Absences and Tardiness

All students are expected to come to class regularly and on time. Dancers will not be allowed to enter the classroom if they are more than ten (10) minutes late to their class start time. If a dancer is tardy for multiple classes in a month or if a dancer misses more than 2 classes in a month in their given level (for that genre/style) they will be reevaluated and potentially moved to a lower level.

Level Placement

A dancer’s ability and developmental maturity are carefully considered when being placed into a level. Artistic Directors consider a dancer’s level placement through ongoing observation of technical ability, strength, coordination, work ethic, and developmental readiness. Our curriculum is informed by the training and certification of our Executive Artistic Director through the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum, ensuring a structured and developmentally appropriate progression for all students. Students are continuously assessed in class, and level adjustments are made at the discretion of the Artistic Directors when appropriate. Individual evaluations or conferences are not offered. When a dancer is ready to advance, they will be placed accordingly.

Dancers in level 1A-6A must dance a minimum of two (2) weeks during the Summer Session to be considered for the Nutcracker audition invite.

Pointe

Dancers are considered for pointe work at the discretion of the Artistic Directors. There are specific readiness factors and qualifications that are considered when placing a dancer on pointe. Upper Division pointe classes are scheduled directly following the technique class for that level. This is to maximize the technique, strength, mental preparedness, and artistry for the dancer to be able to execute the level of choreography in our productions.

Performance Opportunities

Participation in Civic Productions requires a commitment to training and representing the studio through its established programs. These standards ensure consistency in preparation, uphold the integrity of our performances, and support a focused, collaborative training environment. Civic Dance Center provides comprehensive training across multiple styles. When a style is offered for a dancer’s age and level, dancers are expected to train within the studio. Dancers who choose to compete independently or train with another organization in Kern County outside of Civic Dance Center, Bakersfield City Ballet, or Troupe Civic will not be eligible to participate in Civic Dance Center productions, including The Nutcracker, Hansel & Gretel: The Crone’s Coven, and Gala.