WELLNESS RESOURCES:
Boston Ballet School is committed to nurturing the whole student. Faculty and staff partner with parents and health care providers to educate and develop healthy habits in our students. We offer resources to parents and students to assist in their progression. Our wellness consultants have been carefully chosen because of their specialized skills in working with young developing dancers. They collaborate closely with faculty and staff, and are also available for private consultations with our BBS families. Watch our video on Health and Wellness at Boston Ballet School.
Jan Hangen, M.S., R.D., L.D.N.
Ms. Hangen has been our consulting nutritionist for many years. She is affiliated with Children's Hospital Sports Medicine Clinic in Boston and Waltham. Ms. Hangen is available as a referral to help students develop a personalized nutrition program.
Ms. Hangen may be reached at: 617.566.7100
Susan Kinney
Ms. Kinney is the School's consulting physical therapist and leads our Physical Therapy Clinic. She is the owner of Artists Rehabilitation Therapy Services (ARTS) and has more than twenty-five years experience working with young dancers and athletes. Ms. Kinney is a member of the Children's Hospital Sports Medicine Dance Team.
Ms. Kinney may be reached at susankinneyarts@aol.com
Katherine Wilson LICSW
Ms. Wilson, consulting psychotherapis, is currently a member of the Comprehensive Psychiatric Associates in Wellesley and has over 15 years experience working with adolescents, families. Ms. Wilson trained at the School of American Ballet and danced professionally with the Pacific Northwest Ballet. She has a deep understanding of the unique needs of dancers.
Ms. Wilson may be reached at: katherinewilson@comcast.net
TIPS FOR PARENTS:
Ballet is an athletic pursuit and the body needs the best support possible. Here are a few ideas to help your child have the most beneficial training experience:
• Healthy eating and adequate rest:
Ensure your child has eaten a snack before class. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, yogurt and nuts are a great way to fuel your child’s active body. Sleep is very important and allows the muscles to relax overnight, so mind that your child goes to bed on time.
• Stay in shape outside the studio:
As well as physical education at school, stay active by swimming, walking and bike riding.
• Arriving early and preparing for class:
Your child will get the maximum benefit from his/her ballet class if he/ she arrives early (15 minutes before) and is prepared for class. Students should use the minutes before class to stretch or think about the exercises they did in the last class.
STUDENT HEALTH POLICY:
Students who are deemed at risk of injury to themselves or others for any reason may be required to receive a medical clearance and/or subsequent follow ups in order to continue participating in classes, rehearsals, or performances. This decision will be solely at the discretion of Boston Ballet School Principals with the input of Boston Ballet School’s Director and Administrative Director. Concerns regarding risks of injury may result from any number of reasons including a student who demonstrates erratic behavior, sudden weight loss or weight gain, or visible physical limitations to class participation.
A student’s parent or guardian will be immediately notified and offered guidance and support in setting up required appointment(s) with one of Boston Ballet School’s wellness experts. The confidentiality of students and families is always carefully guarded. All student health concerns are approached with care and are discussed in a private conference with a parent or guardian present. Students/ parents are responsible for paying for any mandatory clearances and follow ups, though most evaluations are covered by major insurance providers.
REPORTING ABSENCES & MAKING UP A CLASS:
Please report absences in order to accurately track attendance. To report an absence for a Children’s or Classical Ballet Program student, please leave a message on the Absence Hotline: 617.695.6950: ext 440 (Boston); ext 441 (Newton); ext 443 (North Shore).
To report an absence for a Pre-Professional Program student, please email Kelly Kerrigan, Pre-Professional Program Manager at kkerrigan@bostonballet.org.
In order to make-up a missed class, the absence must be reported. While absences may occur for many reasons, we are only able to offer make-up classes for those absences due to illness, family emergency or religious holidays. If your child is injured and will miss a prolonged series of classes, please provide us with an applicable doctor’s note and see the “Withdrawals” section of the handbook.
Students in the Classical Ballet and Pre-Professional Programs may make up a total of 8 excused absences over the course of the year, and are encouraged to do so by February 29 when Spring Showcases in class rehearsals begin. Students in the Children’s Program may make up absences at any point over the course of the year. Make-ups must be scheduled in advance to ensure that there is room in the class by contacting your studio administrator.
