FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Learn more about our school and facilities

Everything you need to know about Neglia.

GENERAL

Youth Classes begin First Monday after Labor Day in September.

Youth Classes usually end the Last week of May

During the school year (September – May) the Conservatory is open and holds classes Monday – Saturday. During the summer months, we host special programs and intensives Monday – Friday. Please call ahead at 716-447-0401 for office hours.

All levels of classical ballet for ages 3 to Adult as well as body conditioning and private classes. In the summer, special classes such as Contemporary, Jazz, Improv, and Choreography are offered.

Yes! We have the capability to teach via Zoom. If the studio must completely close due to COVID-19, our classes will switch to Zoom.

On days of inclement weather, please call the studio as to the status of classes or check our Facebook page. We will also be listed with the news channels. In general, if Buffalo Public Schools are closed, Neglia will also be closed.

Please refer to the annual conservatory calendar for dates we are closed and dates classes are limited.

REGISTRATION

$40 annually per family.

Review our policies in the student handbook. Call 716-447-0401 or email info@negliaballet.org and we will help you get registered.

Tuition is paid three times per year (trimesters) Sept 1, Dec 1 and Mar 1. Tuition rates vary depending on class level, please refer to our tuition information link for rates. Please read through the policies carefully for important information on registration, tuition and payment policies. Tuition may also be paid on the 1st of each month.

We accept checks & exact cash. Visa, Master Card, American Express, PayPal accepted with a 3.8% service fee. $30 fee charged for all returned checks and $25 fee for late payments. We also accept Independent Health Flex Fit Family and PersonalBest debit cards for ballet classes.

STUDENTS & CLASSES

The staff of the Conservatory will initially place your child based on age and previous training. Your child may be moved up or down a level after being evaluated in that class. Sometimes students are moved up or down mid-year.

Students receive a written evaluation at the end of each year which indicates their recommended level for the following year. Unlike academic schools, our ballet students do not automatically progress to the next level each year. It’s not uncommon for students to spend multiple years at a particular level. They will advance when the instructors indicate readiness. This is to help prevent injury, to ensure that the child has mastered the required technique, and that the child is physically, emotionally and socially ready to advance.

Students in Ballet 1 through Pre-Professional levels receive detailed evaluations which grade categories of mastery on a scale including: Needs Improvement / Satisfactory / Good / Very Good / Excellent. Here’s a handy guide to understanding the various evaluation categories. (Note that younger students are evaluated on fewer elements than experienced students).

There is no set age for dancing on pointe at Neglia Ballet. Every dancer is unique. We understand students are eager to know exactly when they can buy their first pointe shoes. We ask you to be patient and trust our instructors to let you and your child know when they are ready. Then you’ll be given instructions on where and how to purchase properly fitted pointe shoes and information about foot care.

Observation Week is usually in January. Parents are not allowed into the studios except during Observation Week. Parents may either drop off their children or wait in the waiting room during class.

Unfortunately due to COVID-19, our comfortable waiting room for parents has been closed and transitioned to a place to take temperatures and sanitize hands upon entry. We hope to be able to re-open the waiting room in the future.

Please inform us of any medical, physical or emotional problems your child may have. Please drop off & pick your children up on time. Ensure they are in proper dress code. Check your email regularly for conservatory memos & updates.

  • Girls: All need pink tights (footed) and pink ballet slippers. Pink canvas slippers are preferred and are available at the studio for $20. Please refer to our Dress Code in the student handbook for appropriate leotard for each level. Uniform leotards for Pre-Ballet through Pre-Professional levels MUST be purchased at the studio. Long hair must be in a ballet bun. Short hair must be pulled off of face.
    Click here for the WEAR MOI Leotard Sizing Chart.
  • Boys: All need white fitted t-shirt, black tights and black ballet slippers. Please refer to our Dress Code in the Student Handbook for more specific information and recommendations on where to purchase boys dance attire.

Absolutely! Neglia offers Summer Intensive programs for ages 8 and up. Please see our Summer Intensive page for dates and info.

Check out this informative article and video created by a Neglia Alumna.

PERFORMANCES

Neglia holds an annual End-of-the-Year Conservatory Performance in June which is open to families and the public.

Some students will be asked to participate in Neglia Ballet Artists productions such as The Nutcracker at Shea’s, Baba Yaga and the Spring Gala. These are professional productions where the students are cast based on who the choreographer feels is best suited for a particular role.

Our Spring Gala has been held annually since 1999. World-class dancers, choreographers, artists, and lighting designers come to Buffalo to present an elegant evening of dance. The performance is open to the public and followed by a champagne & dessert reception with dancer meet & greet. Proceeds from the gala help fund Neglia’s CityDance, scholarships, and community outreach. Usually held in mid-May at the Flickinger Performing Arts Center on the Nichols School Campus, 1250 Amherst Street, Buffalo. Tickets available online and at the door.