Welcome to Ballet & Beyond at Elmhurst Ballet School
Ballet & Beyond is a recreational dance programme open to children and adults of all ages and abilities. The programme offers the opportunity to experience high-quality dance training in a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment. Participation is by choice rather than audition, and dancers are encouraged to progress at a pace that suits their individual goals and interests. The programme is designed to be fun and engaging!
Classes and Attendance
Classes take place weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
Classes are held at Elmhurst Ballet School.
Term dates generally follow the outline of the Elmhurst Ballet School academic calendar.
Please note that “leave-out” weekends apply only to full-time students; Ballet & Beyond classes continue as scheduled during these weekends.
Attendance Expectations
Regular attendance is strongly encouraged to support continuity, progress, and enjoyment.
Punctuality is important. Dancers should arrive with sufficient time to prepare and be ready for class.
Please notify us as early as possible of any extended or planned absences due to illness, injury, holidays, or other circumstances.
Progress and Assessment
Ballet & Beyond is a non-competitive, recreational programme.
Every dancer progresses at their own pace, according to age, experience, and personal goals.
Where appropriate, examinations may be offered at a suitable level; participation in examinations is entirely optional.
Fees and Notice Period
Programme fees are charged per term, calculated according to the number of weeks in that term.
Invoices are issued at the start of each half term.
Full payment is required by the due date set by the finance department.
Non-payment by the deadline may result in temporary suspension from classes until the balance is settled.
Withdrawal:
Should you wish to withdraw from the programme, half a term’s notice is required in writing (email or letter).
If notice is not provided, a withdrawal fee equivalent to half of one term’s payment will be charged.
This fee is fixed at five weeks and is not adjusted based on term length.
Fee reimbursement may be considered only in cases of extended absence due to illness or injury and must be supported by appropriate documentation (e.g. a doctor’s certificate).
Illness and Injury
Any illness or injury resulting in absence should be reported to the Ballet & Beyond email address as soon as possible.
Please do not communicate absences via class tutors.
When emailing, include the dancer’s full name and class in the subject line.
Please ensure your contact information is kept up to date via the portal.
Dancers who feel unwell or injured during class should inform their tutor immediately.
Any infectious illness (e.g. chickenpox, measles, COVID-19) must be reported to the school without delay.
Missed classes due to short-term illness are not refundable.
Injured dancers are welcome to attend and observe classes where appropriate, as valuable learning still takes place.
For extended absences due to illness or injury, please contact us via the Ballet & Beyond email address.
Dancers’ Code of Conduct
At Ballet & Beyond, we aim to create a positive, supportive, and respectful environment where everyone can enjoy dancing and feel comfortable learning together.
We kindly ask all dancers to:
Attend classes with a positive attitude and respect for others
Arrive on time, neatly presented, and appropriately dressed for class
Be ready to begin class at least five minutes before the scheduled start time
Take part to the best of their ability and enjoy the learning process
Listen to and follow their teacher’s guidance with respect
Let their teacher know if they are feeling unwell or injured
Show courtesy and consideration towards fellow dancers, staff, and visitors
Help look after the studios, facilities, and equipment
Take responsibility for their own belongings
To help us keep everyone safe and focused:
All uniform items and personal belongings should be clearly labelled with the dancer’s name
Jewellery should not be worn in class
Please use only the designated changing and waiting areas
Mobile phones should be switched off during class and used only if absolutely necessary
Safeguarding and Site Conduct
All visitors and dancers must enter through the main entrances and sign in/out at reception.
Drop-and-go arrangements apply for most classes (First and Second Steps classes have separate arrangements).
As the main school has boarding students on site, parents are not able to remain in the building during classes.
Parents and carers will be invited to observe designated classes at specified times.
For safeguarding reasons:
Photography and filming are not permitted on site by dancers, parents, or visitors.
Mobile phone use by attending adults is permitted only in designated waiting areas.
In the event of a fire or evacuation:
Dancers will remain with their class tutor
Visitors will be escorted by staff
Please do not remove your child until they have been formally dismissed by their tutor
Parents/carers must notify us via the portal of:
The school reserves the right to use its professional judgement to respond to a dancer’s medical needs while in our care. All accidents will be reported to a parent/carer as soon as possible.
Residential areas are strictly out of bounds to all visitors and dancers.
Due to the sensitivity of the fire alarm system, aerosols (including deodorants, hairsprays, and body sprays) must not be used anywhere inside the building.
Site Safety and Access
The site operates a strict 5mph speed limit at all times.
There is a no left turn into the site; please use the designated feeder lane.
Vehicles must not remain on site once classes have finished, as gates are locked promptly. Vehicles left on site may not be accessible until the next school day.
General Guidelines
Elmhurst Ballet School is a non-smoking and non-vaping site, including outdoor areas.
Drugs, alcohol, and chewing gum are not permitted.
During your time with Elmhurst, photographs or video footage may be taken for school use.
We hope dancers of all ages enjoy a positive, enriching, and inspiring experience with Ballet & Beyond. We look forward to welcoming you and supporting your enjoyment and development in dance.
By completing registration on the portal, you confirm your agreement to comply with these guidelines and requirements