the choreography. No Sibling Discount on Honor Class tuition. If less than five (5)
students enroll in an Honor Class, then Private Lesson rates will apply (Solo, Duet, Trio, or Group).
How are Private Lesson rates determined?
Private lesson fees are rates that our school has negotiated with the instructors for their choreography and private teaching time.
These fees are optional (only those students who choose to participate pay them) and are completely separate from the class tuition.
We hire experienced instructors and fairly compensate them for their expertise. RAD instructors must continue to attend training to
stay current on changes to RAD standards. Each private lesson for classwork requires an instructor to create a separate lesson plan
for an individual student or group of students, identifying areas that require improvement and how to address those areas. Honor
classes with less than five students are basically group private lessons; YAGP and Showcase solo and ensemble classes are
private lessons. These performance-oriented private lessons not only use an instructor’s time, but also her talents in selecting and
editing just the right music, choreographing based on the student’s capabilities, and making changes as needed to highlight the
student’s strengths to energize the performance.
Why are students required to attend three days per week starting with the Grade 3 level to be in the
Showcase or Honor Class?
As a student progresses to the next grade level, the syllabus becomes more difficult. According to our Class Descriptions document:
"Grade Three
Increasing demands of concentration, discipline and stamina make this level a challenging one."
It is for this reason that three classes per week are required to help students become more disciplined and have more stamina. It is
the frequency of practicing (three days per week rather than two days) that is the key.
What is a Master Class? Why is it only listed for vocational level students?
The Master Class is a required vocational level class; students who enroll in “Grades 5/6/7/8 only” do not attend. Pointe work is
practiced in the Master Class for female students. Master classes give vocational students the opportunity to do unset work once a
week to challenge them mentally and allow them to respond to a variety of choreography. While there is one primary teacher for the
Master Classes, other instructors are occasionally invited to teach. This better prepares vocational level students for their exams by
exposing them to different instructors. “Unset work” refers to enchainement, a short series of steps in ballet comprising a phrase
which can be repeated or varied. Students will be asked to quickly memorize and perform enchainements that are created by the RAD
examiner during the vocational exam. Preparation for this portion of the exam is done in the Master class, along with reinforcing
pointe skills learned during the week.
Students must attend four days per week to be eligible for the vocational exams. First, we are concerned about the health of our
students; those who dance only three days a week cannot safely dance on pointe. Students risk injuring feet, ankles, knees, and even
hips when their bodies are not strong enough. Second, attending at least four days a week is necessary to allow adequate time to
learn syllabus exercises, practice enchainements, and improve pointe technique (female students) in preparation for the vocational
exams.
How do the Grade 5 and Grade 6 students also take the Intermediate Foundation class together?
There are three different classes (Grade 5, Grade 6, and Intermediate Foundation) mentioned in this question. For the 2011-2012
School Year, Grade 5 and Grade 6 each have one day per week dedicated to that particular graded syllabus on Fridays. Students who
are “Grade 5 only” or “Grade 6 only” are not yet ready for vocational work, but still must attend two additional days per week (in the
Intermediate Foundation class) or they will not be strong enough to adequately perform the Grade 5 or Grade 6 syllabus.
Intermediate Foundation is the first level of vocational training; pointe work is introduced for female students. Readiness for this level
is determined by the instructors who make their recommendations. The vocational level classes are challenging and instructors
consider many factors, such as physical strength, stamina, maturity, attitude, etc. Usually our Grade 6 students are ready to begin
this first level of vocational training. Some years, our Grade 5 students are particularly strong and deemed ready to commence
vocational training. This is what has occurred for the 2011-2012 School Year. Though some students may be training for different
levels for the Graded Exams on Fridays, they are all training for the same Intermediate Foundation Exam on Mondays, Wednesdays,
and Saturdays.
Most of our students in the upper grades (Grades 6, 7, and 8) train concurrently in a graded class and a vocational class; we refer to
this as studying for "double exams" (one graded, one vocational). Grades 6, 7, and 8 focus on dances that emphasize performance
and artistry; vocational classes focus on technique. The combination of both graded and vocational classes helps our students
develop into well-rounded dancers who perform with proper technique as well as artistry.
FREMONT STUDIO CLASSES
(MG Studio & MV Studio)
Important documents used by our school (PDF files):
(MG Studio & MV Studio)
Important documents used by our school (PDF files):
- Fremont Classes, Tuition & Policy Information
- THIS IS THE PRIMARY DOCUMENT of all classes,
enrollment instructions, tuition costs and associated fees,
and school policies. Please read.
- Fremont Schedule by Studio Location - Grid format of
classes by studio location.
- Registration Form - Form used for enrollment and for Try-
Out Classes.
- Class Descriptions - A brief summary of the classes
offered by Rachel's Ballet, including descriptions of the
various Royal Academy of Dance class levels.
DUBLIN STUDIO CLASSES (LP Studio)
Important documents used by our school (PDF files):
Important documents used by our school (PDF files):
- Dublin Classes, Tuition & Policy Information
- THIS IS THE PRIMARY DOCUMENT of all classes,
enrollment instructions, tuition costs and associated
fees, and school policies. Please read.
- Dublin Schedule by Studio Location - Grid format of
classes by studio location.
- Registration Form - Form used for enrollment and for
Try-Out Classes.
- Class Descriptions - A brief summary of the classes
offered by Rachel's Ballet, including descriptions of the
various Royal Academy of Dance class levels.
Communication at our school is done primarily by email and this web site. We ask that parents please provide a current email
address that is checked regularly.
Fall 2011-Spring 2012 School Year Dates: September 6, 2011 Tue - June 16, 2012 Sat
NEW Teen / Adult Ballet Class offered at our Fremont and Dublin Locations
address that is checked regularly.
Fall 2011-Spring 2012 School Year Dates: September 6, 2011 Tue - June 16, 2012 Sat
- Last day for Continuing Students to register and waive the Registration Fee: August 13, 2011
- Students registering after September 17, 2011 will not participate in the Annual Showcase or RAD Examinations.
NEW Teen / Adult Ballet Class offered at our Fremont and Dublin Locations
- Class is one hour long. Teen / Adult Ballet is an Auxiliary Class (Non-RAD class)
- Fremont MV Studio: Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30pm - OR - Dublin LP Studio: Wednesdays, 7:45-8:45pm
- Drop-In Students at the Fremont MV Studio only. Sorry no Drop-In Students at the Dublin LP Studio.
- You can take the first class as a Try-Out class; our Try-Out fee is $20 per lesson hour. If you decide to sign up, we will credit
your first month's tuition for the $20. - Registration Fee: $25
- As we are offering one class for Teen / Adult Ballet at the MV Studio and one at the LP Studio, the ages will depend upon
those who sign up. The skill levels will also vary, from those who are just beginning to those who are reacquainting
themselves with skills from the past. We want all adults and teens, regardless of age or skill level, to feel welcome. - Click on the "Fremont Classes" or "Dublin Classes" link below for more information.