FAQ and Terms & Conditions – José Mateo Ballet Theatre

Locations (please see the Contact Us page for more information)

Cambridge – 400 Harvard St

José Mateo Ballet Theatre’s Cambridge studios are located in Harvard Square, housed in the Old Cambridge Baptist Church at 400 Harvard Street. Please enter through the side door marked “Studio Entrance” past the dancer statue.

Dorchester – 14 Cushing Ave

José Mateo Ballet Theatre’s Dorchester studio is located in Upham’s Corner, Dorchester. The studios are located at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 14 Cushing Avenue. Please enter through the black gate and use the door on the left.

Directions

By Bus

Cambridge – Mass Ave @ Trowbridge St, Mass Ave @ Bow St, or Mt Auburn St @ Putnam Ave (Bus #1)

Dorchester – Columbia Rd @ Dudley St or Columbia Rd @ Stoughton St (Bus #16, 17, 41)

By Subway

Cambridge – Harvard (red line)

Dorchester – Uphams Corner (commuter rail)

Parking

There is a parking lot next to the studio of which students and families can park in only after the stipulated times:

Weekdays after 3:45pm
Saturdays after 9:00am
Sundays after 1:00pm

Those seeking to park in that lot need to visit the JMBT front desk to obtain a valid parking permit. Parking permits can be purchased for $5. Parking passes must be displayed on the dashboard of the car. Additional metered parking is available in the streets surrounding the building.

Dorchester – There is free street parking available on Cushing Avenue and the surrounding streets. Please take note of any street cleaning or snow emergency parking bans and plan accordingly.

Conduct Within the Studios

We ask that any parents and children arriving for classes, preparing for classes, leaving classes, or waiting outside classrooms please maintain a library-like atmosphere to prevent the disruption of any classes/rehearsals that are running.

Food and Drink

Food and drink (except water) are not permitted in the studios. No gum chewing is allowed anywhere in the facility. All personal belongings should stay with the student or parent.

Registration Period

Enrollment in the Young Dancers Program is for the entire year. Registration is non transferable and non refundable. Students that register mid–year will have their tuition fees prorated.

Auditioning (ages 8 and above)

Students age 8 or older who were not previously enrolled in the Young Dancers Program will be asked to attend a placement class. To schedule a placement class, please email us at registration@ballettheatre.org.

Length of Class

Class lengths range from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the level.

How Often to Come to Class

Dancers are to come either once a week or multiple times a week for class depending on the level.

Dress Code

The proper dress code prevents distraction in the studio while promoting discipline and uniformity. It is meant to allow the teacher to monitor correct body alignment, muscle usage, and coordination. Furthermore, adhering to the dress code and a general neatness of appearance demonstrates respect for peers, teachers, the organization, and the art form as a whole.

Hair should be neatly pulled up and off the face and neck. Traditional ballet hairstyles include buns and french twists.

Students should not wear excessive jewelry or unnecessary warm-up clothing. Students wishing to request alternative dress should contact the office and we will work with them to develop a suitable ensemble.

Conduct in Class

All dancers must diligently follow all rules and guidelines of etiquette while at JMBT. JMBT is not responsible for any lost or damaged belongings of students. JMBT reserves the right to terminate any student and anytime if deemed a failure to adhere to the policies.

Lateness/Tardiness

Dancers who are more than 15 minutes will not be allowed in class due to safety concerns.

Calendar

Calendar is subject to change. Please look out for emails and check the calendar on the YDP Cambridge page of JMBT’s website for updated information. JMBT follows the Boston Public Schools with regard to class cancellations due to inclement weather.

Injury and Illness

JMBT is committed to the healthy development of each student. Injury prevention is a primary goal and is inherent in the training. Students should notify their teachers of any injuries and/or illnesses that may prevent full participation in class. Students who are injured and cannot participate in class are nonetheless asked to attend and are expected to watch, as individuals observing class can learn a great deal. Please note that absences, lateness, or inability to participate in class may impact a student’s eligibility for promotion, class participation, and performance opportunities.

Payment

Payment is either due in full at the time of enrollment or in installments. After an Enrollment Application has been received by José Mateo Ballet Theatre, should the student, for whatever reason, be unable to participate, withdraw from the program, be dismissed with cause, or be absent from the program, payments will not be refunded. For students paying in installments, any remaining installments will still be due. All students (YDP only) will be required to pay a $25 registration fee.

Cambridge Installment Payments – Six installments are due: at the time of enrollment; October 1, 2023; November 1, 2023; December 1, 2023; January 1, 2024; and February 1, 2024.

Dorchester Installment Payments – Nine installments are due: at the time of enrollment; October 1, 2023; November 1, 2023; December 1, 2023; January 1, 2024; February 1, 2024; March 1, 2024; April 1, 2024; and May 1, 2024.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available on a need-basis for those for qualify.

Eligibility Guidelines

Stipulations

Financial Aid Application Requirements

Cancellation and Refund Policy

There are no refunds unless medical documentation is provided, in which case a tuition credit will be provided for the period of time that the documented medical condition prevents the student from attending class.

A trial class is a great option if you are not ready to commit to the class for the entire school year. Register for a trial class here.

Withdrawing from the School

Students may withdraw at any point during the school year, however tuition fees are non refundable.

Observing Class

Outside members may not observe class except during the designated Parent Observation Weeks.

Health & Safety Protocols

For the 2023-24 Young Dancers Program, JMBT has prepared the space to receive you in as practical and safe a way as possible. We are taking steps to improve ventilation, sanitation, and circulation.

As a reminder, we ask students to respect the following protocols:
— Face coverings are not required, although students may choose to wear them if they wish.
— Students are encouraged to maintain basic hygiene, including hand washing as necessary.
— In order to minimize gathering, we ask that students arrive dressed for class.
— If you are sick or experiencing symptoms, we encourage you to consider staying home.

Dress Code

The only traditional ballet attire required of our adult students are ballet slippers. Otherwise students may wear what is easy to move in and makes them feel most at ease: traditional leotards and tights or typical work out clothing such as leggings and tank tops. Whatever you wear we do ask that it be form-fitted, stretchy and allow for freedom of movement while allowing the teacher to see your silhouette. Longer hair should be pulled back away from the face.

Studio Closings

The studios are closed to all classes on the following public holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Eve.

In inclement weather, JMBT does its best to offer regularly scheduled classes unless a State of Emergency is declared. In that instance, information will be updated on the website and emailed to students who have signed up for announcements.

Health and Safety Protocols

We have prepared our space to receive you in as practical and safe a way as possible. We are taking steps to improve ventilation, sanitation, and circulation.

Dress Code

The only traditional ballet attire required of our Teenager’s Introduction to Ballet students are ballet slippers. Otherwise students may wear what is easy to move in and makes them feel most at ease: traditional leotards and tights or typical work out clothing such as leggings and tank tops. Whatever you wear we do ask that it be form-fitted, stretchy and allow for freedom of movement while allowing the teacher to see your silhouette. Longer hair should be pulled back away from the face.

Studio Closings

Health and Safety Protocols

We have prepared our space to receive you in as practical and safe a way as possible. We are taking steps to improve ventilation, sanitation, and circulation.

Teddy Shoes

548 Massachusetts Avenue

Cambridge, MA 02138

617-354-2987

Dancer’s Image

612 Washington Street

Newton, MA 02458

617-964-4070

Capezio

330 Washington Street

Wellesley, MA 02481

781-237-5526

On Your Toes

194 Newbury Street, Suite 3

Peabody, MA 01960

978-536-7077

Dance This Way

79 Commonwealth Ave

Concord, MA 01742

Privacy Policy and Data Protection

You agree that you have read, understood and consent to JMBT collecting, using, disclosing and processing your personal data in the manner set forth in our privacy policy. By enrolling in our programs, you agree to our collection, use and/or disclosure of your personal data to the extent necessary to process your requests and provide you with our services. JMBT will not share your personal data beyond the company. We are permitted to share your information only when we have obtained your permission to do so or where the law requires.

Indemnity and Liability

JMBT is not liable for any loss, damage, injury, penalty, cost/expense from its programs. By enrolling into our school programs, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless JMBT (staff, faculty) against all legal matters arising out of any injury/damage/loss that may be sustained on the person while at JMBT. You understand that physical contact is required for teaching dance, and consent to teachers making appropriate physical contact with me.

Intellectual Property

All instruction (exercises, class sequences, materials, choreography, etc) at JMBT is the property of JMBT and cannot be recreated outside without JMBT’s written approval. They cannot be taught or performed outside JMBT without the prior written approval of the company.

Prior approval by JMBT must be granted before any form of recording (photography or video recording) to be taken. All recording (photographs and videos) shall be for personal use only and not for any commercial use.

Photography / Videography Release and Agreement

By enrolling into our programs, you grant JMBT the right to make and use photographic and audiovisual documentation of you or your child to be used for philanthropic, promotional, and other mission related purposes. In no case will you or the child’s identity be disclosed without written consent of you or the child’s parents.

Change of Policy

JMBT reserves the right to change these terms and conditions at any time; by enrolling into our programs, you would have been deemed to have accepted the Terms & Conditions.