Parent Resources

Policy on Skin-toned Tights and Shoes

In the summer of 2023, we updated our uniform policy for female-identifying dancers across both campuses to require matching skin-toned tights and shoes for our Lower (levels 1a-3) and Upper Divisions (levels 4a-8). We added the Trainee Program to the initiative in October 2023, and Creative Dance through Pre-ballet levels will be updated in the 2024.25 School Year. This update will take time as students update their ballet wardrobes, but it’s an important update of which we can all be a part. You can help your dancer make this shift by exploring the uniform purchasing options in our TWSB Handbook on this linked page and sharing tips with your fellow parents. TWSB is committed to reviewing our policies and uniforms on a seasonal basis to ensure we match or stay ahead of industry standards.

How long do I have to find new tights and shoes? We would like all dancers to make the switch as soon as they are able, but we understand it will take time to find new apparel. Students may communicate any delays to their teachers directly. Families may also communicate delays to their campus Principal, who can communicate this to the student’s teacher.

What about Boys and Men’s Uniforms? Boys (Lower Division) and Men’s (Upper Division) uniforms remain as the color of their shoes and tights are not meant to mirror skin tones.

Does this mean I need skin-toned apparel for The Nutcracker? Nutcracker costuming is determined separately from TWSB’s uniform policy. For The Nutcracker, you may follow the guidelines provided.

Can I wear “ballet pink” if my skin-tone is very light? “Ballet pink” is not one of the available options for the new TWSB uniform. There are many options for light skin-tones that you may consider at the retailer suggestions provided in the TWSB Handbook. You may also dye tights and shoes to match your skin-tone. We would like all of our dancers to make this switch as a community and support each other by doing their best to wear matching skin-toned apparel.

What if I’m having trouble finding matching tights and shoes? You may not find the perfect match the first time around, but that’s okay. We realize that this is a transition for both our art-form and the retailers who support our art-form. As we are on the cusp of this transition, we have to be fearless, dare to be imperfect, and keep dancing. Please keep your teacher informed.

Previously Lower and Upper Divisions had the option to choose between “ballet pink” and “skin-toned”. Why did we decide to remove the option to wear “ballet pink”? TWSB is a committed steward of ballet, its technique and it’s future. These small shifts and updates are a part our responsibility as stewards of the art form. We also felt that making this switch as a whole community will reinforce that change isn’t the responsibility of some, it is the responsibility of all of our dancers.

Here are some articles that may explain the joyous shift in our art form:
Dance Magazine – Is Classical Ballet Ready to Embrace  Flesh-toned Tights?
Washington Post: Flesh-colored tights: Empowering my daughter through dance
The Ballet Dancer who Fought to Wear Brown Tights
The Black Ballet Celeb Taking on Racism in Dance
Ballet West Sheds Tradition
The Guardian – Black Ballerinas Finally Get Shoes to Match Their Skin
The New York Times: When Pink Ballet Slippers Won’t Do

This is a copy of what is signed and agreed upon during the registration process.

I understand that tuition is payable in full at the time of registration via the currently accepted methods of payment. If not paid in full at registration, automatic installment payments must be set-up with a credit/debit card/ACH.

I authorize The Washington Ballet, Inc. (TWSB) and my financial institution to initiate the recurring transactions detailed in my Payment Plan. I acknowledge that the origination of debit or credit transactions to my account must comply with the provisions of local laws. This recurring authorization is to remain in full force and effect until the indicated date/s or until TWSB has received written notification from you, of its termination in such time as to afford TWSB and your financial institution a reasonable opportunity to act on it. No refunds will be made for unattended classes.

I understand that I am responsible for the full tuition for the entire school-year for which I am registering my child.

One month prior to the start of your program, all amounts paid for tuition are refundable minus the non-refundable deposit and any fees (including the registration fee, late fees and returned check fees).

I understand that program withdrawals must be made in writing and sent via email. If you have a medical withdrawal or your family is moving more than 50 miles away, and you would like to be considered for an exception to TWSB’s no-refund policy, please provide documentation with your withdrawal notification. Please note that the tuition deposit and all ACTIVE fees are non-refundable.

With the exception of Creative Dance programs, I understand that after the start of my child’s classes, I am responsible for the entire tuition balance whether or not my child continues to attend TWSB during any remaining portion of her/his enrollment. All amounts paid or required to be paid for tuition and fees are non-refundable and non-cancelable. If a student is unable to attend, withdraws, is dismissed for any cause, or fails to attend classes, there is no refund or recompense. If classes return to virtual due to covid there will be no refunds.

Additional information on Creative Dance programs

Students enrolled in Creative Dance programs (Mommy & Me and Creative Dance classes) may withdraw during the first 3 weeks of class and receive a refund for their remaining tuition minus the deposit and ACTIVE processing fee. All withdrawals must be made via email to the School Manager. 

If a student decides to withdraw from TWSB’s Summer Programs, the family must send notification in writing by May 1. If notification in writing is received by May 1 the family will be refunded the tuition payment, minus a 25% (of total tuition) nonrefundable fee. Note that ACTIVE fees are always non-refundable and not included in the 25% non-refundable fee. If a student decides to withdraw after May 1 the family will receive neither refund, discount, nor recompense. If a student is dismissed from the program by TWSB no refund, discount, or compensation will be received. No housing refunds are available after June 1. 

If a student is injured before the Summer Intensive begins, half of the tuition fee will be refunded. A signed, original copy of a letter from the Physician must be sent to the School in order to receive tuition recompense. Please note, if a student must withdraw from the Summer Intensive due to any ongoing medical condition not included in their medical notes, tuition will not be refunded regardless of a doctor’s letter. Students who must withdraw during the Summer Intensive due to injury or illness will be dealt with by the School Manager on a case-by-case basis.

Please note that physician’s notes must be current.

Liability & Medical Consent

I agree that I will not hold The Washington Ballet, Inc. (Washington School of Ballet, hereafter referred to as “TWSB”), or any faculty member, volunteer, or employee, liable for injuries sustained or illness contracted by the student during the attendance of classes, rehearsals or any related functions.
In consideration of my minor child’s or children’s participation in classes, rehearsals, and activities at TWSB, off-site activities sponsored by TWSB, including the use of facilities and equipment, I, on behalf of myself and my minor child(ren), representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin, agree to this assumption of risks, waiver of liability and indemnification agreement.

I understand that dancing and physical training pose certain inherent risks, including the risk of personal injury, death, property damage, loss arising from physical trauma or exertion, or illness including exposure to and infection with viruses and bacteria. I understand that I and my minor child(ren) voluntarily assume these risks.

I agree that neither TWSB, nor its members, servants, agents, or employees, shall be liable to me or my minor child(ren) for any injuries or damage to my or my child(ren)’s person or property, arising out of or connecting with my or my minor child(ren)’s participation in the activities described above, or arising at or connecting with the premises of TWSB. I and my minor child(ren) therefore forever release and discharge TWSB, along with its members, servants, agents and/or employees, from all claims, demands, injuries, damages, actions, or causes of action arising out of or connecting with all acts of active or passive ordinary negligence on the part of TWSB or its members, servants, agents or employees. Furthermore, I and my minor child(ren) agree to indemnify and hold harmless TWSB, along with its members, servants, agents, and/or employees, from any and all costs, expenses, and liabilities directly and indirectly arising from any claims, demands, injuries, damages, actions, or causes of action, by whomever or whenever made or presented, for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death arising out of or relating in any way to my or my minor child(ren)’s participation in the activities described above.

Medical Disclaimers & COVID-19 Policies

I understand that my student and any on-site guardian must follow any posted TWB COVID Policies.
The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is an extremely contagious virus. Covid-19 can lead to severe illness, personal injury, permanent disability, and death. Participation in TWSB’s activities or accessing TWSB facilities could increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. Measures have been put in place that aim to reduce the spread of Covid-19, however TWSB in no way warrants that COVID-19 infection will not occur through participation in TWSB programs or accessing TWSB facilities.
You understand that, while TWSB may take a number of health precautions, TWSB cannot eliminate the inherent risk posed by COVID-19 to the community. Additionally, TWSB cannot guarantee that its agents, contractors, members, or clients will comply with these measures and precautions and TWSB does not assume responsibility for their actions, omissions or negligence.
The Washington School of Ballet requires information regarding physical or psychological conditions to best serve their students educational needs within the very demanding and physical art form of dance. Any disclosed information will be kept confidential.
I affirm that I am of legal age and am the parent or legal guardian of the minor child(ren) named in this registration. On behalf of the minor(s), I have read this agreement and fully understand that I am giving up legal rights and remedies that I, my spouse, a legal guardian for the minor, or the minor might have now or in the future.
I authorize TWSB to call 911 for emergency treatment for my child on my behalf if I am not able to be reached. During my absence or in the event that I cannot be reached, I authorize all medical and surgical treatment, X-rays, laboratory, anesthesia, and other medical and/or hospital procedures as may be performed or prescribed by the attending physician and/or paramedics for my child. I further release TWSB from all liabilities for injuries or damages arising out of personal injury of any kind.

Tuition Payments & Refunds

I understand that tuition is payable in full at the time of registration via the currently accepted methods of payment. If not paid in full at registration, automatic installment payments must be set-up with a credit/debit card/ACH.

I authorize The Washington Ballet, Inc. (TWSB) and my financial institution to initiate the recurring transactions detailed in my Payment Plan. I acknowledge that the origination of debit or credit transactions to my account must comply with the provisions of local laws. This recurring authorization is to remain in full force and effect until the indicated date/s or until TWSB has received written notification from you, of its termination in such time as to afford TWSB and your financial institution a reasonable opportunity to act on it. No refunds will be made for unattended classes.

I understand that I am responsible for the full tuition for the entire school-year for which I am registering my child.

One month prior to the start of your program, all amounts paid for tuition are refundable minus the non-refundable deposit and any fees (including the registration fee, late fees and returned check fees).

I understand that program withdrawals must be made in writing and sent via email. If you have a medical withdrawal or your family is moving more than 50 miles away, and you would like to be considered for an exception to TWSB’s no-refund policy, please provide documentation with your withdrawal notification. Please note that the tuition deposit and all administrative fees are non-refundable.

I understand that after the start of my child’s classes, I am responsible for the entire tuition balance whether or not my child continues to attend TWSB during any remaining portion of her/his enrollment. All amounts paid or required to be paid for tuition and fees are non-refundable and non-cancelable. If a student is unable to attend, withdraws, is dismissed for any cause, or fails to attend classes, there is no refund or recompense. If classes return to virtual due to covid there will be no refunds.

Additional information on withdrawals for Summer Programs:
If a student decides to withdraw from TWSB’s Summer Programs, the family must send notification in writing by May 1. If notification in writing is received by May 1 the family will be refunded the tuition payment, minus a 25% (of total tuition) nonrefundable fee. If a student decides to withdraw after May 1 the family will receive neither refund, discount, nor recompense. If a student is dismissed from the program by TWSB no refund, discount, or compensation will be received.

If a student is injured before the Summer Intensive begins, half of the tuition fee will be refunded. A signed, original copy of a letter from the Physician must be sent to the School in order to receive tuition recompense. Please note, if a student must withdraw from the Summer Intensive due to any ongoing medical condition not included in their medical notes, tuition will not be refunded regardless of a doctor’s letter. Students who must withdraw during the Summer Intensive due to injury or illness will be dealt with by the School Manager on a case-by-case basis.

Dismissals from TWSB Programs and Productions

TWSB reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any student from any class or classes without refund if a student’s behavior is abusive or disruptive to other students, faculty or staff. Furthermore, TWSB reserves the right to terminate enrollment without refund if the parent/guardian or student demonstrates a pattern of actions or behavior that causes an undue strain on faculty and administrative resources.

TWSB reserves the right to terminate any student from participation in productions without refund of fees if they feel the student is not prepared, is disruptive to the process, or if their parent/guardian is disruptive to the process. Dismissal from a production does not constitute a dismissal from classes and programs and does not entitle them to a refund of tuition. Dismissal from classes and programs constitutes dismissal from all TWB productions. NO REFUNDS will be given for production fees if a student is dismissed from classes and is therefore dismissed from a production.

Possession or consumption of alcohol or any illegal substance, including prescription drugs, is grounds for immediate expulsion from TWSB.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The Washington Ballet, Inc. (Washington School of Ballet), a non-profit organization, does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic background, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Instruction & Contact

I understand that in order to provide the student with quality instruction, the faculty at TWSB will at times use hands on contact as a vital component to aid in the learning of proper body alignment, turn-out, and placement.

Photo/Media Release

As guardian, I agree to allow any photos and/or videos taken on The Washington Ballet, Inc.’s premises or at the theater to be published for the promotion of The Washington School of Ballet or The Washington Ballet. I understand that for promotional, marketing, advertising, and other such lawful purposes, The Washington Ballet, Inc. may use the image and name of my child in media formats such as print, videos, etc.

Cell Phone Use

The use of cell-phones and recording devices in class are prohibited without the express permission of the faculty.

Uniforms

Required uniforms must be worn in all classes. I agree to read and adhere to the guidelines outlined in this season’s Parent Handbook as found on the website.

Parent Handbook & Communication

I agree to read and adhere to the etiquette, evaluation, and other guidelines outlined in this season’s Parent Handbook as found on the website.
I agree to read and respond to TWSB communications regarding my student or my student’s account.