SCHOOL POLICIES
CODE OF CONDUCT
Students are expected to be respectful of staff, each other, and studio property.
ARRIVAL
Students are expected to arrive fifteen minutes before class begins. Because ballet classes are designed to gradually warm up the muscles, and each exercise builds on the previous exercise, students arriving more than five minutes after class begins may be asked to observe class for their safety.
Since changing space is limited, students should arrive for class already dressed as per their particular ballet dress code. Students are also required to wear street clothes (tops and bottoms or a dress) over ballet attire when entering and exiting the studio. This is essential for both modesty and professionalism and will be strictly enforced.
Parents of students in Pre-Ballet and Primary are required to bring their children inside the studio, but they are not required to stay inside during the class. If a parent chooses to wait in the lobby, please be aware that noise must be kept to an absolute minimum due to the open layout of the studio. Please be prepared to take noisy siblings, phone calls, and conversations with other parents outside.
Parents of students in Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 are not required to bring students into the studio; they may drop them off at the bottom of the ramp.
Once students are inside the building, they can quietly prepare for class and stow their belongings in an available cubby. It is important to use the restroom before class to avoid disruptions during class. Any remaining time before class should be spent stretching.
DEPARTURE
When class is over, students should quickly and quietly put their street clothes (tops and bottoms or a dress) over their ballet attire and wait in the lobby.
Parents of all students must come inside to pick up their children.
Please be on time to pick up students. If parents are more than 15 minutes late, a $25 fee may be incurred. If you encounter unforeseen circumstances (flat tire, family emergency, etc.) and realize you are going to be late to pick up your child, please call the school immediately.
FOOD AND DRINK
There are no drinking fountains available in the studio. Please send your student with a water bottle, labeled with their name. Drink breaks will be allowed between classes and between the barre and center portions of class.
If a student is attending multiple classes on any given day, they should bring a healthy snack that can be eaten quickly between classes. Please do not send any food or drink that could stain or damage flooring or clothing.
OBSERVATION
Observation of class is not allowed. However, at the end of each term, there will be an opportunity for class observation. Taking of photos or videos is strictly prohibited during class observation. It is essential that complete silence be maintained by class observers. Please keep this in mind when considering whether to bring younger siblings into the studio. Anyone disrupting class will be asked to step outside out of respect for the teacher, the students, and the other observers.
PARENTS
Parents are an integral and valued part of Pacific Northwest Youth Ballet. We will always strive to communicate clearly and openly with parents and will always act with the best interest of every student in mind. It is important for parents to realize that not every student will progress at the same rate, and that level placement and advancement is solely at the discretion of the School Director. Similarly, casting for performances is solely at the discretion of the School Director. Parents questioning or complaining about these decisions will not result in a decision being changed. In order to maintain a healthy studio environment, please speak directly with Pacific Northwest Youth Ballet staff regarding any questions, comments, or concerns that may arise. Because classes are scheduled back to back, please do not address these with the teacher between classes. Rather, call or email the school and, if necessary, set up a mutually agreed upon time for a conference with the School Director.
LEVEL PLACEMENT AND ADVANCEMENT
Pre-Ballet enrollment is based on age. Children must be four years old by the first class of a session to enroll in Pre-Ballet. Pre-Ballet students who turn seven years old during a session will remain in Pre-Ballet until the session is over and may join Primary at the beginning of the following term. New students joining a Primary class must be seven years old by the first class of the term in which they are joining.
Though these classes are based on age for placement, the School Director reserves the right to advance a student to the next level before reaching the required age. This decision will be based on progress, behavior, and attendance of the particular student in their current class level. It is not appropriate to ask whether or not your student is ready to advance early, as parents will be notified immediately when or if the decision is made.
Placement in Primary, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 is based solely on strength and ability, not age. New students joining at the beginning of the school year will be placed according to information gathered at the time of enrollment. Students joining midyear will be asked to attend a placement class to determine their correct level. Please be aware that every school has its own level designations, and Level 1 at one school may be the equivalent of Level 4 at another school. Prior experience will be taken into consideration, but level placement will be in relation to the quality of training the student has previously received.
Level advancement for students in Primary, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 is solely at the discretion of the School Director. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining when a student is ready to advance, including the student’s strength, skill, placement, coordination, work ethic, behavior, and attendance. It is common for students to spend more than one year in the same level. When a student is ready to advance, the School Director will inform the student at the end of class and parents will be notified immediately. The difference in tuition for the remainder of the year will be calculated at this point. On occasion, a student may be invited to attend the barre portion of the class in the level above their current level, as a way to work their way into a full promotion. In this case, the student will continue to wear the dress code for their current level, and tuition will remain unchanged. Level advancement may take place at any point during the year. The School Director also reserves the right to demote students due to behavior or attendance issues.
ATTENDANCE
Exemplary attendance is expected from all students. Students are required to attend a minimum number of classes each week, depending on class level. If a student has a contagious illness, is running a fever, or is experiencing nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, please notify the school immediately and keep the student home for 24 hours after all symptoms disappear. Any class missed due to illness or injury will be considered an excused absence if the school is notified. If a student will not be able to attend the minimum number of required classes during any given week due to family vacations, medical appointments, or academic activities, please call or email the school at least one week in advance. At the discretion of the School Director, these may be considered excused absences. If a student consistently fails to attend the minimum number of required classes, the issue will be addressed with parents via phone call, email, or a scheduled conference. If attendance does not improve, the student may not advance to the next level, even if they are otherwise qualified. Ongoing attendance issues may also affect casting for performances.
TARDINESS
Students are expected to arrive fifteen minutes before class begins. Any student arriving after the beginning of class will be marked as tardy. Any student arriving more than five minutes after the beginning of class may be asked to observe class. Excessive tardiness will be addressed with parents via phone call, email, or a scheduled conference. If tardiness does not improve, the student may not advance to the next level, even if they are otherwise qualified. Ongoing tardiness issues may also affect casting for performances.
INJURIES
It is the responsibility of the parents to inform Pacific Northwest Youth Ballet staff if a student is injured and unable to participate in class. Injured students are encouraged to attend class and take notes as they observe. If a serious injury takes place during class, ice will be provided and parents will be notified.
INCLEMENT WEATHER, HOLIDAYS, AND CANCELED CLASSES
Pacific Northwest Youth Ballet follows the North Clackamas School District (NCSD) for closures due to inclement weather. If the NCSD closes school or cancels all evening activities, Pacific Northwest Youth Ballet will be closed. An email will also be sent to school families, and a notification will be posted on the school website.
Pacific Northwest Youth Ballet will be closed for all major holidays, as reflected in the 2025/2026 Pacific Northwest Youth Ballet School Calendar.
In the event that a teacher is sick, every effort will be made to find a substitute teacher. If this proves to be impossible and classes need to be canceled for the day, parents will be notified via email.
Make up classes will not be scheduled, as any student is free to make up classes in any class at or below their level.
TUITION
Pacific Northwest Youth Ballet uses Square payment processing. Accepted forms of payment include all major credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Checks and cash are not accepted.
All new and returning families will be charged a $35.00 annual registration fee.
Tuition for Pre-Ballet is due by the first class of each session.
| Class Level | Fall Session (13 weeks) | Winter Session (11 weeks) | Spring Session (10 weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pre-Ballet |
$234 |
$198 |
$180 |
Tuition for Primary, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 is due by the first class of each term. There is a 5% discount if the tuition for all 35 weeks is paid in full by the first class in September. Tuition will be prorated for new students joining midyear, but the discount is no longer available after October 1st.
| Class Level | Fall Term (13 weeks) | Winter Term (11 weeks) | Spring Term (11 weeks) | Prepaid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Primary |
$325 |
$275 |
$275 |
$831 |
|
Level 1 |
$585 |
$495 |
$495 |
$1,496 |
|
Level 2 |
$780 |
$660 |
$660 |
$1,995 |
|
Level 3 |
$975 |
$825 |
$825 |
$2,494 |
Tuition for Adult Program classes is due by the first class of each session.
| Adult Class Level | Fall Session (13 weeks) | Winter Session (11 weeks) | Spring Session (10 weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Introduction to Ballet |
$195 |
$165 |
$150 |
|
Beginning/Intermediate |
$195 |
$165 |
$150 |
A $25.00 late fee will be assessed if tuition is more than 10 days late.
No one may take class unless registration is complete and tuition is paid. Students will not be permitted to begin a new term if there is an outstanding balance on their account.
All students in Primary, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 are encouraged to attend any and all classes at or below their class level at no additional charge.
Tuition is non-transferable and will only be refunded in case of extended injury or illness or if a student moves away.
PERFORMANCES
There will be a performance at the end of the 2025/2026 annual session for students in Primary, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Students must be enrolled at Pacific Northwest Youth Ballet by January 5, 2026 in order to be eligible to participate in this performance.
Participation is strongly encouraged, but it is not mandatory. There will be a participation fee and a costume fee. Rehearsals will mainly be held on Saturdays, outside of scheduled class times.
DRESS CODE
Pacific Northwest Youth Ballet Girls’ Dress Code
Pre-Ballet
Leotard
Tights
Shoes
- Brand: So Danca
- Style: Livy SL09
- Color: Light Pink
- Brand: Bloch
- Style: T0981G (footed, non-seamed)
- Color: Ballet Pink
- Brand: Any brand
- Style: Leather, split or full-soled
- Color: Pink
Pre-Ballet
Leotard
- Brand: So Danca
- Style: Livy SL09
- Color: Light Pink
Tights
- Brand: Bloch
- Style: T0981G (footed, non-seamed)
- Color: Ballet Pink
Shoes
- Brand: Any brand
- Style: Leather, split or full-soled
- Color: Pink
Primary
Leotard
Tights
Shoes
- Brand: So Danca
- Style: Livy SL09
- Color: Lilac
- Brand: Bloch
- Style: T0981G (footed, non-seamed)
- Color: Ballet Pink
- Brand: Any brand
- Style: Leather, split or full-soled
- Color: Pink
Primary
Leotard
- Brand: So Danca
- Style: Livy SL09
- Color: Lilac
Tights
- Brand: Bloch
- Style: T0981G (footed, non-seamed)
- Color: Ballet Pink
Shoes
- Brand: Any brand
- Style: Leather, split or full-soled
- Color: Pink
Level 1
Leotard
Tights
Shoes
- Brand: Wear Moi
- Style: Colombine/Bagatelle Child
- Color: Fushia
- Brand: Bloch
- Style: T0981G/T0982G (footed or convertible, non-seamed)
- Color: Ballet Pink
- Brand: Any brand
- Style: Leather, split-soled
- Color: Pink
Leotard
- Brand: Wear Moi
- Style: Colombine/Bagatelle Child
- Color: Fushia
Tights
- Brand: Bloch
- Style: T0981G/T0982G (footed or convertible, non-seamed)
- Color: Ballet Pink
Shoes
- Brand: Any brand
- Style: Leather, split-soled
- Color: Pink
Level 2
Leotard
Tights
Shoes
- Brand: Wear Moi
- Style: Colombine/Bagatelle Child
- Color: French Blue
- Brand: Bloch
- Style: T0982G/T0982L (convertible, non-seamed)
- Color: Ballet Pink
- Brand: Any brand
- Style: Leather, split-soled
- Color: Pink
Leotard
- Brand: Wear Moi
- Style: Colombine/Bagatelle Child
- Color: French Blue
Tights
- Brand: Bloch
- Style: T0982G/T0982L (convertible, non-seamed)
- Color: Ballet Pink
Shoes
- Brand: Any brand
- Style: Leather, split-soled
- Color: Pink
Level 3
Leotard
Tights
Shoes
- Brand: Wear Moi
- Style: Colombine/Bagatelle Child
- Color: Black
- Brand: Bloch
- Style: T0982G/T0982L (convertible, non-seamed)
- Color: Ballet Pink
- Brand: Any brand
- Style: Leather, split-soled
- Color: Pink
Leotard
- Brand: Wear Moi
- Style: Colombine/Bagatelle Child
- Color: Black
Tights
- Brand: Bloch
- Style: T0982G/T0982L (convertible, non-seamed)
- Color: Ballet Pink
Shoes
- Brand: Any brand
- Style: Leather, split-soled
- Color: Pink
Pacific Northwest Youth Ballet Boys’ Dress Code
Pre-Ballet and Primary
Leotard
Tights
Shoes
- Brand: Any brand
- Style: Short sleeve
- Color: White
- Black bike shorts, black leggings, or black opaque male tights
- Short, white, ballet socks optional
- Brand: Any brand
- Style: Leather, split or full-soled
- Color: Black
Leotard
- Brand: Any brand
- Style: Short sleeve
- Color: White
Tights
- Black bike shorts, black leggings, or black opaque male tights
- Short, white, ballet socks optional
Shoes
- Brand: Any brand
- Style: Leather, split or full-soled
- Color: Black
Level 1, Level 2 & Level 3
Level 1 – 3
Leotard
Tights
Shoes
- Brand: Any brand
- Style: Short sleeve
- Color: White
- Brand: Body Wrappers
- Style: B90
- Color: Black
- Black or nude dance belt required
- Brand: Any brand
- Style: Leather, split-soled
- Color: Black
Leotard
- Brand: Any brand
- Style: Short sleeve
- Color: White
Tights
- Brand: Body Wrappers
- Style: B90
- Color: Black
- Black or nude dance belt required
Shoes
- Brand: Any brand
- Style: Leather, split-soled
- Color: Black
Dress code items may be purchased at the following locations:
The Leotard
2432 NE MLK Boulevard
Portland, OR 97212
503-284-9244
(free shipping with phone orders)
Mention you are a student at Pacific Northwest Youth Ballet to receive a discount.
ADDITIONAL DRESS CODE INFORMATION
Long hair must be pulled back into a ballet bun. For instructions on how to make a ballet bun for various hair types, please see the following videos:
Short hair must be secured back from the face with secure hair clips or a headband pinned into place.
All hair accessories should match the dancer’s hair color as closely as possible.
Tights should be monitored for holes and runs. Small holes should be coated in clear nail polish immediately, in effort to prevent the hole from becoming larger. Tights with large holes and runs need to be discarded.
Ballet clothing should be laundered often to keep it clean and smelling fresh. It is recommended that ballet clothing be washed in cold water and hung to dry in order to help it last as long as possible and for color retention.
Ballet shoes are never to be worn outside and must be kept clean.
Only attire listed in the dress code is allowed in class. No additional attire is to be worn (skirts, tutus, warm-up clothes, etc.).
All jewelry must be removed before class, including any kind of necklace, bracelet, wristband, watch, ring, or dangling earrings. Small stud earrings may be worn.
Only natural shades of nail polish may be worn in class. Nail polish remover will be on hand in case last-minute removal before class is necessary.
No visible temporary tattoos allowed. Nail polish remover is an easy way to remove temporary tattoos. There will be some on hand in case last-minute removal before class is necessary.
Sweating and body odor are common when you exercise. However, both perfume use and body odor can have a negative effect on those around you. Refraining from using fragrances, remembering to use deodorant, and keeping clothing clean and fresh are all good ways to avoid problems with odors. If there is an ongoing issue with offensive odors, the situation will be discussed privately with the individual.
STUDIO CONDUCT
Pacific Northwest Youth Ballet strives to maintain a wholesome atmosphere in every respect. None of the following behaviors will be tolerated on the premises, regardless of age or connection with the school.
- Foul language
- Tobacco, drug, or alcohol use of any kind
- Physical, sexual, or emotional harassment or abuse, including via social media
- Illegal possession, display, or use of any firearm or other weapon
- Theft
Bullying will not be tolerated, whether verbal or physical, face to face, or on social media. Any reported instances of bullying will be promptly investigated to the best of the staff’s ability. If necessary, a parent conference with the School Director will take place, which may result in the instigator being dismissed from the school.
Under no circumstances are the mirrors to be touched, nor is any student allowed to cross the tape line in front of the mirrors. This is for the safety of the students as well as the preservation of the mirrors, which are extremely delicate and expensive. There may be a $500 fine if mirrors are damaged due to intentional disregard of this rule.
Cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off or switched to silent at all times while inside the building. Cell phones and electronic devices are to be placed with student belongings in their cubby. They are not allowed into the studio under any circumstances.
Pacific Northwest Youth Ballet is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged valuables. It is strongly recommended that any valuables, including cell phones and electronic devices, be left at home. The Pacific Northwest Youth Ballet phone line is available for emergency contact.
Adult students may bring their belongings into the studio with them, but cellphones and electronic devices must be turned off or switched to silent.
If a student repeatedly refuses to obey studio rules, parents will be contacted for a meeting with the School Director. Continued misconduct may result in dismissal from the school. Tuition will not be refunded if a student is dismissed due to behavioral issues.
2025/2026 Pacific Northwest Youth Ballet School Calendar
September 8
November 11
November 24 – 28
December 8 – 11
December 11
December 12 – January 4
January 5
January 19
February 16
March 16 – 19
March 19
March 23 – 27
March 30
May 25
June 1 – 4
June 11
June 13
First Day of Fall Term
Veterans Day (school closed)
Thanksgiving Break (school closed)
Observation Week
Last Day of Fall Term
Winter Break (school closed)
First Day of Winter Term
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (school closed)
Presidents’ Day (school closed)
Observation Week
Last Day of Winter Term
Spring Break (school closed)
First Day of Spring Term
Memorial Day (school closed)
Observation Week
Last Day of Spring Term
PNYB School Performance
First Day of Fall Term
September 8
Veterans Day (school closed)
November 11
Thanksgiving Break (school closed)
November 24 – 28
Observation Week
December 8 – 11
Last Day of Fall Term
December 11
Winter Break (school closed)
December 12 – January 4
First Day of Winter Term
January 5
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (school closed)
January 19
President’s Day (school closed)
February 16
Observation Week
March 16 – 19
Last Day of Winter Term
March 19
Spring Break (school closed)
March 23 – 27
First Day of Spring Term
March 30
Memorial Day (school closed)
May 25
Observation Week
June 1 – 4
Last Day of Spring Term
June 11
PNYB School Performance
June 13