Frequently Asked Questions
I want to try a class before registering. How do I do that?
Email us at [email protected] to schedule a free trial. The first class is complimentary!
Where is your building?
Our ACOA studios are located at 519 Commerce Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504. LBA families may park in the available spots in front of the ACOA Warehouse Theatre (519 Commerce Street) or the free parking garage across from the ACOA Historic Theatre. If parking in the garage, follow the walkway to the parking spots outside the ACOA Warehouse Theatre (between Fifth Street and Commerce Street), at the lowest level of the theatre. Look for the double doors below the black awning; proceed through, and you’ll be at the studios.
I want to drop a class, how do I do that?
You can transfer/drop a class by emailing us at [email protected] anytime before the first of the month.
Example: October tuition is charged on October 1, so if you wish to drop the class for October, notice must be given by September 30.
Enrollment/Drop Deadlines: Children’s, Student, & By Placement Divisions—December 15 is the last day to enroll, drop, or transfer classes. First Steps Division—March 1 is the last day to enroll, drop, or transfer classes.
What’s a ballet bun and how do I manage my student’s hair?
A ballet bun is a classic hairstyle used by dancers that serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose. It keeps the hair secure and away from the face and provides a clean line. The hair is first secured in a ponytail and is then wrapped around in a coil around the head and secured with bobby pins. You can watch this quick tutorial for help with one bun-making technique. A bun is preferred if possible, but not required for LBA ballet classes. Students who are not able to put their hair in a bun may pull their hair up off the neck in a neat updo, and may use any hair product suitable for their hair type to help keep their hair out of their face while dancing.
When can I make up a missed class?
You are welcome to make up a missed class in any age/level appropriate class during the same academic year session or summer session. Make-ups may be taken in the same genre as a student’s scheduled class, but students are also welcome to explore other genres. Please contact the front desk or email [email protected] to schedule a make-up class.
What do I do if I have to miss class or I’m going to be late?
Email [email protected], and we’ll let your teacher know!
My family can’t afford dance classes—do you have a scholarship or financial aid program?
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing dance training to students and families from all backgrounds. Financial assistance is available for all families that qualify, with distribution determined by the amount of financial resources available for the current season. If you are interested in applying for Financial Aid, please click this link to learn more about applying: Keith Lee Dance Fund Application.
I don’t want my credit card kept on file.
LBA requires a credit card to be kept on file by all families. If you would like to pay monthly tuition with cash or check, you may do so; however, it must be paid prior to the first of the month. If tuition is not paid with cash or check, then the credit card on file will be charged on the first of every month during the academic year.
We will be out of town for the LBA Spring Performance. What do we do?
Please email Office Manager Anne Shaffer at [email protected] as soon as you know that your student will be unable to participate in the annual academic year Spring Performance (Children’s Division classes and up). You will not be charged the costume rental fee of $35 in November if you email LBA prior to October 30; you will not be charged the performance fee of $50 in March if you email LBA prior to February 28. LBA offers no refunds for costume rental fees or performance fees once they are paid, even if students are unable to participate in the Spring Performance. Classes begin practicing for the Spring Performance towards the end of January; teachers spend roughly 15 minutes or less of class rehearsing. Students unable to perform will be asked to understudy, learn, and practice the choreography with the rest of the class.
What and why is there a Spring Performance Fee?
A Spring Performance Fee will be assessed for each student at LBA that participates in the academic year Spring Performance. Tickets will be FREE for the performances. As a non-profit organization, we try to keep costs as low as possible for LBA families. The Spring Performance is not a profitable event for LBA, due to the high costs associated with putting on a large-scale dance production. These expenses include staffing, lighting, sound, rental of backdrops, equipment, as well as the hourly rate to rent the theater for several days (dress rehearsals and performances). The Spring Performance fees help to cover these costs. We continually strive to keep fee increases to a minimum, despite increases in costs each year.
What is Chance To Dance?
Chance To Dance is an after-school dance education outreach program that gives children a hands-on experience with the arts. It is fully funded by individual donors and grants. Students participate in a session of dance classes held once per week after school. These classes are taught by professional artists from the Charlottesville Ballet and are all-inclusive with students actively participating regardless of physical ability or previous dance experience. Ballet, Modern, Tap, and Hip Hop form the backbone of the Chance To Dance curriculum. Participants are introduced to basic movements and then hone these skills throughout the eleven-week program. Students develop confidence and motivation as they apply themselves to mental and physical challenges. If you’d like more information about C2D and how to support it, please e-mail [email protected].
What is the Dancers for Dancers fundraiser?
Dancers for Dancers (“D4D”) is an annual fundraising initiative launched in the fall of 2015 to raise funds for LBA’s scholarship and financial aid students. The D4D fundraising drive encourages LBA students to go into their communities and ask for support from their families and friends (similar to the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart drive). This funding then goes toward supporting LBA scholarships (including Chance To Dance) and financial aid.
Why is there a dress code? And what do I do if I can’t afford the attire and shoes?
LBA’s dress code ensures that all students have a professional appearance and mitigates the distraction of different attire styles. If you cannot afford the dress code uniform, please contact [email protected]. LBA has gently used uniforms and shoes that have been donated and are then distributed to those in need. If you would like to donate any attire or shoes, please drop off any donations at the front desk.
When can my child start pointe class?
All students at LBA must pass a pointe examination before beginning pointe work. For more information on these classes and best practices to prepare for the exam, read all about pointe at LBA here.
Is Charlottesville Ballet a nonprofit? And if so, how can I support it?
Lynchburg Ballet Academy is a program of Charlottesville Ballet, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing exceptional dance education, professional performances, and meaningful community engagement throughout Central Virginia. Tuition for the Academy and ticket sales for the Professional Company only cover a portion of the costs of providing high-quality dance training, professional productions, scholarships, and free community outreach initiatives. Your support helps keep the arts thriving in Central Virginia; contribute today by visiting CharlottesvilleBallet.org/Contribute. Donations are tax-deductible. Gifts of any size are appreciated and directly support exceptional dance education, professional performances, educational outreach, and community engagement programs that inspire and enrich audiences of all ages. Thank you for helping us ensure that dance remains accessible, vibrant, and impactful for generations to come.
Class Etiquette
- Gum and food are not allowed in the studios at any time.
- Only clear liquids or water are permitted during classes.
- Hanging on the barres is not allowed.
- Students under the age of 10 are not permitted in the studio without a teacher present. Students 10+ may be granted permission to stretch or practice in the studio, but playing is not permitted at anytime.
- No cell phones, tablets, or other devices are permitted in the studio, unless they are being used for educational purposes (videotaping corrections).
- Please use the restroom prior to the start of class to help with fewer interruptions during class.
- Arriving and entering late to class: Please wait for the current combination to end and then join the class (unless the teacher instructs otherwise). Students in Level 2+ may be required to observe if they are more than 10 minutes late to class due to missing the proper warm-up.
- Talking during class is not permitted unless asking a question or the teacher engages the students in an educational conversation. We encourage students to make friends and use the time before and after class to build these relationships. Time during class should be used for learning and not socializing.
- Bullying Policy: Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. If a student experiences or sees bullying, please report this behavior immediately to a faculty member.
- In alignment with the organization’s mission, LBA has a zero-tolerance policy on promoting eating disorders. We ask all faculty, parents, and students to agree to uphold a healthy, nurturing environment during all classes and rehearsals affiliated with LBA. All students and parents shall agree to refrain from negative discussions of the body and/or body image at any LBA classes, rehearsals, performances, or events.
If you have any questions about LBA policies, please contact [email protected].