【Rules of Ballet Studio ECO】

FAQ

Ｑ．１  How can I join?

When you enroll, please choose how to pay, Monthly or Tickets.
The admission fee is not refundable in all cases.
You can also attend classes as a visitor, if you can keep the order of the class.

Ｑ．２ What is the difference between Monthly and Tickets?

The lesson fee per class is different.

• Monthly ： The more lessons you take, the more discount you will have.
  Utility charges are required every month. (\500/month)

• Tickets ： One, five, and ten tickets are available. You can attend any Regular classes (see Schedule). If you want to attend Pointe Classes, you will need the extra tickets.

Ｑ．３ I have no experience in ballet. Can I possibly join?

Of course, you can. Age and years of experience shown in Classes page are merely standards. I am happy to help you find the suitable class.

Ｑ．４ Is it possible to observe or take a trial lesson?

You can observe at any time. Please feel free to come to the studio.
A paid trial lesson is available one time per person. Make sure to book by e-mail.
（balletstudioeco@yahoo.co.jp）

Ｑ．５ Can I start in the middle of the month?

Of course. As for the fee for that month, you can choose Monthly or Tickets, considering your schedule and the class schedule.

• Ｑ．６ Is there anything to prepare beforehand? Is there any specified wear?

Please prepare tights, ballet shoes, and leotard – light colors such as pink, light blue, cream, or white are preferable. The color of a leotard is not specified, but light colors make your body line look more beautiful.
Some people, especially beginners in the senior class, feel embarrassed to wear a leotard, but I believe that it is very important to dress neatly to work seriously. For the time being, you can wear a T-shirt or leg warmers, but please make sure to prepare those three items mentioned above.
For boys and men, please prepare tights and ballet shoes. As upper wear, something casual such as T-shirt is acceptable.
You can purchase those items from a partner ballet shop of ECO. Please feel free to ask.

Ｑ．７ What kind of hairstyle should I have for class?

Kids/Junior Classes：
Should be tied in a chignon. When your child appears on the stage, such as a recital, a parent needs to be able to tie your child's hair. If you do not know how, feel free to ask.
Senior Classes：
Tied in a chignon is recommended, but as long as your hair is tied so that not to reach your shoulders, it is acceptable. A ponytail is not permitted. In any way, it must be a bun.

Ｑ．８ Do you accept credit cards?

Unfortunately, no. Cash only.

Ｑ．９ Can I have make-up lessons?

As long as it is in the same month, yes. (You cannot carry it over to the next month.)
It is also possible to take a stretch class as a make-up lesson. Please feel free to ask.
Be sure to let us know beforehand to have a make-up lesson. If you contact us suddenly, not from urgent reasons such as illness, please note that you may not be able to have a make-up lesson.

Ｑ．１０ Are you closed on the fifth week of the month or holidays?

Not always. Please check the schedule at the studio or on our website ; 
（https://balletstudioeco.vivian.jp/）
Self-management, including body care, is essential for ballet lessons. That is why we leave the schedule management to the students. If you are a junior high school student or older, please manage the schedule by yourself. If you are a parent of a younger student, please do so for your child.

Ｑ．１１ Could there be sudden cancellation of the class?

In case
Warning is issued ; if the warning is still issued one hour before the starting time of the class, the class will be canceled.
Warning is not issued ; if it is difficult to go out because of a wind storm or others, the class may be canceled. Please make sure to ask if you are not certain.
Also, there may be a cancellation due to illness of the instructor. Please make sure to tell us the phone number or mail address by which we can contact you.
In case of emergency, the cancellation may be informed on our blog.
（https://ameblo.jp/balletstudioeco/）

Ｑ．１２ Do you give a recital?

We give a recital once in 18 months. Besides, we hold Petit Performance to improve skills.

• 【Recital】 study classical works + accomplish one work together with other members
• 【Petit Performance】 practice "variation", a solo dance, + improve skills

We will also plan other original stages.

If you hope to join a recital, please note that teamwork is vital.
Any stage is supported by a lot of people in addition to the performers; stage staff, backstage staff, and the audience. If you think only about yourself, you cannot join our stage. On the contrary, if you can be thankful to the supporters, you are welcome, beginner or experienced. Your sincere attitude toward the lessons will surely be reflected in the stage.

• Ｑ．１３ I pay monthly. What should I do if I cannot take lessons for a while?
  ex/ studying for an exam, long term business trip, or illness

You can take a leave of absence by paying the fee.
（１）Pointe Classes ： \4,500/month
（２）Regular Classes ： \3,500/month
If the fee for the absence exceeds the admission fee, we will charge you the admission fee again. In that case, there will be no fee for the absence.

Ｑ．１４ Tell me about the facilities of the studio.

＊Changing room (with hangers)

• ★We also have space for men, though little small.
• ★For those who pay more than \16,000/month, lockers are available.
• ★Unfortunately, there is no shower room.

＊Bottled drink is sold at \100/bottle.

The studio, changing room, bars, and mirrors are used by everyone. Please handle carefully.
Also, our studio is in a building. Please do not disturb other people in the property.

Ｑ．１５ What is the origin of the name ECO?

Though this word, meaning environment or nature, was coined in Japan, I think that it is now rooted as a word that means to be considerate to the surroundings.
In 2004, I went to NYC by myself to study to be a ballet instructor. When I came back home in 2005, I was greatly shocked to realize how Japanese people were indifferent to the elderly, moms with strollers, and pregnant women. In America, I think it was rather natural and common to give them a hand willingly.
I picked this word ECO for my studio, hoping that it would be a warm place with considerate people who can think about manners together.
It would be a great pleasure if you could understand my principle ; be kind to "others - teachers, seniors, and friends" and "your body - inner muscle", the asset.



Finally, Ballet Studio ECO is a place to learn ballet.
The rules mentioned above are minimum manners.
In order not to disturb those people who practice ballet with a resolution, soliciting or mediation which is not relevant to ballet are prohibited.
Though we hope that you will be healthy and beautiful both in mind and body, we are not a clinic.
If you feel ill or are injured, please see a specialist without delay.
In case you do not understand our rules, you cannot join us unfortunately.
Please note that if you do or say anything to insult us after you leave our school, we will take certain measures.

We believe that "consideration" is what matters to have lessons in a pleasant environment.
It would be our pleasure if you could learn how to be considerate to your instructors and other members, as well as people outside of ECO and your family, through the practice of ballet.







Ballet Studio ECO    NAOKO  INOUE