FAQ's
Welcome to Russell Children’s Ballet School!
We are so excited to get this dance season going here in our great community of Russell! We want to thank you for supporting RCBS! We are going to have so much fun this year!
​
When do classes start?
**Please take note of which studio your child is dancing in!**
​
St. Mary's, Russell: Friday September 6th, 2024
Main studio, Embrun: Monday, September 9th, 2024
​​
Both studios:
Term 2/Winter Term commences Monday, Jan 13th, 2025.
​
Are there any days when there are NO scheduled classes?
Yes! I will list these days here. PLEASE mark these on your calendars so that you don’t show up by accident!
​
Monday October 14th - Thanksgiving
December 22nd, 2024 - Jan 12th, 2025 - Christmas/New Year's
Monday February 17th, 2025 - Family Day
March 9th, 2025 - March 23rd, 2025 - March Break
Friday April 18th - Sunday April 20th, 2025 - Easter
​​​​​​
**St Mary's ONLY: Friday November 15th & Saturday November 16th
Friday December 20th and Saturday December 21st**
​
Where are my classes held?
Most classes will be held at our main location located at 170 Bay St. in Embrun, Ontario. We are attached to the Bay Street Salon and Spa.
​
Our second location is at St. Mary’s Anglican Hall located in Russell at 139 Castor St.
​
What is a “Dance Swap” and when is it held?
A “Dance Swap” is an event where you can buy and sell used dance equipment like bodysuits and shoes. We are holding it at the same time as our in-person registration. If you have something to sell, please email us at rcbsdance@gmail.com to make arrangements to drop it off. This will help us be organized before it actually starts. The success of this depends directly on who contributes to it. Please remember only items that comply with our dress code may be sold.
​
Is there another way for me to buy and sell used dancewear?
Yes! RCBS also has a BUY and SELL Facebook Page. Go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/874764573294750 to check it out!
​
If I don’t go to the Dance Swap or can’t find what I need there, where can I purchase the uniform?
Great News!! We now have our very own online dance wear store! to find everything you need to get ready for your class! It is so easy to find your class by package/collection on the home page. Everything will be shipped right to your door.
There are also a few dance wear stores located in Ottawa.
They are Malabar, Audreys Costume Castle and Dancewear and Brio. You may also find some things at JOMA in Embrun, but I believe they only carry stuff for the very young ones.
​
Are parents allowed to stay and watch the class?
Good question….this one can be tricky. Parents are obviously allowed in the “Parent and Tot” classes as we need them to participate.
Parents/guardians can be a huge distraction, so we ask that you don't stay. Obviously, if there is a child that is having anxiety, we will make exceptions. Please make sure that you prepare your child for these expectations.
​
Is there a time when we can watch our children in class?
We try to have an Open House at the end of the first term so parents can see their children's progress. Stay tuned for more info.
​
Is there a Recital at the end of the year?
Yes! These dates are still to be confirmed...
Recitals are Sunday, May 25th, 2024 at Russell High School.
Rehearsal will be Saturday, May 24th, 2024 at Russell High School.
​​
Will they have to have a costume for the Recital and is it an extra cost?
Yes they will. I will do my absolute best to keep costume prices low, but there will be an extra cost.
​​
Is the class uniform mandatory and do I have to have a bun in my hair?
Yes! It is important to come to class on time and wearing your proper uniform. This is for various reasons such as proper discipline, freedom of movement, and so that the teacher can correctly assess your technique. Hair should be pulled up into a bun with the bangs also pulled back if they are long. Buns for ballet class, ponytails for jazz, contemporary, tap and hip hop classes. If your hair is short, please try to wear a headband or barrettes to keep it out of your face. For safety reasons, please DO NOT purchase the fabric gym shoes. These are very slippery and can result in injury. There is a much more lenient uniform policy for adults. Please see the dress code page on the website.
​
If I miss a class, can I make it up?
Unfortunately, at this time you can’t for most classes. If there is a similar class of the same level and you are not already taking it, then you can. We don’t always have duplicates of each class. So, try your best not to miss any classes.
​
What happens in severe inclement weather?
If the weather is very severe like very bad freezing rain or snow so high that we can’t seem to get through it, we will cancel classes. The safety of our teachers and students is very important to us. Many of our teachers come from the west end of Ottawa.
We will notify all affected classes by email. We will also post on our Facebook page.
The official decision will be made by 7:00 am for daytime classes and 2:00 pm for evening classes.
If classes are cancelled, they WILL NOT be made up as this is something that is out of our control.
If you do not receive an email, the classes are running as usual.
Thank you for your understanding.
​
What if the church/St. Mary's needs the hall for an emergency?
This is also a possibility. In the event that the church needs the hall for an emergency like a funeral, we will do our best to make up the classes missed if at all possible. This would be a situation that is completely out of our control, but will do our best to make up. This has only happened once in 7 years.
​
​
What are the dates of the 2 terms?
Term 1: St Mary's: Friday September 6th, 2024 - Saturday Dec 14th, 2024
Main Studio: Monday September 9th - Saturday Dec 21st
Term 2: Monday January 13th, 2025 - Friday May 16th, 2025
What is your Refund Policy?
There are no refunds given to children over the age of 5 after classes have commenced. If children 4 and under have tried 3 classes and wish to not continue, we will issue a refund for 50% of the tuition. Refunds will be given if there is an insufficient enrollment in a class which would be less than 5 students.
**In the event of COVID-19 Lockdown – there will be no refunds after the term or session has started. We will pause our lessons and resume when allowed. ZOOM classes will NOT be used.
​​
What is the best way to stay informed of any news and info?
We will do our best to email out info as it happens. However, please use our Facebook page and website in a pinch. Or as always, if you have a question, please feel free to call at 613-85-DANCE (32623)
www.facebook.com/russellchildrensballetschool
www.russellchildrensballetschool.com
If there are any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask. There may be an important one that we forgot to answer.
We look forward to seeing you in September!
​
​
​