2025 Ballet Intensive Frequently Asked Questions
REGISTRATION PROCESS
Q. What is required to reserve my spot for the 2025 Ballet Intensive?
A. Upon registering your dancer, one third of the total balance due for ballet tuition and room and board (if applicable) is required. Additionally, all fees including registration, July 4 activity, July 26 performance, and August 3 outing fees (where applicable) must be submitted in order for your dancer's registration to be complete. Remaining installments for ballet tuition and room and board will be due on March 15 and April 15. All payments submitted to The Rock School are non-refundable.
Q. Do you offer scholarships?
A. Limited merit-based scholarships are available and awarded on a case-by-case basis by the School Director at the time of audition.
Q. Why don’t I see my scholarship when I register for the program?
A. Scholarships must be placed on your account by our Register after you enroll. Your card on file will not be charged until your scholarship is applied.
Q. Do you offer refunds?
A. No refunds are issued without a doctor’s note establishing that the student is unable to participate in the Ballet Intensive due to medical reasons.
Q. Is room and board included in the cost of the intensive?
A. Room and board is a separate expense. Dancers are not required to purchase housing through The Rock School and are welcome to attend the program as commuter students. For a complete breakdown of costs, please reference the following link here.
Q. I’m registered for the program, but I still need to submit my medical forms. Do I need a physical to attend?
A. A physical is not required to attend the program; however, all required medical forms and care waivers must be submitted to registration@therockschool.org. The 2025 Ballet Intensive Medical Packet will be distributed in March.
DAILY CURRICULUM AND CLASS SCHEDULE
Q. Do your levels have max capacities?
A. Yes, our levels have maximum capacities that are set by artistic staff and based on studio size.
Q. How is placement determined?
A. Placement for all dancers will be determined on the first day of the program in a placement class. Dancers will not receive level placement prior to arrival.
Q. What is my daily schedule for the 2025 Summer Intensive?
A. All dancers will have classes Monday – Saturday and approximately 4 - 6 hours of instruction daily, with fewer hours on Saturdays and the July 4th holiday, which will offer an amended schedule. You can view a sample class schedule here.
Q. What sort of classes will my daily curriculum include?
A. In addition to ballet technique and pointe classes, dancers will participate in additional weekly class offerings, such as contemporary, jumps and turns, and pilates.
Q. Do you offer partnering?
A. Select dancers will be eligible for partnering. This will be determined at the placement class on the first day of the program. Partnering classes will be offered to students with the strength en pointe and technique to safely participate. Ladies chosen for partnering will have the class once a week. Partnering is offered at both locations during each session.
Q. How do I know if I am eligible to participate in the summer performance? Is there a fee to participate in the summer performance? May I invite guests?
A. Anyone who attends the 3 or 5 week session in Philadelphia or West Chester will perform in the Summer Showcase on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The performance fee is due when registration is submitted. Guests are welcome and encouraged to attend. The Summer Showcase performance will be held at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, New Jersey. Tickets will be available for purchase closer to the start of the intensive. All performers are provided with transportation to/from the performance venue. Unfortunately we are unable to provide parents/guardians with transportation to/from the performance venue.
Q. What are your summer outing options?
A. Stay tuned! We will have more information closer to the start of the program.
RESIDENCE AT THE ROCK
Q. Do I get to choose which dorm I live in?
A. This year we will be offering housing at The Marine Club dorms (across the street from the Rock School), the Curtis Institute (1616 Locust Street), and West Chester University (700 S. High Street, West Chester). You can learn more about the dorms here. Dancers do not have the option of selecting a residence. Housing assignments will be issued closer to the start of the intensive.
Q. How are room assignments determined? Can I request a roommate?
A. Housing assignments are determined based upon dancer age and enrollment selection. Roommate requests will be accepted for dancers enrolled in the same session. A link to roommate request forms will be distributed in February.
Q. I have food allergies. Does The Rock School accommodate that?
A. We are able to accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions and food allergies, such as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. There is a space to document all food allergies and restrictions on our medical packet which is distributed by March 15th with a required completion date of April 15th. Dancers with potential life threatening food allergies may not be a candidate for the dorms. Please contact summer@therockschool.org for more information.
Q. When do I check in to the dorms? Will there be an orientation?
A. Check-in takes place at the dorms one day before the start of each session from 11:00AM-4:00PM. All orientations will be held via Zoom the evening before the start of classes. Orientation for students is mandatory. Parents are welcome to attend this meeting as well. Check out is by 12:00PM the day after your session has ended. We will accommodate early check outs on a case by case basis. More information regarding check in/check out will be shared with you closer to the start of the intensive. Please note there are no classes offered on check out days.
Q. What do I wear? What should I bring?
A. Our checklist will help to make sure you have everything you need! Our daily packing list and residence packing list will be posted on The Rock School site and emailed in the spring.
Q. Are dancers permitted to have visitations on or off campus with family members? Are overnights permitted?
A. Parents and family members are not permitted to visit at the dorms but may sign their dancer out on evenings and weekends when classes are not in session. Overnights are not permitted. To notify us of your plans, please submit our Residence Permission to Leave Form at least 48 hours in advance. This form is forthcoming and will be available closer to the start of the program.
Q. How do I purchase outings?
A. Outings will become available for purchase on May 1st, 2025. Once available, you may purchase outings online through your Rock School account. Please note that outings are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Q. Do you have discounts and options for local short-term housing/hotels?
A. To view our recommended lodging accommodations, please click here.
Q. Are there laundry facilities on site at the dorms?
A. Yes. There are complimentary laundry facilities on site at all dorm locations. There is no fee to use the machines, but dancers must bring their own detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, etc.
Q. My student does not know how to do their own laundry; can someone do it for them?
A. Dancers must be taught how to do their own laundry prior to arrival.
Q. Can you provide a general description of the dorm layout?
A. Of course! There is a web page for each dorm on our website for your reference. All beds are standard twin size. Dancers must plan to bring their own sheets, pillows, and towels. We strongly recommend that students bring plastic bins/drawers to store their items, as dressers must be shared amongst dancers. These items may be shipped in advance for dancers who are flying to Philadelphia. More information about shipping packages will be shared in the coming weeks.
Q. Do I need to bring a refrigerator, microwave, or fan?
A. No, no, and no! The dorms are air-conditioned, and all other appliances are available either in the units or on the floor for use. However, please note that the rooms have minimal lighting and a small desk lamp will be useful. Additionally, small wastebaskets for personal use and/or bathroom areas are needed. Our residence packing list will be distributed in February.
Q: Can I bring my own TV and game console?
A: No. TV’s are located in the community lounges at all residence locations. Please do not bring TV’s or consoles for TV’s. Students are permitted to bring their handheld devices to use in their own personal time. In addition to training, residence offers a wide variety of activities. The Residence Staff strongly encourages participation in our social events.
Q. Where can I have mail and deliveries sent while I am at the Ballet Intensive?
A. The Rock School is happy to accept deliveries in anticipation of your dancer’s arrival one week prior to your scheduled session date. Additionally, dancers may have food and other mail/deliveries sent to the following addresses:
If you are staying at the Marine Club:
The Rock School for Dance Education
Dancer’s Name
1101 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
If you are staying at Curtis Institute:
Dancer’s Name
1616 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
If you are staying at West Chester University:
Dancer’s Name
700 S. High Street
West Chester, PA 19383
If you have any additional questions, please direct them to summer@therockschool.org. We look forward to having your dancer join us this summer!
