Cleveland City Ballet – Mission Statement
As a premier private arts academy, Cleveland City Ballet is dedicated to delivering exceptional arts education that both challenges and inspires the next generation. Through a thoughtfully designed, progressive curriculum, our distinguished faculty nurtures students of all levels and abilities, instilling in each a lifelong appreciation and passion for the arts.
At the heart of our mission are the values we hold dear:
Excellence – We pursue excellence in every facet of our instruction and performance, recognizing it as the highest standard of achievement.
Hard Work – We believe in the transformative power of dedication and effort, knowing that true growth—both personal and artistic—is earned through persistence.
The Arts – We honor the profound influence of the arts, which have the power to heal, uplift, and connect us in deeply meaningful ways.
Children – We treasure the joy and light that children bring into the world, and we see them as the hopeful, creative leaders of tomorrow.
By upholding these principles, we aim to create a vibrant, supportive community where young artists are empowered to grow, dream, and express themselves freely through the beauty of dance and the performing arts.
Cleveland City Ballet – Dance Class Etiquette
To maintain a focused, respectful, and inspiring environment, we kindly ask all dancers to follow these class etiquette guidelines:
Be on time. Punctuality sets the tone. If you’re late, enter quietly, wait for the instructor’s invitation to join, and offer a polite apology afterward.
Dress the part. Arrive in your required class uniform with hair neatly secured in a bun.
Minimize disruptions. Please remain in the studio for the full duration of class to avoid distracting others.
Stay hydrated. Bring 1–2 bottles of water to keep yourself refreshed.
Greet your instructor. Begin class with a respectful curtsy or bow and a cheerful “Good afternoon.”
Skip the jewelry. Jewelry can be distracting and pose a safety hazard during movement.
Listen actively. When the instructor is speaking, listen attentively—no side conversations or whispers.
Silence devices. Turn off cell phones and smart watches completely to avoid interruptions.
No unauthorized filming. Please ask permission before taking photos or videos during class.
Stay engaged. Be present and attentive, even while observing others—avoid slouching or appearing disinterested.
Honor your commitment. If you must leave early, let the instructor know ahead of time and exit quietly.
Be respectful. Refrain from giving corrections to others; only instructors should offer feedback.
Respect experience. Allow more advanced dancers to take front positions, regardless of arrival time.
Be aware of space. Give instructors and classmates ample room to move safely and freely.
Rise to the challenge. If you're placed in a class that stretches your abilities, work hard and stay positive—effort is always admired.
End with gratitude. Conclude class with a curtsy or bow, a round of applause, and a sincere thank you to your instructor.
Cleveland City Ballet Dress Code 2023-2024
Proper dance attire is required for all classes. Students must arrive dressed in the designated uniform for their class.
Hair must be neatly secured. Hair should be styled away from the face and neck to allow freedom of movement. For ballet classes, a bun is mandatory.
No jewelry during class. Except for small stud earrings, jewelry is not permitted for safety reasons.
Wear the correct shoes for each discipline. Ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop each require specific footwear. Ballet shoes must have properly attached elastic.
Warm-up layers are allowed at the teacher’s discretion. Students may wear warm-up attire during barre or warm-up portions of class if permitted by the instructor.
Ensure visibility for correction. Teachers must be able to clearly see the body to provide accurate feedback. If wearing a studio t-shirt, it should be well-fitted and not oversized.
Undergarments should be discreet. Leotards and tights are typically worn without undergarments. However, young women may wear dance bras or nude undergarments with clear straps if needed.
Change into dance shoes upon arrival. To preserve shoe integrity and studio cleanliness, dance shoes should never be worn outside.
Cleveland City Ballet Class Attire
Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet 1 & 2
Girls: Pastel pink leotard, pink ballet tights (block style), pink ballet slippers. Skirt is optional. Hair should be secured in a bun.
Boys: White t-shirt, black pants, black ballet slippers.
Ballet Levels 1–4
Girls: Pastel blue leotard, pink ballet tights (block style), pink ballet slippers. Skirt is optional. Hair must be in a bun.
Boys: White t-shirt, black pants, black ballet slippers.
Ballet Levels 5–8 / Performance Company
Girls: Black leotard, pink ballet tights (block style), pink ballet slippers. Skirt is optional. Hair must be in a bun.
Boys: White t-shirt, black pants, black ballet slippers.
Tap
Students may wear their ballet-level uniform OR black leggings/pants with a studio t-shirt.
Tan tap shoes are required.
Hair should be pulled away from the face and neck.
Jazz
Students may wear their ballet-level uniform OR black leggings/pants with a studio t-shirt.
Black jazz shoes are required.
Hair should be secured neatly away from the face and neck.
Hip Hop
Black leggings/pants and a studio t-shirt.
Converse-style sneakers are required.
Hair should be pulled away from the face and neck.
Contemporary
Ballet-level uniform OR black leggings/pants with a studio t-shirt.
Dancers will participate barefoot.
Hair must be neatly secured away from the face and neck.
Acro
Ballet-level uniform OR black leggings/pants with a studio t-shirt.
Dancers should be barefoot.
Hair must be tied back securely.
Teen/Adult Classes & Stage Performance
Comfortable attire suitable for movement.
Proper footwear based on the class style.
Cleveland City Ballet Other News
Assistant’s Program
We’re excited to continue our Assistant’s Program this year! Dancers aged 13 and up who are interested in gaining experience in teaching and classroom leadership are encouraged to sign up at the front office.
Participants will earn community service hours for their time assisting in classes. After completing a brief training, assistants may also be considered for substitute teaching opportunities.
This is a wonderful way to build confidence, develop teaching skills, and give back to our dance community!