POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE POLICY
Dancers are expected to attend all rehearsals listed for their roles. If a dancer cannot attend a rehearsal, the Company Manager should be notified at a minimum of 24 hours prior to that missed rehearsal. The reason for the absence should be included in the email. If an unexpected conflict or illnesses arises less than 24 hours before, the Company Manager must be contacted via text message at 316-708-7422.
Unexcused absences will be noted and could negatively affect a dancer’s casting or ability to perform. More than 3 unexcused absences will result in a meeting with the Director and Company Manager to assess the situation and what can be done to prevent further absences and whether continuing with the production is in all parties best interest.
Regular attendance is essential to overall success of the production. The other dancers are counting on your attendance for their ability to learn and progress. Dancers with poor attendance and multiple unexcused absences may jeopardize your participation in current and future productions.
DRESS CODE POLICY
Female Dancers
Rehearsals: Leotard that appropriately covers the dancer (no color requirement), tights (no color requirement), proper dance shoes for the role. No bare feet or socks on the dance floor unless specifically allowed by the Artistic Director. Hair is expected to be properly secured off the neck and aware from the face with minimal “whispies” and in such a manner as to not impede the execution of ballet technique. All jewelry is to be removed expect for stud earrings. If married, dancers are allowed to wear their wedding rings. No gum should be in your mouth while participating in any class or rehearsal.
Warm Ups: Warm-ups and skirts are allowed, however, the Artistic Director or Rehearsal Director has the discretion to request you remove such items if they prevent his/her ability to assess your movements and execution of the choreography.
Pointe Roles: Dancers must wear pointe shoes for EVERY rehearsal, unless specifically told otherwise by the Artistic/Rehearsal Director. If there is an issue interfering with your ability to dance in pointe shoes, permission must be obtained from the Artistic/Rehearsal Director before rehearsing without the appropriate footwear. It is important for the dancer to rehearse how they will perform.
Performances: Dancers are expected to comply with all hair, make-up and tight requirements sent out by the Artistic Director through the Company Manager and Artistic Team.
Failure to comply may jeopardize the dancer’s participation in current and future productions.
Male Dancers
Rehearsals: Short sleeved shirts, black tights or jazz pants or shorts and either ballet or jazz shoes, whichever are appropriate for the role in consultation with the Artistic Director. All jewelry is to be removed expect for stud earrings. If married, dancers are allowed to wear their wedding rings. No gum should be in your mouth while participating in any class or rehearsal.
Performances: Dancers are expected to comply with all hair, make-up and tight requirements sent out by the Artistic Director through the Company Manager and Artistic Team.
Failure to comply may jeopardize the dancer’s participation in current and future productions.
Adult Character Dancers
Rehearsals: Anything they feel comfortable moving in that is not overly baggy so as to restrict the Artistic Directors ability to assess the dancer’s movement and execution of the choreography. Leotard and tights not required. Role appropriate shoes are required.
Performances: Dancers are expected to comply with all hair, make-up and tight requirements sent out by the Artistic Director through the Company Manager and Artistic Team.
Failure to comply may jeopardize the dancer’s participation in current and future productions.
PERFORMANCE MAKE UP POLICY
The Artistic Director will set all makeup requirements for each role in each performance. Dancers must comply with these requirements, regardless of personal preferences. Ballet Wichita has a Nutcracker stage makeup tutorial that can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qQgTnk_9JU
Not all performances will require Nutcracker stage makeup. Makeup expectations will be communicated to the cast and are expected to be followed.
Failure to comply may jeopardize the dancer’s participation in current and future productions.
GENERAL BEHAVIOR POLICY
Dancers and their parent(s)/guardian(s) are considered part of the Ballet Wichita community and are expected to conduct themselves in a way that positively embodies the mission and vision of Ballet Wichita on and off Ballet Wichita Property. Our dancers deserve an environment in which they feel supported and comfortable. Any negativity towards a dancer that threatens that environment will not be tolerated. Dancers and their parent(s)/guardian(s) are role models of Ballet Wichita, executing etiquette, respect and good sportsmanship.
Social media posts should be used to encourage and not in any way disparage members of the company, staff, or community. Any rumor spreading or negative comments regarding other dancers will not be tolerated. If such behavior is discovered, either on Ballet Wichita property or learned of off property, the Artistic Director has the discretion to dismiss you from the company.
Failure to comply may jeopardize the dancer’s participation in current and future productions.
REHEARSAL BEHAVIOR POLICY
Dancers are expected to arrive at least ten (10) minutes early for all rehearsals unless the Company Manager is notified via emailed otherwise. Dancers are expected to be in proper rehearsal attire with their hair secured in advance of rehearsal so as not to cause delays or tardiness. Dancers should have their shoes on and be ready to enter the studio prior to the start time of their assigned rehearsal.
Dancers are asked to quietly stretch in the lobby until it is time to move into the rehearsal studio. Upon entering the rehearsal studio, dancers are to remain quite while waiting for their time on the floor.
When on the floor dancers are to direct their attention to the choreographer/director and are not to play around with other dancers on the dance floor.
Dancers are expected to clean up after themselves and no trash is to be left on the floor of the studio after rehearsals.
Failure to comply may jeopardize the dancer’s participation in current and future productions.
DRESSING ROOM BEHAVIOR POLICY
Dancers are expected to listen and respect their dressing room monitor. The furniture in the dressing rooms is not meant to be used as a jungle gym. Dancers are expected to keep their feet on the floor and not climb on the table or clothing racks.
Dancers are to be respectful to the other dancers that are in their dressing room. If there is an issue between dancers in the dressing room, the Company Manager will be contacted to address that issue and situations will be dealt with accordingly. Ballet Wichita has a firm no bullying policy that will be maintained while at any performance venue.
Dancers should bring blankets and activities to occupy themselves during long breaks in the dressing rooms. Dancers are expected to remain in their assigned dressing rooms as ALL TIMES unless called to the green room or stage. Snacks are allowed in the dressing rooms but we ask that the snacks have NO NUTS as some of our dancers have severe allergies.
Dancers MUST NOT eat these snacks while in costume.
Failure to comply may jeopardize the dancer’s participation in current and future productions.
THEATER BEHAVIOR POLICY
Time in the theater is very exciting! Dancers are expected to sign in and out of the theater at the assigned table.
Dancers are expected to listen to their dressing room monitor and any company staff member or volunteer. Dancers are to remain in their dressing room until called. While it is very exciting to be so close to the stage, dancers must only enter the stage area when told by the designated volunteer.
Failure to comply may jeopardize the dancer’s participation in current and future productions.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY
Dancers have the right to attend rehearsals in an environment conducive to learning and excelling. As drug use is illegal and interferes with both effective learning/performing and the healthy development, Ballet Wichita takes seriously its responsibility to prevent the use of these substances and to maintain a drug free environment. Underage use of alcohol and/or any use of illegal controlled substances while at Ballet Wichita facilities or while representing Ballet Wichita in the community is strictly prohibited. Any Dancer found possessing, distributing, or using illegal or controlled substances of any kind will be subjected to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from BW. This includes improperly using prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Any Dancer who knowingly remains present where alcoholic beverages are being consumed by minors, or where illegal or controlled drugs are being used, is also in violation of this policy and will be held accountable.
Failure to comply may jeopardize the dancer’s participation in current and future productions.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Ballet Wichita is committed to diverse and fair casting and hiring practices. Ballet Wichita does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
NON-HARASSMENT POLICY
Ballet Wichita prohibits and will not tolerate harassment of any kind to or by any persons, including staff, dancers, parents/guardians, and any other person affiliated or doing business with Ballet Wichita. This prohibition includes harassments (verbal or physical) for any unlawful discriminatory reason, as it relates to age, disability, gender reassignment, ethnicity, religion/belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy/maternity, marriage/civil partnership.
Slurs, jokes, or remarks that are derogatory in any way are considered inappropriate for Ballet Wichita’s environment. This includes behaviors which could be classified as bullying, whether in person or via social media or electronic communications. Ballet Wichita will not tolerate bullying of any kind. If bullying of or threatening violence towards another dancer is discovered, the perpetrator risks losing their role in the current and future productions.
Failure to comply may jeopardize the dancer’s participation in current and future productions.