parent hub

Your hub for important student, dance school, and competition info!

Info for All Students

Find info on classes, RAD exams, performances and more.

Check here often, as information is updated throughout the year.

Upcoming Events

View Calendar

🗓 View Nutcracker Event Calendar (please save the dates/subscribe to calendar!)

The calendar above provides the DETAILED REHEARSAL SCHEDULE (Studio and Dress Rehearsals)

Dancer Info

General Details (click arrows to read more):

Student Checklist For Dress Rehearsals and Performances

Dress/Tech Rehearsals AND Performance location (sorry NO parents allowed in): Temple Hill Auditorium in OAKLAND (4780 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland)

  • Drop off and pick up your child at the required times (see attached schedule).
  • Bring WATER only to drink during rehearsals and performances. Bring NON-STAINING SNACKS only for performers to not stain costumes.
  • Wear NUDE LEOTARDS to rehearsals & performances (that fit and match the skin tone).
  • Bring the required dance SHOES and TIGHTS. Write names on the inside of the shoes.
  • Girls arrive with HAIR in a neat bun and MAKE-UP already done. Party Scene Children only: (Party Scene Girls, please bring flat canvas shoes, and wear a high bun). (Party Scene Boys, please bring flat canvas shoes, and wear a low bun).
Performer Drop Off and Parking
  • Parking is free at the Auditorium (4780 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland) and across the street in the Temple Overflow Parking Lot.
  • Drop off your child on the LEFT SIDE of the Auditorium at ENTRANCE 1 on the map for PERFORMERS & VOLUNTEERS for rehearsals and performances. (This is for security reasons to limit entrances into the backstage area of the auditorium. Sorry, NO parents are allowed in the rehearsals at Oakland).
  • Parents are welcome to wait in the Visitor’s Center Building until the estimated time to pick up your child.
  • See map of Temple Hill Auditorium here
Makeup and Hair

Please refer to the linked PDF: Make Up Guidelines For Performances

Nutcracker Tickets

Nutcracker Tickets are free to the public, and therefore sell out very quickly. We provide our dance families, via email, an “insider link” to acquire tickets prior to the release to the general public. Please only request the number of seats you need for your immediate family, and get your tickets early before we run out.

Nutcracker Photos & Video
  • No photos or videos are allowed during performances. We will have professional photographers at the venue.
  • This year we are providing parents with flash drives containing a video of the performance, at no additional cost. This content is copyrighted by Rachel’s Ballet and cannot be reproduced or used in any way. No DVDs will be available for purchase.

To register to audition, fill out the Google Form – (N/A: auditions for 2025 were held Aug 23)

ALL students in the Vocational Levels are invited (as well as the G4 and G5 students who took this summer’s Nutcracker Camp). By attending the audition, students will gain audition experience, and be considered for a lead role (or supporting lead role) in the Nutcracker! All dancers must be enrolled in the current year’s ballet program to audition. Any G4/G5 dancers who are cast will need to attend some additional Saturday rehearsals.

As part of the audition process, students will participate in a barre and center warm up before a panel of judges, and then may be also invited to dance specific audition combinations. Dancers will be assessed based upon multiple factors, including technique, musicality, performance quality, strength, flexibility, stamina, and ability to work in groups.

Results are final, and will be sent by email within a couple days after auditions are complete. All roles are valuable and important; students are encouraged to be gracious and accepting of their role assignments. 🙂

The “Mock Exam” is an exam dress rehearsal for all of the students in each grade level. Typically, we try to schedule the Mock Exam at the usual location and class time.

  • MOCK EXAM Schedule TBA. Mock exams are typically late February/early March.

It is important for students to practice their work in the studio where they will take the exam. Students will perform all exam work as closely as possible to how they will dance for the examiner.

Please arrive to the mock exam 15 minutes prior to class so we can get students prepared, parents seated, and begin on time. Students should arrive with hair neatly groomed, and have all of the components of their uniform clean and in good repair.

Parents and close family members are invited to quietly observe, and see the progress the students have made. Photos and Videos are allowed (with no flash) and if not distracting to the students.

March RAD EXAM DATES will be posted on our Calendar once announced by the Royal Academy.

  • Link to view Dublin Studio Exam Schedule (TBA)
  • Link to view Fremont Studio Exam Schedule (TBA)
  • Students must arrive 30 minutes prior to posted exam time (DR & Voc arrive 45 minutes prior).
  • NO regular classes at BOTH Dublin and Fremont locations during all exam dates!

Also please check the Mock Exam Info & Schedule!

Exam Details (click arrows to read more):

Exam day important info:
  • RAD does NOT allow any late entrances, so arrive early!
  • Silence is needed on exam day, inside and outside the studio and lobby.
  • Early student drop off allows time to warm up and put on numbers/bows.
Exam Location / Arrival Time:
  • Exams take place at the studio location specified. 
  • All students must arrive for the RAD exam at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time. For example – arrive at 9:30 am for a 10:00 am Exam time. 
  • Note: some exams styles (such as SPA and DR) require a 45 min or 1 hour early arrival time. Check with your teacher. 
Note about RAD Exam Schedule:

The exam schedule is set by the Royal Academy, not Rachel’s Ballet. Exam dates or times can not be changed. We apologize for this, and appreciate your support for this important day we have been preparing for all year!

Our school has 5 days of examinations, and this means that some students may have to miss a partial day of school. Please explain to your child’s teacher that they are participating in an educational experience. Teachers will be proud of the efforts and accomplishments of your dancer to prepare for this event. There are no regular classes held during the exam period.

Student Check List For Exams:
  • Clean uniform (with waist belt if applies)
  • Wear skirt (if applies)
  • Ballet socks (for younger students only)
  • Clean tights & ballet shoes
  • Character uniform & shoes (for G1-G5 only)
  • Hair in neat, professional bun (no wisps – use gel or spray)
  • No hair decorations; we will provide bows
  • No make up, nail polish or jewelry (simple stud earrings are OK)
  • Water (non-spill container)
  • Masks are now optional – we recommend an uncovered face if possible, so the dancer can show facial expression. (If a mask is worn dancers will be assessed on use of eyes).

See our RAD Exams page for general info on exam format, procedure and awards.

Please note: NO CLASSES for Ballet, Contemporary, PPDC or Acro will be held at EITHER location during RAD exam days*.

TBA: Link to IMPORTANT Showcase Details (Rehearsal/Picture/Performance/Ticket & Video Info)

Link to Showcase Calendar (please save the dates now!)

Document to Showcase Details will be linked here when available.

May 23 Performance held at Ohlone College in Fremont

Smith Center – Jackson Theatre
43600 Mission Boulevard
Fremont, CA 94539

Mandatory rehearsal dates May 20 & 22 – see linked calendar for details.

Student Checklist For Dress Rehearsals and Performances

Tech/Dress Rehearsals AND Performance location is Ohlone College in Fremont

  • Drop off and pick up your child at the required times (see attached schedule).
  • Bring WATER only to drink during rehearsals and performances.
  • Bring NON-STAINING SNACKS only for performers to not stain costumes.
  • Wear NUDE LEOTARDS to rehearsals & performances (that fit and match the skin tone).
  • Bring the required dance SHOES and TIGHTS. Write names on the inside of the shoes.
  • Girls arrive with HAIR in a neat bun and MAKE-UP already done (for Dress Rehearsal Day)
Performer Drop Off and Parking
  • Students may be dropped off at the stage at the top of the hill at Ohlone College. Parents must come in to sign dancers in and out each day.
  • If you wish to park, Ohlone College requires DAILY PARKING PERMITS which must be purchased at their vending machines in LOT E ($4 exact cash or credit card) or purchased online at the Smith Center Box Office. 
  • Please park in areas designated for STUDENTS; NO parking in Staff areas.  The campus police do issue parking tickets.
  • Directions & Important Parking Information:  http://www.ohlone.edu/org/smithcenter/directions.html
  • Campus Map:  http://www.ohlone.edu/core/mapsdirs/maps/fremontcampus.html
Makeup and Hair

Please refer to the linked PDF: Make Up Guidelines For Performances

Showcase Tickets
  • Pick up your two (2) Showcase Tickets in the theater lobby at either Tech or Dress Rehearsal at Ohlone College
    • The Flat Fee that you paid at Registration included the cost of two (2) Showcase tickets.
    • Extra tickets (if remaining) are $40 each (exact CASH or Check only). Purchase at Rehearsal or Showcase Performance.
  • (Theatre Policy)  On Showcase day, everyone admitted into the theater seating area must have a ticket.  If your child performs in Act 1 and also wishes to see the rest of the performance, they must have a ticket. 
  • (Theatre Policy)  Tickets must either be surrendered and/or torn when you are admitted into the theater.  You cannot keep the “whole” ticket as a souvenir.
Showcase Photos & Video
  • No photos or videos are allowed during performances. We will have professional photographers at the venue.
  • A link to view digital and download photographs will be provided a few days after the performance.
  • This year we are providing parents with flash drives containing a video of the performance, at no additional cost. This content is copyrighted by Rachel’s Ballet and cannot be reproduced or used in any way. No DVDs will be available for purchase.

(Looking for Uniform Info? See Uniform/Handbook)

Hair: All female should wear a bun for class and performances. Also please use clips and bobby pins to hold back wisps from the face. 

If your dancer has very short, very thick, or very fine hair – please ask your teacher about alternative hairstyles. Braids and pigtail buns can also work well – just keep the hair off face and neck.

No photography or videography is allowed at either Nutcracker or Showcase. We hire a professional photographer and videographer, and make these available digitally to you at no additional charge.

Each family will be provided a link via email to access photographs, and a thumb drive to receive your video (which can be picked up at the dance studio after they are available).

Program Info

Class levels & descriptions

Registration Info

Schedule, fees, & more

Contact

Email or Call

Info for JCT/PPDC Members

The following is for Junior Competition Team (JCT) and Pre-Professional Dance Company (PPDC) students only. Check here often for updates.

For general information about competition teams see our PPDC Page

  1. Link to 2025/2026 PPDC Application (Google Form)
  2. Link to 2025-26 PPDC Contract (.pdf)
  3. Link to 2025-26 Rehearsal & Competition Schedule (to be linked soon)

Attendance at all regularly scheduled technique classes is required for participation in PPDC/JCT

*If a scheduled rehearsal falls on a competition day, it is not a day off; the competition time is considered to fulfill the usual PPDC rehearsal.

Holidays/days off from PPDC/JCT (Aug 2025- May 2026):

  • November 7, 14, 15 and 22 (Nutcracker rehearsals)
  • Thanksgiving Week
  • December 10-13 (Nutcracker rehearsal / Performance)
  • Winter Break Week
  • Dublin ONLY: Dublin Spring Break Week
  • Fremont ONLY: Fremont Spring Break Week
  • May 21-23 (Showcase)

Available PPDC/JCT Rehearsals for 2025-26

  • Mondays – 34 days
  • Tuesdays – 35 days
  • Wednesdays – 34 days
  • Thursdays – 33 days
  • Fridays – 32 days
  • Saturdays – 32 days

All students must pay requested competition fees to our PPDC Coordinator prior to being registered for a specific competition. We are not able to hold the spot. 

Each competition has their own fees and waivers. Especially for students in ensembles, a quick completion of the form is necessary and appreciated for the team. 

Any privates or ensembles cancelled by the coach will be scheduled for a make up, either on an alternate day or by adding time to another rehearsal. 

Any missed privates by the student need at least 24 hours notice in advance, and the make-up must be approved by the coach and scheduled within the current school year. Due to coach’s limited time, multiple private make ups are not available. 

Students will be charged as usual for any privates cancelled or missed by student with less than 24 hours advance notice.

Students must have excellent attendance to all rehearsals. If a student misses an ensemble rehearsal, there is no ensemble make up, however the time may be made up in a lower ballet level or auxiliary class, as approved. 

All PPDC students must also maintain regular attendance to their weekly technique classes. Missing many classes may result in losing a role, dismissal from PPDC or not being allowed to attend a competition.

If a competition falls on a scheduled private/ensemble day (for example, Friday or Saturday), and coaches attend the competition for warm up and run through, this is charged as a regular rehearsal and no make up is offered. 

Additional competition or rehearsal fees may accrue due to invitation/qualification to participate in any FINALS competitions, or additional competitions not currently listed. Please see your contract for information. 

Uniform and Handbook

Rachel’s Ballet  has a required uniform for the classroom and Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) examination.  Colors correlate with grade levels. Please purchase all uniform items at the beginning of the school year, and no substitutions without prior approval.

Character skirts must be custom ordered using the link under the Character Uniform tab.

Class Uniform Info

Purchase most uniform items online at DanceSupplies.com

(View PDF Rachel’s Ballet Uniform)

  • Mirella colored leotards, Freed socks, ballet shoes, and all other uniform items (except character skirts) are available at Dance Supplies.
  • Character skirts, character shoes, and demi pointe shoes should be purchased with the guidance of your Rachel’s Ballet teacher. Check with your teacher before ordering! Character Skirt order form linked in Grade 1-8 button below.
  • If preferred, a few items (e.g. ballet shoes, tights, nude leotard) may be purchased at Contra Costa Dancewear (NOT Target or Walmart).

Contra Costa Dancewear:

675 Ygnacio Valley Rd | Suite B 104 | Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | 925-932-9660 | https://www.cocodancewear.com

  • Store carries Bloch brand ballet slippers, nude Capezio camisole leotards, and Capezio tights.
  • Please call ahead to check colors/sizes, and inform the Contra Costa Dancewear salesperson that your student attends Rachel’s Ballet.
  • Character Skirt (girls) – custom order via link RB Character Skirt*
  • Character Shoes (girls & boys) – available at DanceSupplies.com
  • Please read all details below before ordering skirt or shoes!

In addition to the regular class uniform, Grade 1-Grade 5 students also need the Character Uniform. 

The RB character skirts have five ribbon colors: white, sherbet, copen, grape & azalea.

Our character skirts are custom made by Brenda, and can take 6-10 weeks to arrive. They are a black circle skirt with multiple ribbon strands sewn parallel to the hem. Grade 1 students and up will require a character skirt.

Skirt measurements are done by parents, and APPROVED by the teacher before orders are placed.

Order here: RB Character Skirt by Brenda’s Custom Character Skirts*

* PLEASE DO NOT ORDER SKIRT UNTIL MEASUREMENTS HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY TEACHER! 

SHOES: Girls in Grades 1-5 require Character Shoes; Boys in Grades 1-5 require Jazz Shoes

Character shoes are ordered separately through Dance Supplies, and should arrive first. Students need to order shoes right away so they can begin wearing them in class.

Double check that you are buying the correct shoe / heel before placing an order!

You may purchase the shoes online at DanceSupplies.com 

  • Girls & Women: All shoes are Black Canvas with Pink Elastics. Heel size is either LOW or CUBAN. Double check heel height before ordering!
    • Grade 1 and Grade 2: LOW HEEL
    • Grade 3 and Above: CUBAN HEEL
  • Boys & Men: Black Jazz Shoes

Costume Sizing Chart

We order costumes for all students for our Annual Showcase. The following chart will help determine the correct size. Please remember to allow room to grow as the Showcase is in May.

See Costume Sizing Chart

Students need to come to class with their hair properly groomed. Hair should be tightly secured and styled away from the face. In ballet classes, females should have a neat ballet bun. Also please use clips and bobby pins to hold back wisps from the face.

See more info in PDF: Hair Grooming for Females and Males

YouTube Bun Videos (this is not our school, but Rachel’s Ballet likes a similar bun):

Student Handbook

Student Code of Conduct (Sign annually)
Please link to Google Form to acknowledge and sign  

It is our goal that dance be a wonderful experience. Please review, discuss as a family, and sign the information below. We hope this will help provide a positive experience, and clear expectations, for both you and your child. 

Behavior 

The art of dance requires trust, teamwork, and cooperation. When you sign up to be part of our dance family, both parents and students agree to follow the rules of S.P.A.R.C.:  

  • Supportive  (of self / your student, other classmates and the school)
  • Prepared  (with proper hair, clean uniform, any needed equipment)
  • Attitude  (be positive; have a good work ethic in class)
  • Respectful  (to teachers, other students, parents, and studio property)
  • Consistent  (class attendance; arrive early; pick up on-time)
Communication

Rachel’s Ballet communication is done primarily by email* and our website www.rachelsballet.com . Please check your email regularly for updates and important information. 

Parents and students: please email admin@rachelsballet.com if you are going to be absent or late. (At the teacher’s discretion, late students may not be admitted to class). 

* If you do not receive email communication during the first month, please check your spam folder and/or contact us if needed. Our website has general school updates, but information specific to classes is primarily provided by email.  

Use of Lobby & Class Observation

Please use the lobby for student drop off and pick up only. Parents should wait outside the building during class in order to minimize lobby congestion, as well as for the health and safety of our students. 

Only water is allowed in the studios. Non-messy snacks may be eaten in the lobby. Please clean up after yourself. 

Parents may request a class observation (from outside the classroom) from time to time. 

Suggestions for Younger Children
  • Arrive early (5-10 minutes)
  • Take care of bathroom needs before class
  • Parents stay close if your child needs assistance with the bathroom
  • Make sure your child is not hungry or thirsty
  • Children are to remain quiet and respectful in the lobby
  • Be available to pick up your child 5 minutes before class ends 
  • Encourage your child to share what they have learned in class! 
Please link to Google Form to acknowledge and sign.  

Comments, praise, or questions? Contact Rachel@RachelsBallet.com

Be On Time / Attendance

Attending on a regular basis and arriving on time are crucial for a successful experience. Please attend all your classes and be on time. If you come late, please wait until the music has stopped or there is a break before entering to minimize disturbance to the class. Proper warm up is required before joining the rest of the class.

Children & Belongings Should Not Be Left Unattended*

Child safety is of the highest importance. We ask that parents pick up their children promptly after class so they are not left unattended in the waiting area. All of the student’s belongings should be taken into the studio area with them during class. The waiting area is unattended and Rachel’s Ballet is not responsible for any losses while at the studio.

*At the discretion of Rachel’s Ballet and/or the class teacher, we may assess a fee for late pick-ups if it interferes with the next class or the teacher’s ability to lock up. The fee will be charged at a rate of $1.00 per minute, after a 5-minute grace period.

Absences / Make Up Classes

Absences: No credit or refund is given for illness, trips out of town, or other absences. Please see the “Make-Up Classes” below.

Make-up Classes: Students must email Rachel at least two days in advance of attending a make-up class. Students can make-up classes missed as available at both locations, but only for the SAME grade level or below. Students who are 9 years or older may attend a Contemporary or Lyrical class as a make-up class. Make-up classes may be taken BEFORE or AFTER an absence, but must be within the same school term as the absence. (For example, you cannot make-up a Summer Session absence during the Fall/Spring School Year. Summer make-up classes can be taken in either Summer Session 1 or Summer Session 2.)  It is the student/parent’s responsibility to schedule make-up classes for absences.

Good Hygiene

The student’s appearance in class must be neat and clean at all times. This includes having proper hair for class (ballet bun). Students are expected to observe good personal hygiene habits.

Dancewear

Dancewear is to be kept in good repair and laundered on a regular basis. Ballet sweaters and leg warmers are permitted for the warm up section of the class only (pending the season). Jackets, sweat pants/shirts and plastic pants/shorts may not be worn during any portion of the ballet class, as this makes it difficult to observe posture and teach correct body placement.

Jewelry

Jewelry is not to be worn during class unless it is mandatory for medical reasons. Small earring studs are fine at your own discretion, but no long earrings, bracelets or necklaces will be permitted. Jewelry worn this way can be a safety hazard to your child and the other children in the class.

Please refer to our RAD Exam page for information about exam entries, what to expect during exams, and an explanation of exam scoring.

RAD Exams