Policies
Updated September 2026.
Use the links below to navigate to each policy section on this page.
All policies can be reviewed in our Student Handbook.
Registration & Tuition
All students must complete a registration form and agree to DSBPA policies before attending classes. Most 12-week classes have a trial option.
Registration fees
$50 per student with a maximum of $80 per family. Fees are due at the time of enrollment and not prorated.
Tuition
A student's tuition will be based on how many classes per week in which they are enrolled as well as the duration of each class. Tuition amounts will be calculated in real time while registering.
Tuition for 12 weeks of training is split into equal monthly payments. The first payment is due at the time of registration and subsequent payments are due at the beginning of each 4-week period.
Tuition for workshops is due at time of registration.
Tuition is paid in advance of class participation, and once tuition is paid, it is non-refundable. Tuition is processed using the payment method on file in the registration portal.
Discounts & scholarships
We offer a discount for families with two or more students enrolled for the entire school year, as well as a university discount for employees of all area universities.
Durham School for Ballet & the Performing Arts offers financial assistance through its scholarship program, including full or partial scholarships depending upon need and overall tuition amount owed.
Ask for a financial aid application by emailing info@durhamschoolforballet.com
Dress Code
Pre-Primary and Primary Ballet
Pre-Primary Ballet
Non-restrictive clothing or:
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Option 1 (traditionally female): Pink ballet dress and flesh-colored tights and shoes
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Option 2 (traditionally male): White, fitted t-shirt and black shorts or leggings and white ballet slippers
Primary Ballet Levels 1-3
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Option 1 (traditionally female): Class-color ballet dress with flesh-colored tights and flesh-colored ballet slippers to match tights
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Option 2 (traditionally male): Short-sleeved white leotard or snug t-shirt with black shorts or leggings and white ballet slippers
Pre-Primary
Weissman D9487
Pink
Primary Level 1
Weissman D9487
Violet
Primary Level 2
Weissman D9487
Periwinkle
Primary Level 3
Weissman D9487
White
All students should have hair pulled away from the face in a bun or French twist. This is good practice for the stage.
Short hair must also be secured away from the face.
Ballet dresses, tights, and shoes are available to purchase at the studio.
We recommend dancers get fitted for ballet shoes either at a dance store or in our studio office.
Email info@durhamschoolforballet.com to make an appointment.
Coaching & Private Lessons
Coaching
DSBPA is a non-competition studio, however our instructors are available for private coaching. Those dancers interested in competing at various national and international competitions can contact us about coaching.
Contact info@durhamschoolforballet.com to inquire about coaching.
Private Lessons
Private and semi-private lessons are available.
Personal checks or Venmo should be paid directly to the instructor. No credit card draft can be used for private or semi-private lessons.
Contact info@durhamschoolforballet.com to inquire about private lessons.
Performances
We have opted not to have a formal end-of-year recital for DSBPA students. Instead, opportunities for in-studio performances will be presented throughout the year.
Additional performance opportunities can be found through our sister company, Durham Ballet Theatre
Inclement Weather
DSBPA will update the school calendar in the event of inclement weather or disaster conditions in Durham. Parents and students are responsible for checking the online school calendar, as DSBPA does not follow the Durham Public Schools closings.
Depending on the nature of the reason for closing, classes may be held on Zoom. If the studio is able to remain open, please use your judgement when traveling in unsafe conditions. In the event the school facility needs to be evacuated, staff will escort students to the far side of the school parking lot. In the event of a tornado, staff will gather students into designated locations within the building.